Rio Report Winter 2013

RIO REPORT RIO LINDO ADVENTIST ACADEMY WINTER 2012

INSIDE-

Alumni Weekend APRIL 5-6, 2013 Celebrating

50 Years

The ART of Play Sponsoring STUDENTS CAMPUS-WIDE Make overs The Russian River MUD RUN RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

1

CONTENTS

THE RIO REPORT

4

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2012

6

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2013

7 FRITZ CLASSIC GOLF

8

TOURNAMENT THE MUD RUN

10

THE ART OF PLAY

12

CAMPUS ENHANCEMENT

14

FROM THE ARCHIVES: SCHOOL IS IN SESSION

16 18 21 22

AFFORDING EDUCATION NEWS NOTES ALUMNI/STAFF AT REST GIVING BACK

STUDENT BODY 2012

BY THE NUMBERS

39

SENIORS

41

167

2013

STUDENTS ENROLLED

7

NEW NEW STUDENTS STAFF

2

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

This year is a significant milestone in Rio’s history. We will be celebrating the school’s first 50 years. During this half century Rio Lindo has graduated nearly 4300 students plus a portion of the high school education for hundreds more. I want to encourage you to be at Rio Lindo’s Homecoming April 6th to celebrate your years at Rio with your classmates, friends and former faculty.

Sincerely, Brad Benson ‘72 Alumni & Development Director

FOREIGN STUDENTS

67

The Rio Report is published to keep you updated on what is happening at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy. It also informs you of upcoming alumni events, provides a forum for sharing alumni news, and shares how you can financially assist in the Academy’s mission of providing a quality high school education in a safe Christian environment.

12

SETS OF SIBLINGS

HEADLINES Here are the top stories from 2012: • Over Spring Break, Rio students went on mission trips to cities in Albania and jungles of Peru.

• Mr. and Mrs. Yingling went to Hong Kong and China to meet Rio students’ families and recruit future Chinese students.

• The Spring Music Tour went to Southern California and Las Vegas and students spent a day at Disney Land.

• Rio teachers went to Nashville for the NAD Teachers Convention in August.

• Rio held its first ever Russian River Mud Run and had 1500 visitors on campus to benefit Rio’s homeless ministry, Open Table.

• Rio Sports Camp in October 2012 hosted 130 5-8th graders who enjoyed two days of sports intensives in soccer, basketball, football, and volleyball.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can find up-to-date NEWS NOTES, Alumni Reunion information, and class news on our website?

The alumni page of the website is updated regularly by information provided by former students and faculty.

Make sure to submit your updated News Notes to Brad Benson so we can post them on our Alumni Website.

You can also find out more specific information about your upcoming class reunion, keynote speakers, lodging information and more on our alumni web page. www.RioLindo.org

“LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK

For current news updates, pictures, and a walk down memory lane, visit our Facebook page.

Presently, we have about 1,000 followers on our facebook page but we’re aiming for much more!

Comment on photos and share them with friends! If you have photos from your times at Rio, you can also upload them onto the page and tag classmates and share stories from your experiences at Rio.

Students greet each other with the yearly tradition of the “Handshake” after Registration Sunday.

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

3

rio alumni w A JOURNEY THROUGH THE WEEKEND IN PICTURES.

Class of 2007 4

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

eekend 2012 Class of 1967

Class of 1972

Class of 1977

Class of 1982

Class of 1987

Class of 1992

Class of 1997

Class of 2002 RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

5

You are cordially invited to attend

Alumni Weekend

Celebrating

50 Years

APRIL 5-6, 2013

Schedule of Events

Friday, April 5 8:30 am.......Golf Tournament Registration 7:30 pm.......Alumni Vespers at the Church Saturday, April 6 9:30 am.......Registration 10:30 am.....Church Service 12:30 pm.....Lunch provided by Rio Lindo 1:45 pm.......Class Meetings on Campus 8:15 pm.......Basketball Game Rio Girls’ Varsity vs. Rio Alumni 9:45 pm.......Basketball Game Rio Boys’ Varsity vs. Rio Alumni

This year, we are celebrating 50 years of quality Adventist education. Please join us as we pay tribute to alumni, faculty, and the best academy on the west coast. No matter your graduating year, you’re invited to join us for a wonderful weekend in beautiful Sonoma County.

Our keynote speaker for the weekend is Dr. Gordon Bietz, who was chaplain at Rio from 1971-1976. Here at Rio he is remembered for his kind spirit and his parable style sermons. Since leaving Rio Lindo, Dr. Bietz pastored the Stockton, California church, the Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists and served as president of the GeorgiaCumberland Conference. Since 1997 he has been serving as Southern Adventist University’s 25th president.

Dr. Bietz has followed an ambitious agenda to update facilities, grow the university’s academic offerings, and maintain the campus’ focus on spiritual development. To encourage Christian growth on Southern Adventist University’s large campus, Bietz has overseen the creation of an increasing number of small-group studies. We are very pleased that he has accepted our invitation to speak April 6th.

6

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

Honor Classes:

50 year- Class of 1963 45 year- Class of 1968 40 year- Class of 1973 35 year- Class of 1978 30 year- Class of 1983 25 year- Class of 1988 20 year- Class of 1993 15 year- Class of 1998 10 year- Class of 2003 5 year- Class of 2008

Updated class organizers can be found on our website at www.riolindo.org/alumni

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy presents:

Fritz Classic 1st Annual

ALUMNI WEEKEND

APRIL 5, 2013

REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 8:30 AM Windsor Golf Club. Windsor, CA Join us this year for Rio Lindo Adventist Academy’s first annual Fritz Classic. Named for Rio’s longest serving teacher, Gottfried Fritz, the tournament provides scholarships for students to pursue excellence in their education.

