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Alumni Sandstorm Archive ~ March, 2006
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Richland Bombers Calendar website
Funeral Notices website
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/01/06
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5 Bombers sent stuff and 2 Bomber funeral notices today:
Betty Hiser ('49), George Swan ('59)
Pete Overdahl ('60}, Marie Ruppert ('63)
Debbie Lukins ('78)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Elwin "Gene" Boyle ('64WB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Anna Durbin ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Patricia Inghram ('72)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Sheri Lukins ('75)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Deana Shipman ('77)
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CORRECTION: I need to correct my "correction" to the entry
from Mary Judd Hinz ('60) in yesterday's Alumni Sandstorm.
Mary's entry arrived and said "Canada goose". I corrected
"Canada" to "Canadian". A Canada goose (Branta canadensis)
is the best known Canadian goose according to:
http://www.nature.ca/notebooks/English/cdngoose.htm
Check out the entry from Pappy. He knows it's a Canada
goose!!! What do I know??
Bomber apologies, Mary. -Maren
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>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
While I was at my sister's in Colorado in December and
January I ran across an article on candy bars. It stated
that from 1919 until 1923 the Moutain Bar was called the Mt.
Tacoma Bar. They changed it to the Mountain Bar in 1923. I
have several postcards that show Mt. Rainier as Mt. Tacoma.
Guess some people on the other side of the hill still call it
Mt. Tacoma. I loved the Mountain Bars that were mint and the
strawberry ones.
I took care of my parents from 1989 until my father passed
away in 1991 and my mother in 1994. I missed out on some of
my pension and Social Security. I think the IRS ought to
allow those of us who took or are taking care of elderly
parents some kind of money, either allowances on our taxes or
some other form of money. I received my pension and it was
less that $500 a month. The only thing that saved me was
that my house was paid for and I only had to worry about the
property taxes and upkeep on the house.
-Betty Hiser Gulley '49er - south/government Richland -
rained again last night.
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Mary Judd Hinz ('60)
Re: Unusual Couple
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Any/060228-Judd-Geese.jpg
Mary,
As a creaky old retired "Fisheries Research Biologist," I am
a long way from being a wildlife expert but... "I shoulda
been a dancer" ... like you. If I had, maybe now I would be a
bit more agile. However, as an avid birdwatcher/hunter and
judging from your picture and description, I suspected that
your mystery goose was a "Snow Goose." Darby and I pulled up
your URL picture and studied it in detail. Then we spread all
of our field guides to the identification of birds over the
living room floor. After extensive research resulting in many
dog-eared pages thoroughly stuck together with Darby drool
and dog cookie crumbs, we concluded that it is most likely a
Snow Goose. Occasionally, domestic geese will take flight and
cruise about but they are usually too heavily bodied to fly
any real distance like a wild goose.
As to whether the Canada Goose and the Snow Goose are just
"friends" enjoying each other's company or would actually
mate, and therefore hybridize, (you know -- get married and
raise a family) is beyond my best guess. We should probably
seek the insight of a Bomber with a background in romantic
literature (or movies).
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where now after
reading your posting over my shoulder, the elves are
discussing the feasibility of coming to your house to
set up a new airline and cruise business to be called
GREAT, "Goose Rides for Elves Around the Tri-Cities."
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>>From: Pete Overdahl ('60}
Re: Proud to be a Bomber
To: All Alumni Richland Bombers
I have read so many articles in the Alumni Sandstorm over the
years written by many interesting people. Tom Tracy ('55),
George "Pappy" Swan ('59), Ray Stein ('64), David Rivers ('65)
to name just a few,
We have such an unique city that brought all of us here from
all parts of the U.S. and even some from abroad. We have some
Historians and great documentation that back up the stories
we read and tell.
Where else would you find students who have graduated from
a school that still repeat their history in a daily website?
Where else do students meet all over the U.S. for Lunches
(some traveling great distances by air or car). Just in the
recent days a Bomber wanted to put a lunch together while
overseas.
So many write of their support for their school by moving
back to Richland and meet for coffee at The Spudnut Shop,
McDonald's and Denney's with their former classmates and
anyone who says they are a Bomber. They talk of their
grade school friends, teachers up through Jr. High and Hi,
then telling their tales of being a Richland Bomber, followed
by their kids, and grandkids that want to follow in the foot
steps of those in the past. The young ones wearing their
Bomber jerseys can't wait to carry on this legacy of ours.
We have had some go to the top as an Athlete, Doctor,
Professor, Scientist, Musician, Military General, Authors
and it doesn't stop with just those.
Each year at our class reunions they return for their 10th,
20th, 30th, 40th & 50th with plans for the next one. Where
else is there a Club 40 to recognize those graduated from
Richland High over 40 years ago?
You can be a thousand miles away and see a Bomber license
plate frame, a Bomber sweatshirt or jacket and feel the warm
feeling that we are everywhere.
I guess my point is this: All of us have special bragging
rights of being a RHS Bomber and what an interesting story
that could be written by some very talented people that we
have amidst this great ALUMNI of the RICHLAND BOMBERS.
-Pete Overdahl ('60}
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>>From: Marie Ruppert Hartman ('63)
Could someone from the class of 1966 please send me info on
their 40th reunion to be held June 23 - 25? I'm trying to
convince my sister, Joanne, to attend it. She's never been to
any and I think she should. I checked the web page and got
the dates, but I need a bit more info. Thanks!
-Marie Ruppert Hartman ('63)
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>>From: Debbie Lukins Lee ('78)
To: Sheri Lukins Collins ('75)
Happy 50th Birthday
With Much Love Your Sis,
-Debbie Lukins Lee ('78)
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Funeral Notice scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
>>Leta Ramerman ('66) ~ 4/27/47 - 2/19/06
>>Joy Stanfield Kesel ('71) ~ 3/8/53 - 1/31/06
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/02/06
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16 Bombers and 1 NAB sent stuff:
Mary Triem ('47), Wally Erickson ('53), Marguerite Groff ('54),
Annette Verellen ('56), Mary Judd ('60), Donni Clark ('63)
Mary Ann Vosse ('63), David Rivers ('65), Linda McKnight ('65)
Bill Wingfield ('67), Pam Ehinger ('67), Doug Ufkes ('68)
Greg Alley ('73), Debbie Lukins ('78), Deanna Lukins ('79)
Tammy Southard ('81WB), Phyllis Geller (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: John Adkins ('62)
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>>From: Mary Triem Mowery ('47)
To; Pete Overdahl ('60)
Well said, young man, well said... and thankyouverymuch!!!!
-Mary Triem Mowery, a '47 Bomber
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>>From: Wally Erickson ('53)
Re: The "old house" on Putnam St.
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2002/Xtra/2002-07-05-Fire.htm
Maren sent me a note:
I believe the picture is from 1944 and the hole
where our house (1205 Perkins) was going to be
built isn't even there yet... only space in the
1200 block of Perkins is that "B" house in the
middle of the block... looks like the Flying "A"
station on Williams/Perkins is there or almost
there... I think stuff like that old "map" are
so interesting.
To: Frank Stratton ('64)
Was Lee Stratton (RIP '55) your brother? You wouldn't
remember the "old house" next door. If you're Lee's brother,
you could ask your older siblings about this "old house".
Lee came from a large family in the "A" house on Putnam. I'm
looking for some support here; Maren needs some convincing.
She can't see the house in the trees.
Looking at the picture you can see there was a lot of
construction going on. The area I'm referring to you can see
there wasn't a street yet, due to construction. The Catholic
Church and Central United Protestant Church weren't built
yet. Is there anyone out there that can help me out. I'm sure
I'm not the only one that remembers this old house on Putnam.
Maren's doing her job, making sure any information we send
in is accurate.
Thanks,
-Wally Erickson ('53) ~ We have clouds and blue skies today
and it's above 50° near Coeur D'Alene
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>>From: Marguerite Groff Tompkins ('54)
This is a request from Dorothy Stamper McGhan ('54). She's
no longer subscribing to the Sandstorm and has asked me to
submit the following request from her daughter, Teri Hirzel
Kessie (Hanford '76). Teri now works at Richland High and
works with the girls dance team. Dorothy's request follows.
"My twin grand-daughters are members of the Richland High
dance team and have been since they were freshmen. They
are currently juniors. The dance team won first, in their
category at Nationals last year. The dance team is in need
of a 25 - 26 foot covered trailer to haul dance props to
California on March 14 -21 to defend their national title.
If anybody has something we can borrow, they can contact
Larry at our number (943-5586)."
Today is a wonderful day in the Tri-Cities. The sun is
shining; the temp is 59. And I had a great time with 4 little
great grandchildren; ages 5, 5, 3, & 2. Fortunately my 16
year old granddaughter was here to chase the 2 little guys.
I'm now here with just the 2 five years old girls. They are
cousins, not sisters, and are such girls!! Being the best of
friends one minute and having a little tiff the next. Like I
said, typical. But, what a pleasure it is for me.
-Marguerite Groff Tompkins ('54)
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>>From: Annette Verellen Parnell ('56)
Re: Community House
I drove by the old community house this morning... sad to see
the continuing demolition of it. They are taking it apart
board by board, saving the long, good lumber it was built
with. What great memories of Hi Spot every Wednesday and
Saturday nights. ('54-'56) The Martins were such great
chaperones. I don't remember many problems and having such
a great time dancing to good music.
Oh for the simple, good old days.
-Annette Verellen Parnell ('56)
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>>From: Mary Judd Hinz ('60)
Re Unusual Couple
To: Maren
You may not know your geese, but you sure know how to run a
great website!
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Thanks for identifying the mystery goose. We were wondering
if it might be a Snow Goose but thought it was too big. When
it comes back, I'll try to get a better picture. If your
elves come over, they can help steady my camera.
-Mary Judd Hinz ('60)
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>>From: Donni Clark Dunphy ('63)
Re: Care Givers
Having been a care giver for the last 6 years off and on I
wish I could say like some of you that I have no regrets, but
I do. I never ever wanted to see my parents go in a home.
Unfortunately I did have to put my Dad in a Board and Care
home the last year as he became unmanageable for me and I
was taking care of my Mom also who was ill with cancer. I let
them stay in their home as long as they could running back
and forth between my own and theirs for 3 years. They refused
to get any other help and being the only child to care for
them I grew very weary trying to take care of both my home
and theirs plus all their physical needs and mine and my own
family. My husband was also caring for his aunt and parents
at the same time. Sometimes I felt like it was never going to
end and that life was never going to be normal again. Through
the process, I came to terms with the fact that that was
normal for then and just a season. Now it is over and I look
back and think I wish I had just enjoyed the time with them
more and been more patient. I finally brought my parents
down to my home from Visalia to La Mirada. Even though I was
willing and wanted to keep them with me they wanted to be in
their own home. This was the hard part for me because they
could not live alone and I could no longer leave my family
and take care of them in their home. We had many struggles
over this. I share these things because I loved my parents
very much and know that many of you have and will face the
same issues I had. I can share more with anyone who needs
some advice or help in dealing with some of these issues. I
want to say one thing. Please make sure that if you get Power
of Attorney that you get it over their mental as well as
physical needs. I can't tell you what I went through with my
Dad and because my parents did have this in their paperwork,
it made all the difference. It saved my Dad from being in
a locked facility. I was able to place my Dad a few minutes
from my home. I was with him when he died and kept my Mom
with me until she died. Hospice came in the last 4 days and
they were a blessing. I do not regret that I did all I could
for them and kept my Mom with me till she died. I am so glad
they were not in the hospital.
-Donni Clark Dunphy (golden class of '63) ~ Where the ground
is wet from our last storm. We had a beautiful orange
sherbet sunset tonight and another storm is on is way.
Hey, it is chilly in L.A.!
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>>From: Mary Ann Vosse Hirst ('63)
Re: Canada Geese and Domestic Geese
To: Mary Judd Hinz ('60)
In our housing area at the beach on the Long Beach Peninsula,
we have two man-made lakes/canals that run the length of
the community. They are very narrow in some places - narrow
enough to spit across almost. However, they abound with
wildlife - otters, mallards, buffleheads, geese, herons.
The larger of the two "lakes" is home to large numbers of
Western Canada geese, and a few of the smaller Canada geese
(Aleutian, Cackling). We see them on our walks across the
bridges to get to the beach. One of the homeowners here owns
a big white domestic goose (he/she doesn't have the black
tail feather of a snow goose). He/she joins up with a paired-
off goose couple every year, swims around with them, and
actually helps corral all the kiddies when they hatch and
learn to travel the waters - and Mom and Dad don't mind the
intrusion at all. When the goslings are hatched, the adults
lose their flying feathers until the goslings are able to
start flying (mother nature's protection of the little ones?
Mom and Dad are always there), so I always think that this
big white goose is thrilled to have buddies to swim with for
those few months.
-Mary Ann Vosse Hirst ('63) ~ at the beach, looking at some
pretty rough waves today
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>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: '65ers Unite JUNE 23-25
Here it is March already so I'd better get my little rear
end in gear... time to make plans for the gathering of the
'65ers... I would say Gathering of the Geezers but that name
was taken by the California Hot Rod Reunion... which I attend
every year... I just noticed that while I was sick (as if
I'm well... had this head/chest thing since the weekend
of February 13th) I missed Katie and Diana Powell's ('02)
birthday and Ann Coffman's ('66) birthday on the 20th... oh
woe is me....sorry kids... honest... so... anyway, I noticed
that Marie Ruppert ('63) is trying to convince her sis Joanne
('66) to go to the '66 reunion which is being held when the
'65ers will be in town... so we know that I will arrive on
Thursday and meet the boyz at the DQ for a little cars and
fun... Friday is always a day on the river (Werner ('65)
that's your que) with dinner at the place that used to be
some kind of Amigos or something... maybe Margaritas...
anyway ya can't miss it... over by where Peter Joe Carrol's
('65) mom now lives (not the old house another one) in the
downtown... then Saturday the car show and we need a place to
have a party otherwise we'll have to go to '66's reunion and
make fools of ourselves... hope somebody who reads this will
give a call to everyone they know that doesn't because with
stamps at 37 cents it's getting pretty expensive to do the
yearly mailings... yes I will do a mailing later on but come
on... this is a group thing... I expect all of the "Sorry
Seven" to be there and all the rest, too... the "Sorry 7" is
only called the "Sorry 7" because we could only get 7 of us
to stand still long enough for the "we were all born in a
Kadlec" picture... 'cept of course Keeney ('65) who was born
in Idaho and Heidlebaugh ('65) who finally confessed last
year he was born someplace else... I didn't listen to where
because I now know he's just a big fat liar and why should I
believe anything he says now since he let us all believe he
was a Richland baby all these years only to find out he's
just a big fat liar... did I say that already? So... here's
the deal... we gotta get the word out... we gotta make sure
Werner and cousin Tony have the boat ready... we gotta make
the reservation at the restaurant (Simpson '(65))... we gotta
see who wants to have a party (Carl ('65) or Lyman ('65))...
then we gotta see if we can start having breakfast over at
Brian's ('65) again... or was he just pretending to be away
for the last 10-15 years on sports trips with his kids and he
really doesn't like us any more cuz there are so many big fat
liars in our class... so... that's it for now... I'll keep
you posted on what's going on... hope there are more kids
than just me and that big fat liar Heidlebaugh that show up
this year...
-David Rivers ('65)
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>>From: Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
Dear Maren - I hope you have recovered from Mardi Gras,
and so have your little chicks, (daughter, son-in-law and
grandbabies).
I wish to vote for Pete Overdahl's ('60) entry yesterday
to be included on the Alumni Sandstorm website in the
"Highlights" section. His words brought tears to my eyes,
and he said it all. It is great being a Richland Bomber.
Bomber Cheers,
-Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
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>>From: Bill Wingfield (Blue Ribbon Class of '67)
Re: "Marley & Me, my life with the worlds worst dog"
book by John Grogan
I'm not a big reader of books, but I do love a good one, so
when I read the many entries in the Sandstorm praising the
book, I had to buy it. I laughed out loud while reading it,
and then I cried my eyes out. It was an awesome book. My 17
year old niece Kelley McCallum Hanford ('06) wanted to
read it when I finished it, so I just mailed it to her on
Saturday. Sorry, Donny Andrews ('67), I know you wanted to
read it too, you'll have to get your own, or beg Kelley to
give it to you.
My sister, Jan Wingfield McCallum ('68), called last night to
say Kelley just finished the book. I was afraid that Kelley
would think her Uncle was an old cry baby. Jan said Kelley
cried her eyes out. We wondered out loud how she could have
finished the book so fast. Jan asked her if she went to
school today. :-) Kelley said she did, but had to take the
book with her, cause she couldn't put it down.
Headed off tomorrow to Santa Fe, NM to spend the week end
with my bride
-Bill Wingfield (Blue Ribbon Class of '67) ~ Augusta, GA
where it's suppose to be 75° today. The tennis courts
are calling my name. Only 1 month till Masters, Dave.
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>>From: Pam Ehinger (Blue Ribbon class of '67)
My Deepest Sympathy goes out to Woody Kesel ('67) and his
family. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
-Pam Ehinger (Christ the King, The Blue Ribbon class of '67)
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>>From: Doug Ufkes ('68)
Re: March 12th
This is to remind anyone interested that the Bombers in
Arizona are having an all class reunion on Sunday March 12,
2006 at 12:00 noon, in the Harvest Buffet at the Harrah's Ak
Chin Casino at 15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa, Arizona 85239.
The Harrah's web site has a mapping program that will give
you directions right from your front door.
There are Bombers coming from Yuma, the Wilcox area, all
around Tucson and Phoenix. There is even a couple coming
from Sacramento for this event.
As of right now I have 35 RHS Bombers who have told me they
would be there-----35!!!!!!!
I also have 13 Bombers who are still hoping to work it out
with their busy schedules like friends visiting and stuff
like that.
I have made the reservations with the Harvest Buffet, this
reservation got updated to 34 last week and by March 10th I
need a final count of attendees from y'all. So could all of
you please re-confirm or confirm by that date. It really
looks like there is going to be a great turn-out for this
reunion.
I have not heard anything from the following Bombers, so
if any of you know how to get in touch with these folks
please do so and invite them.
Vicki Smith Adkins – 1963
Jerry and Patsy McGregor Boyd – 1952-1954
Dan Dobbin – 1967
Jim Gibson – 1954
Mike Hultman – 1972
Tom Hunt – 1960
John Kenitzer – 1971
Gary Setbacken – 1964
Jim Walton – 1960
Iva Edens Douglas – 1954
Spencer Hinson – 1956 – the S. Hinson in the phone book
was not Spencer.
Everyone else on my list has been notified and are either
coming, not coming, or still working out their schedules.
Here is my problem, I have everyone in a group in my e-mail
address book, some people have filters in the e-mail do-
hickey which will stop e-mail that is addressed to multiple
recipients. Therefore it is important that I hear from you
all ASAP so I will know that my e-mail has gotten through
because those filters do not sent me a message back saying
the mail was undeliverable.
I have 69 Bombers on my master list who live in Arizona
either all the time or part of the time. I have been able to
get in touch with all of them except for the 11 listed above.
I guess that is about all I have for now, looking forward to
hearing from you and seeing you soon.
