RIO REPORT RIO LINDO ADVENTIST ACADEMY • Winter 2019
Front Cover
INFERNO:
How the Sonoma County Fires Impacted Rio
& THEN
NOW
ALUMNI WEEKEND: April 6, 2019 Save the Date!
THE RIVER
RUNS THROUGH US
A Message From
THE EDITOR
R
IO IS STILL the beautiful,
God-focused, academic school that you remember. Over the last few years, we have undergone many changes. More classes were added, new staff joined the team, and our student body has continued to change as new students from around Northern California and beyond started school here. This past summer, Rio opened its campus and hosted three different summer camp groups. The income generated by those rentals supports Rio’s students’ tuition and allows many students to attend Rio who might not have been able to otherwise. Another positive change that I have been lucky enough to be a part of is Rio’s new video production program. Three years ago, we were approached by Sam Nam of the class of 2002 with a dream and a passion. His hope was that we could offer a technology program that prepared students and equipped them with video, drone flying, and video editing skills that could benefit them in any career. I was deeply moved with Mr. Nam wrote his check, enabling the purchase of four super computers, two handheld cameras and four drones, laying the foundation for a video class. Together with a technology grant from the Northern California Conference,
Stay IN TOUCH
RIOLINDO.ORG
"RIO LINDO ADVENTIST ACADEMY"
we were able to start Video Production class, which covered everything from digital storytelling and production, to journalism and media intelligence. Our students created their own Youtube channel (just search “Rio Lindo Film Crew”), and entered several short films into a film festival this year. One of their projects was to create a music video with the Lindaires and it was picked up by the Pacific Union and the Hope Channel and has been viewed thousands of times around the world. Several graduates of the class have gone on to pursue majors in film or technology and continue to use their knowledge on a daily basis. Mr. Nam’s gift is an example of what a dream and a little cash can do for a generation of students. I would like you to consider what you believe is important in education today and have a conversation with our principal, Vic Anderson (’70) or Alumni Director, Brad Benson (’72). Maybe your idea will become something that changes lives, or impacts our school for the better for years to come. Or maybe your gift will enable just one more student to attend Rio. With your help and partnership, we can continue to elevate our students’ education and prepare them for
"RIO LINDO ADVENTIST ACADEMY"
a life full of meaning and purpose. This issue of the Rio Report features many exciting changes and updates to our school such as our ever-changing student body or physical updates to campus, but also reflects on some aspects of Rio life that never change, such as our expansive music ministry, or our gorgeous river that surrounds our property. As part of our Rio family, we invite you to continue to stay in touch and com back and visit sometime!
Rika Meyer
Editor/Marketing & Digital Arts Teacher RMeyer@RioLindo.org
"RIO LINDO ACADEMY"
CONTENTS FEATURES
NEW PRINCIPAL
Rio's new principal is also an alumni. Find our more about Mr. Vic Anderson and his plans for Rio's future.
INFERNO
In October 2017, Sonoma County exeperieced the most devastating fires in its history. See how they impacted Rio.
PARTNERSHIP
Rio has goals for its future and needs your help as a partner to help us grow in our future. ALUMNI
HOMECOMING
Alumni from graduating classes over the years returned to Rio to celebrate memories and life.
THE RIVER RUNS THROUGH US
The Russian River that runs around campus has always been a part of Rio's students' lives. Read alumni memories about the river. CONTRIBUTORS
AT REST
Rio's family has experienced loss of loved ones. We honor those former faculty and alumni who have gone to sleep.
EDITOR Rika Meyer | Marketing and Digital Arts ASSISTANT EDITOR Brad Benson | Alumni Director DESIGNERS Monika Bliss Morris Studio | mblissm.com Rika Meyer | Rika Meyer Marketing & Design
NEWS
NEWS + UPDATES
Rio has been undergoing some exciting new changes. Read to find out what's fresh around campus.
MUSIC MINISTRY GOES GLOBAL
Read about Rio's Music Department and how it is reaching listeners around the globe.
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
Students are helping students through Campus Ministries. Find out how students are discovering God's love for themselves.
