Name: John Rout ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 20, 2006, 2:51 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1963
City & State: Cerritos, CA
E-mail
Message: John, this is probably not my place to say anything since I transferred out of HHS and graduated from Serra High, but, after reading the first two responses to Clark Millman's call for the creation of a new HHS Alumni Association, I felt the need to say something. While Cougartown.com is the greatest thing to ever happen to any group of people from a high school, it is not an alumni association. Cougartown.com is responsible for hundreds, probably thousands of people reconnecting, some even marrying after many years apart. I know that the people I call friends now are a direct result of Cougartown.com, for which I will be eternally grateful. However, Cougartown.com does nothing for HHS financially on a regular basis. That is what an alumni assoication does. As the former Vice President of the Serra Alumni Association, I am aware of the methods by which the alumni association raises funds for targeted areas of the school on a regular basis. Through many different means, dances, reunions, fifty-fifty at sporting events, and through other methods, such as a portion of the annual dues to the association, that organization is able to contribute several thousand dollars annually for the benefit of the school. That is the difference between Cougartown.com, a social gathering spot (be it strictly email feedback, or through Cruise Nights, annual picnics or other events) and an alumni association. John, you have done an amazing thing for so many people, but I believe Clark is attempting to do something entirely different and should be applauded for his efforts to benefit his former high school. I only wish I qualified to be a part of it.

Name: Dean Morris ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 20, 2006, 2:45 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1972
City & State: NorCal
E-mail
Message: Clark: I don't doubt your intentions are sound in trying to formulate an "HHS Alumni Association". However it is plain as day that Cougartown is the organization which speaks for all classes from the 1950s through the present. Yes, it isn't a traditional bureaucratic institution with a charter, bylaws, officers, quarterly meetings, political agenda and so forth operated by a small group of representatives. Instead, it is a 21st century style "virtual organization" which is far more successful in including all classes and alumni in a far reaching enterprise for all Cougars past and present. John Baker has invested the energy and creativity over nearly a decade to build CT into a thriving organization and it strikes me as illegitimate that anyone would strike out independently to organize a second HHS Alumni institution without seeking a mandate from the CT community. I believe there is a middle ground for which persons like yourself might organize subsidiary chapters by classes or common interests (HHS Alumni Boosters Club, etc.), but all of these should be subsidiary to the true HHS Alumnni Association (aka Cougartown). I do give you kudos for opening up an important topic of consideration for the new year. But let's be real careful not to fracture, splinter or destroy what has been painstakingly established by an effort to emulate our college/university alumni associations for our high school. Cougartown may need to evolve to include the wishes of coalitions of alumni to pursue important aims, but it should not be threatened by independent acts to replace it as the voice of all HHS Cougar Alumni.

Name: Jerry Miles ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 20, 2006, 2:32 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1966
City & State: Fair Oaks, CA
E-mail
Message: There is no high school or even college alumni group that I know of that is as active or as well represented as Cougartown. John has done a wonderful thing and should be and is commended. I understand there is a group that wants to help HHS directly. I do too and have for that matter on several occasions. My thought on a group that specializes in helping the high school directly is that it is a wonderful idea. But as the notion itself or the group of people to organize it would not have been possible without Cougartown. I think it should be done under the Cougartown banner. Certainly John can not do it all and if Clark Millman and others want to do the leg work for such a venture that is acceptable. But it should be considered a subsidiary of Cougartown and recognized as such. Without Cougartown it never would have happened and without Cougartown's continued support it will probably fail.

Name: Jan Peterson ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 20, 2006, 2:16 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Freeman
City & State: Carmichael, CA
E-mail
Message: One more thing....I just re-read Clarks posting and I am offended that I need to get off my "duff"...I don't believe it is alumni's job to fix HHS. Now if you have students there, then that is another story. Hopefully they will join in on the efforts that Clark is trying to put together. But I don't see cougartown.com as the place to recruit. There are so many people connected to this site that are constantly off their "duffs" putting together many activities both social and to give back something to the community. Most of these folks, including John, don't even live in Hawthorne. I think that the association you are trying to get off the ground should be advertised in the school paper. Those are the people that should be making HHS a better place today, as our families did when we were students. Hugs, Jan

Name: Gary Bickers ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 20, 2006, 2:15 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1963
City & State: pve cal
E-mail
Message: This note addresses Shannon's email about HHS Basketball and the email from the "OLD COACH" from several weeks ago. The Basketball program seems to be in good shape and I wonder what the pass/fail rate was with the Basketball teams. It all goes back to leadership.

