Where Are You Now?

The year 2008 is a mighty one for we who were in the class of 1958 at Menlo-Atherton High School. Menlo-Atherton Class of 1958 Fiftieth Reunion It's our 50th year since graduation and that's our "Golden Anniversary" - appropriate considering our school colors.

With the reunion dates now announced (at right) be sure to make a trip of it and build in time to visit M-A, which is pretty much the same but with some fantastic new buildings (library, pool enlarged, lighted football field).

You'll also want to take a drive around your own personal hangouts and familiar places. My wife and I only live about 3½ hours from Menlo/Atherton, yet every time we're there we realize we've forgotten the shortcuts in getting from point A to point B! We can only ask - nay implore - you to make sure your contact information is correct on our alumni page. If we can be of help getting you into that page, and we'll email you.

We are having an especially hard time contacting classmates who do not, apparently, have email. If you have actual street addresses, or even the towns in which they live, it would make things easier on us. We are getting more emails each week from classmates and they are proving to be a big help...but we'd like to hear from more of you as a recent email burst resulted in about ¾s of them being returned as non-deliverable. Help!

Time for the "Hardy Party!

That's Doug at right. 1. as he looked in 1958 when he was a track star; 2. his transformation into a ZZ Top band member! (kidding)

Doug is holding a sign, and if you click on it, you're automatically invited to the 2008 HARDY PARTY, "A Day At The Ranch!". That's Doug's website and it always features the latest happenings...this one May 17th at the Hardy spread in the foothills of California. Directions are HERE but are coming soon to his website

First the good news: The dates are set: November 7, 8 and 9, 2008!

Now the even-better news: Peggy McDowell Cramer has again consented to be our "reunion mama" for our event which we hope she has cleverly scheduled in between iron man races!

November 7, everyone arrives & chats a lot.

November 8, the big event at Menlo Circus Club

November 9, picnic in the afternoon and Rossotti's/Portola Valley.
Frankly, we can't wait! If you're one of the few who don't think reunions are fun, wait 'til you go to THIS one. Remember, we're all pushin' 70 now, (ouch!) and we've all changed a lot. A LOT! "Class Mama" Peggy hasn't changed all that much though as you can see from the picture at right. Obviously this is a major celebration and in order to make it our most well attended reunion yet, we've set a goal of contacting people who have disappeared from the M-A58 radar. You'll find our classmates listed on the Alumni Page. Can you help find old friends? If you'd like to be on our tracking team, just send us an e-mail (below) to let us know who you've found, or people you know have moved. If you're an expert at finding people through internet resources, WE WANT YOU!

Anyone belong to "Classmates.com"? If so would you write to any class of '58ers and ask them to contact us if their e-mail address needs updating?

M-A Gets New Performing Arts Center

A new $15-million Performing Arts Center at Menlo-Atherton High School, designed by a pre-eminent architect is nearly complete.
    See the architect's site for background, and here for construction cam photo.
    The 432 seat facility is being constructed on the former "Multi Purpose" building's site, north of the Tennis Court and accessible from the campus road running inside the campus alongside Middlefield Road.
    The facility is being built after a lawsuit was filed by Atherton over potential noise/parking issues. Apparently settled now.
    Go Bears!

Penelope A. Duerr Van Verst

Penelope A. Duerr Van Verst, 1940-2006, local realtor. To all her friends and family, Penny Van Verst was a Shiny Penny. Vibrant and always with a smile on her face, she lived her life helping others to attain their goals, always putting their interests ahead of hers. Mrs. Van Verst, 65, died Wednesday, March 8 of cancer, in her home. Born in Glendale, CA, she graduated from Menlo-Atherton High School in 1958 and then the University of Wisconsin in 1962, where she met her husband of 43 years, Dr. Richard Van Verst, a retired Oak Park dentist. Settling in Oak Park, with her husband, she devoted her helping hand to her family of two daughters as a stay home mom for 13 years. Reaching out to help others, she began to work at the Oak Park Chicago Health Club, where she became a co-manager. She then became a Realtor, and for 21 years helped young and old fulfill their housing goals and dreams. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Kathryn Livingston and Jennifer Vande Lune; a brother, Gordon Duerr; and four grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Claire, Gavin and Chloe. Private services has been held. If desired, memorials to the American Lung Association, 1749 S. Naperville Rd., Suite 202, Wheaton, IL 60187 would be appreciated. Arrangements by the Pedersen-Ryberg Mortuary of Elmhurst, 630-834-1133.