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Alumni Sandstorm Archive ~ February, 2006
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 02/01/06
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6 Bombers sent stuff:
Burt Pierard ('59), Tom Verellen ('60), Ray Kelly ('63)
Betti Avant ('69), Mark Saucier ('70), Brad Upton ('74)
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BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Maggie Gilstrap ('74)
BOMBER CALENDAR: Richland Bombers Calendar
Click the event you want to know more about.
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>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
To: Rex Davis ('49) & Dick Roberts ('49)
Re: The Co-0rdinate Club
The building you guys have mentioned was indeed, the Co-
Ordinate Club. I have included 3 pictures to prove you haven't
suffered a "Senior Moment." One is an aerial shot from (I'm
guessing) the 70s (the "Fingernail" was still there) that shows
the location relationship to the "Rose Bowl," GWWay & the By-
Pass (originally the Thayer Drive extension when the Clubhouse
was built).
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060201-70s-guess.jpg
Another is a circa 1962 pic when the building had been boarded
up & fell into disrepair.
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060201-62Pic.jpg
The 3rd is a 1945 pic of the members building their Dance Hall
Addition to the Tract House they rented from Du Pont (more
about this later).
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060201-45Pic.jpg
The Club was formed in the Fall of 1943 as a "counter-
movement" by the Project Civilian Engineers to the Army Corps
of Engineers building the Castle Club (west of Wright, south
of Van Giesen) for the private use of their people & guests.
The name that was selected was kind of hokey but here it is:
"Twelve names were suggested and out of the lot, the CO-
ORDINATE CLUB was selected for its significance to the work
of the club members, all being construction engineers and
accustomed to working with maps and blueprints. The name was
chosen above the others, for as the sectional lines on a map or
prints so designate definite points or co-ordinates, so should
the hearts of the members co-ordinate to provide definite good-
fellowship." They held their meetings at the old Grange Hall
(Stevens & Van Giesen, later the Richland Lutheran Church) and
held their dance parties at the Lewis & Clark gym/auditorium.
In March, 1945, the previously mentioned Tract House became
available and they rented it for their Clubhouse. The Dance
Hall Addition was designed & built by the members with Du Pont
contributing the construction materials. The Grand Opening was
July 13, 1945, which almost everybody who was anybody in the
Village, attended, including Lt. Col. Matthias.
The Club survived until 1952 when it folded and the Knights of
Columbus leased the building.
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
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>>From: Tom Verellen ('60) a class that ends in zero
Re: Mark Saucier ('70)
It's not that our legislators were being "allowed" to wear team
colors as they were given instructions which colors went with
which team. The air is very thin on "the hill."
-Tom Verellen ('60) ~ in a very soggy Lacey, WA
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>>From: Ray Kelly (Gold Medal Class of '63)
Back in the day, we called a steering wheel knob a "suicide
knob" for obvious reasons.
-Ray Kelly (Gold Medal Class of '63)
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: colors
To9: Mark Saucier ('70)
Mark-It's not so much they had to get "permission" to wear the
Seahawk colors it's just that the chairman of the legislature
likes his congressmen in ties and a jacket. I don't know what
the womens' guidelines are. The governor raised a "12th man"
flag outside the capitol building yesterday and wears a button
declaring the same. I still like blue and green.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA where we have more than double
the amount of normal rainfall for January
P.S. My brother Howard ('72-RIP) was an equipment manager
in college for a retired Steeler.
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>>From: Mark Saucier ('70)
Seahawks Fans
Thought you all might like something to listen to this week.
Click here to listen
-Mark Saucier ('70)
the 'burgh
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>>From: Brad Upton ('74)
My brother, Brian ('76), told me there was an article in
yesterday's TC Herald stating that the Uptown Theater had been
sold and would soon be turned into office and retail space. I
spent many, many Saturday afternoons in that place. I'd better
get back and watch something in there before they shut it down.
-Brad Upton ('74) ~ It's cold, gray and raining in Seattle...
but I'll be in the Caribbean for a week by Friday night!
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 02/02/06 ~ GROUND HOG DAY
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9 Bombers sent stuff:
Betty Hiser ('49), Richard Roberts ('49)
Dave Hanthorn ('63), Ray Kelly ('63)
Carol Converse ('64), Gary Behymer ('64)
Caroline Stanfield ('66), Dennis Strege ('71)
Mike Davis ('74)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bob Eckert ('60)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Len Rediske ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Patricia Berland ('69)
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>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
Burt Pierard ('59): Thanks for the information on the old Co-
Ordinate Club. I worked in Purchasing when I first went to work
on the Project and we had some wild parties at that Club. I
know we had to buy a special license because we had underage
employees.
Tom Verellen ('60): Did you use to live on Duane? And was your
brother Jerry and your sister Beth? We lived at 522 Duane and I
graduated with Jerry in '49.
Mark Saucier ('70): Was your father Jerry? I worked with Jerry
in B and N Areas. He was from the Boston area if I remember
right.
Uptown Theater? What can I say? I spent many an hour in that
old building. I'm going to miss it. My mother loved the movies
as well as my sister and I did - she went to nearly every movie
that we went to. Had to walk there and back because she never
learned to drive. Our memories are all being torn down or
remodeled.
-Betty Hiser Gulley '49er - south/government Richland. The
nasty wind is blowing but, at least, the sun is shining.
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>>From: Richard Roberts ('49)
To: Burt Pierard ('59)
Thanks, Burt, for all of that great information on the Co-
Ordinate Club. Please resend to me those web sites for the
pictures. Do you have any info on Herby and his Serenaders?
-Richard Roberts ('49)
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[AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060201-70s-guess.jpg
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060201-62Pic.jpg
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060201-45Pic.jpg]
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>>From: Dave Hanthorn (Gold Medal Class of '63)
To: Mark Saucier ('70)
Re: Steelers song
Mark, I have one word for your Steelers song - boring, just
like the town it came from.
-Dave Hanthorn (GMC '63)
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>>From: Ray Kelly (Gold Medal Class of '63)
The note from Brad Upton ('74) about the impending sale of the
Uptown Theater reminded me of a couple of things. The first is
my distinct recollection that when I was about nine, the going
price for a movie ticket at the Uptown Theater was a dime.
There's been a little inflation in the price of a movie ticket
since then, don't you think?
Also, I was wondering if anyone else remembers those Friday
night horror flicks at the Uptown that started at midnight? I
remember one of them was called "The Screaming Skull". It used
to be the high point of my week to get scared to death with my
friends.
-Ray Kelly (Gold Medal Class of '63)
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>>From: Carol Converse Maurer ('64)
Re: Co-Ordinate Club
Isn't that where the old animal pound used to be? I remember
getting a dog there in the very early '70s.
-Carol Converse Maurer ('64)~ Eureka, CA - all we get is rain!
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>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: Uptown Cinema's last days near
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/local/story/7408021p-7320115c.html
-Gary Behymer ('64)
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>>From: Caroline Stanfield Boetes ('66)
My little sister, Joy Stanfield Kesel (class of '71) passed
away on January 31 in Arkansas. I dedicate this song to her.
Alexandra Leaving by Leonard Cohen
Suddenly the night has grown colder.
The god of love preparing to depart.
Alexandra hoisted on his shoulder,
They slip between the sentries of the heart.
Upheld by the simplicities of pleasure,
They gain the light, they formlessly entwine;
And radiant beyond your widest measure
They fall among the voices and the wine.
It’s not a trick, your senses all deceiving,
A fitful dream, the morning will exhaust –
Say goodbye to Alexandra leaving.
Then say goodbye to Alexandra lost.
Even though she sleeps upon your satin;
Even though she wakes you with a kiss.
Do not say the moment was imagined;
Do not stoop to strategies like this.
As someone long prepared for this to happen,
Go firmly to the window. Drink it in.
Exquisite music. Alexandra laughing.
Your firm commitments tangible again.
And you who had the honor of her evening,
And by the honor had your own restored –
Say goodbye to Alexandra leaving;
Alexandra leaving with her lord.
Even though she sleeps upon your satin;
Even though she wakes you with a kiss.
Do not say the moment was imagined;
Do not stoop to strategies like this.
As someone long prepared for the occasion;
In full command of every plan you wrecked –
Do not choose a coward’s explanation
that hides behind the cause and the effect.
And you who were bewildered by a meaning;
Whose code was broken, crucifix uncrossed –
Say goodbye to Alexandra leaving.
Then say goodbye to Alexandra lost.
-Caroline Stanfield Boetes ('66)
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>>From: Dennis Strege ('71)
Joy Stanfield Kesel ('71) passed away January 31, 2006, after a
long and courageous fight with cancer. Her daughter, Caroline,
son, George and husband, Woody Kesel ('67), were at her side.
Joy was a free spirit, who led a life rich in experiences and
her sense of expression and love for family and friends will be
greatly missed. Joy always kept her candle burning bright and
anyone who knew her had a great "Joy" story. If you were lucky
enough to be one of those people, consider your life blessed
for having known her.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the non profit
Circle of Life Hospice House, 901 Jones Road, Springdale,
Arkansas 72762.
-Dennis Strege ('71)
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>>From: Mike Davis ('74)
To: Brad Upton ('74)
Re: Uptown Theater Conversion
It's going be a Denny's
-Mike Davis ('74)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 02/03/06 - THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED - 1959
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
13 Bombers sent stuff:
Mike Clowes ('54), Lois Weyerts ('56)
Loron Holden ('57), Burt Pierard ('59)
Joe Choate ('60), Stephanie Dawson ('60)
Tom Verellen ('60), Judy Willox ('61)
Helen Cross ('62), Jackie DeVries ('62)
Donna Nelson ('63), Gary Behymer ('64)
Betti Avant ('69)
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>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54)
Re: The Uptown Theater.
After reading the article in the TCH about the sale, I guess
the grand scheme of a couple of years ago has fallen through.
You remember that one; Walgreen's was going to swing a deal
whereby the Richland Players got the Uptown Theater (plus some
additional funds) and Walgreen's would get the Richland Theatre
(along with the old Thrifty Drug building) for their Downtown
store. Guess the Historical people put a stop to that one. It
is a shame to loose yet another landmark of one's youth; what
with the tearing down of the gym (and other parts of the high
school).
Maybe Upton and Davis could put on a farewell concert or
something.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54) ~ from soggy Mt. Angel, OR
(but there is snow in the mountains so far).
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>>From: Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56)
Re: Need info about Hanford H.S. reunion
My daughter, Julie Harrold Glenn, is wanting to know if a 20th
year high school reunion is being planned for the class of 1986
at Hanford High School. I'm asking you Bombers because many
of us had children who may have attended Hanford H.S. She has
contacted Hanford and they did not know anything. Please let
me know if you have a date for the reunion and who we could
notify or tell our daughter to notify so they could receive
information about it. Thanks so much ahead of time if you can
help us out.
[See the RHS '86 in '06 website at:
http://richlandbombers.1986.tripod.com/86in06.html -Maren]
Re: Prayers needed for friends of Walt Wendland ('55) as he may
be facing triple by-pass surgery tomorrow, Friday, or Saturday
if the doctors feel he is strong enough to withstand major
surgery. He has been in the ICU unit at Kadlec Hospital in
Richland since Monday. We know that Bombers are a wonderful
caring group of people. Walt is my brother-in-law.
-Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56) ~ Richland where it is windy again
and cloudy.
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>>From: Loron Holden ('57)
Re: Input
Couple of things:
1. Your check is being mailed to day.
2. Thanks for your effort on behalf of all Bombers.
3. I'm sending the following, If it to political let me know. I
understand. There are a lot of Bombers out there who are
eligible for this program that is now 5 1/2 years old who have
given up on the bureaucracy. There are a number of us who are
becoming active in getting this mess straightened out.
The EEOICPA (Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation
Program Act) being administered by NIOSH (National Institute of
Safety and Health) is a program to compensate nuclear workers
and their survivors who have become ill due to exposure to
radiation during their employment, specifically Hanford. Many
of us have been turned down for compensation due to current
Dose Reconstruction efforts, which have now been proven to be
incomplete and inaccurate. The administration of the program is
under attack scientifically and politically. As so many of us
are RICHLAND BOMBERS pass the word that help is on the way and
do not give up on your claims. I will respond to email requests
for information or help if I can.
