cougartown.com FEEDBACK
 LET FRIENDSHIPS BEGUN
STAY TRUE TO THE END...
Name: Russ Jacobsen ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-May 3, 2011, 3:14 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1960
City & State: Kuna, ID

Message: A big happy B-day to my old bud Jim Nemish and a belated one to one of the greatest teachers and guy in the world, Harry Plotkin. Jim and I were part of what we call the magnificent 7. Meaning there were 7 of us from the class of 60 that all joined the Air Force together in Jul of 60. My brother Dave class of 58 also went with us. I'm happy to say all but one of us is still with us. HAPPY B-Day you two. MAY THE COUGAR BE WITH YOU! Jake N Jude
Hey Russ and Judi, thanks very much for helping out with the football donation and Happy Birthday Jim ! !
Name: Jim Frederick ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-May 3, 2011, 12:58 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1969
City & State: West Hills Ca,/ Hanalei HI,

Message: ... Just sent my donation in!!!! What a GREAT feeling! Were all from the "City of Good Neighbors" aren't we ? DO IT MANNN! Go Cougars!
Thanks very much for your donation, Jim and let's keep it going Cougs. We've got aways to go.
Name: Deb Beachler ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-May 3, 2011, 12:20 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Kilroy
Class: 1971
City & State: The OC

Message: Hi John, ok count me in, I sent my donation on Sunday. With a coach AND a principal that are caring and dedicated, how could I say no?? You too John, you have provided a perfect forum to facilitate 'acts of kindness', I have seen you do this for years now, if you believe in Karma, your Karma bank should be about full!! Thank you for inspiring me not to become an' old curmudgeon!! :-)
Hi Deb, Thanks very much for your donation and I've never thought of you as an old curmudgeon
Name: Judy Blomsterberg ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-May 3, 2011, 7:05 am - HHS Time
Maiden: DeGrazia
Class: 1964
City & State: Torrance CA

Message: Wonder why the "Football Donations" slowed down! Only 3,000 bucks and WE REST!?? Mom always told me, "You'll have plenty of time to rest when you're dead," and that's what I say a lot of now. I use to laugh at her back then but I'm not laughing so much anymore. Mom was right. Here's a letter I received from Coach Kanach:
I can't tell you how impressed I am with your Cougartown website. I know Hawthorne Football has struggled in the past, and I wanted to prove that I could get things turned in the right direction before I asked for help, but I didn't expect the out pouring of support, both in words and monetary, and this will make a world of difference to our boys.
Joe Kanach
Head Football Coach
Yes our donations have slowed down a bit but it's just that Cougartown folk are taking a breather. Thanks Judy for the note from Coach Joe and Coach, thanks for your dedication to our HHS Cougar football program too. I'm sure you'll get the program turned around.
Name: Chris Prewitt ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-May 2, 2011, 9:15 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1967
City & State: Fullerton, CA
No E-mail
Message: I am my parents! Are there any things that you do or say that your parents used to do? One thing my father used to say that I find myself saying is, "All of my get up and go; got up and went!
My Dad used to say, "I'll cloud up and rain all over you"
Name: Bob And Karen Fraser ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-May 2, 2011, 10:53 am - HHS Time
Class: 1960
City & State: Hawthorne, Ca
No E-mail
Message: Wanted to share this great news about the Hawthorne High School International Business Academy. (This was one of the ones Mark Newell mentioned in his post.) The Hawthorne High School International Business Academy took second place for best e-commerce website for its invention- a car seat with a cushy harness for cats- at the virtual enterprise competition in New York City. At the event, teams from 15 states and 30 countries hawked their virtual wares at the trade show. Last year the team took 4th. We would say this is quite an accomplishment for our young , up and coming Cougars. Congratulations!! Are their good things going on at HHS, we think so!
Congratulations to our HHS International Business Academy. Things are looking up in Cougarland.
Name: Janet Burkett ~~~~~~~~~~ Sun-May 1, 2011, 12:54 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Humphreys
Class: 1962
City & State: Ca
No E-mail
Message: So sorry to hear about Linda Reynold's husband Rick. What a terrible loss for another friend. You will be in my prayers Linda. Janet
So sorry to hear the news, Linda. Rick was a great guy and will be missed by many. You are in my prayers.
Name: Cal Kappen ~~~~~~~~~~ Sun-May 1, 2011, 11:26 am - HHS Time
Class: 1959
City & State: Oceanside CA