WRITERS Rika Meyer | Rika Meyer Marketing & Design Brad Benson, '72 | Alumni Director/Work Coordinator Victor Anderson | Principal Israel Peralta, Rochelle White, Kevin Hardesty, Anthony Handal, Norman Barnhart, '88 PHOTOGRAPHY Aaron Meyer | Boys Dean Becky Renslow | Administrative Assistant Rika Meyer | Rika Meyer Marketing & Design Yearbook Students PUBLISHER Professional Print Management proprintman@inbox.com | Victor Hill ‘72 Rio Report | Winter 2019 3
On campus
NEWS & UPDATES
Rio Lindo CURRENT EVENTS Rio's work program instills in students a work ethic and experience that can be applied to future employment. NEW VANS
Two new school vans were picked up and delivered to Rio Lindo the second week of this school year. Thanks to the generosity of the Archie Tonge Education Fund, we now have two new Ford Transit vans which will be used to transport students to and from field trips, sports trips, and home leaves. They are replacing the 2004 GMC Safari vans all of which are near or over the 200,000 miles mark. The Transit Vans have a nine passenger capacity plus the driver, which is the maximum allowed by California school transportation regulations without painting the vans yellow and adding all the flashing red and yellow lights. Rio Lindo is grateful to the Foundation for making these vans possible. -Brad Benson, Alumni Director
RIO’S LOOP GETS A MAKEOVER
After many years of patching the potholes around the campus loop each spring, the loop and parking lots were finally completely repaved during March 2017. Every year the winter rains would create new potholes that staff and students had to dodge while driving or exercising around the loop. The situation worsened when it rained because reduced visibility made the task of avoiding the potholes almost impossible. The cost of the repaving project was funded by Rio Lindo Academy alumni, friends, and capital subsidies and safety funds from the Northern California Conference and the Pacific Union Conference. Students and staff are enjoying the upgraded "loop experience" every day whether they are walking, jogging, riding on bikes or skateboards, or driving. We are so thankful for the many contributions that enabled this important upgrade project to be completed! -Norman Barnhart, Business Manager
4 Rio Report | Winter 2019
STUDENT BODY
AfricanAmerican
17% 10%
Other
149 Total Students
for the 2018-2019 school year
Asian
26%
Hispanic
23%
NORTHERN CA
Caucasian
25%
19%
INTERNATIONAL
9%
OTHER PARTS OF CA
6%
OUT OF STATE
GUYS DORM
23
freshmen
29
sophomores
GIRLS DORM
VILLAGE STUDENTS
57
seniors
Education is the foundation for lifelong success, and we hope that you will join us in making Rio Lindo Adventist Academy a point of excellence in education. Help us tell others of the wonderful Academy that we have available for High School students. Our Open House in February 22-24, 2019 is the perfect time for families and futures students to learn more about Rio.
41 juniors
If you would like to take a tour of our campus to learn more, please contact us (707) 431-5100 and we would be happy to arrange your visit. We also encourage you to visit us online at:
www.RioLindo.org -Israel Peralta, Recruiter
HELP RIO RECRUIT IN YOUR AREA!
It has been almost three decades since Rio Lindo has changed their school schedule. Starting August 2018, Rio Lindo made a change from block scheduling to a more conventional schedule where each class meets four days a week. Each class will meet for 50 minutes, three days a week, and 80 minutes one day a week. The 80 minute class period gives teachers flexibility on doing an extended lab, having a guest presenter, or going on a mini field trip. The reason behind the change started with discussion about research supporting a later start time. Rio Lindo has shifted their start time to 8:15 or 8:35 depending on what classes students are taking. With a later start time, students will get more sleep, which will help them be more focused during the school day. Another reason is to promote more classroom time, and more interactions with each class. Research has proven that meeting regularly helps students retain information and helps with understanding of the subject. As the school year continues, teachers and students have adjusted to the new schedule. As with all good schools, Rio Lindo will re-evaluate the schedule at the end of the year, and make adjustments going forward. -Kevin Hardesty, Vice Principal Rio Report | Winter 2019 5
Change
meet rio’s NEW PRINCIPAL
AT RIO
R
io has a new principal and leader this school year. Vic Anderson accepted the call from Rio Lindo’s board, to direct and lead Rio’s future this past spring. Over the past 12 years he successfully led Pine Hills Adventist Academy in Auburn, California as principal. Mr. Anderson grew up in Upper Lake, California and in the fall of 1967 came to Rio Lindo as a freshman student. Both his older brother, Ed (class of 1968), and his sister, Yvonne (class of 1970), were students at the academy that same year. Vic spent all four years of his high school experience at Rio. During those years he was a class officer, Boy’s Club officer, sang in Lindaires, and participated in all team sports activities. In the spring of 1971 he graduated as part of the largest class in the school’s history. After graduating from Rio, Vic attended Pacific Union College and then La Sierra College where he graduated with his B.A. in Religion in 1978. It was during these years that he met his wife Lavonne (Nickel) Anderson who a physician and practicing anesthesiologist. Vic and Lavonne have two children, Brady, who is an engineer working in Pasco, Washington and Hallie, who works and lives in Walla Walla, Washington. We welcome the Andersons to Rio and look forward to his leadership as the school continues its mission and ministry of providing a quality high school education in a Christian environment. 6 Rio Report | Winter 2019
by Brad Benson, '72, Alumni Director & Work Coordinator Interview by Rika Meyer, Editor Photo by Israel Peralta
Q: What is it like being back at Rio after all these years? A: It’s not as much fun now because we had a great time while we were here as carefree students. Today, as principal, Rio is rewarding and new every day. What’s most interesting is looking at life at Rio from the other side of the experience as principal. I enjoy the students and the staff a lot here.