Mr. Fritz’s 43 years of dedication to secondary education has inspired generations of young people to reach their full learning potential.

Player package includes continental breakfast, green fees, golf cart, range balls, and a catered lunch.

707.431.5100, Ext. 112 www.fritzclassic.org fritzclassic@riolindo.org

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

7

THE RUSSIAN RIVER

MUD RUN

By Rika Meyer & Bruce Yingling

On Sunday, October 28, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy along with the Santa Rosa Marathon organizers hosted the very first Russian River Mud Run. The Mud Run, which was open to the public for registration, had more than 15 different muddy obstacles across Rio’s 350 acre campus. Over 1600 people came for the event with around 1200 participating in the challenging course.

Rio students spent the day serving the public by directing traffic, painting faces, selling food at the accompanying Fall Festival, and cheering on the racers

at each obstacle. Student volunteer, Scotti Jenkins (see photo) assisted many runners with climbing out of the mud pit. Clubs, such as the 4-Year Club, were able to raise money by providing services to runners at a low fee. Because of their hard work organizing the parking, the 4-Year Club will be able to celebrate at the end of the year with more funds.

The Mud Run had the option for racers to either run a 5k or 10k and obstacles included the Pits of Despair, the Beaches of Normandy, and the crowd favorite-the Ultimate Slip and Slide. A portion of the race was run into the Russian River, where participants could cool off and rinse the mud off before venturing on to the end.

Sarah Jones, a runner from Healdsburg said, “The big slide was the best part of the race.

The whole run was very well organized and I think everyone had a great time.”

After the race, the Healdsburg Fire Department hosed off racers, and families enjoyed the exciting atmosphere of the Fall Festival.

When all of the festivities settled down, most of Rio’s students attacked the racecourse and tried out the obstacles, sometimes more than once. The river was a welcome sight to students as they soaked off the mud and finished the course.

By the end of the day, students and Rio students led runners get through obstacles and cheered them on to the finish line. staff were drenched and muddy but

8

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

were convinced that this was one of the best days of the year.

The proceeds from the Mud Run will go to benefit Rio’s ongoing community service event, called “Open Table”, when the entire church moves out of the sanctuary and to the streets of Santa Rosa. For the last four years, Pastor Krystalynn Martin and community service director Steve Martin wanted to find a way to get both the students and adults in the Rio church to step out of their comfort zones and become more involved in the community. As Pastor Krystalynn explained, “I didn’t want everyone just to ‘go to church’ but to ‘be the church;’ for in the words of Jesus, ‘whatever we do to the least of these, we are doing it to Him’ (Matthew 25:40).’”

Consequently, she and her husband Steve began formulating plans to have the entire church participate in an outreach program they named “Open Table,” after seeing a book with this title promoted in a youth ministries magazine. Each year, Rio sponsors three Open Tables.

Open Table started with the school providing some unsorted clothing, music, a few speakers, and a meal. For the most recent Open Table, participants from Redwood Adventist Academy and the Santa Rosa church joined, and many more services were provided. Volunteers sorted the large number of clothing items into men’s, women’s and children categories.

Services included resume printing and, bike repair, which proved to be very popular.

Programming included multiple music groups and a short devotional thought by student speakers. For lunch, the Rio cafeteria staff served over 200 visitors. The students helped serve the meal as well as helping to fund it by voting for the cafeteria not to prepare a meal the night before but just to provide a light snack.

According to Mr. Martin, “Open Table is a highlight for many students as they can see that they are actually making a difference in the lives of many people right within the local community.”

Because of the money raise through the Russian River Mud Run, the possibilities of the impact of Open Table are endless.

Students ran through the course after volunteering all morning.

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

9

THE

art

your mark…

“It’s important get “Onset…”

The boys hunkered down in for all students itchy anticipation at each to learn and nodding other, silently the play together,” strategizing game plan and rallying the troops says Coach as they waited.

“GO!”, said the Hardesty. dean.

A wild roar rose from the front lawn of the boys dorm as the two teams attempted to capture their flag, waiting far on the other team’s side. The Red Team fell back to defend the flag as members of the Blue Team snuck over the line.

“Hey Dean,” a new student cried out with glee, “This is the most fun time I’ve had in a long time. I’m so glad I’m here!”

This particular student, who had recently

10

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

OF

transferred from public school to Rio, immediately latched onto the various sports and PE activities.

In recent years, Rio staff and students have been playing together during rec time after classes were over. Athletic Director, Kevin Hardesty, makes a point to include all students in intramurals and invites staff to play as well. Through playing non-mainstream games such as kick ball, ultimate Frisbee, and handball, Rio students and staff have been able to shake off the dust from classes and studies and play together.

“It’s important for all students to learn and play together. By adapting to these new games, the playing field is more even and all students can have a fun time, regardless of experience or athletic ability,” says Hardesty.

We’ve all heard that doctors recommend exercising for at least 30 minutes each day, and many people view exercise as daunting or too challenging to keep up with. By making exercise fun and getting all students involved, Hardesty and other staff are able to reap the benefits of endorphins and better health.

“Research says that our brains work better if we are physically active,” says Hardesty. “If you find an activity you like when you’re younger, you’re more likely to be active later in life.”

From a teacher’s standpoint, having active kids is a bonus to classroom learning. Students focus better, pay attention in class, and are more willing to participate with other students that they have interacted with outside of class. Teachers are also eager to get in on the fun.