-Loron Holden ('57)
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>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
Re: The Co-Ordinate Club
First, I have sent you the pics in an off the SS email. (To Rex
Davis ('49), who also had trouble bringing the pics up, I sent
them to you in an email.) As far as any info on Herby and his
Serenaders, I haven't completed the research on all the social
activities at the Club. Can you give me an approximate date (at
least the year would be helpful) when they played at the Club?
If it was between 1945 & 1950, I can check the Villager
microfilms (the Villager gave extensive coverage to all
activities at the Club).
To: Carol Converse Maurer ('64)
Re: The dog Pound
I believe the Dog Pound (which was originally located north of
town, near the Bus Lot) was located across GWWay from the Club
(south of the Rose Bowl) during the era you mentioned.
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
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>>From: Joe Choate ('60)
Would Bob Eckert ('60), be the same one my horse kicked, and
broke his arm? That would have been way back when we Choates
lived on the FFA Farm near North Richland.
By the way, Bob and myself both have birthdays this month, mine
is the 22nd of February. If you have any knowledge of where Bob
might be contacted I would enjoy.
-Joe Choate ('60)
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>>From: Stephanie Dawson Janicek ('60)
Re: Favorite Uptown Theater Memory
After the movie, going down to the Spudnut Shop for a Spudnut
ala mode.
-Stephanie Dawson Janicek ('60)
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>>From: Tom Verellen ('60)
To: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
Though I barely remember it, my family did live in the South
half of an "A" house in the 500 block of the former Duane. My
brother Jerry ('49) passed away last year and two of my sisters
still live in town.
-Tom Verellen ('60) ~ Sad news here the local ground hog drown
before it couldn't see it's shadow in Lacey, WA.
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>>From: Judy Willox (Classic Class of '61)
To: Myrna Bolin Turner ('63)(And my best friend always and forever!)
Re: Uptown Movie Theater
Hey Girlfriend,
Our old stomping grounds are being stomped into the ground and
there doesn't seem to be a thing anyone can do to stop it! I
will miss that old place as every time I pass it I think back
and remember the times every Friday night that we had in
there--AND outta there!
Remember when we would get kicked out for being noisy and
going to the Spudnut Shop?
Remember when we would to Ray's Delicatessen for bologna after
midnight and I would snarf pictures of Brigitte Bardot out of
magazines? OR actually buy the magazine if she was in it? :o)
Remember what our favorite thing to do across the street was
when we got kicked out of the theater? Yeh, I am talking about
the Burks Brothers' Texaco gas station where we would go hang
out and help clean until closing.
Oh how we did have such crushes on those two Burks boys that
were there every Friday night, huh? Leo and Russ, you provided
us with hours of fun and entertainment. How young we were and
how we thought that this was such a neat thing to do--sweep a
darn garage up. :o) What did we know at that age except that it
did get us close to, and around, someone we adored. "Born Too
Late" was the song we sang back then, remember?
And remember when the evening came to a close, and we didn't
have to walk home--which we often did back then, because that
is just what kids did back then; walked everywhere and stayed
in shape--along came my Daddy and whisked us off to the
Tahitian Room for the coveted hamburger? AFTER midnight now
mind you, as we were Catholic. And we always knew why we were
going to the Tahitian Room, didn't we? ;o) We didn't care; we
had the latest curfew in town and all out of the goodness of my
Daddy's heart. Okay, then out of his need to go to the Tahitian
Room, but what did it matter to us at that age. We were eating
hamburgers and drinking cokes and out so very late for girls
our age. That was cool.
Remember the time when Bill Burns ('61) and Bill Burnett ('61)
came over and sat beside us at the show, and at school the
following Monday how Mr. Dunton teased me unmercifully? Thanks
Bill, that was misery at the time. Scold him Lynn, will you?
;o) It all had something to do with playing with matches and
getting Burn(ed); I remember that. Not as bad as the time he
made me kneel at the feet of Stuart Hall ('62) in front of the
whole chorus class and sing "Love Me Tender" to him--and on MY
birthday no less--but bad enough. I was scared to death that I
was caught for smoking! On second thought Lynn, bop him one for
me will you? :o)
Remember these times! All of you out there who came from
Bomberville, as this is all we will have left when that
building, with all of the memories, comes tumbling down and
becomes something that is so totally removed from what we
remembered it being--and meaning to us. Oh, how those walls
could talk, but soon all we will hear is their moaning! I
grieve for the loss. And thank God for the memories.
Bomber Cheers and Tears,
-Judy Willox (Classic Class of '61) ~ Richland ~ Where the wind
can go away any time now; but enjoying the sun after
all the rain!
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>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
Greetings from the warmer vibes of Sacramento, CA where I am
visiting many dear friends of days when we used to live and
work here. Today I visited a lady who is 93 in the fab '40s
area for those of you who know this is close to where Ronald
Reagen used to live when the governor's mansion downtown was
deemed unlivable by Nancy...
I used to work with Mabel when she was a baby worker and I was
an adoptions worker for the country of Sacramento Welfare
Department. And we have visited each other all these years, and
she has become my Sacramento mother. She is still sharp as a
tack and was telling me about when she used to be a teacher in
Appalachia in a one room school house.
The camellia and fruit trees are staring to bloom, and that is
why I love being here this time of year, although we are having
record warm temperatures this year back in Indiana.
Last week at this time I was visiting Dutch friends who have
immigrated to Canada to be near their daughter and only
grandchildren as she married a French speaking Canadian. It was
fun to see Montreal, and the snow belt where they live north.
But the most fun was to be in a Dutch speaking home again, and
relive my time as an exchange student in l962-'63 when I lived
in Amstelveen with a Dutch family. I found I could speak Dutch
again and even think in Dutch when I was so completely
surrounded with it again.
I was quite surprised to read that the Uptown theater will be
sold, as I remember it well having lived in Richland from '48
until I left home to go to school in l962, and my folks
continued to live in Richland until my father died in '99.
I do remember when it cost us a dime to go to the movies on
Saturday, and the newsreels ran before the previews, and the
movies were often cowboys and Indians... "those were the good
ole days...
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ Having fun in Sacramento, having left
the cold and the house by the little lake for a few weeks.
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>>From: Jackie DeVries Brown ('62)
I worked at the Uptown Theater for three years - started at .65
per hour, first as an usherette, then behind the candy counter,
even got a little time in the ticket booth. Do you remember
Mr. Stiles? He was so tall it seemed like he ran everywhere he
went.
My dad, Pete DeVries (RIP), was the projectionist for Uptown,
Richland, Village, North Star (North Richland) and the drive
inn on GWWay (senior moment can't remember the name) - he
worked them all at different times.
I remember Friday 13th midnight horror movies, and Saturday
morning cartoons, it was fun for the kids and a lot of work for
employees. Many years later I was across the street at the gas
station when the roof fell in, it had leaked for years.
So many memories - I feel sad that it is going to be gone. The
smell of popcorn will always remind me of the Uptown Theater.
-Jackie DeVries Brown ('62)
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>>From: Donna Nelson ('63)
I just found out they're digging the hole for the 60 foot
lava lamp to be put in the little town of Soap Lake, WA. My
childhood memories of Soap Lake is the foam that we'd see
driving by to go to Park Lake from Richland in the summer
months. We stayed in the little cabins along the lake.
They're aiming for May or June to have the lamp globs moving.
My friend can look out her kitchen window at it every morning
and should be a great tourist attraction along with the Greek
festival.
-Donna Nelson ('63)
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>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
"...the day the music died." February 3, 1959
http://www.fiftiesweb.com/crash.htm
"On a cold winter's night a small private plane took off from
Clear Lake, Iowa bound for Fargo, N.D. It never made its
destination."
"When that plane crashed, it claimed the lives of Buddy Holly,
Ritchie Valens, J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson and the pilot,
Roger Peterson. Three of Rock and Roll's most promising
performers were gone. As Don McLean wrote in his classic music
parable, American Pie, (annotated) it was "the day the music
died."
-Gary Behymer ('64)...somewhere in downtown Colfax, WA
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: Puxatany Phil
It makes one wonder how they decide when they pull Puxatany
Phil out of his nice heated burrow if he will see his shadow
or not. What do they do, check the Farmers' Almanac? Just
something I have always thought about on Ground Hog Day (2/2).
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA where the winds are comin'
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 02/04/06
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15 Bombers sent stuff:
Jim Jensen ('50), Wally Erickson ('53), Lorin St. John ('55)
Tom Hughes ('56), Missy Keeney ('59), Jack Evans ('62)
Duane Lee ('63) and Eva Steel ('63), Dennis Nalder (65WB)
Linda McKnight ('65), Barb Gore ('67), Betti Avant ('69)
Sandy Clark ('71), Kerry Steichen ('74), Shawn Schuchart ('78)
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OF INTEREST TO ALL: Fran Rish died yesterday (2/3/06). We'll
have more information as it becomes available. We heard that
supposedly Rish was playing golf, came home and laid down on
the couch--and that was it...
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Randy Buchanan ('57)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Tom Crigler ('61)
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>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: Wind
To: Northwestern Bombers
One of our TV weather channels just announced that a severe
weather warning was in effect for the Pacific Northwest...winds
from 40 to 60 mph...potential for significant damage.
My prayers are with each of you.
-Jim Jensen ('50)
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>>From: Wally Erickson ('53)
Re: Uptown Theater
It's hard to believe they're closing the only movie theater
left in Richland. I'm assuming it's the only movie theater in
Richland. What's the population of Richland now? Can't imagine
not having a movie theater in Richland. What do the citizens of
Richland think about the closing? Does anyone care? Will they
build a new movie theater? Does that mean if they want to see a
movie they would have to go to Columbia Center near Kennewick?
I remember when some neighbor friends and I walked down to the
Uptown Theater building during construction. We were able to
get inside to see what was happening. There was nothing but
dirt in the seating area, and they were just finishing the
staging area out of concrete (with openings for secret
passages). I also remember the Grand Opening (don't remember
the name of the film), but there was a brand new '52 Buick
Century in the lobby.
-Wally Erickson ('53) ~ South of Coeur D'Alene where the sun is
peeking through the clouds... does that mean spring is just
around the corner?? It's exciting getting ready for the
Super Bowl.......... GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!!!!!
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>>From: Lorin St. John ('55)
The first movie shown in the newly built Uptown theater (spring
of 1950) was "The Petty Girl" staring Robert Cummings and Joan
Caulfield. The Uptown was such an improvement over The Richland
Theater, The Village Theater, and the North Star Theater (North
Richland). I remember one day when the roof of the Uptown
was being completed during the final phase of construction;
curiosity got the better of me and I went up on the roof to
see if I could "help". The workers declined my offer so I went
on my merry way.(Funny what goes through the mind of a 12 going
on 13 year old).
I would like to add our prayers concerning Walt Wendland ('55)
with his upcoming triple by pass heart surgery. Walt's Dad
was Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church during our High School
years. We went up to Seattle together for our physicals (to
join the Navy). Walt passed his. I had to go back a second time
because of some question concerning my physical. I passed the
second examination. So consequentially Walt was a couple of
weeks ahead of me in boot camp.
-Lorin St. John ('55)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Tom Hughes ('56)
Re: Uptown Theater
In 1954 I worked part time as an assistant to the projectionist
(I was a gopher) rewinding reels and changing arc rods in the
projectors. Sometime while I was working there they shut down
the theater to install the cinemascope screen and the stereo
sound system. I became the electrician's helper. He warned me
not to touch any of the wires laying around because he had both
120 volt and 240 volt wires strung and some of them were hot.
One day I saw him pick up a wire and look at it for a few
seconds. He then put his finger on the end of the wire and I
saw him jump a little. He looked at me and said "I guess that
one was 220". Every time he hooked up a wire that was how he
tested it. (Who needs a stinkin' meter?)
