March 29, 2012

You haven’t changed a bit!

Betsey Nash was one of the real leaders of our class.

Betsey Nash was one of the real leaders of our class.

That would be my reaction if I saw Betsey Nash today. I recently connected with Betsey on FaceBook and when I saw her picture, I thought that she had not changed one bit from high school.

If you recall, she appeared on nearly every page of our Ceralbus — she was Most Talkative (with Bob Northrop), had the Best Personality (with Jim Gustad, Bob Elliott, and Mindy Poe), Most Athletic (with John Ferguson), Most School Spirit (with Steve Burns) and Class Clown (with Les Heller).  In addition, she was one of the Miss Bulldogs of the Month and Girls League President. She was also on the Pep Committee, ASB Social Committee, ASB Election Committee, ASB Assembly Committee, Legislative Council, Executive Council, Lettergirls’ Club, Rooters’ Club, Senior Prom Committee, and on the Senior Barbecue Committee.

Betsey Nash

Betsey Nash

Most Talkative

Most Talkative

And she participated in Dance Performance, A Cappella Choir, Girls’ Choir and Madrigal Choir.

Whew! Even Betsey says it’s a wonder she ever graduated! For sure, Betsey was a person we all admired greatly.

It’s no wonder that she put all those people skills to work and is today a specialist in human resources. She had a career in title insurance and spent ten years in HR with Home Depot before being recruited by Bed Bath & Beyond where she was District HR Manager overseeing 12 stores in the San Fernando Valley. She is a popular newspaper columnist, a much sought-after emcee, and was an award-winning radio talk show host. Betsey has kept up her extra-curricular activities — except now it’s called “community volunteering.” Her activities included founding and serving as President of the San Luis Obispo County Women’s Network, Director of the Cuesta College Foundation, and serving on the board of the San Luis Obispo Symphony and San Luis Obispo County’s Land Conservancy. She also wrote a great blog called “Only Human,” and now writes a biweekly column on employment issues. She says she is “happily ensconced on the central coast with my life partner of 21 years, Marci Powers (Bellarmine-Jefferson class of ’66).”

Recently Betsey lamented the fact that she dreamed of being on Broadway at one time in her life — and her father was in charge of music in the school system. I never knew that! But she has sung with the California Vocal Arts Ensemble and toured with them throughout the cathedrals of Europe as well as Poland and Russia.

But no matter what you did, Betsey, you were destined for success!

Most School Spirit

Most School Spirit

Posted by on March 29, 2012 in Burbank High School and tagged , , , , , , .

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March 24, 2012

The Show Choir program

When I was interviewed for Burbank High’s Centennial book by one of its current students, she mentioned its outstanding choir program. At the time of that conversation, I didn’t know that Burbank High’s choral program had become a show choir. In fact, if you go to the Wikipedia article about Burbank High, you’ll find that the program was nationally ranked as number one in the country for 2009 and 2010.

Let’s back up a little. Some of you may not know what the term “show choir” is, but if you have ever watched the television program, “Glee,” then you’ve seen a show choir in action. A show choir combines singing with dance movements. And some think Burbank High’s Glee Club served as inspiration for the hit television show.

Burbank High has several show choirs: In Sync (advanced mixed) , Impressions (advanced women’s), Sound Dogs (advanced men), Out of the Blue (intermediate mixed) and Sapphire (intermediate women’s).

Here’s a promo for a program which brought together Burbank and Burroughs High Schools’ show choirs in concert at the Starlight Bowl, last June 11th, 2011.

You may also be interested in this article titled “Burbank High Glee Club at Risk of Budget Cuts,” from KTLA News which has a video clip about the show choir program and budget shortfall.

Posted by on March 24, 2012 in Burbank High School and tagged , , , .