MR. ANDERSON'S GOALS To see the students 100% engaged in spiritual life on campus.
Q: What were you like as a student at Rio in the 70s? A: As a freshman at 14, I was clueless about a lot of things. I remember being surprised at how the girls were at looking ahead at life and their futures and we guys were all behind in planning the rest of our lives and where we wanted to go. School came easily for me but I don’t remember having close relationships with the staff. The greatest part of Rio for me was how much of a family it was for me; and it’s still that way. Some memories that stick out were the corn roast down at the river at the beginning of the school year, the canoe trip, junior senior basketball games-our version of varsity sports, and the faculty/staff football game. I remember Ellsworth Judy falling asleep every time on the platform.
Q: You were a high school teacher yourself for many years. Tell me about what led you to a career in education. A: I taught elementary for eight years, high school for five years, and then was a principal for 12 years. After I finished a religion degree in college, I worked in construction for 3 or 4 years, got married, and worked for an organ transplant organization for a few years while my wife was in residency. We had moved a few times and I realized I needed a career that was more “portable” and I figured I could easily get a job in teaching. Teaching is pretty much the job no matter the school; after teaching for a while, I found that I really cared about the students and enjoyed helping them become successful.
To improve campus aesthetics. To market Rio as the best place for Adventist high school students in Northern California.
Q: What are your top 3 goals at Rio over the next few years? A: I would love to see the students 100% engaged in spiritual life on campus. That means they know who Jesus is, what He did for them and what He’s doing for them every minute of every day. That means they learn to live a life of service to others, treat each other with love and respect and so much more. The school needs to be refurbished. It’s a huge priority. It looks tired. It’s still the same beautiful campus but needs a lot of work to reach its potential. Public Relations. I would like more parents to start thinking of Rio as the best place for their kids during their high school years, like it used to be perceived.
Q: How do you use your teaching background to empower and equip teachers in your school, both at Pine Hills Adventist Academy and Rio?
Q: Some people question the role of a boarding school as an option for Adventist education. What value do you believe the boarding experience brings to a student’s education?
A: The first and important thing is teachers see you as more credible when you are a teacher first. They are more likely to listen and respect the role when they know you have been in their shoes. In my teaching career, I had around eight different principals; some good, some not so good. When I became a principal I tried to put the good traits I had witnessed in my previous administrators into action. I have to be aware of what is going on outside my office. Most of the less than effective principals spent time in their office doing paperwork. They didn’t really know what was going on with the students or with their teachers. Knowing how significant money is and the impact of money is on a school is crucial to success. One of my best principals said you spend money on the things you think are important. Another said you spend today’s money on today’s students; don’t hoard money. One of my principals was incredible at hiring well-qualified, excellent teachers and I spent some time with him learning how to do that and hope to continue to add quality educators to our team. Lastly, the most effective principals were always involved in improving student behavior on campus. I make sure I am a part of the behavioral communication and processes and work together with our deans, counselor, and teachers to empower our students to make the best possible decisions in their lives.
