by Neena Strichart
With Wilson High School’s class of 1972 reunion now behind them, I’m suddenly hearing a loud ticking sound reminding me that my 40-year high school reunion is probably less than a year away. No doubt my Wilson class of 1973 reunion committee will probably be reaching out to all of us classmates within a matter of just a few months, so I guess I’d better get started on the diet, facial rejuvenation, personality tune-up and various other necessities before the big day creeps up on me!
Members of Long Beach’s Jordan High School class of 1997 don’t have much time to do much more than just grab a can of spray tan, suck in tummies or throw on a pair of Spanx as their reunion is taking place tomorrow, Aug. 18 from noon to 6pm. The event will consist of a potluck-style gathering as well as a bake sale to benefit fundraising efforts for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. According to Sarah Gray, the committee chairperson, the fundraiser has been inspired by Angela Hodges, a Jordan class of 1997 graduate and longtime Long Beach resident, who was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in August of 2011 and has been bravely fighting a difficult battle since her diagnosis.
The reunion and bake sale will be located at the Scherer Park 46th Street entrance, between the duck pond and the playground. More information on both events can be found at the reunion event page on Facebook— search “Jordan High School c/o 1997— 15-Year Reunion” or email Sarah Gray at sarahjane562@yahoo.com for more details.
On a totally different subject, yesterday was the 35th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. In high school, I was pretty much alone in my Elvis fanaticism, as most of my female peers were die-hard followers of the Beatles, Three Dog Night (Becky, I’m talking about you), Bobby Sherman, The Monkees or some other musical phenomenons of the time. Although the years have passed, my memories are still sweet, and I cherish his dozens of movie roles and amazing music and will forever be grateful for the 40 live performances I had the opportunity to attend. Elvis will live in my heart forever. For those who want to satisfy their Elvis craving, hop on over to Azteca Mexican Restaurant in Garden Grove— great food, great margaritas, and all ELVIS all the time!
Bargain shoppers rejoice, for this month marks the 30th birthday of the 99 Cents Only Stores®. According to a recent press release, to celebrate this milestone, the 99 Cents Only Stores® will offer a free reusable shopping bag to customers who visit one of their stores Friday, Aug. 17, Saturday, Aug. 18 or Sunday, Aug. 19 and purchase at least $9.99 worth of merchandise. In that three-day period all 302 stores will also feature deals on produce, including three pounds of plums, pears, Persian limes and/or nectarines for $0.99 each.
According to some pretty reliable sources, it looks like Signal Hill will soon be the home of a new location for 99 Cents Only Stores®. I’ll keep you posted!
Have a great weekend, and stay cool!
