"A year is but the reflection of our efforts - our triumphs and our defeats.
As man is the product of his environment, so are we affected by our years at John Muir.
There is reflected in each of us a portion of these years in our faces, in our creations, in our actions.
Through experience comes knowledge, and with this knowledge, a certain wisdom.
Wisdom to be dignified in victory, to be proud in defeat, to stand together in unity, to stand alone in reflection,
to recognize the value of good times and not-so-good times in these reflections in blue and gold.
Now there is no turning back. No stopping in the stillness of an early dawn.
There is but to move up and out and on . . .
Yet we return always to these reflections in blue and gold.
In the fulfillment of a dream lies a certain sadness and
hope that the year 1968 will be reflected always,
and with happiness, in their hearts"

~ Sharon Matsumoto, Editor-in-Chief, 1968 Hoofbeats

"One of the most important thing I have learned is that change can be a  difficult concept to accept by people who refuse to embrace changes." -Ron Fujihara

"I suppose ... the value of individuality. Some of my life experiences have been truly remarkable and I believe that many of those experiences have come about because I was more interested in experiencing life than conforming to a 'norm.'"
-Wendy Harrison

"I have found that 'We are all captains of our ships. Which way we steer our ships through the oceans of life is up to us.' -Lon Daugherty

"In answer to your question,I learned this from my Dad when I was in my late 20's....Only worry about the things in life you can physically do something about. For everything else just be prepared for it by having an open mind, and you will be able to del with anything that comes up. I've followed that train of thought throughout my life and it has done me well!" -Arturo Marquesz

'With wisdom, comes age' and also I've learned 'patience makes life easier' -Bruce Springer

One of the most important things I have learned is the value of patience. Somethings in life are meant to be part of the development and progression of our lives as we left the teenage years in 1968 to develop into adulthood. Mistakes I made and the choices I made to try to grow up to fast taught me many good reasons why I should have let life take its course and not have tried to grow up too soon.Bad decisions made without the guidence and blessing of GOD caused me to suffer some adverse results that could have been avoided if I had used patience and not went headstrong into bad decisions I made on my own. Thanks for asking. -Freddy Truitt

Ron, seems like you asked a few days ago about things we've learned or philosophies we've adopted over the years.  Here's the life philosophy that I have displayed on my office wall that I have tried to live by over the years.  I think it's a good one:

"RESOLVE TO:
Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace
Make all of your friends feel there is something special about them
Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true
Think only the best, work for the best, and expect only the best
Be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own
Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future
Wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile
Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others
Be too large for worry, to noble for anger, too strong for fear, and to happy to permit the presence of trouble" -Tom Davis

"Dad was right - I have become him. ...and the corollary subtheme, Don't get fixated on whatever you are worrying about today because it will shortly be supplanted by something else to worry about." - Dennis Beringer

The biggest lesson for a while was that Walt Disney lied. You do not just "live happily ever after." Was anyone else as naive as I?! Years later, when my daughter was born, I realized that without that early tragic "lesson" I would never be holding this beautiful child in my arms or living in this great place...... That has become my frame for life's experiences. Somehow, down the line, things seems to always work out. Life is a roller coaster. There are just ups and downs. Enjoy the ride! -Barbara Chestnut

That I really needed Jesus Christ in my life. You can have all kinds of goals and make all kinds of plans, but things change... stuff happens! He's become the anchor that holds me as I weather the "storms of life". -Jacquiline Howard

"Life is short and full of suprises. Always be there for family and friends." -Charles Peysar

"One of the most important things I’ve learned is if it moves & shouldn’t, you need duct tape. If it doesn’t move & should, you need WD-40." -Tim Landuer

“In retrospect, the past seems not one existence with a continuous flow of years and events that follow each other in logical sequence, but a life periodically dividing into entirely separate compartments. Change of surroundings, interests, pursuits, has made it seem actually more like different incarnations.” -Eleanor Robson Belmont

Can you briefly describe one incarnation in your life? I know, I know…so many!