Message: Howard Duran, Can I house sit while you're gone? Have a great time!
Name: Derek Barraza ~~~~~~~~~~ Sun-May 1, 2011, 12:37 am - HHS Time
Class: 1980
City & State: Lake Forest, CA

Message: John: Economic times are tough for many. I appreciate your support for HHS and your school spirit is unquestionable. Just made a small donation to pitch-in & help. Calling on all alumni from mid-70s to mid-80s to join me. Any donation will help. Our reunion committee had discussed making a donation from any residual proceeds from the 7/30/11 Mid-70s to Mid-80s Multi-class reunion party. I'll bring this up at our next meeting to see if we can stir-up a few more bucks for our school. Yours in Cougartown, Derek '80
Hi Derek, Yes it's a tough time to give all right, but our Cougars are doing it. Thanks very much for your help, the help of your reunion committee and all our Cougartowners. It seems when it's time to step up, we do it. Some donations are large and some not so large but it all counts towards our football program. I'm very confident we'll make our $10,000 goal.
Name: Bob And Karen Fraser ~~~~~~~~~~ Sat-Apr 30, 2011, 2:54 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1960
City & State: Hawthorne, Ca
No E-mail
Message: First of all, happy birthday to our wonderful Harry Plotkin. We love you so much Harry! It was also great to see the post from Mark Newell and his update on all the positive things that are happening at HHS. There are some exciting programs happening on campus. One of my former students who I had in 4th grade and is now a senior at HHS came by to tell me about the Business Academy and the top ten placement at the New York trade show. He was so enthusiastic! Keep giving us updates Mark. We know how much you put into the students and are glad you are there. Cougs- remember to never give up on the kids- keep giving them support and guidance and they will amaze you!
Yes indeed, Hawthorne students are much MUCH more than people think. Just go by and talk to some of them. Thanks Karen and Bob
Name: Howard Paco Duran ~~~~~~~~~~ Sat-Apr 30, 2011, 1:26 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1961
City & State: Lake Forest

Message: Happy Birthday Dad!!
Hey Man, Have a great couple of weeks in Cabo and we'll see you when you get back.
Name: Susan King ~~~~~~~~~~ Sat-Apr 30, 2011, 8:04 am - HHS Time
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 1974
City & State: Thousand Oaks, CA

Message: Handsome Harry is 39 again?? He just never ages....Happiest Birthday Weekend Harry. I wish you many, happy MORE!! Love you!
Happy Birthday HARRY ! !
Name: John Baker ~~~~~~~~~~ Sat-Apr 30, 2011, 7:37 am - HHS Time
Class: 1962
City & State: Lomita
No E-mail
Message: Happy Happy Birthday to my good friend Mr. Harry Plotkin. Have a great day, Harry.
Also thanks to Judy Wudy for passing the hat at Friday Night Bingo at the VFW for another $57, AND to all of our donors for generously giving to HHS Football. We are closing in on $3000 folks but we do have a ways to go so please keep it coming.
Name: Clark Millman ~~~~~~~~~~ Fri-Apr 29, 2011, 7:28 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1976
City & State: manhattan Beach,CA

Message: Cougar sighting! The Cougar Stalker strikes again! Met Devon Sykes('89)today at Torrance memorial where he works as an orderly. My mom (Mrs. Millman who taught 1st grade at Ramona for 35 years) was having minor surgery. Devon and I had a nice chat and I didn't even have to buy him cheesecake! He was in school during the Curtis Conway, Travis Hanah era and played football and ran track for Kye Courtney. I encouraged him to come to the next cruise night as he has a couple of classic cars. We could use some new blood especially from that era! John: The Kiwanis pancake breakfast is tomorrow April 30th from 8-11 a.m at the Memorial Center!
Clark, you are amazing with these Coug Sightings. Keep them coming and I'll see you in the morning at the breakfast.
Name: Mark Newell ~~~~~~~~~~ Fri-Apr 29, 2011, 5:20 pm - HHS Time
Class: Principal
City & State: Hawthorne,Ca.

