LIFE EVENTS
4th Quarter 2010

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.

Teacher Paints Multicultural Picture As Children's Book Illustrator

By Andres Navarro/Daily Republic/November 30, 2010

Corie Strzelewicz (Barloggi) 85

If Corie Barloggi sees diversity in her classroom, then why can't it be seen in the books children read? That's what Barloggi, a third-grade teacher at Suisun Elementary School, was thinking when she illustrated her second children's book for author Denise Christian. For 'What Does the Doggie Say?' Barloggi decided to illustrate a multicultural family that is making a trip to their grandmother's house.

Her classroom at the school is a melting pot of backgrounds, she said. The characters in the book are fictitious but they share similar features her students have, such as skin color and hair style, she said.

Barloggi grew up around the world, she said. She has lived in England, Iran, Mexico and Turkey. Having been exposed to those different cultures drove her desire to give children a similar experience in their lives, she said.

For full story: Daily Republic

Retirement

Colonel Efren "Ef" Garcia 79 recently retired after serving 26 years in the USAF. Highlights of his career include: being a member of the All-Air Force Wrestling Team; being the Officer-In-Charge of the Air Force's RED HORSE Combat Engineers in Mogadishu, Somalia, during the "Blackhawk Down" incident; leading his squadron during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and earning the Bronze Star Medal; and also helping Latin America with humanitarian assistance programs and construction projects. Ef and his lovely wife, Carmen, met at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, during their freshman year, and have 7 great kids! They are remaining in the Washington, DC area.

Colonel Efren "Ef" Garcia

Richard Weigler, Vice Principal of GCM from 69 - 71 - Retires ... again
"When I first arrived in Florida I enlisted in the U S Coast Guard (Aux) and have just retired after 20 years. I persuaded a Turk whom I met while inspecting his boat....he became a citizen and joined up! For years we worked together - he on rescue patrols, and I doing the communication as Radio Officer/Watchstander, sometimes in Turkish!"

Marriage

Ginger Wilson 65 married Dr. Chip Splinter, Oct 16, 2010 in the backyard of their California home. Chip is a surgeon and a retired Navy Captain. A reception for 200 followed at the Naval Air Station North Island.

Trip of a Lifetime

A Visit from General McChrystal

General Stanley McChrystal visited the office building in which Kay Duncombe 62 works. She introduced him to an 89-year old WWII veteran who told the General, "Sir, I just want you to know . . . regardless of any military protocols you may have been perceived to abuse . . . you are still a genuine war hero and have certainly been a credit to the Marine Corps and to America." As General McChrystal turned to leave he thanked Kay for making his day.

General Stanley McChrystal, Kay Duncombe

Transitions

Cecil Suggs, father of Roger Suggs (Clifton) 66, passed away unexpectedly on October 23, 2010 in route to North Florida Regional Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. He is survived by his British wife of 65 years, 4 children, several grandchildren and a great grandchild. He retired from the Air Force after 26 years.
Obituary: Suwannee Democrat

Alan Kashdan 63 lost his mother, Sylvia, on August 26, 2010 at the age of 94. According to Alan, "You see - doner kebab, lamb and yogurt makes you live longer!!"