-Doug Ufkes ('68)
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>>From: Greg Alley ('73)
Re:Bomber hoops
I attended the Bomber games at Art Dawald gym last night. The
girls were blown away and the boys lost in a close one 52-49,
both to Gonzaga Prep. It was the final game in the big gym as
we know it, it will be renovated and games will be played at
the newer Hanford gym next year. I took a walk on that hard
floor for the last time after the game and I hope for all
players in the future that a new floor with spring in it is
installed. Former NBA great John Stockton was there watching
his two sons play. He must have been a proud father as his
son Houston Stockton made a big 3 point play with about 40
seconds to play in the game.
Re: Drug Stores Herald article aboutWalgreens
Some of you may have heard about a new Walgreens drug store
coming to Richland. But the question is why. I am hoping
Malley's and Densow's stay in business as there is going to
be enough pharmacies in town for a very large city. So that
makes Malley`s, Densow's, 2 Rite Aids (one across the street
from this new store), and Albertson's, Safeway, and Wal*Mart,
and others nearby. I guess the world needs a lot of drugs.
-Greg Alley ('73) ~ Richland - It's March and Spring is
close. It's still cold in the morning but here
comes some sunny afternoons.
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>>From: Debbie Lukins Lee ('78)
Re: Sherill Lukins Lee ('75)
To: The Brunette
It was all the Redhead's idea.
Happy Birthday!
Love,
The Blonde
(It was actually Ruth and Eric's idea)
-Debbie Lukins Lee ('78)
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>>From: Deanna Lukins Wingart ('79)
Re: Sheri Lukins Birthday ('75) notice yesterday (3/1)
Ok, so it was a mean joke (funny but mean). She did not turn
50... only a mere 49 and it wasn't from her sis Deb ('78),
it was from her sis Deanna ('79), the mean spirited red-head.
Love Ya Both regardless how much older you are (lol)
-Deanna Lukins Wingart ('79)
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From the new ALL Bomber Alumni GuestBook.
From: Tammy Southard Holt ('81WB)
POSTED: Wednesday 03/01/2006 3:14:43pm
COMMENTS: just taking a trip down memory lane
-Tammy Southard Holt ('81WB)
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>>From: Phyllis Geller (NAB) ~ macuisle@humboldt1.com
Am tracking my second Cousin Bob Wright who was my mom
JEANNE MORRIS's first cousin... tHe was the actor in the
KENT cigarette commercials...he may have gone to your school.
He has probably been dead for 40 years. Anyone? Help? Thanks
and God Bless
-Phyllis Geller (NAB)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/03/06
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7 Bombers sent stuff and 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
Phil Gant ('54), George Swan ('59), Helen Cross ('62)
Carol Converse ('64), Frank Stratton ('64), Cathy Geier ('66)
Rick Maddy ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Monique Mangold ('80)
BOMBER ANNIVERSARY Today:
Jon Boisoneau ('67 & Vicki Gill ('68)
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>>From: Phil Gant ('54)
Re: "the old house" on Putnam
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2002/Xtra/2002-07-05-Fire.htm
[Click on the "map"/picture to get a larger view]
To: Wally Erickson ('53)
Yes Wally, I remember the "old house" you are referring to.
We lived just around the corner at 1016 McPherson and we kids
used to play around the house. We thought it was haunted! I
cannot remember it being occupied when we moved to McPherson
in 1945 and as I recall it was torn down within the next year
or two.
I think is the clump of trees furtherest to the lower right.
McPherson hadn't gone all the way through to Swift Blvd. at
the time the pic was taken. At the time the 'old house' sat
on a small knoll - basically at the corner of Putnam and
McPherson. Putnam ran perpendicular to McPherson and on the
right hand side of the clump of trees - again the ones
furtherest to the lower right. That is my recollection
anyway.
["Right side"?? Is that when you are facing East or West?
Is the clump of trees on the SE corner of Putnam & McPherson?
Did Putnam eventually go right through the north side of the
clump of trees? -Maren]
-Phil Gant ('54)
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Pete Overdahl ('60)
Re: Proud to be a Bomber
Pete -- I too, would like to say, "Well said and well
written!" You certainly captured what wearing the title of
"RHS Bomber" is all about. I had fully intended to applaud
your posting yesterday but I was tied up all day long writing
a declaration for a young Marine friend who is dealing with
some problems. Yes, there is a serious side to ol' Pappy.
However, nowadays I much prefer to deal with the lighter
side of life. Hope to see you again my friend at the Club 40
meeting on Saturday, March 11.
Speaking of the "lighter side"
I guess this is about as good a time as any to mention that
after two years of writing a last page column called "Pappy's
Parting Shots" for the Tri-Cities Shooting Association's
(TCSA) monthly newsletter, "The Rattlesnake Ranger," I have
finally compiled all of the articles into one Word document
file. Currently, it spans about 75 pages when printed in
a font size that these old eyes can readily decipher. The
articles cover a wide range of outdoor activities (shooting,
hunting, camping, dogs, etc.). Far from literary masterpieces,
the articles are written in a down to earth tone with the
intention of presenting some campfire type yarns and some
"how to" punctuated occasionally with Pappy's "outback thar"
brand of attempts at humor. I enjoy writing them and feel
that I have achieved my main goal when I hear my readers
laugh out loud. Sandstorm readers may very well recognize
an occasional theme as I sometimes try something out on the
Bombers prior to finishing a shooting club article. A couple
of examples would be: Pappy's outdoor methods for dealing
with bugs and Pappy's Theory of Relativity (coping with the
frustrations of teaching relatives to be outdoors folk). If
any Bombers are interested in receiving the file, send me
an e-mail with some statement in the subject line that
identifies you as a Bomber and class year and requesting
Pappy's PPS articles. After a couple of computer crashes from
viruses, if I cannot ID the writer -- I don't open it and it
vaporizes into SCS (Spam Cyberspace).
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where today (and
yesterday) -- The sun, also shines!
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
Happy Birthday to fellow best classmate, John Adkins ('62)!!
Hope you had a happy time, happy time, hope you had a happy
time, Dodge (do they still make them?) had a good time too.
Sorry this greeting will be a day late.
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ back here in West Harrison, Indiana
in the house by the little lake where the wind chill is
suppose to get down to 20 after some lovely almost 60°
days. Winter isn't quite gone yet. To think just over a
week ago I was walking beside the lovely Columbia River
in Lewis and Clark country, better known as Bomber land.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Carol Converse Maurer ('64)
To: Pete Overdahl ('60)
Thank you so much for your article about our school and the
kids. I e-mailed it to most of my 'address book' people to
let them know exactly how it was. So hard sometimes trying to
tell them - I thought this was the perfect time for them to
read and understand.
Thanks again.
-Carol Converse Maurer (Boomer Bomber Class of 64) ~ Eureka, CA
where we have had rain and wind again, with sun
appearing ever so often.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Frank Stratton ('64)
To: Wally Erickson ('53)
You asked if a Lee Stratton was related, no he was not. I
have a younger sister named Dorothy. and my parents Monty &
Laura Stratton who are still going strong. (and I do mean
mentally & physically!)
-Frank Stratton ('64)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Cathy Geier ('66)
Hello Everybody,
I am glad someone mentioned the old Community Center. I feel
a strong sense of nostalgia when I drive by watching it
coming down. I remember learning square dance Friday nights
when I was in 5th or 6th grade. Anyone else?
I am still looking for a small light apartment with a flower/
vegetable garden to work for Spring/Summer in Richland. I bet
someone has one... not one of those big complexes please!
-Cathy Geier ('66)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Rick Maddy ('67)
I will repeat what classmate and friend, Pam Ehinger ('67),
said yesterday about a childhood friend and classmate on the
loss of his wife -- My Deepest Sympathy goes out to Woody
Kesel ('67) and his family. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
-Rick Maddy ('67)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: ANON
Why do I have the feeling "someone" [David Rivers ('65)]
actually has his secretary do the mailing?
"... hope somebody who reads this will give a
call to everyone they know that doesn't because
with stamps at 37 cents it's getting pretty
expensive to do the yearly mailings... yes I
will do a mailing later on but come on... this
is a group thing..."
-ANON
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
Funeral Notice scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
>>Kurt Crownover ('66) ~ 1948 - 7/26/05
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/04/06 ~ IDITAROD TIME AGAIN
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 Bombers sent stuff:
Anna May Wann ('49), Betty Hiser ('49)
Jim Jensen ('50), Doreen Hallenbeck ('51)
Wally Erickson ('53), Phil Gant ('54)
Lois Weyerts ('56), Burt Pierard ('59)
Helen Cross ('62), Dave Fowler ('76)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
IDITAROD XXXIV: -- 83 Mushers this year.
Websites: Official Iditarod Site Cabela's Iditarod Site
Ceremonial Start today -- Anchorage - 10am (AK time)
Restart tomorrow (3/5) -- Willow - 2pm (AK time)
My favorite, Martin Buser, finished 1st in '02 and 4th
in '03, 11th in '04, and last year (with a recently amputated
finger) he finished 13th.
A story told at the 2005 post-race banquet:
Martin Buser told about a moment at Rohn checkpoint when
his recently amputated right middle finger was swollen and
painful. He asked a race veterinarian to cut some dead skin
and nerve endings off, only to hear another musher, Rick
Swenson's gravelly voice bark out, "Why don't you take the
other two off!" Offended, Buser shot back that he was already
hurting enough, thanks. As he looked in Swenson's direction,
though, he realized his competitor was talking to one of his
dogs, who had managed to pull two of its booties off. The
pair burst out laughing.
Martin has 2 Bomber neighbors in Big Lake, AK:
Maggie Gilstrap O'Hara ('74) & family and
Vickie Andersen Simmons ('67) & family.
The winner usually crosses the finish line in around 10
days... Stay tuned....
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ruth Patty ('56)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Vicki Gill ('68)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Nancy Bishop ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim Wingfield ('71)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Ann Thompson, aka Anna May Wann ('49)
Re: Rish
Just thought I would let you know that I cut out all of the
wonderful memories that many of you had on Rish and I have
made them into a notebook that I will be sending on to Betty
and family, as another reminder how much Rish was loved
and respected by his students. I also included some of the
pictures that Don Sorenson (NAB) posted of practice in 1951.
I know it has meant a lot to me when Mel’s football players
and students have taken the time to stop by and tell me how
much Mel meant to them as a coach, teacher and human being. I
am sure this will have a lasting effect on the Rish family.
Re: Request
I also received in the mail a request from Craig Black for
the following:
"I would like to purchase a Class of '55 Memory Book and
Class of '55 picture.
Would also like to purchase Class of '54 Memory Book and
picture if available.
Would you know if an original or copy of the 1954 Columbia
could be purchased."
I do not know what class Craig belongs to, but I will e-mail
him that I posted this information.
If any of you can help, let me know and I will give you his
e-mail and snail mail addresses.
We actually had sunshine today!!!!!!! – So different – almost
had to put on sun glasses.
-Ann Thompson, aka Anna May Wann ('49) ~ "Sunny" Bothell, WA
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
The old Rec Hall - How sad!!! I spent many an hour in that
old Rec Hall. My mother smoked and we used to go to the Rec
Hall so she could buy a pack of cigarettes. You usually had
to wait 30 to 45 minutes in line just to buy one pack of
cigarettes. Took lots of classes in that building - one on
crocheting and I still can't crochet. We used to go through
the Rec Hall after a game - don't know why - guess just to
burn off some of that energy. Wished I had some of that now.
More and more of our Bombers are passing away? Have you told
your children that you love them, gone to visit a Bomber in
the hospital, nursing home, just called them to see how they
are? Gone to visit them? I don't get around much anymore but
I do run into some of the Bombers at the Senior Citizens and
where else but the grocery store.
-Betty Hiser Gulley '49er - south/government Richland -
beautiful today - the sun is shining.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: The Stratton Gang
The last few days Bombers have posted items concerning
various Strattons. Frank Stratton ('64) appears to be the
knowledgeable one. Frank are you related to Mel Stratton
('49)? During his RHS years he could always be seen with
a huge smile... always willing to stop and chat about the
things of the day. He also worked at one of the grocery
stores (Campbell's?)... must have been in a management
program because he always wore a long-sleeved white shirt
and tie. He had a warm, out-going personality.
Bomber cheers,
-Jim Jensen ('50)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Doreen Hallenbeck Waldkoetter ('51)
Re: Addresses Please
We're unable to contact some of our classmates from 1951
because of missing or incorrect addresses: Among the missing
are:
Phil Belcher, Leslie Blackwell, Ray Burress, Bob Clancy,
Murray Duncan, Joan Eckert, Bob Flake, George Hammons,
Lou Ann Lee, Bill McCue, Richard Meyer, Leon Stevens,
Gretchen Volmer
If anyone has either an e-mail address or snail-mail address,
please send it to me.
Thanks
-Doreen Hallenbeck Waldkoetter ('51)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Wally Erickson ('53)
To: Phil Gant ('54)
Re: The "old house" on Putnam St.
alumnisandstorm.com/htm2002/Xtra/2002-07-05-Fire.htm
Thanks Phil for your input. You could be right about the
small clump of trees (further down). Putnam wasn't very far
from Williams Blvd., that's why I thought it might be the
large clump of trees. I do remember trees surrounding the
old house. Answering Maren's question about which corner the
house was on; it was on the northeast corner of Putnam &
McPherson. Like Phil mentioned, the house was torn down
shortly after the summer of 1945. The contractors might have
used the house for headquarters during construction. Putnam
went all the way east to Long St. Long St. went from Stevens
Drive going south past Swift Blvd. and curved by Columbia
High School into Thayer Drive. That should be confusing
enough!!!!! The Catholic Church and United Protestant Church
were on Stevens Drive. Thanks again, Phil.
I remember your family living on McPherson behind Ann
Clatworthy ('54). Please greet your brother Charlie ('53)
for me. We missed Charlie at our 50th class reunion. Tell
him he was missed!
To: Frank Stratton ('64)
Thanks for getting back. I wasn't sure there was more than
one Stratton in the area. Thanks to Phil Gant ('54), we
finally have some confirmation on the "old house". Thanks
again.
-Wally Erickson ('53) ~ We got sunny skies and some clouds
today near Coeur D'Alene, ID
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Phil Gant ('54)
Re: "Old House"
alumnisandstorm.com/htm2002/Xtra/2002-07-05-Fire.htm
To: Maren
As I said in a separate e-mail to you, Maren, my recollection
is more than 60 years old. So please don't hold me to it!
*LOL* But as I recall - help here Wally Erickson ('53) -
looking at the picture and referring to the 'furtherest lower
right' you would be looking approx. southeast. The clump of
trees where I think the house was would be on the northeast
corner of Putnam & McPherson. Putnam therefore was on the
south side of the clump of trees.
-Phil Gant ('54)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56)
Re: Information on class of '56 classmates
Our 50th Reunion will soon be here and we still have some
missing classmates. If you have information on any of the
missing classmates listed, please email your information to
me at the above email address. I've also included those we've
found and those who have died since our last reunion. Thanks
for any help.
Update on classmates we've found, those who have died, and
those we have yet to find.
Found classmates are: Glenda Allen Cook, Marvin Eichorn,
Ben Hodges, John Lindblom, James Nicholls, Arlene Snyder,
Don Sowell, Lloyd Moore, and Gloria Willet Green.
Those who have died: Duane Allred, Reuben Edens,
Mary Kliebenstein Warren, Helene Roddy, James McCartney,
and LaVern Coye.
Those yet to find: Joann Beatty, Clara Bolin Toss, Judy
Collins Phillips, Paul Cox, Carleton Craven, Jean Eaton
Gladwell, James Green, Laurli Griffin Coughren, Carol Groves
Nielson, Wanda Hamilton Harding, Ronald Jackson, Charles
Johnson, Caroline Kirk, Marlana Little, Alvin Maruca, Jack
Mattson, Dan MacKenzie, Linda Reitzel Swarm, Elnoramae
Roestel Richardson, David Lynn and Frances Sims Rowe, Dick
Sievers, Dale Stone, Bernice Valdez Roberts, and David L.
Wagster.
-Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56) ~ in sunny Richland where the
days are beginning to give us a hint of spring. Yea!
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*******************************************************
>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
To: Phil Gant ('54), Wally Erickson ('53) & Maren
Re: "the old house" on Putnam
alumnisandstorm.com/htm2002/Xtra/2002-07-05-Fire.htm
I don't remember any house on the lot in question - we kids
didn't start our explorations into the area until 1946 or
1947 and as Phil mentioned, the "haunted house" was torn
down rather early in the life of Richland. We kids (of the
Thayer/Rochefontaine area) simply referred to the lot as
"the Big Trees" (a great place to play where one could climb
& hide to their heart's content). The lot was definitely the
NE corner of Putnam & McPherson (the "Big Trees" in Maren's
pic). McPherson went where the dirt road is in the pic &
extended straight south from the tree corner to Swift. Putnam
came across (E-W) on the south side of the tree corner. In
the pic, notice that some trees had already been removed to
make room for the streets, even forming somewhat of a SW
corner point for McPherson & Putnam.
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
Re: Cathy Geier ('66)
I hate the thought of the old community center coming down. I
too remember learning to square dance there but it was before
you were learning.
Are you looking for an apartment to rent, or a garden to
work, or both? Surely there must be one of any category. I
looked at the apartments by the river, but didn't look at
the gardens there. Are there any victory gardens in the
Tri-Cities?
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ in the house by the little lake,
where it is still sort of sunny and sort of cold at 43°
Where I saw green sprouts coming up through the dead stuff.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Fishing
At last the days are growing longer and the temperature is
slowly moving towards 60°. Oh the thought of another fishing
season. Those warmer days and colder nights. The smell is in
the air, a certain smell or crispness of a sunny morning.
I watch another sun rising and the sounds come quickly.
The sounds and smell fill my mind of Wellision pond, at the
bottom of Carmichael Hill. The kids laughter, fathers serious
and I with my line in the water, the promise of the future
and certain tug on the pole. Could it be the big one! Oh yes,
and with that same anticipation, same zeal I will launch my
boat. My father-in-law, an 87 year old Australian will say
"Good-day Mate, shall we introduce ourselves to the gents."
I'll say "Yes, it truly is a wonderful morning, Doug".
Slowly, the bow will cut the night. Sitting on the bow,
watching the sun part the dawn. I remember, Wellision pound.
Wellision pound, a place where parents were not required.
A time when children would get up before dawn to make the
annual trek. Fish were lurking, and we all awaited the
magical moment for the season to "legally" open. Oh those
moments, I remember, sort of.
Please share with me your memories of the place we use to
call "Wellision". Where did it get its name?
Thank You
-Dave Fowler ('76)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/05/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
11 Bombers sent stuff and 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
Betty Hiser ('49), Barb Powell ('58), Missy Keeney ('59)
Jan Bollinger ('60), Bill Scott ('64), John Bixler ('64)
Kathy Hoff ('64), Linda Reining ('64), Ronna Jo Lynch ('65)
Mike Davis ('74), Susan Lundgren ('82)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
Frank Stratton ('64): Was your father Monte Stratton and did
he work for Peters Cartridge/Remington Arms/E.I. duPont in
Kings Mills, Ohio? My dad worked there and we came out here
to Richland after duPont closed the plant at Kings? I never
met Monte but talked to him quite frequently at work (he
apparently worked for Power in the 200 Areas and I worked
in Power at 100-B Area). Just curious.
Betty Hiser Gulley '49er - south/government Richland - the
sun is shining - HOORAY!