A: The purpose for a 9-12th grade Adventist boarding school is to give our smaller k-8 schools the option to have a high school program. If a community is large enough to provide a high school program and provide a quality instruction, then they should have their own K-12 school-they don’t need necessarily need us. But we have so many communities in the Pacific Union Conference that don’t have the ability to support a program like that. Parents can send their Adventist young people to receive an Adventist education without sacrificing quality. For the student, they will develop lifelong relationships with staff and students that wouldn’t necessarily happen in their local communities. According to research by the Fuller Youth Institute, “teens who had five or more adults from the church invest in them during the ages of 15 to 18 were less likely to leave the church after high school.” The study’s findings are found in Sticky Faith: Practical Ideas to Nurture LongTerm Faith in Teenagers, a book by Kara E. Powell, Brad M. Griffin and Cheryl A. Crawford. My desire is for our students to build powerful relationships both with other students and through spiritual mentorship with our dedicated staff that will hopefully help them develop a lifelong commitment to God. Rio Report | Winter 2019 7
FEATURE
How the North Bay Fires impacted Rio Lindo Adventist Academy by Hannah Barnhart, '18 and Rika Meyer, Editor
Student Reflection My alarm didn’t wake me up that morning. It was darker than usual when my mom rushed into my room and told me to pack a bag because there was a fire. Looking out my window at 4:30 am, I saw an orange sky particularly toward the north. At that time in the morning, I could see the flames from the Pocket Fire in Geyserville. Throwing a change of clothes, my Bible and some pictures in a duffel bag, I drove down Faculty Hill towards school. In the car, I reminded my sister to leave her phone on so I could easily communicate with her in the event of an evacuation. Coming out of class, I would look up at the ceiling in the Ad building and science building. I could see a layer of smoke just sitting at the top of the building. I didn’t have a mask, requiring me to hold my shirt over my nose and mouth for the day. The fires continued to blaze in Santa Rosa and Geyserville, approaching Rio from the North and South. We went to school Monday and Tuesday, however Wednesday all students were sent home. International students were sent to Ukiah and cared for by members of the Ukiah SDA Church. Even though many staff left for the remainder of the week, some brave faculty members stayed behind to watch the fire to make sure the winds didn’t blow it towards the school. A group of staff alternated watching the fire around the clock from different points at the river and from the cross. No one knew for sure when the winds would pick up, as they changed direction over time, spreading the fires quickly and uncontrollably. After a week of hoping, praying, and waiting, students were invited to come back to school as the brave firefighters finally made headway on the surrounding fires. The relentless wind had spread the smoke out above campus, and our school was safe. -Hannah Barnhart, ‘19
Rio students from Video Production class interviewed classmate, Anthony Selivanoff, who lost his home and fled the Tubbs fire the night of Oct. 8.
8 Rio Report | Winter 2019
The Pocket Fire approached Rio Lindo Adventist Academy from the north while the larger Tubbs Fire burned south of Rio into east Windsor.
A Week of Chaos The firestorms of 2017 attacked Northern California with a vengeance. As the winds picked up on the night of Oct. 8 to nearly 80 miles per hour, flames flew across Santa Rosa, igniting entire neighborhoods, shops, and even jumped the 101 freeway. The inferno displaced families, who fled with only the shirts on their back, and whipped through forests and wildland so quickly that firefighters and emergency personnel were left stranded in parts of wine country. Rio Lindo Adventist Academy was lucky; the winds never blew the Tubbs fire north or the Pocket Fire south to reach the campus, although each fire was only a few miles away and flames could be seen in the distance. Throughout that week of uncertainty, Rio’s staff sent out constant updates to students, parents and alumni through email and social media. Many alumni reached out with support and prayers and parents appreciated the continual communication through the crisis. When the last pillar of smoke dissapated and the last students returned to campus, our student body had changed. Several students’ families had evacuated and two local students lost their homes and everything in them. The girls dorm took up a collection of donated clothing, shoes, and other items to help one of the students and other groups of students spent time cleaning up and helping out other families. The damage to the area was apocalyptic; driving south down 101, buildings were burned flat, fences were destroyed, and overpasses were marked black by the flames that had jumped the freeway.
From Rio Rapids e-newsletter: On Wednesday two of our Santa Rosa day students spoke about their experiences in the fire. Both Jonathan Cooke and Courtney Asker and families evacuated early last Monday morning. Jonathan's story had a brighter ending with his house still standing and Courtney told of the loss of her home. Today in chapel senior Melanie Bushby and staff member Becky Renslow spoke about their firefighter fathers and the sacrifice they’ve made by working 8 days without a break and getting a call to leave
The Pocket Fire approached Rio Lindo Adventist Academy from the north while the larger Tubbs Fire burned south of Rio into east Windsor.
one knew for "sureNowhen the winds would pick up, as they changed direction over time, spreading the fires quickly and uncontrollably.
"
immediately regardless of the dinner or shower they had just started. In response, students made cards and posters for firefighters of this community and those from other counties and states. Students wrote heartfelt messages of appreciation, encouragement, and gratitude for the first responders' hard work and sacrifice. With paint and bulletin board paper, students made two "Welcome Redwood Academy" banners which will hang Monday morning as Redwood students start their class rotations here. This weekend, students will sort donated clothes for area fire victims at a warehouse in Healdsburg. While the wildfires of 2017 were wildly unpredictable in nature, Rio has focused on maintaining a fire-safe campus by trimming down vegetative growth across campus, conducting more fire drills in the dorm, and cleaning up the exteriors on faculty houses among other things. Rio’s staff also go through regular safety training for various emergencies and AED devices have been placed in several locations across campus. The fires were a reality check for all of us that life can completely change in a matter of moments and that we have to be ready to respond, act, and take care of each other when catastrophe strikes. A community truly can make a difference.