-Tom Hughes ('56)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Missy Keeney ('59)
Re: Singing Valentines
THE RADIATIONS are available to perform SINGING VALENTINES
again this year. We go just about anywhere, you would not
believe!! Cost is $40 and includes a rose and chocolates.
Check out the attached poster. Actually, we dress really classy
and not like the 'Candy Ladies' on the poster.
Call me or e-mail me.
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2005/Xtra/050203-Keeney.doc
-Missy Keeney ('59)
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>>From: Jack Evans ('62)
I just received an email stating Fran Rish passed away this
AM... you might want to check it for accuracy but it is sad
news... he was a special guy.
-Jack Evans ('62)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Duane Lee ('63) and Eva Steel Lee ('63)
A couple of my friends swear that the Uptown used to have a
balcony. I grew up here and I do not ever remember a balcony.
Anyone know for sure?
We remember coming out to the lobby at "intermission" and the
smoke was so thick, you could hardly see.
-Duane Lee ('63) and Eva Steel Lee ('63)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Dennis Nalder ('65WB)
Hi to all the Chief Jo folks and others:
One of my students was surfing the web and found my name on
this web site associated with the "paddle". I teach science at
a Jr. High - so all this fit into a great conversation about
schools and the differences in philosophy.
My first swat came from Mr. Skoal in the 8th grade - he was not
kind. I think we moved too many 7th graders out of the halls.
Great times were had by all :~) This activity brought back all
kinds of great memories from my days in Richland.
I read some of the pages from Sandstorm and recognized many of
the names of our old gang. including David Rivers ('65), Terry,
Brian, Doug, Skip, Bpner and many more. This brought back many
great memories of football and summer "escapes". There seemed
to be many gardens with too much good fruit. I remember my
first day in 8th grade football when many of us had to walk
home with very little clothing - seems like Gary Adrian ('64)
and the crew thought we had to much on at the time.
I especially remember all the basketball games we had at my
cousin's house (Chris Boulange) in Richie Court. These games
included Phill Neill ('66) and Ray Stein ('64). Summer leagues
at the park were great also. Then we got to play with the
players from Carmichael. I read one from the Gunderson girls
and reminded me of all the Saturday dances. Terry and I used to
not miss many of those. I really enjoyed my time and the people
at Jason Lee and Chief Jo.
Things did change my 9th year when my mother moved us to
Alaska. The good part was I did get to finish football season :~) -
because in Alaska there was no football - just basketball - so
I had to get into another sport. It all turned out ok.
Well, enough for now - The best to you all and hello to all my
old friends. Stay safe and stay healthy.
-Dennis Nalder ('65WB & 59-62 Chief Jo)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
Re: Memories of the Uptown Theater!!
My memories began when Mom and Dad had to consult Parent's
Magazine before they would give us permission to go to the
movies. If Parent's Mag. said unfit for kids, forget the movie.
I remember seeing "Westside Story" and my brother, Michael ('67),
and I dancing all the way home with the music in our heads.
I also remember the goofy scary movies of that time, where you
could figure out what was going to happen next. Though, what
about "Night of the Living Dead?" Now that was a scary movie!!
I remember sitting in the back row with (??) I'll never tell!!,
and getting that blasted flashlight shined in our eyes.......
Years later, going to the movies on a Friday night to see "Easy
Rider".......
Ah, the smell of popcorn. I loved popcorn so much that I would
go to the door of the theater and ask to go in just to buy the
popcorn. I think it was 50 cents.......
-Linda McKnight Hoban ('65) ~ from Tigard, OR - near the
Tualatin River. The rain keeps coming down. About a week ago
the Tualatin had gone over its banks and covered a portion
of the walking path behind our home. No chance of it
reaching our property because we are on a little knoll.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Barb Gore McCleary ('67)
Re: Talon Wiser
I am trying to locate Talon Wiser who graduated from RHS, not
sure when. He phoned me a few weeks ago, interested in some
property I have for sale in Benton City. I lost his phone # and
need to call him.
Please email me. Thank you very much.
-Barb Gore McCleary ('67)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Sorry Phil, I knew as soon as I wrote your name I had misspelled
it. It should be Puxatawney Phil... I will remember the next
time.
Go Seahawks!!!!!!!!!
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA -where the morning has gotten
foggy
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>>From: Sandy Clark Chamberlin ('71)
Re: 1971 class reunion planning meeting
Just a reminder to the class of l971
We are having our first planning meeting on February 7th at
7:00 at the Town Crier in Richland. Please come and give us
your input on a date and activities.
If you are unable to come but have some input you can call me
or email me.
Hope to see you.
-Sandy Clark Chamberlin ('71)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Kerry A. Steichen ('74)
To: Class of '74
Reading the news paper I can across the picture of our own
"Mike Davis" promoting the 12 man for the Seattle Seahawks.
So I guess Mike was just testing the alumni about his football
knowledge.
Brad Upton ('74) might think the picture is showing Mike's best
side.
Go Mike and Go Seahawks
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Steich/060204-MikeDavis.jpg
-Kerry A. Steichen ('74)
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>>From: Shawn Schuchart Mabley ('78)
Re: Texaco Gas Station
Judy Wilcox ('61) mentioned the Burks Bros Texaco Gas Station.
I remember my sister, Tami Schuchart Keller ('68), telling me
about one of those corner gas stations that would turn back the
speedometer on Friday and Saturday nights for the kids so they
wouldn't get caught for driving to Pasco and Kennewick. Of
course, those same guys that turned back the speedometers were
probably sitting in the Spudnut Shop the next morning telling
your dads all about their kids' adventures the night before!
Fun memories--too bad they're really my sister's though.
-Shawn Schuchart Mabley ('78) ~ Walla Walla, WA - Are there any
other Bombers here in Walla Walla?
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 02/05/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
23 Bombers sent stuff and Fran Rish Obit article today:
Dick McCoy ('45), Betty Hiser ('49)
Marilynn Working ('54), Lois Weyerts ('56)
Gene Horne ('57) and Carol Bishop ('57)
Judy Willox ('61), Ed Quigley ('62)
Tim Smyth ('62), Bill Scott ('64)
Dennis Hammer ('64), Linda Reining (64)
Patty de la Bretonne ('65), Cathy Geier ('66)
Shirley Collings ('66), Bill Wingfield ('67)
Pam Ehinger ('67), Nancy Nelson ('69)
Robert Avant ('69), Steve Piippo ('70)
Mike Davis ('74), Tami Schuchart ('68)
Dwayne Bussman ('98)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Travis Strege ('96)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Dick McCoy (The Tin Can Class of 1945)
Re: Theater
It is too bad the Uptown is closing. However, my tears were for
the old Richland theater, where we kids in hi school spent many
happy hours. Really the only place to be other than the rec
hall. It was not a palace, but a repository of many dreams.
This area has gone daft over the Seahawks, rightfully so.
However, there are a few fair weathers including some in my
family. I had season tickets for 29 years, yes, I picked this
year to quit. I figger I have spent over 15 thousand to watch
mostly losers. Still love Krieg and Zorn, but not Largent, the
strike-buster.
-Dick McCoy (The Tin Can Class of 1945)
Win Seahawks!!
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>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
Uptown Theater: I don't remember a balcony in the Uptown.
Fran Rish: I used to watch him eat (chew) on all that grass.
Surprised that there was any grass growing near the Col-Hi
benches. Great loss for all the Bombers.
I am NOT a sports fan but I hope the Seahawks win - only
because most of the people in the Midwest (or East) do not
know that we exist on the West Coast. I still go to visit my
relatives in Ohio (after 61 years) and when I tell them I'm
from Washington they always ask me if I get to see the
President!!!
As Mollie used to say to Fibber (on the radio): 'Taint funny
McGee.
Betty Hiser Gulley '49er - south/government Richland - the wind
is supposed to R E A L L Y blow today. Sun is shining.
*******************************************************
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>>From: Marilynn Working Highstreet ('54)
Re: Uptown theater
Do you remember when we could get into the Saturday movie and
serial for 5 milk bottle caps? They would have previews before
the serial and sometimes a talent show on the stage. I plan to
get in another movie at the theater before it closes on March
31st. Wish there was a drive-in somewhere too. I miss those at
it was the best nap I could get in the evening!! Don't know why
it always put me to sleep for a while, then would wake up for
the second movie and go to the snack booth.
Re: Fran Rish
According to the Herald, Mr. Rish was playing cribbage with
some pals and didn't feel well. Went home and still didn't feel
well so his daughter called an ambulance. So sorry to hear of
his passing.
Re: Road 68
For you out of towners--there is going to be a 12 plex movie
theater built this year at the Road 68 complex. Wal*Mart
superstore is open and a Lowe's is going in next to it and the
only thing missing in that area is the theater and a bowling
alley!! Oh, and a drug store. A Cousins Restaurant is supposed
to go in there also.
Tonight (Saturday) is the St. Joseph Art & Wine celebration at
the new church in Kennewick and I will be there with my big
chocolate fountain! Anyone wanting to rent a chocolate fountain
just e-mail me. I have a 34" one and two 18" smaller ones for
home parties. Would be fun for Valentine's parties. You know,
chocolate is good for your heart!
We are keeping Walt Wendland ('55) in our prayers!! Marguerite
is good about keeping us up to date.
-Marilynn Working Highstreet ('54) ~ Oh, my gosh, this is the
year of the 70's birthdays!! We should have a show!
from windy Pasco (Rd 100).
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>>From: Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56)
Re: Walt Wendland ('55) by-pass surgery
Walt was operated on Saturday morning at 8am and finished about
12:30 but had to stay in the operating room with the lung/heart
machine still connected until they were sure he was okay. Walt
had a double by-pass instead of a triple as one vein would be
more work than it was worth the effort and more trauma to him.
He looks good. The rehab will be long because of his fragile
health before the surgery. His heart is strong and he did not
have a heart attack but probably would have if they had not
found the problem when they did. He still needs prayers during
the long recovery (probably one week in ICU and 3 to 4 in
rehab). He is not to have any visitors for at least a week but
cards would be great. Contact me for his address or email a
message to me and I'll run them off and give them to Walt. I
have already done that with those who have sent me messages for
him. We value all your prayers and friendships--it means so
much to Walt and Ginny at this time.
-Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56) ~ Where the sun shone today but
then the wind came up and ruined a perfectly beautiful day.
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>>From: Gene Horne ('57) and Carol Bishop Horne ('57)
Dennis Nalder ('65WB)... are u the one from Ketchikan? Mom
is Virginia... worked at Densow's... Uncle Lyle... bought a
pharmacy in Kennewick... and the Dennis that Gene and I ran
into on Fremont experience... watching the Band??
Too bad when we knew you in Ketchikan that we didn't know that
you knew Terry Davis ('65) and his buddies... Terry boxed for
Gene and won the Golden Glove Tournament in Spokane one year...
forgot which one... are you still teaching in Idaho... and is
your mom still in Ketchikan?
-Gene Horne ('57) and Carol Bishop Horne ('57) ~ Loving the
beautiful weather here in Las Vegas
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Judy Willox (Classic Class of '61)
To: Wally Erickson ('53)
I care, I care!! I hate it when they tear a building down,
take a street out, put a round-a-bout where one doesn't belong
and everything else they do to change this town. But as the old
General Electric motto said years ago, "Progress, Man's Most
Important Product". Yeh, right! ;o) I specially hate that they
have taken away the view of the river with all the buildings
out there. And now the natural habitat and landmark buildings
like the Big Y Tavern with the stupid new highway they think we
have to have. So yes Wally, I do care!
And yes, this means one has to go to one of the complexes out
at, or by, the mall to see a movie now. Funny how and why this
has happened as there was still business at the theater and
this is where my kiddo, Paul Hodson ('05) and his girlfriend
always went to see a movie. As the paper said, there are
business people located near there that want to see something
go in there that will garner more business their way. Gotta
wonder don't cha--are any of those people Bombers with memories?
To: Lorin St John ('55)
Add my prayers along with Lorin's for Walt Wendland's ('55)
safe passage through his heart surgery and a speedy recovery.
Walt is such a wonderful person and I had just gotten his
alumni ring replaced in December and want him to be able to
wear and enjoy it for a long time to come. Hang is there Walt!