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Barb Powell Beaudry ('58)
Re: The "old house" on Putnam St.
alumnisandstorm.com/htm2002/Xtra/2002-07-05-Fire.htm
As far as the old house goes, it was right next to the
Stratton house on the corner of Putnam and McPherson and was
there when we moved to Marshall in 1944. The house was torn
down and a large two story home was built there. I don't
remember what part of the alphabet it was, but one of the
teachers lived there that taught perhaps math or commercial
and his name was Newton Morris. They lived there as long as I
remember. The Strattons were Mel ('49), Lee ('55-RIP), Carl ('58),
Ronnie ('60), Donnie ('60-RIP), and Sharon. There were also
two or three older ones that I don't remember.
Re: "Marley and Me" [a book)
After reading all of the stories on "Marley and Me", I made a
special look and see at their book section while at Costco
and bought it for our granddaughter who is 14 and an avid
reader. They were not home when I dropped it by, but am
anxious for her to read it and will let you know her
reaction. Just the cover of the book would make you want to
read it. We have an 8 year old lab (found in the bushes where
he had been dumped) and Ollie is a Tibetan Spaniel that we
rescued from the shelter a year ago after vowing not to get
any more dogs after losing our last which was a German
Shepard. Lab is 80 pounds, Ollie 20 pounds, but they are best
of friends and great travelers.
Re: AZ Bomber lunch
We are in Arizona looking forward to the AZ Bomber luncheon
the 12th of this month. Still no rain and has been close to
the 80s most days and great golfing weather. We had dinner
with Carolyn Brown Hebert ('58), Bob Hebert ('57), Sharon
Brown Johnson and husband the other evening. They are here
for a month and look forward to seeing Marolyn Brown Whitin
and husband Jerry Whitin the end of this month. Lots of good
Richland memories covered.
-Barb Powell Beaudry ('58)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Missy Keeney ('59)
Re: Keeney
To: David Rivers ('65)
"Keeney," as in Jack Keeney ('65), was born in Charleston,
WV.
Patty, Patricia ('63) was the only Keeney Kid born at Kadlec.
-Missy Keeney ('59) ~ Richland, WA (proud to be a West
Virginian)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Jan Bollinger Persons ('60)
Re: '60's Lunch - Richland
What a great bunch of Bomber friends we got to spend time
with today! Lunch was at 11:30, but we didn't say our last
good-byes until 4:00. We drove back to Spokane with the warm
feeling of having shared many memories and much laughter with
some special people. We had arrived on Friday to attend to
the solemn business of making arrangements at the cemetery
for the placement of my mother's and my sister's cremated
ashes; knowing that we would end the trip on a happy note
with fellow Bombers made that task much easier. During lunch,
we heard of so many alumni activities going on this weekend
and next week . . . made us wish we could hang around a lot
longer!
To: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Wellsian Pond
I have no first-hand memories to contribute but want to thank
you for sharing yours, that were so beautifully stated. It
looked like prose, but seemed like poetry. (Are you any
relation to Pappy Swan?)
-Jan Bollinger Persons ('60) ~ Spokane, where the State B and
WCC tournaments are in full swing. Go Zags!
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Bill Scott ('64)
Re: the destruction of the old community center
No tears here; it was long overdue. I do have a few memories
of that building - boy scout meetings where I learned to
engrave on sheets of copper, weekend rock and roll dances
featuring some high school student band wearing red blazers,
the all-night bowl-all-you-want graduation party for the
class of '64, including the bingo session with prizes donated
by local merchants, at which the "popular" kids somehow won
all the good prizes, as if whatever cosmic force enabled them
to be on top through the high school years persisted right
to the end. Seriously, that old WWII-era rattletrap was an
embarrassment, and I say good riddance. I hope Richland can
now come up with the community center it should have.
-Bill Scott ('64)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: John Bixler ('64)
Re: The "old house" on Putnam St.
alumnisandstorm.com/htm2002/Xtra/2002-07-05-Fire.htm
We lived on the east side of McPherson just north of Putnam
until 1948. The Stratton kids on Putnam were Mel ('49),
Norma ('52) (use to baby sit me and my brother), Ronny ('60),
and Donny ('60-RIP). My mom does remember the clump of trees
but does not remember a house there. But that was 60 years ago.
-John Bixler ('64)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Kathy Hoff Conrad ('64)
Jennifer Maiuri Davis ('86) is battling Synovial Sarcoma, a
rare from of cancer. Jennifer is a teacher and has taught
at Jefferson Elementary School in Richland for 13 years.
Jennifer and her husband, Keith "Jumbo" Davis ('82) have
two little boys, Zak 6 and Jake 2.
Friends of the Davis and Maiuri families are working together
with the Jefferson Staff and PTA in an effort to raise money
to defray the mounting medical expenses. A Spaghetti Feed
Fundraiser is set for March 11, 2006, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the
Knights of Columbus in Richland.
If you would like to help with this, please email me,
kconrad6318@charter.net or call me at 946-6318. An account
has been set up in Jennifer's name at any HAPO Credit Union
for donations.
Let the BOMBER SPIRIT shine for this BOMBER FAMILY.
-Kathy Hoff Conrad ('64) ~ Richland
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
Re: Rec Hall
I remember taking square dancing there when I was in 6th
grade; also took folk dancing in junior high school. I also
remember playing pool with my dad and brother, Tim ('72WB)
and not really knowing what I was doing, but having fun just
the same. I even played a few games with Nester Wise ('63)...
he was much better than me, but he let me win a few games. He
now plays in pool tournaments in and around the Tri-Cities.
Re: Wellisian Pond
I remember fishing in that pond... my dad would take my
brother and I down there and we would wait for the "bobber"
to go under and then we knew we had a fish on the end of our
line. I will admit I am not a great enthusiast of fishing
(to me, it is way too boring sitting on a dock or in a boat,
waiting all day for a fish to bite the worm or salmon eggs or
whatever is being used for bait), but I did like going as
a kid... also have great memories of going with my family to
Fish trap and sitting on the dock and catching sunfish...
those fish practically jumped at the chance to bite a worm!
I would have a metal dishpan full of those little fish within
about 15 minutes! I have also been deep-sea fishing...
turning green and "chumming" over the sides of the boat is
NOT my idea of a good time!!!!!!! The captain of the boat
will NOT go back to the dock just because a few passengers
get sick!!!!!! "just look for the horizon, ma'am, and you'll
feel better"!!! yeah, right!!!!!!! four hours of trying to
find the horizon on a damn boat that kept bobbing up and down
was NOT... kept waiting for that @#&* captain to tell me
how/where I find the damn horizon!!!!!!!
-Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber class of '64) ~ Bakersfield, CA
we had a storm from the Pacific Northwest on Friday...
brought lots of rain to all of Kern County and snow
to the mountain areas... we are going to get another
one late Sunday and going to last through Tuesday...
I am loving it!
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Ronna Jo Lynch ('65)
Just a quick response to Donni Clark Dunphy ('63) - I was
sorry to hear of your parents' passing. The last time I saw
them was when they came to stay with me while I was still
living in Spokane (1984) and your sister, Devon, was in the
hospital. They were the nicest people. I remember when we
were quite young and our families spending time together -
seems like another lifetime. Sorry for your loss but how
fortunate they both were to have you and your love.
Best regards,
-Ronna Jo Lynch ('65)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Mike Davis ('74)
Re: Great Moments in Dawald Gym
Now that Dawald Gym is closed for renovations it is time to
list the greatest moments in that legendary gym.... (Top 3)
No. 3......Watching Stein and Webb as a little 8 year old boy
flying up and down that gym on those tremendous fast
breaks, ball never touching the ground!
No. 2......Watching Mike Neill score repeatedly from anywhere
inside the building!
and No. 1 memory of all time... Watching Kelvin "Dog" Soldat
perform in those BLACK "Chuck Taylor" Converse!!!
(and my "fantasy" memory... just imagining what Boog
"Springboard" Alley could have done to the record books if
Teverbaugh had only seen the talent!)
-Mike Davis ('74)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Susan Lundgren ('82)
Re: Wellsian Pond
To: Dave Fowler ('76)
Dave, your entry and invitation to share about Wellsian pond
brought back a flood of memories.
We (some of the kids who grew up on/around Arbor Street and
graduated mid '70s to early '80s) used to go down to Wellsian
pond unsupervised, for hours and hours at a time. Back in a
day and place when grade school aged children could go that
far from home for hours at a time and no one would worry. I
don't remember us having a fishing poles, just long sticks
with string and some sort of hook that we scrounged and put
together ourselves. And there were frogs and bugs and birds
and misc. other varmits too. More than once we heard a
rattlesnake rattle on our way to fish. Sort of our own little
nature park down there to adventure through. Though I may
be merging Wellsian pond and that entire length of then
undeveloped Carmichael hill that ran from the junior high
school over to the highway in my memory.
There was a much smaller, possibly unnamed pond, above where
Freds/McDonalds is now and below Thayer. We used to catch
the polliwogs, watch them turn into frogs, and then release
them. Made ourselves a dirt bike obstacle course someplace
down near there too.
One used to be able to walk on a gravel road that ran just
below the houses and buildings along Thayer and come out
below the church onto the green part of the hill on
Carmichael hill. When it was thickly fogged, you could not
see more than a few feet ahead and could not hear the traffic
up on Thayer drive. Might as well have been on another planet
and our imaginations ran happily rampant. Eventually houses
were built where we used to cut down the hill to the gravel
road from Thayer.
And there all the sledding/skiing memories in the winter on
Carmichael hill too. Good thing the ball field fence at the
bottom of the hill was not attached to the poles, (or it
simply kept getting knocked loose) many of us ended up
sliding under it or into it. There was a choice, the ball
field fence at the bottom of the part of the hill with no
trees, or use the part of the hill that had trees but no ball
field fence at the bottom. On the part with trees, there was
a challenge to see who could get enough momentum to sled all
the way to Wellsian pond. I don't remember any of us getting
too close.
Re: "P" bottles
I asked my father about "P" bottles with respect to some
recent SandStorm entries, he said yes, he had one. So they
were apparently still in use through the '60s and into the
'70s.
-Susan Lundgren ('82) ~ In Anchorage, AK - where the sun is
shining, a small snowfall is fresh, and the Iditarod
dogs are running through town today
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Funeral Notice scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
>>Rebecca Berry Barker ('73) ~ 4/8/55 - 2/27/06
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/06/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
11 Bombers sent stuff and 2 Bomber funeral notices today:
Paul Phillips ('49), Jim Jensen ('50), Betty Bell ('51)
Carole Clark ('54), Carol Bishop ('57), Burt Pierard ('59)
George Swan ('59), Annette Hall ('62), Jim Heidlebaugh ('65)
Shirley Collings ('66), Mike Franco ('70)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ray Wells ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jan Nussbaum ('55)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: John Browne, Jr. ('61)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Pat Doriss ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Paul Tunnell ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bobbie Gilstrap ('72)
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>>From: Paul Phillips ('49)
It seems like I only write in with bad news. Four days ago
I found out my good friend Kirby Edwards ('51) passed away.
I have been keeping in touch with him for the last 5 years
as he has been ill. The last time I talked to him about three
weeks ago he made my day by telling me that I had made his.
GOODBYE BUDDY
-Paul Phillips ('49) ~ Currently in Soledad Canyon, CA. Just
got back from 7 day Mexican cruise. We are on our to
AZ and expect to be at luncheon on the l2th at Au Kee
in Phoenix. Looking forward to it. Nice sunny day
following cold nights.
*******************************************************
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>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: Bill Scott's ('64) posting of 3/5/06
After reading Mr. Scott's thoughts on the Community Center,
I could - to some degree - appreciate that someone born
AFTER World War II would view the facility from a perspective
different from mine.
When I last saw the Center in 1996 it was indeed beginning to
show considerable wear. Perhaps those of us who arrived on
the scene earlier than Bill have an emotional attachment
for the place which once served as nearly a singular
entertainment alternative (to movies, school activities,
sports events). I spent many hours in the Hi-Spot in the
company of hundreds of different Bombers... dancing, shooting
pool, playing table tennis or cards, often just hangin' out -
sitting at a table with a few friends and talking. I shot
pool in the pool hall. I bowled in the bowling alley (leagues
and otherwise). Along with my good friend, Bill Hinson ('50),
I was a pinsetter and in that capacity was required to secure
a social security card ...felt quite mature about it. On
desperate occasions I even had a coke or a grilled cheese
sandwich or a BLT at the "fountain." The community rooms
served a multitude of functions. The Toastmasters held their
meetings there. Some church groups would use rooms on a
short-term basis. Political meetings were conducted in those
rooms. It was truly a gathering place in the '40s before
other facilities were built.
I believe that the emotional attachment for that place arises
because another of our teenage "touchstones" is disappearing.
All considered Bill is probably correct. It's time for a more
modern structure.
-Jim Jensen ('50)
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>>From: Betty Bell Norton ('51)
To: Bill Scott (64)
Re: Tearing down the old Community Center:
The City and the RSA (Richland Seniors Association) built a
new, beautiful Community Center about 4 or 5 years ago, just
down the hill from the old one, and backing onto the park.
There is a lot going on there for seniors and for all ages.
I do not agree with what Richland is letting happen in place
of the old building, however. They are evidently letting
someone build about a 3, 4 or 5 story building on that spot--
which I think is not desirable.
-Betty Bell Norton ('51)
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>>From: Carole Clark Oien ('54)
Well, I think I can top all of your stories of wondering why
you weren't carded for a senior citizen discount. My husband
and I just got home from a large area swap meet where we
decided to have a cold beer with our lunch on a nice warm day
in the Phoenix area. When we ordered the beer the order
taker said she'd have to see some ID. We looked at her very
questioningly and she said one ID was sufficient. I guess it
was just a politically correct thing but we got a BIG kick
out of it. At 69 and 73 we didn't expect to be carded!!
-Carole Clark Oien ('54)
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>>From: Carol Bishop Horne ('57)
Re: Community Center
I am writing this for my husband, Gene ('57), and his very
fond memories of the community center... as a very young
kid... he used to set the pins at the bowling alley... could
only pick up one pin at a time... a place to play pool and
smoke... which he has not done now for over 35 years... good
huh? Also a fond memory of HI-SPOT... where we went every
Wednesday and Saturday nites... lots of memories there...
another one... when we were first married... 49 years ago...
we started a club called the Kruz In Klub... lasted for a
while... which Gene was the president... I was probably the
Vice Pres... oh well!!
We credit the Martins with the time they put in every
week... keeping all of us in line... we still jitterbug the
same way now as we did then... it gives our age away ...
We were in Richland couple weeks ago and as we drove by the
community center felt sort of sad...
Loyal Bombers,
-Carol Bishop Horne ('57)
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>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
To: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Wellsian Pond name
Wellsian Pond was simply named for the N-S street that ran
just to the east of the pond, namely Wellsian Way (called
Wellsian Ave. on the 1948 map). I am unable to find where the
name "Wellsian" came from since it was not a street yet when
Paul Nissen (Editor of the Villager) did his research of
street name bios for the Richland Village streets in February
1945. As I implied above, the street had been put in prior
to the 1948 map but maybe just shortly before since it was
called an "Ave." on the map. I believe the pond (along with
the other wetlands) was formed from the Irrigation Ditch
Flume (N-S ditch on the top of the hill) that ran down the
hill somewhat south of the pond.
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: On Wellsian Pond
To: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Fishing at Wellsian Pond
Dave, You just had to go and do it, didn't you? Your word
painting of a childhood memory so dear to many Bombers has
nagged at me until, here I sit, once again, pecking on the
keyboard ... when I should be outside attempting to catch up
on long, long, ... "lonnnng-overdue" yard work.
On the other hand, thanks for the excuse. It's cloudy and
dreary out there today with a chilly wind a blowin' -- too
cold to work outside, especially for an old retired guy.
It'll still be there tomorrow. But, after just having a few
days of glorious sunshine that made me feel like Roger Miller
each time I broke into "Walkin' in the sunshine ... sing a
little sunshine song ... tooh ta tooh ta tooh tooh tooh,
toooooh..." (but only after warily making sure that no one
was within earshot), I feel justified -- Hallelujah! Say,
"Sunshine!"
Okay. While I am waiting for ol' Sol to once again baptize me
with his blessing of warmth and sunbeams, "Lemme see," what I
can remember about my times spent as a skinny little kid on
that little body of water located right in town. Those were
times that to me were like being caught up in my own little
"On Golden Pond." When kids, growing up in Bomberville, we
never had "a river that ran through it" but we had two that
ran by it. However, we did have our very own pond in the
middle of it. It is sad that the pond is long gone and now
just one more fond memory of growing up in Richland. Kids,
today, need those kinds of things more than ever to guide
their focus. And yet another great Bomber childhood
experience ... disappeared.
To me, Wellsian Pond seemed gigantic in my younger years.
From the shoreline where I would be trying to outwit the wily
Rainbow Trout, the opposite side always seemed so distant.
It had to be, as the kids and people over there (even though
I could plainly hear their shouts of joy and laughter on a
calm, quiet, and sunny day) looked so small. It always amazed
me that after making the long trek around to that side -- the
people were actually normal sized. Thus, the discovery of a
solution to one more of life's great wonders and another
young adventurer was inspired.
Many a "Happy day" was spent there with my dad trying,
patiently, to teach me the fine art perfected by Isaac
Walton. Dad taught me to accept responsibility with, "You
catch 'em -- you clean 'em!" He even taught me how to cook
'em. And later, I seem to recall great times and adventures
there with my buddies, the likes of Duane Azure (class of '59
but graduated from Pasco) and his brother Mike, The Minnear
brothers, Bob and Art (who also moved to Pasco), Bill Byrd
('59), and very possibly Ernie Trujillo ('59). And, I am
quite sure the ever efficient "fishing aficionado," Rick
Johnson ('59) was often on scene. But the "Supreme Being" of
my boyhood fishing years was Larry Azure ('57). Larry was too
"old" to associate with we mere "polliwogs" in those days.
But, on occasion, he would toss out tidbits of his fishing
wisdom to his little brothers and myself. For most of my
younger years, the Azures lived two doors away and I was
always in awe of Larry's fishing achievements.
My adventures on Wellsian Pond and many other bodies of water
as a kid were indeed a part of what led me into a 30 plus
year career as a fisheries research biologist. And I never
forget our times in the lowlands between the bypass highway
and the Yakima River, called "Down Back" by my little circle
of friends. Now, partly because I spent so much time working
with the finny critters, I am more enthused about hunting or
just going afield to see what I can see. However, I am still
fishing -- therefore, I am! So are my grandkids. And, I still
enjoy it ... very much.
Thank you, Dave!
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA, "where thar's fish
in them thar ponds as well."
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>>From: Annette Hall Bundrant ('62)
Does anyone remember where the irrigation ditch emptied out
above where Fred Meyer is now? I think that was where it was.
There was a concrete chute that we used to slide down. Wore
out a lot of my brother's jeans.
-Annette Hall Bundrant ('62)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{I think you can't quite see as far south as you are talking
about in this picture...
richlandbombers.tripod.com/1940s/1948IrrigationDitch.html]
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>>From: Jim Heidlebaugh ('65)
Re: Sorry-7
March 2nd entry by David Rivers ('65)
Jack said he was born in WV, and I said I was born in CO...
we just wanted to be in the picture while we still had our
hair and most of our teeth. Couple of the other nameless ones
said they were "aliens"... but my attorney, who charges by
the word, of course didn't hear what was said... he was
talking. One of the nameless ones had just started a story
with, "Well, we was all likkered up"........
