`We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts not breaths;

In feelings, not in figures on a dial.

We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives

Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.

--Philip James Bailey

TAPS FROM THE GAVEL Jon Fults

2002 has produced a bumper crop of retirees: Tom Jackson, Ina Zive, Nancy Kelly, Jim Kenny, Gretchen Hoad, Bonnie Ideal, Bill Evans, Connie Bayer, Joan Licari, and Sandy Conover. Many have joined CCRFA and we look forward to their active participation in our events.

Speaking of events, our summer barbecue was held in Huntington Harbour and to my amazement no one fell in the swimming pool. W all had a wonderful time and no one left hungry. Bob and Norma Harrington drove down from Utah and new retirees Jim Kenny, Nancy Kelly, Joan Licari and Tom Jackson were in attendance. Pictures from the barbecue are posted on our web page.

We continue to maintain our CCRFA web page on the Cerritos.edu site. It’s a nice spot for current faculty to visit and learn what we are doing and it is also the place to visit to report any type of change of address, telephone number or E-mail address.

We continue to look for: Lois Barclay, Melvin Brady, Elvidio Bufalini, Abundio Elias and Bill Fenner. If you know how they can be reached, please let me know.

Your Board will be meeting soon to plan activities for 2003. If your backyard is available for a Spring or Summer get-together, please let us know. Ideas for new events are also solicited.

JULIETTE L. VENITSKY – Lakewood, CA

A special "hello" to all my friends at CCRFA. I think of many of you and wish I was physically able to attend the luncheon and greet you in person. And, thanks to all the officers who keep the organization going.

(Ed’s. note: She added a personal note saying, "I wish I had something more interesting to say—but my medical conditions keep me confined to home (no activities except doctor visits).—Isn’t that boring?" I’m sure a few cards and telephone calls from her former Cerritos colleagues would brighten her day.)

TONY RODRIGUEZ – Seal Beach, CA

Sandra and I had a wonderful year. Returned to our favorite beach on the North Shore of Oahu to celebrate our third anniversary and our August birthdays. Sandra pretends she is retired, but sadly has gone back to work. Her son is a senior at Reed College in Portland, Oregon $$$$$. Tony, the lucky retired one, enjoys his time reading, spending time with his kids and grandkids, billiards, poker nights, ($$$) and beer busts, and taking care of the house (he does a great job!). We are looking forward to the holidays, spring, summer, and our 4^th anniversary on that beach. Good Wishes to everyone.

GENE STAGNER – Sun City, CA

I won’t be able to attend the meeting. I am currently under contract and teaching for Multi-Training Systems. I am teaching employees of the Daimler Chrysler Plant about Generac Power Washers. I teach two 3-hour classes, once a week for eight weeks.

This summer we had a fun trip up to Bass Lake and to Yosemite. From there on up to Oregon; came back down the coast and through the Redwoods.

ALLAN BOODNICK – Los Angeles, CA

No new news. Best to all. (Ed. Thanks Allan. At least we know you are alive and as active as ever.)

ARLENE MYERS - Brea, CA

Visited Hawaii this spring. Spent our time in our favorite "haunts" in Waikiki. Joined some relatives on a 7-day cruise to Mexico. The day we returned, I flew to Philadelphia where our granddaughter had just completed her internship with a marketing firm. She and I drove back from there to Oregon and arrived just two days before her graduation from Willamette University. Two weeks later we were back up in Oregon to see our grandson graduate from high school. Following that we attended a family weekend at St. Marys College in Moraga where our grandson won his athletic/academic scholarship. We are thrilled to have our granddaughter move to California to attend Cal State Fullerton to work on her masters.

The first two weeks of October saw us back in Hawaii. I still volunteer at St. Jude Hospital, coordinate the exercise classes in our mobile home park, and serve as assistant photographer for our social club in the park. Hope everyone has a healthy, happy end of the year.

KEITH ADAMS – Palm Desert, CA

Again Joyce and I regret that we cannot share time with you at the retired faculty luncheon. We had planned to attend as there are so many people in the association and on campus that we wanted to see. However, some of the work in which I am now involved has provided us an opportunity to travel to the east coast in late October. In addition to the work aspect of the trip we are hoping for a view of the fall colors. Joyce and I have made the fall colors trip three times and have seen only falling leaves.

In addition to the trip to the east coast Joyce and I returned in early October from a two-week trip to Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. The primary reason for making this trip was to attend my 50^th high school class reunion in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. It was an interesting venture. I was one of two people that had never been to a class reunion since high school graduation. The Ohio and Michigan portion of our trip was spent with relatives.

We are now past the "very warm" time here in the desert and we are looking forward to the mid-winter temperatures. Golf, personal activities, and the activities here in our new home in Sun City, Palm Desert will keep us busy. As always we would welcome your visit if you are coming our way. Take care and stay well.

