Name: Jill McFarlane () on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 13:48:50
Class: 1977
City and State: Sad & Distraught
Message: Dear Family, Today is indeed a very tragic day. The World Trade Center is gone, and hopefully from the ashes we can all learn how precious life is, and to hold onto those close to you. My heart goes out to all the families that have lost a loved one in this senseless destruction of America. Our lives as Americans have changed now. I would like to urge all Cougars, if they are in a position to do so to please donate blood. I will be doing just that later today. Take care and God Bless.

Name: Gina Black Peck () on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 13:14:04
E-Mail: gina_peck@yahoo.com
Maiden: Black
Class: 80
City and State: Los Angeles, CA
Message: Hi Cougs! I need some help for my niece (daughter of Mary Black HHS '77). Her classroom is having a contest to collect as many U.S. postmarks as possible. If you can, please send her an envelope,in the next couple of days, there doesn't have to have anything inside. Please send to:
Miss Kelsey Hanzlik
6245 Tollgate Road
Zionsville, PA 18092
She especially needs envelopes from the west (west of PA) and Hawaii. Thank you all, in advance. She is very excited about the contest and it would be nice if the little Cougarlette could get a pile of envelopes!!

Name: Mike Backus () on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 12:05:53
Class: '74
Message: Tragedy has an unfortunate way of impressing itself deeply on the people who experience it. Almost all of us who are 45 or over remember JFK's assassination. What most of us remember were shaken, grief struck adults. Normally stoic fathers and brave mothers crying over some event that we as children could not fully understand. As sad and deeply disturbing as these events are, they bind us together in our time as much as the moments of pleasure. We are fortunate to have each other when tragedy strikes. Take a break from the news today and think about your family and friends. Keep the faith, Cougs.
Along with family, think about those "bastards" who're going to EAT a couple dozen Cruise Missiles.

Name: Myrna () on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 12:01:04
E-Mail: mybizz@onemain.com
Maiden: Bell
Class: 66
Message: I'm glad you're back John - somehow I hope the prayers and best wishes of all of Cougartown will help for peace and comfort in our country.

Name: Maurine White () on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 11:46:38
E-Mail: maurinekwhite@hotmail.com
Maiden: Endicott
Class: 59
City and State: HB
Message: What a day!! Events for my day have been cancelled as we all stay home and watch the news unfold on the East coast and hope these sickening people responsible have no plans for the West coast!! I can't help thinking of all the lives these tragic events have touched. Several items on recent feedback were in my life too. I went to York for kindergarten and most of first grade before moving to the Ramona neighborhood. My kindergarten class met in the "auditorium" type room with a stage and a cloak room. That ONE year I was very shy and hid out in the cloak room whenever I could. The teacher encouraged my mother to talk to me about talking a little more, and they haven't been able to shut me up since! I can't believe they felt it necessary to bulldoze the school! Regarding TV appearances, Mike Hunter and I went to the dance show our school was featured on one day our senior year and we got a lot of camera time--now I can't even remember who the host was! That itsy, bitsy feeling of celebrity for the day was sure fun! I didn't find Mike Backus' emergency site. Oh!!! The withdrawals!! This site is really addictive and a necessary part of my day. Glad you are up and running, John.
Yeah well brace yourself for a little more downtime. Tomorrow I take it back to the shop as I can't make certain items work. I think it'll be down for just the day, so bulk up today Cougs.

Name: Dave Krikac () on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 10:49:26
E-Mail: dadkrikac@aol.com
Class: 1976
City and State: Franklin,TN
Message: Just a quick note in case any Cougars are stuck in Nashville and can't get home, you can stay with us. Drop me a email at dadkrikac@aol.com
Pray for our Nation......
Although this is a horrible day for Americans, we WILL survive this tragedy. When the dust clears, "The Prayers" will be needed elsewhere......

