Edgewood High School
Class of 1968

Isn't it SO difficult to believe it's been 40 years! I look at other people that I think are older…then I realize they're my age. What a bummer, to quote us back then. I won't be able to attend the reunion, but am happy to provide an update on my life so far.

It seems like in 40 years a lot has changed, but I also think I'm still much the same girl I was then. I spent quite a few years as a single woman, traveling, sailing, scuba diving & even learning to fly a single-engine plane. In my 40s, while country dancing at the "Cowboy Boogie" with some girlfriends, I met Charlie Ambrosia. Love always comes when you least expect it…at the age of 44 we married. I've never had any children, but now have 7 grandchildren, and more are expected, since one of Charlie's kids is now engaged They live all over the Country…Minnesota, Texas, and Florida, so I still travel a bunch. Charlie is a semi-retired financial advisor, which means he has only a select few clients; most of his time is spent stock trading for us and golfing.

I've had a career in one facet or another of real estate since 1975 (it took a few years to figure out what I liked doing). I sold re-sale housing for the first couple of years, then went on to working for various developers. Since 1990 I've been employed by the Corporate Properties Group of Wells Fargo Bank; I'm a Project Manager responsible for construction of new branch banks throughout Southern California. It's a love/hate relationship; I love the actual work, but hate the politics and stress of a large corporation.

I've lived in Southern California most of these 40 years, except for a 2-year stint on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the early '70s. At the last reunion I attended (20) I lived in Costa Mesa; since then we moved to Mission Viejo. Now, however, we're planning on a major move to Idaho. We've fallen in love with an area about 100 miles north of Boise, a small mountain resort town called McCall. Four years ago we bought 5-1/2 acres of land; I'm trying to work a job transfer to Boise so we can be near to oversee the construction of our house on that acreage. The town of McCall itself is much like a mini Lake Tahoe (very mini, only 3,500 population). It's a resort town on the shores of a beautiful mountain lake, with 3 seasons of activity: skiing and snow sports, fishing and boating and water sports, and hunting. We're just outside of town, 5 miles from skiing, overlooking a ranching valley. At night instead of listening to cars & your neighbors arguing, you listen to owls screeching and the cattle mooing in the distance. It's really idyllic…I expect my future to hold fruit trees, a greenhouse, mountain hiking, skiing, golfing, and maybe I'll try to think of something worthwhile to do…or maybe not!

Have a great reunion, everyone, and have great lives!

Although Terry has passed away, we are leaving what she wrote here on the website as a memorial to her.

Born in Southern California, Terri has traveled extensively and has lived, or gone to school in Switzerland, England and Ireland. Her multi-national life has been grounded in theater arts. Over the years, she has been involved with every aspect of theatrical production, both on stage and off.

Terri has been actively involved in sending packages to the troops abroad since Viet Nam in the 1960s. She also sent them to her son-in-law, Sergio Cuellar, when he was serving in Iraq. She then jumped into the United Airlines Christmas stocking project with Joan Lawton. While opposed to both wars, now, as well as then, she is deeply committed to making the troops abroad feel appreciated. As a mother of two and grandmother of two, giving back to these wonderful people who are putting themselves at risk is a top priority.

Terri currently works - at the Magic Castle, a private club in Hollywood dedicated to the preservation and continuation of the art of magic. Not only is Terri the gift shop buyer and manager but she also handles the membership dues for 5,000 or so active members world-wide. Her interest in magic stemmed from her mother’s performing close-up magic tricks around the house when she was growing up. Since the Castle’s opening in 1963, she dreamed of visiting the club. Because all her family ties to the Castle were gone by the time she turned 21, she was afraid that dream would never be realized. Now going into her 10th year as a full time employee, she has free run of the club and has taken every advantage - attending magic classes, decorating for Halloween, and currently co-producing, directing, and acting in the Magic Castle Theatre Company.

Both Terri and her husband John have several years experience working with animation studios, here in the States, and in Ireland. John is still a full time animator, and storyboard artist, although Terri has officially retired from the business. Films she has worked on include "The Secret of Nimh", " American Tail". "Land Before Time", "All Dogs go to Heaven", "Space Jam", "Quest for Camelot", "Rover Dangerfield", and "Cool World". John is currently working on the TV series "Cleveland", after many years on "King of The Hill", and a long list of animated feature films.

Terri

In 1970 Debbie Peck and I moved to San Francisco. In 1974 I moved to Reno, Nevada to be with my father and step-family. I love this desert/mountain area. I have been dealing at Harrah's here for 34 years. I was married in 1984, divorced in 1992, went back to school and got my degree in nursing. I now work as an RN with the school district and deal part-time. I have two beautiful daughters, Elysia (21) and Caitlin (19). Elysia is a psychology major at UNR, and Caitlin is an art major at UCSB.