-Jim Heidlebaugh ('65)
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>>From: Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
Re: '66 in 2006 40th Class Reunion
The class of 1966 will be having it's 40th class reunion
June 23 - 25, 2006 at the Red Lion/Hanford House in Richland.
There will be a casual get-together in the courtyard with
a no-host bar beginning at 4:00 Friday evening. Saturday
morning at 9:30 will be a golf tournament, Saturday evening
we will have an enjoyable evening beginning at 5:00 with
cocktails, then dinner and music, program and door prizes and
later enjoy music, dancing, sharing and laughter. On Sunday
we will get together informally in the park behind the Red
Lion.
If you or someone you know has not received a reunion packet,
please let me know. I will gladly send it.
Just think, our favorite class song was, "We Gotta Get Out of
This Place." Now it has been 40 years! As George Burns said,
"Oh, if I were 18 again!
-Shirley Collings Haskins ('66) ~ Richland
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>>From: Mike Franco ('70)
My memories of that gym include getting killed by Rish in
badmitten (he was beyond awesome), and those great boxing
matches we had in PE back in 1969-'70.
Anyone who thought Rish didn't have little quickness was in
for a shock. He could move.
I think maybe the greatest experience and the essence of
being real Bombers was having both Fred Strankman and Rish
for PE. How could ANYTHING be better than that?!?!?
-Mike Franco ('70)
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Funeral Notices (one scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66))
>>Louise Carlisle ('54) ~ 8/25/36 - 2/24/06
>>Patricia Jones Miller ('50) ~ 1931 - 3/3/06
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/07/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
18 Bombers and 1 Lion sent stuff:
Doreen Hallenbeck ('51), Betty McElhaney ('57)
Gene Horne ('57), Michael Ragland ('57)
Burt Pierard ('59), Dale Ennor ('59)
Missy Keeney ('59), Carol Carson ('60)
James Johnson (’60), Larry Mattingly ('60)
Helen Cross ('62), Donni Clark ('63)
Paulette Lawson ('63WB), Carol Converse ('64)
Frank Stratton ('64), David Rivers ('65)
Gary Brehm (KHS '64) and Marsha Goslin ('65)
Dave Fowler ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Melanie Lawson ('60)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ray Fisher ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Rod Jochen ('80)
BOMBER DAD BIRTHDAY Today: Bill Goslin (Bomber Dad)
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>>From: Doreen Hallenbeck Waldkoetter ('51)
Re: Pat Jones Miller ('50-RIP)
Was saddened to hear the news of Pat's passing. She was a
"southside kid" having lived on Comstock Street during our
Lewis & Clark and Col-Hi days (the early days of Richland).
We had gone a long time without seeing each other, but
finally met up again in about 1994 -- such a lovely lady.
Will miss her.
-Doreen Hallenbeck Waldkoetter ('51) ~ Green Valley, AZ
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>>From: Betty McElhaney Hudspeth ('57)
Re: Wellsian Way
I have been reading about the subject of how Wellsian Way
got it's name. Just logically thinking, I would think it was
because there were wells for our drinking water. The suffix
of ian means, relating to, or belonging to, as in the people
of Boston are referred to as Bostonians. The ponds were
retention ponds for the water to percolate and the pumps
in the pump houses would furnish us our drinking water. But
there I go again, THINKING, it gets me in trouble every time.
Spring is here finally,
-Betty McElhaney Hudspeth ('57)
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>>From: Gene Horne ('57)
Re: More on the Community Center.
I'm doing this now as Carol thinks I talk too much? Oh! Gad!
where do I start. First I should clear up the misconception
of how many pins I could pick up at he the bowling alley
while setting pins, that was "one" in each hand! Carol. When
I first started working at the bowling alley the pin rack was
pulled down by a metel bar about 3 feet long which I couldn't
reach or pull down to set the rack, so I had to jump from the
divider that separated the lanes and grab the bar with both
hands to bring the rack down. Well you can imagine how it
must have looked trying to set doubles (for the women). It
was like a jumping jack!!! I to had to have a Social Security
card... 12 years old.
When I first started the Richland Boxing Club it was held in
the area where the ping pong tables were. We were later moved
to a area behind the Hi-Spot room. This was the place that
Terry Davis ('65), aka Terrance Knox) first learned to slip
a left jab and counter with a left hook!! including Jack
Keeney ('65), Dick Robertson, Dick Varvell, and many others.
In fact it got so big that I moved the group to the basement
of the Catholic Church where they had a ring set up, speed
bags... heavy bags etc. I trained and coached a lot of kids
to box who went on to win Golden Glove Championships.
Richland kids: Terry Davis, Dick Varvell, Mike Lynch, Kerry
Pittman, and others. Yes the Richland community center
brings back many good memories.
Carol and I both have family and many friends and enjoy
getting together with everyone we can when we come back.
-Gene Horne ('57)
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>>From: Michael Ragland ('57)
Re: Mother
Email sent at 1:02pm 3/6/06
It hasn't been a real good weekend for me. In addition to the
loss of Bob Mulroy, a guy that I think very highly of even
though we had not seen each other for many years, my Mother
has lapsed into the final stages of life in these last few
days. She had a long and full life, with eight children, at
least four of whom were Bombers, but recently cut by lung
cancer, old age, and without an option for further treatment
of the cancer. Many of you will remember our home on Birch
street where so many of my delinquent friends found refuge
when they were too drunk to go home. Sadly, my delinquent
friends are all going as well. While I am sad about the
loss, I realize the these deaths will relieve the pain and
suffering that both Bob and my Mother were enduring. Lift one
for both Bob and my Mother.
Re: Email sent at 1:28pm 3/6/06
In addition to myself, I have three brothers and a sister
who are Bombers. Steve ('62), Greg ('65), Tony ('68), sister
Chris ('69). In addition, there are two sisters and a brother
that did not graduate from Col-Hi. Tim, Gretchen and Gwen
graduated from Cheney High while Mother was attending EWU.
Re: Email sent at 4:35pm 3/6/06
Update - Mother passed away at approximately 2:30 PM today,
Monday. She was peaceful and surrounded by her family.
-Michael Ragland ('57)
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>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
Re: Wellsian Way Street Name
I received several emails off the SS (one from Richard
Anderson ('60) and two from Jimmie Shipman ('51)) with the
same suggestion of the origin of the name "Wellsian." Both
guys pointed out the existence of the City Water Wells
installed along the west side of the N-S roadway. It is their
contention (and it sounds good to me) that the road name was
derived from the wells present there. Jimmie pointed out that
the wells were the original source of water for the Village
and I assume that a dirt road ran alongside them, thus not
showing up on my 1944 map. At a later time (prior to 1948)
the road was paved and G.E. needed a name. Since G.E. felt no
necessity to maintain the DuPont method of naming the streets
after Army Corps of Engineers people (look what they did with
the Ranch houses & the Bauer-Day homes), they probably said
something like, "Let's name it Wells Road or something like
that." Not much of a leap from there to Wellsian Way.
As an aside, Jimmie pointed out that 3 of the wells are still
in use (2 for drinking & 1 unsuitable for drinking but plans
are to use it to irrigate the playfields) and they are mainly
used to control the water table in the old swamp area. He
also mentioned that the old pond areas were, indeed, fed from
the flume down the hill from the Irrigation Ditch.
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
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>>From: Dale Ennor ('59)
Re: Wellsian Lake
To: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Wellsian Pond name
I suppose I spent as much time as anyone either half
submerged in the various connected ponds along the "Way,"
fishing in Wellsian Lake, or sliding on the ice on the lake
in the winter. The whole pond complex was a wonderland to
young boys, making Winnie the Pooh’s half-acre seem rather
meager.
Too bad the Robley Johnson aerial picture from 8,000 feet
(Sites of Interest—The Gallery) is not more clear. It is
similar to a very good picture on the cover of a 1949 issue
of Western Cities (wish I still had a copy) which clearly
shows the well fields and the canal bringing in the water.
I always understood the ponds along Wellsian Way were
filtration beds for the city’s water supply. Why else the
number of pump houses distributed along the way? I suppose
they could have been for the irrigation system which supplied
untreated water to various areas of town. I don’t know.
As to fishing on Wellsian Lake, I have many memories. I
recall fishing was restricted to those 14 years and under.
At the time — late '40s, early '50s — the new spinning reels
were just coming into existence. Those of us who were still
using the old casting rods and reels had to suffer the
constant backlash they produced. Standing on Wellsian Way
one could cast quite far into the lake if the weight was sent
with the right trajectory. Unfortunately, there was a power
line running parallel to the road and I would hate to try to
count the number of times I and others got hung up on the
line. It usually meant the lost of weight and rigging. On one
occasion while fishing from the road we heard a yell from
the other (western) side of the lake. Seems someone had not
secured his stringer sufficiently and the four or five live
fish had pulled loose and swum away. A while later someone
across the lake pulled in their line a found a stringer of
fish attached! Good sports, they returned them to their
owner. I swear that is not a fish story. It’s the truth!
(I don't see or play with elves.)
-Dale Ennor ('59)
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>>From: Missy Keeney ('59)
Re: Song
David Rivers ('65) has reminded me of a song. Does anyone
remember a song that had the words "my mama told me not
to put beans in my ears, beans in my ears, beans in my
ears...."??? It never ceases to amaze me that any of that
gang from the class of '65 (including Keeney) ever made it
to responsible adulthood... or did they?
-Missy Keeney ('59)
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>>From: Carol Carson Renaud ('60)
Re: Remembering When
Someone sent this to me and I thought it worth sharing:
http://www.hbingham.com/humor/survivors.htm
You might want to share this with others who have had
the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the
government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with
scissors, doesn't it?!
-Carol Carson Renaud ('60) ~ Lynnwood, WA where it is cloudy
and windy but I saw a Robin in the park this morning.
Could Spring be far behind?
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>>From: James Johnson (’60)
Re: Source for the name Wellsian Way
Prior to the construction of the North Richland filtration
plant, Richland got its potable water from a series of wells
in the Wellsian Way area. They would have been in use until
the new plant started pumping from the Columbia River. That
plant (and many others throughout the country) used state-of-
the-art water filtration technology that had its genesis from
the Hanford filtration plants.
-James Johnson ('60) ~ Marietta, GA
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>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: Travels
Finally getting some time to catch up after being on the road
in AZ, NV and Mexico.
Despite a scary start it was a good trip made better by some
nice Bomber friends. I taught a pyro class on Saturday and
got on I-5 south about 3pm. Destination for that night was
Redding, CA. Crossing the Columbia River, Jackie says "how
about a coffee"? With a Mickey Ds in sight I took the first
exit at 60 mph only to find... no brakes! The emergency
worked and I got off the road and found brake fluid pumping
out of the right front wheel. Made a bunch of calls to a
relative and some friends in that area to see if they knew of
a shop open. Jackie was on her phone trying to find a motel
as there was a Sportsman's show in town and the few rooms
left were $150. The Bomber hero of the evening was Len
Rediske ('66) who not only returned my call but says "forget
the motel you are our guest". 2 days and $479 to a Firestone
shop later we gave Linda and Len goodbye hugs and thanks and
we were off on I-5 south. The problem was caused by a faulty
brake job some weeks before where the mechanic left a bracket
unattached causing the flex coupling to wear a hole in the
line. And yes, they have received a claim for the damages.
Finally arriving in Yuma 2 days late we enjoyed the wonderful
hospitality of long time friend Gus Keeney ('57) and Em. We
crossed into Algedones Mexico both got new glasses, Polaroid
sunglasses, and some dental work as well as Jackie's asthma
meds for the next year or so. Both the products and the work
were of superior quality and at less then 1/4 of the cost in
Tacoma. Gus had a busy schedule also, but we did manage to
enjoy a great feast at their favorite Chinese restaurant.
Then we were off for Lake Havasu City, AZ for WinterBlast 17.
Four days/nights of great fireworks and I presented a seminar
of show design. Bomber George Barnett ('63) and wife, Peggy,
showed up and we had a great Steak at the Homestead and
enjoyed the displays in the evenings. I had some cell phone
problems and lost track of George, but several days later
received a message all was OK and they were on the way home.
We did see Gus and Em again in Las Vegas where they had
the sad duty to clean up Dana's affairs after her untimely
passing. I introduced Gus to the owner of the consortium
of companies in Las Vegas that Jackie is the Marketing
Consultant for. He was able give Gus some information and
contacts to help him to dispose of Dana's property. I was in
Las Vegas for the annual Winter Conference of the American
Pyrotechnic Association. I was appointed to the APA
Communications Committee, and so will have an excuse for more
travel. So I am looking forward to Nashville, TN in mid-Sept.
It doesn't matter where they are and what class they are
from... Bombers are fine people. Many are like family. How
fortunate we are to have grown up as, and remain Bombers.
Re: Wellsian Way
I cannot now recall where and when I heard it, but I was told
Wellsian Way was named after the wells. Water came down the
flume that many of us wore out the seat of our cutoffs and
swim suits on. It then flowed into the various ponds. The
water trickled into the ground to be pumped from the shallow
wells into the "irrigation water" system that was supplied to
much of the original parts of Richland. Many will remember
the faucets between the houses, particularly in the south
end. They were usually double faucets sticking out of the
ground on about the property line. How many times did you
bark your shins on one in the dark? {TOO many times!!! And we
didn't live in the southend either! -Maren] It was intended
to be used for watering lawns and gardens. The system was
abandoned in the late '50s or so. For many years you could
still see the concrete pump houses spotted up and down along
Wellsian Way on raised areas between the ponds.
While we played in the water as children we were admonished
not to drink it. It came from the Yakima River which even
in those early days was considered polluted. Despite the
warnings, many who I grew up with swam in it, drank the
water, and survived. I remember a couple of times of a red
and itchy rash that mysteriously showed up on some of us.
"Were you swimming in that pond again?"... "No, Ma'am!"
Another tale about those faucets happened when I got up at
dawn to go fishing and stuck the "electric worm prod" into
the ground near the faucet to collect the night crawlers that
would pop up. It was a single wire plugged into the hot side
of an 110 outlet and attached to a steel rod with wooden
handle. It took a couple of minutes for the worms to respond
to the vibrations of the alternating current. I went in the
house for a minute and as I came back out a huge dog who had
been terrorizing my mother's flowers was just lifting his
leg to mark his territory on that irrigation pipe. I am sure
they could hear the howling for at least a couple of blocks.
Strange, that dog never again set foot in our yard.
"Happiness is the sky in bloom"
-J Larry Mattingly ('60) ~ From Tacoma on a warm but wet day.
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*******************************************************
>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
Re: Susan Lundgren ('82)
Your memories of sledding down Carmichael Hill brought back
fond memories to me, too. We used to sled on that hill 20
years ahead of your time, I guess, as our class years are 20
years apart.
One time I guess I was on the part with the trees, as I
managed to hook a tree with my hip and it flung me off the
sled. I could hardly stand up, and was in pain. As we were
sledding without our parents being there, and as they weren't
due to pick us up for a while, a kind parent who was there
with his kids, offered to give me a ride home.
I was with several friends, and I'll always remember Carol
Rice Forister ('62) telling me she had the license plate if
any thing happened.
The nice (sorry to say nameless parent) took me home, and as
I couldn't walk, I got to stay home from school for maybe 3
days. I actually got to stay with my aunt on McPherson as my
Mom wasn't able to be home then. To be honest, I don't know
if I ever sledded there again or not, except when we took our
boys there, when we happened to be home in the winter in the
early '80s.
Actually, I hated to miss school and loved it. True evidence
of being a "people Pleaser".....
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ West Harrison, Indiana, where I
guess someone could sled down our little hill and risk
going into the lake if we ever get that much snow, and
had some little kids around who want to sled. But I'm
seeing more green shoots every day, so spring really is
on it's way back here.
*******************************************************
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>>From: Donni Clark Dunphy ('63)
To: Pete Overdahl ('60)
I loved your tribute to our school and town also, Pete.
It made me want to get out my T-shirts, and Pom-poms, my
artificial Mum, my Christmas ornaments, Tote-bag, little
green bomb... and more! Wow, I didn't know I had so much in
my little wood Bomber Box! Proud, very proud to be a Bomber,
too!
To: Ronna Jo Lynch ('65)
You made me cry, Ronna! You are the third person from my past
that I haven't seen or heard from since childhood days that
has contacted me through the Sandstorm! Another wonderful
thing to be said about our town, our school our web site!
Thank you for your kind words regarding my parents. They
remembered your kindness to them all their days when they
were going through the sadness and heartache of my sister's
life. You were a godsend to them at that time. I remember
you and your family well when we were little. I loved going
to visit your family. I loved your house because it was two
stories. I forgot what letter it was. I remember the summer
nights when we played Truth and Dare, running around in the
dark, ringing doorbells and running, etc. Your sister Mickey ('66),
gave me my favorite doll I ever had, and it played baby Jesus
when I was Mary at Jason Lee in 6th grade. Do e-mail me and
tell me about your life. Thank you again for your kind words.
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
I'd love to have a copy of your writings!
-Donni Clark Dunphy (Golden Class of '63) ~ LaMirada, CA
where it is raining and chilly again!
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>>From: Paulette Lawson Sicilia ('63WB)
To: Melanie Lawson Kohler ('60)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my favorite sister!! Terry and I had a
great time with you and Arnie in Arizona... we sure know how
to shop, don't we? I sure wish I could be with you and my
kids when you go to Huntington Beach but I'll see you in
Seattle in August. Until then, happy traveling and have a
big piece of birthday cake for me! Love ya, Paulette
-Paulette Lawson Sicilia ('63WB) ~ From sunny Colorado where
the temperatures have been in the 70s!
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>>From: Carol Converse Maurer ('64)
Re: Wellsian Pond
I remember going to Wellsian Pond to collect tadpoles. I
would come home and fill up an old tin bucket with irrigation
water from the spigot. I would go out each day to check on
them and waited impatiently for them to turn into frogs. As
soon as there were no more, I would go back to collect a
fresh batch.
Unlike Bill Scott ('64), I am sad that the community center
is going away. I do have fond memories of playing ping pong
there. Our girl scout troop had many events there also.
I have a picture of all of us there during the Christmas
holidays for some reason. I would have to dig out the picture
again to see just what the reason was. I remember the fun we
had at our graduation party there and also the many dances
at Hi-Spot that I attended. I remember doing crafts in one
of the rooms. Must have been during the summer. Also, while
in Girl Scouts, I went to a First Aid class in one of the
rooms. Yes, I do have fond memories, but if I still lived in
Richland and saw the building on a daily basis, I might be
thankful for a new building taking its place. It's just when
you don't see it and just have the memories......
-Carol Converse Maurer (Boomer Bomber class of '64) ~
Eureka, CA - where the wind and rain are a daily
occurrence, with the sun occasionally popping out.
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>>From: Frank Stratton ('64)
To: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
Yes Betty, Monty Stratton is my father and did come to
Richland from DuPont in Ohio. I believe in February 1944.
