Name: Orene Anderson () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 22:03:04
Email: orenea@excite.com
City and State: Phoenix, AZ
Class: 1971
Message: Anyone remember me?
Name: Max Roelen () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 21:41:53
Email: mroelen@comcast.net
City and State: Somewhere on the planet
Class: 1974
Message: I wanna wish everyone a happy, joyful COUGARTOWN Christmas and have a better, more peaceful New Year. I am off to San Diego Xmas AM with the wife and then cruising out on Monday to the Mexican Riviera for the holidays. Take care!
Hey Max, have a great time and Merry Christmas to you too...
Name: Chuck Armstrong () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 15:59:02
City and State: Orcutt, CA
Class: 1967
Message: For those of you who are Brian Wilson fans, do yourself a favor and pick-up his new CD "Gettin In Over My Head." I was struck by how positive the work was as a whole, with many messages of love and hope. The first 15 seconds of the first song, "How Could We Still Be Dancin" is an amazing work of harmony. This cut had Sir Elton John on the lead and Brian on the harmonies. Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney have great cuts as well.
I'm sending out Good Vibrations to all Cougars around the world, and wishing each of you the merriest Christmas and the happiest New Year ever. Love and Peace!
Hey Chuck I do own that one and it is a fun CD although it isn't new (out about 3 years now). You too have a Merry and a Happy. We'll keep this party going as long as possible.
Name: Sharon Stowe () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 14:44:34
Email: sharons39@hotmail.com
City and State: Lawndale, CA
Maiden: Ritch
Class: 1972
Message: Thanks so much for the link to the Santa site, Jerry! I'm sitting at work and it was nice to take a break and get an update on the big guy. He never ages!
Here's something you might enjoy
ss
Thanks Sharon and you too have a Merry Christmas....
Name: Paco () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 14:16:02
Email: doo4usc@cox.net
City and State: LF
Class: 1961
Message: I remember a Christmas that a delivery person wearing a Santa suit came to the door at gramma's house with 2 scooters, one for me and another for sis Kathleen..Another was the Christmas while in the 8th grade, my parents bought me a new bike and put it in the garage with a sheet over it, I think to keep Santas existence in the minds of my younger sisters. It drove me crazy, wondering what kind, what color..I finally got on my back and slid under the sheet to take a good look. Christmas morn' I was up before everyone and took the fenders off, the chain guard off and put on a goose neck and risers then took off. When I came home later in the day my dad wanted to see my new bike..boy was he pissed..Merry Christmas to All!!
Great story Howard. You and Sharon have a great USC Christmas and I'll see you on the 4th.
Name: Terry Purchase () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 13:42:22
Email: ta1purchase@aol.com
City and State: Gardena,CA.
Class: 1973
Message: Hey Larry, did you REALLY have to shave with Coach Chauncey's Korean War razor? Ouch !! I bet that hurt. I remember the "paddle" ! I don't think that would fly these days. Oh well, some traditions just shouldn't die.
I remember those Christmases at the old fire house before "that" mall went in. That whole area from 120th street to El Segundo was much better looking in those days. It had a "small town" charm to it that the Mall never seemed to capture. Anyway Merry Christmas to you and yours. See you soon @ D&D's. God Bless
P. S. John, I know it's been said many times before what a wonderful thing you've done, but I don't think you know the full impact your Cougartown website has had on people. You have touched so many lives. I feel there is a special reward for you in Heaven for this! God Bless you!!!!
Ahh thank you Terry. The reward is seeing and hearing from lots of old and new friends I would have never seen again, or ever met, had it not been for Ctown. God bless us all, and you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year....
Name: Marsha () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 13:33:32
Email: mrussell90277@aol.com
City and State: Redondo Beach
Maiden: Russell
Class: 1964
Message: Merry Christmas to all of you. I remember getting to open ONE gift on Christmas Eve and spending the longest time trying to figure out which gift would be the best one to open. My other memory is running down the street on Christmas morning to see what my best friend Virginia Russell got for Christmas. Gini lives in Oregon now, can't just go down the street but I still call her EVERY Chritmas morning and ask what she got for Christmas and ask if she can come out and play.
Ya know, friends are still the best part of Christmas.
Hope you all have a blessed time with your loved ones and remember the real meaning of CHRISTmas.
Thank you Marsha and Merry CHRISTmas to you and your family too. I hope I get a tricycle....
Name: Janet Burkett () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 13:03:47
Email: jmburkett@sti.net
City and State: Ca
Maiden: Humphreys
Class: 1962
Message: Just dashing in to wish all my old friends a blessed Christmas and wonderful New Year. Look forward to plans to see many of you next year.
