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 Alumni Sandstorm Archive ~ November, 2007
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16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Richland Bombers Calendar website Funeral Notices website *********************************************** *********************************************** Alumni Sandstorm ~ 11/01/07 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7 Bombers sent stuff: Sandy Carpenter ('61), Carol Converse ('64) Gary Behymer ('64), David Rivers ('65) Shirley Collings ('66), Rick Maddy ('67) Steve Huntington ('73) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Judy Willox ('61wb) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Micki Lund ('63) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Sandy Carpenter Lee ('61) To: Judy Cameron Ayers ('60) Re: AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2007/Xtra/Any/071031- Pals1960.jpg Great picture! I remember seeing all you "upper classmen gals" in the halls when I was in the class just below you. You all look great, and I could recognize every one of you. So wonderful you all can get together like that. All my closest girl friends are either too far away, or have health problems that hinder travel. But, we talk on the phone often. I know that Linda Seaton ('60) lived really close to one of my best friends, Ruth Meyer Speck ('61), and she lives way back in Iowa. She came and visited me when I lived in Sitka, AK, and I went to visit her the next year. Joanne Backer Wendt lives in Prosser, and I manage to get her to the ranch each summer with us. Aren't old friends just the BEST??? Re: West vs. East Side of the Mountains I've lived on both, and there are so many pluses in both areas, it's hard to say which I really prefer. But, you're right, the winters over here on the west side get pretty dismal, with rainy days stretching forever it seems. That is probably one of the reasons we go to California to see relatives each winter. We skipped last winter, because we purchased the horses in the early spring (bad decision). But we look forward to seeing my husband's brother in Long Beach, and my aunts and uncle in Pacific Palisades the first 2 weeks of December this year. My husband and brother own a timeshare membership, so we usually try to throw in one week in Palm Springs while we're down there, and really soak up the rays before we have to head home to winter again. We've found if we take that trip to California in February, that by the time we come home, it's early spring here, and that's not so bad to come home to. However, after having lived 15 years in Alaska (Ketchikan, Anchorage and Sitka) and finishing out the last 10 in Sitka where rainfall is twice or three times what it is on the west side here, this rain doesn't really seem so bad. [Juneau's rain 102"/year, Ketchikan 162", Seattle 38", Portland 36", Richland 8" -Maren] I've been in Ketchikan where the winds and rain were so bad, that when sitting in my office on a street that went up hill, I actually saw rain running up hill... NO lie. AND... while walking the block to work one day, I didn't yet know that winds sometimes funneled down through the streets of Ketchikan and picked up velocity up to 100 mph. It literally swept me off my feet, and I quickly reached out for anything I could grab (for fear I would end up out in the ocean) and grabbed hold of an extended mirror on a truck parked along the street... then literally rode out that gust of wind in a horizontal position. Was really glad for that mirror, or I don't know where I would have ended up. Soooo, winds can be bad any place. Speaking of dust in the early days of Richland... while my mother and I were still in Chicago, waiting for my Dad who went ahead of us to Richland in 1944, my Dad thought he'd be "cute" and sent my mother an envelope of dust he had collected off our "B" House windowsills. He wrote in the letter, "Honey, this is what you have to look forward to." She almost didn't want to move there, but was always glad in future years that we had. Richland was a great place for us kids to grow up... even with all the dust storms and wind. -Sandy Carpenter Lee ('61) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Carol Converse Maurer ('64) Re: James House ('63) Top Notch Run 11 Great picture of all of you! These are the things that I do miss about living so far away from Bomberville. The lunches and other get togethers with my fellow Bombers. -Carol Converse Maurer (Magic Class of '64) Eureka, CA still misty raining and wondering just how many kids will want to be out in this tonight. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Gary Behymer ('64) Re: Sambo's Somewhere, someplace in time, somehow, someone from this group will appreciate this photo! http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2007/Xtra/Behymer/071101-Sambos.jpg -Gary Behymer ('64) ~ Colfax, WA **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: David Rivers ('65) Re: Whole Earth Bomber Catalog Pop Quiz... anyone know where you can pick up a genuine Bomber windbreaker? How bout Bomber T-shirts... I'm talkin REAL Bomber stuff... not that politically correct stuff (they probably just put "RHS" on some of that stuff!)... now I'm told that there are some Bombers out there that even refused to buy pieces of the old gym floor because it said RHS instead of Col-Hi... course we all remember that we always chanted "RHS RHS RHS" during the games... but when they changed the name officially, some of us got our dander up... by the way... the Bombers that wouldn't buy the RHS floor did manage to get some pieces of the floor from which I hear they are gonna mark them "Col-Hi"... won't mention no names or how I heard about it... so... back to where I was... or wasn't but should be... how many kids do you know that would drive all the way to Vancouver from Richland to deliver Bomber stuff and more importantly to carry the Bomb so Number 32 ('63) could hug it for a few hours... well there's one place you can get all the Cool Bomber memorabilia you could want and one girl who would carry the bomb to a friend... and that girl is having a birthday on November 1st... HAPPY BIRTHDAY Judy Willox ('61)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -David Rivers ('65) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Shirley Collings Haskins ('66) Re: The movie "The Golden Compass" I received an email about a movie coming out in December starring Nicole Kidman. It's called "The Golden Compass," and while it will be a watered down version, it is based on a series of children's books about killing God (It is the anti- Narnia series.) The message said that the hope is to get a lot of kids to see the movie - which won't seem too bad - and then get the parents to buy the books for their kids for Christmas. Read more at the following SNOPES website and see what you think: http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp -Shirley Collings Haskins ('66) ~ Richland **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Rick Maddy ('67) Re: west - east Washington state is certainly a beautiful place. I would say the most beautiful of all the states – a bold statement from someone who believes in ‘the eye of the beholder' and has never been in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Alaska or Florida, but there are factors I won't mention that goes way beyond aesthetic, physical beauty... okay, just one... chiggers. I will trade one chigger, depending on where she digs in, for three sand storms a year. I have lived all over WA. I even consider coming back to WA now and then, but usually I am under some mass stressor causing momentary brain damage at the time... like the time I jarred from my sleep believing Homeland Security Threat Level was red, orders on my crank style radio were no suitcases, please... did they say please?... take only the clothes on my back, all gold coins if I have any and quickly go to the nearest FEMA Camp because Los Angeles was under attack by Liechtenstein terrorists that had been 'wining and dining' in Malibu for the past three years, four months and ten days on a six month visa. Nevertheless, I'm not sure which side of WA I would come back to anyway. One point of interest is the two eastside's. Yes, they are different. The north eastside (not to be confused with the northeast side) and the south eastside (not to be confused with the southeast side) that seem to split somewhere very near the town of Lamont. Westside is just the Westside, a.k.a. the wet- side. After living twenty plus years on both sides (45 years), while escaping from myself, I finally realized I needed to leave. I live in Huntington Beach, CA for the time being... for the weather... and the various neck exercises. I love it here. But it sucks here too. And that is my point. I have never lived or been anywhere in the United States, particularly July and August, that didn't suck. I have zero interest in seeing Kansas or North Dakota in February... especially since they dropped the mail order bride section in the Sears catalog. But I have to live somewhere. Oh, yea, one other thing... I'm relatively happy. The Happy Meter makes a big difference, no matter where you live. -Rick Maddy ('67) OC **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Steve Huntington ('73) The ongoing discussion of east versus west has jogged me out of a continuing delirium. In my dream, I see Huskies on their way to the Rose Bowl and Seahawks holding up Lombardi trophies while big haired announcers make goofy comments about the end of two, no three decades of Seattle championship draught. The NY Yankees are complaining in the papers that Seattle keeps hiring all of the rising stars that they develop. In this version of heaven, I have a King Cup 40 oz beer that stays cold through a whole quarter... and in the east Pasco High is considering dropping basketball and football as the teams have not won a game against Richland in so many years... all obvious fantasies. The Huskies at least need to know what an end zone is for to win, Ishihiro has probably already leased a flat in Soho, and I never once let a King Cup last as long as an inning, much less a full quarter. Oh... this east versus west thing is really all about that last item, and our first and most important major food group - beer. A lot of the recent discussion has been focused on the differences in precipitation between the two geographically disparate area. This diversity is actually a planned blessing from the Almighty, as the two climates are necessary to ensure a supply of the ingredients required to brew. He provides rain to have water to brew with. Now you know why Seattle and the rest of the west side is wet. The snow packs in the middle of the state are an emergency source, provided to ensure we never run out of a source to keep the vats full even if the Bogachiel rain forest was to turn Saharan. Barley and hops will not grow well in those rain soaked bogs, thus necessitating dry land farms - and presto deserto - you have eastern Washington and the Yakima valley as His next miracle. So easy when you can sit back and see His big picture. I was just back home in October and had the chance to travel both sides of the pass in taking care of some family matters. What a beautiful, scenic, and beer blessed area it is! The pass was all dressed up and shining yellow and red and silver in fall plumage, the Puget Sound ferries scuttled back and forth across deep, cold, and placid waters, and Pyramid, Mac and Jack, and even a few steins of Stella were flowing in all the right places - Tommy's Uptown and Jackson's included. (Jackson's... posh stuff that is. I remember when the bar keep at the Gaslight would fill a gallon jug with Oly for 2 bucks out the back door). I would suggest to all the participants in the ongoing controversy that they see His real genius in creating Washington State. It is surely the best of all possible worlds - providing every climate, and every other thing we need - to keep our mugs filled and our lives joyous (except maybe a championship trophy now and then). So go out, find a friend that supports the other side of this controversy, and buy the chap a cold one. After realizing you have a common love for our home state, buy him another! With enough of that joy, just close your eyes, and you too may just faintly hear that Super Bowl announcer as he introduces the 2008 Super Bowl MVP, Matt Hasselback... -Steve Huntington ('73) ******************************************* ******************************************* 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 ~ 11/02/07 FALL BACK at 2am TOMORROW (Sunday) morning ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Bombers sent stuff: Fred Segrest ('57), Vic Marshall ('71) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Norma Loescher ('53) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Tom Beaulieu ('59) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Richard Jacobs ('75) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Fred Segrest ('57) Re: '57 Reumion pictures Greetings to all Bombers, Are there any pictures from the 1957 reunion available on the website? I’ve looked, but with no success. Those of us who were unable to attend would delight in seeing how the rest of the class has aged (I’m not talking about you, of course). Thanks for reading. -Fred Segrest ('57) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Vic Marshall ('71) My, how the years begin to fly by. I was looking at my calendar of upcoming events the other day and noticed an important Birthday brewing (hmmm - that term could have some significance. Birthday Brewing - kind of goes together, doesn't it?). Anyway, I didn't realize until this morning that I believe this is the BIG 50 for this youngster and the baby of the family. So, not to publicly embarrass you too much - happy 50th Dr. Richard Jacobs ('75). Now if you could just get Notre Dame Football back to winning - isn't there some doctor thing you can do??? All the best, -Vic Marshall ('71) ******************************************* ******************************************* 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 ~ 11/03/07 ~ FALL BACK at 2am Sunday ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Bomber sent stuff: Mike Franco ('70 **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Mike