Fires Burn Redwood As Rio’s community grieved and searched for ways to help the surrounding area, our sister school in Santa Rosa was dealing with its own catastrophic loss. Redwood Adventist Academy burned down in those first fiery winds on Oct. 8 and suddenly, the entire school was without a campus. In a matter of minutes after the first phone call was made, Rio opened its doors to Redwood’s high school students, lending open classrooms and the rest of the campus for Redwood’s teachers and students to continue instruction until the end of the school year. The elementary classes relocated to the Santa Rosa Adventist Church in downtown Santa Rosa. The months that followed were difficult for our entire community. As our families and Redwood Adventist Academy began to rebuild, they realized that the process would be a marathon. In March of 2018, Redwood’s school board voted to suspend operations on the high school program and focus solely on reviving the elementary program. As word traveled to Rio, recruiter Israel Peralta and other staff planned open house events and invited Redwood students to consider transferring to Rio for the following year. As a result, nineteen students joined Rio’s student body for the 2018-2019 school year. Together with the Northern California Conference, Rio matched tuition for all transferring students and added a transportation program to help ease the transition. Rio Report | Winter 2019 9
Return to Rio By Victor Anderson, '71, Principal
Coming back to Rio as principal, after graduating 47 years ago.
When I left Rio several (actually many) years ago, I had no idea what would occur over the next 47 years. Now I do. Life for me has been about the same as it has been for Rio, more ups than downs but still plenty of both. For Rio Lindo, the ups are as follows. Rio is one of the most beautiful settings for a boarding school anywhere. Yes, it is still on a plateau surrounded on three sides by the Russian River and it is still in beautiful Healdsburg. For those of you who have not been back lately, Healdsburg has gone through its own transition from a small, poverty-ridden town to a place where the median price of a home is over $900,000 and the town is full of boutique shops and upscale restaurants. That is very different from what the town was in the late 60s and early 70s when I went to school here.
10 Rio Report | Winter 2019
Rio is still a place that has high standards. Academics on campus are strong with honors classes. Our students finish prepared for college and are successful at the next academic level. The behavior and dress standards are also maintained. Some of the rules are relaxed, but the requirement students maintain strong Christian and moral behavior is still in place. The rules are still here but a caring staff is also. Each of the faculty at Rio develops and maintains a strong relationship with their students. That relationship encourages students to be the best human possible. Yes, the seal is still in the center of the campus and yes, we still work to develop students spiritual, physical, and mental capabilities. The activities are much the same with activities such as vespers and rope
pulls at the river. Banquets, town trips, Sabbath School, and Church, fill our student’s lives with meaningful and fun activities. But, the best part of Rio is the opportunity to develop lifelong relationships. Yes, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy is still a great place to spend high school years. Rio also faces some challenges. Like all of us, Rio gets older. Because original construction was done so well, Rio has aged well (I wish we all could say the same). The original “Block and Mortar” stands unbowed by time. Although the school is structurally sound, there are signs of aging that needs addressing. The lobbies in the Ad building and both dorms need an update. The athletic field is essentially the same it was in the 60s and needs modernization. Most of our dorm rooms have the same closets, drawers, sinks, heaters, and windows they had when the school began, and there are several places where asbestos flooring and insulation need attention. The windows are all single pane, all originals. Obviously, time to start upgrading. I could continue, but you get the idea, we have a lot of work to do!
"But, the best part of Rio is the opportunity I really believe that many of you fellow alumni can and will step up to the plate to support a grand makeover, to help restore our school to become the gleaming campus it once to develop lifelong was. I invite you to come spend some time with us to see some of the great programs we’re running, but also witness some of the upgrades that we’d love to tackle. Something relationships." you can do right away is grab that envelope sticking out in this magazine and simply
throw a check or credit card number into it. Your gifts really add up. If you’d like to sponsor one of the projects I mentioned above, I’d love to speak and dream with you about how we can work together. It is great to be back! I am blessed with this opportunity to work with a group of dedicated Christian educators, a great group of future leaders of our church, and families that care about the spiritual health as well as the academic and physical development of their children. I hope to see all of you back here soon.
