Guest Book
 
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Janet Ross Christoph
Posted on the 2024-04-15 at 20:00
you've done a great job with this site. especially fun to see photos i pasted into the yearbook so many years ago match "new" people. many thanks
Mark Williams
Posted on the 2023-09-15 at 20:00
I look forward to meeting my old friends from  Del Valle. My wife Valerie and I plan to spend a day or so driving around Lafayette and Walnut Creek before the reunion. We raised three  successful children and have nine grandchildren.  We have been blessed with a wonderful life together for 52 years. Thanks to all you who put forth the effort to organize this event.  Mark   
Jim Chubb
Posted on the 2023-05-18 at 20:00
I missed the last few reunions and look forward to attending.
Tim Campbell
Posted on the 2019-04-08 at 20:00
So.... i did enjoy the last reunion ...2018... althoigh I couldn’t make the dinner on Sunday - was fun to reconnect with some people.   I became aware also that the preponderance of people there were from Lafayette and all went to grammar school together!  (Thanks to Norm Rominger’s pictures.  lol.    I sort of missed all of my Walnut Creek peoples.  (Greg Berzel, Jack Rodgers, Hank Glover, Dave Scott etc.  (i have to remember that incorrectly the secretary from Parkmead sent me to Las Lomas for my freshman year - plus the Walnut Creek folks in Beggars Opera.... i was going to go to their reunion too - but had music gigs - i’m hoping for better luck next time...lol.   NOT that I don’t value my Lafayette connection (Norm!! ) lol.    C U all at the next one!  
Craig Smith
Posted on the 2018-08-30 at 20:00
I'm was in the Del Valle class of 1970. Glad you all had a great time! A friend of mine who graduated a coupld of years earlier than I sent me the link to this page. 
bronwen
Posted on the 2018-08-17 at 20:00
A missing person?  Am I imagining things?  I believe I had a lively interchange with Carolyn Fante about my home territory (Lexington/Concord) and I was going to send her a note.  I don't see her as one of the guests, nor to I see her name on the list.  What gives?  Am I suffering for a mistake imagination?   I love all guys, you make a sojourn into the past a magical trip.  See you tomorrow.  
Bryan Wade
Posted on the 2015-09-15 at 20:00
Does anyone remember the 'All School Reunion' in 2009? That was a fabulous event hosted by the DV Staff, supposedly no alumni were involved in the major planning. It was held at the DV gym. 300 alumni registered, 200 more showed up at the door. "Oh what a night".... Every class from '62 to '79 were invited and represented. This is the way it should be done, every five years; one consolidated effort to bring all DV alumni together at one time. That way you get to see all your classmate friends from every year, not just your own year! If you can't make one, just go to the next. How many times have you gone to a reunion and suddenly wished the classmate you wanted to see was one or two years before or after you? I have a complete contact database of 250 of the 283 graduates of 1966. Let's combine it with those from every year for another, and more huge events! Anyone interested in pursuing more ALL CLASS REUNIONS? Bring all the organization skills of all of the classes into one giant party every five years!
Shari Dyer
Posted on the 2013-09-21 at 20:00
Sept. 22, 2013 - As you know, Colorado has had devastating floods. Estes Park, where Mike Caldwell and Hank Glover live is no exception. Mike has emailed me that they lost their lower apartment. He is in Minnesota and will return to Estes to clean up in October. I asked Mike about Hank's beautiful store, "The Twisted Pine". It seems to be all right, although the lower bank on the far side of the river next to his store got nailed. Haven't heard from Hank yet. I hope all is well, Hank!
Dennis Caracciolo
Posted on the 2013-05-11 at 20:00
 Can anyone provide any contact numbers or information for any of the Ghiselli's--Bob, Jeannie, Joan who graduated from Del Valle from '64--68? If so, please contact. denniscaracciolo@hotmail.com
Sonia Caris
Posted on the 2013-05-02 at 20:00

I, too, thank you for your devotion to these matters of Sue
I know you are hurting and yet you've come through
We all know, Oh yes, girl, we all really feel,
The shock and the pain, that your heart needs to heal.

I'm sure that Sue's family appreciates, too
That you went there because of your love for Sue.
You've been a shoulder to lean on for others, also
And you proably need one for yourself, is that so?

