Newsletter 2013

Editor's Note

Whew, what a year 2012 turned out to be. We survived the end of the Mayan calendar and the so-called Fiscal Cliff. Rio Linda celebrated its 100 year anniversary and how about them Giants; winners of 6 elimination games and a sweep of the Tigers. Who could ask for anything more??

So what do we do for an encore in 2013? Well this year most us will be turning 62 years young and are entering our social security years. Hopefully this means many of us will be enjoying our retirement.

As for our newsletter, we decided to change it up a bit. Unfortunately we did not have enough material for our usual eight page newsletter so we decided on an informal newsletter on our website. This is not quite what we wanted but was the next best thing. We will try again next year for our usual eight page newsletter. We will once again hold four socials. Please check out Cec's article 2013 Reunion Socials for details. I hope to see more of you at the upcoming socials. It is a fun way to reconnect and reminisce about the past and enjoy the present.

Finally, remember to send in your updates for our Class Notes article by the end of each year. This is an excellent way to keep in touch. And a big THANKS to everyone who contributed to this year's Class Notes article.

If you have any comments about our newsletter, please contact me by sending an e-mail to rlhs1969reunion@gmail.com. Till next year, live well, laugh often and love with all of your heart - mlp.

Inside this Issue

2013 Reunion Socials

Class Notes

Class News

Missing Knights

Tresurer'$ Report

Rio Linda Centennial

Rio Linda Centennial Mural

Let's Keep in Touch

2013 Reunion Socials (by Cec Wallin)

During 2012, I added the Holiday Social for a total of four (in previous years we held three). I thought having this social would provide another opportunity for classmates to spend time together. It is not always easy to attend all the socials with other commitments, vacations and the homecoming social being held on a Friday.

The 1st social of the year was February 25th at Woody's Bar & Grill, the 2nd was June 30th at Celia's Mexican Restaurant and the 3rd was October 12th at Papa's Pizzeria with several also attending the Rio Linda High School Homecoming football game (the Knights beat Christian Brothers 33-27). The 4th social was December 1st at Woody's Bar & Grill (this seems to be a favorite gathering place).

In 2013, we will again have four socials. For those of you that have not attended before, please consider coming as they are fun and a wonderful way to stay in touch with classmates. The first social is planned for March 16th and will be held at Cecila's Mexican Restaurant at 1 pm. The second social of the year will be held in June/July with details to follow. As in the past three years, we will again have our third social at Papa's Pizzeria on October 4th and then on to watch the Knights play their homecoming football game. We will also have our second Holiday social at the end of the year.

I will provide 2013 reunion social updates on our Google site and through email OR you can contact one of the committee members listed in the newsletter for information. Hopefully, many of you can attend at least one of the socials, if not all. It is great to reconnect with classmates throughout the year.

Bruce Brummett writes "I guess I can start with the news that I am retired (about 18 months ago) from the County of Sacramento, so if you try to call me to fix a pothole on your street, good luck! I don't miss the job, (especially after the last rain storm) and I do stay in touch with some retired co-workers once a month for breakfast. I still live in South Sacramento and I stay busy getting my son Miguel ready for school every day. He turned 7 in July and is now in the 2nd grade. We usually like to ride our bikes there, so I do get some exercise. I also am very active at his school as a parent volunteer in several classes, and I also assist with yard duties. I have 6 grandchildren ages 6, 7, 8, 11, 14, 18 & 19 that like to keep me busy whenever I try to relax. I also try to stay home and bug my lovely wife Debora (Debbie Lopes) and she lets me know when I'm getting on her nerves, but we both enjoy being retired and helping our two daughters whenever they need a favor. I have also been blessed with finding a wonderful church that we have been attending for the last 5 years and they like me there so much that they put me in charge of maintenance, which also keeps me very busy. We like to travel with our family and have a time share that allows us to go to several locations each year. This January, we are using it to go on a 6 day cruise to the Mexican Rivera and also spend a few days in San Diego to visit the Wild Animal Park, we are really looking forward to this vacation and will have lots to share about it for next years newsletter. I enjoy seeing everyone at all the RLHS social events and I want to wish everyone good health and happiness for next year.