“During my lifetime I have always pursued my interests and curiosities. This has placed me in different compartments (incarnations) each and every time. From higher education, the military, working with troubled teenagers, restaurant manager, and a return to school has given me some wonderful learning experiences. It was not until I worked as a restaurant manager that I experienced one of those, aha, moments. When I started to reflect on all my past experiences, there was one trait that I was always involved in and something I enjoyed doing. I seemed to always end up training or teaching other people. This, aha, moment sent me packing for school and to pursue a teaching career. I have been steadily happy ever since. Technology was another, aha, moment for me too!” –Ron Fujihara

"Incarnation? Sure. I had to reinvent myself after the first marriage and the change of employment. I had to learn to transcend." -Dennis Beringer

"Ron, probably the most exciting incarnation that I experience in my life was when I spent just over a year living aboard a 60-foot ketch based in the Mediterranean. Actually, Muir graduate, John Riise and I were shipmates on the voyage. It was in the summer of 1973 that we flew to the Spanish island of Palma de Majorca in the western Mediterranean where the boat was based. There, John and I were to serve as both boat crew and film crew for the captain who was making a feature-length movie about the boat’s adventures in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
At the end of that summer we nearly went down in rough weather on our voyage back to Majorca when the anchor worked itself loose and smashed through the hull. After hours of trying to keep the boat from sinking, especially when the pumps failed and we had to bail by hand, we finally managed to reach the island of Malta where we spent the next couple of months in dry-dock making repairs. By the following summer we were once again plying the islands of Greece and Turkey in search of more adventure. As you might guess, it was the adventure of a lifetime. The movie we were making, “Way of the Wind,” was eventually released on HBO and is still available on various auction sites to this day."  -Tom Davis

I really like that quote! I lived for a year in a traditional Native American camp run by a Cherokee Medicine Man, Rolling Thunder, with his wife, Spotted Fawn. It was a great existence. -Barbara Chestnut

"I was assistant to the president of investment services at Union Bank for 12 1/2 years then they downsized and I began to do temp work. Severe arthritis set in from a car accident, then I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel and trigger fingers from eons of typing.
After two surgeries on both hands I was broke, bored and somewhat desperate. While waiting to be approved for rehab training, I took the grueling training (who knew???) to become a school bus driver. Currently, I drive special ed kids in Glendale. Though the pay caused major culture shock and dismay, it's the most interesting and rewarding job I've ever had!" -Jacquiline Howard

For about 20 years my life was pretty much filled with horses and the family of friends that surrounded that. A great group of friends - like an extended family really. A very diverse mix - ages from 12 thru 55 and a wide variety of cultural backgrounds as well. A daily routine - meeting at the stable, riding locally and also trailoring out to ride. Lots of camping (w/the horses) both locally as well as non-local horse-designated campgrounds, telling "lies" at a campfire, sharing our successes as well as failure to people that genuinely cared. A great time with many warm memories! -Wendy Siewert

In the fall of 2005, I joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training for cycling. Each of us had to raise $2400 and train to ride 100 miles in a single day. The training was well planned, the goal to find a cure for blood cancers and riding in the name of family and friends who have died or are stricken with these diseases was soul-strengthening. I had never bicycled much as a kid or adult, but to really learn this skill at the age of 55 at first seemed laughable. But, I can say that I accomplished all the goals for myself and maybe helped a little in the fight against non-solid tumors. -Irene Fujimoto, RN, OCN

"No, not really." -Charles Peysar

"Probably the most prominante incarnation in my life was being hired by IBM in 1979. Up until that time I worked mostly dead-end jobs that allowed me plenty of time to "play", which meant trips on my motorcycle all over the country. I would work to keep my bike running and money for gas and food and that was it, I didn't even think about what the future had in store for me. Everything I knew about fixing cars and bikes I learned from my Dad, and that kept me going for awhile. Along about 1979 I started realizing I wasn't getting anywhere and I felt like I needed to do something more meaningful. My basic understanding about electronics is what got me into IBM, and here I am 29+ years later with a career that I'm very proud of. I've had the chance to travel around the world because of it, and I've had a chance to help a lot of people less fortunate than me because if it as well. It has given me opportunities that I'm not sure I would have gotten otherwise, so I'm very grateful for the chance to do this, but also I feel very good about myself for recognizing the opportunity and taking advantage of it." -Arturo G. Marquez

"Easily the most rewarding “incarnation” has been being a father. JorJa & I raised 2 boys. They didn’t turn out the way we expected (I guess our parents would say the say thing about us), but they turned out good. We love them both." -Tim Landuer

"Going from being a GI Joe, to being a civilian with a wife and a kid and no job,overnight." -Lon Daugherty

"Raising my son and daughter (and being a stepmom to my husband's son and daughter) – probably the most challenging and rewarding job ever! Being a mom changed my life more than anything else I have experienced. The love I feel for them is beyond words. They are productive, responsible, and caring adults (with college degrees) who enjoy talking with, and seeing me regularly – I love it!" -Carol Topits

Experiences, bad and good, help define the memories of our past. Describe one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had at John Muir.

