In addition to sharing memories of Spain and ASM, we were very busy discussing plans for future reunions. We discussed having barbecues, beach parties, mid-state camping trip, family trip to Las Vegas ... and the list goes on. The bottom line is: we genuinely like each other and want to get more ASMers together! Also, we are acutely aware that we failed in our first attempt to beat Miami's reunion attendance! Miami is still #1 - we will admit that - but a challenge is a challenge. Go Lancers! Go California!!

It is difficult to describe the ASM mini-reunion experience to those who have not had the chance to attend one. It does not matter how long you were at ASM, when you attended or if you ever met before. The people who go to these reunions connect as if they have known each other all their lives. The laughter, the smiles, the sparkle in the eyes ... It is a terrific feeling!

Bill Tortora '94 (San Diego) writes:

A few years ago I got a call here in San Diego from an old ASMer. She came in from the East Coast and I agreed to meet her for a few hours as she waited for her plane back. So, in LAX we sat and just reminisced about the experiences we had in Madrid. We quickly concluded that ASM and the entire experience in Spain was no less than paradise. We said this because when we lived in Spain, we knew that nothing got any better. We knew that we were in the right place at the right time with the right state of mind. I have yet to find another situation in which this is so. Don’t get me wrong, I have enjoyed my life since then, but all the advantages in Madrid can never be replicated. In our adolescence we had the freedom of the city, the energy of children, the hope of innocence and the thirst for la dulce vida. I know that I obtained this life in the streets of Madrid and on the campus of ASM.

I also get the feeling that I am not the only ASMer to come to this conclusion. I wish to share my gratitude to all ASMers across this globe. I am indebted to those people who comprised four of the best years of my life, and, now, I am indebted to the ASM alumni who have rekindled the passion I had for ASM and the sheer power of the experiences gained there. Thank you.

Bill can be contacted at wtortora@msn.com

Heidi Lambert ('84) says:

I found info on La Masia from my ZAgat's guide. It is located at 9077 Santa Monica Blvd (1/2 block east of Doheny Dr.). in West Hollywood. Phone # 310-273-7066. Here's what my book says about the place: "For an evening of dance with a decent meal, this fun for adults, Iberian restaurant has a small dance floor and a long tradition of serving authentic foods of Spain, including excellent paella and a selection of tapas; naturally, it's best when washed down with lots of sangria and rioja; dinner only. Average price is about $15."

I have been there before and thought the food was great, but nothing will compare to Spain. I have not been there in a few years. [Better than me Heidi, I haven't been to La Masia in about 25 years! It was great in the mid 70s though, and I would like to try it again. Sounds like a good place for a mini-reunion.]

From Arizona, I heard from the parents of Heidi ('84) and Heather Lambert('87):

Heidi told me about the Mini-reunion and that she also had a blast. Maybe Heather can make the next one. I think it is great what all the ASM Alumnis are doing. It is a good way to stay in touch and to meet old & new friends that have something in common, a stay in Madrid. We sure enjoyed our stay there and many times think of the good old days with the kids and their parents from all over the states and world. I was very pleased to read your note and if I can think of anything for your California Dreaming newsletter I will let you know. I think the name of the letter is great. It was good to hear from you and we will stay in touch.

The list of ASMers in California grows each day. We represent all three decades from 1964 through 1996. The current count is 49 (five new names just popped up in the last week)! Who are they? Where are they? When did they (or would they have) graduated from ASM? See for yourselves:

Each one of you is important to the ASM Community. In 2001, ASM expects to host a very large reunion for the 40^th Birthday of the school. We are looking for as many former ASM students, parents and teachers as we can. If you have any leads, be sure to let the rest of us know.

The mini-reunion craze has taken hold in Southern California. Each time, more people get together. The conversation is non-stop and there is never an awkward moment. I hope that the mini-reunions continue and expand to all areas of California, the country and the world. It is such a great feeling! For more information on future reunions and photos and stories of past reunions, see http://www.gutech.com/asm .