Franco ('70) Re: Rich Jacobs' ('75) B-day Hey Rich, happy birthday... Glad to hear of your thriving medical practice... it would be nice if you recognized all the guidance and inspiration you got from Ben ('69) and Bob's ('70) pals during your youth. I am pretty confident that if it wasn't for our inspiration you would be pumping gas with Vic Marshall ('71) right now! Happy 50th birthday, you are almost half way to Ben's IQ! -Mike Franco ('70) ******************************************* ******************************************* 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 ~ 11/04/07 ~ FALL BACK at 2am TODAY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4 Bombers sent stuff: Gus Keeney ('57), Betti Avant ('69) Darlene Napora ('69), Barb Belcher ('72) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Twins: Betti & Robert Avant ('69) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Darren McIntyre ('82) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Gus Keeney ('57) Re: California Fires On my way home to Yuma last night, (Between Tohachapi and Palm Springs, CA) I passed several groups of Fire Fighters from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana heading back north. I guess the fires are settling down and they are being turned loose to return home. Thanks for help Troops!!!! I was still smoky around Bakersfield and coming down into the San Bernadino areas, but the latter might have been the normal LA Smog. Clear the rest of the way from the Bay Area south. It's good to be back home in Yuma!!! -Gus Keeney ('57) ~ From Sunny Yuma where I'll be catching up on some needed sleep today and enjoying the rest of the Warm Winter!! **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Betti Avant ('69) Re: Birthday Greetings Dear brother Robert, I'm not sure of your new address or phone number and don't know if you've been getting my e-mails. So I'd like to wish a happy number 57 to my "womb-mate". Have a great day!!!!! -Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA where it's been cooler but dry **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Darlene Napora Shuley ('69) To: Betti Avant ('69) A very "Happy Birthday" to Betti (twin Bob, too) and many thanks for her contributions to the Sandstorm over the years! -Darlene Napora Shuley ('69) ~ from Austin, TX where the weather is gorgeous - warm days, cool nights and best of all, the nasty chiggers have gone to bed for the winter!!! **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Barb Belcher Valinske ('72) Re: class of '72 This is in answer to Mike Dalen's ('72) note on 10/30/07: you're right - the class of '72 very rarely has anything to say. I wonder what Vicki Owens ('72) in South Africa is doing? She use to send in the most interesting stories, such as celebrating Thanksgiving in S. Africa. Hope things are going well for her. I also remember several(!) years ago when the road trip of Vicki, Terri Zangar ('72), Sharen Manolopoulos ('72), and Remy Neill ('72) celebrated turning 50 years old. http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2004/Xtra/50sRoad-Owens.html I have lived in West Richland since 1991 - there are now two traffic lights and one round-about on Bombing Range Road! We are fast losing our rural charm as the developers pave over every square mile possible. Seeing a horse and rider on Van Giesen is a rare sight these days. My family moved here from Arkansas in about 1946, and there are now three generations of our family living in West Richland. Only five more years until we are eligible to join the Club 40. I still have a few copies of the 30-year reunion book if anyone is interested. Please send me your e-mail address so we can find you in 2012. -Barb Belcher Valinske ('72) ~ W. Richland, where the days are mild and the nights frosty. The trees had good autumn color this year but of course, the wind has blown most of the leaves away. ******************************************* ******************************************* 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 ~ 11/05/07 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4 Bombers sent stuff: Mary Triem ('47), Pappy Swan ('59) Jack Gardiner ('61), Lynn-Marie Hatcher ('68) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Charles Cox ('56) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Judy Cameron ('60) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Curtis Gunter ('61) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Gerald Stein ('66) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Mary Triem Mowery ('47) To: Barb Belcher Valinske ('72) I enjoyed seeing that a much younger Bomber is looking forward to joining our alumni association Club 40. That says to me that we have left at least one good impression on our young Bombers. Seriously, I hope when you reach "that age" you will enjoy belonging to a fun organization. -Mary Triem Mowery, a '47 Bomber **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59) To: Gus Keeney ('57) Re: California Fires "I was still smoky around Bakersfield and coming down into the San Bernadino areas, ..." Gus, I know you meant "It was...," rather than "I was," but as I read that, I could not help but conjure up visions of the "Big Gus Keeney" flying "lickity split" down the road, trailing smoke, after having his feathers singed" while racing through the lingering California fires (or possibly from atmospheric re-entry) on his way to his "Snow Bird Wintering Area." Have a nice warm winter, my friend! -George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ From also sunny Burbank, WA where the yard work is almost pleasant, but I'm getting it out of the way so I can concentrate on more important things later ... like pheasant and waterfowl hunting. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Jack Gardiner ('61) Re: Jason Lee pics For those of you who attended Jason Lee Elementary school. Here are pictures of her last day standing. Taken on September 5th 2007. Also taken at Twin Bridges in West Richland while the trees are turning fall colors. alumnisandstorm.com/htm2007/Xtra/Any/071105-Gardiner-00.html -Jack Gardiner ('61) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68) Re: Gained weight, anyone? Well, I noted in the Sandstorm recently that our 40th reunion dates (Class of 1968) have been set for August, 2008. This led to Thomas (who has never been to a reunion) and me (last one I attended was our 15th) renewing our discussion of "Should we go ... Yeah, we really should go ... I'd kinda really like to ... It might be fun, after all this time ... etc." And then it always comes around to basically this ... "Geez, we used to be such slender, little people. Uh, pleasingly plump in a wife/husband (being somewhat kind by using the word 'plump' there, I should add) is a nice thing ... but can we really face all those old classmates like this?" Thomas and I have not really stayed in touched with friends from "back in the day". So not many people have seen the "rounding factor" in effect on us. After marrying 3/17/2004, and moving to rural Idaho 7/21/2005 year ago, have moved into an accelerated phase of morphing into a different (and better, we believe) way of looking at life -- and a different (and not necessarily better!) way of looking, physically. (Actually, we had both started 'plumping up' before ever running into one another again in 2001. So can't blame it on our marriage or the farm!) So here is the question -- anyone else out there been brave enough to say "what the heck!", and go to a reunion in a, uh, different (rounder) shape than when last they saw all the folks with whom they graduated? If so, sure could use some encouragement -- so would love to see your stories posted here. This may sound like vanity -- but it's really more embarrassment than anything else! Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share! -Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68) ~ Haven Farm - 1/2 east of Lewiston, ID (Man it's getting dark early today! But it was a beauty -- about 60°, sunny and clear. It's already been down to 19° at night, though!) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [Trust me, you'll have so much fun! GO. And guess what? Anybody you knew back then is still the same person inside! -Maren] ******************************************* ******************************************* 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 ~ 11/06/07 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 13 Bombers sent stuff: Bernie Qualheim ('56), Joretta Garrison ('58) Bonnie Allen ('59), Pappy Swan ('59) Carol Carson ('60), George Barnett ('63) Linda Reining ('64), Fran Teeple ('68) Shirley Collings ('66), Andy Michels ('68) Betti Avant ('69), Greg Alley ('73) Matt Crowley (‘75) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim Schildknecht ('66) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Becky Rulon ('66) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Bernie Qualheim ('56) Re: Fw: New Richland High School Alumni Archive Maren, what is this??? Bernie, Just some folks trying to make a buck (sorta like classmates.com)... and you can tell that they're FAKE cuz they don't even have BOMBERS in their email anywhere.... they ain't Bombers, that's why.... They're in MARYLAND! I wouldn't click their link if I were you. Bomber cheers, Maren -Bernie Qualheim ('56) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Joretta "Sue" Garrison Pritchett ('58) Re: '58 in '08 reunion planning Planning for Class of '58 50th Reunion. Next meeting will be Tuesday evening, November 6, at 7pm. We'll meet at the Richland Community Center in the Lounge. Bring thoughts and ideas, and be prepared to get involved. Questions call me. -Joretta "Sue" Garrison Pritchett ('58) ~ Richland **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Bonnie Allen ('59) Re: Eastern/Western Washington Debate I am a little late in entering this debate, but so be it. I think happiness is the main thing in life, and has a lot to do with how happy you are in where you live. I've lived here for almost 40 years now, so I think I've learned how to do it pretty well. Yes, it does rain in Western Washington, but we don't have dust storms. When we have wind on the West side, (which I really hate) we are having a storm! I think I hate the wind more here than I did in Richland because of the fir trees that can fall on your (or my) head, but then we don't get as much wind as the folks on the East side. Since living in Western Washington, I have learned to be flexible--when it's nice I go outside and really appreciate the sunshine--and when it rains, I pretty much stay inside. I have learned that I don't melt--if I get wet, I can dry off, change clothes and be on my way again. When I was working, I was pretty determined to go for a walk every night after work--it had something to do with my sanity! There were times when I got pretty wet, and I survived. I'm pretty sure that my mother's belief that "if you get your feet wet you'll get a cold" is not true. I've been wet a lot! I'll settle for warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than you folks have on the other side of the mountains! I must say that I do envy your nice springs and falls when your temperatures are in the 60s and 70s and ours are only in the 50s! But I think the best place to be is simply "home." -Bonnie Allen ('59) ~ Mill Creek, WA The sun is shinning, the sky is blue, and I'm going out to work in my soggy yard. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59) To: Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68) Re: Gained weight, anyone? Yes, yes I have! Indeed, I have, especially after having knee and foot problems about a year ago that put me in my recliner chair for about a month. I gained about 20 pounds (seemingly overnight). My dog, Darby, gained weight too, because where I go.. .she goes. But the good news is that I got the foot and knee problems temporarily solved and have been shaving off the pounds, slowly but surely getting me back to my normal portly self. The 20 pounds have gone away, mostly from my personalized exercise program of "pushing." I push away from the table and avoid seconds and certain foods. And, I am able to be more active. Darby has lost weight too from my cutting her "doggie chow" intake and a daily exercise routine of chasing a tennis ball (until hunting season came along). Side Note: It is working very well for her but I have created a near-nuisance situation for myself. I cannot do anything out in the yard that I don't have a tennis ball dropped at my feet or shoved in my face, and if I don't throw the ball, she chews it up. But as usual, I digress! Lynn-Marie, do not despair. When you go to any of your later reunions, you will immediately notice that it is predominately attended by a lot of older, plumper people, making you wonder where your old classmates are? I tend to remember my classmates as what they looked like back in Bomber days, especially those that I have not seen for many years. So, reading name tags takes on great importance. At my reunions, I take great comfort in the fact that I observe many of my classmates reading mine before they greet me, as if they recognized me all along. The usual weight gain that comes with age levels the playing field and puts us all on common ground. So, don't be concerned about having put on some extra pounds. Keep in mind that its a very popular trend in our later years and everyone is doing it. However, I am now thinking that I need to shave even a few more pounds from my "seasoned" framework. A couple of days ago, I made a most startling discovery when I weighed and measured at my doctor's office. I now have irrefutable proof that I am indeed the "Incredible shrinking senior citizen." When I graduated from high school, I was rather skinny, but I stood all of 5' 9 1/2" tall. About five years ago, I had shrunk in stature by one whole inch. No big deal, I told myself, older people tend to loose height. But, now I find that I am 5' 6 1/2." So, I am shrinking... or slowly disappearing? At this rate, if I live to be 90, as many of my relatives have, I may be only 4' tall. Or am I "puddling?" Over the years, my feet have stretched from a size 9 1/2 to a size 12. And my large rib cage has descended to become a rather large sunken treasure chest