"Where to begin? Although academics should be the highlight of my years at John Muir, what I remember most vividly are the athletic/team events and the thrill of winning. So, being selected as one of the semi-finalists for the 1968 Flag Girl team stands out the most. I was incredulous, happy beyond belief, and feeling that people actually liked me for being someone other than on the academic track. These are the memories of a teenager - when fitting in was so important. I didn't get to be on the final team, but the memories of that experience has always stayed with me." -Irene A. Fujimoto

"In light of the differences between now and then, what I remember most was how we all got along. I remember vividly the many relationships I had from so many different cultural/religious/social backgrounds. We seemed to all get along and enjoy each other, and I miss those days." -Ron Fujihara

"I'm not sure if I can break down my memories about Muir into one or even two events or experiences, whenever I think about my time at Muir I just remember that my 3 years there were all pretty cool ! From going to the football games at the Rose Bowl like the Turkey Tussle, to the rallies, the friends I made throughout my time there, the great (and not so great) teachers I had, it all plays out in my head as one period of time. Even my first year (1965) there was an interesting experience - we had just had the Watts riots that summer and there seemed to be tension everywhere.....except at Muir. Everybody got along so good, I don't remember a single incidence of trouble or problems associated with the riots !
I would have to say my whole Muir experience is one that I will never forget, I think about those days often and always with a smile on my face !"
-Arturo G. Marquez

"In my years at john muir high, my memories were more good than bad. I enjoyed the chances to meet and befriend new people from the different junior highs from which we came. I salute all of you that I had a chance to enjoy as my friends. My best memories was being part of the varsity track team that set the state record for the most consectutive wins and the graduating exercise and the prom, Love Ya'll, Freddy Truitt."

   "Up until the time I began attending John Muir High School in 1965 I had pretty much spent my life as a wallflower. I had never had a girlfriend. And, if it weren’t for my second cousin in Utah, I would have never even been kissed.
    But in the very first week of school, I met an electric guitar-playing free spirit, Coral, who, when she learned that I also played the electric guitar, immediately threw herself into planning our rock and roll future together. Good band members, in those frenetic, post-Beatle invasion days of 1965, being even harder to come by than good boyfriends.
    Unfortunately, Coral and I didn’t last. My new-found success with women went immediately to my head. Before Coral and I had a chance to produce beautiful music together, I fell in love with another girl. Her name was Deana and she was the fairest creature I had ever seen. Petite and feminine, she wore skirts and form-fitting, pull-over sweaters to school nearly every day.
    At first we just “noticed” each other a lot. Though my success with Coral had given me some confidence, I was still so shy I could barely speak to any female without having my tongue lodge irretrievably in the back of my throat. Long years of appreciating girls from a distance had made it almost impossible for me to talk to them directly. I remember one incident during the “noticing” stage. My best friend, John Riise and I had the following conversation while sitting in John Muir’s auditorium waiting for the weekly assembly to begin:
   “John,” I said. “Look down over there to your left and see if Deana’s looking this way.” “What?” John looked perplexed at first, but soon caught on. “Oh, okay.” He craned his neck in the huge auditorium trying to see the first few rows stage left. “Yeah, she is,” he said. “Sometimes. But most of the time she has the girl next to her looking up this way.” “Well,” I said, keeping my eyes riveted straight ahead. “Tell me when she’s looking so I can look and catch her looking.” “Oh jeez,” John said, “why don’t you just leave me out of this?”
    Fortunately for John, after a suitable period of “noticing” each other, Deana and I became a couple, and for the next three years we were inseparable. I came to know her as a real lady. She dressed like a lady. She spoke like a lady. She certainly smelled like a lady in her Tigress perfume. She, in turn, demanded that I act like a gentleman, which was darn hard for me at the time as I had spent the first sixteen years of my life in the sole company of males.
    Unfortunately, Deana and I broke up just before the senior prom, but to this day if I pass someone on the street wearing Tigress perfume, I turn and watch her until she disappears from sight.
   Thanks, Deana, for some very lovely memories." - Tom Davis

"The best was going surfing every morning before school with teacher, Gary Stellern." -Charles Peysar

"Being able to graduate on time, with everyone." -Lon Daugherty

"I still remember sitting in a science class daily and each day trying not to fall asleep. I'm sure that the actual subject matter was very interesting, but unfortunately I could barely understand what that teacher was saying. When she spoke it sound as though she was speaking with her mouth full....or maybe had a "few too many?" In any case it was quite memorable (oh boy!)." -Wendy Siewert

