Author Archives: Cheryl Dillard

Sheila Hansberger Releases New Book

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Our classmate and prolific writer/artist, Sheila Hansberger, was spotlighted here on our blog a little over a year ago, announcing her first novel, The Gardener’s Secret.

I’m happy to report that just a little over a year later, Sheila has written a second novel, Runaway Artist, available in digital and paperback formats at Amazon. Here is a link to purchase the e-book version: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMGY5ZV6/

The e-book version of Runaway Artist is free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

You can follow Sheila via  social media at the following:
Website: http://www.s-hansberger.com
Facebook: Sheila Hansberger, Artist and Author
Instagram: Sheila Hansberger (@sheilahansberger) • Instagram photos and videos

Here’s an excerpt from Sheila’s earlier press release: Sheila Hansberger, a Signature member of Watercolor West and the National Watercolor Society, is an award-winning artist and author who resides in California. She worked as a graphic designer for a printing firm before beginning her fine art career. For the past 40+ years, Sheila’s watercolors have been in demand with galleries and clients. Her paintings can be found in private homes and public collections within corporations, museums, and various institutions across the USA.
Other than occasional magazine articles or press releases, Hansberger’s writings took a back seat to her artwork. A five-year stint as Newsletter Editor for the National Watercolor Society reminded her how much she loved the written word. She then joined two national writer’s groups and attended meetings, podcasts, and conferences to hone her skills. A First-Place win in a nationwide contest brought her to the attention of a publisher. In 2024,
The Wild Rose Press published her debut suspense novel, The Gardener’s Secret.

Sheila Hansberger’s Book Release

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Our classmate, Sheila Hansberger, talented artist and writer, has just released her first novel The Gardener’s Secret. Sheila has been a professional artist for over 40 years and now she can add published author to her many accomplishments.

In 2023, after winning First Place in a national writing competition, Wild Rose Press contacted her about publishing her manuscript. After almost a year, they just released The Gardener’s Secret. Even though this is her first novel, the publisher is already asking Sheila for the next one.

The Gardener’s Secret is set in Georgia and written under the pen name S. Hansberger. It’s available online as a paperback and e-book from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes and other online booksellers.

What’s the novel about? Sheila summarizes, “A secretive gardener hides in the deep south, thinking he’s safe…until he isn’t. And the aspiring journalist who befriends him, find herself drawn into more danger than she ever imagined.”

I don’t know about you, but I love a good mystery and I can’t wait to get a copy of The Gardener’s Secret.

You can follow Sheila on her website: http://www.s-hansberger.com or on Facebook: Sheila Hansberger, Artist & Author. To get more information about her book, the E-book link is The Gardener’s Secret. The paperback link is The Gardener’s Secret.

Also available is The Better Than Average Apple Cookbook, edited and illustrated by Sheila Hansberger.

Carol Ladewig’s Art Featured in American Scientist

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What an honor! Our former Azusa High classmate’s art is featured in an American Scientist article.

“I am overjoyed to share that my piece Painting Time: Winter 2016 is featured in an American Scientist article about the physicality of time! So cool for my process to be recognized by the scientific community…” –Carol Ladewig

Painting detail: Painting Time: Winter 2016, 87in x 89 in, Acrylic and Gouache on Panel

Here’s a link to the article: https://www.americanscientist.org/article/time-is-an-object

May be a graphic of text that says 'AMERICAN 森 Scientist Time Is an Object BY SARA WALKER, LEE CRONIN Not a backdrop, an illusion, or an emergent phenomenon, time has a physical size that can be measured in the laboratory. MATHEMATICS PHYSICS'
Carol Ladewig in her studio

Here’s a link to Carol’s website where you can view more of her artwork and learn about the artist http://www.carolladewig.com/

AHS ’61 Golfers Luncheon – September 2023

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During the past few years, a group of golfing buddies from our class put together annual tournaments at different locations throughout California, Arizona and Oregon.

Because a few of the golfers are no longer with us and the remainder of the group are getting older and no longer play golf, the tournaments have been replaced by periodic luncheons.

Last Thursday Richard Montes hosted a luncheon at La Tolteca in Azusa. It was a good turnout and even included some surprise guests from our class. Dave Hartley drove from Oregon with his new bride, LaVonne, and Butch Lightfoot flew in from Washington state to attend the luncheon. Azusa neighbors and former classmates, Jose “Cookie” Lujan-Feliz and Rachel Pedroza-Flores also showed up for the luncheon. Everyone seemed to have a good time reminiscing and catching up on the latest classmate news.

L-R: Richard Rubio, Joy Rubio, Louis Mason, Cheryl Burlingame-Dillard, Rose Montes,
Rosa Whitely, Roger Whitely, LaVonne Hartley, Dave Hartley, Joe Martinez, Selma Martinez,
Chuck Hardin, Nita Matthews-Hardin, Richard Montes, Lloyd “Butch” Lightfoot,
Rachel Pedroza-Flores, Josie “Cookie” Lujan-Feliz, John Ruelas
Rose and Richard Montes
Joy and Richard Rubio
Roger and Rosa Whiteley
Joe and Selma Martinez
John Ruelas
Nita Matthews-Hardin and Chuck Hardin
Josie “Cookie” Lujan-Feliz and Rachel Pedroza-Flores
Cheryl Burlingame-Dillard and Louis Mason
Richard Montes and Lloyd “Butch” Lightfoot
Chuck Hardin and Louis Mason

Dave Hartley is Engaged

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LaVonne and Dave 2023

Great news! Our classmate, David (Dave) Hartley is engaged. He recently proposed to LaVonne Messmer at romantic and historic Proposal Rock, an island off the Oregon Coast, and she said yes. They plan to be married next month in a small private wedding (just the two of them and the minister). They haven’t picked a date yet, but Dave is over-the-moon happy and can’t wait to “tie the knot”.