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March 17, 2012

The Burbank High Alma Mater

When I went to our 40th Class Reunion in 2008, a lot of people recognized me, and I must confess that without photo name tags, I would have had a hard time remembering people. And it was not because just a month earlier, I had undergone surgery for a (thankfully) benign brain tumor. It was also because when the Burbank High administration found out I could play the organ, I played the Alma Mater at the end of all school assemblies. I  didn’t just play the song for our own grade — I remember being yanked out of class to play the Alma Mater for other grades, too!

Here are the words, in case you have forgotten them:

Hail, Burbank High School.
The Blue and White wave high;
To our own dear high school,
We raise it to the sky;
All honor to thee we sing,
Oh, long may our praises ring.
Hail, Burbank High School!
Hail! Hail! Hail!

You can sing along with this little slideshow I created here.

Posted by on March 17, 2012 in Burbank High School and tagged .

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March 13, 2012

A devastating fire

Sherri Meares Commins' house after the fire.

Sherri Meares Commins' house after the fire.

Most of us (knock on wood) have never been awakened at 1:30 in the morning to find the house on fire. But Sharon (Sherri) Meares Commins and her husband, Steve, are alive today because of an active alarm system with smoke detectors. Their daughter, Melanie, was staying in the den, where the fire started, and her dog barked until Melanie awoke to flames over her head. Thankfully, none of them were hurt, and needless to say, their dog is a hero, “with as many dog treats as she wants.”

Sherri's rebuilt house today.

Sherri's rebuilt house today.

Their son, Justin, drove up from his Long Beach apartment to take care of them and Sherri says “Man, the loneliest feeling in the world is when the fire department finally leaves and you are in your driveway at 3 am staring at your uninhabitable smoldering house thinking, uh oh, now what? So, you sigh, get out your cell, and make the call to the insurance company to get the recovery process going.”  The insurance company determined that the fire was due to a faulty electrical panel, completely not their fault.

Sherri said that they were “simply overwhelmed by the wonderful kindness of our neighbors and friends—we still marvel at this. My colleagues on the Mar Vista Community Council board helped with clothes, food, finding a rental house, all of it. We were, and continue to be, very thankful for community.” They rebuilt and moved back into their house in April 2011.

Sherri Meares Commins

Sherri Meares Commins

Sharon Meares

Sharon Meares

Sherri is active as the Chair of the Mar Vista Community Council (in the West Los Angeles area) and says that if you love gardens, would like to invite you to their MVCC Green Gardens Showcase on Saturday, April 21st. Over 90 gardens in the Mar Vista community will be featured, including ocean-friendly gardens, as well as urban farming and native landscapes. Details including maps and self-guided tours may be found at the MVCC website.

Sherri, we are so glad that you survived this fire! She says, “I truly don’t recommend going through a [house] remodel this way!”

Posted by on March 13, 2012 in Burbank High School and tagged , , , , , .

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March 10, 2012

Blue Bird memories

Blue Birds from Emerson School

Blue Birds from Emerson School (December 1959)

Some time ago, this photo of the Blue Birds from Emerson School was shared on FaceBook. So many of these girls became Burbank High Class of 1968 grads that I thought it would be fun to share it. In case you have trouble identifying the girls, they are:

Back row (L-R): Stephanie Llewellyn, Kathy Benno, Sally Bartley, Alyse Trostler, Jill Gipson, Carole Aikin, Nazira Thomas. Front row: Jeanette Gosling, Barbara Weitbrecht, Cynthia Henry, Kathy Au, Tenny Battles, Marilyn Kasper.

The Blue Birds came to my family's home for a Chinese Christmas. Click the picture for a larger view.

The Blue Birds came to my family’s home for a Chinese Christmas. Click the picture for a larger view and to read the article.

In case you don’t know, Blue Birds were the younger versions of Camp Fire Girls, now known as Camp Fire USA, It was founded to be the sister organization of the Boy Scouts, but I always thought of it as the alternative to the Girls Scouts. We did crafts, cooking, hiking, beach days, museum tours, theme parks, and of course, camping. (I’m afraid that to this day, I’d much rather stay in a five-star hotel than go camping!)