To: Jack Evans ('62) and Maren
Thanks for letting us know about Fran Rish. Saw him last year
at the Bringing Down the House function and it was good to see
him. Hadn't seen him since I left school that I can recall and
now I am glad that I got that opportunity last March. My
prayers, thoughts and solace go out to his family!
To: Duane Lee ('63) and Eva Steel Lee ('63)
Yep, there was a balcony in the Uptown Theater. Spent a bit of
time up there myself. ;o) You gotta remember that was back
when, when we kids could seem to get away with smoking--IF we
didn't get caught! :o)
To: Shawn Schuchart Mabley ('78)
Darlin', the name is WILLOX, not WilCox. It is an unusual name
I admit, but one that I am fiercely proud of and have recently
taken back legally. PLEASE get it right as it upsets me when
one doesn't.
It could have been those Burks Boys that did the turning back
of the speedometers as they had a little brother, Walter, who
graduated in 1959 and the rest of them were all young in their
thinking. They still are, and I have always loved all those
fellows! A great family, those Burks. And since Leo worked out
in the area with my Dad, he very well could have told my Dad--
IF I had ever done that. That was about one of the only things
I didn't so to Dad's car. ;o)
I don't know if there are any Bombers in the Walla Walla area
now or not. But I can tell you that in 1968-'69, there were two
that I know of.
Myrna Bolin ('63) and I lived there then, and we had a lot of
fun there too as we did here in Richland. We both moved back to
the Tri-Cities about the same time and commenced having just
as much fun as we always did! Her mother, Mayme is now living
there in a retirement center over on Boyer. I enjoyed Walla
Walla, but it was just good to get "home".
Bomber Cheers and GO SEAHAWKS,
-Judy Willox ('61) ~ Richland, where the weather is suppose to
turn dangerous on us soon and I hate that tree branch
right over my bedroom in those winds! Looks like it has
already started as it is raining and blowing a bit.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Ed Quigley ('62)
Re: The Coach
My condolences to all who knew and loved Rish. I think that my
first contact with him was through swimming lessons, when I
was maybe 8 or 10 yrs. old. He and Jerry Dudley ('53) were
wonderful guys, and my first male "teachers", and somehow, both
of them demanded respect without saying a word. Later, I was
lucky to be able to be coached by him during my 2 1/2 seasons
in football at Col-Hi, and he made it a lot of fun, although he
worked our butts off. I'm pretty sure that I had a class or 2
from him, but some of the memories have gotten kinda foggy. It
just seems fitting that he was able to continue on doing things
he loved, right to the end. What more could one ask? We'll miss
ya, Coach. . .
-Ed Quigley ('62) ~ From storm battered Salmon Beach, WA!
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>>From: Tim Smyth ('62)
If one has to die... good that one goes the way Mr. Rish did.
After doing what he liked doing. He was a great guy.
-Tim Smyth ('62)
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>>From: Bill Scott ('64)
Re: Uptown Theater memories
When very young, sitting through sing-alongs before the main
attraction, with people "following the bouncing ball" above the
lyrics as they appeared on the screen (people actually sang
along in those days; I can imagine the response they'd get
now)... seeing a newfangled iron lung on display in the
lobby... having my first real date when in 9th grade, taking
Debbie Skarshaug ('64) there to see Ben Hur... going to see
Hitchcock's "The Birds" with Norm Klusman ('64) and sitting
right behind Cathy Mouton ('65), who almost went through the
roof when Norm ran a comb across the back of her neck during
one of the scariest moments... asking my mother if I could go
to see "The World of Suzie Wong" (definitely no)... asking
another time if I could see "The Savage Innocents", with
Anthony Quinn as an Eskimo (well, if' it's about Eskimos, I
guess so)... Joe Doaks shorts... The Three Stooges... being
introduced to the newfangled CinemaScope... ah, wonderful
memories. Sad to think it's going to be gone. Maybe, as it has
been said, you really can't go home again.
-Bill Scott ('64)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Re: Uptown Theater
One more light of my youth being extinguished. It was a nice
example of Googie Architecture popular in the '50s and early
'60s which was mostly lost when it was made into a tri-plex,
but they did restore and keep that nice googie style neon sign.
Very few examples of googie left, most of them have been either
taken down or remodeled so much that they are unrecognizable.
Oh well, we will always have the Space Needle, they wouldn't
dare change the style of the Space Needle.
In the Tri-City Herald Friday February 3, there was an article
stating that in three weeks they will be begin construction on
a $6 million 12-plex with 1,800 seats off Road 68 behind Yoke's
Fresh Market. That area around there sure seems to be its own
boom-town. Still, I kinda wonder about building a theater that
size in the Tri-City area which has had an empty tri-plex
behind Columbia Center sitting there for years, and with the
news and complaining last year about movie attendance being
down.
The first movie I saw there was "The Parent Trap." We moved
to Richland just after school was out and for three months I
didn't know anyone. I didn't know my way around Richland so I
studied my dad's 8 1/2 x 11 Richland map of the Hanford bus
routes and walked down there for a matinee. I especially
remember is how nice and cool it was in there. We only had a
little swamp cooler in that prefab we lived in for three months
that first summer that just wasn't enough to do the job. When
"20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" was re-released, having loved
so much when I was nine of ten years old, that I went there
already planning to sit through it twice. I never would have
thought back then that one day I would own both those movies
on a little silver disks.
Thank God it was daytime when the roof collapsed. It would have
been even more tragic because the "The Empire Strikes Back" was
playing and the theater would have been packed. I had seen that
movie just a few days before.
-Dennis Hammer ('64)
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>>From: Linda Reining (64)
Re: Uptown Theater
have great memories of going to the Uptown---so sad to think it
is being torn down. just one more memory from childhood that
will never be forgotten, but will only "live" in memories!
;/think the first "adult-themed" movie I saw there was, "Blue
Denim"(starred Brandon DeWilde and Diane Varsi)--dealt with
teenage pregnancy---saw it with Diana Bennett(64) and her
younger sister, Cecilia(66?). also remember sitting in the
back of the theater and the usher shining his blasted light in
our faces! *grin* someone mentioned a balcony, seem to remember
there being one, too, but never went up there---maybe it wasn't
open to the public?????
so sorry to hear about the passing of Fran Rish.
-Linda Reining (64) ~ Bakersfield, CA - we could use some of
the wet that is inundating the Pacific Northwest and parts
of Oregon---we are way too dry down here in Central CA!!!!!
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Patty de la Bretonne ('65)
Dennis Nalder ('65WB)! Wow, that's a blast from the past. I
remember you and Sandi at Chief Jo. You teased me a lot. Can't
quite remember what it was you called me.... but it's a good
memory. I'm glad you wrote in.
-Patty de la Bretonne ('65)
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>>From: Cathy Geier ('66)
Hello Everybody!
It is so great to hear everyone's memories. I, too, spent many
hours in the Uptown Theater, matinees mostly with Cathy Palmer,
who incidentally is in Canada, married and watching her children
leave home in success. And then going next-door for Coke's and
French fries.. Lovely time then..
My recent move to Sunnyside to escape the school district
budget cuts.. has come to an end. I am looking for temporary
windowed duplex living in Richland. Maybe you know of some. I
garden.. like many of us learned to do living in our sunny
area.. flowers!
I put out a call for yoga and dance involvement.. and found a
great belly dance group in Richland. Contact me for housing and/
or dancing!
-Cathy Geier ('66)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
Re: "Tri-City sports legend Rish dies"
From Saturday, February 4, 2006 TC Herald
http://www.sportstricities.com/sportstc/midcol/sports/story/7416523p-7328250c.html
-Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
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>>From: Bill Wingfield (The Blue Ribbon Class of '67)
I am going to friends' house on Superbowl Sunday to watch the
Seahawks down the Steelers at friends of ours here in Augusta,
GA, who are from Pittsburgh, PA, and needless to say are
Steeler's fans. I will be wearing my Seahawk hat my Dad,
Truman Wingfield gave me. Or maybe I just stole it from him.
GO SEAHAWKS
-Bill Wingfield (BRC67) ~ Augusta, GA where it's going to drop
down to 30° tonight, but I'll still be playing tennis
before the big game.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Pam Ehinger (The Blue Ribbon Class of '67)
Re: Movies
Linda McKnight Hoban ('65), I remember going to see West Side
Story, with Marsha Hopfinger ('67), but it wasn't at the Uptown
Theater, it was the one at the South End of town, never can
remember what it was called! As for the balcony I don't believe
there was one there but again I think it was the other one!
It's sad to hear that Richland will have no "Walk In Theater"
any more. Here in Lil Ole Omak, WA we have two! Go Figure!
I was so saddened to hear about Mr. Rish's death! I know he
will be greatly missed. He was such a great man! My heart felt
sympathy goes out to his family.
Bombers Rule
-Pam Ehinger (The Blue Ribbon Class of '67)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Nancy Nelson Wyatt ('69)
I was saddened by the news of Frank Rish. He was a great guy
and big contributor to the community.
Remembering the time when we were having the controversy of
changing the name of the Bombers. Remember when the Japanese
were here and they all were all rallying. Mr. Rish heard it all
and then at the last spoke up and said "You started this, you
have said things about our country that we would never say
about yours." and walked away. My mom and another friend were
there and started applauding.
The uptown theater will be a loss to the city also. Remember
walking to the theater for the Saturday matinee with all my
friends (were just a couple of us) haha. Going to the Spudnut
Shop afterwards and then walking home.
I had just heard from my parents (Clayton and Ruth Nelson)
that they are in the process of tearing down the old Community
Center also. The rumor had it that were going to put some
stores on the 1st floor and then condos on the 2nd floor. What
a waste to tear down a historical building just to put more
mini stores in. Guess I am spoiled up here as the biggest and
newest store we have is Wal*Mart. If we want to go to the
stores for clothes and other things, besides Wal*Mart we have
to drive 69 miles to Spokane.
Well, I don't write much in here but read it every day and save
all the emails in a folder. I enjoy reading this and seeing the
people who write and wonder "I remember them, I wonder if they
remember me."
Goooooooo Seahawks. (see dad, I told you they would go to the
superbowl some day.)
-Nancy Nelson Wyatt ('69) ~ where we are suppose to get another
6 to 10 inches of snow today and tonite
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Robert Avant ('69)
Re: Uptown Theater
I sure remember Saturday matinees at the old Uptown theater
where I believe it was either a dime or a quarter to get in
and then of course the obligatory popcorn, candy, and soda.
The movies were totally forgettable... but what a great day
when you are a young kid.
-Robert Avant ('69)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Steve Piippo ('70)
Re: Fran Rish
. saw him regularly, the last time at Mr. Hogan's funeral. He
was wearing a Buckskin Golf cap and we talked and laughed. In
high school he was my friend... we would hide out in the old
weight room behind the bleachers during assemblies and talk.
I was his PE TA and he'd give me the keys to his red Fairlane
coupe (Hot car in those days) and tell me to, "go to Albertsons
to get some coffee, instant coffee and creamer Peep-o-vitch."
Imagine driving Rish's car! That was my nick name Peep-o-vitch.
When cut from basketball before Christmas my junior year he
understood and became a person who gave me self value, respect
and confidence. The man, Fran Rish actually talked with and
liked me...made me special. He hired me as Sophomore Basketball
coach still calling me Peep-o-vitch. His grandsons are good
people who really loved their grandpa, I listened in class.
Rish cared about kids well beyond a grade and graduation.
Piippo-Strankman and now Rish. I probably would not have been
the kind of teacher I was, many ways modeled after Rish, or be
who I am today were it not for Fran Rish. Two people missed
most: talking with my dad and now, periodically crossing paths
with Rish, laughing and chatting. Good he was still walking
until the end.