around my mid- section. As I shrink, each additional pound seems to emphasize my roundness. So, I really should lose some more weight, or I will soon resemble a beach ball with very short legs. So, yes, I know roundness. I second Maren's advice, "[Trust me, you'll have so much fun! GO. And guess what? Anybody you knew back then is still the same person inside! -Maren]" I once asked my wife, Jeanne, what happened to her little "wasp- like" waistline? She replied that it was still there, but now its gift wrapped. So, Lynn-Marie, believe me... you are not alone. There are many like us. Go to your reunion and enjoy! -George "Pappy" Swan ~ Burbank, WA - Where I ponder the shrinking phenomenon and wonder... Am I am turning into an elf? **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Carol Carson Renaud ('60) Re: Weight Issues To: Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68) This subject of gained weight probably applies to a high percentage of our high school friends. I'm sure everyone (especially the women) thinks about this when the subject of Reunions comes up. As a very dear friend once told me, when it comes to women's bodies, women will always say they are "never good enough." I personally don't consider myself fat... just "fluffy." Not that I don't fight the good fight most of the time weight-wise, it's just not worth worrying about for me. What you see is what you get and I think I'm really nice so if my weight bothers anyone, it's their problem, not mine. The way I look at it is that I appreciate people much more now for who they are, not what they look like and I bet there are lots of folks out there who agree. By this age, we have discovered what is important and skinny isn't it. While I missed Club 40 this year, I have every intention of attending next year. In fact my Big Brother (Steve Carson ('58) has told me he is considering coming out from Chicago for his 50th and I told him we could go together. (Here's your chance to commit Steve - let's do this together.) So Lynn-Marie, don't sweat the small stuff (even if it's bigger now). -Carol Carson Renaud ('60) ~ From bright and sunny Lynnwood, WA where it is sunny by cool today. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: George Barnett ('63) Re: Jack Gardiner's ('61) fall foliage photos alumnisandstorm.com/htm2007/Xtra/Any/071105-Gardiner-00.html Beautiful Jack, and thank you. I recognize each of them (taken from the second bridge) you see we used to have that island and the alfalfa field on it was my FFA project during my Jr. and Sr. years at Col-Hi. AH but alas, the Ag program is gone now. Many fun and enlightening experiences that included your brother Chuck ('63-RIP) and many others. I also used to run a trap line from the downstream side of the second bridge to about a half mile further downstream. (Behind Koeppeon's old place). Bye Geo. -George Barnett ('63) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Linda Reining ('64) to:Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka('68) re:reunions/changes GO---you will have a good time! I understand how you feel and what you are saying and I will admit that I stayed away from my reunions for the same reasons---gained weight and didn't look anything like I did when I was in high school and was embarrassed, BUT I went to my 35th(first one I ever went to)and also the 40th and I had a GREAT time! was fun to see familiar faces, and re-connect with everyone. a lot of us had changed, but some had remained the same(as far as "body"), but they were all the same inside--your friends are your friends, regardless of how your body changes! GO, you will have a good time---- and, trust me, NOBODY will say one word about the weight gain OR the grey hair---they will just be glad that you came!!!!! -Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of '64).........Bakersfield, CA.......our skies are finally clearing up from the fires in Southern CA---heard on the news that we are possibly going to have another "La Nina", which means a dryer and warmer winter than usual!!!!!! **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Fran Teeple Wolf ('68) Re: Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68) Oh good golly Lynn! We are ALL a little rounder (I am!), our hair is thinning (mine!) or gone (hey Rick Valentine - are you coming for this one? - I owe you two lunches. I Loved Maren's add-on.) You were a sweet kid then, I've loved reading your entries and following your adventures, and was hoping to have a chance to tell you so at the reunion. I've stayed connected to a few, re-connected with a few, and sadly, the Class of '68 has lost a few more special classmates. Also, I have this sneaky feeling that there are more '68 Bombers that READ this newletter than WRITE into it. A little nip here and there, a procedure of lipo (or two!) a few implants, a little botox - well they haven't happened. I am aging and so, I think, everybody out there is too. But the funny thing is... I try to remember that everyone, like me, has shy places and shy times. I'll work at being brave and come talk to all of you 'cause I'd like to catch up on our lives. I hope you will all come talk to me, too? -Fran Teeple Wolf ('68) ~ Spokane, WA we've have a few wonderful days of Indian Summer. Tonight it will 29° **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Shirley Collings Haskins ('66) Re: Class of '66 November Birthdays To all of our '66 classmates having November birthdays and most of them turning the BIG 60, I wish a HUMONGUS CELEBRATION! Gerald Stein turned 60 yesterday, November 5; Becky Rulon and Jim Schildknecht turn 60 today, November 6; Mick Hemphill turns 60 on November 15; Kim Moore Boatman will be 60 November 17 (WHEW, THAT IS A LOT OF BIRTHDAYS.) BUT ... you would NEVER guess that there are two of your classmates born in 1948 who are still ONLY 58, at least for another week. I believe Marc Franco and I are the youngest of the '66 class. Marc turns 59 on November 13, and I turn 59 on November 14. Come on ... Let's celebrate! -Shirley Collings Haskins ('66) ~ Richland **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Andy Michels ('68) Re: Sandstorm I have a complete set of 1968 Sandstorms and some 1967s. I would like to see them post to the website. Can that be done? -Andy Michels ('68) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [Andy, It can be done. First you need to get somebody to scan them all. -Maren] **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Betti Avant ('69) Re: weight Lynn-Marie & Thomas, Like Maren said, "it's what is inside that counts". I have seen both sides of the weight issue when attending my reunions. We had a classmate at the 10-year reunion that had lost a lot of weight. No one recognized her without looking at her name tag. I had one guy come up to me at my 20th and started talking to me like a long lost friend. I had gone to grade school with him and never really saw him after that. He was always a "skinny little runt" that at times I would have liked to throttle. At that reunion he knew who I was right away but I had to look at his name tag. He had joined the Navy out of high school, gained at least 6" in height, and over 100# since our senior year. He was very personable and we talked for quite awhile. So see, it can go both ways but everyone is still the same in so many other ways. I have talked with classmates I never even knew in school because of the size of our classes. Go to your reunion and have fun as I know you will. -Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA where the sun is brightly shining today anyway **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Greg Alley ('73) Re: Bomber updates. Just had to write in because the other day only Mike Franco ('70) submitted anything so things are really slow in Bomberland. Had to comment on the poor crowd at the Richland-Lewis & Clark football game. Yeah, LC took care of the Bombers 28-0. It was a game at 4 in the afternoon, on a Saturday, it was 60° and sunny, and a playoff game. More than half the stadium came disguised as empty seats. It was the worst crowd I have ever seen for a home post-season event in town. Other Bomber teams did well like the girls' soccer team. If you're in town, take a look at the Mac Hall renovations. It looks like the building was hit with a real bomb as its gutted out and their using the basic frame of the building to make a new school structure. -Greg Alley ('73) ~ It sure is nice in the afternoon in Richland these early days of November before the cold hits soon. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Matt Crowley (‘75) Re: Rich Jacobs’ ('75) birthday Hey, the Class of ‘75 is starting to turn 51... I know I did in September. Rich, are you really only now turning 50? I hope you had a happy one, whichever it was. -Matt Crowley (‘75) ******************************************* ******************************************* 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 ~ 11/07/07 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 Bombers sent stuff and 1 Bomber funeral notice today: Norma Loescher ('53), Millie Finch ('54), Bill Berlin ('56) Nola Davey ('56), Gus Keeney ('57), Patti Jones ('60) David Sowden ('62 & 63wb), George Barnett ('63), Roy Ballard ('63) Dena Evans ('64), Shirley Collings ('66), Don Andrews ('67) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Marilyn "Em" DeVine ('52) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dan Haggard ('57) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim Weaver ('64) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Julie Smyth ('69wb) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Norma Loescher Boswell ('53) Re: Death of Jerry Dudley ('53) With great sadness I must tell fellow Bombers that Jerry passed away November 5, 2007. He fought lung disease, COPD, for many years, and recently entered home hospice care. His sons Dean and Jeff were with him at the end. Jerry was a Bomber through and through. As classmates, he and I served on dance planning committees. Jerry appeared in Pep Assembly skits, tapping into his good sense of humor. He was a close friend of Marilyn Richey ('53-RIP). Marilyn and Jerry had steel-trap memories. Books could be written about the high school people, places, and events Jerry remembered. As a youth, Jerry caught polio and lived the rest of his life with a severely shortened leg. His musical nature moved him to join the band. Later he kept his love of sports alive by becoming a manager of the football and basketball teams. After high school Jerry spent a lot of time on boats in the Columbia River, bestowing upon himself the title "river rat." He helped plan alumni and Club 40 reunions. In everything he did, Jerry gave freely of himself and was loved in return. He will be dearly missed. -Norma Loescher Boswell ('53) ~ In Richland, where no services are currently planned. If Jerry's requests for no service, no obituary are overruled by his family, I'll let you know. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Millie Finch Gregg ('54) Re: Old Sandstorms Many of you know that my mother passed away this year and I have been going through boxes of papers, pics, etc. Well, I have found 2 Sandstorms - one is dated May 21, 1947, and the other one is dated May 25, 1948. They are quite interesting but I am not quite sure what to do with them. Any suggestions??? I hope everyone is enjoying our sunshine and looking forward to the holiday season just ahead of us. -Millie Finch Gregg ('54) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Bill Berlin ('56) Re: East, West, where is best? I too have to jump in on the East vs. West controversy. As I have mentioned in the past, I left the day after I graduated from Col-Hi to go to Alaska and work in the salmon canning business. From that experience I got saltwater in my veins and it has become almost like a drug drawing me towards the "chuck" like a huge magnet. I did a lot of boating on the Columbia, Yakima and Snake rivers growing up but working and boating on saltwater made fresh water events seem real small. Richland was an ideal place to grow up with lots of advantages for kids of all ages but looking back, I am not sure I really wanted to stay there. I knew I did not want to go to WSC (now U) so I reduced my options to the U of Montana in Missoula or Linfield College in McMinnville, OR and took the latter and glad I did. Between Alaska and Linfield, that was my "split" from the Tri-Cities and Eastern Washington and I have never wanted to return to live no matter how many rainy or cloudy days we have in Western WA. Now that is just me and I can respect those who want to live in the Tri-Cities, specifically Richland, or want to come back to live there. That is great and if that is what makes them comfortable, so much the better. Looks to me that Pappy is happy in Burbank and Patti in West Richland but it is not for me. Just the same, it is not right or fair for us living in Western WA to be critical of those in Eastern WA and visa versa. Live and let live, no matter where that might be, is my motto. I sure love where I live... in Anacortes, WA. Just the right size of town, great health and hospital facilities and not a lot of stressful traffic congestion like we had in Seattle. It is pretty easy to get to either Seattle or Vancouver, B.C. if we want the "rat race" and easy most of the year to get over to Victoria and Vancouver Island and that is cool. We still have a place over on San Juan Island very close to the migratory Orca Whale pods and I can't get any of that in Eastern Washington. I am a happy Bomber. -Bill Berlin ('56)n ~ in Anacortes, WA where we have had some pretty darn nice weather lately but I see rain on the horizon. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Nola Davey Meichle ('56) Re: Washington State Ferry in the "Big Blow" on 10/18/07 http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2007/Xtra/Any/071107-Davey-00.html -Nola Davey Meichle ('56) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Gus Keeney ('57) To: Pappy Swan ('59) I was smokin' along pretty good until I hit the LA outbound traffic on I-10. It was bumper to bumper and moving along at 5 MPH whenever it moved at all. Took almost an hour to from the interchange onto I-10 to Cathredral City near Palm Springs!! I went to Los Algodones Mexico and got some new glasses to replace the ones that I lost on the way down. What a difference it makes!!! -Gus Keeney ('57) ~ From Sunny Yuma where it was near 90 today. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) A couple of months ago I announced that JD Diner's owner Hannah, had given us permission to cover the restaurant's walls with pictures from the Bombers. Kaylene Henjum Livingston ('60) and Mary Judd Hinz ('60) brought the first two last month to get us started. Looking forward to more pictures and the fun of seeing others' pictures. The pictures can be from school or in the now. Make sure the names of the Bombers and the year are on the picture(s). -Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: David Sowden ('62 & 63wb) Re: Cookie Recipes Post this in the Sandstorm if you wish... I got to from Carol Bishop Horne ('57). http://www.northpole.com/ Go Bombers -David Sowden ('62 & 63wb) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [My cousin sent me the same email with all the cookie recipes. You can click on the links from the main website to find a ton of cookie recipes... looks like other neat stuff, too. -Maren] **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: George Barnett ('63) Re: Greg Alley's ('73) comment yesterday about Mac Hall One of our own BOMBER ALUMNI got the contract to do all the steel work in rebuilding Mac Hall. Charlie Barnett ('69) (little bro) owns Metalfab out in West Richland and they will be doing all the renovation of the basic structure. If you run into Charlie, check out his belt buckle. It is an old "BOMBER" brass belt buckle with the B-17 on it. It originally belonged to Bill Hartley ('56)... he gave it to me in about 1959, and I LOANED it to Charlie somewhere about 1964? Anyway, you are welcome to remind Charlie that I still remember WHO it belongs to. Bye Geo. -George Barnett ('63) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Roy Ballard ('63) Re: Birthdays To: Shirley Collins Haskins ('66) Shirley, I think that you got your birthday wrong, I thought that you were 56..... :-) :-) -Roy Ballard ('63), an aging 62 and portly, like Pappy **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Dena Evans ('64) Re: Reunions and weight gain Speaking from the point of view of being overweight ALL of my life, I would like to share a few things. During my entire school year experience, I had very few friends. The ones that I did have, loved me for me, which I was so thankful for. It is not easy for a person 'of size' to feel good about themselves, unless there are people around them that help. Unfortunately, my family didn't do that, but I had a few close friends that made my life worth getting up for each morning. Cathy Biehn ('64), Paula Millar ('64wb), and especially, Deedee Willox ('64), were the 3 people that gave me self worth during my years at Columbia High School. They saw me only for the good person that I am, not my packaging. After reuniting with Deedee after 40+ years, she is making my life a better place to live. She is constantly giving me compliments, and telling me that I 'clean up' real well. Deedee makes me get out more, and meet new people, which I rarely did before. I was too worried about what people were thinking about me. I didn't want to be the one sitting in the corner as an adult. There is this problem that I still have with meeting people at the reunions, and only because I still have that little voice inside of me telling me that I am still back at Col-Hi with the people that don't give a damn about me because of my weight. (Its really very funny when I think about it. I am a BBW, yet I am invisible to sooooo many people). I was very shocked when Kathy Hoff ('64) came up to me and started a conversation at our Club 40 Reunion in 2007. Kathy, that made me feel that things can change when you get older, because I wouldn't have even thought that one of the 'popular' girls would give me a second glance, let alone talk to me. As for the boys, men now, you missed out on a wonderful person when you didn't talk with me because of my weight. And ladies. There were a few guys that weren't jocks, but overweight, that should have been given a chance. You probably missed out on a good friendship, and possibly a better life. Its never too late to find out who a person is, and what a good friend they can be. I am going to give it my best to give the 'popular, fine looking, foxy etc.' people a chance to get to know the wonderful me, like my 3 good friends did. If we would all just set aside our 'teen' years and concentrate on how we want to spend the rest of our lives, caring about others would be a good place to start. All in all, the reunions are a wonderful place to be. Don't worry about the weight gain, hair loss, or any of those 'insignificant' facts of life. I have been to 2 of the Club 40 and have enjoyed them immensely. Even if I do sit on my fanny most of the time, just being there is uplifting. The band is great, and the food is delicious, and there is happiness abounding. Smiles. laughter, tears. They are all a part of the Reunions. As my 20 year old son Zack says, 'its all good'. -Dena Evans ('64) ~ In beautiful Portland, where the sun has actually graced the sky for 3 days now. I just don't know what to do first. Darn, laundry is piling up, so down to the basement for a few days!! I knew that it was too good to be true. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Shirley Collings Haskins ('66) Re: Class of '66 November birthdays I did not realize that we have yet another classmate with a November birthday. Jan Klusman McCurdy turns 60 on November 30. Are there any other '66 classmates with November birthdays? May we all have wonderful birthdays as we add another year to our life ... growing up is optional. -Shirley Collings Haskins ('66) ~ Richland **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Don Andrews ('67) Re: East side/West side I have moved back and forth with other stops in between. My life started in Sunnyside, then Richland, Everett, Richland, Randle, Pomeroy in that order. Then adventures in Page, AZ; Farmington, NM; San Clemente, CA; back to Richland, Olympia, Richland, Olympia; then another adventure "10 years, one year and a half" in Texas. Back to Olympia, Vancouver U.S.A., and in 7 years from now to my final resting place, retirement in Richland at Horn Rapids. I have included photos of the view from our new home. AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2007/Xtra/Any/071107-Andrews-00.html "There's no place like Home, there's no place like Home" Bomber Cheers -Don Andrews ('67) ~ Vancouver U.S.A. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** Funeral Notice >>Jerry Dudley ('53) ~ 11/23/33 - 11/5/07 ******************************************* ******************************************* 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 ~ 11/08/07 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6 Bombers sent stuff: Marilyn De Vine ('52), Wally Erickson ('53) Millie Finch ('54), Gus Keeney ('57) Pappy Swan ('59), David Rivers ('65) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Spencer Houck ('71) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Marilyn De Vine ('52) To: Norma Loescher Boswell ('53) Re: Jerry Dudley ('53-RIP) Thank you for sharing the loving remembrances of Jerry. But you left out one thing: life guarding and teaching swimming for many, many years. He was a hero to many of us older and younger. He took great pride in his teaching accomplishments and the last time we talked he mentioned more of the names of kids he taught. (Children of Col-Hi Bombers, etc.) He was a "Class A" guy and I'm sorry he suffered for so long. Now he can rest in peace. God Bless him. -Marilyn De Vine ('52) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Wally Erickson ('53) To: Norma Loescher Boswell ('53) Re: Jerry Dudley ('53-RIP) Thank you Norma for the info on Jerry's passing. I agree... Jerry was everyone's friend. He loved sports; he wanted to be involved somehow, and he did that by being on the bench for our sports teams. I still see him with a "white towel" around his neck, being there for our players coming off the field or basketball court with water, or to help with an injury. He had an obvious limp due to polio, but that never interfered with his attitude about life. I'm glad I went to our 50th class reunion; Jerry of course was there. Those of you that don't go to the reunions for what ever reason... are missing out on your past. May God be with you and your family Jerry!! Thank you for the great memories at Columbia High... "God Bless you Jerry". -Wally Erickson ('53) ~ We've had beautiful fall weather here at Coeur D'Alene, but did get a little "sprinkle" this morning. Regarding class reunions, are we (class of '53) having a 55th class reunion next year, or will it be a "Club 40" reunion?? **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Millie Finch Gregg ('54) Re: Jerry Dudley )'53-RIP) To: Norma Loescher Boswell ('53) Thank you for the words about Jerry. He was indeed a very good man. The Dudleys were one of the families living in South Richland where I grew up, and also his sister Diane ('54-RIP) was in my class. They were a great family and you could always see Jerry on the ball field, whether indoors or out, he would always be there. Thanks so much for the good words and he was truly a BOMBER! -Millie Finch Gregg ('54) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Gus Keeney ('57) Re: Jerry Dudley ('53-RIP) Bummer to read about Jerry Dudley. He was my Favorite Life Guard at the Pool and running into him in the later years was always a treat!! We had a lot of memorable talks (Most of which I can't Repeat!!!) sitting in front of the Richland Yacht Club whenever I brought my Boats upstream from the St. Helens, OR area. I always loved the banter between Jerry and Doug Stiles ('57) there. Jerry, My old friend you are being missed already. -Gus Keeney ('57) ~ Sunny Yuma AZ where it just reached 98.4 on my outside temp readout!!!! At least I'm getting my laundry done!!!! **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59) To: Dena Evans ('64) Re: Reunions and weight gain Very well said Dena! Remember me? I'm the portly old dude that lives down yonder, or' the hill, an' 'cross the water from Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64) in yon fair dale of Burbank, WA. As I read your posting in today's Alumni Sandstorm, I was thinking, "Its really a two way street." Every time I see you and Deedee at the reunions and luncheons, I see smiles and feel Bomber friendship. We get back what we give out and I always enjoy running into the two of you. Also, just like attending one of those "Anonymous-type" meetings, I have yet another confession to make. "Hi, my name is Pappy and I was a skinny kid." While some folks, in our school days, bore the burden of some extra weight, I suffered in the other direction. I was an ultra-light and weight challenged kid. In fact, I was the model for the 90-lb weakling in the Charles Atlas Ads. You might ask, how skinny was I? Somewhere, I have a picture of me striking a Charles Atlas pose, which was later used as a pattern for Halloween skeleton cutouts. Early on, I tried out for football and made the team, my position was tackling dummy. Then, I discovered hunting and fishing. But, the fish pulled me into the river. I was so skinny that I stole nuts and bolts out of my dad's work shop to carry in my pockets to keep from being blown away in our legendary wind storms. I was so skinny that girls looked right past me (seemingly through me) and never even noticed me until I ran screaming smack into a wall locker. Yes, I was self-conscious too! And, I was short. It wasn't easy being a short skinny kid, nick-named "Shorty." I could never bring myself to talk to girls because I would have had to look up at most of them or carry a foot stool around. I once tried wearing shoes with six inch lift soles, but they wore a weak, skinny kid out... real fast! Serving in the Marines, beefed me up and I filled out a bit. But, some things just never go away. A few years later, when being measured for a wet suit by an old Navy diver, he said, "Ya sure got small wrists!" So, I decided to do something about it. I was determined to be larger. Soon I succeeded; my belly was larger, my butt was larger, and lately my feet are larger. But, my wrists are still the same size and I'm shorter. Go figure. Sometimes life is just not fair for a short, formerly skinny guy... with small wrists. Nevertheless, I can now say that I have viewed segments of my life from a skinny, a fairly normal (whatever that is), and a fairly plump body and I can safely say that from inside here I was the same each time... well maybe a little more sure of myself and devil may care now. So Bombers, regardless of your exterior packaging, go to the Bomber reunions, luncheons, and gatherings and say, "Hi, I'm (enter name here)." You will be amazed and stupefied at what good times you will have! -George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where a jolly fun- loving, bodacious, ol' dude remains trapped in and trying to get out of this shrinking seasoned body. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: David Rivers ('65) Re: Reunions Somebody having a reunion? Wow... when... where... Do my eyes deceive me? Bombers questioning whether they should go to a reunion because they don't look as they did back on graduation day? Earlier this year we hadda Party for Steve Simpson ('65)... it was a "just in case" party... Steve had decided he wasn't going to take any more treatments for his cancer and we were all concerned... what if we don't have till next June when we always get together?!!!!!!! That was all it took... as it turned out, it was the first time all of the seven sorries had been in one spot at the same time in quite some time... somebody asked one of the guys if he was a "Sorry-Seven"... I took the opportunity to tell the girl who asked that we are all Sorry-Seven... it only so happens that only 7 of us were in that particular picture at the time... and for you who are worried that you don't look as good as you did in school... I can assure you that when we retook the Sorry-Seven photo we did NOT look as we did in the first one!!!!... we had a huge crowd at Tony Harrah's ('65) somewhere near Mt. Vernon... now I don't live anywhere near Mt. Vernon... but I NEVER miss a chance to be with my '65er classmates if I can help it... In fact... a whole bunch of us don't miss a chance to be with any Bombers if we can work it out... I don't care what class it is... we crash if we are in town... I'm always disappointed when a class has a reunion on a date other than during Cool Desert Nights in June because that's when the '65ers get together every year... and if you've got a reunion going there is a good chance we will be there dancin' with your classes Bomber Babes... Uncle Jimbeaux ('63) (aka the Oracle) taught us well... if there's Bomber Babes we'll be there and if there aren't we'll be there talkin' about the river, the flume or some other topic of local concern... the point is... we all grew up in that little berg and we all call it home no matter where life's trip may have taken us... now I fully understand the pain of growing up... not one of us wasn't touched by some hurt we experienced growing up... Some of you kids who think the "popular" kids (as I saw them referred to in the Sandstorm the other day) didn't hurt growing up you've got another think coming... I'll never forget a few years back a bunch of us were sitting in a room at the DI and the subject of insecurities came up... I hate to tell you this but we all experienced almost the exact same ones... I remember Tony Harrah... the smartest kid in our class and one of the VERY most popular voicing a fear of returning home because we might not approve of some of his life choices... ARE YOU KIDDING ME?... We love you... I mean LOVE you... Yes school can be a bit of a beauty contest... and none of us measure up to her or him... some of us may have been very shy because of the way we perceived the world saw us and we may have missed opportunities to meet others we might have liked to meet and get to know... and yes... some kids were cruel... some people are still cruel but they don't get away with that crap at a Bomber gathering... Please don't be surprised when the divine Ms. Hoff ('64) comes up and gives you a hug... she is one of the most loving people I know (and she's known Heidlebaugh ('65) since kinneygarden not the 2nd grade)... I know at our 40th reunion we had something like 3 people who had never been to a reunion... How come! None of us are getting any younger and we want to see you... yes YOU... Yes we may have missed out on getting to know the beautiful person you were and are... but let's not let that stop us from getting to know you now... As far as I'm concerned all Bomberettes are Bomber Babes and all the guys are part of the gang... if you feel we failed you back then... don't YOU fail us now by staying away... and don't you dare sit in a corner waiting for someone to walk up to you... walk up and hug everyone you meet and say: "Hi, I'm so and so... how have you been?" OK... this thing is starting to sound and look like a Maddy ('67) post so I'll stop... for now. -David Rivers ('65) ******************************************* ******************************************* 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 ~ 11/09/07 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9 Bombers sent stuff: Anna May Wann ('49), Jim McKeown ('53) Karen Cole ('55), Bill Berlin ('56) Missy Keeney ('59), Carol Converse ('64) Linda Reining ('64), David Rivers ('65) Shirley Collings ('66) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mary Lou DeMeyer ('59) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dick Boehning ('63) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Kandy Smith ('63) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dick Pierce ('67) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Tom Schildknecht ('70) BOMBER ANNIVERSARY Today: Bill Scott & Cherrie Tempero ('64) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Ann Thompson, aka Anna May Wann ('49) As I've told many of you before, the reason we are spreading out and getting shorter, is the weight from all of that knowledge stored in our head. It keeps pushing us down and of course the only solution is for our bodies to spread. So the more we spread it means we have that much more knowledge stored up there in our head. That's my explanation for my larger size (since high school) and I'm sticking to it – As for East side vs West side. Lived both and also in the middle (Ellensburg). All are great as long as you have family and friends around. Life is what you make it and how you accept it. So as Pappy and David Rivers said, just go to the reunions, greet everyone and keep smiling. We love all of you, just love us back. -Ann Thompson, aka Anna May Wann ('49) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Jim McKeown ('53) Re: Jerry Dudley ('53-RIP) To: Norma Loescher Boswell ('53) We just returned from the Mendocino coast and were without computer for a few days. What a loss, losing jerry Dudley this week. Jerry was an inspiration to all of us in the early '50s, especially since he was a classmate of ours in '53. Parties, swimming in the canal, sports, the pool, he was there and he didn't let the fact that he had a limp bother him. You could always count on Jerry to help at any of our reunions, and, until recently, he was always there. He was a legend, and he would probably be very upset reading this... but he was. Goodbye old friend, and maybe there is a need for someone up there to carry whatever, for one of the games in the sky. You definitely qualify. -Jim McKeown ('53) ~ from very sunny Sacramento, CA **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Karen Cole Correll ('55) Re: Jerry Dudley ('53) I'm a day late sending my condolences to the Dudley family. I worked with Jerry for five years at the "Big" swimming pool. I have never seen a more relaxed swimmer. We often accused him of napping while swimming on his break. He wasn't above joining in on the pranks pulled while Rish wasn't there, even though he was left in charge! He was an excellent swimming teacher and a good friend. My sincere condolences to the family... he will be missed. -Karen Cole Correll ('55) ~ Nine Mile Falls, WA where it looks like the other side of the mountains, gray and misty **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Bill Berlin ('56) Re: Bomber Mom It is with great sadness that I must tell you that Dorothy Russell, mother of Jim ('58) and Jack ('59-RIP) passed away on Monday, November 5th. Dorothy had been living in North Seattle to be close to Jim and had been reasonably active until two years ago when she lost her voice box. Orly, Dorothy, Jim and Jack were our next door neighbors in Richland down on GWWay for many years. I recall that they had come to Richland from Silverton, OR and were active in a lot of the kid activities in the south end. Dorothy and Orly both taught Sunday School at Southside United Protestant Church and Dorothy was very active in supporting the Richland DeMolay chapter activities. In the 1950s Dorothy was one of the first people in Richland to bronze baby shoes and always had a basement full of them hanging on wires drying. It was a pretty good sized home business but Dorothy was high energy and could handle that and a lot more. I have to say they were great neighbors and always ready to help. I remember when the local block of kids put on a circus out in the "compound" and Dorothy did so much to make it a success, as did my Mom, Nita Hamilton and Dorothy Murray, that it came out as a big time show. My Dad and Orly were the best of friends too as Orly ran Parker Hardware in Uptown Richland and thus had access to all kinds of neat things my Dad, being a amateur wood butcher, could play with at or buy. Jim took his Mom out for lunch every Tuesday for years, an event they both looked forward to, but recently Dorothy's condition got to be too much for both of them to handle, what with wheelchair transfers two or three times per trip, so Jim went to where Dorothy lived and had lunch with her there. With Dorothy's passing, that leaves just my Mom (aged 98+) the lone parent/adult survivor of our "little band of nerds" in the 200 block of South GWWay, but Dorothy was always in that mix whether she wanted to be or not. She was a great lady and will be missed by son Jim and all of us that are still around (Bill ('56), Bruce (KHS '61) Berlin, Jimbeaux ('63) and Caroline ('60) Hamilton, Pat Murray ('61 - where are you, Pat?) and a bunch of other kids "on OUR block." -Bill Berlin ('56) ~ Anacortes, WA **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Missy Keeney ('59) To: David Rivers ('65) Thanks, David! We all needed that!! -Missy Keeney ('59) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Carol Converse Maurer ('64) Wow! Good going David Rivers ('65)!! You said it so well for all of us! I bet there will be lots more kids show up to their reunions that have been afraid to go before after reading your input into the Sandstorm. -Carol Converse Maurer (Magic Class of "64) ~ Eureka, CA where the fog is in and winter is upon us once again. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Linda Reining ('64) to:David Rivers('65) re:reunions WELL-SAID!!!!!!! "funny" to think that the "in crowd" had insecurities, but I spose "they" were just like "us", except that "they" hid it. lol heck, I still HAVE insecurities and I am way past high school age!!!!! *grin* wish I had the nerve back in high school that I do, now. my daughters always laugh cause they say I will talk to anyone! *grin* as for hugging, that is my preferred way of greeting someone, too. good "ice-breaker". *grin* Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of '64)..........Bakersfield, CA.......we are still using our a/c and the temps are still in the 80's!! doesn't look like we will be getting much of a winter this year! weatherman is predicting another "La Nina"---warmer and dryer winter than usual. so far, it's living up to that prediction! grrrrrrrr **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: David Rivers ('65) Re: I have good news and bad news First the bad... which is actually a good thing but I goofed up and missed wishing Happy Birthday to Jimmy Weaver ('64) on the 7th... Dude... HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Now, the other good news is that on the 9th one of our very own is having a birthday... You will remember him as a Tackle... Number 11 of Rish's finest... Now that's important to me because I admire a guy who will get right there in your face... myself, I only played football because the rest of the boyz did and I didn't wanna be left out (remember that little talk we had about insecurities?)... so naturally I hadda play... but I didn't get up there close in the line... I played right end and only well enough to stay on first string but not hard enough to get hurt... I'm sure Strankman thought I was lazy... no... I just wasn't stupid... ignorant always... but not stupid if I can help it... in fact... one of the happiest days of my young life was the day my mom came to me and said until my grades were better... no more football... so I was saved from injury (due to football anyway... but never from my big mouth) from the 10th grade on (naturally my grades never got better)... soooooooooooo anyway... it is birthday time for one of the big kids... he and his wife, Linda ('63), have always been gracious enough to allow me to join the big kids table with them and for that I am ever grateful... Nuthin' like rubbin elbows with the big kids... as long as I don't spill my milk... so the long and the short of it is that you will be reading this on his birthday... HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dick Boehning ('63)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -David Rivers ('65) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Shirley Collings Haskins ('66) Re: More Class of '66 November Birthdays I found that we have at least two more '66 classmates celebrating their BIG 60 birthdays this month. Karen Grob's birthday was November 4th, and Denny Duncan's birthday will be November 29th. Anyone else celebrating this month? If so, please let me know. Thank you. Enjoy your once in a life time day and don't start a fire with all of those candles! -Shirley Collings Haskins ('66) ~ Richland ******************************************* ******************************************* 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 ~ 11/10/07 - HAPPY BIRTHDAT MARINES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10 Bombers sent stuff: Wally Erickson ('53), Mike Clowes ('54) Tom Verellen ('60), Mike Brady ('61) Marilyn Swan ('63), Dennis Hammer ('64) David Rivers ('65), Betti Avant ('69) Brad Upton ('74), Christa Moore ('75) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bill Johnson ('57) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Carl Dvorak ('58) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dee Shipman ('72) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Fred Meeks ('73) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Wally Erickson ('53) Re: Jerry Dudley ('53-RIP) Reading some of the memories sent in on Jerry... you have to wonder all the things he did to keep our teams, the student body, memories of the "good ole days", the swimming pool, class reunions, and the "Columbia Spirit" together. There is not enough said to tell the whole story about someone that really cared about who we were. Jerry was someone that cared about who we were and where we were going. I was putting more air into my basketballs today; I was thinking this was another thing that Jerry did... whether it was a football, or basketball before each game. When you see all the basketballs being used before each game... that's a lot of basketballs!!!!!!! There's a lot more involved getting ready for each game. Jerry was the one guy there to make it happen. Sure, you have the players, and coaches; but, what about the guy who's on the bench there for each guy on the team. That guy was Jerry Dudley! I had to throw this one in... Jerry was a very special person. I wish I had spent some time with him at our 50th reunion. Another reason I bring this up is... it's one more reason you should go to your reunions. Share with your old friends the memories you have of them. I play basketball with our grandkids (girls and boys) and son in laws during the summer. I love the game and it's a fun time for the family. Remember the game "horse"... there's other names used today. I remember sneaking into the old girls gym to play basketball with my friends during the summer. Many of you weren't around during the time of the "old girls gym". That's what's neat about the "Sandstorm"; there's someone bringing up something that happened during the good ole days. -Wally Erickson ('53) ~ Memories are a great thing to have!! Still having fair weather here in the Coeur D'Alene area. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54) Re: The Pleasures of Yesteryear. I was reminded today of one of the pleasures of childhood, and even into the teen years. Whenever my mother would go to the trouble of baking a cake, one of my chores was to clean the mixing bowl. This was usually accomplished with one or more fingers lifting out the remaining batter. Naturally, one had to lick that off one's finger(s). Even today, with almost ready to cook cake mixes, the pleasurable taste of un-cooked batter is still there. It was almost better than my first deer. But that was back in the day when the big debate was whether or nor the Kentucky long gun was more accurate after the barrel was rifled. And this was versus the match-lock gun. But, then I'm dating myself. Re: Jerry Dudley ('53 RIP) I will be one among many who will miss seeing his smiling face either around the pool deck (the Big Pool of course) or a Club 40. He was of a rare breed and is truly missed in the Bomber Camp. -Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54) ~ he monsoons have returned to Mount Angel, OR **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Tom Verellen ('60) Re: Pictures from the Pumpkin Patch alumnisandstorm.com/htm2007/Xtra/Any/071110-Verellen--00.html Is there a size limit on being called a "patch"? This farm in Nisqually is fairly large so it doesn't seem right to call it a patch. Happy Halloween. -Tom Verellen ('60) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Mike Brady ('61) Re: Bob Card ('62) I've been trying to get in contact with Bob Card for several years. Jim McKeown ('53), Bob's brother-in-law, gave me an e-mail address, but it didn't work. Bob and I were "crazy" kids growing up. Like many of us, we were lucky to get through our teens alive. Bob's dad was an advertising artist at one of the "large" department stores in Richland. He asked us to take the store's truck and pick up something. He told us to be careful because the top of the truck was pretty high. As usual, we weren't thinking as we drove into A & W Root Beer and tore the eaves off the restaurant. That was a little embarrassing! -Mike Brady ('61) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Marilyn Swan Beddo ('63) Re: Christmas card list Hi Maren; I received this in my email today. Think it could be included in the Sandstorm? Thanks, When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following: A Recovering American soldier c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington,D.C. 20307-5001 -Marilyn Swan Beddo ('63) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Dennis Hammer ('64) Re: Happy 232nd Birthday USMC!!! Especially to Bombers in the Corps. AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2007/Xtra/Any/071110-Hammer-Marine.jpg -Dennis Hammer ('64) ~ USN ('68-'72) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: David Rivers USMC ('65) Re: From the Halls Of Mac and Montezuma... it's that time again a time to remember all the buddies we left behind and all the ones who made it home... all the guys from the Old Corps and all of those in the New Corps... Yeah I know... some a you guys and gals got more time in the... hmmm how do I put it... uuuhhhhhhhhh the way it was always said to me seems a tad inappropriate for the Sandstorm... wait I got it... some of you got more time in the "sandbox" than I got in the whole Corps... yeah yeah heard it all... I asked Maren and Brad ('71) if they had a list of Marines because I really hate to mention one without mentioning all... but I have only a small list that Maren has put together. I would ask tho that for all you others out there... how 'bout sending your name and class (graduation class... I know I know... "I ain't got none... ") to Maren so next November 10th we can wish each and every one of you a Happy Marine Corps Birthday... so to the following, some fallen and some still kicking: Hector Alvarez ('64), Mark Black (RIP '66), Mac Brand ('64... Mac I really miss seeing you), Gary Carlson ('64), Doug Hagen ('65), Jimmy Heidlebaugh (has known Ms. Hoff since Kinnygarten '65), Jim House ('63 Number 32 in your program), Mike Jennings (RIP '64), Kenny Johnson (RIP '65), George Kelly ('64... we joined on the buddy plan then never saw each other again!!!!!!!!!!), Mike Lahrman ('63), Guy Lobdell (RIP '66), Rick Maddy ('67... don't go getting all teary eyed, and write 7 pages in the Sandstorm), Jim Mattis ('68), Bobbie "Tuna" Mattson ('63/'64), Ray Moss ('64), Kerry Pitman ('65), Rick Reed ('49), Gary Setbacken ('64), Jay Seigel ('61), Steve Simpson ('65), Pappy Swan ('59), Brad Wear ('71... I thought he was in '68?), Gary Webb ('64) and to all the other Marines out there, Bombers or not... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES A JOB WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (my Dad had a sign on his house for me when I got home from VietNam that said "Welcome Home a Job well done" That's for you, Pop) -David Rivers USMC ('65) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Betti Avant ('69) Re: Cabela's To: Pappy Swan ('59) and other outdoor enthusiasts Next Friday, November 16th is the grand opening of Cabela's in Lacey, WA, USA. Square footage wise it'll be the 3rd largest in the country. They say the average person will spend at least 3-1/2 hours just looking around the place. They also are estimating 4,000,000 visitors a year to stop in. Here's to the economy of the area. -Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA where everyone is wondering where fall went **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Brad Upton ('74) I think I plugged this date a few weeks ago, but in case I didn't... I'll be headlining at the L.A. Comedy Club (which isn't in L.A.) inside the Palace Station in Las Vegas this coming Monday-Sunday, the 12th-18th. If there are any Bombers that want to experience the OJ robbery sight, come on by! Also, there is a beautiful new club in Kirkland at Totem Lake called Laughs. I'll be headlining there as well from November 22-24th. You read that right, we're doing a show on Thanksgiving night in case you need an excuse to get away from the family. -Brad Upton ('74) ~ (I thought we'd hear from Mike Davis ('74) when the proof was uncovered that there WAS a Sambo's in Richland). **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Christa Moore Kirkendall ('75) Carol Culley, Bomber Mom of Christa Moore Kirkendall ('75), Cindy Moore Wingfield ('76), Cathy Moore Hammer ('80) and Gauin Moore ('82) passed away on October 31, 2007 after a brave fight against ovarian cancer. We will miss our mother more than words can say. She never complained during her illness or through all the treatments she had trying to get better for the last 1-1/2 years. Please pray for a cure for this awful disease. -Christa Moore Kirkendall ('75) ******************************************* ******************************************* 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 ~ 11/11/07 ~ VETERANS' DAY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8 Bombers sent stuff: Shirley Rae Drury ('51), Gus Keeney ('57) Mike Brady ('61), Dave Sowden ('62wb/'63wb) Marilyn Swan ('63), Kathy Hoff ('64) Gary Behymer ('64), Rick Maddy ('67) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bev Coates ('52) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jack Sinderson ('53) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ted Neth ('55) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Don Brackenbush ('63) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Don Eckert ('64) BOMBER ANNIVERSARY Today: Jerry Boyd ('52) & Patsy McGregor ('54wb) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Shirley Rae Drury Crume ('51) Re: Cards for Recovering Soldiers The email requesting cards to recovering servicemen at Walter Reed is fraudulent according to the Snopes newsletter I received today. Here's the link to the article: http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/soldiercards.asp -Shirley Rae Drury Crume ('51) ~ Writing from Kennewick, where it is sunny after rain this morning. Tomorrow's Tri-City Herald (which I deliver to carriers in the early, early morning) purports to weigh over 2 lbs apiece. Poor carriers! At least the bundle droppers get to make two runs of it, carrying first the preprints, then the papers when they come off the press. My route has over 1200 papers. You should see my biceps! **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Gus Keeney ('57) To: All You Marines, Sorry, this one slipped up on me!!! Happy Birthday MARINES on this Veterans' Day weekend. And Happy Veterans Day to the rest of us!!!!! -Gus Keeney ('57) ~ from sunny Yuma, AZ where it is going to be another beautiful week!!!!!! I plan on getting in some Jeep exploring in this week. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Mike Brady ('61) Re: Personal Training With all the talk about weight issues, I would like to offer FREE personal training advice to any Bomber. I recently received my Associate of Science degree in Personal Training. I own a personal training business specializing in training adults 50 years and older. My partner and I train people in their homes or at a small studio in Woodinville, WA. If anyone needs direction on setting up a training program for themselves/family members or just needs a little help with their program, I will be glad to work with them on-line. I can also offer resources and motivation to help with their program. If a Bomber wants to train at home, I can provide a list of equipment at a cost of under $200 that can be purchased at most sporting good stores. If I am overwhelmed by my offer, I promise to get back to you ASAP. -Mike Brady ('61) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Dave Sowden ('62wb/'63wb) To: Dennis Hammer ('64) A hardy thank you for the birthday tribute to our beloved Marine Corps in the Sandstorm on November 10th. I return the salute to my highly respected former Navy friends like yourself, Jim Wodehouse ('62), Larry Holloway ('64) and Patrick McCartney ('63) and to many more to mention. Also a great Veterans' Day to all who have served in any branch where "all gave some and some gave all". Let us not forget our MIAs. Also worth a mention is the fact over 1/4 of our country's homeless are veterans but hey, who cares? Judge Judy is on TV. Go bombers and semper fi -Dave Sowden (whb '62-'63 but left town to join the marines) in Forest City North Carolina, where we are down over 12 inches of rain fall and with no hurricanes or tropical storms in sight it looks like some hard times ahead but like I said, Judge Judy is on TV. Also one of the few looking forward to the coming tax season, being in the preparation business. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Marilyn Swan Beddo ('63) Re: Cards for Recovering Soldiers IMPORTANT NOTE: http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/soldiercards.asp Maren: Got a note from Ann Thompson, aka Anna May Wann ('49) [who said she "tried this last year and the cards came back because there was no name on the card. You almost need someone there to receive the cards and hand deliver them."] Would you mind posting something on the Sandstorm & see if there are any ideas out there? Ann, thanks for that note. Seems sad that something so simple as to add a little cheer to some soldiers' lives has to be complicated by red tape. Wonder if anybody else has an idea of how to get these cards sent through without this glitch? -Marilyn Swan Beddo ('63) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [Read the stuff on that website. Looks like the Red Cross might be willing to help. -Maren] **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Kathy Hoff Conrad ('64) Re: Veterans' Day I would like to thank all of you who have served our great country. You are our true heroes! Welcome Home. God Bless you and the U.S.A. -Kathy Hoff Conrad ('64) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Gary Behymer ('64) Re: Columbian Yearbook Just recently someone was searching for a Columbian yearbook from ????. (What year?) -Gary Behymer ('64) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Rick Maddy ('67) Re: Veterans' Day I hope everyone has a peaceful Veterans' Day. Thank you David Rivers ('65) and Dennis Hammer ('64) for the Marine Corps birthday greetings. Semper Fi to all. My father, a former WWII Marine (RIP), told me I would always salute the uniform, but not necessarily the man wearing it. I salute both with the list provided. A fine list indeed. Some other Bomber Marines would include Phil Collins ('67... who I went in on the buddy system with and, like Rivers said, never saw again), Tim Curd ('67), Paul Dudley ('68) and a couple of honorary Marines. Craig Williamson (NAB) who is married to our Penny Cornelison Williamson ('67) – Craig was a Richland fireman for about 30 years and retired as a Chief Fire Inspector (if that is the correct title for those that figure out how a fire is started). I dragged Craig out of the Bremerton Navy Hospital in 1968 for a weekend of mischief in Bomberville. I introduced Penny to Craig, or was it Craig to Penny, and she decided she wanted this guy for a husband. It was and still is a beautiful thing. One other Bomberette, Penny McAllister D'Abato ('67), who I have known since kindergarten, is married to and been jumping into fighting holes for many years now with a 30 year plus retired Marine 'Top' who had so many stripes on his sleeves they were difficult to count. The mentioning of Sambo's Restaurant by Brad Upton ('74) was sure mouth-watering. If anyone ever takes a hankering for a short stack, you are in luck, but will have to drive to Santa Barbara... http://www.sambosrestaurant.com/ To: Marsha Hopfinger Sork ('67) Wonderful compilation of the classmates, Marsha. I haven't forgotten about you. I'm collecting my laundry quarters and will soon send money for the possible 60th birthday bash and the booklet. It only took me about three years after telling Maren I was sending my Online Sandstorm donation slash dues – I know... I have less than two years before the 60 thing. I'll get right on that. Re: Six Photos AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2007/Xtra/Any/071111-Maddy-00.html Picture #1) I just had some 35mm film processed from my 2 year vacation on Hawaii. The unprocessed film is six years old and I was surprised that I even got one photo back. I had visited the base at Pearl Harbor and photo'ed this building, which I believe is the main office building on base (Admin). The pock marks were made by the Japanese shooting the base up on Dec. 7. The Navy decided to leave them and just paint over them. This photo is six years old. The photo does not give the full picture to how much this building was shot up. An incredible amount of ammo expended by the Japanese pilots. Picture #2) The photo of the Kamikaze, a Japanese Tony single engine bomber, was shot down by my Uncle Howard and the gunnery crews on the aft (back) of the USS Sangamon (20 and 40 mm guns). They had two Kamikazes attack them within a five minute span on May 4, 1945 off the coast of Okinawa. This particular plane sheared off the communication antennae you see hanging (always lowered when attacked) off the side of the ship. The Japanese pilot fired his guns until he hit the water. Tenacious suicide pilots. America has seen these types as recently as... well, almost daily in Iraq. The second Kamikaze, a Japanese Nick, suffering heavy fire from the aircraft carrier and still able to maneuver his aircraft, dropped its bombs and flew the plane into the wooden deck of the ship. Aircraft parts, the pilot and bombs entered the ships ammunition stores below and the ship blew up sending 112 sailors, including my Uncle Howard into the water. 