As you all are enjoying this meeting, we will be working at SUN VALLEY INDIAN SCHOOL, east of Flagstaff, Arizona. We will be volunteers doing maintenance/repairs. This is a Christian school educating about 150 students, grades 1 - 12. Thirty buildings make up the campus. After our three-week assignment is over, we will head for Salem, Oregon for our grandson’s wedding and hope to go fishing on the Oregon coast.

Spent time in Hawaii in November. We then went back in February to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. Our big, big celebration will be in June on a Mexican cruise. Joining us will be our daughter’s family as it is her 25th anniversary. In addition, Don’s niece will be celebrating her 50th and her son his 25th. Fourteen of us will be celebrating together.

Once again, our dates do not match. I will be in Cancun the week after Easter with my family, checking out the ruins and the beaches. We have rented a house in Cancun, but we will be spending four days down the coast. All goes well in Grass Valley. Jack and Joyce Lackman, George Jaeger, and Russell Storkan have visited me this autumn and winter. We are having a great spring up here: daffodils, rhododendrons, azaleas, Japanese maples, dogwood, etc. We didn’t make it to Romania; some of the small group just thought a trip in that region was too threatening. But I do plan to spend a week at La Cucina Focolare, a Tuscon cooking school, in a 15th century villa just eighteen miles from Florence, Italy, starting September 21.

I’m going with two good friends from L.A., and we will probably make time for side visits before and after the school, just seeing more of Italy. I still don’t miss the classroom. I did talk to Olive Scott last week. Her husband Raymond is now hospitalized with Alzheimer’s; plus, she is caring for her mother, who is well up into her nineties. I’ve tried to get into the stock market a little, but seem to miss the big ones. I’m in good health, and I haven’t turned grey! A special hello to all my friends from Cerritos.

Attended a family reunion in Michigan near Flint and Detroit. The families are getting larger each year.

Most of the year was spent taking care of my husband Earl, who passed away February 28, 2000. He will never be forgotten by his family or me -- but life goes on -- so back to church more and helping others where needed. At least this keeps me from feeling for myself.

If you want to see old cameras, lenses, old Commodores, and CB equipment plus Ham Radio equipment, just see our building. Call first 562 867 8331.

Dear Jon:

Thanks for doing the newsletter job.

I wish I had something newsworthy to put in it. I do thank all the members who have E-mailed me. olittle304@aol.com.

Editor’s Note -- I sent E-mail to Oscar and asked for more. He replied and it is further down. Don’t miss it. He is as humorous as ever!

Dear Friends of CCRFA: Thank you for the opportunity to say hello to you all, and I wish the best for each of you and your families.

This is my story: I see my Neurologists and take more radiology (MRI) tests regularly. They have diagnosed me as close to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) or a stroke -- even an unknown stroke. I had two hernias and, they lead to other side effects. I get Cancer shots in the behind every two months. I have been caretaker for my dear sister in Iowa for thirty years. The IRS wants the Income Tax returns, and my five grandchildren want me to keep my word about helping to get into College. They are close to College age.

My wife, Marge, is in her tenth year of insulin diabetes; she is my home nurse and does all the work here. Things could be better if my sister’s nursing home didn’t want me to pay many of her bills personally. Her total expenses are about $3,300 a month.

Good luck to all of you and be careful if you get one of these chronic illnesses. The side effects are ready to come after us any time.

We have picked up and left our homestead for another. The new address is 25371 Remesa Dr., Mission Viejo, 92691. Real close to our grandkids, so we babysit a lot. One grandkid (11) is a baseball player, pitcher and shortstop. He is also quite a soccer player; another is quite a gymnast at age 6. They have gym meets all over.

We will go to at least one vacation destination this year, not sure where yet. We are both in good health, so we are thanking God for that. Hope to see all the troops on April 25.

Known to all his friends as Dave Kamanski. Former Head Track and Field and Cross Country Coach (over thirty years) passed away on October 16, 1999. Dave left his wife Joan, three children, Cynthia, David and James and two beloved granddaughters, Kimberly and Shannon Jo, as well as a host of close friends. Dave was honored by being voted into the California Community College Hall of Fame for track coaches in 1993. He acted as an NFL (Replay) earlier, a Pacific Ten Football and Official Referee for many years. He was honored for putting on some of the state’s finest track meets over many years, and for developing Cerritos’ fine track facilities.

Note: Joan Kamanski was kind enough to send this to us. We will all miss Dave.

I finally finished my 1951 Willys Jeep Pick-up. I’ll bring pictures. I bought a Toyota Echo. It is an ugly, little car. I must be getting old. Joyce and I went to the Cowboy Poetry Festival in Santa Clarita. There were many interesting characters dressed in Cowboy attire as well as many not in costume. I qualified for the Los Amigos Men’s Club Championship to be held in May. We are planning a wedding in June for one of our daughter’s. Looking forward to summer for new adventures and activities.