Hi Janet, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and to everyone in the Burkett, Kudela, Keyser family. Have a great one....
Name: nick pappagiorgio () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 12:42:26
Email: n_pappagiorgio_44@yahoo.com
City and State: LV, NV
Maiden: rusty
Class: 1976
Message: Don't worry Jerry, coal is too expensive this year. Happy Holidays to All! Hey, how many of you remember having to give your girlfriend a St. Christopher to go steady?
Hey Nick, Good memory there. Thanks and have a Merry Christmas...
Name: Jerry Miles () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 11:34:44
City and State: Fair Oaks, CA
Class: 1966
Message: Hey, I forgot to say that Santa is on his way to Hawthorne and all other good little Cougar's houses too. You can keep track of his progress here.
I hope I don't get coal in my stocking...again
Thanks Jer'...
Name: KAREN () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 11:06:50
Email: DOGDEDE@AOL.COM
City and State: REDONDO BEACH
Maiden: WEBSTER
Class: 1972
Message: HI COUGS. COMET BOY AND I WANTED TO WISH EVERYONE AND THEIR FAMILIES A VERY BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A GREAT 2006. LOTS OF LOVE, KAREN AND COMET BOY RANDY
Hey Karen and Randy, Thanks for being a part of all this Cougartown stuff, and you two also have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Name: Jake N Jude () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 09:49:53
Email: jakejude@aol.com
City and State: Kuna , ID
Maiden: Jacobsen Kiester
Class: 1961
Message: John man have a wonderful and Happy Christmas. Sitting here listening to the Boys CHRISTMAS disc. What a bitchin collection of Brians thoughts and ideas. From Little Saint Nick to The Man with All The Toys. What a great mind. The music is fun and happy. Just what we all need this time of year. Merry Christmas. MAY THE CHRISTMAS COUGAR BE WITH YOU ALL. Jake N jude
Hey Russ, I was playing the exact same thing last night. Thanks for the Christmas wishes. You and Judi have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we'll read your zaniness right here next year. Be a Coug, Boy....
Name: deano () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 09:08:23
Email: dkarels@sbcglobal.net
City and State: tustin
Class: 1965
Message: it's been awhile since i've added anything but you know john i check in often,just like to add my MERRY CHRISTMAS wishes to the Cougartown family and a Happy New Year too.
Hey Dean, good to hear from you. You too have a very Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year...
Name: Glenda () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 08:47:03
Email: glm_55119@yahoo.com
City and State: St.Paul,MN
Maiden: Wilson
Class: 1958
Message: Thanks John, This "Cougartown" has got to be one of the most special gifts I have ever had. I have been reunited with some very good school friends of so long ago. I will be seeing some of them this winter when we go to Calif to get out of the snow here in Minnesota. We are going to have a great CHRISTmas this year. Our daughter Shelly and her family are here for it. She and her husband Bob lives in Alaska. There kids, our grandkids, came in from all over. Wyoming, Arizona, Ohio, Wisconsin. The last time we were all together was in 95. Our daughter, Sheryl, lives here. She adopted 3 siblings 5 yrs. ago. 2 girls and a boy. They are now 4,6 & 7. To all of you I want to wish you a very Merry CHRISTmas and Bring that New year in Big but safe. I want to see you all on this great program next year. Until then, Have a great time. Hugz, Glenda
Hey Glenda, sounds like you're going to have a houseful. Merry CHRISTmas to you and your family as well, and we'll all meet back here next year and start this whole Cougar thing all over again.
Name: Kelley () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 08:45:53
Email: bigkell@gmail.com
City and State: Englewood OR
Maiden: Currie
Class: 1967
Message: I'd like to wish every one a Very Merry Christmas..
This is the first year in 20 that I haven't worked in the mall at Christmas and it was truely a blessing. May Christmas Eve find you all safe and warm...I send a Big Merry Christmas to our Troops around the World. Peace
Kelley
Hey Kelley, Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year too and yes, Merry Christmas to all our troops, wherever they're stationed.
Name: Jerry Miles () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 08:27:20
City and State: Fair Oaks, CA
Class: 1966
Message: I couldn't let the day go past without wishing all my friends at Cougartown a very Merry Christmas. And a very special New Year to all especially you John. Through your hard work, Cougartown gives gifts to us all year long.
Ahh thanks Jerry, but like's been said before, it wouldn't be Cougartown without all you Cougars out there. You have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we'll read you right back here next year.
Name: Cliff Rickson () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 07:07:16
Email: ynoino@aol.com
City and State: Tampa, Florida
Class: 1967
Message: From the plywood capital of the world, Merry Christmas John and to all the Cougars.