Dave’s betrothed lost her husband about nine years ago and wasn’t looking for another relationship. Nonetheless, a mutual friend decided to introduce her to Dave. Though, one of LaVonne’s sons and Dave attend the same church, so most likely they would have met eventually anyway.

As some of you know, Dave owns a large piece of land in Lebanon Oregon where he farms hazelnut trees for commercial use. The farming life keeps him healthy and in shape, but it’s not for sissies. It’s long hours and hard work, but he wouldn’t trade it for anything, at least not until recently. Now he’s looking forward to slowing down a little to share his golden years with LaVonne.

LaVonne was born in Delmont, South Dakota and moved to Oregon in 1950 with her parents, both of German descent. She has attended the same church in Lebanon since the age of 10– the church where she and Dave plan to marry.

Like Dave, LaVonne likes to keep busy. She owns an appliance store in Lebanon, belongs to a quilting club, and stays healthy by walking every day. She has two sons and six grandchildren that also keep her occupied.

Currently Dave and LaVonne attend two different Sunday services, one at her church followed by one at his church. It makes for a long Sunday, but they don’t mind as long as they’re together.

Being close in age, they grew up enjoying the same type of music and participating in similar activities. Dave is delighted they have so much in common– like dancing to “oldies but goodies” and listening to their favorite Ricky Nelson songs. They absolutely adore each other and have a lot of fun together.

At the end of our conversation Dave said, “LaVonne is quiet, but has a good sense of humor and knows how to laugh. I am very proud of her and am looking forward to having classmates meet her.”

Congratulations Dave and LaVonne!

Impromptu Lunch in Long Beach

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Today some of our classmates got together for a fun impromptu two-hour lunch at the Belmont Brewing Company in Long Beach, California.

L to R: Barbara McDowell (Richard McDowell’s wife), Burt Franks, Carol Franks, Richard Montes, Rose Montes, Louis Mason, Sally Mason, Bob O’Connor, John Ruelas, Richard Rubio, Nita Matthews Hardin, Chuck Hardin, Joy Rubio (Richard Rubio’s wife), Patti O’Connor (Bob O’Connor’s wife). Richard McDowell attended the luncheon, but is not pictured. Photo courtesy of Chuck Hardin

Tom Johnson has passed

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Our dear classmate, Tom Johnson, passed away November 9, 2022.

Tom Johnson 1960
Tom Johnson 2008

In late September a very high PSA test and a bone scan revealed that he had Stage 4 prostate cancer. It was a shock to his family because if Tom had been enduring any physical pain in the time leading up to the diagnosis, he never let on. Oncologists did what they could, but they caught it too late and were faced with another complication. Tom also tested positive for COVID 19, which further weakened his immune system.

Tom Johnson
Tom Johnson 2019

Earlier this year I was fortunate to have visited Tom and his wife, Kay, at Lake Havasu, Arizona. He seemed in good spirits at the time– happy and healthy and enjoying life. Tom was a good person and will be missed.

Carol Ladewig Studio Update

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Our very talented classmate, Carol Ladewig, has been busy creating new artwork during the pandemic, dividing her time between The Berkshires in Massachusetts and Oakland, California. See the following email excerpts about her exhibitions in Oakland and Berkeley, California as well as her online exhibit. Here’s your chance to view some of Carol’s most recent work.

“I am excited about all the things coming up and hope you’ll be the  part of it!” – Carol

Carol Ladewig in her studio

Helen Elias Robinson Obituary

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In February our dear friend and classmate, Helen “Pinky” Elias Robinson, passed away. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. May Pinky forever rest in peace.

The following obituary was written on March 30 by Linda Felix.

“Helen Cecilia (Pinky) Robinson, 79, of San Marcos, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 21, 2021 with her family around her. Helen was born in Los Angeles, California in 1941 to Ernestine Felix and Albert Elias. She graduated from Azusa High School in 1960. After meeting the love of her life in school, Helen married Gerry Robinson in June, 1964. In 1976 Helen went to work for the San Marcos Unified School District as a paraprofessional in elementary and high school classrooms for eleven years. During her 48 years in San Marcos, except for a 7 year break in Evergreen CO where she realized her dream of opening a Mexican restaurant, Manana’s, Helen was actively involved with the PTA, San Marcos Little League, girl’s softball, San Marcos 4-H, San Marcos High School Cheerleading Squad, and Meals on Wheels.

She is survived by her husband Gerry Robinson, children Rod Robinson (Lara), Matthew Robinson, and Gina Simmonds (Paul); and grandchildren Desiree Robinson, Devin Robinson, 1st Lt Cole Simmonds USMC, and Grant Simmonds.

Helen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was the caretaker, strength, and laughter for her entire family, and for so many others. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers one may make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her name.”