"I remember the deep patriotism we all felt for our school. No matter our individual differences, how good or bad our grades were, or how “popular” some of us were, there was an allegiance to John Muir that really connected us to one another. The “Blue & Gold,” the “Mighty, Mighty Mustangs.” We had SOUL! You could feel it and see it at pep rallies and football games. When the drum corps blasted through the hallways, it was an incredible high. You just wanted to jump up out of your chair and out of your classroom to follow them around the campus. Awesome! In follow-up to Tom Davis’ story - Tom, Deana, John, and I carpooled to school together and “hung out.” Wonderful memories of our motley crew. We had some eventful times driving to and from school in an old jalopy that John drove. (I’m laughing out loud just thinking about it!) Deana was a wonderful friend and, indeed, an absolutely gracious lady. We stayed in touch for several years after high school… Where are you now, Deana?" -Carol Topits

"I guess I haven’t changed that much since HS. Maybe more refined and more comfortable with who I am. There are many parts of me that I’ve had to temper and improve that hopefully make me a better individual, which is something I have always been seeking. I often ache when reflecting on the hurt I caused to others when I was younger. It’s all about the learning process that never ceases. Here are my words: Patient, Listener, Dedicated, Compassionate, Creative." –Ron Fujihara

1) Confident
2) Empathetic
3) Playful
4) Generous
5) Warm
-Wendy Siewert

Confident, Adaptable, Open-minded (is that 2 words? ), Reliable, and Happy !
I remember in high school I was not any of the words above except for happy. Growing up and living life, learning new skills along the way has helped to be a more rounded person, and it has changed my attitude about people in general. The friendships I had at Muir helped me grow as well, mainly because I had such a variety of friends from all walks of life. That was avery rewarding experience for me. -Art Marquez

The 5 words that I feel describes me nowadays are as follows. caring, stable, trustworthy, friendly and very outspoken. -Freddy Truitt

"Live Aloha!" If you really understand the meaning of "aloha" ~ you'll know what I mean... it's a wonderful way of enjoying & living life!
-Peggy Nishimoto

"The reunion was great! I was happy with the name badges, the ambience, the food and seeing everyone. Then we had the "surprise". Wow!!! The drummers were definitely something I will talk about for a long, long, time. They were the best!!! And they played all the cadences I remember (and then some). Being a member of the "Mighty Mustang Band" I felt like I was back in the band again. Perfect. My daughter was class President of JMHS95 and when I called her to tell her about it, she said "You guys have a good committee". Unfortunately, she didn't get much cooperation for her reunion. Anyway, good work. The whole night was a night to remember." - Linda (Norman) Williams

"It was great to see you at the reunion last night. You gave well deserved kudos to Frankie and her committee, but I also want to give a shout out to you for the time and talent you put in to help make our reunion a great success. You all did a great job!

1) Some of the things I liked about the reunion:
The location was close to home which made it easy and convenient for local folks like me to attend without having to drive very far.
Marvin and Shon were terrific (as always).
I loved the drum core. They were great!
Great idea to put the high school picture on the name tags. It helped me to remember the person! Also, it makes a great keepsake.

2) Some things I would like to see happen at future reunions?
It was great that our deceased classmates were honored with their names and pictures placed on a display board. Unfortunately, the board was placed in a dark corner, and very difficult to see. Next time, consider carving out a segment of the program specifically to honor our deceased classmates by doing a PowerPoint or slide presentation. That way everyone will be able to view and participate in honoring them.
Although I enjoyed Marvin and Shon's performance, so many others missed it, because people were still arriving. I think they should have performed during the program segment of the reunion, instead of during the cocktail/social hour. Maybe next time, just have the d.j. play soft music while people are arriving, getting their drinks, and greeting old friends.
The room was a little too dark. It was difficult to see and be seen. Also, it was too hot in the ballroom.

3) When and where for the next reunion?
It would be good to do the next reunion in 5 to 7 years, instead of 10. At 7 years, we would all be 65 years old (gasp!). Not sure where it should be held.

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to give our feedback. I believe everyone had a great time at the reunion. It was so nice to see old friends, some of whom I have not seen since we graduated in 1968!" -Wanda Williams

"It was an extraordinary 40th Reunion, reflecting the extraordinary class that we were and the extraordinary effort and skill of the event's organizers. I am eternally impressed with the fact that John Muir looks like what America should look like and Johm Muir behaves like America should behave. Gathering from what my classmates told me, we are teaching our children the lessons and passing on the spirit of our High School, and society is better for it. I can't think of any criticisms, improvements, or changes. Great vibe that night. If there had been a tattoo artist on site, we would have all got some ink that evening to commemorate. Just kidding. Let's do it again soon."
Ciao,
Dave Marconi