Barbara Weitbrecht

Barbara Weitbrecht

Many of us were Camp Fire Girls all through high school and I considered them to be my best friends.  Our leaders were Ruth Benno (now deceased) and Georgette Weitbrecht. Mrs. Weitbrecht is now in her 90s and lives in North Carolina. I sent her this picture last Christmas and she was thrilled to receive it and relive many happy memories.

Barbara Weitbrecht works for the Smithsonian Institution.

Barbara works for the Smithsonian Institution.

I’ve found some of these girls on FaceBook and others I saw at our class reunions. I was especially happy to connect with Barbara Weitbrecht, who is a database programmer for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. She is an avid gamer and is a team writer for Home Station magazine, which is devoted to gaming on the PlayStation Network. Her latest article, “Reality is a Matter of Opinion,” reveals some of her growing-up years in Burbank, CA and I highly recommend reading it. It’s absolutely spectacular writing about online role-playing games, avatars, imagination and reality.

Barbara also wrote about the Camp Fire Girls’ ceremonial rituals in her article, “The Uses of Glory”.

Please — will the rest of the Blue Birds (and Camp Fire Girls) connect with us and give us your stories?

Posted by on March 10, 2012 in Burbank High School and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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March 10, 2012

Sixty is the new Thirty!

(L-R) Cindy Miller Malone, her daughter and fiancé, and Cinday's husband.

(L-R) Cindy Miller Malone, her daughter Erin and fiancé Matt, and Cindy's husband, Michael. Doesn't Cindy look great! She hasn't changed a bit.

Cindy Miller

Cindy Miller

So says Cindy Miller Malone, who says: The first time I looked at your blog I chuckled to see the “Where are they now?” photo.  Happy to say that I am still alive and kicking with a great husband and a daughter getting married next year.  Our time is spent between La Canada and a home in Corona Del Mar.  Can’t believe that it has been 44 years since we graduated. Hopefully 60 is the new 30!

I wrote her back saying that I still feel like I’m in my 30s, except I can’t see too well and my memory isn’t what it used to be. Cindy wrote back to say that she hopes most of our friends are doing well because “I don’t think of us as old.  Though I agree that I can’t see anything up close without my glasses. Try not to worry about my memory.  Probably too many of us with parents who had Alzheimers.” 

Arnold Wilenken

Arnold Wilenken

Arnie Wilenken, on getting older, commented:  “I enjoyed seeing you at our 40th Reunion at Castaway’s.  Other than you  everybody looked much too old, though.”  He saw my post on Robert F. Kennedy getting shot and commented: Great job on this blog & good article.  I clearly remember the afternoon that RFK was shot.  I also clearly remember when M.L. King was shot as well.  My good friend, Aubrey “Bob” Cole and I were at Pitch ‘N Putt Golf Course, off Victory Blvd at the time.  Those events were absolute madness!”

Arnie Wilenken at Morro Bay.

Arnie Wilenken at Morro Bay.

Arnie said that after leaving Burbank High in 1968, he moved to Visalia, CA to attend the College of the Sequoias, then moved to Fresno to attend Cal State University. He graduated with a BA in Georgraph with a minor in Aerospace Studies (AFROTC). He was then commissioned a second lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force in 1975. He graduated from USAF Navigator School and flew the USAF F-4E Phantom as a Weapon Systems Officers. He was hired by Lockheed Advanced Developments Company and still works with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics as a flight test engineer.  Arnie was married for 20+ years but is now currently single.  His favorite activities are sailing and road cycling—the human powered kind. He says, ”  … Life is good, Kathy!  I truly wish the same for you and all of our fellow alumni.”

Mona Cannon

Mona Cannon

Mona Cannon wrote recently after seeing my post about our horse-owning classmates. She said, “Loved the picture of Kathy Benno on her horse.  I am now the proud (and poor) owner of two horses.  I’d love to get in touch with Kathy and any other horsey classmates.”