All the same. Kids, grandkids, quilts, minerals, garden, travel, reading. Further deterioration of the lungs. My daughter, Tara, who some of you tried to teach twenty years ago, will graduate from NAU in May. I will be there, though 7000’ Flagstaff will require a wheelchair and an oxygen bottle.

In March enjoyed a Renaissance Tahiti cruise -- interesting, different. Interesting to visit a new (to us) area; different in getting a firsthand view of how a ship's Medical Dept. works in an emergency. At 1:00 a.m. the second to last night aboard I was diagnosed with acute atrial fibrillation. Now others of you have no doubt experienced this phenom, but it was an entirely new one on me. My wife, Lorraine, was awakened by my greatly exaggerated somnambulistic acrobatics and when I described the discomfort she immediately called the Med Office. Within five minutes the Nurse (a lovely lady from new Zealand) was at the door and whisked me away to the well-appointed Med Center where an ekg was recorded, the first of several that night. Digitalis and some stronger stuff were injected over the next 3 1/2 hours until the EKG registered about normal and I was returned to my stateroom about 4:30. Next day (actually later that a.m.) the ship arranged for me to see a cardiologist in Papeete who was a very cordial Frenchman and seemed very competent. From the ship I was picked up then delivered back by a taxi and the driver had already picked up my prescription. Next day I was on my way back home. I mention these details simply to put somewhat to rest fears that some of you, my dear colleagues, may have concerning extended travel at our venerable (and vulnerable) ages. Of course, there are no assurances, but I certainly will travel with a certain peace of mind about medical exigencies. Bon voyage!

A little "Networking": Anyone know of an opening in a college or seminary for a top-notch Biblical scholar? Our son - now Head of the Religious Studies/Theology Dept. at Univ. of Surrey-Roehampton (London, Eng.) is looking for a return to the U.S. Any ideas? Call me - (562) 430 2868. Thanks. See you on the 25th.

Dear Inquirer: Well, I have a lovely keeper, a gorgeous blonde, (no romance, strictly business) who takes good care of me--drives me all around--groceries, doctor, book store. Got two great books--one by Albert Einstein, just his ideas about LIFE and opinions--another by one Somebody Alexander Wheeler who worked on the a-bomb along with ten thousand other pundits whose writings I understand not a whit of. I seem to think I get points on the Big Computer in the Sky for reading stuff beyond my ken. I should stick to Peter Rabbit, which actually is my favorite novel--I can follow the plot and keep the characters separate. I think Mr. McGreggor gets a bum rap, and I can't even spell his name for sure. Old Pete got what was coming to him and probably will live a more exemplary life. Today I did yard work--destroyed a dozen dandelions which probably are of much more value to the ecology than the nasturtiums I saved. Have two apple trees--both dying of neglect. Avocados doing fine, also oranges and nectarines. Have a possum in the yard that must be part Shetland pony, huge thing--ugly, too. Just glad it isn't a hyena, though would not mind a friendly coyote. I have deal with several colonies of ants--they stay outdoors, be my guest; come in the house, capital punishment. It's working out fine. Spiders I have no trouble with, always admired them. I always wanted to be a zoo keeper and nature has obliged. Also the house is haunted by some timid ghost that just rattles around but is afraid to show herself. I'd love to meet her. Anybody know a technique? Love to all, Oscar

Jean and I are still enjoying retirement. We have joined with a group that walk most mornings at the Main Place Mall in Santa Ana. This summer we will again be volunteers at the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna. In addition to these activities we keep active with our church. Jean volunteers as an usher at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. I’m still involved with the Bellflower Rotary Club and the Cerritos College Foundation. When possible we still enjoy athletic games and student events at the College.

Last summer we took a trip to Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina. In the fall we drove to Colorado. Currently we are looking at possible trips for this year.

March 10, 2000 marked one year of retirement from Cerritos college and one year of retirement from the La Mirada City Council. After serving the latter for twenty-one years, I chose not to run for re-election

I have been appointed to the Los Angeles County Commission on Quality and Productivity by Supervisor Don Knabe.

Loretta has been active with the Cerritos College Foundation as a member of Monte Carlo Night Committee, held this year aboard the Queen Mary.

Still golf once a week. Also spend time with granddaughter, Shelby Rew, now seventeen months old.

Life continues quite uneventfully. Appointments for Hearing Aid adjustments (3rd H.A., now into digital model). Driving for the first time without need for corrective lenses (cataract surgery). VP of local SHHH (self help for hard of hearing). Tennis twice a week in addition to making a Tennis champ out my 6 year old GGson. On the occasional sitting event I have discovered that both he and his 4 year old sister are potential geniuses and I know that I do not have the energy to take the job on permanently. It takes the combined effort of both Dorothy and I to do the job. How ever I do much better directing my 13 year old Fox Terrier. With summer fast approaching, I will be occupied fighting fire by "string trimming" a part of our 5 acres immediately around the house. A computer class plus home work makes me realize that at 83, 1 may not find it to my advantage to enroll in a life-time membership with CCRFA.