Cec Wallin writes "My highlight of 2012 was watching my daughter graduate from the University of California at Santa Barbara in June. She completed her studies in four years and graduated with honors. As you can imagine, I was a very proud mother. I spend two weeks in Santa Barbara/Newport Beach during that time as she moved to Newport Beach after graduation. One week in Santa Barbara and one week in Newport Beach - wow! As I do every year, I also went to Camp Richardson at South Lake Tahoe for several days in August and to the coast camping for a week in September. Different from the previous three years when I camped at Refugio State Beach near Santa Barbara (because my daughter could join me), I camped at Sunset State Beach near Santa Cruz. I have not camped there since high school and it was as great as I remember. During the year, I also traveled to Santa Cruz and Pismo Beach to visit friends and traveled to Newport Beach a couple more times to visit my daughter."

Mary (Leerberg) Overton writes "The beginning of the year was saddened by the loss of our dear classmate, Eddie Davis. Gone, but never forgotten and forever in our hearts! The happiest update for me was the wedding of 2 of my 5 sons and the addition of 2 grandchildren. Logan was born on July 20 and Lillian (Lilly) on October 27. They are joined by cousins Julie (9 years) and Kylie (3 1/2 years). In April, Julie and Kylie will have a new brother (Brandon) which will make a total of grandkids, 3 girls and 2 boys. WHEW!! What a blessing and joy they are to my family!! In the summer I drove, Julie to her aunt's house in Lacy, Washington and we had a great time, doing some sightseeing on the way! After dropping her off I went on to Bend, Oregon and spent 3 days visiting friends and former classmates, Ron and Karen Brooks. What a fun loving couple they are and I hope to be visiting them again soon!! I stopped at Crater Lake on the way home and ended up at our June social which was held at Celia's Mexican Restaurant. Other than that, there's not much new with me. I have attended most of the 2012's socials and visiting/keeping in touch with former classmates is so much fun!! I am still employed (thank God!!) as a school librarian, a job that I thoroughly love! However, I am looking forward to retirement in ................ ????? I hope 2013 brings many blessings and much happiness to you all!!!!"

Ron Herrle writes "Hi Class of 69. Time to update my life's journey to this point. I am still happily married going on 26 years. My 4 children are going as good as anyone can be in this messed up world we all live in. I realized long ago that it doesn't do any good to complain so let's stop right there. I am now a Grandpa twice over. My oldest son, Justin became a proud father of the most beautiful little angel named Sophia. My youngest daughter, Lucy also became a proud mother of the most beautiful little man named Nicholas. My oldest daughter and youngest son are both doing what makes them happy. They are healthy, happy and that warms my heart. My biggest joy right now is enjoying spending as much time as I can with my grandchildren. They are such a kick to be with. It's like seeing your own kids little all over again. My lovely wife Ellen and I are in good health enjoying life, traveling but not nearly as much as we would like. We are still working, doing real estate and loans. So if anyone out there needs any help in these matters give me a call (916-548-3474). Now that I got my plug in on to the rest of my life's story. I am still working on promoting my garden tool, RAKE-O. You can find it in some Ace stores throughout Northern California. Do me a favor, if you need a great garden tool go to an Ace store and buy one. If they don't have it ask them to carry it and if you can't find it just call me. Oops! Another plug. Ones got to do what ones got to do to live, right! It was sad to hear that Eddie passed away. When we got together at the pizza parties I always enjoyed his amusing life stories. He is missed. I am still looking forward to seeing the rest of you so please come to the next pizza party!! Well, that kind of sums it up for now. I hope all of you (Class of 69) have a safe, joyful and meaningful New Year. Wishing you the best!!"

Fallen Knights

Since our last newsletter, we lost one of our classmates. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand: Ed Williams.

On January 10th a memorial service was held for Eddie Davis. It was a truly moving and heartfelt service. Those from our class attending the service were Gary Cotham, Dennis Price, Cec Wallin, Mary (Leerberg) Overton, Greg Bagley, Bruce Brummett, Elaine (Mackey) Mueller, Sam Williams, Pamela (Liles) Hubbard, Cheryl (Mitchum) Call, Ron Herrle, Helen (Garcia) Galvez, Ken Bond, Bill Hirsch, Norman McGuire and Mary Lou Pennington.

Our first social of the year was held on February 25th at Woody's Grill and Bar in Sacramento. Attending were Sam and Brenda Williams, Cec Wallin, Bruce Brummett, Mary (Leerberg) Overton, Gary Cotham, Dennis and Elena Wood, Bill and Betsey Hirsch, Elaine (Mackey) Mueller, Dennis Price, Doug Hack, Linda Krueger, Ken Bond and Mary Lou Pennington and her sister Patty. This was the second time we met at Woody's. The food was great and good time was had by all.