BOBBIE CARLSON - Pasadena, CA

I’m a psychologist in private practice in Pasadena. I am also Clinical Director of the Trauma Recovery Program at Las Encinas Hospital as well as Director of Internship Training.

I recently had a wonderful time at a Creativity & Madness Conference during which we traveled throughout China. I even climbed The Great Wall.

I lost my husband, Doug, a year and a half ago after 53 years of marriage. My son, Matthew, is a writer, producer, creator of Sit-coms and my son, Eric, is studying to be a drug and alcohol counselor. I also recently became a great-grandmother.

CONNIE BAYER – Cypress

Retired July 5, 2002. (Ed. note: Thanks for responding Connie. Next time maybe you will be able to let us know about your travels, interests, and/or activities.

DON LAYTON – Fallbrook, CA

Not much happening within the 30-ft. range of my oxygen tubing. I’m ignoring hospital visits. The one big happening was receiving a unique honor. The Fallbrook Mineral and Gem Society has initiated an annual scholarship award for our local Palomar Communitiy College and named it, THE DON LAYTON AWARD! So, $500 will be available each year for a Geology or Earth Science Major. It was a real surprise since I had no knowledge that my efforts two years ago were successful until it was awarded this month. (Ed. I’m right again! I have said many times Cerritos College acquired the best and brightest educators. Don, I imagine you would be even more surprised to hear how many of your past students have been influenced (in a positive way) through your teachings.

CHARLES TILGHMAN - Pasadena, CA

Ten years (an change) after leaving Cerritos, I am still living in Pasadena and assiduously avoiding anything resembling work. I sold my house on the Arroyo Seco a couple of years ago and now live in a townhouse in the center of town, just north of CalTech and Pasadena City College, where once again I am experiencing the joys of home ownership, better known as "home-improvement hell".

I have made myself more or less useful by serving on governing boards of the Pasadena Arts Council, the Children’s Center for the Arts, and the Pasadena Arts League (the only current membership). The Arts League provides a variety of educational experiences (but I still haven’t a clue about late 20^th-century art), as well as social activities. Being vice-president of that board gives me an interesting variety of tasks.

There has been less travel than I anticipated, but I do get around a bit. In the spring I was in London again for eight days of theatre, then in Boston for a brief look at the usual tourist sites, including an interesting day in Salem. I visited Washington, D.C., twice, the second time in September after the death of my father. I have plans for cruise of the Caribbean early next year and a trip to Paris, probably in late spring.

Otherwise, it’s just life, doing what can be done to keep the old machine running satisfactorily and still having reasons to do so.

LELA POWERS – Fullerton, CA

My current project is "lightening" up my home by having people in to paint the darkness away. It seems strange to have someone besides Willard in the house. He used to do everything. I visit him nearly every day. He can sit in a wheelchair two hours a day at lunchtime so that’s when I try to be there. He still greets me with a big smile at times and it makes it all worthwhile. Thanks to a few dear friends I get to go out to lunch once in a while. Oh yes—one big thing I’m doing is taking a class in Basic Computer Skills. It is through CLE (Continued Learning Experience) at Cal State Fullerton. There is so much to learn. So far all I’ve been doing is a little e-mail, and not doing very well at that. K But soon I will be better—I hope.

DON HALL – Scotts Valley, CA

We are still living in Scotts Valley and playing golf at Pasatiempo. Don’t know where the time goes but we keep busy with lots to do.

Grandkids are in college in Idaho. Grandson Koneg(?) is attending Bosse State on a full five-year scholarship.

Hope you have a successful luncheon and my best to all of my fellow retirees.

LOUIS WILSON – Bakersfield, CA

In May Gladys and I took a 6,000 mile drive to the East Coast. We visited family and friends in Maryland and on the return leg we stopped off in my homeland of Oklahoma.

We have been living in lovely Bakersfield, CA for the past 3 years –nearer to family. We are enjoying occasional "baby sitting" with two of our three great-grandchildren. My golf game has improved in my older years, but still plenty of room for more improvement.

We are both actively involved in our church; in teaching and missionary activities. God has been very good to us; beautiful family, good health, worthwhile activities, lots of readings, and many good friends.

JOAN LICARI – Hacienda Heights, CA

The first year of retirement for my husband, Jerry, and I was great. We both retired at the same time. I did end up teaching one class of Earth Science at Cal State L.A. for two quarters—a nice transition from full time work. In April, during Spring break, we traveled with my daughter and 2 grandkids to Hawaii (paradise) for 10 days and then to Florida for a shuttle launch (cancelled at the last minute).

The highlight of the travel year, however, was a 9,800 camping trip all the way to the North Slope of Alaska to dip our toes in the Arctic Sea. Along the way we saw Prudhoe Bay, black and grizzly bears, glaciers, migrating salmon, incredible geology, Denali, and the midnight sun (it never set in 24 hours). We even were fortunate too encounter a wild wolf right along the side of the road. What a thrill! Seeing the North Slope oil fields and the Alaska pipeline was of also of interest to two geologists.