We’d love to hear from you all! Please use the “Contact us” tab above or write us at burbankhigh1968@gmail.com and don’t forget to send a recent picture!

Posted by on March 10, 2012 in Burbank High School and tagged , , , , , .

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March 6, 2012

Frolicking in Florida

Gail Hanson Carman

Gail Hanson Carman

I’m trying something new. Instead of waiting around for people to write in to share their news with the rest of our Class of 1968, I’m contacting all the people who have made comments on the blog. One of those people I heard back from was Gail Hanson Carman, who with her husband, Ron, live in Orlando, near Disney World in Florida. They moved there 16 years ago when they decided their dollars would go further than in California.

Gail says her husband, Ron, “spent many years in project management, most of which were theme park-based, so Disney and Universal has given him plenty of projects over his career.” He’s now retired, but Gail is working part-time as a convention assistant in the second largest convention center in the nation.

Their son, Brad, is 31 years old, happily married and gainfully employed in Chicago, “making us proud.” He spent a few years pursuing music. He and several other young musicians were in a band called Fairweather Friend for a few years in early 2000’s, when alternate rock was the style

Here’s an invitation from Gail: “If any of you are ever in Florida, we would gladly show you the sites of Orlando, lots of theme parks, and lots to do here. Just know that in summer you will spend lots of time swimming or seeking A/C!”

Gail and her husband have fun in Florida.

Gail and her husband have fun in Florida.

Posted by on March 6, 2012 in Burbank High School and tagged , , , , .

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March 4, 2012

East meets West

Crilly Butler and his wife, Takami, relax in their zen garden.

Crilly Butler and his wife, Takami, relax in their zen garden.

In looking over the comments people have made to the blog, I read the one by Crilly Butler concerning Miss Linda Bergman, our French teacher. On a whim I did a Google search on “Crilly Butler” and came across a wonderful article about a Zen garden which you can read by clicking here. (The article also shows a number of pictures from the garden, so I highly recommend reading it.) It was indeed the same Crilly Butler from our class!

Beautiful cherry blossom trees at Crilly's house.

Beautiful cherry blossom trees at Crilly's house.

Crilly spent a year living in Japan where he studied aikido with Steven Seagal and met his wife, Takami. They were married in a traditional Shinto ceremony at Izumo Taisha, near her home town, then moved to Davis, CA a few months later. In 1996 they purchased a large lot and designed a hybrid Japanese/Western home, including a traditional Japanese “hachi-jo” tatami room on the second floor.

Crilly Butler

Crilly Butler

I asked Crilly about his unusual first name, and he said that it was his grandmother’s surname, which was hard growing up with, but he is pretty sure that he is the only Crilly Butler in the country. He is currently a Senior Information Systems Analyst for the State of California, and designs Oracle database applications and data warehouses. Crilly also is a website designer and developer. His wife Takami is a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in autism and has gone back to school after thirty years to get a doctoral degree. Their son Nicholas moved to Los Angeles to become an actor and model. Crilly says that “against all odds, he’s actually making some headway!”

With Crilly having a Japanese wife, I wondered whether he speaks Japanese, and he said ‘yes.’ That must mean that he learned the language after high school since Burbank High did not offer Japanese in their curriculum at that time! He and Takami visit Japan every other year or so to visit friends and relatives.

Thanks, Crilly, for sharing!

Posted by on March 4, 2012 in Burbank High School and tagged , , , , , .

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March 1, 2012

The power of high school reunions

Blyden Loutensock

Blyden Loutensock

Alan Landros

Alan Landros

Yesterday I wrote about Coach Jack Loutensock and today I’m going to write about his son, Blyden. Although he was not in our class (he graduated in Burbank High’s Class of 1970), he had been kept abreast of his Class Reunions through the efforts of class members Alan Landros and  Joyce Starleaf, who have headed up reunions every five years. (I’m afraid our class has not been so ambitious!)