• • •
Visit www.eScrip.com & designate Rio as your charity. Name Rio Lindo Adventist Academy in your estate plan. Support an endowment
Mail Payments to: Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Attn: Development 3200 Rio Lindo Ave Healdsburg, CA 95448-9495
Visit our website for ways to donate: RioLindo.org/giving
Contact: Vic Anderson, Principal Office: (707) 431-5100 x 136 Email: vanderson@riolindo.org
Rio Report | Winter 2019 11
Annual
EVENTS
ALUMNI HOMECOMING April 7 th, 2018 By Brad Benson, '72, Alumni Director/Work Coordinator
W
HAT A GREAT DAY. So many friends and familiar
faces and so many wonderful memories flooded the minds of over 230 Rio Lindo Alumni and former staff members who attended the 2018 Homecoming event. For those who were on campus from the class of ’63 to those who graduated in 2017, the feeling was the same. They had returned to the home of their Rio family. The class of 1968 was the honored 50 year class. Gerry and Rose Marie (Walter) Thorpe with Marilyn Sanders did an amazing job contacting and searching for classmates; they located nearly everyone. A big thank you also goes to the class organizers who spent hours reaching out to classmates and encouraging them to attend. This included Ed Dower ’63, Don Amador and Joni (Schoeninger) Maes ‘73, Brent Stutchman ’83, Julie Kalua, and Carmen (Silve) Martinez ’93, David Nye and Jathan Bennett ’98, and Cara (McHan) Griggs ’03.
During the morning service Andrew Kainer, of the class of 2019, received the Walter and Gladys Will Memorial scholarship in the amount of $1,500. This scholarship is given to the student with the highest grade in class and work attendance. Five $1,200 scholarships were awarded to returning students Hannah Barnhart, Caleb Privat, Eli Sandovol, Malcolm Knight, and Lilly Chenoweth in memory of Roger Holm (’69). These are given to students who the faculty believes demonstrate Christ-like respect and treatment of their fellow students and the staff along with having excellent attendance to both classes and work. Former teacher Gottfried Fritz, who was a science teacher at Rio Lindo from 1986-2013, gave the morning’s inspirational message. This was followed by lunch, provided by the school, and an afternoon filled with sharing memories and life stories. Thanks to all who attended and we’ll be glad to see all of you back April 6, 2019 for our next Homecoming.
Save the Date! April 6, 2019 Schedule Preview
April 7, 2019 Rio Lindo Trail Run
10:30 am Worship in Music with the Music Department
Each Sunday after Alumni Homecoming, we host the Rio Lindo Trail Run on our campus for alumni, students, parents and our local community.
9:00 am
Registration
11:00 am
Church
12:30 pm
Lunch provided by Rio Lindo (gym)
1:45 pm
Class Meetings*
8:15 pm
Basketball Game Rio Girls’ Varsity vs. Rio Alumni
9:45 pm
Basketball Game Rio Boys’ Varsity vs. Rio Alumni
See our website for class organizers
12 Rio Report | Winter 2019
We invite you to sign up for a spot to experience Rio's newest trails that wind through apple orchards, mossy forests, and alongside the Russian River.
For more information, visit:
RioLindo.org/TrailRun
63
68
73
78
83
88
98
03
08
Roger Holm Scholarship Awards Recipients of $1,200 were: Hannah Barnhart, Caleb Privat, Eli Sandoval, Malcom Knight, Lilly Cheneweth
Walter and Gladys Will Memorial Scholarship Award
Rio Report | Winter 2019 13
Recipient of $1,500 was Andrew Kainer.
STUDENTS
What it means at Rio to
Be The Church Campus Ministries By Anthony Handal, Chaplain
Often times, as the Rio Lindo chaplain, it’s easy to become bogged down with meetings, classes, and programs. When all of them stack up, we can find ourselves putting our heads down and moving from one program to the next. A phrase often heard around our office that keeps us on target is “let’s focus on people, not programs.” Over the last couple of years, we’ve worked hard to keep “who we serve”, informing how we serve. Losing sight of our people can result in creating programming that become one-size-fits-none. Our process has led us to listen to our community and then provide meaningful opportunities that fit their spiritual needs. In all that we do, we try to keep in mind four descriptions about what we believe. First, what Jesus taught can make a positive difference for anyone. Second, the strength of our community is reflected when diversity is partnered with spiritual accessibility. Third, as individuals, we have many parts: bodies, minds, and hearts; what we do should benefit every area of who we are. Lastly,
14 Rio Report | Winter 2019
what we believe should have a visible impact on our broader community. Each month, we choose a character description that is easily relatable, grounded in the Bible, and leads to action. The eight that we use as our framework are Curiosity, Self-discipline, Optimism, Grit, Respect, Integrity, Kindness, and Reflection. Each month we focus on unpacking one of these traits. During chapels, at church, or for class projects, we utilize the character traits to guide our thinking. For example, our students had the opportunity recently to practice kindness and respect during our community service opportunity. We groomed Doran Beach for trash, spent time with the elderly at the Healdsburg Living Center, and helped with the Cloverdale Marathon. Jesus calls us to be disciples of all nations, sharing the good news of His return. As His servants, we continue to develop new ways and incorporate tried and true methods to open opportunities for everyone to know and accept Jesus into their lives.