BEST WISHES TO ALL. I appreciate reading what us young retired Faculty members are doing.

Lyman@c-zone.net

Hello to everybody! My regrets that we will not be able to attend the luncheon meeting on the 25^th. We were in California for two months that covered the holidays. Those two months went by so quickly it’s scary! Did have some great get-togethers with Don and Carol Sue Desfor, Gene and Armella Martin. After covering California with stops from San Diego to San Francisco, you can bet we were tired on return to Arkansas. My Theta Chi brothers (San Jose State and Stanford) gave me (us! They like Gloria!) a special occasion party. That was nice!! Remember! If you are out this way, you have a place to stay. Here with us! If you prefer privacy by the lake, my wife (who works in Real Estate reservations) can book you into a great place.

We moved to Bakersfield July 1998. We have daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughter here and we are enjoying our time here. We are active in our church and our health is good.

We will be in Sacramento on the day of the luncheon. Hope to make it next year.

Helen and I still live in Scotts Valley and continue to drag ourselves around the golf course pretending we enjoy the struggle.

This last year, we made two trips to Idaho; one for a granddaughters graduation and one to watch the grandson play football. He is becoming a good football player being named to the All-State team as the only Sophomore selected.

Not long ago we went to Palm Springs for a couple of days. Visited Roland Schutt at Atascadero on the way down. Rollie lives there with his daughter’s family and is still into the pottery business. The daughters’ son-in-law are pottery teachers, with a 1200 sq. ft. studio at their home. It was good to see him, as he was a big part of the Art Department in the early Cerritos days.

Hope the Spring Luncheon is successful.

Greetings from the Desert Community of La Quinta, CA

Joyce and I had planned to be with you at the CCRFA meeting; however, we also had committed to an R.V. group outing in Southeastern Arizona. As the schedule worked out our return date from the R.V. trip will not give us the opportunity to get to the CCRFA meeting.

This year has been a busy one. We have been taking travel agent classes, and will soon embark upon working with individuals and groups to plan their holidays and vacations. We also believe that the training will help us in our travels.

In May we will be in San Antonio, Texas child sitting while our daughter and husband go to Hawaii to celebrate anniversary number 10. For most of this summer, we will be spending time in the desert and at our place in Big Bear. In late August we plan to head our R.V. to the East coast for a fall foliage tour. Then, South to Washington D.C. and places further south that have yet to be determined. If any of you have suggestions of places to visit I would appreciate hearing from you. Our email address is: kkjyadams@earthlink.net. The home address is: 44150 Ocotillo Dr., La Quinta, CA 92253.

Sorry that we will miss seeing you. Had a great time at the CCRFA Palm Desert social in March. Thanks again to Jon and Lois Fults for coordinating the event. We look forward to being with you at the fall meeting.

Have a great summer and stay well!

Our three sons are taking very good care of us. Mark and his wife took us on a Mexican Riviera Cruise for ten days. Robert went to Lake Mohave and took us out in the boat. David and his wife and two sons met us in Portland where we watched the boys compete in USA Gymnastics Regional competition. Now David is visiting at our home and doing "honey-do’s" or chores that need the masculine touch – like cleaning up the debris and hazardous waste (old paint) and replacing the deck. And he is going to be daddy-sitting for a couple of days while I go on a "retreat." Life is good and I hope you all feel the same.

I retired a little over six years ago and immediately filled my platter with activities. Now six years later, I feel like Lois Jean and I are retiring again. I finished six years as an officer of the Huntington Harbour Yacht Club (Commodore in 1999), ten years as Editor of our Gem and Mineral Society Newsletter, resigned from the Board of Directors of our Homeowner Association in Palm Desert and feel like our lives are back on track.

I have enjoyed being President of CCRFA, but am ready for someone to step up to the plate and lead the group like Oscar and Sherill did. I am proud of CCRFA. Talk to your friends who have retired from other Colleges. More than likely, they don’t have the camaraderie with their former colleagues that we have – definitely no retiree organization. Our Newsletter is highly regarded. I really enjoyed putting it together for our Spring meeting. We have an opening for an Editor, and I can tell you that as long as you follow Lela’s format, the job is a "piece of cake." We only do two newsletters each year.

We are planning to travel a little more this year with two trips to Maui, a trip to Florida (two of our daughters are competing in the Sweet Adelines International Competition in Orlando) with stops in Minneapolis, Sioux Falls (granddaughter and great-granddaughter) and Chicago (our eldest daughter and three grandchildren), a summer cruise to Coronado with members of the Yacht Club, and a two-week outing rockhounding with the Gem and Mineral Society. I also plan to teach two of my grandsons how to sail this summer with a little fishing thrown in for good measure.