More commonly called Rik by friends and associates (spelling a family thing)

This will be a brief and abbreviated version as the full chronicle of the past 40 years, though not always riveting, would require much more detail and narrative than present circumstances permit. An expanded version can be made available upon request. Seriously, here are a few facts and highlights, beginning with current conditions and including some past history as well.

Married for nigh on 33 years to Caroline and together we have raised 8 children (3 adopted from the Philippines in 1993) with the youngest about to fly the nest. Woo Hoo !

Live in Spokane, WA (Caroline's homebase) since 2002, after residing in the Puget Sound (Seattle and surrounding areas) for 25 years. Enjoy outdoor time at family places in WA, N. Idaho and Montana.

Work as a program planner for mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Have worked in social services most of my life, ranging from directing non-profits (refugee assistance, family services) to developing housing to resource development / fund-raising. After bachelor's and some years overseas in the Peace Corps and with World Health Organization ( WHO ), did graduate studies in Public Health at University of WA. Have had to slow down and cut back a bit these past few years due to ongoing health issues.

Enjoy time in the woods, at the lake, on the river and riding my ATV with my boys. Love to go deep-sea fishing and spending time with my best friend / wife in Cannon Beach. Last but not least, the two of us require at least two ocean cruises annually (booked already in 2009), preferably to Mexico, Hawaii (where we met), or the Caribbean.

Life is very good in God's amazing grace.

Wow - 50 years can’t really have passed since our graduation! My husband and I celebrate our 48th anniversary this fall. We have four wonderful children and seven grandchildren who live from the east coast to the west coast - North Carolina -- Kansas City, and San Diego. Somehow, we manage to get together fairly often.

Wow! Who can believe we graduated 40 years ago. I thought I was only 29...

I guess I’m older than that as I have been married to Tom Zimmer for almost 38 years. We have two children, Scott and Caitlin. I worked the first few years of our marriage for a group of Dr.’s in Glendora until Scott was born. Then I became a stay at home mom. My life became one of lots of volunteering in many facets, room mom, Sunday school teacher, and many other things I can’t even remember right now (anybody else having that problem?)

Currently, Tom is retired and consulting on the side. Tom has been renovating our home in Lake Arrowhead, which of course has become a two year project. My jobs have been dry wall taping and lots of painting; and of course the decorating, which I love to do. Tom has become quite clever in all modes of building, he amazes me.

We also own several horseless carriages (cars that are pre 1915). This has given us many opportunities to see many interesting areas of the West when we tour. We get into places that are not open to the public and have lots of fun touring with friends we have known many years. Next May we will be back in Napa, and I will look you up Tim Stel!

I hope to make it to the party and see you all. I get to see all the Octopus group at least 2-3 times a year. We are a lucky bunch of friends who have managed to keep in touch all these years, to love and support each other and have lots of fun at our “slumber parties”. It’s pretty amazing.

After the Reunion:

I was reflecting about EHS on my way to Philly Sunday, reliving my 4 years there, warts and all. What I realized was that, in a funny sense, EHS was somewhat magical. The first year there was so confusing and intimidating that I just wanted to stay home. I think the only things that made it interesting were baseball and going to the student council meetings. Aside from that, my friends, "The gang of 4", helped me immensely and really made it fun. Once I was involved in those activities, you couldn't keep me away no matter how hard the tests were going to be that day. By the time I hit my junior year I was on a roll and my senior year was the best.

EHS didn't so much guide me in a direction as show me all the paths that were available to me, and help me pick which one to take. It taught me that hard work, serious studying and a tenacious attitude would get me through life. I think the teachers that helped me the most were Youngerman, Sergio, Lober and Teresa. All were pretty good and helped get me through those formative years.

So, once again thanks for your great work on the reunion. I can't wait until the next one.

See Ya

John Johnson

[Note: John is a 737 Captain, flying for USAirways]

It is hard to believe that 40 years has pasted since I graduated from high school. My grandmother use say where has the time gone, and I now can say the same thing. Where has it gone?

Only when I look at my children (2 girls; 2 stepchildren; 6 grandchildren) do I know where it has gone. My oldest daughter was 39 years old this past August and my youngest daughter turned 30 last April. I have 6 grandchildren ranging in ages from 13 to 8. 3 boys and 3 girls. The oldest and the youngest were born on the same day 5 years 5 hours and 5 minutes apart. They are the light of my life.

I have married twice; my first marriage was to Herb Cuesta who went to West Covina High School lasted 5 years and presently to Roger Milton for 33 years. During these 40 years I have lived in Colorado Springs, Co; Denver, Co; Seattle, WA; Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Temple City and currently in South Pasadena. I have had many jobs along the way. The last job was for 20 years at a CPA firm in Pasadena where I was an Executive Assistant to 3 partners. I retired 3 years ago because I have Parkinson's disease. I have had the disease for 10 years now and have become very active in several research programs at USC.