Hey Merry Christmas Cliff, thanks for being a part of all this.
Name: Mary-Mary () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 02:11:52
Email: meowry1953@charter.net
City and State: Grants Pass, OR
Maiden: Rose
Class: 1970
Message: My thought & prayers are with the family of Mary Fox,, she was such as sweet lady ,, I remember when I came in as a scared Freshman,, she got me through the jitters & tummy aches -- life was so different back then.. I also just recently read the sad posting of Debi Darling passing,, my thought and prayers are with her family also,, she was very kind as I remember her,, Just wanted to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a Healthy & safe new year,, and thanks to John for maintaining this wonderful website so we can stay connected -- Oh I just started reading Flying Embers,, excellent so far,, re kindled alot of memories ,, :)
Thanks Mary, and you too have a Merry Christmas...
Name: Nick Fitzgerald () on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 00:51:51
Email: nfitzge163@aol.com
City and State: Medford, Oregon
Class: 1959
Message: To John and my Cougartown Classmates, Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and Please say a prayer tonight for my dear friend Richard Behrens (HHS59) who is very sick. Thanks John for this great site..
Hey Nick, That we can do, and you too have a very Merry Christmas...
Name: Pat Underwood () on Friday, December 23, 2005 at 23:46:10
Email: onefamilyhistorian@hotmail.com
City and State: Hawthorne
Maiden: Lawndale HIgh
Class: 1963
Message: I remember when the Hawthorne Plaza opened. There was a big shindig (grand opening) on the top of the parking structure on the north end. But I thought it was put on by one of our FM Radio stations and for some reason I remember "The Real Don Steele" being there. If there was any big bands there, I sure missed that shindig.
Name: Chris Prewitt () on Friday, December 23, 2005 at 17:17:50
Email: cjprewitt at juno dot com
City and State: Fullerton, CA
Class: 1967
Message: Talk about Cougar sightings! Must have been 50! I have been sitting watching the New DVD of the Beach Boys Monument Dedication. Anyone who was there will refresh their memory and anyone who didn't get a chance to be there can see what they missed. Look for it to become available at the Hawthorne Parks and Recreation Foundation, the Beachboys Landmark WEB page http://www.beachboyslandmark.org/ and on ebay.
I want to wish everyone on Cougartown a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Hey Chris, thanks for the heads up on the video. You and Kathy have a Merry Christmas too and thanks for all you do for Cougartown. It is appreciated, my friend.
Name: Jim Sloey () on Friday, December 23, 2005 at 17:15:20
Email: unclebuck@unclebuckspretzels.com
City and State: SOLVANG, CA
Class: 1966
Message: Merry Christmas to all and especially you John. And a big thank you for many of you who have shown your support for Uncle Buck's this past year. We shall continue our support of Cougartown donating a $1 for every box ordered by Cougartown people throughout the coming year. It's our way of thanking you John for all the support you have given each of us through this wonderful portal where we can all be 18 again. Thank you, you're a dear friend, not only to me but all of us! Merry CHRISTmas Cougartown! I hope Clarence gets his wings.
Hey Jimbo, Thanks and the same, what you said, right back at you. You are another one of those Cougs that I would have never known, had it not been for this portal. Thanks for being my friend and for chiming in whenever the mood was right. God bless you and Deb' and have and wonderful Christmas. I LOVE YOU GUYS MAAAANN!!!
Name: Sharon () on Friday, December 23, 2005 at 14:55:11
Email: sharonlleach@cs.com
City and State: Long Beach, CA
Maiden: Moore
Class: 1966
Message: I've been away from Cougartown for a while and wanted to stop in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and just learned of the passing of Mary Fox. She was a very sweet lady. Jim and Charlie I want to send my condolences to you and your family.
Hi Sharon, Merry Christmas to you too....
Name: Armand Vaquer () on Friday, December 23, 2005 at 13:47:07
Email: AMVaquer@aol.com
City and State: Tarzana, CA
Class: 1972
Message: John, Hawthorne Plaza opened in the spring of 1977. If I remember right, Les Brown and His Band of Reknown played at the opening (or some other big band).
Thanks Armand, I knew someone would know.
Name: Susan King () on Friday, December 23, 2005 at 11:54:33
Email: sueking18ataol.com
City and State: Thousand Oaks, CA
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 1974
Message: To Charlie and Jim Fox: My deepest condolences to the Fox family on Mary's passing. I remember your mom well....she was the class advisor for the Class of 1974 and I vividly recall class officer meetings held in her office as freshmen and sophomores, making plans for candy and donut sales, school activities and the like. She was warm, patient, all-knowing, sweet and a dear friend to everyone who ever attended Hawthorne High. I laugh when I think back about just how much patience it took to keep us focused and directed on the tasks at hand. She seemed to have great wisdom; she made a great impression on me that is with me, even today. God Bless you Mary Fox, you are loved and remembered.