He & my mother Laura Stratton are still going strong up on
Hunt Point in Richland. For any of you have that remember
the north end of Hunt street, the city Parks Board is
recommending in their budget to convert that circle of
lawn to a "low maintenance" park by removing the lawn and
replacing with rock and bark. Lots of Hunt Point kids grew up
using that little grassland. The Warren boys..Jim & David,
Larry Coryell ('61), the Walsh girls Jeanie ('63) and Kellie ('77),
the Foster girls Connie ('63) & Lucy ('65), the French boys
Dan and his older brother and of course all seven of the
Charette kids (Ed '55, Marilyn '58, Yvonne '60, Richard '64,
Cathy '68, Margy '70, and Paul '71). I know my parents are
right in the thick of things trying to convince both the
Parks folks and the City Council of their short sightedness.
Heaven help what a couple of ninety year olds are going to
stir up!
-Frank Stratton ('64)
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>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Sure...now you say that
I have learned from the ever honest and forthright Missy
Keeney ('59 - a class known for its honesty)... that her
little baby brother was NOT born in Idaho as he wanted us
all to believe, but was born in West Virginny... I don't know
what would make the boy feel so bad about his home state but
It's OK Jack... we all love you and support you... I will not
stop bringing you those Ceegars that come from someplace we
can't talk about... I know that living in Scapoose has addled
you brain just a tad and that tho she has tried to nurse you
back to health Barbara has not been able to get you over your
fear of the WV words... it's OK Jackson... we are all with
you... by the way... that Big Fat Liar Jimmy Heidlebaugh ('65)
tried to lump you in with him on the picture story when we
all went to have our pictures taken where we were born tho
it wasn't the real building where we were born but it was as
close as we could get to the real building where we were born
and it still had the same name... well part of it still had
the same name... by saying that you told us you were born in
WV when the picture was taken when you really said Idaho...
and we all said "yes, Jack... wherever you want to be born is
OK with us... any place you hang your hat is Home" and then
that big fat Liar said nothing he just sat there and said to
himself "I'm gonna be in this picture cuz I wanna be and
even if I'm a big fat liar I can live with that cuz I'm
practically bald and nobody will recognize me anyway so I'll
just fake it"... but then he couldn't stand it and he hadda
confess cuz confession is good for the soul... he heard that
in some blues song he was trying to steal the harmonica rif
from... so he's not just a big fat liar but a big fat stealer
too... so Jack... I'm never gonna mention your problem with
the WV words again and we'll just let the big fat liar make
up any fat story he wants to... Your the best Jackson!
-David Rivers ('65)
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>>From: Gary Brehm (KHS '64) and Marsha Goslin Brehm ('65)
Happy 89th birthday to our wonderful Bomber Dad -
Bill Goslin. We love you!!
-Gary Brehm (KHS '64) and Marsha Goslin Brehm ('65)
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>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Wellsian Pond Replies
Thank you. I have my memories and sharing yours opens the
veil of time. It enhances and brings to life what now wasn't
so long ago. Not only that, it reassures me that there really
was a time and I didn't inherit it from a good movie.
To: Jan Bollinger Persons ('60)
No, I'm sorry I'm not related to Pappy Swan ('59). I do have
three brothers that are Bombers; Skip, Don, and Rick.
I thank you for your compliment on my writing style. I don't
really intend to write in any particular style. It is just so
easy to close my eyes and let my fingers record what I see
and hear in my mind. I guess we had good English teachers.
Regarding prose and poetry. It brought to mind a quote. In
Moliere's play Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Monsieur Jourdain
asks something to be written in neither verse nor prose. A
philosophy master says "sir, there is no other way to express
oneself than with prose or verse". Jourdain replies "By my
faith! For more than forty years I have been speaking prose
without knowing anything about it, and I am much obliged to
you for having taught me that."
To: Linda Reining ('64)
Fishing isn't fishing unless your truly enjoying yourself. I
use to believe it was all about the stringer you took home.
Oh the beauty of growing older. I don't keep the fish I
catch. To be honest I really don't care if I get a bite. Like
Wellsian Pond it is all in the anticipation, the company
and the memories that evolve. Just last summer I was fishing
from my boat in the Yakima river. Halfway between where it
enters the Columbia river and the bridge between Richland
and the "Y". It was just as the was sun rising, a truly
spectacular array of smell and emerging colors. A day early
that still carried the moisture of night with a solemn
promise to bring a weathering mid day of heat. Quietly, I sat
and listened to the rush of the morning traffic. It was mid
week and I was taking in the beauty that only a shift
worker or retired person knows. I'm off and your daily work
is coming at you a mile a minute. Sitting there so contently
I watched a family of river otters in their leisurely
morning swim. Occasionally, the family would stop and stare
at me with curiosity. A beaver annoyed by their happy go
lucky life became annoyed and slapped the water with his
tale. I looked towards the bank and two mule deer entered the
arena. They seemed so uncaring of my presence as they drank
from the water. Suddenly, my pole jerked. In certain reflex I
pulled back to set the hook. As I fought the mighty fish the
animals went about there daily routine. As quickly as the
fight started it stopped and my prize was gone. I ask Doug
"do you think we'll get many bites today"? He replied "I
don't think it really matters". Now that's fishing!
I did enjoy your humor and yes I do have memories of fishing
trips gone astray.
To: Susan Lundgren ('82)
I had forgotten just how much that whole area was. I look at
it now and if I close my eyes and think real hard. Preferably
I'm not driving. I can still here the sounds and see things
just as you so vividly described. Isn't it great to be kid a
again! Thank You
-Dave Fowler ('76)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
*******************************************************
Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/08/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
12 Bombers and 1 NAB sent stuff:
Betty Hiser ('49), Tom Tracy ('55), Michael Ragland ('57)
George Swan ('59), Connie Foster ('63), Marilyn Swan ('63)
Dennis Hammer ('64), Gary Behymer ('64), Linda Reining ('64)
David Rivers ('65), Vic Marshall ('71), Dave Fowler ('76)
Don Sorenson (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Susan Anderson ('49)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim Adair ('66)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
Sorry to hear about Pat Jones ('50-RIP). Her folks lived on
the corner of Comstock and Armistead. My folks lived in the
300 block of Comstock. Although I did not know Pat - I did
know both of her folks.
I was sorry when Uncle Sam sold the houses that they did away
with the irrigation system. We lived in the 500 block on
Duane (now part of Goethals). Someone was always driving
through the alley and making the irrigation water go up like
Old Faithful. Someone would call Housing and they would come
out and have to find the shutoff valve. One day I followed
them and discovered that the shutoff valve was located on
Comstock so that each time after that I would tell them where
the shutoff valve was located and saved a lot of time. I was
curious and asked the guys if there were blueprints and he
said no because they did not think the system was going to
last too long.
Frank Stratton ('64): Thanks for the information. I should
give your dad a call. Small world says I.
-Betty Hiser Gulley '49er - south/government Richland - they
just gave snow warnings for the passes for tomorrow -
snow is predicted. The days are beautiful. They are
predicting rain for us - but I not holding my breath.
*******************************************************
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>>From: Tom Tracy ('55)
To: Burt Pierard ('59)
Ah, Wellsian Way. How Well I remember the Fall day in '54 at
the corner of Wellsian and Lee Blvd. when my eye caught sight
of a bright red car in the Ford showroom. A salesman waved me
in and asked me what I thought of the new model. What a dream
that would be to drive. He said he was taking it out for a
ride and wondered if I'd like to take it for a spin. He let
me take the wheel and told me to ease down past Railroad
Avenue. When we passed Elliot Street he told me to "punch it".
The pedal easily went to the floor and the new Thunderbird
seemed to leap off the pavement as it danced down Wellsian
Way... leaving little patches of hot molten rubber behind...
to fill in any cracks or small holes in the pavement as I
told my Mom after being reminded "It was a wasteful thing to
squeal down the street in someone else's car wasting tread on
a good set of tires... after all you remember how we had to
save 'ration stamps' for tires when we lived in Los Angeles
during the war"... but the ride in that T-Bird was like a
trip to Disneyland. It was the quickest car I had ever driven
and I just had to tell her how great the ride made me feel.
She was not impressed. "Stay away from that showroom". She
did kinda smile though... as I headed up the stairs and
grinned and whispered, "Varoom Varoom".
When someone mentions Wellsian Way. I remember that little
red sports car telling me to "punch it again" and "again" and
"again"... as it danced all the way down to where Aaron Drive
joins Thayer near the Bypass Highway... It was a heart-
warming experience.
A friend here in Boise owns one just like it. I often remind
him he should let me take it for a spin down Wellsian Way.
The short Wellsian trip was a memorable ride for a boy who
barely owned a bicycle at the time.
-Tom Tracy ('55)
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>>From: Michael Ragland ('57)
Re: My Mother (RIP)
Mother's funeral will be Saturday in Spokane, WA at Our Lady
of Lourdes cathedral at 10:00 AM. An obit may be published in
the Spokesman Review.
-Michael Ragland ('57)
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Confessions of an old fisherman
I confess that I knew about the wells but they could just
as well have called it ... "Pondian Way." I confess that in
my later years, sometimes, I might put a hook on my line.
"Honey, you spent all day just sitting on the bank, fishing
and never caught a thing?" "I swear, sometimes I think you
just go out there so you don't have to do the yard work!" To
which I profoundly respond ... under my breath, "HEE HEE!"
Missy Keeney ('59), I confess that I remember the "earee" bean
song. I also remember my mama telling me, "Life is liiike ah
box of ..." No, wait a minute, Mama always said, "Shorty,
(That was my childhood nickname) don't swallow any of those
watermelon seeds -- you'll get appendicitis and vines will
grow out of your ears." I confess that I still spit 'em out.
I confess that I do see elves and play with them (they don't
use any hooks either). And, I confess to having inside
information that those who don't believe, will be visited by
Leprechauns, shortly.
I further confess that once as a little kid (as little kids
will do but only once and never again) while chasing carp
around "in a foot of water," I paused to pee ... too near
a barbed wire fence ... which was ... electrified. Larry
Mattingly ('60), I know why that dog never came back. And,
I confess that in those childhood years, my hair used to be
excessively curly. From that electrifying day forth, my hair
has protruded straight out in a most unruly manner.
To: Donni Clark Dunphy ('63)
Donni, thank you for your request for my articles. You're now
in the Bomber PPS Group in my address book. Each month I will
add the new article to the end of a file containing my PPS
articles to date and e-mail the file to those Bombers who
have requested them. That way, in the future, one can read
the new article and then delete the file. Or, if by some
chance someone wants to keep them, the current file can just
be copied over the old one. In the past, I have had requests
for "that one where you wrote about ..." This way they are
all there and it saves me a lot of time. If any other Bombers
are interested, please send an email to me personally with
reference in the subject line to Pappy's PPS articles, your
name, and class year. E-mail addresses don't always reveal
who the sender is. To avoid any more virus problems, if I
don't know -- I don't open. An example is the (pseudo
webmaster) dude who attempted to usurp Maren's position
recently.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where I seeee 'em
and now I'm going out to play with 'em.
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>>From: Connie Foster McLean ('63)
Re: Hunt Point Circle
To: Frank Stratton ('64)
I read your news about the possible fate of "the circle"
with sadness in my heart and a lump in my throat. No one who
did not live there, play there would ever know of the good,
honest, neighborhood fun we all had on that small area of
grass. I have told my children many, many tales about the
hours and hours we all spent at "the circle". Marbles, jacks,
kick-the-can, baseball (I even accidently knocked out some
of Janet Glover's ('65) front teeth with a bat), kick ball,
car/truck track for all the boys, doll park for all the
girls, running through the huge sprinklers when they were on,
just laying around and talking, general meeting spot for the
evening of activities. The Glovers (Jack ('61), Hallie ('62),
Anna ('64-RIP), Janet ('65), who lived behind us on Davidson,
also played there with all of us, as did Betsy Fuller ('63),
and Suzanne Wells before they moved to California (Walshes
bought their house). It would be such a waste to have it
converted to gravel and rocks. It can't possibly take that
much City/Parks money to continue maintaining the family
friendly/aesthetic grass. It was the "central point" of Hunt
Point. I agree with your parents. Shame on the City/Parks!
With good Hunt Circle memories,
-Connie Foster McLean ('63)
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>>From: Marilyn Swan Beddo ('63)
To: Dave Fowler ('76)
I enjoyed reading your note in the Sandstorm this morning
about fishing. I agree with you wholeheartedly, it's all
about just being there!! I grew up in a family that loved to
fish, hunt & camp. When I married it was to a guy (Parris
Beddo ('61-RIP) who enjoyed the outdoors as much as I did.
We had some great times & my girls & their families have
a lifetime of memories of enjoying the great outdoors,
especially our fishing & camping trips that we are still
taking!!
Now, as far as your note to Jan Bollinger Persons ('60) about
"sorry I'm not related to Pappy Swan". Don't be sorry fella,
I am related to him (his much younger sister) & it's a trip!!
When we were young he was so quiet & reserved, well at least
I thought so. Where these stories come from that he comes up
with I do not know. He has become quite a character in his,
dare I say it, "elderly years". You would not believe the
things I have to put up with from him. No matter how many
times I go to visit he & his wife Jeanne, I always make it
to my home destination with "the family treasures" hidden
somewhere in my suitcase or stowed somewhere in my car. The
"Family Treasures" are the three special things that we
inherited from our ornery little 'ol aunt that passed away
last summer. He has decided that I need Auntie's Publisher's
Clearing House Award For Being The Best Customer & a couple
other of her "kookie" possessions. These three items have made
the trip from Washington to Utah & vice versa numerous times
now. I returned from a recent trip to Vegas with he & Jeanne
& when I unpacked my suitcase, low & behold, there was that
!#%^&* Award AGAIN!! But revenge is sweet .......... he'll
get it back again!! It has become our running family gag.
Anyhow, who knows what he will come up with next, I just hold
on for the ride. I'm enjoying his writings as much as any of
the rest of his fans!!
-Marilyn Swan Beddo ('63) ~ Salt Lake City, UT - Where I'm
ready for some Spring weather, as it's 41º here right now
looking colder by end of the week & the 75º weather we
had a week & a half ago in Vegas was great!!
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>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
To: Missy Kenney ('59)
Re: Song "Beans in my Ears"
I remember that "Beans in my Ears" song. That was done by
"The Serendipity Singers" released in May 1964.
Click HERE for the Lyrics
-Dennis Hammer ('64)) ~ Boomer Bomber class of 1964
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>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Present home to the WIAA Girls 1A Championship Trophy
Assistant Coach Tom Fowler is our grain merchandiser
Lady Bulldogs Get Historic Threepeat...
-Gary Behymer ('64)...at the corner of Main & Canyon, Colfax, WA
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>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
To: Larry Mattingly(60)
Re: Algadones, Mexico
went there a couple years ago (before I had prescription
coverage) and bought a years' worth of heart medication,
seizure medication, and some other meds. did you have any
problems coming back across the border with all those meds?
when we crossed back, the guard took my bag and kept asking
me if I was sure I had ONLY bought a 3-month supply of meds.
you are only allowed to legally bring in a 3-month supply,
but the pharmacies will sell you however much you want to
purchase. I was sweating bullets and I know my face was
red as a beet, but I kept telling him I only had a 3-month
supply! the other couple with me had no problems getting
across... he just looked in their bags and let them go...
not sure why he stopped me and kept asking me, other than
I am sure I looked guilty. I kept having visions of being
arrested and being locked up for trying to bring in illegal
prescriptions! I don't think I breathed "normally" til I got
to my van!!!!! the other two people were laughing, but I
was so scared, I was having an anxiety attack!!!!!! we also
bought prescription glasses there and was surprised at how
much cheaper they were than here in USA/CA!!! we keep saying
we will go, again, if and when we need dental work, but am
not sure I will be able to handle the border crossing.
Re: spigots sticking above the ground
we had those on Rossell, too. used to get drinks of water
from them, even though my mom kept telling us it was
irrigation water and NOT to drink it! and yes, we also
banged our shins on them playing hide and seek in the dark
many, many times.
do you remember guide wires in backyards that were attached
to telephone poles? we had one in our backyard on Elm
Street... we were playing hide and seek and I "hit" one
of those guide wires, flipped over it, and sliced open my
chin... since it was dark, all I could feel was "wet" and I
thought my entire chin had been ripped off!!! my dad took me
to Kadlec... got even more hysterical when I saw the look on
the nurse's face... my dad had given me a red bath rag to
hold on my chin and she thought all that was blood... so much
for the calming effect of a nurse on a kid's fears. think I
had 5-6 stitches and was sent home.
Re: worm prods
my folks used those all the time... last time my mom used one
was at her place in Idaho so my son-in-law could go fishing
at one of the lakes around her place in Priest River.
-Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber Class of '64) ~ raining and
wind is blowing in Bakersfield, CA
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>>From: David Rivers ('65)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A... FORMER CAR GUY
Yep... remember it like it was yesterday... was in my back
yard at Stevens and Van Geisen... up he came in this black
'46 Chevy... jet black hair that would be called "goth"
today... big curl in the middle of his forehead and looked to
be not a day under 19 or a day over 22... could tell he knew
what he was doing the minute he got outa the car... Drag
Strip girl at his side... he sauntered over and wanted to
know what i wanted for my '46 Ford... both cars were 4 doors
but his ran and mine didn't... mine had a frozen block with
enough rust in the cylinders where the head had warped to
cause tetanus in an army (I KNOW it's not really the rust...)
he started talking car talk... I was only 15 and had no clue
what he was talkin about but I did my best James Dean and
just nodded and grunted... (Chickie race... oh I do Chickie
races all the time)... before long we had cut the deal...
he'd take my Ford and I'd take his Chevy... by the way son...
yer gonna need to fix reverse... must be stuck er sumthin...
sher man no problem... I fix reverses alla time... (What's
a reverse??????!!!!!!)... we swapped and both giggle to
ourselves... Boy did I take that square... a couple of years
went by and he became a close friend... always there to
help out... one time he borrowed a "come along" from me (my
dad's) to pull an engine... he returned it promptly all clean
and shiny... I assume I dropped it in the yard at the time
he returned it... never saw it again... my dad was real mad!
One of the best friends I've ever had... few years later...
maybe 20 or so we became reacquainted thu the big fat liar who
will remain nameless... started right back up where we'd left
off... as it turns out... tho I thought he was much older on
that first day... he was 15 at the time too... He moved to
Vegas for a short time and we popped over to my dad's house
just after I had bought my dad a little '67 Ranchero... The
Birthday Boy walked into my Dad's house... grey hair and full
grey beard... My dad looked up and without asking who the Boy
was said: "Where's my come-along?"
The Boy has a blue '40 Ford coupe and his Wife has a Red '40
Ford pickup... there's another '40 pickup in the big shop...
but they are all collecting dust... instead... the Boy now
rides a bike... he has gone from Doc 40 to Honda Boy... oh...
not Honda Boy? Oh yeah right... I mean Harley-Dude... But
he's still my pal!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMMIE ADAIR ('67)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Vic Marshall ('71)
Re: Terry Delsing ('71)
I am so happy and proud to pass to everyone that our own
Terry Delsing ('71) received an MPSE Golden Reel award in
ceremonies last Saturday for his work in "Walk the Line".
This award is presented by the Motion Picture Sound Editors
and honors accomplishment for the years best work in areas of
sound editing including dialogue, sound effects, foley, and
music and is a very prestigious award.
Please join me in congratulating Terry!!
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Any/060308-Marshall-Delsing.jpg
-Vic Marshall ('71)
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>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Wellsian Pond
Thanks Pappy and to all the others. I felt a little silly
when I asked how did Wellsian Pond get its name when it
obviously use to sit near Wellsian Way. Fortunately, all
of you saw past my intellect and found the meaning of my
question. It clears a question that popped into my mind and
stay there like a song that plays over and over in your mind.