I have experienced many joys and sorrows over the last 40 years. I have been grateful enough to have shared this time with many of the same friends that started with me in 1st grade up to high school and to the present. That is totally amazing to have such life time friends.

In writing this bio I now can see where those 40 years have gone. I am only sorry I can't attend our reunion to see many of you. On Oct 4th I will thinking of you all and wishing all you love, peace, joy and may God bless you all and your families.

Graduated from San Diego State University in 1973 with a degree in Journalism. Assumed I was going to live the rest of my life in San Diego but I met John Dawson, we married in 1976, and everything changed. We have had our own, very small, art business since 1975. We now continue to take new assignments but consider ourselves to be semi-retired which is a more sane and relaxed lifestyle.

Moved from San Diego to the mountains of Idaho in 1977 and lived there until 1989. Traded the Rocky Mountains for the tropical rain forests on the Island of Hawaii and continue to be very happy here in Hilo. We do miss more regular and closer contact with family, especially those three granddaughters, but Hawaii is in our blood! Love to travel and always love to return home.

After graduation (45 years ago!) I attended MSAC with the goal of becoming a Flight Attendant so I could travel and see the world. Instead, I got engaged, and because flight attendants couldn’t be married at that time, I didn’t follow through with that career. I married in 1973, my son Brian was born in 1978, and in 1981, my daughter Karen completed our family (that’s her with me in the photo). I loved my "Ozzie & Harriet" life; married to my high school sweetheart (even if he was a Spartan), two great kids, a dog and cat, even the station wagon and a home in the suburbs. Then, at 42 I found myself divorced and starting over. It was the most difficult period of my life but I came through it realizing that I was much stronger than I thought and with confidence that I could make it on my own.

During and after college, I worked as a teletype operator, in human resources, and as an executive secretary. After Karen was born I was a stay-at-home mom for six years (my all time favorite and definitely most rewarding job). I eventually returned to work as an administrative assistant and also went back to school for a certificate in Legal Specialties. I became a contract administrator in a legal department, and eventually found a job 5 minutes from home in local city government, where I have been for the past 20 years. I like my job, but would really love to be able to retire. Hopefully, someday…

I have been blessed with a loving family, including two great kids (no grandkids yet) and wonderful friends. My 17 best friends ("The Octopus") have been a constant source of support, friendship and laughter since high school, some since elementary school, and even two since kindergarten. We still get together for long weekend trips every year. We share so much history that we truly are sisters at heart.

I hope this finds everyone well and happy.

I married Ray Tindall on September 12, 1969 - 39 years ago! We moved to my husband's hometown of Ocala, Florida in 1972 and have lived there ever since. We raised four children, 3 girls and a boy - and now have 13 grandchildren, who are a big part of our lives.

My husband has been with the telephone company for 35 years. While my children were young, I drove a school bus so that I would be home summers, holidays and weekends with them. Later, I went back to work full-time as a bookkeeper. However, for the last 10 years I have stayed home, selling mostly toys on eBay. This allows me to be free to spend time with the grandchildren and make a little money to spend on them or go visit them. 7 of my grandchildren live near me, while 3 live in New York and 3 live in Arizona.

We are Christ followers and belong to Church@theSprings in Ocala. Our favorite leisure activities would be fishing & scalloping in the Gulf, shrimping on the St. John's River, and swimming in our pool. That and frequenting yard sales looking for things to resell on eBay! Regretfully, I have almost never seen a fellow classmate since 1968! I appreciate Cyndie Peterson who communicates with me by email and keeps me up to date. Perhaps I'll make the 50th reunion! Best wishes to everyone!

Jeannie

I have been living in Paso Robles, the beautiful central coast of Calif. And due to the length of time I've lived here (35 yrs) I've seen the town of 7000 people, with stores closing for "fishing" and horses being ridden downtown to a sophisticated tourist area.

I married a fellow from W.C. High, Dennis Elliott in 1975. While vacationing we fell in love with Lake Nacimiento and decided to look for a home (skiing on glass was the decision breaker). In that one week we found the very home I'm still in. All my children were born here. Travis is 31, Brooke 29 and Brent 27. They've given me 4 grandchildren, ages 8 on down. Unfortunately that marriage ended around '88. For the last 3 years I've had my business at home, a dog kennel called 'Susan's Bed and Biscuit' right on Lake Rd.

In 2001 I tried re-marriage to a man named Larry Clark, he went to EHS and graduated in '65. I did meet him in Paso, but that marriage went sour before 3 yrs had gone by. So sad.