“I like interacting with students outside of the classroom,” says English teacher D’Mariae Banks. “The time is less structured and it’s fun to get to know students on a different level.”

play

By Rika Meyer

Along with sports, intramurals, and Boys Club and Girls Club activities, Rio has been offering a class in Outdoor Leadership the last two years. Taught by assistant boys dean, Aaron Meyer M.S. ED, the class introduces students to nature, survival skills, and leadership. Students practice their leadership skills by leading out in camping trips for other students once a month.

“It’s the best class I’ve ever taken at Rio,” says senior Rumbidzai Chihwai, who is a self-described city girl. “I’m a hands-on learner, and that’s how we learn in Outdoor Leadership. My favorite part of the class was learning how to build a fire and shelter. After taking the class, I was able to see that nature is there to help us, and not to harm us.”

For many, Rio’s campus is an outdoors person’s paradise with miles of hiking trails, undeveloped land, and exquisite riverfront property. Dean Meyer’s hope is that students learn how to enjoy the outdoors and become more active in nature.

Whatever the means, staff and students are regularly practicing the “Art of Play” and hope to see this lifestyle follow students long after they graduate from Rio.

Students and faculty play football during the Fall Picnic in 1962.

Student Corner

an essay by Lulu Kabanje, freshman

George Bernard Shaw once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

When we are small children, all we want to do is play. When we are older, it is more about work than play. I believe that everyone should have fun and play for as long as they can.

I asked a few students and faculty what they do to have fun, some of their responses were these: Go to town, play basketball & sports, watch movies (even though not allowed), stay out of trouble, swimming, expeditions to the river, go to live soccer games, Jamba Juice, cook, skateboard, study for the SAT’s, bird watching, talk to Mr. Fitz & Mr. Schmidt etc.

One student by the name of Phaidra Knight, said that she enjoys writing short stories and is currently writing book that consists of 30 chapters! What I found out from these people is that they like to do things that make them happy and that is exactly what having fun and playing is about. Rio Lindo’s theme is being FULLY ALIVE and one thing you can do to be fully alive is to play and enjoy life. Have you played recently? (: RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

11

Campus During teacher’s post-session in 2012, all staff participated in a day long work bee to breathe new life into some dated buildings. The projects, which started humbly, soon grew to greatly improving portions of Rio’s campus. Three offices were completely demolished and re-designed to increase space, functionality, and supervision.

Enha Principal Doug Schmidt, who oversaw many of the

projects, is continually inspired to improve the campus because of his experience of working on a dairy farm in his youth.

“When I worked on the farm, my boss always said if you’re not growing, you’re dying,” he recalls.

The maintenance team finished the bathrooms in the science building with fresh, clean tile and natural colors. The gym also received a nice floor scrub down, a fresh coat of wax, new carpet in the lobby, a new painted Spartans logo on the stage, and a prep room for visiting sports teams. One of the areas that is most noticeable for changes is the new carpet in the Science Building. The shades of green bring a clean, fresh look to the building that houses art, sciences, English, and multimedia classes.

Over the summer, a team of student workers sanded, cleaned, and re-painted all of the rooms on the 2nd floor.

Each summer, Rio hopes to chip away at these projects with work bees to keep the campus looking modern and well-taken care off. When Chuck Stevens was the boys’ dean in the 1980’s, he yearned to create a bright, shiny new campus for students to come back to.

“I am thrilled when students return to campus with shock and awe at new and improved parts of campus,” says Principal Schmidt, who was the assistant boys dean with Stevens in 1984.

Come visit Rio’s fresh campus during Alumni Weekend

12

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

Marketing Office

2013 to see the changes for yourself!

ancement Before

After

Science Building Bathroom

Vice-Principal’s Office

Before

After After

Gymnasium

After If you or someone you know would like to help in an upcoming work bee, please contact Rika Meyer at rmeyer@riolindo.org.

Boys Dorm Rooms

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

13

FROM THE ARCHIVES

School

IS

The following memories were written by an unknown senior girl who graduated in the first class at Rio in 1963. She recorded what many have experienced and loved in their days at Rio.

“Oh, Mother! I can’t find my skates. Did you get that towel and pillow in town yesterday? I wonder what color my room is? I wonder what my roommate will be like. I wonder what the kids will be like? I wonder...”

Yes, we are all excited. Rio Lindo Academy -- the name sounded rather unfamiliar and almost mysterious. For those who never seen the academy, it is a pleasant shock, “It’s gorgeous! Look at the cafeteria and that view! The Ad Building’s so spacious and up to date! Oh what a beautiful school! You know this won’t be bad after all!”

Then there was that first day of school--It almost makes me laugh to remember it. The night before the room had looked like a city dump on Westside. Some roommates had even had their first fights! But no, September 4, 8:45, it was time to fill the classrooms.

“Wow! Look at the Kids. Hundreds of them, but somehow they don’t look as bewildered as I do.” So we muse as we stood in the middle of the foyer gazing Students participate in the first Fall Picnic in 1963.

14

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

intently at direction signs. No one knew where to go. Poor Miss Lester and all the tardy slips she had to sign that day! Some of us didn’t even wake up to the realization that we were in the wrong class till after it started! At chapel time, everyone tried to find their seats listed in the hall and at first it looked like we were to have chapel on the foyer.

Elder Will, that man with the huge smile, seemed to know everyone’s name. I was confused trying to remember my roommate’s name!

That week we had so many firsts! We almost rebelled at the very expression. By the end of those first seven days, we didn’t want another first anything, just something, anything we were used to!

Remember some of those unique chapel plays that went along with the presidential campaign? There was near-sighted Mr. Hardcastle’s alert class of people that didn’t go skiing either! Well, I guess it took something like the first year of RLA to mix the weather up. Oh yes, the girls slumber party. Somehow I wasn’t invited but I hear the photographer managed to get in and crash the party.