Pappy I must tell you that your a gifted writer and that
I enjoyed recollections. When I use to share my childhood
memories with those from not around here they would cast a
look of disbelief. If only I knew that the Sand Storm
existed.
-Dave Fowler ('76)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Don Sorenson (NAB)
Re: Wellsian Way
To: All
The discussion of how Wellsian Way became to be is because
of it's proximity of the wells. This information comes by way
of an interview I did with Clyde Bergdahl a few years before
his death. Apparently there was quite a fishing hole in this
area. I have found a few pictures to share.
9128-neg-a (1954) Fish Netting - Wellsian Lake
9128-neg-b (1954) Fish Netting - Wellsian Lake
9128-neg-c (1954) Fish Netting - Wellsian Lake
9128-neg-d (1954) Fish Netting - Wellsian Lake
9128-neg-e (1954) Fish Netting - Wellsian Lake
9994-neg-a (1954) Stocking Wellsian Lake - Juvenile Fishing
9994-neg-b (1954) Stocking Wellsian Lake - Juvenile Fishing
9994-neg-c (1954) Stocking Wellsian Lake - Juvenile Fishing
-Don Sorenson (NAB)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/09/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
11 Bombers, 1 NAB sent stuff and 1 Bomber WB funeral notice today:
JD Boyd ('55), Floyd Melton ('57)
George Swan ('59), Missy Keeney ('59)
Helen Cross ('62), Betsy Fox ('63)
Gary Behymer ('64), Denny Nalder ('65WB)
Joyce Stinsman ('68), Betti Avant ('69)
Gary Turner ('71), Don Sorenson (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: George Hammons ('51)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Janet Olson ('72)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Rob Peutz ('73)
BOMBER ANNIVERSARY Today:
Leonard Peters ('61) & MaryMike Hartnett ('61)
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*******************************************************
>>From: JD Boyd ('55)
Fellow Bombers,
I just wanted to send a quick update. It has been 2 years
since Sandra's passing (Sandra Atwater, class of '51) and
though she is gone from us she is not forgotten. Her spirit
lives on in my life and the lives of her daughters, son-in-
laws and grandchildren. Those of us that live here in the
Coachella Valley get together once a year at this time and
have a dinner dedicated to her memory. It is a time of shared
stories, memories, much laughter and even a few tears. We
leave reminded that our lives were enriched for having known
her, loved her and having been loved by her.
In her honor, I have named a street after her. In one of
the developments that I am involved with, The Vistas at Las
Colinas in Indio, California, houses are being built along
Avenida Atwater. Though the people who do and will live there
may not understand the significance of the street name, there
are many of us who do. Coincidentally, Las Colinas is entered
off of Fred Waring Drive, which connects with Monterey
Avenue, which connects with Frank Sinatra Drive, Bob Hope
Drive, Gerald Ford Drive, and Dinah Shore Drive (which will
get you to the airport), so her street is in good company.
My life goes on, as life must, and it is good.
Though I am supposed to be retired, I did jump on the
opportunity to purchase the Bay House restaurant in Lincoln
City, OR. If any of you ever get out to that part of the
Oregon Coast, stop by for dinner and mention that you are a
"Bomber". While it may not get you better service (because
that is always good) the manager just might be moved to give
you a break on the price.
Sincerely,
-JD Boyd ('55) ~ Indian Wells, CA
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*******************************************************
>>From: Floyd Melton ('57)
Re: Richland Community Center
To: Gene Horne ('57)
Gene, I also worked in the bowling alley at the community
center many years back. I was about 14 at the time and it
was the hardest work I think I have ever participated in.
Especially during the league play working two lanes. But I
must have been really good as I could pick up two pins at one
time in each hand. Of course the bigger guys could pick up
three pins in each hand. I also remember putting new finishes
on the lanes and boy was that a high... I mean a real high.
Back then one didn't know of the hazards associated with
such chemicals. The world spun for a long time after helping
with that finishing work.
I can remember Gene and Carol dancing at the sock hops in the
community center. I was more of a wall flower than a dancer
but they were fun as was the ping pong games.
Gene, how is your brother Oral?
-Floyd Melton ('57)
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*******************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: The Silly Side of Things
Dave, don't feel silly. Silly is not so bad. Since I am
currently on a course of "confessionalism," I must admit that
although I knew of the wells, I never put the suffix "ian"
together with "wells," the sources of the staff of life.
Besides that, isn't "Ian" usually a first name? Heck, I
thought that street was named for some scientist, WW II
general, or an ol' pioneer desert rat named Wellsian. So,
if you're feeling silly, move over and let me have a seat
in the same boat.
However, you could never feel as silly as I did early in
my RHS Bomber days after asking a class beauty out for an
enjoyable evening of watching the wells bubble over, only
to be turned down -- cold. I ran away screaming and never
stopped until I collided full-tilt with a giant Douglas
Fir tree on the Olympic Peninsula. I survived a short
misadventure of living in the rain forest, existing solely
on a diet of, wild onions, watercress, mushrooms (no not
the "magics" -- Morels are the only ones that I trust), and
rainwater, lots of rainwater. There I was befriended by a
large furry guy named, "Harry." I eventually regained my
composure. Harry went off to live with the Hendersons and I
returned to Bomber land. But I was never the same the rest
of my high school years, as I lapsed into a quiet & reserved
personality. You see, Mom's favorite was always my much
younger sister, Marilyn Swan Beddo ('63). Mom could never see
that although my sis was the smart one, I had the biggest
feet. I just never got my due.
And then later in life, speaking of songs playing over and
over and over ... in one's head, I discovered a guy who
greatly inspired me. He put out a "folk-feel" contemporary
type of song with a wacky sense of humor. His songs made me
feel good. I wanted to be like his songs. And so, once again,
"Dang me!" I can't stop singin' a little sunshine song. It
drove me until I recently went out and repurchased a couple
of CDs, "Best of" and "All Time Greatest Hits of Roger
Miller's." Now, like a "King of the road," I go "Walkin'
in the sunshine," muttering "Do-Wacka-Do" and lookin' for
a buffalo herd. It's almost driving me to "Chug-A-Lug!"
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where its cloudy and
when I'm not singin' I'm thinkin' "Okay Marilyn,
I'm tellin' Mom!"
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Missy Keeney ('59)
Re: Beans in my ears
To Dennis Hammer '64
Thanks, Dennis. Now I can sleep at night! It is rather
repetitive isn't it. The Radiations (my quartet) is/are
planning to add some children's songs to our repertoire.
Maybe we should plan to add "Beans in My Ears!" When my
oldest daughter, Ruth Ann, lost her first tooth, she said
she was trying to listen to it "like a sea shell" (her words
when she finally quit crying and we could understand what had
happened) and she dropped it in her ear. It meant a trip to
the emergency room to fish it out. Fortunately, we had Group
Health in Seattle.
-Missy Keeney ('59) ~ Richland
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
Re: Don Sorenson (NAB)
I looked at all the old photos you shared of Wellsian Pond,
and I remember Clyde Bergdahl well, as he and his wife,
Betty, were youth leaders at CUP church. I think these photos
illustrate what was great about being raised in Richland in
the '50s.
It reminds me of Mayberry and the old Andy Griffith shows on
T.V. and the Waltons of "Goodnight, JohnBoy" fame. It seemed
that back then we were focused on what was good and
interesting and helpful, and not on what was politically
correct.
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ West Harrison, IN in the house by
the little lake where it is gray and raining today,
but it is well above freezing, so I'm not complaining.
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*******************************************************
>>From: Betsy Fox Vance ('63)
Thanks to all who responded to my posting about starting
a support group for those people in the middle of taking
care of parents. Many people expressed interest in getting
involved in this group -- as well as many who live out of
the area, who would like updates and ideas from the group.
The first get-together is set for Wednesday, March 15 at
6:30pm. Email me for the street address and directions...
it's very easy to find.
I look forward to this group coming together -- so many
emails from people sharing their stories of the variety of
issues facing people who have been transformed into parents
of their own parents. Thank you to so many of you with great
ideas for this group - and also, support and encouragement.
If you know of anyone in this situation, please let them know
of this group. I will have some munchies there for anyone who
might be rushing from work. See you on the 15th.
-Betsy Fox Vance ('63)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: Wendy Carlberg ('64-RIP) January 15,1946 - March 9,1996
Wendy Remembered...
Hello, Gary,
A few days ago in the Alumni Sandstorm, you asked
for any memories of Wendy Carlberg.
My dad, Doug Johnson, and her dad, Hank Carlberg,
knew one another through General Electric, and my
mother, Phyllis Johnson, was friends with Eileen
Carlberg. In fact, I am quite sure that my mother
stayed in touch with them even after we moved to
California in the early '60s.
I remember that her family and mine frequently
used to go boating together on the river. Probably
my strongest memory of Wendy was late one afternoon,
her family and mine had taken our two boats to the
island out in the river just east of their house. At
that time there was one straggly tree there, so we
called it Lone Tree Island. (Don't know what people
call it today...)
It was late afternoon, and quite a wind storm
suddenly came up, so the decision was made to get
back to shore as quickly as possible. As there were
five in their family, four in ours, and our boat
was the larger of the two, Wendy came back with my
family. We went into their house to wait for the rest
of the Carlbergs to arrive. I remember thinking we had
just come through something of an adventure on the
rough, choppy water, but then I looked at Wendy who
was sitting there and quietly crying. I realized then,
and have thought many times over the years, that hers
was a very close knit, caring family, and she was very
frightened for their safety.
I know that one of the two brothers was different,
slower, don't know which p-c term is the right one
to use -- help me here -- but he was just a natural
part of their family and they took care of him and
loved him. I believe that my mother has told me that
he lives with the other brother. I'm sorry, don't
remember their names, but I think one was Chris.
The last time I was Wendy was in California. She
was attending Stanford University, and my parents
invited her to our house for dinner. We lived about
five miles away, and I remember picking her up on
campus and delivering her back afterwards.
I don't know if there is anything here that is
of value to you on your website. Please feel free to
edit or re-write as you feel fit.
-Lynn Johnson Andrews ('63) -- in Sherwood, OR
*****
Hi Gary,
I lived two houses down from Wendy Carlberg in
the late '40s, early '50s on Harris Avenue. The
Parkers lived in between. Their kids, Henry and Linda,
Wendy and her younger brothers Kurt and (I think)
Christopher and my younger brother Clint and I were
neighborhood chums. I can remember being out there
every night playing hide and go seek with them and
riding bikes behind the mosquito truck back in those
days. My mom always told me Wendy was my first
girlfriend in Richland when I was about 3 or 4. I
guess we were inseparable. My parents moved to
Richland in 1947 when I was 2.
-Ray Kelly '63
*****
Re: Big Y Tav...need I say more?
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Behy/060310-BigYTav.jpg
-Gary Behymer ('64) ~ Colfax, WA
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*******************************************************
>>From: Denny Nalder ('65WB)
Hi all:
I am sure glad fishing was mentioned. It has been a big part
of my life every since my days in Pasco - is that a bad word:
~). the good thing I wised up and moved to Richland. We used
fish on the Columbia and trips up the Snake before the damns.
During the summers in Richland we spend most of time on the
rivers - fishing, boating and swimming. It was great fun.
Good tans too. Every summer Sandy and I would take vacations
to the mountains for 2-3 weeks with my cousins - the
Boulanges. There were so many kids and so little money.
Camping and fishing was great entertainment - plus very
economical. We went all over the Washington, Idaho, Oregon
and even into BC. When I moved to Alaska, I took my interest
to the ocean and hiking into many distant lakes and rivers.
I really got a good taste of the wilderness and enjoyed the
"catching of Fish". A big part of the trips was how many
fish we could catch. I do believe we were good at it too.
All kinds of creatures.
One steelhead trip to the Naha River we caught and released
82 steelhead. Many of our trips as teens to the mountains in
Washington, we caught so many fish we gave them away to
other campers. The thrill of the catch. As time has passed,
I learned to enjoy the trip and beauty of the area I am
fishing. It has become a very nice way of letting all my
troubles disappear. I have learned patience also. At times
while fishing for king salmon, it takes over 40 hours before
one bites. I had a parent ask me how I developed such
patience for my students - answer - I fish. I can spend a
whole day just trying to catch fish and feel so relaxed
afterwards. I forget all other matters and focus on catching
fish. Of course. being with my friends and meeting others
is an important part of the trip too. The stories are great
also.
-Denny Nalder ('65WB)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Joyce Stinsman Komac ('68)
Re: North and South
http://www.steelwrangler.com/redneck/north.htm
I thought this was so cute and appropriate for our Northern
and Southern Bombers.
-Joyce Stinsman Komac ('68)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: Wellsian Pond
All this talk about Wellsian Lake got me to thinking. I
always remember it being called Wellsian Pond, not Lake. I
went several times with my dad and brothers. They seemed to
get fish but the fish must have known not to take my bait as
I nary got a nibble. Several years later after my dad retired
I went fishing with him some down at the Y-area. I actually
caught my first fish, 'twas a bass as I recall but a baby one
at that. By the time we got the hook out of its mouth he had
expired. We had a dogwood tree on one side of our "B" house
and when dad knew he was going fishing the next day that area
would be soaked all day with water. After dark we would go
out and grab large night-crawlers for bait. One just hoped
they had a good grip and the night-crawlers was more out of
the ground than in it or you had a struggle on your hands.
The worms in my parking lot remind me of Richland after a
big rainstorm.
Happy fishing all,
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA where the wind and rains have
returned once again
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*******************************************************
>>From: Gary Turner ('71)
Having had a day to recover from the shock of seeing
Terry Delsing ('71) dressed in a tuxedo, I want to second
Vic Marshall's ('71) comments from yesterday and send my
congratulations to Terry on receiving such a prestigious
honor. It's a long way from feared Columbia Little League
slugger to Hollywood award winner!
Terry has quite a movieland resume... the following link
shows how long he has been at it and the films on which he
has worked.
http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0217851/
-Gary Turner ('71)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Don Sorenson (NAB)
To: Betty McElhaney Hudspeth ('57)
Betty, are you related to the Hudspeth who was in the
Hanford Camp Construction video? Someone who knew him
pointed him out to me when they viewed the film. This
film was made in 1944 and some in 1945. Just wondering.
Re: Hi-Spot pictures
To: All Bombers
While digging for Wellsian Way pictures I found some of a
Hi-Spot Dance. Anyone recognize the young man with the wavy
blond hair? I think these were taken around 1951?
1972-1-neg-a (1951) Hi Spot High School Dancers
1972-1-neg-b (1951) Hi Spot High School Dancers
1972-1-neg-c (1951) Hi Spot High School Dancers
1972-1-neg-d (1951) Hi Spot High School Dancers
1972-1-neg-e (1951) Hi Spot High School Dancers
1972-1-neg-f (1951) Hi Spot High School Dancers
1972-1-neg-g (1951) Hi Spot High School Dancers
1972-1-neg-h (1951) Hi Spot High School Dancers
1972-1-neg-i (1951) Hi Spot High School Dancers
{I just reworked the Hi-Spot page and added the above
pictures. -Maren]
richlandbombers.com/allbombers/HiSpot/00.html
-Don Sorenson (NAB)
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Funeral Notice scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
>>Bob Mulroy ('57 Would Have been) ~ 12/25/38 - 3/3/06
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That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/10/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9 Bombers sent stuff and 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
Jim Jensen ('50), Curt Donahue ('53), Lois Weyerts ('56)
Ray Hall ('57), Carol Converse ('64)
Gary Brehm (John Ball/KHS '64) and Marsha Goslin ('65)
David Rivers ('65), Steve Upson ('65)
Dave Fowler ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Diane Davenport ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Barb O'Malley ('70)
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>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: Hi-Spot
richlandbombers.com/allbombers/HiSpot/00.html
To: Don Sorenson (NAB)
In the second of the pictures you graciously shared with
us the guy with the blond hair is none other than George
Anderson ('53), younger brother of Bombers Shirley Anderson
('48?) and Isabel Anderson (WB'51).
In the fifth picture of the sequence Bob Torr ('50) is the
male dancing partner in the foreground. The female partner
in the background is Joan Blum ('51) - I think.
To: Maren Smyth ('63 and '64)
As usual, you stay right on top of things (adding to the
website). Seeing the picture of the FIRST Hi-Spot brought
back some memories. It was a really nice facility. The
wooden floors made it easy to dance. As a side note: the
brother/sister team of Paul Cline ('47) and Jean Cline ('48)
were responsible for the art work which decorated the walls
of that Hi-Spot.
-Jim Jensen ('50) ~ Katy, TX where heat and humidity are
returning far too soon. The good ol' weather
prognosticators are already talking up the forthcoming
hurricane season... think we could skip this season?
*******************************************************
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>>From: Curt Donahue ('53)
To: Don Sorenson (NAB)
Re: Blond Wavy Haired guy
That is George Anderson ('53) who is known by many as one
of the great guys of that class.
-Curt Donahue ('53) ~ Federal Way, WA
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*******************************************************
>>From: Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56)
Re: 1956 Classmates
Can you help us find these classmates? We were given an
incorrect address for Bob Lair. We believe he lives in CA.
Does someone know his address? Also, does anyone know where
Mary McDermott lives? She was in the Silver Spring, MD area,
but has never responded to any of our reunion invitations.
Re: Hide & Seek in the dark
When I lived on Haupt we often played hide & seek at night.
One time when I went to hide I was not looking where I was
going and ran into a wire that was marking off an area that
had recently been planted in grass. The wire caught me under
my chin and caused my feet to come out from under me and I
landed on my back hitting my head. Luckily one of my friends
found me and got me back home. That ended my night of fun but
I'm sure it didn't stop me from playing it again. I just was
more careful after that. I thought that kick-the-can was even
more fun and I continued to play that after I had moved to
Horn Avenue.
-Lois Weyerts Harrold ('56) ~ n cold and windy Richland.
*******************************************************
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>>From: Ray Hall ('57)
Hanford High School lost one of its great coaches last week.
Jim Murphy died. He will be missed. His girls basketball
teams set a lot of school records including the state
championship. I lost a friend... just thought you would
like to know.
-Ray Hall ('57)
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>>From: Carol Converse Maurer ('64)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
It sure is nice to see you back once again giving us a
smile and a laugh with your commentary of the day.
-Carol Converse Maurer (Boomer Bomber Class of '64)
Eureka, CA where it's raining again!
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>>From: Gary Brehm (John Ball/KHS '64) and Marsha Goslin Brehm ('65)
Re: Bay House in Lincoln City, OR
[see entry from JD Boyd ('55) in yesterday's Sandstorm]
I just wanted to send in a short note to let everyone know a
favorite place of ours is the Bay House in Lincoln City. If
you want a great dinner with a fabulous view, you need to
stop into the Bay House. We make sure we have dinner there at
least once every time we stay in Lincoln City. Now I can't
wait for our next return visit so I can mention my wife is a
Bomber.
Whenever we hear any of our friends are going to be
vacationing in Lincoln City, we make sure to tell them the
Bay House is a must!
-Gary Brehm (John Ball/KHS '64) and Marsha Goslin Brehm ('65)
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>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Old Friends
I know Pete Overdahl ('60) pretty well covered this subject a
few days ago... but seeing Denny Nalder's ('65) (he ain't no
wanna be he's an always will be) name in the paper just gives
me goose bumps... I've been writing him since the first time
he popped up in the Sandstorm and lovin' every minute of
it... he hopes to be with the '65ers this June and I can't
wait... this is what being Bombers is all about... we can
not see or speak to one another for years and then one of
us bumps into another and it's as tho no time has passed...