With lots of love for Fran Rish and a life time of memories,
-Steve Piippo ('70)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Mike Davis ('74)
Re: Fran Rish
My thoughts and prayers go out to Betty, Carolyn, and Greg
Rish. Richland has lost a legend, but more important you three
have lost a husband and father. During this time of grief
remember you are the fortunate ones. We knew him as a bigger-
than-life icon that touched us in so many ways. You got to know
him and share his life on another level, like no other. I'm
sure this Sandstorm will be flooded with memories of the Coach
over the next few days and that in itself will be much comfort
to you. Reliving stories and memories of what a resounding
influence he was to so many and how so many of us are better
people because Fran Rish passed through our lives will keep him
close in your heart. But your memories, your stories will be
the most cherished of all. Yes, he was an icon, but more
important - he was a husband and father.
In the past this forum has discussed and debated the name
change of our high school from Columbia High to Richland High.
Maybe a more appropriate name might have been Rishland High.
Fran Rish WAS Richland High.
-Mike Davis ('74)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Tami Schuchart Keller ('68)
To: Shawn Schuchart Mabley ('78)
Shawn, the gas station that turned back our miles was at the
bottom of the hill from us and it was "Curley" who would do
that. And you are right, I’m sure he was at the Spudnut Shop
the very next morning telling Dad all about it. I always
wondered how Mom and Dad always knew everything I had been
up to.
-Tami Schuchart Keller ('68)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Dwayne Bussman ('98)
I of course didn't have Fran Rish as a teacher or coach, but
he came into Safeway, where I work, once in a while. He was
always a nice guy. I am sure that my co-workers are going to
miss him coming in. I can't wait to hear stories about him
from his former students and players.
-Dwayne Bussman ('98)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 02/06/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
11 Bombers & 1 NAB sent stuff
Betty Hiser ('49), Richard Roberts ('49)
Jim McKeown ('53), Mike Clowes ('54)
Bill Johnson ('61), Ed Quigley ('62)
Duane Lee ('63) and Eva Steel ('63)
Betti Avant ('69), Brad Upton ('74)
Mike Davis ('74), Don Sorenson (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: John Cole ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mary Bennett ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mike Franco ('70)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lisa Riccobuono ('75)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lori Raekes ('81)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
Uptown Theater: I always looked young for my age (WHAT
HAPPENED, who is that old lady that stares me in the face
every morning?) and was able to get in to the theater as a
child until I was about 23 and started feeling guilty. I
think it cost 25 cents at the beginning and by the time I
was 23 it had gone up to 35 cents.
We all have our memories of Coach Rish. All good - I hope. I
had no dealings with him other than seeing him at the games. I
did collect absence slips the next year after I graduated - he
was always on time and very congenial - not like some other
teachers I had dealings with.
-Betty Hiser Gulley '49er - south/government Richland - not
quite so breezy and the sun is shining. The wind is
bloody cold at night.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Richard Roberts ('49)
To: Burt Pierard ('59)
Rex Davis ('49) will probably remember the date. I would say
between 1948 and 1954. Some of those other guys in the picture
might also take a shot at it.
-Richard Roberts ('49)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Jim McKeown ('53)
Re: There was a question if any Bombers lived in Walla Walla
I'm sure there are several, but those that I know are Bill
Jackson ('54), who is the retired Sheriff; my brother, Tom
McKeown ('53), and his wife Darlene Card McKeown (54), Lou Ann
Paulsen Casper ('54), and Jim Chubb ('50), brother of Ken Chubb
('53). I'm sure there are others.
On another note, what a legend Fran Rish was. In our day it was
single wing in football, with power plays to the left and to
the right... and lots of blocking. In baseball, he was the
always looking for weaknesses... in the opponents and his own
team. I remember a game in Yakima my Junior year, and I was on
the mound against Rabung, who went on to the pros, and we were
ahead 3 to 0 going onto the 8th inning. I walked a batter, the
next one hit a single and then their top hitter lofted a ball
almost over the center field fence. With the score 3 to 2 Rish
walks out to the mound, looks at me and says "What in hell
do you think you are doing?". I, of course, responded with
something very bright like "Pitching"! He then proceeded to
tell me that I was falling off the mound with runners on, and
I needed to face the batter more. Then he instructed the umpire
that I had a bad leg and I needed a few practice pitches,
which he gave to me. And guess what? He was right. I changed
my stretch position just a little bit, but it made a big
difference on my throwing to the plate. We get out of the
inning and went on to win 3 to 2.
I will never, ever, forget that, as long as I live. Fran is
probably giving instructions to Saint Peter right now.
-Jim McKeown ('53) ~ from very sunny Sacramento, CA
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54)
Re: The passing of Fran Rish
Someone in yesterday's paper mentioned one of The Coach's
proclivities; that of chewing the grass along the sidelines
(particularly at the Bomber Bowl). He did it elsewhere too, but
not at home baseball games (no grass). This habit was commented
on by students and adults of the community alike. Even to the
effect of being parodied at a pep assembly. I have a vision of
Mike Harris ('54) walking across the gym floor wearing a Green
and Gold jacket with wads of grass and straw sticking out
of his pockets. He told someone that he was Coach Rish and
therefore exempt from the "No walking on the gym floor" rule.
I somehow suspect that it was a gag; as Mike Harris would not
intentionally violate that rule.
Re: The Uptown Theater
Guess the alleged balcony was put in after I left town. I sure
don't remember one. There was a balcony in the other theater
in Kennewick (the one that showed all the "B" movies (like the
Village). And if memory serves, wasn't the Uptown closed for
about a week so they could install the Cinemascope screen and
the stereo sound system? I do remember seeing "The Robe" (first
picture in Cinemascope) there. There for a brief period in time
one could watch "B" movies at the Village; "artsy" and 3-D
movies at the Richland and big screen epics at the Uptown. Boy
did we have it made in the early fifties.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54) ~ the sun is now shining in
Mount Angel, OR and the snow (for a while) remains in
the mountains.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[I remember NO BALCONY in the Uptown Theater. -Maren]
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*******************************************************
>>From: Bill, aka "Lane", Johnson (Classic Class of '61)
Re: Uptown Theater
Just for you Judy Willox ('61)
Judy Judy Judy Darlin'. I don't know where or what you were
smoking, but it wasn't in the balcony at the uptown theater.
It didn't have one. Of all the theaters in the Tri-Cities,
Liberty in Pasco, Benton in Kennewick, the Village, Richland
and the Uptown in Richland, only one had a balcony and that
was the Liberty in Pasco. I know because I was a relief
rotating Manager for Mid-state theaters, when I wasn't managing
the Skyline drive-in in the summers.
-Bill, aka "Lane", Johnson (Classic Class of '61)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Ed Quigley ('62)
To: Pam Ehinger (The Blue Ribbon Class of '67)
There were 2 theaters in the South end of town, Pam: The
Village Theater on GWWay, and the Richland Theater, kinda
"kitty corner" from there, across from the Community House
(Center?), where they had pool tables, dances, etc. I guess
that's going away, too. Kind of sad to see all those places we
enjoyed as kids disappearing along with the drive-in theaters
(weren't there 5 of them in the Tri-Cities?) we all enjoyed so
much as teenagers (I'd be willing to bet that a lot of you, as
parents, are now really happy to see them gone)!! :) I only
return "home" a couple of times a year now (too cold in winter,
too hot in the summer), and although I still get the "warm &
fuzzies", a lot of the town really conflicts with my memories,
and it's a little bit of a downer, although I still think it
was the best place in the world to "grow up"!
Down where the Rosebowl used to be looks like crap to me...
Fitting, I guess. :(
-Ed Quigley ('62)
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>>From: Duane Lee ('63) and Eva Steel Lee ('63)
Re: Uptown Theater
It's funny how time plays tricks on us. Half the people that
we talk to swear that the Uptown had a balcony. The other half
swear that it never did.
I called Regal Cinemas in Spokane and they said that they don't
know for sure either. All they said was that the original
theater seated 1,350 seats. (Compare this to the Carmike
Theater that we went to yesterday. Not counting the 3 front
rows of seats next to the screen, it only had 46 seats!) I
remember running down the long aisles during Saturday matinees.
And one of us would pay to get in and "sneak" the others in at
the exit by the screen (including Freddie Schafer ('63).
We took our grandsons (8 and 7) to the drive-in theater in
Milton-Freewater a couple of times last year. It was the
closest one we could find. They had a blast. Thought they
should see one before they all disappear.
Adios from Bomberland,
-Duane Lee ('63) and Eva Steel Lee ('63)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: Mr. Rish
One of my memories of Mr. Rish were actually my late brother
Howard ('72-RIP). He was a manager for football, wrestling,
basketball, and baseball teams his junior year. I was going to
CBC and used to walk down to the field for some baseball games.
His spot was just outside the dug out on a chair. When Mr. Rish
wanted the steal sign put on it was Howard's job to cross his
legs a certain way. I remember him telling me that, so if RHS
had a runner on first I would check to see if they were running
or not.
My sympathies to the family.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA - where it is in the mid 30s
this morning but the sun is shining brightly
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>>From: Brad Upton ('74)
Re: Uptown Theater Sign
Does anyone know if they are planning on tearing down that
Uptown Theater sign? The sign has a neon tower with a neon
atom at the top. It may be the last visible atomic symbol like
that left in Richland. It's one of those places I let my eyes
wander to when I drive by just to see something familiar that
lets me know that I am "home." It should be saved and donated
to the CREHST museum. We can find a Bomber contractor to do
the job at cost. I'll put in the first 100 bucks.
-Brad Upton ('74) ~ currently in St. Thomas V.I. It's 84° and
I'm about to watch the SuperBowl.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[See the Uptown sign Brad's talking about in the first three
pictures sent by Don Sorenson (NAB) today. -Maren]
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>>From: Mike Davis ('74)
My Two Cents Worth
They are all gone now. With the passing of Fran Rish Richland
has lost the last of the "four giants" that molded the Bomber
mystic into what it was for so many years. I'm speaking of
Art Dawald, Toivo Piippo, Fred Strankman and now Fran Rish.
The influence these men had over their young athletes was
immeasurable. The wisdom and advice they passed on reached far
beyond the playing fields and courts. The bar they set for us
was high, but through their leadership and example the goal was
attainable. I am sure that I am only one of hundreds that have
remembered one of their "life's lessons" and applied it to some
event in my adult life.
I look at today's athletes and they are tremendous. The
facilities and opportunities they have to tone their bodies and
skills are numerous, but quite often something is missing. That
"something" is hard to put a finger on, but the athletes that
had the opportunity to experience the tutelage of Dawald,
Piippo, Strankman and Rish had that "something." We weren't
always the biggest team, the strongest team, or the quickest
team. We weren't always the most talented team on the floor or
field either, but more often than not we won. We did whatever
it took and became successful. That's what we took from these
"four giants." We learned how to succeed. And that success was
definitely not limited to the playing fields. They taught us
how to be successful human beings. That was their greatest
lesson of all.
Thank you Giants! We are better people because of you.
-Mike Davis ('74)
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>>From: Don Sorenson (NAB)
After reading some of the letters concerning Fran Rish and
the demise of the Uptown Theater I thought some folks might
like to see these. The football practice is at the old
Columbia Play Field.
2087-1-neg-e (1951) Uptown Shopping Center
2087-1-neg-g (1951) Uptown Shopping Center
2087-1-neg-h (1951) Uptown Shopping Center
2230-1-neg-a (1951) Football Practice - Columbia Playfield
2230-1-neg-b (1951) Football Practice - Columbia Playfield
2230-1-neg-c (1951) Football Practice - Columbia Playfield
2230-1-neg-d (1951) Football Practice - Columbia Playfield
2230-1-neg-e (1951) Football Practice - Columbia Playfield
2230-1-neg-f (1951) Football Practice - Columbia Playfield
-Don Sorenson (NAB)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 02/07/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
14 Bombers sent stuff:
Betty Hiser ('49), Stan McDonald ('53)
Lenora Hughes ('55), Lorin St. John ('55)
Lois Weyerts ('56), Tom Verellen ('60)
Donna Fredette ('65), Betti Avant ('69)
Sandy Clark ('71), 5 Cole Sisters
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jerry Rice ('71)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
I can't afford $100 but will make a contribution if we can
save the atomic sign at the Uptown. It would be ashamed to
lose that in addition to the theater. Would CREHST want it -
and what could they do with it? Could it be put in the John
Dam Plaza or at Howard Amon Park?