Name: Jan Peterson ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 20, 2006, 1:51 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Freeman
Class: 1967
City & State: Carmichael, CA
E-mail
Message: This message is to Clark...HUH???? I must be missing something. Isn't this our Alumni Association? Isn't all of the endless, tireless work that Mr. John Baker has done and continues to do on our behalf the same thing that you are asking the Alumni to do? We stay connected with folks as far away as Greece. How do they come to the meeting that you have put together for January 20, 2007? "If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it." Cougartown.com is not only NOT broke, but it is one of the best things going. It puts to shame every web site for Alumni that I have seen. And they charge big bucks. Courgartown.com charges nothing. Keeps us up to date on everything Hawthorne, and all we have to do is log in. Good luck with your endeavor, but leave me right here. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and God Bless our military. Big Hugs, Jan

Name: Walter Holt ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 20, 2006, 1:18 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1966
City & State: Surf City, CA
E-mail
Message: Clark, I appreciate your taking the time to go to HHS and meet with everyone to find out how and what the needs of HHS are. However, in regards to setting up a new HHS Alumni Association it is my personal opinion that the current members of Cougartown are and have been for years the HHS Alumni Association. Through John's efforts with Cougatown the members of this website have not sat on their duffs, but joined in to support whatever needs HHS and other things such as the Beach Boy Memorial that we have been made aware of and will continue to do so. I for one do not intend to support any other association for HHS outside of Cougartown and if you care to post what you have found the current needs are, based on your meetings, I am sure the members of Cougartown will respond to those needs. Best wishes to you and all that decide to join you in your efforts.

Name: Clark Millman ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 20, 2006, 8:57 am - HHS Time
Class: 1976
City & State: Torrance, CA
No E-mail
Message: OK all you loyal Cougars, Merry Christmas but we have one item of business to deal with. Get out your new 2007 daytimers and schedule saturday January 20th from noon to 2:00 p.m. for the initial organization meeting for the HHS Alumni Association. The meeting will be held in the new cafetewria and we will be using the faculty parking lot that day. I spent some time on campus this past week meeting with principal Bramlett, some students, the football coach, athletic director and campus security. There are a number of things the alumni can do to help the current student body and faculty and it's time for all of us to get off our duffs and back up our words with some action!! The Association will be designed to be as little a burden on its membership as possible, meeting only four times a year. We all have time in life to do what we really want to so lets get this Association going and do some good at our old stomping grounds! I would hope everyone within 100 miles would make the effort to attend. Yes that means I expect to see you Cougars in surf city at the meeting especially you Wade, the Gresbys need representation. We will have a guest speaker at every meeting to make the meeting educational for all of us. Principal Joy Bramlett will be the speasker at our second meeting! Everyone enjoy the holidays but schedule Jan. 20th for the new HHS Alumni Association! Merry Christmas! God bless us everyone!!

Name: Ol Coach ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 20, 2006, 8:12 am - HHS Time
E-mail
Message: Cathy and I feel a lot older this Christmas--we just attended Bill & Pat Cooper's 50th Wedding Anniversary -- He was my center in 1953 & 54. Geez -- time flys when you are having fun!Reminds me of the story about the guy who was celebrating his 50th Anniversary. He was asked his secret about being able to live with the same lady for 50 years. He said, "Well, we have a lot in common -- we both like to travel and I take her on all my business trips."The guy asked,"What did you do for your 25th anniversary?" He said, I took her to Beijing China!"The guy exclaimed about what a great trip to celebrate the 25th anniversary! He asked what he had planned for the 50th? He said, "OH, I'm going back to get her!
Stay well John-- God Bless All Cougars! As ever, Ol'Coach & Cathy

Name: Shannon Keys ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Dec 20, 2006, 7:52 am - HHS Time
Class: 1981
City & State: Colorado Springs
No E-mail
Message: In the spirit of equal reporting, the times has a nice article on a current Cougar STUDENT/athlete.