This opportunity to reunite with old pals and relive some of our antics through story-telling is something I'm getting excited for more and more. (Thanks Chris Hazen for your push and perseverance). To all of you who attend, I hope I can re-meet you and share the warmth of our memories together. God bless you 40 year veterans of Edgewood in wherever your life has taken you to this point.

Hi to all our classmates. We are sorry we cannot be with you at the reunion but we are in Paris celebrating 30 years of marriage. After EHS, we met again in San Diego and started our life together living in Valley Center, CA on one of the Foster family's egg ranches where we raised our two daughters, Sara 30 and Jesse 27. Gary worked for his family's egg business and Dawn was a stay at home mom, PTA President and participated in our daughters' activities. We have been fortunate to travel over the years visiting Israel (where Gary spent nine months on a kibbutz in his younger days), Greece, London and Ireland. We have also had numerous family vacations to Lake Tahoe, Laguna Beach, Puerto Vallarta and Hawaii.

In 2005, we had distressing news as Dawn was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her treatment involved surgery, chemo therapy, radiation and it left her drained. If there can be a silver lining in such an ordeal, it was that it brought us up to Newport Beach and Hoag Hospital and we reaffirmed our love of this Orange County coastal areas. Since we already had begun our empty nester stage, we decided on a lifestyle change. We ended up renting a little place in Laguna Beach and have been here three years. Dawn is cancer free and both of us encourage all women to maintain regularly scheduled mammograms.

Our daughter Sara is a married, working (Registered Dental Assistant, an occupation Dawn practiced) mother with two beautiful boys, Marlon five years and Ezekiel 24 months. Sara and her family live in Valley Center in the same home where we raised our daughters. We are lucky they are close and spend frequent time with the boys. Our youngest daughter Jesse has just started a PHD program at Stanford University in International Education. She did her undergraduate work in English at UC Irvine and studied overseas in Florence, Siena, Vancouver and Cambridge. Last year she received a Masters Degree in International Education from NYU and, through NYU, spent a month in South Africa studying their educational exchange programs. She plans on South Africa being the focus of her doctoral studies. We are very proud of both our girls.

Gary's family sold part of their egg business in 2001 to Moark, a division of Land O Lakes. He is currently the General Manager of the company's West Division with operations in California and New Mexico. We still enjoy our vacations traveling down Baja California and relaxing in Hawaii (north shore of Kauai and Hana, Maui). Living in Laguna has given us a whole new sense of the "stay-cation". We love staying home, walking on the beach and going to dinner or a movie. Dawn's activities include yardwork, housework, cooking, pilates, and spending time with our grandsons. She also keeps in close touch with "The Octopus" (not a terrorist organization--maybe), her best girlfriends from Edgewood High School. They have been a big support to us, especially the last several years. Have a wonderful time and we hope to see all of you at the 50th.

Gary and I are happily living in Laguna Beach. We have been married for 35 years this November. We have two beautiful daughters and two wonderful grandsons Marlon 9 yrs and Zeke 6 yrs We enjoy being with our family and friends and traveling when we can. Our newest addition to the family is our dog Girlie. She is so much fun and keeps me company when Gary is traveling for work. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 50th reunion.

Love and Peace to you all

Dawn and Gary Foster

No notes available

I too can hardly believe it has been 40 years since EHS. After high school I entered Cal Poly Pomona as a biology major. My first two years at Cal Poly were spent trying to decide what I really wanted to do. I enjoyed almost all my classes and tried to take a little bit of everything. I loved animals and had briefly thought about becoming a veterinarian. At that time it was very hard to be accepted into vet school without a 4.0 GPA, which I did not have. My friend, Pat Morrisey (later to become the wife of fellow student Jim Lorenzo) was the person who introduced me to the field of medical technology. After college I did a year’s med tech training at Santa Ana Hospital. After training I was hired at Pomona Valley Hospital. I mainly worked in the hematology and microbiology departments. I worked there for 19 years, and most of the time I loved the work.

I met my husband-to-be my first year at Cal Poly. We married in 1974. We have two grown children. Our son Chris is a computer programmer and our daughter Melissa is a math professor. We have one grandson currently and a granddaughter on the way.

We currently live on several acres in Valley Center where we built a geodesic dome home in 1990. We did as much of the work as possible and subbed out the jobs we couldn’t do. We hope to start the process of remodeling the house soon. This last year we finished adding to our solar arrays and now are able to produce almost all of our own electricity. The electricity also powers our well so we are well on the way to being “off the grid”.

The top of my hobby list used to be horseback riding. I developed a bad back several years ago and had to trade my riding boots for walking shoes. I still love animals but our animal family is currently down to two dogs and a cat. My other hobbies include reading and working in the garden.

I am looking forward to the reunion activities and hope to see many of my fellow graduates at that time.

Kathy