"My wife, Tami, and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the reunion Saturday.  We were unable to attend the Museum on Sunday due to church commitments but would like to remain in the Alumni loop." -D.M. Gedigian

"I think a GREAT job was done putting this on!!  The location was great, the food good, the bar poured 'heavy', and seeing a mix of young and old in the drum corp was fantastic.  Having a website really added to everything.  Next reunion that I would attend is the 50th!Thanks for all the great work!!" -Bruce Springer

"I thought the reunion was just great.  Having attended all of the past reunions, I have to admit I was a little hesitant about coming this time around.  The fact that I live so far away was a big factor.  But I have to admit that I had a great time.  I want to commend the entire reunion committee for a job well done.  I knew that Frankie would pull off a wonderful affair.  By the way, I thought the meal was very good and I thought the cake was really good.  Usually, you get really horrible food at this type of affair.  I really enjoyed seeing everyone.  I seemed a little strange because they aren't part of my life for such a long time and yet we all seem to instantly connect.  I think it's too bad that so many don't care to come back.  Having attended the past reunions, it's great to see so many faces that have attended past reunions.  And I loved seeing them.  But I wish more members of the class felt a desire to return.  

   As for future reunions, I guess the only thing I'd like to see is more people attend.  But I guess a committee can't control that issue.  I think all 4 reunions that we've had so far have been really nice and well managed.  I can't imagine moving it out of the area.  We still have so many in the Southern California area, that leaving the area doesn't seem like it would work.

   I lean toward having a 50 year reunion.  I probably wouldn't return until then just because of the distance.  I've been coming back and forth to CA because of my sister's health and could sort of rationalize my trip.  My sister won't be with me that much longer, so trips to Southern California will become less and less frequent.  Not that I don't love CA, but we seem to focus our attention in other directions just because we lived there for so long.  So God willing and I'm still around, I would probably attempt to come for a 50 year reunion.  I'd keep it somewhere local just like in the past." -Joseph Veechio

"The 40 year JMHS '68 Reunion was indeed an event beyond description. Several of us even experienced a 53 year reunion as we entered
elementary school together in the year 1955... How can you improve on that? I owe a debt of gratitude to those who clearly invested their personal love and care in the planning of the JMHS '68 event. It was great to have shared sincere love and congratulations with my John Muir High School brothers and sisters. Celebrating our successful 40 year long journey was no light matter, and we did it in style! May our bond strengthen..."  -Gregory L. Moore

"The reunion was great! I had a good time, I almost needn't attend But thank God for the angle that made it possible for me to attend, I thanked her at the reunion but I wand to take this time to said it again Thank You. It was good seeing all of you I only wish that more could have come. I would like to see the next reunion in 5 to 7 years, and to make it affordable for more to attend. The drum core what can I say they were great as always I go to the football games all the time and I get chill each time I hear them.

"To the committee job well done. I hope you all stay together for the next reunion."
Once again Thank You -Sharron (Evans) Crutchfield

"I wasn't able to attend the 40th reunion but have kept up with everything on the website.  I would like to thank the committee the hard work that was put into make it a huge success.  I viewed the photo album and it was good to see a lot of the friends and classmates I haven't seen in years.
 
The reunion was 5 star as well as was the JMHS class of 68', JM was ahead of it's time and it is obvious as I looked through the reunion photos and the 68' year book.  JM's diversity was what distinguished it from all other high schools in the city and throughout the nation.  This is a true testament to the character of the students of the class of 68'.
 
God Bless You and may the Grace of God be on You and all that concerns You,
 
Minister Roger H. Smith Sr.
Littleton, Colorado
newlifeintheword@msn.com

Thanks to all of you who worked so hard.  I had a good time saying "hi" to folks.  And have even gotten emails and calls from folks who were not there. I hope to see everyone in ten more years. Peg says next time she's making me come.  The highlight for me, as with most I imagine, was the drums!!  I am seriously wanting to be able to download that sound as a ringtone on my phone.  Is it possible?Thanks again for the walk down memory lane, Barbara Ann Chestnutt

The reunion committee direction for the 40th reunion were excellent. How can one improve on success?I liked the "Reflection" period. The place where it was held. I understand, that some classmates do not want to come for whatever reason, but I still like having a time spent on (Muir) campus to just socialize. It is hard work, as you know to have a reunion every ten years. Hopefully, when the 50th comes around, those of us who are still able, will come and reminisce about our time as teenagers. Thanks for all that you are doing to keep us informed.Wilhelmina (Willie)

Thank You Ron and all of those who helped to bring this wonderful reunion together. There are so many talented people in our class, what a treasure. Loretta Cooper