Name: John Crotty ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Dec 19, 2006, 6:32 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1969
City & State: Hermosa Beach
E-mail
Message: Okay, we all know it is so wrong at this time of year, if you're running for office or running an office, to say, "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" However, growing up in Haytown, those words were never an issue. It was plastered in every school and on every city decoration......so...despite religious doctrine, tenet, or belief....the message was not intended to slight or ignore anyone...it was proclaimed (and in my true opinion) to share the feeling of giving and family, no matter how or who you worshiped. "Happy Holidays" is a great expression, so to all, I wish that, to those who are not offended, again, may I say, the way an old guy always heard and repeated, "Merry Christmas!" And where's the NEW YEAR'S EVE party this year????

Name: Sharon Leach ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Dec 19, 2006, 1:21 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Moore
Class: 1966
City & State: Long Beach
E-mail
Message: Happy holidays to all. I am very sorry to learn of the passing of Bob and Bill's mother. I met her once at a function and she was a very nice woman. My condolences to the Jensen family.

Name: edward schatz ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Dec 19, 2006, 12:20 am - HHS Time
Class: 1970
City & State: lakewood, calif
E-mail
Message: To all Cougs, merry christmas, happy hannukah, whatever your poison. A safe year passing by and another to look forward to. Come and find me under: Collaborator, www.architetturaorganica.org; based in Salerno, Italy. Or at Kebyar, in the directory. Look forward to hearing from you.

Name: Sharon MacDonald ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Dec 18, 2006, 2:17 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Badger
Class: 1963
City & State: Bruceville, Texas
E-mail
Message: HHS has been added to available schools on Goodsearch.com. When you are ready to use this search agent, type Hawthorne High School in the Who Do You Search For space and click on the drop-down to select the one in (Hawthorne, CA). It appears that your selection remains when you return for another search.

Name: doris ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Dec 18, 2006, 11:35 am - HHS Time
Maiden: donaldson
Class: 1957
City & State: Twin Falls ID
No E-mail
Message: One of our dear Cougartown Moms has passed from this life, yesterday at 3:00 p.m., our own Regina Jensen, Bill and Bob Jensen's beloved Mother. To them and their sister we all send our sincerest sympathies and prayers.

Name: Paula Bondi - Springer ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Dec 18, 2006, 10:36 am - HHS Time
E-mail
Message: Happy Holidays!!In addition to our new Landmark item, I have some additional news. -- Jon Stebbins author of "The Real Beach Boy Dennis Wilson, has a soon to be available new book, The Lost Beach Boy, the David Marks story.The Lost Beach Boy book can now be PRE-ordered on Amazon. It won't be out until March in the U.K. and late May in the U.S. But anyone wanting to reserve a copy through Amazon can do so now. This is the link to our Amazon U.K. page and this link is to our U.S. Amazon page..
Very Merry Christmas to all! Paulajpjcl@jps.net

Name: Sharon MacDonald ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Dec 18, 2006, 9:36 am - HHS Time
Maiden: Badger
Class: 1963
City & State: Bruceville, Texas
E-mail
Message: Regarding Goodsearch.com - per their website "It usually takes a couple of days for us to verify the information submitted and add your charity or school into our database. We'll send you a note as soon as it goes up. With so many new organizations applying daily, we thank you for your patience!" As I submitted HHS information on Friday, it probably has not yet been verified. I will follow-up if needed and keep you all posted.

Name: Gordon Bell ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Dec 18, 2006, 12:28 am - HHS Time
Class: 1962
City & State: Downieville, CA
E-mail
Message: For all you Frank Graves Wood Shop Marching and Chowder Society fans out there, Mr. Frank Graves is living in Paso Robles; is 73 years old, and has a small car collection (Model A, Essex, and Buick), and is still doing woodworking. Frank, thanks for letting us all in on what's going on in your life. Check in once in awhile, as I know you have many HHS Wood Shop students wanting to hear from you.