Sorry about the Seahawks. Maybe next year.
-Betty Hiser Gulley '49er - south/government Richland.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Stan McDonald ('53)
Re: Fran Rish
I recall Rish as a looming figure during my high school
days. One thing is still vivid in my memories. Letterman's
initiation. The raw oysters with a string tied around them and
the cow's tongue and the swats with the holes in the board
that was used. Today, much of that kind of thing would not be
permitted. But no one was really injured. I was a yell leader
in high school... skinny at 154 lbs when I graduated at age
16. I put on about 40 lbs and two inches in height after high
school and the Marines. Wish I had been a couple of years older
so that I could have played football under Rish... I did go out
for freshman football in college just to prove it to myself
that I could do it. I was a "walk on." Rish and Dawald affected
many young lives in a positive way.
My wife, Dorothy (Class of '53), is in Bratislava, Slovakia
since January 10th. My daughter-in-law, Sharon, gave birth to
a baby boy in Vienna, Austria on January 23rd and Dorothy went
to assist with the other 3 kids (8, 7, and 5) for my son Jason.
I am leaving to join them next week until March 15th. Dorothy
and I have a trip to Northern Italy planned for 8 days
beginning on the 1st of March with an Austrian couple for part
of it. Anybody out there in our class have Skype and interest
in talking via that mode? Let me know.
-Stan McDonald ('53)
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>>From: Lenora Hughes Bejarano ('55)
Re: Las Vegas luncheon
We had a great gathering on Saturday, February 4th. Those in
attendance were: Harvey Irby ('64), his wife, Carolyn (NAB),
his father, Harvey Irby, Sr. (NAB), Robbi Hill Karcher ('49),
Nancy Moore ('70), Daisy Clark Smith ('54) and Duke Smith ('50),
Gene Horne ('57) and Carol Bishop Horne ('57), Barbara Crowder
Hopkins ('55) and her son, Randy Bossert (NAB), and Lenora
Hughes Bejarano ('55) and spouse, Bob (NAB). Barbara and her
son were in town visiting and the Horne's were gracious enough
to bring them.
Many of our group were missing and so hopefully we will be
seeing them at our future luncheons. We know there are more
Bombers here in this area but can't figure out a way to locate
them. They are sure missing a great time.
My husband, Bob, took photos, but several turned out too dark
and he didn't get everyone, so I won't be sending them this
time, but hopefully will have some for the next luncheon.
Bomber Cheers!!!
-Lenora Hughes Bejarano ('55)
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>>From: Lorin St. John ('55)
As I sit at the computer thinking of Francis Rish and his
impact upon my life; many memories flash before me. I was never
involved in sports in High School. (I had to work after school
was out). I had him for P.E. in my sophomore year for just
one quarter ('52-'53). I remember when he called my name for
attendance for the first time I just about jumped out of my
shorts.
As a young kid in the late 1940s I remember him chalking out
the Bomber Bowl football field before a game. He was always
concerned about his players. He helped them off the field if
they were hurt. He knew how to chew his players out if they
were not performing. When Richland upset Yakima during the 1950
football season; the players lifted Rish on to their shoulders
after the game. That makes an impression on a 13 year old.
During the 1952 (Feb) Sub-District basketball tournament;
Richland was getting beaten rather badly against Kennewick
in a loser out game. Someone in the Richland cheering section
started shooting spitballs against the Kennewick players. Rish,
being the tournament director, stopped the game and made an
announcement over the public address system that if he caught
the perpetrator, he would personally throw that person out of
the west end of the gym. (the end that had no doors). Of
course nothing happened after that announcement and the game
commenced. (Richland was eliminated). He always respected
opponents and taught his players likewise. Another memory that
delighted the student body was during the '53-'54 school year
during one of the Pep assemblies; Juricich (the students seemed
to always refer to the sports coaches by their last names, i.e
Rish, Dawald, Juricich) was sitting in a rocking chair holding
a "baby" with a bottle. Juricich was playing the part of Rish.
We had just learned that Rish's wife was "expecting". (The
picture is in the '54 annual). I had the privilege of attending
Rish's retirement in 1983. There were so many memories
expressed by so many and I suspect that will be the case
during this time.
-Lorin St. John ('55)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56)
Re: Update on Walt Wendland ('55)
Just got a call from Ginny Weyerts Wendland ('54) at 11:30 this
morning (2/6/06). The breathing tube was taken out last night
and they had Walt sitting up for 2 hours then and again this
morning. His blood pressure is holding steady and his heart
beat is good. There is some bleeding yet from the chest
incision but is lessened. They have removed all the racks but
one that were holding several of the drips he had going into
him after the surgery. He is awake and talking and knowing what
is going on. He actually talked to Larry and I briefly. Later
today or tomorrow he may move to intermediate care rather than
stay in the intensive care section. Your prayers are being
answered but keep them coming for both Walt and Ginny as
caregiver.
-Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56) ~ n beautiful sunny Richland!
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*******************************************************
>>From: Tom Verellen ('60 - a class that ends in zero)
Re: Another two cents worth
I would like to add two others to Mike Davis' ('74) list of
giants. Howard Chitty from Carmichael, and Al Yencopal from
Christ the King. Their contributions formed the basis that
other coaches expanded upon. Certainly they all made Richland
a better place to grow up and live.
-Tom Verellen ('60) ~ near Lacey, WA - where we must be at the
end of the tunnel because there is sunlight.
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*******************************************************
>>From: Donna Fredette ('65)
Re: The Uptown Theater
The Uptown Theater absolutely did not have a balcony. I know
because I spent all my time there if I wasn't at the pool or
jumping on a pogo stick or riding my bike or roller skating,
etc., etc.!! I remember all the free Saturday movies when they
made all their money on candy and popcorn! I remember getting
to have free donut holes at the Spudnut Shop after the movie.
I remember how much fun we had going around to the back of the
theater after the free Saturday movie to see the western stars
come out back!
It was also fun going to the movies at the other end of town
and I remember seeing the dracula movies there while my friend
spent the movie time at the drugstore next store looking at
magazines because she was so scared. We also had a blast at the
several drive in movie theaters either sneaking in or going
with a date and not watching the movie!
I'm sorry to hear that the Uptown is closing and it should be
marked by a special occasion. I would love to be there. Is
anyone thinking of doing anything?
Bomber Cheers!
-Donna Fredette ('65)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
My note in Monday's edition ran a sentence that should have
had a period in it which I thought I had. My brother managed
sports' teams throughout his high school years. It should have
read in his junior year and on about "his leg crossing".
On my other brother's note about the Uptown Theater, most of
the movies we went to in it were the "good ole Walt Disney
family movies". They don't make many like that any more. Still
lovin' the green and blue.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA - where the sun is supposed to
shine most of the week
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*******************************************************
>>From: Sandy Clark Chamberlin ('71)
Re: Last Reminder 1971 Reunion Planning Meeting
Just a reminder that we are having our first planning meeting
for the 1971 reunion on Tuesday, February 7th at 7:00 at the
Town Crier. We need to decide on a date and what activities to
plan. Hope to have lots of input and support.
Thanks
-Sandy Clark Chamberlin ('71)
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>>From: Five Cole Sisters
Happy birthday yesterday to our brother Johnny Cole ('66).
Sorry we didn't get this in on time, but our computer was
down! You are very special to all of us.
Love,
Barbara ('50), Patti ('52), Karen ('55), Judie & Jackie ('63)
Next year we'll be on time!
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 02/08/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
11 Bombers sent stuff:
Lois Weyerts ('56), Ray Hall ('57), Jay Siegel ('61)
Gail Cyphers ('62), Jim House ('63), Jeff Michael ('65)
Michael Botu ('65), Betti Avant ('69), Dennis Strege ('71)
Frank Standefer ('72), Dave Fowler ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Janice Pierce ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: MaryAnne Greninger ('67WB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Cathy Lemler ('74)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56)
To: Lorin St. John ('55)
Re: the assembly to announce Rish's baby
I had the privilege to play the new baby which happened to be
Carolyn. I guess I was chosen since I happened to be one of the
shorter girls in school. I felt sorry for Ray Juricich having
to carry me so far. It was a lot of fun and Ray Juricich was a
good sport playing Mr. Rish.
Larry Harrold ('56) and I also extend our prayers and sympathy
to Mr. Rish's family at this time of great sadness. He was
a fine person and coach. Our three children took swimming
lessons from him at his house so even our children have had a
connection with him.
-Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56) ~ in Sunny, beautiful Richland
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Ray Hall ('57)
Re: Fran Rish
Fran will be missed. Words can't adequately express my feelings
towards Rish. I had him for a teacher, boss, and friend. I
remember in P.E. glass one day when we were trying to do chin
ups. I couldn't do them, someone in class laughed at me, Rish
turned around with that look of his and told the person that
he wouldn't have anyone laughed at or made fun at while in
his class. Nothing was ever said again. He was a very special
person that treated everyone the same; I always will remember
that. He was my Athletic Director while at Richland High.
I agree totally with Mike Davis ('74), Richland has lost a
legend. God bless you, Pappy.
-Ray Hall ('57)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Jay Siegel (The Classic Class of 1961)
Re: 45th!
I know that I am a month late getting this into the Sandstorm -
that just means that everyone in the "Classic Class of 1961"
needs to be a bit quicker getting their information into the
committee. If there has been a change in your email or snail
mail addresses or your telephone number, please send me an
email with the new info. I am working on a "Lost Classmates"
for the class website but it won't be up until the end of
next week. Make sure that you check it and contact any of
the individuals that you might know on the list.
If you haven't registered with "Club 40" yet, you need to do
that as there will be information coming out along that channel
also.
Until September, Clear blue skies and warm, gentle breezes -
-Jay Siegel (The Classic Class of 1961)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Gail Cyphers ('62)
Re: Fran Rish
The passing of Fran Rish is truly a loss for all of us. Much of
his reputation was associated with P.E. and his considerable
skill as a football coach. He was, however, also in charge of
the swimming pool during the summer (the big pool as we called
it). Those of us that could float better than we could play
ball got to know Fran Rish differently but equally well. Thru
his insistence when I was still in grade school, I eventually
ended up in life guard training and certification. It was a
very tough regime to follow but he was always very supportive,
in spite of that fact that at times I was convinced he was
trying to drown me. Safety and the welfare of everyone were
always uppermost in his mind. It showed in everything he did.
Years after high school I would think of him from time to time
and remember the influence that he had on me, and all of us.
These days I don’t honestly remember how good a coach he was, I
remember how much he cared, which is the best kind of coaching
you can get.
-Gail Cyphers ('62)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Jim House ('63)
Fran Rish coached numerous championship teams and impressive
athletes. Perhaps none were more impressive than the class
of '62. That spring, the Tri-City Herald reported, "Richland
completed one of the greatest years in sports achievement."
The Bombers won league championships in football and baseball
under coach Rish and basketball under coach Dawald. Especially
impressive was Doug Lukens ('62) who was the captain of all
three teams. John Sonderland ('62) was also a starter on the
three championship teams. How many other Bomber achieved that
status?
Doug and John were not only versatile and gifted athletes, they
were also fortunate to date two of the classiest women of the
Gold Medal Class of '63. How cool were those guys?
-Jim House ('63) ~ Mead, WA (current home of another key
contributor on those three championship teams – but he was
only a sophomore, thus not worthy of mentioning here)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Jeff Michael ('65)
Re: True Confessions
Hey there Bombers and Bomberettes...
Ok...true confession time. During my childhood, my Dad did take
me to one movie at the Uptown Theater. It was "Bridge Over the
River Kwai." It was a pretty special time for me and I really
liked the movie. I've watched it a time or two on TV since
then.
If any of you, your kids or grandkids were at the TRAC
Father/Daughter Dance last Friday night, you know what a fun
time it was. There were over 1400 attendees! We all had a
blast! Yeah, that was me on the stage doing an advance preview
of Mick Jagger at the Super Bowl (the highlight of the game).
Bummer about the Seahawks.
