LIFE EVENTS
4th Quarter 2009

This page was inspired by an electronic newsletter that Susan Curran 72 sends out every three months to her classmates in the seventies. It's a great way to find out what has been happening to your friends. With her permission, we have adapted her wonderful concept on this page.

Let us know what is happening in your life. Do you have an animal tale, a wedding, a new grandchild or something to brag about that you would like to share? That's part of the fun. Come on, be creative!! Share your life with us. Contact us today.

Daughter Joins Army Reserves

Rachel, daughter of Deborah Robinson Lane, class of 1966 is in officer's training. She joined the Army Reserves, AMEDD in the veterinary services. Her spouse, Matt, is an AGR Major at Ft. Knox. Deborah is there now helping keep their 3 boys in line.

Youngest son David has enlisted in the early entry program and will be active as soon as he graduates from HS in the spring. According to Deborah she is "an official Army mom now!" Her other two sons live in TN and ID, and live productive civilian lives.

Husband, Jim, is unemployed but busy with photography--see his site: The Photo Lane.

Deborah wants to know what all of you are up to, so update ASAP!

Home Again

We received great news from Paulette Tokar 67 who lost her home during hurricane Katrina. It took four years, but she is in her sixth and final home along with her 12-year old cat who was by her side the entire journey.

Paulette thought being raised a military brat prepared her for just about anything. Then Katrina entered her life. "Nothing could have prepared this town or individual for the extreme conditions under which we had to live. Hope kept us going. Hope and the kindness of friends."

As of today I am in a beautiful cottage that is full of light and I even have a place for a studio. The street name is appropriately Park Place. It’s my winning game! Thank you to so many Ankara people that helped me crawl out of the hell of Katrina. I could have not done it alone. . Many thanks.

Paulette Tokar Whiteman class of 67’AHS
November 4, 2009

Judi Poag Ward LMS Fundraiser

November 2, 2009
We are very sad to announce that Judi passed away this evening after a fourth surgery. She was very touched by the outpouring of support from the Ankara alumni. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.

A memorial fund has been set up in her name with the National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation. You can make a donation in memory of Judi Ward for research and awareness of this very rare cancer that cannot be cured.
http://www.lmsdr.org/donatenow.php

Judi at LMS Fundraiser

October 10, 2009 Update: Thank you! The response from alumni has been amazing and heartwarming. 45 Ankara alumni have contributed $3,525. The fundraiser in Simi Vally raised $4,027 for a total of $7,550. Judi's current medcal expenses are over $30,000. October 3, 2009: About a month ago, Judi Poag Ward 65 was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer, leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Judi was laid off from her job last year and has no medical insurance and is not eligible for MediCal or Medicare. She is scheduled for surgery on October 22nd and her medical costs are already well over $10,000. So far, Ankara alumni have donated close to $1,500.

As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for Judi and her family and we would like to help reduce some of their stress. If everyone who visits this site can find it in their heart to contribute between $5-$10, we may be able to wipe out that $10,000. This is going to be a long and expensive road for Judi and her family. But this show of support may give her a huge emotional lift.

Rachel Campos-Duffy on "The View"

Rachel Campos 89 will appear as a guest co-host on the television show "The View" on Monday, October 12, 2009. If you miss the show, watch it online at ABC.com.

For more about Rachel, visit her web site, Rachel Campos-Duffy.

Grandchildren

Bill Tucker 69 is proud to announce the arrival of Logan Emerson Mack. She was born on November 9, weighing in at 8 lbs 7 oz. Logan is about 6 hours old in this picture and is being spoiled by big sister Avery. Everyone is fine and the grandparents are very, very proud. We don't want you thinking that Bill was not thrilled when Avery arrived. Here is her announcement and photograph.

Logan and Avery