Music Ministries Goes Global By Rochelle White, Music Director
As the last strains of a triumphant chord fade into silence, every member of Lindaires freezes. No one moves and each person barely breathes until Music Director, Rochelle White finally drops her arms, signaling that the recording take is completed. “Ok let’s do it one more time with a bit more energy,” she says and the choir regroups to begin another take. And so goes another recording session in the choir room at the Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Music Department. Audio recordings of the Lindaires and other music groups have become something of a regular occurrence in the past 8 years. In 2010 just before graduation, Lindaires recorded favorite songs from that year’s repertoire in the hope of creating a CD. But production costs and other issues did not allow for that project to come to fruition. Several years passed with more recordings taking place at the end of each year until there was a sufficient body of work to choose from. Eventually due to a generous donation, the CD “Songs for the Journey,” was released in 2015 featuring Lindaires, Bells, and Orchestra saw the dream fulfilled. This was a concrete way for the message in the music to be preserved and shared with a wider audience, while at the same time providing funds for the ministry of music to continue. In the years since then, the albums “How Can I Keep From Singing,” and now “Sing and Never Tire!,” have continued the trend. The latter recordings feature Lindaires and have provided great experiences for not only the audience but for the singers as well. Junior Lemti Nyirendah reflects, “At first the idea of recording seemed fun and glamorous, but when we started actually recording it took a lot of precision and hard work. It was almost harder than a regular performance. But it paid off when we heard the finished product. It’s a blessing to be able to leave the music and message with people. We get to leave a mark.” And that’s the ultimate goal for these recordings. These CD’s have literally gone global because of our international student involvement on these projects. It’s exciting to think that someone’s life can be touched thousands of miles away and years later because of a recording. In addition to fulfilling the goal of spreading God’s love through music, making these CD’s has helped the music department in its longterm goal of raising money for its facilities on campus. The CD’s are offered free to anyone who desires one. Donations are always welcome but not a pre-requisite to receiving a CD. These donations go towards the purchase
Music Department touring groups such as the Lindaires perform at churches around the Northern California Conference. of sound shells, lighting, and risers for our auditorium stage as well as any instrument needs we may have. Hopefully it will allow us to raise the level of excellence in our department by providing a better performance venue for our talented students. Speaking of offering amazing student opportunities for artistic expression, in addition to the audio recording component, this past spring we were able to collaborate with the Video Production class taught by Rika Meyer, and add a visual component to the recording experience. The finished product “Beautiful River (Rio Lindo),” can be found on YouTube and not only gives viewers a glimpse of the God-given beauty we are surrounded with on campus, but draws listeners to contemplate and anticipate our heavenly gathering by the beautiful river in heaven flowing by God’s throne. Once again, the project allowed students to do relevant and meaningful work spreading the good news and hope that we have in God. Here at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, we view the music program as a vehicle for ministry and blessings. We are missionaries wherever we go, reminding others Who we serve and why. We strive to communicate and express the love of Jesus and desire to draw all of our listeners into an experience with Him. If you would like to help us in that goal please keep us in your daily prayers. As God leads please consider sending a donation to the music department to keep this message moving forward. Look out for our latest recording “Sing and Never Tire!” as we continue our journey homeward.
HOW TO HEAR If you'd like to support the music department with a donation for a CD, email Ms. White at rwhite@riolindo.org. View the music video on Youtube by searching for "Rio Lindo Beautiful River." Rio Report | Winter 2019 15
Looking
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Alumni
TRIBUTES
At Rest
We remember...those who have touched our hearts, our souls, our lives. "And He shall wipe away all the tears...and there will be no more death..." Revelation 21:4.