Name: Richard () on Friday, December 23, 2005 at 11:22:23
City and State: of LongBeach
Class: 1969
Message: A Very Merry (and safe) Christmas to all, and please, remember the most inexpensive, while being the but most important gift you can give; your time. Read to a child. Santa does!
Santa
Thanks Richard, but I usually have my grandkids read to me. Name: Dan Johnson () on Friday, December 23, 2005 at 02:15:56
Email: wch1ispinkATaolDOTcom
City and State: Sherman Oaks
Class: 1977
Message: Laura, I remember attending a dance at the Haytown Mall and it would have been in November or December 1977 -- the mall had already been open so it was not a grand opening dance. I had come home from Sacramento for the holidays and I remember there being live bands at the dance. I also remember being very excited about seeing Christine Efurth for the first time since graduation in May -- and she showed up with a boyfriend acquired in the interim! That was the last time I ever saw her. C'est La Vie
Does anyone remember the actual year the demolition of Hawthorne Bl started or the actual year the mall opened? I don't know and could make a guess, as I'm sure many could, but if you actually KNOW the answer, please pass it on.
Name: Jim Fox () on Thursday, December 22, 2005 at 23:46:59
Email: puffup@pacbell.net
City and State: Hawthorne
Class: 1966
Message: John et al... Those who attended HHS between 1961 and 1977 will surely remember Nurse Mary Fox. Sadly, I wish to inform you that Mom passed away this afternoon following a period of declining health. In the years following her retirement, she would fondly recall stories of her time at HHS. And what her recollections would invariably reflect would be the advocacy and dedication that she held for the students. Charlie and I will be arranging a memorial service after the holidays, and we will provide a date and time as soon as they are available. Rest peacefully Mama.
Jim and Charlie, So very sorry for your loss, and ours as Cougars, with the passing of your mother. Your mother was like a "mom" to many Cougars, and it just seems too soon for her to leave us. Please know she's at peace now, and her passing will be sorely felt by all who knew her at HHS. Our sincere condolences go out to you and to Charlie.
Name: Susan King () on Thursday, December 22, 2005 at 15:39:04
Email: sueking18 at aol dot com
City and State: Thousand Oaks, CA
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 1974
Message: Last minute gift idea....give someone the gift of a Cougartown membership. Think of someone you'd like to have know that you remember them, and fire off the $10 to John. I know he'd even send a message to the recipient for you. Actually, that's two gifts in one! Not to mention the gift to yourself that your support simply means that this wonderful vehicle will continue to work it's magic for another year. A truly Merry Christmas to all Cougars near and far. I have so enjoyed "meeting" you here and getting to know you. For those I've met personally through this site, my life is so much richer because of your friendship, and for my dear old friends, whom I've rediscovered - and you know who you are - I love you always. Happy New Year all.
Hi Sue and thank you for the Member plug. Cougartown has brought many old friends together again, but it's also spawned many new friends too. You are one of those. Thank you for your support but much more than that, thank you and all the Bierman family for your friendship. You are the BEST. To you and Darryl, Have a joyous Christmas and New Year. I LOVE YOU GUYS MAAAANN!!!
Name: Tom Buckingham () on Thursday, December 22, 2005 at 01:59:02
Email: reddog27atgmail.com
City and State: Hawthorne, CA
Class: 1964
Message: Dear Cougar Family-Merry Christmas,
Happy HolyDays and a Wonderful New Year (including a USC Rose Bowl win and National Championship). Check out the "Ten Best Readers Stories on page 91 on the Jan. 2006 CAR and DRIVER Magazine. Many thanks to John Wood of Long Beach, who wrote of his street racing days in Hawthorne in 1966. It's a great story--including his '55 Chevy, hanging at the A&W and letting his girlfriend race his metal-flake blue rod. Great story.
Hey Tom, Thanks for the heads up on an old Hawthorne street racer. I'll definitely try and find that article. Merry Christmas to you and your family too.
Name: Larry Bach () on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at 23:52:26
Email: startnofyr@socal.rr.com
City and State: Torrance, CA
Class: 1972
Message: John, I had the sad occasion to use Coach Chauncey's Korean War razor more than once. I believe that the device was originally a North Korean razor, used to torture prisoners.
You wouldn't get too much torturing done with that razor, unless you were forced to shave with it.
Run Run Rudolph