Name: Elizabeth Castanon () on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 07:18:30
E-Mail: lizcastanon6@hotmail.com
Maiden: Cary
Class: 1973
City and State: Amarillo TX
Message: Hi Cougs, my thanks go to Mike as well for standing in with the temporary site...it allowed for some temporary amusement and helped appease the hunger!!! Yet, I sure am glad your back, John. Now we eastsiders have to come up with a claim to fame...I got a 5 second spot on the "box office smash" THANK GOD ITS FRIDAY, major disco movie of the 80's, the camera just caught me dancing on the edge of the floor near the mirrors. It was hard for me to turn down all of the contract offers that followed but...cougs have a great one..bye for now, LIZ

Name: Millie Roberts () on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 00:55:48
E-Mail: snooks41@email.com
Maiden: Roberts
Class: 1958
City and State: Paso Robles, CA
Message: So glad you are up and running again, John! My computer and email-box, also, was almost in tilt with all the chatter! I was working and didn't catch it til today, it had nearly 300 new, in there, it took me hours . . . But, I feel loved by all my fellow cougars, you are all certainly in my thoughts, and when I'm idle, I too can go a little crazy. I guess we are all 'hooked' on our chatter and gossip, it's wonderful and keeps us young and in touch with each other.
Thanks Millie.....

Name: JIM SLOEY () on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 00:28:44
E-Mail:ifievergetsenttotheprincipals officeAGAINiwanttogowithhoodandbackus.com
Class: 66
City and State: RB,CA
Message: Sharon, MCWHRM, Hooey enterprises [that's Hood/Sloey] has not approved the awarding of any further princes but with Backus we are real close just waiting for Hoody's vote. Did you guys know that Backus' dad was the voice for Mr. MaGoo and of course was Thurston Howell? WALTER, I HAD 108 EMAILS THIS MORNING ALL WHOLT RECEIPTS! I guess this gives new fodder for the old saying, What goes around comes around.

Name: Mike Backus () on Monday, September 10, 2001 at 23:43:32
Maiden: Hooey
Class: '74
Message: I was on the Billy Barty Show in 1966 when I was 10 years old. I thought it was great to be taller than an adult (okay, so he was a midget). I asked a friend to video tape the program for me but he said, "You dope! VCRs won't be invented for at least another ten years!"

Name: Sharon Branigan () on Monday, September 10, 2001 at 22:33:46
E-Mail: srbranigan.srb@verizon.net
Message: Bob Melendrez, Don Grady is a friend of mine. He said he always wondered what happened to you. Mystery finally solved!

Name: Greg Jones () on Monday, September 10, 2001 at 20:08:36
E-Mail: gjones1052@aol.com
Class: 1973
City and State: Hawthorne, CA
Message: What the............damn computer

Name: Walter Holt () on Monday, September 10, 2001 at 19:25:29
Class: 66
City and State: Orange, CA
Message: WB JB...good to have you back...We all got spammed on friday 99 emails most I've ever got in one Day. Especially with having to receipt all of Sloey's. Well all the chatter from other Cougs getting on TV, I was on Peoples Court back in the 80's & somewhere in the Woodstock movie....Does that count? Any way nice to have Cougartown back again....Peace & BE A COUG.
Peoples Court??!! Whatever happened to Doug Llewellyn anyway??

Name: Greg Jones () on Monday, September 10, 2001 at 18:20:52
E-Mail: gjones1052@aol.com
Class: 1973
City and State: HAwthorne, CA
Message: John: Hope you are okay. There haven't been any posts since 9-5 (at least not on my computer). I figured you've been either sick or out of town or my computer ain't computing. If you've been ill get well soon and if you've been out of town hurry back.
Hi Greg, I guess by now you've seen the news. Thanks for the nice thoughts.....

Name: Sharon () on Monday, September 10, 2001 at 17:56:41
E-Mail: hawthornehigh66@aol.com
Maiden: Moore
Class: 1966
City and State: Long Beach, Ca
Message: Hello John. Good to have you back. Although, I must say everyone stayed pretty active thanks to Mike Bakus. Thanks prince Mike.
Now about this TV stuff. I too was on T.V. The Price is Right in 1984. Won over $4500 in merchandise and got a hug and a kiss from good old Bob Barker. I still have the video tape that a friend of mine taped for me. Guess that was my 15 minutes. Again, John, good to have you back.
Hi Sharon, I think everyone got a sloppy wet one from Bob. Hope you washed it off good when you got home.