I remember the first time I saw Kay Johnston ('65 fka Kaye)
after probably 30-35 years it was yak yak yak hug hug hug and
on and on... same with Pam Panther ('65), Diane Murphy ('65),
and Kathy Mouton ('65)... what a great place to have grown
up... I remember the first day Denny (see Ricky Warford...
nka "Richard"... when I first wrote to Denny... I called him
Denny tho he had signed his name "Dennis"... and now he's
Denny again... he KNOWS HIS name)... anyway I recall the
first day the Nalders came to Jason Lee... Denny was in my
class and the teacher who I still can't stand to think of
because she ate Oreos at lunch then brushed her teeth in the
back sink with Oreo spit... yuk... anyway the teacher asked
me to show Denny around (she couldn't have even liked me...
musta figured Denny would meet our gang anyway so it was a
lost cause) so anyway... there was an incident in the lunch
room Denny's first day with either chili or spaghetti...
I won't say any more... I can still see the entire thing
playing out in my head tho... I am so glad and proud (Pete
won't mind if I use his phrase) to be a Bomber I just can't
stand it... I may have mentioned that I love being a Bomber
so much, my daughter Sarah (a Vegas native) had a pair of
Converse made for me in Bomber colors with "BOMBERS" up the
back stripe... for Christmas... so that's the way I feel
about it!
-David Rivers ('65)
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>>From: Steve Upson ('65)
Re: Do you remember . . .
Here's a fun link for everyone to try.
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/singingman777/DYR.htm
I'll bet most of you will remember these. Hope you find
it a kick.
Best wishes,
-Steve Upson ('65)
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>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: The Silly Side Off Life
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Those moments in life that we place in the corners of our
minds named "Do Not Disturb". To young adolescents and the
cruelty of a young woman's scorn. Oh yes, Pappy, there are
certain parts of passing through those difficult years that
will reign a young boy into manhood. They are priceless and
ageless.
I am what the "PC Police" would call vertically challenged. I
call it just being small or short. When I graduated I weighed
a whooping 105 pounds and stood 5'3". That was my senior
year. Back up a couple of years to my sophomore year and
picture what life was like. Mr. Rish's PE class - bless his
heart - had a dark side to it. For me it was the dancing
curriculum. We, the boys PE class were lectured on the way a
young man should act when in the company of young women. It
was a dry lecture with no humorous spots and ended with a
slightly noticeable threat of unspeakable reprisal for those
who forgot. We all stood and marched to the girls gym.
Standing at the door awaiting our fate. One by one we
entered and passed by the ladies sitting on the bottom row
of the bleachers. We introduced ourselves to the last beauty
sitting at the far end. I walked silently, inside my heart
beating wildly, awaiting in anticipation. As my dance partner
came into view it brought a terror beyond belief. Here
awaiting was a beautiful woman in all of her six foot
stature.
I introduced myself and took her hand. Together we walked
onto the gymnasium floor. Standing face to face so to speak.
The music started, we took each others hand and together
fumbled through an awkward box trot. She was quiet and kept
her composure. Soon our despair turned into giggles and then
into laughter. The girls PE teacher must have thought we were
having way to much fun and she forever separated us. Mr. Rish
stood quietly with a stern look in my direction. Oh yes, to
a young lady who set my feet onto the road of life with an
important lesson. No matter what, keep your head high and
"never let the bastards grind you down".
I took that lesson into the military and in so doing, as a
volunteer to join a very special group of people. The Air
Force Terminal Air Controllers (TACP) who call in air strikes
over the Army's theater of operations. Maybe, a bit of a
"small man's attitude". Probably, inspiration from a very
special young woman whose name and face are now lost. It has
done me well, growing up in Richland.
I have met and married an Australian woman and she also
tolerates me well. So life is good. I cast my line when I
can, watching the arch and seeing the splash as it enters the
water. Will I feel a tug on my line bringing forth yet
another Bomber memory.
In closing Pappy, Fat Man and Little Boy completely opposite
but both carrying a big punch. A fitting legacy; Time,
Gender, Experiences and Class dates, we are all still
Bombers. Write on my friend, for it is through you and other
Sandstormers that I remember.
Re: Mr. Rish
He built character, and in doing so built character in me.
I am forever in his gratitude.
-Dave Fowler ('76)
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Funeral Notice scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
>>Susie Butler Tucksen ('65) ~ 5/6/46 - 3/1/06
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/11/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
16 Bombers sent stuff:
Ann Clancy ('50) and Jim Clancy ('52)
Ann Pearson ('50), Wanda Wittebort ('53)
Ann Clatworthy ('54), Bill Berlin ('56), Harvey Chapman ('56)
George Swan ('59), Mike Brady ('61), Gary Behymer ('64)
Linda Reining ('64), Jeff Michael ('65), Betti Avant ('69)
Jim Bixler ('72), Dick Cartmell ('73), Ben Jacobs ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jay McCue ('56)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mandy Holmes ('97)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mike Austen ('99)
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>>From: Ann Clancy Andrews ('50) and Jim Clancy ('52)
Re: Bob Clancy ('51)
Our brother Bob passed away on March 10th in Yuma, AZ.
While erecting a storage shed at their mobile home he
experienced back pain which in turn led to a MRI. In December
the diagnosis was a fast moving wide spread terminal cancer.
His goal was to return to his home and sons, Mike, Jim,
daughters-in-laws Tamara, Cheryl and grandchildren, Jeremy,
Justin and Rebecca Ann. He tried but it was not to be.
As a member of Columbia High School boxing team he had many
victories but this was one fight he could not win.
Bob and his wife Donna had left the winter cold and snow of
Pasco behind and have been "snowbirds" for many years.
Donna will return at an undetermined time, at this point, for
a "Celebration of Life" and scattering of ashes.
-Ann Clancy Andrews ('50) ~ Sacramento, CA
-Jim Clancy ('52) ~ Red Bluff, CA
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>>From: Ann Pearson Burrows ('50)
To: All Bay Club patrons etc.
My what a small world this really is!! The Bay Club was built
partially by my father, Lindell Pearson, after he and mother
moved to Lincoln City, Oregon. The first owner was David
Hearling and David was an art student of mother's and is
still a good friend... now one of my best friend's (Sandy
Atwater Boyd RIP'51) husband buys the place... and another
circle is formed.
-Ann Pearson Burrows ('50) ~ Living in San Diego, CA area
where today it is raining for the first time since
last July... and boy do we need it.
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>>From: Wanda Wittebort Shukay ('53)
Re: Hi-Spot pictures
http://richlandbombers.com/allbombers/HiSpot/00.html
Was wonderful to see the Hi-Spot pics. I identified Neg a
Wyoma Baker ('53) and Pat Ackley ('53) but not the guys.
Neg b of course is George Anderson ('53) and I believe is
Nancy Jenkins ('53) in the front and Janie Hedenstrom ('53)
sitting in chair. Janie and I cheered together in 1952/'53.
We also bummed around a lot together. She drove to Lake
Arrowhead, CA with me and my family in 1951 (summer).
Neg f is also Janie Hedenstrom. Wish we could find Janie.
Lost track of her in the '60s.
Marilyn Richey ('53-RIP) would know every person in those
photos. Bet Pat Ackley Morrow ('53) does also.
-Wanda Wittebort Shukay ('53)
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>>From: Ann Clatworthy Hogshead ('54)
To: Friends of Jane McClure Chilson ('53)
Re: "Hello Dolly"
Some of us who remember Jean Smiset's School of dance, which
later became Jane Johnston's School of Dance, were pleased to
hear from Janie this Christmas with the good news... get
this... at age 70... she is to be Dolly, in "Hello Dolly"!
The production opens April 21, 2006 and will run for 9
performances. Janie is so excited, it truly is her "dream"
role. On top of this, she still teaches tap twice weekly and
works for Metropath. I'm trying to figure out how and when I
can get to Centennial, CO (Denver area) to see one of her
performances. WAY TO GO, JANIE!
Take care Col-Hi Bombers,
-Ann Clatworthy Hogshead ('54) ~ In Fort Valley, VA (Mid-
Atlantic Bomber group) where the temperature is
74.3° F and Spring is in the air
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>>From: Bill Berlin ('56)
Re: Bay House in Lincoln City, OR
To: J.D. Boyd ('55)
How long has the Bay House been in operation in Lincoln City?
The reason I ask is that I went to Linfield College in
McMinnville between 1956 and 1960 and I am pretty sure the
Bay House was operating then, but maybe my mind is slipping.
The last time we were down on the Oregon Coast we had dinner
there, the first time in a long time, and it was very good,
probably the best we had on that trip.
Re: The Iditarod:
One of the Iditarod mushers ran into a tree a couple of days
ago. The impact severed the tether and separated the dogs
from the sled. The dogs just kept running, but with a lot
lighter load. The musher had to borrow a snow machine from
some hunters and run the dogs down but he only lost a couple
of hours of running time.
[That was Paul Gebhardt and since he was running ahead of
Swingley he was able to hitch a ride with Swingley to where
he borrowed the snow machine. When he finally spotted his
dogs, he said they were running just like they had a sled and
driver behind them. -Maren]
Many thanks to Maren for the updates. I get mine from the
patrons of an adult beverage establishment I own part of in
Anchorage, so when you factor out the copious quantities of
beer, only about 10% is accurate. Stay with Maren.
-Bill Berlin ('56) ~ in Anacortes, WA where we had dinner
with Dave ['57) and Norma Priebe last night. They are
in their new house and loving it and even had a Bomber
as one of their tradesmen during construction. Light
snow last night.
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>>From: Harvey Chapman ('56)
Jim, A touching memento. I'm happy to hear all is well for
you and hope the time will come when our paths cross once
again.
Continued Success and Happiness,
-Harvey Chapman ('56)
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: What If?
I am beginning to suspect that although nearly a generation
apart in years, someday we should meet for a discussion of
the "What Ifs." We seem to have a number of issues in common:
Bombers, fishers of the finny ones, the challenges of
vertical stature, misadventures of adolescence, military
service, and aircraft to name a few. If by any chance you
have a sister that mom always liked best, that would seal
the deal.
How well I remember receiving the same lecture (just an
earlier version) and being subjected to a similar forced
social interaction with (Gaspingly, I hold my hand to my
heart) members of the opposite gender by Mr. Rish. In his
best intentions, Coach could not have realized the full
extent of inner torture and awakening of suppressed memories
he forced upon me. Then again, maybe he did!
FLASHBACK to my freshman year at Chief Jo. Springtime, big
puffy white clouds are a floatin,' birds are tweetin,' and
butterflies are flutterin,' (in the air and in my chest).
Somehow, without even realizing it, I was suddenly aware of
an extremely startling phenomenon -- Girls were changing
shape and looking different from what they had ... just a
few months ago. I was confused.
Then, one tragic spring day, I found my confused self in
a "during school hours" Sock Hop," mandatory attendance
required. Horror of Horrors -- my name was called to come
out on the gym floor with some other guys and pair up with
preselected fair damsels to kick off the whole gala affair.
I, who knew not one lick of dance steps, searched for an
avenue of escape. But, all of the doors were sealed (I am
pretty sure with chains and junkyard dogs) and guarded by
teachers bent on seeing little George "Shorty" Swan make a
complete fool of himself. With pulse pounding and racing in
my ears at a speed, just under that of breaking the sound
barrier, I struggled through the first dance with a girl
whose face was (and still is) a total blank, thoroughly
pulverizing her tiny toes with my big feet (the same feet
that my Mom and sister never fully appreciated). Blessed
relief! The music had stopped. But, now the sadistic
torturers running the affair said that we had to go to the
audience and ... choose new dance partners. "Ahhhhhiiieeee!"
I screamed (in my head).
Stumbling like a skid row drunk (I am quite sure that I fell
numerous times within that mile and a half to the bleachers),
I approached this towering mass of humanity composed of
smiling beautiful girls and laughing, pointing, and
catcalling guys. Nearly passing out from the heat of my
intensely glowing red face, I just (with great effort)
reluctantly extended my two hundred pound arm to the nearest
person with long hair. Thank you Jesus for having all boys
wear short hair in those days!
My mind was a feverish blank. Somehow, I miraculously
survived the second dance but with whom, to this day -- I
cannot remember. The next thing that I knew, someone must
have taken further pity laced with a cruel twist of irony,
upon me for I became vaguely aware that I was now dancing
with ... a broom. Now, that was long before "Harry Potter"
flew into our lives but I found myself wishing that (amid the
loud guffaws of laughter) I could simply mount that broom and
zoom ... out of there.
"What if," long before, I had just learned to dance? Say,
maybe in kindergarten? Then by the ninth grade, I coulda been
a contender in the world of dance, like a younger version of
Fred Astaire. Then, by my sophomore year I could have made
Mr. Rish proud of me during those PE "social interaction
studies" rather than have him give me a "What's the matter
with you boy?" look while telling me to stop muttering to
myself.
"What if" I would have had an older brother who could have
enlightened me about girls with tips like, "It is totally
inappropriate behavior to respond to a girl's smile by
screaming while turning and running head first into the
wall lockers (Or trees.)"
And finally, "what if" I had been endowed with smaller feet
and not had a younger sister that mom liked best? .........
"Naw," I like it just the way it was and is. It gives me more
stuff to write about.
Dave, keep it up "little buddy." I can say "little" as I once
attained the astounding height of 5' 9-1/2". And my dad said,
"That kid will be six feet tall by the time he is sixteen.
But my spine could only take so many wall lockers and trees
before going on strike. And, now with the inevitable aging
process I am "puddeling" from the profound effects of gravity
and am just about as wide as I used to be tall. I have become
the "incredible shrinking senior citizen" so if I stretch
with a great amount of momentary exertion, I can just about
make 5' 8". You are stimulating my gray under grey. Soon, we
will have everyone begging or demanding that we stop. Write
on my friend before they get us.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where because of
today's weather, again I am singin' a little sunshine
song and thinkin' "Okay Dave, you can be 'Little Boy'
and I might as well be 'Fat Man.'" But, "what if" I
had started this diet a little earlier (like 20 years
ago) ... okay -- and stuck to it?
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Mike Brady ('61)
Re: Eastside basketball
I haven't lived in eastern Washington for over 40 years. Yet,
when I follow the State Basketball Tournaments, I'm still
rooting for east side teams. I'm disappointed there are no
Tri-City teams in the 4A finals this year. That's got to be
a first.
GO...Central Valley and Lewis & Clark!
-Mike Brady ('61)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: Little Steve Upton's (65) URL from yesterday
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/singingman777/DYR.htm
A great site...The Cracker Jack prize photo still rings
true for me. I've started to set Cracker Jacks out at our
Company's monthly board meetings. YES...the other men check
left & right to see what each person got as a prize.
The greatest freebie was not from a Cracker Jack box but
rather a Kellogs Sugar Frosted Box! The year was 1957 and the
prize was a plastic 'Atomic' submarine toy... 'Atomic' being
the key word here (;-) It was gray and held a bit-o baking
soda which provided the 'bubble' to return it to the surface.
More information on those submarines can be found on this
site: http://www.torgo.org/bpsubs/
Re: Check out spelling of Richland Y??? Under photo
http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=5675
-Gary Behymer ('64) ~ Located on the corner of Main & Canyon
in the heart of the financial district of Colfax, WA
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*******************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber class of '64)
To: Steve Upson ('65)
Re: "Do You Remember........"
loved the link----I remembered all of them... even had a pair
of white bucks---man, were they hard to keep clean.
-Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber class of '64) ~ we have gotten
snow in and around Bakersfield, CA but nothing in town,
though they say we could get some Saturday or early
Sunday. Tehachapi, Fraser Park, Pine Mountain, and the
grapevine have lots of snow--they even closed Highway 58
for a few hours this morning--that's the route we take to
get from here to Las Vegas!
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*******************************************************
>>From: Jeff Michael ('65)
Hey there all you Bombers and Bomberettes...
Geez, labreeze...yesterday's submissions were just too durn
classic. Dave Fowler ('77), David Rivers ('65) and Steve
Upson ('65) were just bout nuff ta make a grown man cry.
Having been vertically challenged, endured Mr. Rish and all
the other coaches, doing a stint in the USAF and finding a
short guy's revenge (aka, radio and tv work). Having sworn
to leave and NEVER come back. Leaving within the week of
graduation. Coming back after nearly 40 years...and liking
it!! Man...what a strange trip it's been. Then add a
tantalizing tribute to Pappy Swan ('59)! Man, all that was
missing was Rick Maddy ('67) on Semper Fi and Larry Mattingly
('60) in full bloom in the sky. I think that would have
tripped the scales...I'd have been in the tissue box for
shur.
Also, gotta give props to Mr. Sauer, at Chief Jo. Couldn't
remember his name til now. He was dynamite with a spat board,
tho kinda short and thin of hair. But looking back, I think
he was the one who taught me that even if you aren't built
exactly right, and cannot perform with the elite...you can
still participate with heart and perhaps manage. The only
"letter" I scored in school was a CJ for being the track
manager.
Gotta admit, I don't get nostalgic over the Community Center
coming down...I thought it was pretty ugly for a furniture
store. CO2 has much nicer digs now. And no doubt in my mind,
GWWay will be all the more attractive for the urban renewal.
Kinda like in my mind... Kadlec Hospital is far better as it
is today that it was as a barracks style, long corridored
facility. I love the memories and I applaud the progress.
-dj jeff Michael ('65) currently in cold and rainy San Diego.
Had planned to go sailing this trip for sure, but looks
like I'm weathered out. Wifey gets back from Isreal and
we'll be together again next week. I plan to be
Sleepless in Seattle Monday night!
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: sophomore PE dancing
Ah, yes, the much dreaded 2 weeks of ballroom dancing in
sophomore PE classes. Perhaps I shouldn't say this, but
what the heck. Two of the "nerdiest" guys were in my class.
Everyone hated dancing with one of them because when it came
time to switch partners nobody would switch with you even
though they were supposed to. We had a double sized class of
gals and guys so we had Mrs. Burns and Anderson and Mr. Rish
and Jensen. Some of the popular gals would prearrange in what
order they would be sitting so they could dance with the
popular guys. I remember one day doing the box waltz with one
of the unliked guys and that is all we did was step in a box
never moving from that one spot. I almost said let me lead,
but I kept my mouth shut.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA ~ headed to the eastern side
this weekend for a job interview
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>>From: Jim Bixler ('72), Dick Cartmell ('73), Ben Jacobs ('69)
Re: Bomber Booster Fund Raiser - Bomber Gym Floor Boards Sale
Bomber Boosters and Friends,
The remodel of Richland High School's Art Dawald Gymnasium is
nearly here. The Bomber Boosters will soon be removing boards
from the Dawald gym floor and making them available as Bomber
mementos for donations to the Bombers Boosters. Originally
this goes back to the GetFlooRed fund raiser to replace the
gym floor. With the cost of the new floor included in the
school remodel, the funds raised from this project will go to
purchase equipment to outfit the facility renovation as well
as support future capital improvement projects (e.g. Fran
Rish Stadium renovation, wrestling facility, and more).