October brought the Fall Festival. Bet you can’t even remember who you dated? It’s been a while all right!

I think there were 10 booths. The publications booth featured Tiny Bennet as Santa’s Elves, Connor and Reiswig. Miss Lester, did you get your Cadillac you told Santa you wanted while you sat on Santa’s knee?

Juniors, you can brag about your oriental booth. You received first prize. Then the boy’s hayride came in second and senior class pie eating contest third. Anita Halvorsen went into those pies face first and can boast of RLA’s reddest face.

Then there were those good old chapel programs.

Dr. Herr with his civil war centennial. Mrs. Hopp on health, Elder Delefield with the E.G. White Bible, and many others. We won’t soon forget the amazing feat of strength that former Mr. America, Jo Ann Hempe’s Father, displayed. Nor will we forget his advice to us.

While I’m at it, I guess we won’t forget some of those Saturday night programs Mr. Mayor got for us either.

Mr. Shultze, the pictures, and the clown.

IN

SESSION

The Junior-Senior picnic was a booming success, although the rain dancers kept it off for a while, it eventually came. The first thing the grown up seniors and juniors did when they got to the park was to try the swings. At the ocean we all just got our feet wet didn’t we, Connie Burdick? So we did look like cattle going to market while riding through Santa Rosa on those trucks!

It sure was a ball.

Then there was the Senior Snow trip. Rising at 3:30 in the morning we found that some junior girls were even earlier risers than we! We would like to thank them for that supreme sacrifice of losing sleep to see us go and come!

Who can forget the harmonious voices of Jo Stoops, Sharon Edwards, Betty Nelson, and Kathy Poag on the bus at 5:15 A.M. I’m sure all on the bus appreciated their efforts. Going up the mountains, some began to wonder if there’d be any snow, but when we got there, we found plenty of it. We all piled into the lodge at Pinecrest after skiing at a small ski ranch the first morning. The next morning the sun finally broke through to welcome us a cheery Good Morning. That day at the Squaw Valley Ski Lodge the Seniors all but took over the place. Nonskiers spent a good afternoon ice skating or shopping at one of the various stores. Only one skier can know the ecstatic thrill of breaking four feet of powder on Siberian Bowl. In the afternoon the skiing couldn’t have been better. Skimming over snow that already has the blush of a Sierra Sunset on it, is something that one cannot forget! I hope I will always have two choice pictures in my possession. One of Ken Martin struggling to pull himself out of a heavy snow drift, and the other of Rich Taylor and Bill Moon, Bill coming flying down a snowcovered slope with his mouth wide open, scooping in air like a blown Corvette.

Then there were the Weeks of Prayer we had. Elder Scales held out the true price tags of life. Elder Iverson told of the practical Christian way of life and then called for testimonials. The students came slowly forward at first. Then as if the floodgate had broken, whole rows of students testified of the feelings that were deep in their hearts. There was Elder Dart with those interesting stories and illustrations of human nature. People are

kind of funny, aren’t they?

What was happening to the new school all this time? If you remember, the school was not quite finished when we moved in September three.

There were such little oddities as putting things in your top drawer and pulling them out of the bottom “drawer” the next morning. It made a nice towel rack, but little else. I bet you almost forgot that little inconvenience anyway. When we arrived at RLA, there was only one lawn on the whole place. We also had the privilege of initiating the hard wood floor in the gym. Oh, yes, and the RLA seal in the foyer, which was just installed.

Remember Mr. Bietz’s quiet worships on Friday nights when there was a chance to stop and think. And don’t forget the worship on the hill, and the humming of “Now the Day is Over” while leaving vespers.

Soon it will be graduation and we will all have to say good-bye! Some to return to RLA and others, never. I hope each of you will long remember the torch light procession we hope to have. Some of the friendships you have made this year will be dear to you through your life. This summer when we look back on our good old RLA we will remember the many good times we have had. But let’s not say good-bye before we have to. Now as the first year of RLA, and I can safely say the best, slips off into history, I hope that this short time in which you have spent reminiscing will help you recall things to write in your friends’ annuals so that they and you, will always have the memories on paper to remind you of one of the best years of your life.

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

15

affording tuition: One mother leads the charge to help replenish her church's Education Fund, helping to make Adventist education affordable for many families.

How You Can Help: Many years ago, Rio students were able to work and pay their way through school. Today, with inflation, the rising cost of food and housing, and other modern costs, students can only earn about a fourth of the cost of tuition by working 12-15 hours each week.

That’s why the financial support of local churches is essential for many Rio students to attend Rio. With the 3-way matching program, local churches contribute between $1000-1500 per year, which is matched by the Northern California Conference and the money that the individual student contributes to his or her school bill. This money can make the difference to many students on whether they can attend Rio or not.

If your church has an education fund, please consider contributing to it. If it has been depleted, think out of the box like Rosane Castro and consider leading the charge to help replenish the fund.

16

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

Rosane Castro, a mother of two Rio students, felt a great need last year to help her home church in Southern California raise money to assist families with Adventist education. We sat down with her to find out why and how her team raised the funds, and what Adventist education means to her.

RL: How many kids do you have and what grades are they in?

RC: I have three children. Mathan is a sophomore; Nia is a freshman; and Gabriel tells me he is ready to move to Rio as soon as the Kindergarten program is up and running.

RL: How long have they been attending Rio? RC: This is Mathan’s second year at Rio and Nia’s first year. She has been counting down the days to come to Rio since May of 2011.

RL: What made you and your son choose Rio? RC: Mathan wanted friends and sports; I wanted a Christian education, Christian peers, a safe environment, and no more commutes on the freeway. Rio was highly recommended by my pastor, Claudiner Mockiute, as the best SDA boarding school in California. Three of his daughters attended Rio in previous years.