Name: JIM SLOEY () on Monday, September 10, 2001 at 16:53:02
E-Mail: itsonlyfunnyifyoulaughatittwice.com
Maiden: BACKUS
Class: 66
City and State: REDONDO BEACH, CA
Message: You know this site is ok but if you really want the truth http://www.backusstudio.com/cougartown/index.html except that they want to "do" cheesecake not chili-dogs, not that I would show up for either, but if I were it would be the later not the former. Welcome back kotter! Mike asked me what the legal ramifications would be if he left his site up [note it had no replies or smiley faces] and continued with feedback, emergency style. I advised him to seek counsel from Mike Love's old school's site. See ya Monday at 6:00 am!
Very funny.....actually the Dorsey website is now sitting there with no one to run it.....AMATEURS!!!

Name: Mike Backus () on Monday, September 10, 2001 at 16:51:24
E-Mail: michael@backusstudio.com
Maiden: kingcougarsstuntdouble
Class: '74
City and State: Eugene, OR
Message: Welcome back John! As much as we missed having the REAL Cougartown ( not realcougartown.com, Jim! ) to check into, your absence showed us how dependent we've all become on CT. On the Friday after you disappeared, many CTers reported mailboxes crammed with over 100 e-mail. Everyone was panicking. It was like having your clubhouse burn down! Thanks for taking my temporary page the right way (it's down now, by the way). I was nervous trying to fill in for "King Cougar". Big shoes. One last thing; York Elementary School was remodeled the same way that the Hawthorne Mall remodeled the Plaza Theater. I saw not one remaining feature, not even the location of the buildings. Glad you're back, Big Guy!
Yeah, it was like a long dream. You really take all this for granted until you stand to lose it all. I've got EVERYTHING on this machine. I couldn't even call people because their phone numbers were on it too. I WILL make some changes as to how I keep some things.
Thanks Mike for coming up with the alternate feedback page, and to all for hanging in there until now.
P.S. I went to York in Kindergarten too.

Name: Alan Nelson () on Monday, September 10, 2001 at 15:40:35
E-Mail: boatcop@boatcop.com
Class: '73
City and State: Parker, Az
Message: I almost got my 15 minutes of fame and a chance to plug CT on a major TV show, this past weekend. I attended the taping of "Who's Line is it Anyway?" and even wore my CT T-shirt, in the off chance that I might get it on camera. But alas, we were some of the last people to get in, and were stuck in the corner out of camera angle. Besides that, the producers hand picked the people to sit behind Drew and get the most camera op. Funny, but there wasn't anyone selected that looked over 25. I'm considering a class action, age discrimination suit. (If I can only remember why I would be suing them.)
Thanks for trying anyway, Alan......

Name: Doris () on Monday, September 10, 2001 at 15:34:28
E-Mail: raydori@micron.net
Maiden: Donaldson
Class: '57
City and State: Twin Falls, Idaho
Message: WELCOME BACK JOHN!!!! Poor guy! Maybe you needed that little rest anyway, after the Prom and all, but you were sorely missed. Yes! A definite BIG thank you to Mike Backus for the emergency page! Lord! I thought I was getting sick again, until I discovered that Backus had covered for you, John, then I felt a lot better, because there was some extremely important and informative feedback yesterday. And if you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you! hehe! GAWD! I DO LOVE COUGARS! GREAT SENSES OF HUMOR were born at good old HHS! What GREAT (and inexpensive) entertainment!
Again, glad to have you back John.
Hi Doris, Glad to be back....thanks again Mike.

Name: Don Di Tomasso () on Monday, September 10, 2001 at 15:29:20
E-Mail: dond@ix.netcom.com
Maiden: N/A
Class: 75
City and State: Lawndale, CA
Message: Glad to see your site is back up again, John. I'm sure many went through message board withdrawls. Mike Backus acted quickly to back you up. (Mike, I hope you can think clearly now after experiencing deluge of verbal proliferation.)
Again, good to see you back, John...and Mike...thanks for providing an temporary alternative...
Thanks Don, Seems like months since I put up feedback.

Name: JESSICA () on Monday, September 10, 2001 at 14:30:42
Class: 2001
City and State: HAWTHORNE CA.
Message: WE NEED TO PUT UP SOME INFORMATION OF THE CLASSES THAT JUST GRADUATED

Name: Richard (Dick) Huston () on Friday, September 7, 2001 at 13:51:06
E-Mail: rlhuston@msn.com
Class: 1954
City and State: Hamilton, MT.
Message: Any plans for 50 year reunion for the Class of '54 ?
Hi Dick, Nothing so far. Check back about February 2004.