In April, the election of officers for the reunion committee was held. Officers elected to serve for the next two years are Janeen (McGrew) Scharf, Chairwoman; Peggy (Lyons) Klemencic, Vice Chair; Cec Wallin, Secretary and Mary Lou Pennington, Treasurer. Other committee members include Linda Krueger, Gary Cotham, Mary (Leerberg) Overton and Bill Hirsch.

On June 30th, our second social of the year was held at Celia's Mexican Restaurant in Sacramento. Attending were Cec Wallin, Janine (McGrew) Scharf, Sam and Brenda Williams, Gary Cotham, Dennis Price, Mary Lou Pennington and her sister Patty, Dennis and Elena Wood, Elaine (Mackey) Mueller, Bill and Betsey Hirsch, Ron and Ellen Herrle and Mary (Leerberg) Overton. This restaurant was recommended by Sam and was well worth the trip. The food was excellent and needless to the say the time spent with fellow classmates was priceless.

Our third social of the year was held on October 12th at Papa's Pizzeria in Rio Linda. Attending were Cec Wallin, Mary (Leerberg) Overton, Ron Herrle, Susie (Carolyn Sylvester) Smith, Mary Lou Pennington and her sister Patty, James Jensen, Norman McQuire, Dennis Price, Keith and Chris Furman and Bruce Brummett. Later some attended the Rio Linda High School homecoming game and enjoyed watching our 17th ranked Knights defeat Christian Brothers 33-27 improving their record to 6-1 for the year.

On December 1st we held a holiday social at Woody's Grill and Bar in Sacramento. This is the same place we held our first social of the year and it is one of our favorite places to meet. Those attending our last social of the year were Cec Wallin, Mary (Leerberg) Overton, Dennis Price, Bruce Brummett, Mary Lou Pennington and her sister Patty, Linda Krueger, Gary Cotham, Ken Bond and Ron Herrle.

Missing Knights

We are still looking for our classmates that have not been located and those that we have lost contact. So please take a look at the list of our missing classmates and if you know someone, contact us at rlhs1969reunion@gmail.com or one of the committee members listed at the bottom of this page.

Treasurer'$ Report

Current funds available total $407.49. There were no expenditures for 2012. Summary of revenue and expenses as follows:

$407.49 Balance @12/31/2011

0.00 Revenue

( 0.00) Expenses

$407.49 Balance @12/31/2012

In 2012, Rio Linda celebrated its 100 year anniversary. No one is quite sure of the exact date of its inception but we do know that Rio Linda was part of a Mexican land grant dating from 1839 known as Rancho del Paso. In 1911, Alva Roebuck, of Sears & Roebuck fame, purchased this land from the Sacramento Valley Colonization Company and named it the Rio Linda Colony. It is believed that on October 2, 1912 the very first family, Michael and Lizzie Blocker, moved to the new Rio Linda site.

So without an exact date of inception, it was decided to celebrate the 100 year anniversary throughout the year with the grand celebration on October 5th, 6th and 7th. Most of the events of the grand celebration were held near or in Depot Park, the Community Center and along M Street.

The celebration began with the Friday Early Times Luncheon. Later that night at the Dry Creek Ranch House you could listen to cowboy campfire stories, eat s'mores and enjoy hay rides.

The next morning started with a pancake breakfast at the Community Center. Also early Saturday morning a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Arch renovation was held and then the Centennial parade took center stage. There were close to 60 entries with over 480 participants.Saturday festivities also included face painting, the 145 Club beer garden with refreshments and blues music and vendors selling various goods. At the Depot Stage the Bluze Houndz and the Miller Highlights bands played for the crowds and there were plenty of games, crafts and music in the Kid Zone.

On Sunday there was an interdenominational service and the burial of the time capsule. The Centennial celebration was closed with search lights on the Rio Linda Water Tower and glow lights along the bike path.

It was estimated that over the three days between two to three thousand people attended the centennial celebration. A tip of the hat goes to those members of the Centennial Planning Committee that spent many hours to ensure a successful celebration. All that attended will let you know that they succeeded. There was plenty of food, fun and games for all and for future residents a time capsule to be opened in 2062.

Rio Linda Centennial Mural

Picture is that of the Rio Linda Centennial mural painted on Nu Way Market. This mural shows the history of Rio Linda.

Let's Keep in Touch

Please let us know if you change your e-mail, mailing address and/or telephone number. Just e-mail the information to rlhs1969reunion@gmail.com.

Contact Us

Have any questions?? Know any of our missing classmates?? Want to join the reunion committee or help with the next reunion?? If so, please send us an e-mail to rlhs1969reunion@gmail.com.

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