There’s nothing more valuable than getting closer to Christ in a setting that is conducive to your spiritual growth. Rio has that. There’s nothing more valuable than making lifetime friendships, learning good work ethics, having sports, having a solid education all combined in one single campus.

Rio has that.

one church’s journey RL: What were some of the challenges you and your family faced in getting Mathan to Rio? RC: The challenges and difficulties piled up as a huge mountain. The most important ones to overcome were the lack of resources and lack of faith. With the last little strength that was left in me, I picked up that little mustard seed faith and I watered it with my tears in prayer. At the last hour, God met our need and blessed immeasurably more than we could ever ask or think. Mathan’s tuition was paid in 2011 and there was enough to contribute to the church three-way fund so other children from the church could also come to Rio. RL: What sparked the idea to hold a benefit concert?

RC: We had a depleted Education Fund for 2012 at the church with a balance at zero.

Funds needed to be raised for the three-way matching fund. While our kids were at Rio, we started the fundraiser at our home church.

RL: Can you give me some details about the concert i.e., how you organized it, how many attended, how much money was raised?

RC: Parents got together to plan. Members of the church and the community were contacted and they were asked to give time, food and money. Donations were solicited by phone and emails. Some gave willingly; others gave with much weeping and gnashing of teeth. Overall, hearts were touched and generous checks were written.

A concert was held in honor to God and to the contributors. Director of Recruitment, D’Andre Campbell, attended to speak about Rio and Yollanda Innocent was our guest performer.

About 65 people attended and more donations were collected.

Maria Helena Alcantara and Marli Oliveira organized a dinner, which was served following the concert.

RL: How did this fundraiser raise awareness of Adventist education?

RC: The fundraiser not only raised the awareness of the community who never heard of Adventist Education, but also rekindled the awareness of the long-time members whose children were attending public schools.

What advice would you give to someone in your same situation?

RC: Rio belongs to God and our children belong at Rio. Whatever challenge there may be, God will beat it. He is our ultimate Conqueror. Stick together as parents and work for all the kids as your own. It is no secret what the Lord can do. What He has done for my church and me, He will do for you.

Rosane Castro has been a Court Reporter for the Los Angeles Superior Court for 12 years and is currently disabled due to a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis since 2009. She resides with her husband and son in Houston, Texas and has recently been voted to serve as a Minister of Music at the West Houston SDA Church.

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

17

news notes 1963-1969

Faculty ‘74-’76 Herb and Anna May Waters - We have such fond

memories of Rio Lindo Academy and the special students and staff we knew there.

We see Vivian Hassle here in College Place fairly often. She lived across the street from us when we were there at Rio from ‘74-’76. Debbie Smick Muthersbaugh also lives in this area, and we were thrilled to attend a surprise party in her honor when she received her Doctorate this Spring.

We are still enjoying life in the Northwest in summer, and the Southwest in winter.

We also enjoy our 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. One grandson and his wife are both dentists here in the area, and another grandson is an ophthalmologist here. Herb turned 80 in January, and we had a big family reunion in Las Vegas. We are going on 61 years of marriage and life is good.

‘64 - Robert Ford - I entered as a senior (July 1963 when I worked for the The Aagards, ‘65 and today.

Life updates from Rio Alumni from 1963-2012. & graduated June 1964). I came as a missionary kid and had a great formative experience. Right now you catch me on an overseas assignment (part of my consulting work) in the DR-Congo doing national park rehabilitation.

‘65 Earl and Gail (Selby) Aagaard

Happy 50th, Rio!!

Gail was there the first year, and Earl arrived the second. We’re now back in California, living in Chico. Gail tired of retirement and is working for the next couple of years at Feather River Hospital, teaching doctors to use the computer. Earl cooks, cleans, and gardens. We are really very happy.

Health about what you expect at 65.

Laura, Leslie and the grandbabies moved back to Bend, but we are surviving, what with three of Gail’s brothers, their children and grandchildren here in town – 30 or so altogether. Thorvald is teaching English and running the theater program at PUC, so we get to see him a lot when he’s not in England with his fiancee. We have a dedicated guest room, so give us a call if you need a spot to crash. Hope to make it to Homecoming, but this isn’t a promise. (photo at left)

‘66 Brenda (Butka) John - I’m still practicing

summer then stayed my senior year

18

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

in Nashville. Husband Tom John is retired, and the organic farm that we host is thriving--potlucks, square dances, banjos, dogs, pigs, and all. Youngest daughter just graduated from Beloit,

middle daughter in med school in Florida, oldest in grad school in Chicago. My brother Gary, also class of 66, practices in Texas, and has 6 year-old triplets, a baby boy, and a daughter graduated from UT Austin. It’s all good...

‘68 - Vanny Dye - I’m still teaching school in Sandpoint Idaho. After 38 years teaching they have asked me to be principal this next year, which I have accepted. So it looks like I will be teaching a little bit longer. My oldest son Jeremy has moved to Idaho with us and has given me 2 really neat grandkids. My Youngest son Justin is finishing up his last year of a neurosurgery resident program at UCLA. God has been good to Vicki and I, we are living on a 55 acre ranch in some of the most beautiful country in the world. Hope things are going well with you. God Bless Vanny Dye

1970-1979 ‘71 Celeste (Wolgamott) Price I’m moving back to Calif next week after being gone for 32 yrs. Looking forward to being “home”. Now that I’ll be back “home”, I’ll be able to get over to Rio more. I’m moving to the Sacramento area.