Name: Elizabeth Castanon () on Friday, September 7, 2001 at 06:47:38
E-Mail: lizcastanon6@hotmail.com
Maiden: Cary
Class: 1973
City and State: Amarillo TX
Message: I had been reading about how York Schools classic campus has been transformed. I went to York from kindergarden all the way through. My fondest and most comforting memories were from that era in my life, and it saddens me that now that is all I have is the memories of that great school...first they take Hollys away, and now my school..Is there any kind of Historical preservation group out there to attempt to stop some of this slaughter to our communities great past? I know I live far away but I can right letters and make phone calls if there is anything I can do to help..please update if you can..LIZ
Liz, I think they just upgraded York School, they didn't tear it down. And speaking of Hollys, I just received a 1957 Hollys menu from Mike Collins. Thanks Mike and when I get this computer back together, I'll put it on the Hollys hangout page.

Name: Michael Burt () on Friday, September 7, 2001 at 02:06:21
E-Mail: burtmichael@netscape.net
Class: 1976
City and State: Riverside, CA
Message: I thought I was the only one that noticed that Hawthorne looks like a war zone, but judging from some of the comments here, that's not true. Has anyone checked out the great multistoried Hawthorne mall, first of its kind? I remember how pissed off I was when they removed a perfectly good park at 126th Street and put in that damn thing. Now it looks like the set on "Escape From New York". And it was truly a stroke of planning genius to mix up aerospace plants, railyards, factory stores, chemical manufacturers, multiunit dwellings and single-family homes in the mishmash you find in Hawthorne neighborhoods. Check out the area where I used to live bounded by Yukon Avenue on the east, what used to be called Broadway on the north, El Segundo Blvd. on the south and Doty Avenue on the west. What a dump! Sorry to sound so negative, but I had to say something.

Name: Laura Porter () on Thursday, September 6, 2001 at 19:07:55
E-Mail: dsnycrw@ivic.net
Maiden: Twitchell
Class: 79
City and State: Hemet, CA
Message: I know you guys just did a great job with the prom and deserve a good break....but is anything happening for Homecoming???
Hi Laura, No, nothing is planned this year. WAAAYY to much Prom Prep. Hey, we're really old and out of gas. NEXT year.......

Name: Jill McFarlane () on Thursday, September 6, 2001 at 17:14:49
Class: 1977
Message: I have more information in regards to my earlier post. I have confirmed that the Cougar Cheerleaders in 1977 did indeed do a routine to "Be True to your School" It was televised nationwide. So there you have it.

Name: Bob Melendrez () on Thursday, September 6, 2001 at 16:36:58
E-Mail: Strongheart@pacificwest.com
Class: 1971
City and State: Ocala, FL
Message: Wow, Mr. Baker and Mr. Jones appear to be the KINGS of prime time TV! 8^) Well, here's my tiny tale of television trauma: Back in 1961 my cub-scout pack (#917) was invited to participate on the "Video Village" show. Being 8 at the time, I was convinced that this would be my "break" into show business. I mean, really, I had been learning piano since age 4, and had just begun drum lessons, so it was a no-brainer, right? Somehow out of those 60+ boys all dressed alike in blue shirts, pants, caps, and yellow neckerchiefs, some network exec would somehow spot me as the next Jon Provost or Jay North, right? (Trivia question material here). In my mind it was a done deal. And, as the big day approached, my dreams flew ever higher and with more certainty. I'd co-star with Angela Cartwright, guest on Leave It To Beaver, I'd be a distant cousin on My Three Sons. Man, it was wonderful! Only three days left, but where is this sore throat coming from? Oh geez, feeling kinda warm, better lie down for awhile... Well, it was the mumps. Missed the show, missed what I was convinced was my destiny, no more Angela, forget Wally and the Beav, later Chip... But hey, not a bad deal in the end, I got to miss 2 weeks of school too! 8^) Have a great weekend, Cougs!