We really can't know what each one of us needs
How we are faring, what's our health, what do you feel?
We can only hope that someone will be there,
Like you were for Susan, a friend's true care.
                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have a difficult time because whenever I write something,
My tears just won't stop, altho my heart's getting better
You know that whenever I have great emotional feelings,
I always get them out with poetry, a verse or just a letter.

 After your first notification of Sue's passing, I started to write a poem
Starting with elementary school and then my pen went blank.
It's not that I don't have the memories, nope not at all
In fact, I think that I've just too many to recall.

 I was wondering, could anyone who wanted to - send to me a memory,
Something that made you laugh, something that made you cry,
A memory of Sue just a line or two,
If you can't do that, it can be three 
or whatever it takes for the memory.

Maybe I can put something together that we all then can keep
A keepsake of her love and laughter- that we all did reap
You may rather want to just keep each memory separate, Keep them all in a box
With pretty paper, some ribbon, colored pens to write, and a cute little lock

 Or put them all in a memory journal, I don't know
Oh Wow!  Look!  Just see my mind go !!
Well, on the twenty-ninth I started this poem
Here's what I wrote, Can you help make it grow?

 Memories of/with Sue Mathis.

Why, Thank you, Susan Jane Mathis, for being my friend,

For giving me memories, right to the end.

I remember back in the “good ‘ole days”

Those times, Yep, remember, our youthful ways

 

At first there were swings and that big tall slide,

Then choosing for games - you’re on my side.

Throwing the ball at the favorite guy on the playground tar,

Giggling ‘cause he’s upside down on the monkey bar.

 

Oh! An invitation, to whose house could it be?

Preparations to make, What fun. An invitation for me!

All gussied up in our favorite dress looking cute and girly,

So young, free, cute, running round, twirling, whirly.

 

Let’s call Randy. Mom, may we use the phone?

Let’s wait a minute, make sure she’ll be home.

She’s always such fun and ready to play,

We had imagination and could play all day.

 

Meetings at Suzy Palmer’s Weren’t you A Brownie, too?

I can’t remember exactly, but I can picture you…

In the little brown uniform, a little brown cap

With yellow gold braids going down your back.

 

Years pass

Then the ride on the big yellow bus

We were grown up then, wow what a fuss

 

 

Sonia Caris
Posted on the 2010-05-03 at 20:00

To all of Susan\'s Friends and to all of my Friends:

This beautiful e-mail came from my friend, Susan Mathis Ferstler

Whom some of us have known since Elementary thru High School and until Susan passed away on April 23, 2010.

She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Her heart was as wide as the area these hummingbirds fly - throughout the beautiful land the God provided for them.

Feel the impact at the sight of their awesome beauty that He created and gentleness that He instilled in them,

It is as the impact of Susan\'s beauty inside and the gentleness of her heart that He instilled in her.

The warmth of her smile - Even as the warmth that one gets from the tiny little beating hearts of these cute friends, radiated from her into one\'s own heart.

The touch, as light as the flit of these small little birds, reminds you of her kindness.

She was always busy flitting here and there, helping anyone who needed her.

And the whirr of their amazing wings that God designed just for them, reminds you of Susan\'s many amazing accomplishments, the gifts God gave to her.

For she brought such great joy to the people in whose lives she was a part,

As the happiness brought by the gentle touch of one of these, God\'s beautiful creatures. . .

So Susan sent smiles and happiness with such wonderful contents of the e-mails to oohhh and awe over.

Please enjoy these pictures, Sonia

 

From: "SUSAN FERSTLER" <susanjane336@msn.com>
Sent:
Friday, April 23, 2010 8:39:47 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific

 

 This is something I have  never even heard of or seen before.   This woman lives in a Hummingbird fly zone.  As they migrated, about 20 of them were in her yard.  She took the little red dish, filled it with sugar water and this is the result.
The woman is Abagail  Alfano of Pine, Louisiana - she had been studying them daily and one morning put the cup from the feeder (with water in it) into her hand.  Since they had gotten used to her standing by the feeder they came over to her hand.   