Maybe I'll see some of you at the Bridal Shows coming up next
weekend. I've got one in Moses Lake Saturday and Kennewick
Sunday.
dj jeff Michael ('65) in Pasco where the boats are showing up
for the boat show at TRAC this weekend. I'm setting
lights for a couple of the dealers and the weather is
sweet enough to want to be in/on the water!
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Michael Botu ('65)
To: Joe Choate ('60)
The Eckert that your horse kicked was Donny ('64). He and I
were sitting on a fence in the side yard of a house on Wilson
street. He jumped down off the fence behind the horse that was
tied to a tree branch. The horse kicked him before his feet hit
the ground. I will never forget that sound of bones crunching,
it still haunts me to this day.
To: Patti de la Bretonne ('65)
I remember the first time I met Dennis and Sandy Nalder. It was
at a party at your house. Dennis and Sandy showed us some new
dances and they were very good at them. It was obvious they
were well practiced and in a different league than we were at
that time
-Michael Botu ('65)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: [Washington's] "First Dog"
Less than a month ago The Olympian ran an article on the "first
dog". The governor and her husband gave the Pomeranian to their
daughters for Valentines' Day in 1996. Her husband decided on
the name "Franz". For Halloween the governor dressed as Willy
Wonka and Franz was dressed up like an Oompah-Loompah.
I guess his paw print endorsed the new license plate for animal
cruelty.
While the governor and her family were in Detroit, Franz was
left with friends. Some how he was hit by a car and died. They
found out about it on arriving at SeaTac Sunday night. They had
a picture of him today and the article was written up like an
obituary. Some reporters must have a hard time finding enough
news.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA where the past few nights have
been below freezing but the days have seen warm
and sunshine
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Dennis Strege ('71)
Re: Class of '71 Reunion
The 35th reunion for the Class of 1971 will be held on August
4, 5, and 6. Mark it down on your calendars. Updates with more
details will follow as they are finalized.
-Dennis Strege ('71) ~ Richland
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Frank Standefer ('72)
Re: Email address...
Hi Maren...
Do you have the email contact info for Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56)?
I'd like to send her a note for Walt Wendland ('55)..
Thanks for the help!
-Frank Standefer ('72)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Her email address is right below her name in her Sandstorm
entry.... UNLESS you are reading the online version which has
all the email addresses stripped. If that's the case, look on
the class website to find an email address. -Maren]
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
The parking lot in the Uptown or it's entrance across from
Dairy Queen would be fitting place to re-erect the Uptown sign.
It has always brought back memories and it is only fitting that
it should be left to accomplish its original job. Some things
are better left in place or close to in place as possible.
After all it is a heritage we in inherited lets leave it for
future generations.
Re: Remembering Spalding
My Last entry earlier tonight was a little hurried. Being at
work on the night shift tonight, during my break I came upon
this site. I felt compelled to make a suggestion to relocate
the Uptown sign. Anyway, as I went back to work the memories of
my younger years flooded back. Maybe its the lack of sleep or
were not busy tonight. Who knows? One of my fondest memories
were the teachers who so patiently - and I mean patiently -
put my feet on the ground. It all started with Mrs. Badget, my
kindergarten teacher.
What a lovely lady and teacher she was. What a time and
surroundings to grow up in. I've often thought about those
years and I wish I could say thank you to all the teachers who
were there for me. Unlike then, now I can understand and fully
appreciate all of them.
Attending Spalding, I remember lining up outside in the school
parking lot to take our turn to enter a portable trailer and
lay down on what today looks like a cat scanning machine.
Does anyone know what all that was about? Remembering that
I can recall with vivid detail going to the gym to get our
vaccinations. I laugh now and appreciate it.
Oh the beauty of getting older for you truly see the value of
suffering. The sorrow for not being able to say thank you to
those that hurt you.
I better get back to work
-Dave Fowler ('76)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
*******************************************************
Alumni Sandstorm ~ 02/09/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
13 Bombers sent stuff:
Betty Hiser ('49), Wally Erickson ('53)
Marlene Richter ('55), Dale Ennor ('59)
Missy Keeney ('59), Patti Jones ('60)
Helen Cross ('62), Tom Hemphill ('62)
Ron Richards ('63), Mick Hemphill ('66)
Betti Avant ('69), Mike Davis ('74)
Dave Fowler ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Gayle Dunn ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mary Jane Brady ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Karen Moore ('75)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Yvonne Ling ('75)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Rob Hausenbuiller ('93)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
To: Dave Fowler ('75): AEC/DOE did a radiation scan to all of
the children in the grade schools. My two children went through
the scan - I went to school (must have had a day off) and
watched them both go through the scanner. Never did hear any
results of all those scans. Guess they just wanted to make sure
the children were safe from radiation.
When I was visiting my sister we did a bunch of remember or
remember when, etc. How many of you remember when cars had no
heaters. We used to go down to visit my grandparents in south
central Ohio - was about 100 miles away and Ohio had really
cold winters. About 2 hours before we left we would put bricks
on an old wood range and take them out and put them in the
floor of the car and start off for home. We always put an old
blanket over the bricks so we would not burn ourselves. BRRR
-Betty Hiser Gulley 49er - south/government Richland - foggy
this morning but the sun is out now. Cold nights and warm days
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Wally Erickson ('53)
Re: Francis Rish
Great memories of Coach Rish at Columbia High School!! I (like
Stan ('53)) never had the chance of playing football, or
baseball for Rish. But, I did have him for P.E. classes. I mean
there wasn't anything he couldn't do... he taught us the use of
the trampoline, wrestling, boxing, throwing medicine balls at
each other, climbing the rope, running, the list goes on. It
seems he always had time for you if you were interested in any
of the above. He cared about all the students no matter what
kind of skills they had. Not to mention the time he spent
during the summers teaching swimming classes. No wonder he was
in such good shape.
Does anyone know what part of the country Rish came from? God
Bless Francis Rish, he was a great person and coach!!!
I was looking at my '53 Annual and noticed my friend Bill Lloyd
('54)
drew Francis Rish, Ray Juricich (my homeroom teacher), Art
Dawald, Gordon Pappas (I played the clarinet in band) and other
teachers that year.
To: Stan MacDonald ('53)
And I thought I was the youngest in our class.......you got me
beat. It seems a lot of us grew up after high school. I grew 6
inches between my junior and senior year, and 4 inches after
high school. I loved playing basketball but was too small at
the time... darn. I saw Ray Ehl ('53) a year after we graduated
and he was an inch taller than I, he was 6'4". He was one of
the short guys in school and heavy set. Stan, I envy you on
your trip to northern Italy. We plan on going back again soon,
we loved northern part of Italy. If you need info on some
places... you can email me.
-Wally Erickson ('53) - South of Coeur D'Alene where the sun
has been out the last couple of days... even washed my
wife's car today. I can almost feel spring around the
corner. It seems the officials made some questionable
calls. I guess the Seahawks will have to wait for next
season, it was great fun while it lasted. Still a Seahawk
fan, I can't help it!!
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Marlene Richter Frank ('55)
To Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56)
Thanks you for keeping us updated on Walt Wendland ('55). I
wouldn't have known about him except for your E-mail as we
spend our winters in Arizona. Is he in the hospital in Seattle
or Spokane? I thought perhaps he was at Kadlec since they do
heart surgery now but have tried calling Ginny about 5 times in
the evenings and there isn't an answer. I have known Ginny and
Walt since I first moved here in 1954 and see them every Sunday
at church. They both are such wonderful people. Sure wish
something could be done to help Walt with his back problems.
It was nice seeing you at the Club 40 reunion this year.
-Marlene Richter Frank ('55)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Marlene -- I believe Walt is in Kadlec. -Maren]
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Dale Ennor ('59)
Re: the Uptown Theater
Who doesn't have memories of all three Richland theaters. My
most vivid recollection of the Uptown Theater was not related
to movies at all. Tom Rekonen ('59-RIP) and I had inexplicably
found ourselves off campus one spring afternoon. Unable to go
home until after 3:15pm, we were enjoying the warm weather
by horsing around the uptown business area. As we turned the
corner of the theater heading north who got out of her car and
started our way... my MOTHER! We jumped back into the recess
of the doorways of the theater not knowing what to do but
PANIC! We couldn't run back past the Spudnut Shop in time not
to be spotted. Just then the door to the theater opened and
Mr. Stiles, father of our classmate David ('59-RIP), beckoned
us into the cool, dimly lit foyer. He knew instinctively what
was happening and bailed us out of a potentially embarrassing
situation. As soon as the coast was clear he let us out again
and we split. I don't know if I ever skipped classes after
that, but do know that if I did I didn't stay in town until the
day was over. Mr. Stiles, by the way, was always a gentleman
and always so nattily attired.
-Dale Ennor ('59)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Missy Keeney ('59)
Re: Governer's Dog
To: Betti Avant ('69)
Yes, some of us do silly things with our pets and sometimes, if
we are famous or well known, it makes the news. But true animal
lovers know that our pets provide boundless unconditional love
and affection, joy, pleasure and companionship AND the loss of
a pet is most often the cause for deep and abiding grief. My
sincere sympathy goes out to Washington's First Family as I
know this is a painful loss.
-Missy Keeney ('59)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Missy -- Please read the entry from Betti today. -Maren}
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
Re: Uptown Theater
One more change in Richland. At least the homes aren't
changing. Even the upgrading doesn't seem to change the good
old government houses. Saving the Uptown theater sign would be
outstanding. Putting it in a good history place where it is
visible might be quite a project but worthwhile. I'll put some
money in.
When the "War of the Worlds" movie came out a few months ago,
not knowing what it was about exactly the name of the movie
intrigued me enough to want to go see it. Reminded me of all
the midnight movies back in school. "Them" was one of the
scariest I remember. Vera Smith Robbins ('58) and I went to see
"War of the Worlds" together at the Uptown Theater. Walking in
the door a flood of memories of movies I had seen there rushed
into my mind as well as the students who were always there.
"Psycho" being one of those I would have liked to forget.
Probably hadn't been in the theater for 40 years. Half way
through "War of the Worlds" I realized it was a remake of the
one I had seen in school years. More memories. Now the theater
is closing I am glad to have had the updated experience with
the same movie. No, the movie wasn't as scary as the first time
I saw it. No one was screaming either. A few oh no's instead!
Theater wasn't very crowded.
I was in Uptown Monday at the north end. Right at the walk way
on the west side there is a ball on top of the building that
says Uptown. Not something I would have normally noticed. The
talk about the Uptown theater sign in the Sandstorm is what
made me look up as I walked toward a shop in the walkway. I
was curious to see if there was any signs on the north end of
Uptown. Does not do anything like the Uptown theater sign.
The ball didn't even turn. Colors do not seem to symbolize
anything. Be interesting to find out who and why it was put
there? Anyone know?
Bombers Have Fun
-Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) ~ West Richland, WA - where the wind
has finally calmed down (boy, does it blow here in the
Bomber Range Road area) and the sun is shining. Even some
flowers are starting to come up. Spring must be about
ready to warm us up. The sky seemed to stay darker longer
this winter than it did last year.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
As a kid who grew up in Richland, I am in amazement that some
of us are positive that there wasn't a balcony in the Uptown
theater and some of us think there was one. I have to state
that I am one of the "sure there wasn't one" group... I never
visited all of the theaters in the Tri-Cities, just the Uptown
and the other 2 that used to be in "Downtown", and I am sorry
to see them all going.
If it is possible to save the Uptown Theater sign, I'd
contribute to saving it, too.
I'm going to be coming up to Richland, and I'm sorry I will
just miss Mr. Rish's funeral at CUP church. I'm hoping there
won't be too much snow, and no ice while I'm there, as I left
the midwest at this time to escape that, and I certainly
have enjoyed the 60° and above freezing degree nights I've
enjoyed around Sacramento this past week while visiting some
old haunts, houses, and friends from when we lived here
earlier.
So I'm hoping for no below freezing temperatures starting this
Thursday for a week or so.
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ from sunny Roseville, CA
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Tom Hemphill ('62)
Re: Coach Fran Rish
Those of us who were fortunate enough to have known Coach Rish
will have a lot of fond memories to share. The one memory that
stands out for me was in PE class our Sophomore year. Sometime
after the winter snow our class was taken outside to the track.