Name: JIM SLOEY () on Thursday, September 6, 2001 at 14:48:30
E-Mail: thenalongcamejones.com
Class: 66
City and State: REDONDO BEACH, CA
Message: Keith you were owned by a gay guy? And you are telling everyone? Did you ever get your head out of the bike rack?

Name: Jill McFarlane () on Thursday, September 6, 2001 at 13:19:19
Class: 1977
City and State: Mission Viejo
Message: Talking about Hawthorne High being used in Hollywood, I seem to remember that our own Cheerleading squad was used by the Beach Boys in 1977 for some kind of TV special. I was not a cheerleader, but my sister Sandra Bell was, and I recall her talking about it. If anyone else can corroberate my story, please chime in. Please confirm I am not going senile in my 40's.
Thanks Cougs and Cougarettes!

Name: Doris () on Thursday, September 6, 2001 at 10:46:45
Maiden: Donaldson
Message: I was on TV once ... all of me. I accidentally SAT on it. Danged TV never WAS the same again!

Name: Keith D. Jones () on Wednesday, September 5, 2001 at 22:31:13
E-Mail: cmi50@yahoo.com
Class: 76
City and State: Honolulu, HI
Message: Back in 1988 when I appeared on an episode of Dynasty I was the co-captain of the football team the gay guy owned on the show (forgot his name). When I went into wardrobe for my fitting the guy in charge was talking to someone about where he was going to get the opposing teams uniforms. He wanted to use red and gold for the colors. I told him that my high school uniforms were scarlet and gold. Long story short, I got him the number to HHS and I guess they worked something out and we used the HHS uniforms for the show. If I remember right the school made $1400 also for the rental of the uniforms. So, HHS is making it's dent in Hollywood.
I was on Playcrafters Club once.

Name: Maurine White () on Wednesday, September 5, 2001 at 21:57:29
E-Mail: maurinekwhite@hotmail.com
Maiden: Endicott
Class: 59
City and State: HB
Message: Glad you're back John!! You were missed. Glad to hear you had a nice break. I can't get over the episode of "Will & Grace" either. Hawthorne must have several connections in Hollywood as references crop all the time. Also must say to Paco, "You Rock!!!" Love the music with the Prom pictures. What a fun night. Look forward to cruise night and hope to be there.
Thanks Maurine, I know Hawthorne has a few people in the business. Must've been someone that knew it'd get a rise out of us. If you're out there, please show yourself.

Name: Maureen 'Mo' Trott () on Wednesday, September 5, 2001 at 21:47:13
E-Mail: MoMo90250@aol.com
Maiden: Trott
Class: 1964
City and State: Hawthorne, CA
Message: I thought someone would have written in about this, but no one has. Vera " Frankie" Eyers passed away on August 29th at the age of 93. In June, Hawthorne High named it's music center in honor of her. For anyone interested, Funeral services will be September 8th at 2 PM at Centinela Bible Church, 4475 W. 137th St., in Hawthorne. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the Hawthorne High Band Fund, 4859 El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250. She probably has her own band upstairs now to take care of.
Thanks Mo, She'll be missed by at least half the Cougar band members EVER to march on the field. Thanks Frankie for your unselfish devotion. We will miss you.

Name: Mike Backus () on Wednesday, September 5, 2001 at 19:25:04
Class: '74
Message: Greg Jones, I can really empathize with you. Last year, while I was headed to Palm Springs from Oregon I thought I'd swing by my old 'hood on the way from LAX to P.S.. What I really wanted to see was my old elementary school, York Elementary at 118th and Prairie. When I rolled up to the site I was confronted with what looked like a minimum security prison. All of the old single story buildings with big open windows had been 'dozed, even the grass field playgrounds had been replaced by deep mud that looked like it should have trenches, barbed wire and tank traps in it. The new school building was a three to four story concrete box that had no external windows. I don't claim to understand any of these changes to our home town. I lived in Pasadena for years, a city that went through integration and new residents from all over the world and yet retained it's culture, livability and charm. The difference may be that while most of the Hawthorne that we knew moved on to other places, Pasadena hung tough and stayed to sort things out. The saying "You can never go home again" applies to NO place more than Hawthorne. I wonder if we can get our old sports trophies and memorabilia back?