1200 sailors onboard, seventeen die onboard and of the 112 in the water twenty-five are never found. While in the water the sailors were trying to save themselves and help as much as possible anyone that was injured. On the most part, they would stay away from each other so not to be drowning each other in the panic. Somehow they found a rope and several hung on to this lifeline, including my uncle, until they were picked up several hours later. The ship, looking like the fourth of July on May fourth, as my uncle would say, kept under way and actually limped home to Bremerton, WA. My mother, eighteen years old, and her brothers, sisters and parents watched the ship come into Puget Sound as the family lived in Kingston, Bainbridge Island, at the time. My Uncle Howard is 82 years old and lives in Yakima, WA. Picture #3) And for our classmates: The 9th grade photo of Phil Collins ('67) shows that we had thought about the Marine Corps or a long time before jumping in with both feet. Picture #4) Phil and I in Seattle just before leaving for boot camp in Hollywood (MCRD – San Diego). Picture #5) Phil and I at Edson Rifle Range, Camp Pendleton with M14. I do not recall ever firing an M16 at Camp Pendleton, but did take them apart and put them back together a number of times in a classroom, until my arrival in Vietnam. Picture #6) And a photo of me in the old Bremerton Navy Hospital with the 1968 Queen and Princess of Seafair – Seattle. I had just gotten my left elbow fused. May I say again, have a great Veterans Day. A very special day in the hearts of many survivors of war. -Rick Maddy ('67) ******************************************* ******************************************* 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 ~ 11/12/07 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 Bombers sent stuff: Ken Ely ('49), Betty Bell ('51) Norma Loescher ('53), Bill Berlin ('56) Sally Sheeran ('58), John Campbell ('63) Dennis Hammer ('64), David Rivers ('65) Cathy Geier ('66), Fran Teeple ('68) Ken Staley ('68), Brad Upton ('74) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Duane Cross ('79) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Ken Ely ('49) Re: Letters/Packages to Walter Reed Hospital [Sandstorm Editorial Policy: "There is no room for long quotes or verbatim "copying" from outside sources. You may cite website(s) as reference(s)." Here is the Walter Reed Army Medical Center website where you can find all the text that Ken quoted. - Maren] http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/Lists/WRNews/DispForm.aspx?Id=25& -Ken Ely ('49) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Betty Bell Norton ('51) Re: Local Real Estate Agent An older friend of mine has a son in California that wants to move up here to be closer to her. She called me asking if I knew of a local agent. I told her I didn't, but that I knew where to ask! If you know personally of any local real estate agents that you would you would recommend would you let me know? Tell me what you know about them, what you have heard about them, etc. I will give all of the info to her and let them decide. Thanks in advance for your help! Had a great Bazaar yesterday - it must have been good, my feet are still aching! -Betty Bell Norton ('51) ~ in windy Richland **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Norma Loescher Boswell ('53) To: Friends of Jerry Dudley ('53 RIP) Jerry's obituary appeared in the Nov. 11 Tri-City Herald. The family, abiding by Jerry's wishes, will NOT hold a memorial service. Jerry's interests and accomplishments which I didn't know, or forgot to tell you a few days ago, can be read in his obituary. As others who wrote to the Sandstorm confirmed, what a full and rich life he led, and how lucky we are to have been part of it. -Norma Loescher Boswell ('53) ~ in Richland, meditating on life. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Bill Berlin ('56) Re: Vets' Day We took in the Remembrance Day parade in Vancouver, B.C. and it was a dandy. Lots of Pipes and Drums and well as the Canadian Forces Marine (Navy) with their "Cannon Run" team from Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, the Leopard tanks of the B.C. Division's Queens Horse Brigade and lots of stuff. A whole Canadian Legion unit dressed in War I uniforms, both combat and full dress... Red Tunics, Pith Helmets and Blue pants with red stripe. Sharp. Here is the deal on the Cannon Run event. There are only two major Navy bases in Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia and Esquimalt (Victoria), British Columbia. A Cannon Run team consists of (a) a muzzle load cannon, (b) a caisson it rides on, (b) powder and shot box, (c) muzzle ram and (d) 16 sailors. The teams march out and at the sound of a starting pistol, dismantle the wheels from the caisson, the cannon from the caisson mounting bed, remove the powder and shot box and "contain" the muzzle ram. It is up to the team to take all of these pieces across a rope "bridge" over hand to the other side, reassemble the entire cannon assembly, load, tamp and fire the cannon and then disassemble the rig and take it back to the other side and reassemble it completely to finish. It is a timed event and you would be amazed how fast all of this takes place. They are always done at RCMP/Forces Tattoo's or on Navy Day events, one year in Esquimalt and the next in Halifax. Tuck this in your Bomber Useless Information File, but don't miss it if you have a chance to see a competition. Re: Jerry Dudley ('53) Jerry was one of the "big guys" when I was growing up. I took swimming and Red Cross Lifesaving from him and then had to pass the test with Rish. Jerry just had a way with people to build confidence and mine was getting me to dive off the high board. He did it and boy was I amazed at how easy it was. Someone mentioned what a great stroke he had, very powerful, and I agree. It was impressive and a great tool for learning how to power swim, correct breathing and strong kicking. Thanks Jerry. I am still a pretty good swimmer thanks to you. To: Rick Maddy ('67) Many thanks Rick for the pictures. Reminded me when I went to Basic Training for the US Coast Guard. I was fortunate to have learned how to row a boat growing up but all of the guys in my training unit were from Kansas, Nebraska or Iowa and knew nothing as to which end of the oar to hold on to. The better your rowing performance, the less painting or spud peeling you had to do so, as self appointed Bo'sun, I whipped these big Mid-West farm boys into a rowing team that won weekly Admiral's ribbons. I don't think we ever painted rocks and only peeled pots once in the whole time. On a TDY [Temporary Duty] rotation, we had to go to Camp Pendleton and go through some gunnery range work, odd since I think at the time our Weapon's Locker in Juneau consisted of twelve bolt action WW I Enfield's with black painted stocks and chrome works and barrel with frozen actions and a couple of US Army .45 caliber pistols. I digress. I was also a pretty good shot, my Dad said a naturally good eye for shooting, so I did well with the M-1 Garand and M-1 Carbine and loved the BAR. Later the M14 was a piece of cake as long as you kept it extra clean. After the range, an old Marine Gunney came over and said, "...kid, what the hell are you doing in this - - - - - - - Navy? All you have to do is trade Semper P for Semper F and you're in a real outfit..." I snuck out of Camp P and back to USCG Base Juneau and never mentioned it to the Admiral. I did have a great time with the Marines and always have respected them. -Bill Berlin ('56) ~ OK folks, it is November and time to get your Sandstorm dues in. $24 is cheap for all of the stories we get from Pappy, Rivers, Maddy, Jimbeaux, etc. This has got to be a lot of work and 24 bucks seems cheap to me, especially when I have a couple of marine/maritime subscriptions that cost $500 or more, so why not sit down and write that check for $24 (or more) and get it in to Maren before another Hurricane hits and they hold up her mail for a couple of months. Git 'er done!!!! "Bag Man" Bill ('56) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Sally Sheeran Heath ('58) Happy Birthday to Ted Neth ('55). I know it's a sad day, too, thinking of Danny ('57-RIP). Thanks to him and others who gave their lives and to those who have helped and are still helping to make the world a better place... including sister Peg Sheeran Finch ('63) who tended to the wounded warriors while serving as an Air Force nurse at Clark AFB. God bless 'em all - and God bless America. -Sally Sheeran Heath ('58) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: John Campbell (Gold Medal Class of '63) I'm a day late, but I want to wish a big happy birthday to my buddy and classmate Don Brackenbush ('63) on November 11th, one of the few people I know who is older than I am - well, only by a few days. Hope Don, Lila Jenne Brackenbush ('63) and family have a great day. Hmmmm, 63 sounds like a good number. -John Campbell (Gold Medal Class of '63) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Dennis Hammer ('64) Re: Singing Turkey Two or three years ago someone posted a link to the singing turkey video. Well, it has long ceased to work, but the video can now be seen on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd4h5xKLGuE&mode=related&search= -Dennis Hammer ('64) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: David Rivers ('65) Re: I can count... I can I can Ok... normally counting from 10 to 11 does not challenge me greatly... but these darned Monday Holidays to confuse me a tad... The Marine Corps Birthday is on the 10th of November... started way back in 1775 so that's easy for me... Veterans' day is the 11th of November... so far so good... but somehow with Veterans' day being celebrated on the Monday after... well that was just too much for my feeble brain to comprehend... I can't say it any better than the Divine Ms. Hoff ('64) said it on the correct day in the correct Sandstorm... when I saw the Caption on the Sandstorm that read "Veterans' Day" I was shocked and awed... I knew it was wrong... but then it said 11/11... I knew I had blown it... I can't say more than Thank You to all the Many Bomber Veterans out there. Words are not enough to express the gratitude I feel along with all the other Bombers in this world. So to Echo Kathy Hoff: THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! -David Rivers ('65) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Cathy Geier ('66) Hello Everyone, I am adding to the ongoing discussion about west side and eastside. I was raised with you all in a wonderful place and time. I spent most of my adult life in Seattle working and secretly hidden in a small neighborhood which grew up around me.. Wallingford. I left the traffic and school budget cuts for a better life and tumbled in a small town. I have lived in Richland for almost the last one and a half years. I miss trees and the advanced yoga and type of dance I did in the Seattle area. While I have enjoyed the new Bikrams studio and Kia Ora gym and some wonderful part time jobs, I am in process of returning to the west side. Anyone with a nice in town apartment to rent in Bellingham please contact me... I will miss many things from my brief respite here, including seeing unexpectedly people from my youth in line in Safeway or whereever... but it's time to fly again... -Cathy Geier ('66) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Fran Teeple Wolf ('68) Re: Mike Brady ('61) Mike, Count me in! Less is more they say and I'd like my husband to have less of me to love. Beam, I mean... Take me down, Scotty... er, Mike. This sounds like fun. -Fran Teeple Wolf ('68) ~ Spokane, WA It's freezing tonight... 28° at my house. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Ken Staley ('68) Re: Veterans' Day Wishing Jim Mattis ('68) a good Veterans' Day. For those of you who haven't heard, Jim was recently awarded his 4th star by Congress! If you read Thomas Rick's book FIASCO, the last few chapters include a great deal of what this stellar vet was up to in 2004. Now Hollywood is in the act with none other than Harrison Ford playing our General! -Ken Staley ('68) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Brad Upton ('74) Okay Bombers--I got some confirmed dates. I'll be at the Chumash Casino in St. Ynez, CA with Johnny Mathis on February 14th. I am also with Johnny Mathis in Clearwater, FL on March 7th and in Ft. Meyers, FL on March 9th. I believe you can go to www.johnnymathis.com/ and click on the schedule and it'll take you to all the info. Also, if you're into planning waaaay in advance--I'm with the Smothers Brothers on May 30th at the Edmonds Performing Arts Center (already 2/3 sold out) and on May 31st at the Admiral Theater in Bremerton. -Brad Upton ('74) ******************************************* ******************************************* 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 ~ 11/13/07 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9 Bombers sent stuff: Dave Brusie ('51), Marilyn Stewart ('62) Donni Clark ('63), Jim Hamilton ('63) Peg Sheeran ('63), Gary Behymer ('64) Jim Heidlebaugh ('65), Lynn-Marie Hatcher ('68) John Mosley ('71) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Carol Carson ('60) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Marc Franco ('66) BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Sue Dix ('72) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Dave Brusie ('51) To: The Family of Jerry Dudley ('53-RIP) What a wonderful friend we had in Jerry. The Lord has a Great Manager with Jerry joining the ranks. He never let his problems stand in the way of spreading a ray of sunshine. We will all miss him immensely. -Dave Brusie ('51) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Marilyn Stewart Stephenson ('62) Re: Where to send the cards to the wounded [Soldiers] There are two great Troop Support Groups here in the Tri-Cities who have contact with about 7 military Hospitals, plus Medics in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each of the Troop Support Groups have the ability to send cards to wounded men and women in the military. A.C.E.S (American Citizens Encouraging Support) and OTY (Operation Thank You) The phone numbers [have been deleted for privacy. -Maren} A.C.E.S contact Kathy Hoff Conrad ('64) or Marilyn Stewart Stephenson ('62). We have names and address for wounded in most of those hospitals, we have major contact with VA Hospitals in Walla Walla, Portland, Boise, and Seattle. The other Group is OTY (Operation Thank You). OTY is run by Norma Myrick Nunamaker ('54). Her phone number is [deleted for privacy. -Maren]. Each Group would be happy to take your cards and put them in our Christmas Care Packages for the wounded... just give us a call. Thanks, -Marilyn Stewart Stephenson ('62), A.C.E.S. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Donni Clark Dunphy ('63) Hi Bombers! It has been a while since I have checked in. It has been a wonderful summer and fall with lots of time with the grandkids. However my husband and I just got back a couple of weeks ago from a 10 day trip to Pennsylvania and I would like to share a few highlights. We went for a family wedding and decided to make it a mini vacation. We started out in Gettysburg which was just an awe inspiring place to visit. We stayed at a B&B on the Battleground and a highlight of that stay was a history lesson the hour before breakfast. The first morning a lady came in dressed in costume to tell us all about the women's role the days after the battle. She shared a wealth of information about caring for the soldiers, from what they fed them to how they nursed them with limited supplies. The second day a Confederate Soldier showed up in full dress who entertained us with songs from the civil war era, which included his rousing piano playing, solos and a sing along. What fun! It made you want to join up especially when singing "the Union forever, Hurrah boys, hurrah"! We also had a personal tour guide (which I highly recommend) who goes with you in your car for 2 hours out on the Battlefield and takes you through the 3 days of the Battle and the different Battle sites. After Gettysburg we stayed at a Mennonite Farm in Lancaster County. We all (about 20 of us each morning) joined hands for the Johnny Appleseed prayer, which we sang and had so much fun at breakfast just getting to know everyone and listening to stories that it was almost noon before we got out of there for the day. Besides experiencing a Barn Party, a wagon ride and other fun things on the farm, we took a tour with a Mennonite lady of the Amish countryside. Another thing I recommend. This lady who grew up in the area knew the Amish inside and out and told us and showed us all kinds of things we would never know to look for. She gave us a little history on the Amish and the Mennonites and took us to the farms that have cottage businesses. So we indulged in homemade root beer, pretzels, whoopie pies and shoofly pies. This lady use to work for the Aunt Annie pretzel company as a counselor and was also on hand to counsel the families who lost the girls in the Amish tragedy that happened last year. One of the evenings we had dinner in an Amish home with about 25 other people. When the scrumptious dinner was over the Amish couple asked us to sing with them. There were some good singers present because we sounded like a choir (lots of men harmonizing) and there was hardly a dry eye in the house. They sang to us in German also. The next day we spent at Hershey's. If you ever go to PA, don't miss Hershey! What a delightful little town! From the Trolley Ride Tour around town, the Hershey Kisses St. lights to Chocolate World itself it was well worth the time. In fact we could have spent a couple of days there. They also have an amusement park. The story of the town and Mr. Hershey is amazing! On to Philadelphia where we spent the rest of the time in the Birthplace of Freedom! The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross' house, Ben Franklin's first Post Office, Christ Church etc. etc. were all musts! And now...................... Re: Mike Brady's ('61) offer I must tell you that he already has helped me and given me great tips and advise on weight training and what to look for in a trainer. And after all of that food in PA it is back to the exercise for me! Thanks Mike, hope you can help others and I will be checking in with you after I loose a few pounds again! Whew! By the way, I thought I was in pretty good shape. Huh! Be prepared to be sore! But it is a good feeling! God bless all of you once again for your service to our country and as others have said "God Bless America"! -Donni Clark Dunphy (from the Golden class of '63) ~ From the little house in La Mirada where we missed the fires but I am still washing off the soot. The nights are cooler, the days still warm. My Mums did not do well this year. We are getting ready for my husband's Dad's funeral and company from out of town. **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Jim Hamilton ('63) It's almost that time of year again for the Gold Medal Class of '63 Marching, Caroling and Chowder Society's Christmas Party in Olympia. We're gonna call this the 20th annual (it might be the 21st). Mark your calendars for on Saturday the 15th of December. Brother Leo [Webb ('63}] has got us a hall, Plenty's is the same place we've gathered for the last couple of years. We will commence with the Hugging and Kissing at 10:00am, with Ellen [Weihermiller Anderson ('63)] leading the flag salute whenever a majority have one arm free to put over their or someone else's heart. In keeping with tradition, there will be no gift exchange, or Amway power point presentations. As always there will be 100 square grid to guess Frank Whiteside's ('63) excuse to not attend. If you are planning on attending or have any questions, just let me know. -Jimbeaux -Jim Hamilton ('63) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Peg Sheeran Finch ('63) Re: Thanks, Sister Sal Thought I should correct what my sister, Sal Sheeran Heath ('58) wrote in today's Sandstorm ... thanking me for taking care of the soldiers at Clark AB in the Philippines. It was on PEDIATRICS that I worked for those years during the Viet Nam war, and though I could look out the window of the hospital and see the buses bringing the wounded soldiers - still in their uniforms - from the air strip, I wasn't privileged to care for them. I did make visits to a Richland wounded soldier, Max, after being notified by my mom that he was at our hospital. They are our heroes. Sal, her husband, Chuck, and I are meeting in Seattle today, to leave for China with a tour group... Shanghai, Beijing, and a Yangtze River Cruise, among other sites... That is if the expected high winds don't cancel our flight to L.A. They're coming from Wasilla, AK, and I, from Omak, WA. It feels a lot different than going to Europe... I'm more nervous, but excited, too. -Peg Sheeran Finch ('63) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Gary Behymer ('64) Re: Richland veterans initiate renaming effort http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/local/story/9449015p-9360497c.html Re: Gone but not forgotten. Salute! Faces from The Wall Benton County http://www.facesfromthewall.com/ffwbent1.html Franklin County http://www.facesfromthewall.com/ffwfran1.html Walla Walla County http://www.facesfromthewall.com/ffwwall.html Main Page http://www.facesfromthewall.com/ffwwaindex.html Former Sgt. Gary Behymer - U.S. Army (Aug 1968 to Apr 1970) ***** Re: No Sense of Humor? "The whole town lives off of the nuclear industry. They have no sense of humor for jokes about being irradiated. They want the high level nuclear waste dump. There is a little field just outside of town in the desert that always blooms bright green -that is where they dumped radioactive water on the ground half a century ago and now they irrigate to prevent to much radioactive dust blowing - it is a thing of beauty to see as you fly into town. Life there is like an episode of the Twilight Zone. Go bombers. posted by caddis at 5:11 AM on June 7" Spotted on this 'blog'. http://www.metafilter.com/52134/Proud-to-be-a-Bomber -Gary Behymer ('64), **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Jim Heidlebaugh ('65) Re: Marine Corps Birthday [11/10] So, for about a week before, I was marching around with my cut- offs bloused, practicing my salute, then got side-tracked with Gary Behymer's ('64) eclectic Bomber ebay stuff. Anyway, missed the deadline for wishing... Happy Birthday to the "Proud and Few"... some... David Rivers ('65), Craig Davis ('65)... and others, are still celebrating. And, Happy Veterans Day, to you Vets. I thank you for my freedom. -Jim Heidlebaugh ('65) **************************************************************** **************************************************************** >>From: Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68) Re: More of me to "re-une" with! First, thanks to all of you who responded in this forum and to me privately. The consensus is 100% -- "Go, to your 40th reunion - you will have a GREAT time. And no one will care if you are rounder or not! (Besides, it's unlikely you will be the only one that's rounder!)" I was recently trying to explain the death of a cat to our eldest (3.5 year old) grandson. I told him that bodies (cats', dogs', people's) are like cars ... we use them to get around in, we fix them up if they get broken or 'sick', but after a while they wear out so much or get so broken or sick that they can't be fixed any more. So then we get climb out of our bodies -- kind of like climbing out of an broken car that just can't be fixed any more -- and we get new bodies to live in somewhere else. (We are Christian, but we have some other beliefs that co- mingle. This was as close as I could get to making it clear to our little guy.) I realized after I started getting responses that this whole thing really comes down to a matter of trust, that is trusting Bombers at a reunion to be more involved in "reuning" than in judging. Trusting others to have a code that says "I know that the person is the spirit on the inside, not the 'vehicle' carrying that spirit -- i.e. the body." So, thanks to all who reminded me of what I already obviously knew. I was raised not to judge by appearances, and that's how I have lived my life. But like a lot of us who have lived for a while (and some people who are still very young ... I am thinking right now of one of my seriously damaged patients who is only 6 years old - who thinks she is "too ugly to live" because she has to wear glasses and is really skinny. She got this idea from her Dad, by the way. Guess he had a different kind of daughter in mind. Too bad for the jerk about the no-refund policy.), I've been through a painful time or two at the hand of a person or two who was NOT raised the same way -- people who DO judge only by appearances. For example, several months ago I was told by an administrative- type say that I did not dress "Gucci enough" for someone who practices psychiatry. (This partly came as a response to the fact that I gave up wearing makeup as a gift to myself two or three years ago. I HATE putting it on, and it felt good to stop doing it -- so I did.) Anyway we ended up parting ways -- this value system of hers 'slopped over' into all of her attitudes toward everything -- and was just in too much conflict with mine. One other thought -- I am reminded of all the Bombers who have given up these bodies already to go on to newness. Christy Ouren Manolopoulos ('68 - RIP) particularly comes to mind. She and I were not close in high school, but we knew each other. I remember when she died a while back now ... there was a great link to a slide show that her family (probably son, Zorba ('91) put together. It showed Christy from high school to shortly before she died -- it showed her very plump and it showed her downright skinny ... that last photo from not long before her death, I think. I am sure that everyone who liked her, and especially those who loved her, would rather have her at the 40th reunion plump -- even fat! -- and smiling, than be missing her presence, as we will be. So that kind of puts the whole thing into better perspective, I'd say. And now, will Mike Brady ('61) please e-mail me or re-post his e-mail address here. I would be interested in what he has to offer in terms of long-distance re-conditioning for those of us over 50 who have extremely busy schedules, and live too rural to get to a gym! Plump or not, it would be good to be in better condition! Thanks! -Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka ('68) ~ Haven Farm - east of Lewiston - in the beautiful little Cottonwood Cre