Donna Hartos Matovich
July 2024
Hello,
Joycelyn & Dave!
I hope this note finds you &
your families well and perhaps retired or on the way to that destination
soon! I'm still working part-time (very PT) at the hospital nearby,
where I'm a surgical technologist in the operating room. That was
a mid-life career change for me, and I just passed my 20-year anniversary
in August at this hospital. So I'm still enjoying the work I do
and am still finding time when I don't work to go and play!
Would either of you know a ballpark
date for our class reunion next year, if there will be one, etc.?
I'm already thinking about travel possibilities and don't want to
conflict with other trip plans I may be considering, too. Really
enjoyed the 40th 4 years ago and hope to see our fellow and fellowette
classmates at the next one!
Take care,
Marilyn Choske
09/08/2013
***************************************
Hi Everyone,
Yes, I am still alive and kicking in San Diego. I've been here since
1981 and have lived through tremendous change. I am a homemaker
and my husband Gene is a subject matter expert (clinical laboratory)
for a government contractor.
We are very interested in sustainable living, the environment, etc.
We have a net zero home (solar electricity, solar assisted tankless
hot water, electromagnetic induction cooker, rain water collection,
and a heat pump which serves us year round here in our mild climate.
My husband drives a totally electric Leaf and I have a Prius Plug-in,
which we charge here at home from the electricity we harvest from
our roof. It's pretty cool to bypass the gas station and eliminate
fumes from our garage. We are looking into raising a few chickens
and building a city friendly chicken coop with a garden roof.
We are active in the Native American community (my husband has Maidu
blood) and we both play Native American flute at many local events
in California. We have made two CD's. We made a shamanic trip to
Peru last year and played flute there. We belong to two flute circles
that play twice a month. We volunteer for Mission Gorge Regional
Park to play flutes for events held at their visitor's center. Most
recently, an event for KNSJ radio (a local progressive station).
I am singing second soprano with the 80 member San Diego Public
Library Chorus. We do two concerts per year as well as support local
events. We recently performed Mozart's Requiem with the San Diego
City Ballet. It's great fun and something I have always wanted to
do.
My daughter Elizabeth married a wonderful man in April last year
and lives nearby. It's great to see her finally settled down and
happy in her new life. Still no grandchildren. Gene's son Andy lives
in Tucson with his wife and their five year old son (our only grandchild
thus far). We don't see them as often as we would like, but talk
and email frequently.
We have land about 70 miles east of here where we built a small
observatory. We do astronomy there as often as we can. We both have
nice dobsonian telescopes as well as portable scopes for travel.
More often, Gene uses his solar telescope here in town to look at
the sun.
My beautiful Mother passed away in Florida this year. My father
passed away in 1978. I was able to get together with my siblings
in Florida for Mom's memorial service.
The only one left in Pittsburgh is my sister Bunnie.
My best wishes to everyone for the class reunion. Thanks for keeping
in touch.
Kathy Dolphin (Danhires)
07/11/2014
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Sorry I can't make it. Will be riding
back home to CA that week from Sturgis,
ENJOY!
Keith Guidus
07/08/2014
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I am sorry but I
will be unable to attend as my school year here starts early on
August 6th. Still living in Arizona. Teaching ESL Kindergarten.
Alta Dick Hoyle
07/08/2014
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How could this be! I am only 34 years-old.
As usual, I will not be at the reunion. I am working full-time and
all year round and am spending my vacation in the Western USA with
college friends.
Have a great time.
Barbara Huff
***************************************
Hi David--I am so disappointed because
Pamela Ward and I were going to come together. We have been talking
about it for quite some time. I kept looking for dates out on the
internet and then wouldn’t you know it—commitment that
weekend. Now unable to attend but Pamela may attend with Victoria
Ed, who is also in town. Wanted to see everyone. Hope you are doing
well. I was so surprised about Rusty Herold (and his father recently
passed away as well so said my sister). I was very sorry Rusty was
our neighbor. Maybe I can make the 50th. dlg
Deborah Truxal Gries
***************************************
Sent money last pay
day. I now live in TX and am single after 34 years +. Can't wait
to see everyone.
Frank Smith, RN
jsmith9758@aol.com
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Dave,
This is Donna (Mann) McGuire. My husband and I were planning to
attend the reunion this year but circumstances have arisen that
prevent us from attending. Thank you for remembering me and keep
me in mind for the next reunion. Good health to all the class. My
information follows.
I have advanced my career since last reunion I attended. I have
a BSN in nursing and have a Masters degree in a different field
that corresponds with nursing or any career change I might decide
on. This is a far step from the classes in high school. I have been
a nurse for almost 30 years now and I am loving it as much today
as when I decided to follow this field.
I think a lot about our classmates
and the times we use to have. It doesn't seem to be that long ago
until you begin to think. I have been married 3 times (not what
I expected) and I have three children. Jeffrey is 39, & Heidi
is 36 from my first marriage and RJ is short for Ronald Jr. and
he is 24 from my second marriage. You may share my e-mails with
the class. I hope to run into
some of you on Saturday the 9th as I will be there visiting with
my aunt and uncle as they are in their late 80's and unable to come
see me. They are having health issues so I feel the need to see
them. I look forward to hearing from you in the future. Tell all
I send my love and prayers and hope to see you all at the next reunion.
Take care.
Till next time
Donna Mann McGuire
07/20/2014
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Reunion
committee,
Great job (as usual) in preparing a good time for the class of '69.
Unfortunately, on July 16th I had a full knee replacement of my
left knee (paying the price from 37 years of painting). I will really
miss the golf outing, but it is out of the question. There is a
possibility I would be able to come on Saturday to the Moose luncheon,
but I have to play it by ear. Can I pay at the door? Thanks!
Take
care!
Karl Kunkle
***************************************
Hi
Dave,
Margie & I are not going to make it this time. 45 years . .
. Where has the time gone?
We appreciate you taking the time to send out all these e-mails
!
I have been retired from Boeing for 7 years now, but Margie is still
working hard. She ran out of vacation time this year. Mainly due
to our first trip to Europe for 3 weeks.
Thanks Dave
Chuck Vargo
***************************************
On
Thursday, August 7, 2014,
Dear Dave and Vickie
the rest of the reunion committee. Please know jack and I had the
time of ours lives at the golf outing. Jack felt very welcome and
even knows a lot of my classmates from being a long time resident
of Irwin. Also thanks from me. I've laughed, cried, and made a bunch
of new memories to tell at our 50 th. Please be safe in all youdo
this next 5 years and looking forward to seeing everyone again.
Love to all
Chris Porter Gaines
***************************************
Ruthanne Noble Rose - August 9
I'm thinking of my friends at the
45th reunion and am so missing seeing you. I have had a tough year
and wanted to be there so much to share good times but I just didn't
have the strength to drive. I am recovering from breast cancer and
things are looking up so far as my health. However, after losing
my job last June, I am struggling to keep my house of 36 yrs. I
thought when I got to this age that I would be in a better place
of contentment but no chance for that now. I have... always been
a positive person and never let the buzzards get me down but now
I just feel so defeated by the world. Depression is a terrible beast
and I have to fight it every day to survive. Where did all of my
joy go? The majority of it left 11 years ago when my beloved Jerry
went to heaven. I know that he is having a great time there and
I am jealous that I am not having a great time here. Happiness is
a state of mind that is often hard to find. I hope that you are
having a good time together and sharing fond memories of your youth.
I cherish those memories of youthful hope in the future and having
no fear of failure. To you, my friends, keep the faith and carry
on like you are still that fresh faced kid that has vitality for
living the good life. Cheers!
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