73 Jim Griswold - Providence, Utah. Hello from an old Rio faculty

brat ‘68 - ‘73 and beyond. Certainly a great deal of H2O under the bridge, but I wouldn’t trade my age for anything-except maybe my wife, Catherine’s!

Life has been good to a late bloomer.

Growing up at Rio was idyllic. I taught English at Campion Academy, CO for 2 years, went to BYU, then returned to my nursing roots and the golden years of

primary care nursing, then management, and then corporate cluster-mucking. The latter makes the transition to retirement a breeze, having been steeped, stewed and percolated in Personal Irrelevancy. If life’s a Stage, I passed out and landed in the Orchestra Pit without an instrument; retired, kinda-sorta, and am bequeathed a supporting role for parents and children. 2 kids--one in and one out of the nest. Mama (Marilee) passed away, gently and beautifully, in January 2012 and Papa (Stan) is busy grooming his 3 acres of trees and other things bloomin’ like crazy in the desert. You get very regular exercise shoveling highgrade snow, and then get compelling urges to flap your wings and migrate in a southerly direction. But it’s also as beautiful here as anywhere on earth.

‘Cept mebbe Rio. Be so well! Jim G.

‘73 Connie (Woolfolk) Schloesser - Greetings from the Far

North...31 years here and still loving it.

My husband, Craig, and I have 2 adult children and a lovely 7 yr old grand daughter, Jordan Grace. You may be dining on our catch when you order Alaskan Salmon since we continue to fish Cook Inlet for Red Salmon. For fun, its off to hunt during moose season which means an extended camping trip, which is just the best! Some of you met my sister, Terry, during our Rio Days...Terry passed away in April of this year, leaving a very empty place in my life. One day, I hope to visit Rio again...I find it hard to believe I can say \”30 years ago\” to any thing!! Be Well! Connie

‘75 - Patricia (Fishter) Fernandez - I want to wish warm greetings to the

class of 1975. I also want to encourage you to join facebook. I have had the pleasure of catching up with friends I haven’t heard from in over 30 years, share pictures, updates, and the fondest of memories from our Rio Days.

‘76 Gerri Smith - Hello from Las Vegas, Nevada. I’m still involved in my church, Living Water (in Henderson, of course). We just purchased a piece of

property and are hoping to break ground by this Christmas for our earthly church home. We have been looking at this property for about 3 years. When we first looked at it, the price was about $1.75M; a year later it had dropped to $750K then we prayed, fundraised and it dropped to $350k. We paid cash and had money left over to begin the development process with the City of Henderson. This has been a total God-thing. If you would like to know more about Living Water, please visit us at www.bringone.org/ ‘76 Marla King - Dear class, First, let me say that dreams do come true! I love my Bible work and will tell you more next time.

But I want to pass on the idea for you to try yourself. Go get you a church member and go give Bible studies! (Sorry about my grammar, Mrs. Griswold!)

The fact is, the truth will never be your own unless you are giving it away! And secondly, if you do not have the book that explains our SDA movement’s roots, you must have it for greatest confidence.

In one concise paperback for ten dollars, you will have the greatest rock under your feet for the times ahead. Just call me and I will send you one! 530 7227585.

‘79 Jeff Badger - After 16 years of service to Central California Conference’s Soquel Camp Meeting Grounds, my wife Debbie and I bought our first home and moved to Evergreen, Colorado, located west of Denver up in the rocky mountains at 7500’ elevation. I am working at the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad, a steam powered tourist railroad in the gold and silver mining district of Clear Creek County. I am the shop superintendent and a locomotive engineer. Debbie is currently attending nursing school in Denver and we will be celebrating 30 years together this October. Soquel is still in good hands with my sister Jannell (attended Rio in 1980) and her husband Todd Gallemore as managers along our youngest son Jeremy and his wife Megan as assistants. I look forward to hearing

from my classmates and friends and our upcoming 35th Alumni in a couple years.

Blessings to you all.

1980-1989 ‘81 Wendy (Davis) Cramer -

Things are going good in the Davis Cramer family. I was living in Van Nuys, CA and working for Kaiser until March. I moved back to NCAL and was not there a month before I was back in the L.A. area on a job interview. I have been blessed to be given another job, at UCLA. My husband is still in NCAL taking care of our dog and house, also his mother is in ill health so we felt that he should stay close to her. My 3 daughters are doing good. My grandson will be 8 in October and my granddaughter will be 2 in August. Some of you know that my granddaughter has birth issues, she is doing good, she has her leg braces and she goes in for eye surgery at UCSF for a correction of one eye. If anyone would like to get in touch, I am on facebook.

Hope to see you all soon.

‘81 Jennifer (Flynn) Keeney We’ve been living in Southern California since 1996, the last 12 years in Banning.

My oldest son is married, but no grandchildren yet, and we have three still at home (16, 18, and 20). I became a massage therapist this year and am having fun working on building my business. I am also studying to become a certified wellness coach, and am enjoying that very much. All this is in preparation for the soon-coming day when my mothering skills will no longer be needed on a full-time basis and my nest will be empty. I always enjoy hearing from \”old\” friends, and invite you to look me up on Facebook. Blessings!

‘86 Robert Boggs - Joined the Army in 1988 and was active for several year.

I moved to the National Guard for a few years, but when 9/11 happened he went back in the Army and have been active ever since. I have completed three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

My work with the Army was primarily

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

19

transportation, but now that I completed my Bachelors degree in Accounting in 2010 and am now working in Army Finance and living in Calexico, CA. I will be retiring from the Army in a couple of years. I am married and have three daughters. The oldest is a sophomore in college and the youngest is 10 years old.

I’ve missed the last couple of reunions, because I’ve been deployed. Hope to make it next time around.