She says in touching they are as light as a feather.  Abagail also said, \'if she had known her husband was taking pictures she  would have put on makeup.\'
These pictures are amazing.   I hope you\'ll send these pictures to your Friends and  family

I send this to all of you.. 
In Loving Memory of Susan, 
With Warm Christian Affection, Sonia

Sharon (Jacobucci) Ouka
Posted on the 2010-04-28 at 20:00
4/29/2010
We just lost a very close and dear friend this past week...Susan Mathis Ferstler.
 I never really got to know her until we were planning our 40th reunion. Debb, Sue and I spent alot of time together over the last 3 years. Although I wish we had more time together... I\'m thankful for the time i did have with her.
She had a heart of gold and would do anything for you.  Susan was so organized, that she kept a daily journal of "things to do" and then crossed them off, one at a time as she completed them (and she always did)
She tried to get me to do it so I would stop complaining that I just couldnt get my own stuff done... She\'d give me some journals, start writing my "To Do List" for that day (or week), and would say "okay, now just take one thing at a time and then cross it off when its done"
She\'d call me 3 or 4 times a week and ask
"we\'ll how many things did you get done this week?" Use to drive me crazy!! I was really bad at this task!
She always meant well and in her heart I believe that she really just wanted to Help others.
Sue, i love ya gal...and I\'m going to miss you terribly.
Sharon (Hannah, Elliott and McDreamy)

Diane Doubleday
Posted on the 2009-07-02 at 20:00
Pepe Walker called me out of the blue last week, prompted me to get on the site.  I just returned to SF from a stint working in London.  My husband and I live in Calaveras County, which we love.  Technology makes working 150 miles from the office workable.  My daughter is grown with two kids of her own; who would have thought being a grandparent would be the best.  I live a blessed life.  
Doug Butler
Posted on the 2009-04-06 at 20:00
A great idea to hold a multi-year event, though every 3 years would be more meaningful! I deeply regret, due to a family emergency. Everytime I come to this page, or talk to a friend who attended I hear about friends/students that helped shape my perspective on education and life. It brings me such gratification for those who believed that I had the drive and persistence to achieve my goal, which I did in graduating from Cal Berkeley.
I'd like to make contact with several fellow of my  friends. If you or, or anyone on the list could forward their E-Mial Adrress, I would really appreciate their help!  The friends I'd   like to make contact with include: Joe Guichard, Sharon  Cunningham, Dee Klingman, Greg Briody, Roxie Durell and Bill Madsen.
Thanks for your help & good luck planning our next reunion. I WILL be there..... All the Best, Doug Butler
bronwen heuer
Posted on the 2009-04-04 at 20:00
It is a time of much stress and waiting right now as my place of employ deals with drastically reduced endowments.  There will be layoff and it seems as if the IS&T department takes the brunt of it.  I wait, impatiently.  I love my job and do not want to lose it.  I fear what it means to be 57 and in an economy that is not growing and what it might mean to "reinvent myself."   When will we see growth again?  Around me are disappointments:  threat of the Boston Globe (our daily newspaper) closing, reduced services in the community, and on and on and on.  I am enthusiastic about this new administration.  I am just hoping the soon the emphasis will be on GETTING AMERICA BACK TO WORK.....
Shari Dyer
Posted on the 2009-03-31 at 20:00
This recession has hit some of my friends hard. One got laid off. Bummer. Not a problem for me as I'm self employed. You don't get fired, but you don't get raises either. . . I have to watch my funds with a more critical eye, that's for sure. I switched banks for my savings account. I'm told it's a more stable one than the one I use for checking. I like the idea of using two banks - not all my eggs in one basket, so to speak. I still get editing work, so that's good. I like to work, and like it even more when I get paid for it! How is everyone else?
Mark A. Richards
Posted on the 2009-03-31 at 20:00

Per Shari Dyer's e-mail and questions as to how I am doing with the recession and the economy plus what is going on in my life. To answer your request I am doing well but not great as I became disabled in January of 2008 due to combat injuries I had recieved in Vietnam. I have been 80% combat disabled for many years and as we get older it is harder to due what we could when we were younger. So to answer your question about the recession it is not really a big problem as I recieve Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability. I have been having a hard time with the Veterans Administration about making me 100% Combat Disabled. So what is going on in my life well it is on hold til the VA takes care of this beat-up old Marine who put his life on the line for this country's freedom. I had better stop now as this is a very up setting subject for all of us that Marines that were in Vietnam and see the same treatment of my Warrior Brothers today putting there lifes on the line for Freedom and they do not really know or care if this country is in a recession they would like to come home alive with out to much Brain Damage. Hope this answered some of your questions. Sorry about your job and all but as I have always lived by every thing happens for a reason and only the Big Guy knows the answers to all of our problems.