Message: Hawthorne Cougar Alumni: For those of you that don't know me, my name is Mark Newell and I have had the privilege of being the principal of your alma mater since July of 2009. It has been and continues to be an honor. Let me tell you a few things that are happening. To provide an academic focus for incoming ninth graders, Hawthorne High School has established four academies; Criminal Justice, Engineering, International Business and Visual & Performing Arts. Academies are the avenue for the future and HHS is at the forefront. In case you have not heard, and I'm not sure how that's possible, but Hawthorne High School ended a long losing streak in football this year. We are on the right track to rebuilding a program that has been down for several years. While demographics has changed, high school life has not. Students still enjoy learning, still sometimes get into trouble, but never cease to amaze us as to what they can do. Our Engineering Program is one of the best in California, our International Business Academy just competed and finished in the top ten at a trade fair in New York City and our girls softball team is playing Santa Monica next week for the league title. Please continue to stay in touch and of course you are always welcome to stop by the school. My cell phone is (323) 252-0654. Give me a call when you are in the area.
Finally a big thank you goes out to Cougartown. Stay in touch, and to all of you that are supporting football through your donations, "thank you" is not enough. We will be victorious for you. Go Cougars, Mark
Hey Mark, Thanks very much for the update on good old HHS. As for the donations, I think I can speak for our Cougartowners and say, "You are welcome". Speaking of donations, it looks like we're at about $2560, on our way to a goal of $10,000. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, this number just keeps rising. Thanks again Mark for the update and chime in here anytime.
Name: Richard Of ~~~~~~~~~~ Fri-Apr 29, 2011, 4:09 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1969
City & State: LongBeach
No E-mail
Message: Did Judy say 'raffle'? I would by a raffle ticket for a chance to win a pair of HHS home game seasons tickets. WaDaYouThink? RoLB
I think season tickets to high school football has gotta cost at least 14 dollars a year, Richard A donation would make you feel much better.
Name: Chris Prewitt ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Apr 28, 2011, 7:49 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1967
City & State: Fullerton, CA
No E-mail
Message: John, in the past we had a goal; Nyman hall chairs or Beach Boys memorial bricks. Why don't we set a goal such as the helmets. I would like to see a goal of 200 people coming up with $50. The left over money could pay for the footballs or most of the jerseys.
Great idea, Chris, I'll set something up on the Feedback page.
Name: Bob And Karen Fraser ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Apr 28, 2011, 6:23 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1960
City & State: Hawthorne, Ca.
No E-mail
Message: Hey John, Our donation is in the mail too. The team will be holding other fundraisers from what I understand. They are in dire straits. The booster club is going again and I know one of the moms who is heading it up. When I told her the alumni would be proud to help out she got tears in her eyes. Yes, our schools are a mess but that doesn't mean we give up on our kids. There are some very dedicated people out there who do the best they can under horrible circumstances. Principal Newell is another great guy who puts in all he's got too. We have helped out before, let's do it again.
Hi B & K, Thanks very much for your donation and thanks have to go out to all, in Hawthorne, trying desperately to keep our football team on the field. It's amazing how a grass roots movement can take hold and really start to snowball.
Name: Clark Millman ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Apr 28, 2011, 4:58 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1976
City & State: Manhattan Beach,CA