‘87 Kim (Nixon) Vieten - In January of 2011 my family and I moved up to Tillamook, Oregon. (Yup, it is where they make the cheese.) I am currently working at the hospital in the Rehab department. I do physical therapy in outpatient primarily, but also go upstairs to do some frequent inpatient assistance. Our oldest daughter, Lacey, is 4th grade at the little SDA school here. Our youngest, Sarah is 5 and loves her private home care. She will start kindergarten next year. They both love hikes at the beach and the outdoor activities that we can participate in here.

My husband, Richard also works in Rehab at the hospital. We live on 14 acres with our 2 horses, 2 dogs and 2 cats with the Tillamook River going through out back yard. I would love to hear about the 25th reunion or even hear from anyone that gets to go or even gets to read this. I hope you are all doing well and I hope to hear from you soon. Have a great year!

1990-1999 ‘93 Dustin Jones-Despite nearly

a universal belief that I would never procreate, the unbelievable happened.

Dustin Jones ‘93-newborn son, Nolan.

Nolan Robert Jones was born October 6, 2011, and my wife, Heidi, and I are celebrating his 1 year birthday. The kid is awfully cute, thanks to my wife’s strong genes. Maybe see some of you at our 20 year? dustinjones@gmail.com

‘95 Rob & Julie (Burnham) Hagele - Melting in Scottsdale, AZ. Rob manages HVAC service teams across the nation and Julie provides trust services support for SDA entities across the U.S. Entertained by their K-9s, Roo & Cosmo.

Rob’s ‘29 hotrod build has inspired a ‘59 street rod (Julie helps). Living life by God’s grace & blessed with great friends.

Thank you Rio! ‘96 Mayra Urena) Polka - I have finally settled down, gotten married and have a healthy four month old baby boy. Throughout the last few years I was in the military serving on active duty, deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

I hope to make the next high school reunion. See you all there!

96 - Cara (Christensen) Farrell - I hope this finds you happy, healthy and well. Things are wonderful here in the beautiful NW and we are enjoying a fun filled warm summer!

ALOT has changed since I last saw you all at our 15 year reunion. I got married May 19, 2012 to an amazing christian man and my best friend, Brandon! We have four fun loving kids - Hunter (11), Madison (9), Dylan (8) and Lorelei (6) whom all attend the Meadow Glade SDA Elementary School. We are residing still in Battle Ground, WA. I work full time in Vancouver, WA as a Registered Medical Assistant and just recently changed departments working now in Dermatology and love it!!! My most favorite thing is the interaction with patients, injections and most recently added biopsies and procedures! In our spare time we like to hang out with our kids, hike, camp, sky dive, travel, and absolutely spend time with our family, friends, and church family! God has truly blessed us!!!!

2000-2009 20

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

‘03 Rebecca (Chaney) Situmorang-

I have continued to be truly blessed since I graduated high school in 2003.

I married a wonderful man named Gerhard and just had a little girl named Ellie. I live in Citrus Heights and am working as an RN at a local hospital. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I want to thank all the wonderful teachers that guided me along my journey, including Mr. Chapman, Mr. Yingling, Ms. Velez, and many more.

Rebecca (Chaney) Situmorang, ‘03

‘06 Briana Lonza Toelke - Matt

and I are moving to Anchorage. I will be teaching 3rd and 4th grade at Anchorage SDA School. It will be nice to be out of substitute role. Matt will be completing a project in Missoula and heading up here as soon as possible. We’ll enjoy the great out doors and hunting and fishing in a new state.

Cara (Christensen) Farrell ‘96

Alumni at Rest Faculty at Rest ‘67 Carol J. Green

Carol was born 10/19/49 in Grass Valley, California. She attended Rio Lindo Academy and graduated in the class of 1967. College took her from Pacific Union College to a master’s degree in Speech Pathology from Cal State Northridge, San Fernando, California.

Carol married Bruce Baker and they lived in Glendale, Ca. Carol’s career as a speech pathologist began at Daniel Freeman Hospital in Los Angeles. She later owned a private practice in speech pathology in San Diego, California, where she met and married Harold Green. Carol and Harold later developed and owned several Senior Retirement Apartments throughout California.

One of her greatest passions was her contribution to the community health of others. This was seen by her development of the President’s Forum for the St. Helena Hospital Foundation. Carol and her co-founder developed the Forum to raise funds for the hospital programs in order to enhance the community’s health. Over 40 million dollars has been raised to date. Her philanthropic gifts were generously given to community, youth and animal charities.

She is survived by her mother, Jacqueline Hershman, her sister, Patricia (Dodge) Kaufman and her niece, Heather Sipan.

‘68 Sherry Lee (Hinkle) Perry

Sherry, age 61, of Shakopee, MN died at home on December 24, 2011 after a long struggle with cancer. Sherry was born February 10, 1950 in Glendale, CA to Dr. J. Lee and Myrtle Hinkle of Redding, CA. Sherry was a Psychiatric Nurse for 23 years in Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, and California. She played piano and organ and enjoyed singing. Sherry is survived by her children, Jonathan Perry of Lincoln, NE, Jay and Kendra Perry of Shakopee, MN, and Christopher and Kirsten Perry of Omaha, NE, her grandchildren, Blake, Raya, and Nathaniel, her parents, J. Lee and Myrtle Hinkle, her siblings, Judy Cardenas, Marcia Hinkle (’71), Jay Hinkle (‘75), and John Hinkle, and nephews Christian Cardenas and Daniel Williams. Preceding Sherry in death is her brother Earl “Bud” Hinkle (‘73).