Mark  

Bryan Wade
Posted on the 2009-03-24 at 20:00

What would you think of the proposal that all classes abandon plans for individual class reunions and

there be repeats of the January '09, All Class style every 5 years.  That way, everyone, from every class has an opportunity to meet up with not only fellow classmates and those from other classes and will accommodate those who endlessly ask, "Why can't we have a combo reunion and invite other classes".  If an alumni doesn't  make it sometime, it's a short wait till the next one.....everyone goes when they can.  Leave out the faculty

presentations and continue to rent the facility under the auspices of

the "Rossmoor Del Valle Club" using the clout of the Rossmoor resident

staff & alumni and it could be a great, on-going event! 

Sally Whicker Deveze
Posted on the 2008-11-29 at 19:00
It's still Thanksgiving weekend, so here goes: -Thanks to everyone who worked on the reunion and the memory book/CD. Imagine my surprise to find Deb Simonds and I, who were best buddies from first grade, in an embrace on the first page! -Thanks to all the old friends who I had such a good time visiting with, reminiscing about old times as well as our decidedly more mature current lives. It was extra special to see my long time childhood friends from Burton Valley: especially Deb, Shari, Kathie, Sue, Mary, Margaret, Roxy... -I hope those who didn't come this time will make it next time, especially those classmates who I spent lots of quality time with: at pom pom practice, games, and competitions; in so many of Mr Howard's art classes; and others who were close friends. This group includes Dana Johnson, Sue Harper, Meg McDowell and Ann Schuman, among others. -Thankfully, I recognized a lot of you! To those who I didn't recognize and had to ask, I apologize. I don't think I was alone in struggling with this. I'm looking forward to the next one and hope to come!
Kimberly Hilton Cope
Posted on the 2008-10-21 at 20:00
I wasn't in your class, but I've been looking for a way to contact Hildagard Buckette (thank you note).  Anyone know how I might contact her?  Address?
Thank you!
Wendy Wilkes
Posted on the 2008-09-08 at 20:00
The reunion was great fun and the work of all those involved was much appreciated. If anyone is ever in Ann Arbor Michigan, I'm in the phone book.
bronwen heuer
Posted on the 2008-08-28 at 20:00
Hello all!  Thank you Shari, Lu, Debbie, Sharon, Dave, Mark and all those that worked so hard to make this happen.  And thanks to all that attended. You have worked a very special alchemy for me, turning old rusty and tarnished memories into gold.  I had a wonderful time and loved hearing about everyone's lives.  It was encouraging to learn that despite the different directions we have gone in we still have a lot in common. and have followed similar pathes.  I have always felt blessed that I grew up in this community.  It is more than the rolling hills, the boundar oaks  and the temperate climate.  It's YOU! 
Kent Johnson
Posted on the 2008-08-17 at 20:00

Spending time in Lafayette with family and old friends is always good for me. The reunion this time was an added perk – touching base with the community that produced me and rediscovering that I actually am fairly normal and at least somewhere there are normal people who understand my jokes. Don’t know if I’m surprised at how many people I recognized and how many recognized me – after all, we’re still the same people. But yes, we have changed. This was my first reunion in 40 years, and I enjoyed the challenge. I do know that I’m glad for each person I got to talk to and regret only that the time was so short.