Former Staff *Alanzo Lang (Band Teacher 1968-1980) died April 6, 2016 in Paradise, CA at the age of 85. He also taught band and instruments in various schools including Napa, PUC Prep, Upper Columbia Academy in WA, and Kingsway College in Ontario, Canada. Lonnie is survived by his wife, Barbara (Scott), sons, Nick and Chris, daughter Wendy Wright, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Lonnie dearly loved working with the many young people during the eleven years we were at Rio. We so appreciate hearing from many former students after his passing.
Alanzo Lang
*Robert McManaman (Choir and Voice Teacher 1966-1982) Passed away February 20, 2017. *Vivian (Hassell) Black (Teacher 1962-1982) Passed away April 11, 2017 after a fall at her home in College Place, Washington. She was 90 years old. *Beverly (Paulson) Johnson (Girl’s Dean 1962-1966) passed away May 8th, 2016 after a year long battle with pancreatic cancer. Bev was the first girl's dean from the fall of 1962 until the class of 1966 graduated. She married Clair Johnson and lived in the Modesto/Ceres area for over 40 years. She taught kindergarten at Modesto Adventist Elementary School for many years. She and Clair had three children: Belinda Boldman, Trenton Johnson, and Ryan Johnson.
Beverly (Paulson) Johnson
Gary Leadbetter
Evelyn Hetzer (former staff) Passed away July 22, 2017. Gary Leadbetter (Food Service 1977-1981) Passed away September 5, 2017. Louise Hoover (former staff) Passed away March 4, 2017. Howard Hardcastle (teacher 1962-1965 & 1984-1990) Passed away June 21, 2018.
Robert McManaman
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Howard Hardcastle
Vivien Hassel
Alumni
TRIBUTES
Alumni Fran (Coffee) Mund (1963) Passed away May 25, 2016 at the age of 72. David Bobst (1963) Passed away November 1, 2017 at the age of 73 John Cutts (1964) Passed away February 4, 2016 at the age of 69. Was a dentist in Dinuba, California. Paul Conner (1964) Passed away May 12, 2017 at the age of 70. Gail Henderson-Peter (1967) Passed away May 18, 2018 at the age of 69. Walter Laidlaw (1968) Passed zaway March 1, 2016 at the age of 65. William (Bill) Tuttle (1968) Passed away September 11, 2017 at the age of 67. Asa Stockton (1968) Passed away September 12,2017 at the age of 67 after a brief battle with Leukiemia. He was an orthopedic surgeon in Humbolt County and lived a live full of adventures and never stop learning. He is survived by his six children, Candy Stockton-Joreteg, MD and her husband Lars Joreteg; Cookie Tank and her husband Jonathan Tank; Taffy Stockton, MBA, and her husband Aidan Semingson; Pepper Stockton, PhD; Melissa Stockton, RN; and Edward Stockton; and his nine grandchildren: Amber and Eric Joreteg; Joanna, Natasha, Nicholas, Jalissa, and J.J. Tank; Myles and Zoe Semingson. He is also survived by four sisters, Karen Stockton, Peggy Jensen, Susan Stockton, and Sally Miller; and two former wives Ginger Carter and Michele Tourn‚, and many nieces and nephews. Sandra (Thatcher) Brown (1969) Passed away April 23, 2017 at her home in Paradise, California after a long battle with cancer at the age of 66. James Gallno (1969) Passed away November 30, 2017 at the age of 65. Jeff Wood (1969), passed away, Oct. 11, 2018 after a long battle with cancer. He is known throughout the Adventist organization for his musical talent, song writing, movie and television production and much more. As one North American Division (NAD) officer stated, “Jeff’s fingerprints were all over almost every media project from the church before, during, and after the days of the Adventist Media Center in California.” Wood is survived by his wife, Gerry; son, Jeremy; daughter, Jill; sister, Jan Wood; brothers James (“Jim”) and Jon Wood; and nieces and a nephew. To read more about Jeff’s impact on the world go to https://nadadventist.org/news/side-side-adventist-songwriter-jeff-wood-passes-away Ethelda (Netherton) Fry (1971) Passed away December 24, 2016 at the age of 65. Christine (Wojcicki) Felter (1971) Passed away July 18, 2017, at the age of 64. Ross Whitney (1971) Passed away July 22, 2017 at the age of 64. Robert (Bob) Seino (1972) Passed away August 4, 2018 at the age of Linda (Miller) Joyner (1976) Passed away September 27, 2016 at the age of 57. Karen (Mullins) Cason (1981) Passed away December 14, 2016 at the age of 53. Christian Batchelor (2013) Passed away April 23,2017 at the age of 22.
Have an update? Send an email! BBenson@riolindo.org Rio Report | Winter 2019 19
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