Now we are home for a while. I have been kept busy golfing and working with a Sierra Club task force to create a new urban park along the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo rivers.

However, we are finding that all the jobs around the house we put off for retirement, we now we really don’t want to take the time to do! There are much more interesting things to go see and enjoy out and about.

BOB HINCHBERGHER – Cathedral City, CA

Here in the Coachella Valley there are some indications that the summer has finally began to subside. The nights are pleasant although the temperatures varies between 85-100 degrees during the day

My routine seems to stay about the same. I continue to volunteer with the Riverside County Probation Department. Than make an attempt to spend some time each week with the San Jacinto State Park at the top of the tram. During the summer it was very pleasant to be at 8,500 feet with the temperatures in the valley below between 110-115 F.

Also among other projects, I volunteer at a parochial elementary school in a HeadStart program and tutor lower grade students. In addition I am serving on a committee to establish a parochial high school here in the Coachella Valley. We are making progress although it is a long drawn out process, e.g. , environmental factors, purchasing land, raising fund, and other considerations.

Finally, I am looking forward to a beautiful winter and playing golf when the temperatures are well below the 100’s. My best to all.

RHEA BLACK – Long Beach, CA

October has been a busy month. Went on a cruise to Canada, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, leaving from Boston. Had a dinner for Connie Bayer at the house for the P.E. Dept. to welcome her into retirement. I am still teaching M/W afternoon’s in the Fitness Lab. Come by for a stretch or workout.

JOHN DOWDEN – Irvine, CA

I have begun teaching at slave wages (I’m now an "adjunct", i.e. part-timer) for Irvine Valley College at the Tustin Senior Center. My class, a group of a dozen or so ladies and one gentleman, meets on Wednesday afternoon for 2 or 3 hours of poetry, short fiction, and drama. The most frequent literature question, "When are we going to read/see/hear something that doesn’t concern death or dying?" They have been promised a comedy—"Tartuffs".

Still bragging on my grandson who was Ventura County’s "Player of the Year" as a junior. He’s currently visiting 4 U.C. schools; saw San Jose State and New Mexico State all of whom are actively recruiting him for their respective golf programs.

Me? I am still trying to break 85 again. I follow the horses on my too slow computer, and I continue to court a Huntington Beach Widow—even to the extent of attending Sunday Mass every week!! (Ed. note: John, if it’s the widow I met, she is a "winner".)

JOAN HUFFMAN – Placentia, CA

KATHLEEN MCDANNEL – La Mirada, CA – in collaboration with a ghost writer.

On August 19 I had a left knee replacement. The surgeon was so impressed with my recovery that he has scheduled November 6 for a total replacement of my right knee. Between the expertise of the surgeon, the attention of the hospital staff, and the loving care of my daughter Maureen what could have turned out to be a painful nightmare, turned into a period of very little pain and a quick recovery. I’m so confident about the outcome of the right knee that I am asking you now to visit with me on March 17 and I will do an "Irish Jig" for you.

JON FULTS – Huntington Beach, CA

Since our Spring meeting we have been to Maui twice and also took a late June trip to Nevada and Utah. The purpose was mineral and fossil collection. We found some nice topaz crystals at Topaz Mountain, Dugway geodes, and also trilobyte fossils – all in Utah. We also managed to squeeze in a sailing trip to Catalina and some very productive fishing trips.

(Ed. note: Although Jon alluded briefly to the summer barbecue he and Lois hosted for the CCRFA members, I would like to add I feel sorry for those who could not attend. The companionship was stimulating, the food delicious, and I came away with one of Jon’s very beautiful rock specimens. Again, "thank you" Jon and Lois.)

LEE WESTERLIN – Norwalk, CA

We had a very quiet summer, if you could classify having grandchildren over and making monthly visits to Visalia to visit with my parents "quiet". We did get out of the rut when we attended a family wedding in Phoenix, AZ the beginning of this month. (When I was told the wedding cost the bride’s father $30,000 I once again added another item to my list of the benefits of having four sons and no daughters.) While in the vicinity (150 miles away) we toured the Karchtner Caves which the L.A. Times listed as one of the 6 most spectacular caves in the United States. The Park Ranger stated it was listed in the World’s 10 most important caves. If you are interested in geology, the cave is really a must. If you are interested in how one state invests its money in its park system, you will find the Park especially interesting.

Finally, I recently received a Blue Mountain card, via e-mail, and I would like to send the message on to you.

To my Cerritos College Friends and Colleagues

Thanks for talking to me, making me laugh,

Understanding, listening, helping me

See things in a different light and

Mostly just being there for me.

And now—a thought Sophia Loren offered a few years ago.

There is a FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

It is your mind, your talents,

The creativity you bring to your life

And the lives of people you love.

When you learn to tap this source,