Janine (Dee) Clingman Hammel
Posted on the 2008-08-12 at 20:00
I echo Doe's sentiment !  Just for fun we downloaded some photo memories.  Better late than never!  Take a look!   Dee
Joan (Doe) Clingman Foster
Posted on the 2008-08-10 at 20:00
It sounds like everyone had a fantastic time.  I'm so sorry I was out of town.  Del Valle holds a special place in my heart.  Having moved to Lafayette the summer before our freshman year,  Dee and I knew no one.  We made friends with Kathy Clark and Patti Parsons at the barn across the street from our house where all of our horses were boarded.  Soon after freshman year began, we were fortunate to make friends from both Walnut Creek and Lafayette.  I hope we have another reunion in 5 years.  I will be there!!!  Doe
Charlotte (Horne) Gagne
Posted on the 2008-08-06 at 20:00
I enjoyed seeing so many old friends and classmates from Del Valle.  I was struck by the depth of these roots and connections from early elementary school days.  Many thanks to the reunion committee for providing memories and links to both Walnut Creek and Lafayette because our high school was a blend of both these communities.  With age, the long term memory banks are suppose to strengthen, so the next reunion should bring even better stories to share!! 
Caryl Day-Johnsen
Posted on the 2008-08-05 at 20:00
That was such a fabulous time seeing everone last weekend.  It was a great chance to reconnect with that time of our lives and really get to enjoy each other at this stage of our lives.  It charmed my heart!  Thank you to the committee that worked so hard and did an outstanding job.
Karen Aronson
Posted on the 2008-08-03 at 20:00
Heartfelt thanks to the reunion committee and all those who worked to make this happen. It was such a fun event and it was wonderful to see all my old high school buddies.....each and everyone of them. High school days hold such sweet (and funny) memories for me and the reunion was a chance to go back and reconnect with all those I shared it with. Can't wait for the next one. Karen Rasmussen Aronson
Debi Barrett Miller
Posted on the 2008-02-24 at 19:00
Wow. I am having so much fun at the meetings getting to know everyone, again. We aren't as shy and have no problem speaking our minds. Makes me chuckle. Good job team.
Lu Soria
Posted on the 2008-01-12 at 19:00
Hey Kids, we're almost there.... 3 cheers to the Reunion Committee Members and all who have responded. Don't forget to send in your 10 favorite songs you want played on Saturday night and photos for the memory book and memorial display. Thanks again all and see you soon. Lu
aka Louie
Claudia Reibin Fitch
Posted on the 2008-01-02 at 19:00
Contrary to what you see on the "In Memory Of" section I am not dead.  My sister, Janet Reibin, passed away.  Charlotte Horne Gagne you shocked my husband when he opened your Christmas card and you were expressing your sympathy at my passing.  I want you to know that I am alive and still living in Richardson, TX.  Smile, my friend, you need not grieve for me.  We've had a rough year, but we are both still breathing. 
Tia (Sheila Shields) Clark
Posted on the 2007-12-08 at 19:00
Thanks for putting together our reunion.  I look forward to renewing old acquaintances and having fun!   Where on earth is my yearbook????
Terry Duncan Canavello
Posted on the 2007-08-12 at 20:00
Hi everyone. Wow, we are alive and finally getting together??? Will wonders never cease ! I am in the wilds of Southern Oregon riding horses and enjoying life. Look forward to seeing everyone. What is everyone up to? Terry
Debb Maurer
Posted on the 2007-07-28 at 20:00
Shari-You'll have to teach a computer class for all of us computer dummies. You have done an amazing job. I'm so impressed. It's been fun being on the reunion committee together and getting to know you as adults. Keep up the good work!!!!-Debb
Diane Franet
Posted on the 2007-07-04 at 20:00
I think is super to see how everybody looks today compared to how they looked back then. Good and very nicely done,ok. Yours truly, Diane Franet
Shari
Posted on the 2007-06-27 at 20:00
This is getting embarrassing. Thank you everybody. I deeply appreciate the thoughts and love expressed here. Building and maintaining this website is my sincere pleasure, and a whole lot of fun! My work is the tip of the iceberg. My thanks to all on the Reunion Committee. They are working hard and quietly behind the scenes to make this Reunion a success and a time warmly remembered for the rest of our lives. Bless all of you!
susan mathis ferstler
Posted on the 2007-06-26 at 20:00
You are so talented and have done such a great job with this web site. We are lucky you are on the commitee.
Sonia Caris
Posted on the 2007-06-26 at 20:00
Shari, All I can say is ditto, ditto, ditto to the great comments above. You are very talented and have done an exceptional job on this website and all your work on the committee. A kind, nice, and fun person. Like Lu said - the bomb!
Linda (Swanson) Read
Posted on the 2007-06-25 at 20:00
Great job on keeping us all informed and I myself am looking forward to seeing everyone again. Thanks for your hard work, Shari.
sharon jacobucci
Posted on the 2007-06-23 at 20:00
Great Job Shari!!! We are on our WAY to what i anticipate to be the Best Reunion yet!!!
Bryan Coleman
Posted on the 2007-06-21 at 20:00
Ditto on the emerging website talk on
Mark Mallicoat
Posted on the 2007-06-21 at 20:00
Great job Shari, keep up he good work Mark Malicoat
Don Sargent
Posted on the 2007-06-10 at 20:00
Really exited about this whole thing!!!
Lu Soria
Posted on the 2007-05-23 at 20:00
Shari, you're the bomb ! Great job kiddo