As usual, Bobby Card ('62) and I began challenging each other
racing around the track. We were unaware that Coach Rish was
timing us. When we finished, the Coach told us that we were
to sign up for the track team. We both told him that we were
playing baseball and would not be able to join the track team.
He asked us if we had ever flunked PE before. We joined the
track team.
How fortunate we are to have grown up in Richland. Lots of
great teachers, neighbors and old friends.
-Tom Hemphill ('62)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Ron Richards ('63)
Re: U.S. Department of Energy
It's interesting to know that Vicki Kelly (U.S. Department of
Energy) is looking after us. [See Vicki's entry in the 2/8/06
Sandstorm] But what do you suppose prompted her visit to
alumnisandstorm.com? How much of her work time is spent reading
the Internet? Is it just possible that this is electronic
surveillance at it's finest. Perhaps they get tired of reading
all the references to bombs on this website.
-Ron Richards ('63)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Mick Hemphill ('66)
Re: Reunion Class of '66
.........Official Notification.........
The class of 1966 is planning their 40th reunion the weekend
of June 23, 24, & 25 to be celebrated at the Red Lion/Hanford
House. Mark your calendars, get back on the diet, exercise...
but above all make plans to attend. It will be a reunion to
remember.
Information will be e-mailed to all classmates. Please pass
the word to those not subscribing to the Sandstorm.
See you in June,
-Mick Hemphill ('66)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: no more hate mail
Before I get any more e-mails indicating I must hate dogs-NO I
DON'T!!!!!!!!!!. That was not my intention when I wrote my post
about the "First Dog", Franz (RIP). The paper here and from
what I see in Maren's extras really played it up but that is
OK with me. I LOVE DOGS.
-Betti Avant ('69)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Mike Davis ('74)
Re: Brad Upton's ('74) Erection Request
How about erecting the Uptown sign just down the block above
the Spudnut Shop. What exemplifies Uptown better than the
Spudnut Shop?
-Mike Davis ('74)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
9:31am - 2/8/06
Re: Uptown Sign
Thanks Brad Upton ('74):
I didn't realize what this sign means to me. It truly is a
Richland Icon worthy of historical significant value. You got
the ball rolling, I've contacted threw e-mail KNDU, KVEW, Tri-
City Herald and the City of Richland. I spent 20-years in
the military and for me it has always been a silent welcome.
Today, I live in the home I bought from Ray Juricich. I'm sure
we all remember his driving lessons. Anyway, I encourage all of
our Bomber supporters who want to see this land mark preserved
to contact the above agencies. Just send them an e-mail stating
what this sign means to you. Again, Thanks Brad I'll do my
part!
6:50pm - 2/8/06
Re: Update To Uptown Sign
Later today after my e-mail to KNDU, KVEW and The Tri-City
Herald, I received an e-mail from KNDU, Cristean Brown. They
are interested in this story and wish to speak to me. KVEW and
the Tri-City Herald sent a form letter saying they had received
my e-mail. If any of you would like to be there when I speak to
them, please let me know. I could use support and if you would
like to be the spokesperson (so to speak) that's OK with me.
Again, send your emails to KNDU. They seem genuinely interested
in presenting and following this story.
Thanks Again Brad Upton ('74)
I guess you don't know what you got until it's gone and
they put up a parking lot.
7:15pm - 2/8/06
Re: Uptown Sign
No sooner than I sent my last update KVEW trouble shooters gave
me a call. They are interested in airing this story if there is
enough interest. I guess the ball is in our court. Go Bombers!!
Thank You
-Dave Fowler ('76)
P.S. Brad do you have brother named Brian. Be careful now
cause I've got a story of brotherly teasing.
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That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 02/10/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
12 Bombers sent stuff:
Marguerite Groff ('54), Marilynn Working ('54)
Laura Dean Kirby ('55), Larry Harrold ('56)
Loron Holden ('57), George Swan ('59)
Missy Keeney ('59), Patti Jones ('60)
Gary Behymer ('64), Rick Maddy ('67)
Brad Upton ('74), Dave Fowler ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jerry Molnaa ('52)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Linda Woods ('61WB)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Marguerite Groff Tompkins ('54)
To: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
Good job! Saw you on TV tonight. You approached the powers that
be and pled the case for the UPTOWN sign. We now have the new
owner on television saying he saw no reason to take the sign
down. You make us all proud.
-Marguerite Groff Tompkins ('54) ~ Richland where it's cold at
night and fairly decent during the day. And, I personally
am very happy to be done with the wind for a while.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Marilynn Working Highstreet ('54)
Re: Uptown Theater
To: Brad Upton ('74) and anyone else working on saving the sign
Has anyone contacted Warren Luke the man who bought the
theater? He seems to be a generous person and probably would
be interested to know of our desire. After selling the
Marineland Village shopping center in Kennewick for 6 million
dollars, he might just have a buck or two left to move the
sign!! The Herald said he bought the theater for a bargain
price of $500,000.
When will you be meeting with the media?
-Marilynn Working Highstreet ('54) ~ Pasco, WA
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Laura Dean Kirby Armstrong ('55)
Re: Uptown Theater
I can hold off no longer. In regard to the Uptown theater, I am
confident in saying there was never a balcony. I have lived in
Richland since 1948, so am considered an "old-timer" by many.
The theater was a wonderful addition to our life style at the
time it was constructed, along with all of the Uptown area.
Last week I attended what will probably be my last movie there.
I studied the construction to see if I had somehow missed a
balcony. No way!
In the early fifties, I was involved in a fashion show at the
theater and remember the underground dressing rooms. Also,
there was a long wide hallway from the theater behind the
businesses attached to the south side. At one time the
R.J.Skews furniture store utilized this area as a sort of art
gallery. I imagine the original intent was the use of shared
bathroom facilities for employees. Someone may correct me on
this, but it is how I remember it.
I'm glad someone is thinking about preserving a symbol of our
past and I have written a letter of support to KNDU TV stating
my opinion.
Does anyone know what happened to the atomic symbol that was
above the building that is now the Spudnut shop? It was
advertising the eatery, "Fission Chips". (a great play on
words) When I was a girl, we often stopped by there on the
way home from Chief Jo for a snack.
-Laura Dean Kirby Armstrong ('55) ~ still in sunny Richland
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Fission Chips was NEXT DOOR to the Spudnut Shop...
http://krookmcsmile.tripod.com/keycityspudnutshopfissionchips.jpg
dunno what happened to the sign, though. -Maren]
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Larry Harrold ('56)
Re: Lorin St. John's ('55) tribute to Rish - 02/07/06
Lorin described a Pep Assembly held during the '53-'54 class
year where Ray Juricich was sitting in a rocking chair holding
a "baby" with a bottle. Juricich was playing the part of Rish
whose wife Betty at the time was expecting a baby. (see 1954
Annual)
I would like to point out that the "baby" Ray Juricich was
holding is Lois Weyerts ('56), my wife for 48 wonderful years
and my girlfriend for 3 years before that.
-Larry Harrold ('56)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Loron Holden ('57)
Re: DOE Spying
Re: Ron Richards' ('63) comments on Vicki Kelley (DOE) of the
DOE reading the Sandstorm
There is a huge fight going on at the DOE and some advocacy
groups about the EEOICPA (Energy Employees Occupational Injury
Compensation Program Act). The program has been audited by an
independent contractor and found to be so full of errors and
unfair rejections that the heat is on Congress and the DOE
to clean up this mess. DOE is well aware that many Hanford
Employees and their Survivors are RICHLAND BOMBERS (Me
included). Are they spying? Wouldn't surprise me in the
least. The DOE is a very bad case of the Police, Policing the
Police!!! They now have several hundred employees and are
spending money at an alarming rate. They have created an entire
Industry of claims processing (or nonprocessing), there are 5
1/2 year old claims that have not been settled.
For those of you who are not familiar with the program,
congress wrote a law in 2000 to compensate employees of
Hanford and other Nuclear sites who have or have died of
cancer due to radiation exposure $150,000.00. A program that
is floundering in bureaucracy.
-Loron Holden ('57)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: "I love dogs"
Betti, take heart and continue to be of good faith. Often,
what we (who dare to) write is not taken in the spirit it was
intended. Been there myself. Rest assured, the barbs associated
with critical responses will indeed dull with time.
Now, for all who love dogs -- and to love a dog is to
eventually suffer the agony of losing a dog -- that well known
philosopher, George Carlin, once intimated, each time we take
on a family pet ... we are also taking on a future little
tragedy, I highly recommend reading, "Marley & Me Life And Love
With The World's Worst Dog," written by John Grogan. Recently,
while prowling the book stacks at Costco, a typical Yellow Lab
pup with oversize feet and obligatory red collar sat staring
back at me from a book jacket and seemed to be saying, "Buy
me!" I did and when I began reading the book, I could not put
it down until I had finished. I laughed loudly and often, I
wiped away tears near the ending but closed the book with a
deep sense of understanding of Marley and Marley's owners that
extends out to all dog lovers. My wife, Jeanne, seeing the
impact that the book left on me, took it up and stayed up until
near daylight to finish it. Since then I have recommended the
book widely and purchased copies for friends and relatives who
are also fellow dog lovers. It really is immaterial that Marley
was a Yellow Lab. It will touch the hearts of anyone who has,
does, or will share their life with a dog. Only after I read
the book did I discover that it was on the best seller list.
As a kid and in my following younger years I enjoyed the
companionship of a variety of mutts and breeds. I loved each
and received that unconditional love from each equally yet in
our own ways. About the time of my mid-life crisis, I became a
"Yellow Lab Man." Since that era, I have enjoyed the company
and unquestioning devotion of a big "yellar dog" riding shotgun
beside me in my pickup. First, there was "Buff," a big burly
male whose greatest love (next to me of course) was a cold
blustery day in the duck blind and long retrieves. Next came
"Gunner," a big goofy guy with a personality like "Odie" of the
"Garfield" comic strip (according to my spouse). Buff and
Gunner, each, graced my life for their times of nearly 14
years. Now, Darby, a big six year-old yellow female, is my
shadow, protector, confidant, and constant companion (lying at
my feet as I write this). She has grown tolerant of the elves
tugging at her ears. My wife once said that Darby will probably
be my last Yellow Lab. When I asked her why? She pointed out
that the two before had each lived nearly fourteen years -- How
long did I plan on living? I "pondered" this great question of
life for a while and concluded ... I plan on being good for at
least one more pup ........... maybe two?
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where here, Betti's
weather observance (from there) fits perfectly, "the
past few nights have been below freezing but the days
have seen warm and sunshine," (Almost.)
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>>From: Missy Keeney ('59)
To: Betti Avant ('69)
Sorry you received 'hate mail' because of your Sandstorm entry.
I suspected it was not 'anti-dog' but 'anti-Governor.'
To: All Bombers and Bomberettes!
The Tri-City Herald will run an ad in Friday's edition for
THE RADIATIONS' Singing Valentines. We have decided to give
a portion of our proceeds to the HUMANE SOCIETY since pets are
an endless source of LOVE for many of us. Cost is $40 and
includes a flower, card and chocolates and the wonderful
blended voices of THE RADIATIONS in song.
E-mail me or call me.
-Missy Keeney ('59) ~ Richland
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>>From: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
Re: Uptown theater and sign
Rushing out the door for an appointment this morning [2/9/06],
my phone began to ring. Concerned that it might be a client, I
quickly answered it. The lady on the phone introduced herself
as "Jessica with KVEW 42 news" and said she wanted to interview
me about the Uptown theater sign. I agreed saying I would meet
her in Uptown. In my rush to be on time for my appointment, I
realized that I said "Yes." to a news story. Then I thought
about my Alumni Sandstorm entry today. I didn't think I had
said anything in the entry that warranted a call from the news.
Then thinking about Dave Fowler's ('76) entry today and other
Bombers' entries, I realized that the news was already on the
topic of the Uptown sign.
As agreed, I met Jessica at 1:30pm. In our conversation before
the interview Jessica told me -- with a great big Bomber smile
& busting with pride -- that she was a 1998 Bomber. We talked
for a few minut