’67 Mary Kelly Prince – Passed away October 30, 2012 ’72 Glenn Burt – Passed away October 2012 ’73 Edna Shaw – Passed away October 23, 2012 ’73 Andrea Ceccarelli Quinton - Passed away June 21, 2012

’76 David Moser – Passed away September 11, 2012

Marlee Griswold - English teacher at Rio from 1969-1987

Marilee James Griswold, 83, died gently on the evening of January 12, 2012 at her home in Sterling, Utah. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Stanley M. Griswold and three children, Terry and his wife Rhonda (Butler) with grandchildren Loren and Shondene and her husband Justin Ammon, Colleen and her husband Mike Meadows with grandchildren Bruce and Mindy, and Jim and Catherine (Cahoon) Griswold with grandchildren Chase and Erin with her husband Joseph Jacobs.

Marilee taught in Bellflower, Pine Hills Jr. Academy in Auburn, and Rio Lindo Adventist Academy in Healdsburg, California, for a combined 30 years of teaching before retiring to Sterling, Utah.

Marilee expressed her love for her family and all those in the communities she lived in. She was blessed by all those she came in contact with as all of us who knew her were blessed by knowing her.

Lynn Curtis Johnson - Teacher at Rio Lindo from 1969-86

Lynn passed away in his sleep early Sabbath morning, February 18, 2012 at the age of 88. Lynn taught Industrial Arts and Drivers Education at both Monterey Bay and Rio Lindo Adventist Academies. He taught at MBA for 14 years and at Rio for 17 years. Lynn worked with hundreds of youth during his years of teaching and he will be remembered by the many graduates of MBA and Rio, whose lives he impacted.

Lynn was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Doris LindJohnson. He is survived by his wife Maxine; son, Pastor Dan Johnson and his wife Sylvia; a daughter, Lynnette Clement (’73) and her husband Steve (’69); two grandsons, Edward and his wife Jennifer Clement; Jonathan and his wife Caitlin Clement; step-daughters Shirley Sears Babienco (’71); and Linda Sears Martella (’73); and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, his Dobbins SDA Church family, former college classmates, academy students and faculty colleagues, and many, many friends.

Shirley Devine - Nurse at Rio Lindo from 1975-80

Shirley Devine passed away unexpectedly March 13, 2012 in Beaumont, CA. Shirley served as the nurse at Rio Lindo from 1975-1980. She loved living on Rio Lindo’s campus and caring for the students who were injured or ill. She is survived by her daughter Gina Devine Wahlen (‘80) and grandson Daniel Wahlen (‘07).

Jessie Pluhovoy Van Deusen – Jessie passed way June

6, 2012. She was the Girl’s Dean at Rio Lindo from 1962 – 1970.

She is survived by her daughter Judith Pluhovoy Hook (‘65).

Florence Boodt Adams – Florence passed away May 3, 2012. She was the Girl’s Dean at Rio Lindo from 1972 – 1977.

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

21

THE REPORT The Rio Report is a publication produced by the Alumni & Development department at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy. The goal of the magazine is to continue to foster relationships with our Rio family.

If there is an article that you would like to see in an upcoming Rio Report, or if you know of a Rio alumnus that is doing great things, please contact us to let us know.

Want to find a classmate?

Visit our website for updated News Notes, or contact our Alumni Department by contacting Brad Benson at bbenson@riolindo.org or call (707) 431-5100 ext. 121.

22

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

GIVING BACK

How can I help?

Each year, we need your help to keep Rio thriving and healthy.

You can help Rio by donating your time, money, or social circles.

We would like to hold an annual workbee to beautify and improve our 50-year old campus. If you have contracting, painting, or building school, come help out!

Over the years, we have lost touch with many of our alumni.

If you are in contact with a classmate who has moved, please remind them to update their contact information wtih us.

Another way you can help is to sponsor a student to attend Rio. Whether it’s $10 a month, or $100 a month, your gift can make it possible for an exceptional student to attend Rio.

GIVING AT RIO-What can I do to help?

Each year, Rio’s alumni and donors make it possible for students to attend Rio Lindo Adventist Academy. Because of your gifts, students like Estephania can gain a quality education and high school experience at Rio. Estephania is the oldest of three children and has a younger sister who has special needs.

At home, Estephania assisted her mother with caring for her little sister and helped take care of her every need. Estephania’s mother longed for Estephania to have her own life, friends, and fun and decided to let Estephania attend Rio’s Academy Days in April to see if she could see herself attending.

After Estephania decided that she would attend Rio her mother prayed for a miracle to be able to afford tuition. Together with their home church and scholarships, Estephania is attending Rio and is actively involved in choir, volleyball and hanging out with friends. Estephania also works with the work program to help pay her bill.

Each year, dozens of exceptional students long to attend Rio and need your help to make their dreams possible. If you would like to either sponsor a student or contribute to the Worthy Student Fund, please contact Brad Benson.

GIVE THE GIFT THAT WILL CHANGE A LIFE

ADDRESS CHANGE? Have you moved or changed mailing or email addresses?

Give us an update by contacting Brad Benson at alumni@riolindo.org or call (707) 431-5100 ext. 121.

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

23

RIO LINDO ADVENTIST ACADEMY Join former faculty, alumni and friends of Rio as we celebrate 50 years of quality Adventist education at our beloved school, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy.

ALUMNI REUNION 2013

JOIN GUEST SPEAKER, GORDON BIETZ, PRESIDENT OF SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY AND CHAPLAIN AT RIO IN ‘71-75 AS HE SHARES A MESSAGE WITH ALUMNI.

APRIL 4-5, 2013 Lost Your Yearbook?

Only $50 for any year.

Contact Alumni to order a new one.

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy 3200 Rio Lindo Ave. Healdsburg, CA 95448

24

RIO REPORT | Fall 2012

Postage Goes Heres