Message: John: You've got the ball rolling now, I hear lots of loyal alumnae with great ideas and open checkbooks to help the program. I'd like coach Joe to tell us specifically what the kids are doing! This is late April and they have over three months until "hell week" practices start. Shoot I'll be at the Hawthorne Kiwanis pancake breakfast this Saturday and a number of alumnae will be flipping pancakes for the good of the community. What are the kids doing? Greg Jones is right, these kids need to get committed and start hustling! The alumnae should be giving the kids a "hand" and not a"handout".
Clark, Coach Joe has an open door policy and his email address is right there on the Coach's Letter page. If I were you I'd ask him. Pancakes Saturday.... Where?
Name: Judy Blomsterberg ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Apr 28, 2011, 4:36 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: DeGrazia
Class: 1964
City & State: Torrance CA

Message: Money makes the world go 'round! Sid, The Grand Pooh-bah Jan Blomsterberg ( & the next Haw VFW Commander) is going to make a donation from the VFW Bingo program to the HHS football cause of $ 500.00. In addition, I'll motion that my Ladies Auxiliary donate as well. I'm willing to donate my proceeds from my next VFW raffle. Our own Haw Jr. ROTC is most generous to the VFW with donating their time and talents, what great kids they are. Hopefully this will stir up some of generosity. It would be a shame if these young people didn't have the same fun as we. How very sad that some kids wouldn't get a chance to pee in the sink at the games and we all know that kids that want to play high school football just should. Oh, in late June and early July, in return Jan will expect anyone that lives within 30 miles of Hawthorne to come to the VFW firework booth on Haw blvd and El Segundo in the Albertson's parking lot. The Grand Pooh-Battah -- Judywudy and don't you put an ugly picture of us in CT!!!
That'll never happen again Judy, Thanks very much to the VFW for their generous support in donating to HHS football. I will definitely get my Brass Balls from Janny on the 4th. AND thanks to you for the Raffle help too. Please don't Rig the Raffle, Judy.
Name: Steve Bunch ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Apr 28, 2011, 3:58 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1971
City & State: Alta Loma, Ca

Message: Talking about old cars brought up an idea for a fund raiser for the team. Maybe a car show for all of us old Cougars. Maybe they could utilize the school parking lot. Entry fee of $25....hot dogs, sodas etc. I know there are alot of us old Cougs with classic cars who would like to return to the old school for an afternoon.
Now you're thinking Steve. Another good way to raise some badly needed funds.
Name: Sharon Branigan ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Apr 28, 2011, 3:47 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 1976
City & State: San Clemente, CA

Message: In this questionable economy it's understandable that folks are wary of sending a donation that they feel won't be used properly or appreciated. Just think of your taxes if you want to think of abuse of funds. But I have so many wonderful memories of my 4 years at Hawthorne High that I can't help but wish the same for today's students. I am sending my donation tomorrow, straight from my allowance. Yes, I have an allowance. That and a careful budget allow me to be a home-based executive assistant to my hubs who works his butt off so I can have this life of luxury! So here's to Coach Joe, and John Baker who is biting his tongue with grace and aplomb. Hey, I rhymed! Top that, CTers, and send in a donation, even if it's $5, it all adds up, and your alma mater needs you!
Thank you Sharon darlin' for your generous donation to our Cougar nation. Hey, I rhymed too
Name: Barbara Duran ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Apr 28, 2011, 2:46 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1972
City & State: el segundo

Message: Poor John, I bet you're sorry you brought this up...huh?
Hi Barb, It's nice to get other peoples perspective on this situation and it helps them vent too
Name: Gary Bickers ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Apr 28, 2011, 2:02 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1963
City & State: PVE CAL

Message: John, I promise your check is in the mail. That said just a couple of other football fund raiser stories:
1) I attended the last two years of Mira Costa Golf dinners put on by the parents. They got $78,000.00 in two years.
2) John you have car night at Foster's. Get the football team down there washing cars. I have never been to a car night but I'll bring my old Corvette and pay them $50.00 to wash it.
3) I think the coach should contact George Rea, class of '62. George might be the best promoter to come out of HHS. I shouldn't volunteer him but if coach contacted him the money would start rolling in.
Welll. . . . . . speaking as a car guy, some of these chromed up spotless roadsters shouldn't be touched let alone washed by amateurs Thanks again Gar'.

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