Alan and Blyden first met at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Burbank when Blyden’s father, Coach Loutensock (who had already been teaching at Burbank High for 7 years), moved his family to Burbank. They both were in the fifth and sixth grade classes together, then continued on to John Muir Junior High and Burbank High School.

The year was 2005 and Blyden brought his father, Coach Loutensock, to the reunion. Just two months after the reunion, Alan Landros, who had been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease at age 30 (his mother had died of the disease), sent out an email to his classmates announcing that he would soon have to start kidney dialysis. That very same day, Blyden wrote back to him and offered to donate one of his kidneys! Alan had not even mentioned a transplant, he had only announced his impending need for dialysis!

You can read their story on the UCLA Medical Center website here. UCLA also made a video on the day of the operation which talks about their friendship and how they got reconnected.. I’m happy to report that both Alan and Blyden have recovered and are doing well.

That’s the power of high school reunions — keeping in touch could save your life!

Posted by on March 1, 2012 in Burbank High School and tagged , , , .

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February 29, 2012

Coach Jack Loutensock (1926-2009)

Coach Jack Loutensock, 1926-2009

Coach Jack Loutensock, 1926-2009

A couple of years ago, we received notice of the death of Coach Jack Loutensock, but of course, I didn’t have him for Physical Education or Varsity Basketball, but I did have him for “Health and Safety.”  I still remember him saying that if we ever got a cut, we were to apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. That advice has been used my whole life! Health and Safety was one of those required classes that turned out to be way more interesting than you’d expect. According to the Ceralbus, he also taught Driver Training, and I think I took that class from him, too. Remember all those horrible movies of car crashes we had to watch?

I just now re-read the news of his passing on the Class of 1967 blog, so to refresh your memory, here are the details:  Coach John “Jack” Loutensock passed away suddenly this morning, July 31, at about 9:00 AM at his home in Orem, Utah, at age 83. On July 14, two weeks ago, biopsies were taken from his lungs, which gave the diagnosis of mesothelioma in both lungs. On July 22 he went home from the hospital. Being a lifelong non-smoker, it was later definitely determined that the mesothelioma was due to asbestos exposure. This next Tuesday, August 4, Coach Loutensock had an appointment in Salt Lake City at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital for evaluation and discussion of what treatment would be done. This morning Coach Loutensock was up, and dressed with the help of his wife, Barbara, and son, Brett. His wife suggested he rest on his bed, and as soon as he got onto the bed Barbara and Brett heard him take two deep breaths, and he passed away that quickly.

Mr. Loutensock was a graduate of Brigham Young University, Provo, UT and was also an Air Force veteran. He taught in the Burbank schools for over 30 years, 3 of those years were at Luther Burbank Junior High, and the remaining  years were at Burbank High. He and his wife, Barbara, retired to Orem, Utah before his sudden passing in 2009. All three of his children were Burbank High grads: Blyden (BHS’70), Brett (BHS’78) and Wendy (BHS’79).

In the next post I will talk more about his son, Blyden, and his unselfish gift of a kidney to a fellow classmate.

Burbank High's Varsity Basketball team, 1968

Burbank High's Varsity Basketball team, 1968

Back row, standing  (L-R): John Price, Tom Kelly, Craig Weber, Craig White, Steve Young, Tim Tolnay, Jay Kelley, Pat Sullivan, Gene Allred. Standing (left): Coach Jack Loutensock. Front row, seated (L-R): Steve Segal, Tim DuBois, Paul Phinney, Kent Nebeker, Greg Clark, Pete Cohen, Dave DeHart and Mgr. Mike.

Almost all of Burbank’s losses this season were by close margins, and the Bulldogs were inches away from having a winning team. The high point man on this year’s team was senior John Price, Foothill League’s fifth-leading scorer.

Posted by on February 29, 2012 in Burbank High School and tagged , , , , , .

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