The Bomber Boosters are now making arrangements to acquire
the floor boards and begin the engraving process. Our current
expectation is that these boards will be available to donors
by early summer. If you are interested in getting a piece of
the old gym floor, now is the time! Go to the Bomber
Boosters web site and complete a GetFlooRed donor form -
http://www.bomberboosters.com/getfloored_donor.pdf
For anyone that ordered a board previously, you are not
forgotten. The Bomber Boosters have a complete list of
donors, and confirmation e-mail and letters are going out
this week.
So, for a piece of the Art Dawald gym floor and all the
history that goes with it - Boys BBall with Ray Stein ('64),
Phil Neill ('66), Chris Nickola, Steve Neill ('72), 1972
State Champs, Dick Cartmell ('73), Mike Neill ('75), Brian
Kellerman ('79), 1979 State Champs, Jeremy Eaton, Travis
Buck, and many, many more. Or, Girls BBall, Wrestling,
Volleyball, and all the rest. History you need to have.
For those of you that would prefer to have a board from
the old (upper) gym floor, these engraved floor boards are
available now. We have found that many graduates that pre-
date the Dawald Gymnasium would prefer to have these boards,
and you can use the same order form noted above to request
these boards. That'll give you the history with Gene Conley ('48),
Norris ('57) and CW ('58) Brown, Jim Castleberry ('58),
1958 State Champs, and many, many more.
This is a great fund raiser for the Bomber Boosters and gives
everyone a chance to get a piece of nostalgia in return. We
encourage all former Bombers to get your piece of the floor
and support the boosters in this fund drive.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Joe Frank jfrankkc@charter.net or
John McCoy johnandcid@mccoy5.com
Thanks,
-Jim Bixler ('72), Dick Cartmell ('73), Ben Jacobs ('69)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/12/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8 Bombers sent stuff and 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
Jim Jensen ('50), Helen Cross ('62)
Dennis Hammer ('64), Linda Reining ('64)
Betti Avant ('69), Mike Davis ('74)
Dave Fowler ('76), Anne Mitzlaff ('77)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ray Loescher ('57)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: John Richardson ('58)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jeanie Walsh ('63)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: The 1948 Flood
To: Gary Behymer ('64)
Your posting of the "Wye" link brought back a lot of
memories. Thank you for picking up that story on the flood
of '48. I happily downloaded it.
I recall that the juncture of the Columbia and Snake Rivers
looked like a huge lake. What was then the city park in
Richland was flooded almost up to the barber shop. East of
the park, where there were a lot trees and brush along the
"new" river bank, water moccasins dwelt a plenty... and they
were in a sour mood. My visiting cousin and I ran into an
aggressive specimen during one stroll. It moved quickly
toward us... about two feet of it elevated like a periscope.
Simply altering our course failed to satisfy the snake
which pursued us for 10-15 yards before retiring. That same
"season," after some subsidence, a few friends and I were
walking off Van Giesen toward the riding academy. I paused
and bent over to pick up an interesting rock. A large
snake... will never know what kind... arched itself by my
left foot... the only thing I know for sure is that I left
terra firma in an uncertain trajectory and was airborne for
an unknown distance... took many, many minutes for my heart
rate to return to only 40-50 above normal.
The '48 flood was the one which swept the city of Vanport
down river and the place was never rebuilt. That condition
caused the Schell family to relocate to Richland and the
Bomber basketball program gained Alton "Whitey" Schell ('51),
a hook-shooting forward of some repute (both on and off the
court).
-Jim Jensen ('50) ~ Katy, TX
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Check out this "slide show" (17 pictures) of the 1948 flood:
http://richlandbombers.1948.tripod.com/48Flood/01.html -Maren]
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>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
Guess what!! I just opened up my latest addition of Bird
and Blooms, and there on the back page is a lovely tribute
to willow trees, written by our own Bomber, Patti Jones
Ahrens ('60), West Richland, WA. A very nice article, Patti.
I too have always loved Willow trees. Hope you have one you
can look out onto. I do, down by the little lake, which has
been very near flooding over it's bank with all the rain
we've had this week.
But the rain has stopped for a few hours, and Warren and the
neighbor were out making a new stream for him on one side, so
the lake is secure again.
Maren, I do love reading about the Iditarod race. I'm
wondering how many are still in the race? [72. -Maren]
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ in the house on the hill (luckily)
by the little lake. I also saw my first crocus bloom
today, so that's the best sign that Spring is really
on it's way
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*******************************************************
>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
To: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: "Atomic" submarine
I had (still have) one of those submarines, but I am quite
certain mine was earlier, probably from 1954. It was made to
resemble the USS Nautilus SSN-571. There was quite a bit
of news about the Nautilus at the time as it was the first
nuclear powered submarine and was launched January 1954.
I took it to school for show 'n' tell and it was put in a
galvanized steel bucket (I don't think they made plastic
buckets back in those days) and kids gathered around and
watched it submerge and surface.
I don't think it came in the box itself, I think I had to
send in some money and a couple of box tops. It looks like
the one on the website you posted www.torgo.org/bpsubs/
just below where it says the "The Johnson Smith Catalog
Website Has Some." That one is a reproduction, you can tell
the original from the reissue because the little funnel/stand
at the bottom is clear on the originals and gray on the
reproductions. That funnel is where the CO2 bubble builds up
to make it rise to the surface. When it gets to the surface
it tilts sideways enough to release the bubble and sinks
again. Oh, while it is a tenancy for us to all say baking
soda, it actually has to be baking powder for it to work.
That one at the bottom of the site you posted on eBay sold
today with one bid for $19.99.
Another cereal promotion I had was from the sponsor of
"Sergeant Preston of the Yukon" Radio/TV program Quaker Oats.
You got a deed for one square inch of Klondike land. They
bought 20 acres of land and printed up and numbered 21
million deeds. I was a real land baron because I had 2 of
them. Thing is, you had to register your dead, which no one
did, and in 1967 the Canadian government seized the land for
non-payment of taxes. But they still get inquiries about the land.
www.hougens.com/yukonHistoricalPhotos/1950s/1950s.aspx?year50=1955
(Click on the pictures of the deed front and back for a
bigger picture) They are suppose to be worth about $40,
but I haven't seen them in so many years I guess I no longer
have them.
A later promotion was a little pouch with a picture of
Sergeant Preston and his lead sled dog King on it that
contained an ounce of Klondike land. I still have that one,
but I took the dirt out and kept it in a glass jar. When we
moved to Richland I threw the dirt out in the yard. I have
tried over the years to find a picture of it on the Internet,
but haven't yet found one. However, I did find a site that
says that in good condition with the dirt is worth $300,
and with out the dirt is worth $200, so I threw away $100
worth of dirt.
-Dennis Hammer ('64) ~ Boomer Bomber class of 1964
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber Class of '64)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: school dances
loved your article, but the guys weren't the only ones that
dreaded the mandatory dancing and the sock hops. I can
remember watching the guys come across the floor and wringing
sweaty palms, wondering if I would still be a wallflower at
the end or if one of the guys that nobody wanted to dance
with would choose me or if that ONE particular guy would ask
me to dance! many times, we girls danced with each other.
don't remember any guys doing that, though. I can remember
practicing dance moves in Carol Wiley's ('63) bedroom... we
made sure we could do the "latest" steps, just in case we
were asked to dance! more often than not, we danced with each
other, but we were thought we were "cool", cause we could do
"the mashed potato", "the watusi", "the stroll", "the twist",
"the bop", "the locomotion", and many others that I can't
remember at the moment. I can still do those dances, but this
old body doesn't like me too much when I get done "moving and
grooving". thanks for the memories, Pappy, and others, who
have such keen memories... I remember them, after someone
else mentions them! keep them coming. they are a "tie" to
our childhood and teen years that help remind us that we did
indeed grow up in a wonderful town with a bunch of kids who
were "one-of-a-kind" and can never be repeated! our kids and
grandkids definitely missed out on a wonderful time.
-Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber Class of '64) ~ we had rain and
hail in Bakersfield, CA., Friday night, but so far, we
haven't gotten the rest of the storm that was predicted
from the Gulf of Alaska. we do have snow on all the
mountains around us and it looks so pretty! love it!
even had people coming all the way from San Diego to
play in the snow at Fraser Park!
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: a honk and a wave
Hey Pappy--I will be going by your area on Monday. I have an
interview in Walla Walla and will give you a big Bomber honk
and wave as I pass by. I love your tales, keep them comin'!
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA
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*******************************************************
>>From: Mike Davis ('74)
To: Bixler ('72), Cartmell ('73), and Jacobs ('69)
Re: Gym Floor Pieces
Sounds like a great idea and a great opportunity to get
"a piece of history." I'm wondering if all pieces are the
same price or has some of the pieces been jacked up a bit -
like the actual pieces touched by Dog Soldat and his Black
"Chuck Taylor" Cons.
-Mike Davis ('74)
(PS - Bix, did you actual score in this gym or is it
like that old pesky Chief Jo gym?)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Remember When
To: Betti Avant ('69) and Pappy Swan ('59) and all the Dog Mushers
You know, between the three of us we're talking about 30
years. Memories so special! I hope the traditions still live.
Yes, even the ball room dancing. It's interesting, Betti, to
hear your memories. I know for me I would have never have
dreamed to ask a girl in high school what her point of view
concerning the dancing was. I just wanted to put my head
down and quietly disappear into the crowd. I'm sure it was
as embarrassing for you as it was for us. That I guess, the
embarrassing moments were the crowning of our teenage years,
no matter what generation we are from. I think of your
comments and secretly in my mind know I was probably one
of those "Nerds" stepping all over my six foot tall dance
partner. I don't believe I could have stayed in one box. She
was way too tall and I know it would have taken quite a bit
of room to fully extend her arms.
Pappy, we'll have to get together. I'm sorry, I don't have a
sister. Your probably just as lucky. I'm afraid she wouldn't
be a pretty sight; balding, 5'5" with a size nine shoe. I
sure hope that I haven't rattled on too much. The other
Bombers might what to stick me in a garbage can somewhere.
Re: Iditarod
I've been following the Iditarod in the Sandstorm.
Yesterday's entry placed the team just coming into Galena.
I was stationed there from 1990 through 1992. Galena is
located between Fairbanks and Nome along the Yukon river. I
only had to stay for a year, I liked it so much I volunteered
for another. I along with hand full of other Airman
volunteered to help out. I had the honor of carrying hay so
the dogs would have an insulated place to lay down. As I was
carrying an armful out to a designated area I heard a female
voice cracking threw the dark and frigid winter. "Stay away
from my dogs". Surprised, I turned around and over the words
of "whoa" I saw Susan Butcher. Those People are a special
breed. Through the night I was privileged as a silent
bystander to listen to their greetings as each team arrived.
The laughter, dogs barking, smoke of a fire and stories of
the trail. Like a movie unfolding, there on the frozen banks
of the Yukon in winters darkness. After they had left I was
once again honored, with a shovel. You can only guess what
my new task was. So it is, another memory. As in all Bombers
lives, "Sometime we get the honors and other times the mess".
-Dave Fowler ('76) ~ My mind is so full of pleasant memories.
When I go to bed I can't decide on which one to
contemplate and often hear the alarm before the
movie starts.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Anne Mitzlaff Gerken ('77)
Re: Jennifer's fund raiser
I just returned from the fund raiser for Jumbo ('82) and
Jennifer Maiuri Davis ('86). I asked Jumbo who headed this
effort up, and he said "Kathy Conrad". [That's Kathy Hoff
Conrad ('64) -Maren] WOW! Awesome job, Kathy! For those who
didn't attend, it was a packed Knights of Columbus hall with
a very organized method of auctioning and bidding.
-Anne Mitzlaff Gerken ('77)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
Funeral Notice scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
>>Alison Scott Campbell ('72) ~ 1954 - 3/4/06
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/13/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8 Bombers sent stuff:
Gloria Falls ('58), George Swan ('59)
Patti Jones ('60), Helen Cross ('62)
Jim Hamilton ('63), Ron Richards ('63)
Pam Ehinger ('67), Mike Davis ('74)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Gary Hinkle ('56)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Gloria Falls Evans ('58)
Re: Flood of 48
I remember it well. I was living behind bunch Finnigan's
in a trailer park there right on the river in Kennewick.
We had to get to higher ground in a hurry... the water
just kept creeping up. We moved to one of the schools in
Kennewick for a few days then went to North Richland...
it was just opening up at that time. We lived on dirt
roads and tumble weeds for awhile. We were permanently
there untill I graduated in '58.
-Gloria Falls Evans ('58) ~ Spokane where we have Spring
back after the winter storm we had last week.
The slides of the flood were great
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: a honk and a wave
Betty, after receiving reassurance from Linda Reining
(Boomer Bomber Class of '64), that Dave Fowler ('76) and I
were not alone in our adolescence dance paranoia, I will
be gone today. I shall be looking for a very slow-paced
geriatric dance class. But, as you pass through modernized,
"Beautiful Downtown Burbank" (with our two traffic lights --
now), honk loudly and wave wildly. If you look carefully,
you should be able to see the elves waving back. However, be
on the lookout for a green unguided missile-like low-level
streaking thing. With the onset of better weather, Lowiq is
again testing one of his secret flying devices.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where today, the
sun came back and once again, Darby and I went
walkin', woofin', and singin' a little sunshine
song along the river.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
To: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
Re: My article in Birds & Bloom
With all your wondrous travels, you write quite often in the
Sandstorm for everyone's enjoyment. It surprises me that you
would have time to read the Birds & Blooms (B&B) magazine so
quickly. I barely managed to get the mail, take the plastic
wrapper off yesterday and always love to read my B&B. I save
it for a time when I can savor every moment. Appreciated
you letting me know the article was there. Of course, this
morning after reading the Sandstorm article (Sandstorm is
always my first reading every day), I went immediately to
find the B&B article. I had put in the article a few months
ago with no response. Happy to find the article was finally
in the magazine. Even though they did not put my original
picture, the article was the same.
Here is the original picture:
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2004/Xtra/040804-Jones-Tree.jpg
B&B is full of colorful pictures. Mine was Winter time
and not so colorful a time in Western Washington which is
probably why they chose the picture they did. I'm satisfied
to see my story in print. No Helen, there isn't a Willow
tree where I live in West Richland but I do know it is six
miles to Richland high school. There are Willow trees dotted
through West Richland, as well as in Richland. I may plant
one this year as there is an area in my yard that will
except the Willow trees big growth. Enjoy your Willow tree
at the little lake Helen. Always enjoy reading about your
lake whether your home or returning home.
Re: All Bomber Luncheon
Yesterday was an interesting day for the luncheon. Some
quick thinking helped me to accommodate the Bombers for
the Club 40 attendees who went for their meeting at
the library. Bombers attending Club 40 meeting came to
the luncheon at Noon, others at the usual time of 1:00pm.
Subjects of conversation changed as Bombers arrived and
left for the meeting. Who attended: Glen Rose ('58) Spouse
Carol, George "Pappy" Swan ('59) spouse Jeanne, Pete
Overdahl ('60), Judy Willox ('61), Nick Nelson ('56),
Irl French ('51), Marie Ruppert Hartman ('63) didn't say
but hubby Lance Hartman ('60) was probably out playing golf,
Pat Dorris Trimble ('65), Kendall Smith ('65) neighbor of
Betty Bell Norton ('51), Betty Bell Norton ('51), Millie
Brooks Bohlke ('56), Derrith Persons Dean ('60), Mary Judd
Hinz ('60) and myself. Vera Smith Robbins ('58) was not in
attendance because of surgery on her hand. Vera is doing
well and expect her to be in attendance next month. Email
Very with well wishes.
What I could highlight in discussion by the Bombers was
about writing into Sandstorm. Pete Overdahl ('60) talking
to George "Pappy" Swan ('59) about the cars which included
David "Big Moose" Rivers ('65) and his cars. Pete had an RHS
plaque with a cloud which I think was designed by David for
any place in cars. Bombers feeding the squirrels and birds.
Funny to hear the discussions about what Bombers fed the
squirrels and birds. The antics of the squirrels and birds
following their feedings. As the Club 40 group left the
discussion spun off into Earthquakes. Kendall Smith ('65)
was actually in the L.A. earthquake so we got a first hand
accounting of someone living in L.A. area. Pat Dorris
Trimble ('65) sat in a side booth with her family. She did
come and visit us at times when she could leave the family.
I tried to get the family to sit with us but they choose to
sit at the side with the little one. More than welcome where
ever they decided to sit.
Re: Spaghetti Feed for Jennifer Mauiri Davis ('86)
Other Bombers chose to be at the Spaghetti feed at the High
School Saturday afternoon. Definitely a worthy cause for a
teacher who has cancer. Yesterday and today's Sandstorm
thanks to Kathy Hoff Conrad ('64) tells that the Spaghetti
feed went well. Please update us even more, Kathy.
Re: Wine and Chocolate for the RHS Senior Dance
Amongst the many choices from Noon until about 9:00pm for
Bombers on Saturday March 11, 2006 and whoever wanted to
attend it wasn't easy to make choices. I did choose to go
with a Bomber friend for the 2nd Wine and Chocolate. Very
well done with a huge amount of choices to bid on. The
auctioning started around $595.00 for an artistic Portrait
of student, or family or more. Went down in price to many
other things. A couple of them said, "Priceless".
So many activities for Bombers on the same day doesn't
happen very often.
Re: Tri-City Herald
Today in the Tri-City Herald was the following article:
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Jones/060313-TCHarticle.jpg
The article encompassed many of the questions of the growth
of Mid Columbia that I had asked. The Tri-City Herald on
line did not seem to have this article unless I missed it
when I scanned. Article even explained all the growth in
Pasco.
Bombers Have Fun
-Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) ~ West Richland, WA, Where the
Columbia River is always worth a drive no matter
what the weather.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
The weather is really weird. My friends out in Sacramento
are freezing to death, and there has been snow south of
Placerville, while we are enjoying record warm temperatures
up in the 60s. After almost 5 inches of rain the past 3
days, we have stars out tonight, and it's calm.
But they predict more rain, but it will be gone by tomorrow
night, and we will miss the tornados, oh dear, are we lucky.
But this almost 70s in very unusual for this part of the
country this early. And they predict we might get some more
snow by the end of the week....
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ in the house by the little lake,
well, it's a bit bigger or swollen now, but it's still
a "little lake or pond as they call them in Indiana...
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*******************************************************
>>From: Jim Hamilton ('63)
For all you Trivia Buffs out there in the Bomber Nation
I found a 1961 Tri-City Colt League schedule while
going though some of Bobby ('63-RIP) and Billy ('63-RIP)
Chipmunk's scrapbooks.
Name the teams and the first one with all the right
answers wins the schedule.
jimbeaux
-Jim Hamilton ('63)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Ron Richards ('63)
Re: Water Moccasins
Jim Jensen ('59): I know there are water moccasins outside
of Katy, TX where we built an underground natural gas
storage field below the critters. But there are no water
moccasins on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. What you
probably saw were a couple of angry rattlesnakes.
-Ron Richards ('63)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Pam Ehinger (Blue Ribbon Class of '67)
Re: '67's 40th Reunion!
To the Blue Ribbon Class of '67!!! It's time to get off
our duffs and start planing for our 40th class reunion! The
biggest night in our lives! Well, besides graduation night!
I just heard from Jess Daniels ('67), we are in dire need of
people to help get this off the ground! I live in Omak, WA
and I'm willing to do whatever I can! If Reunion planning
meetings can be held on a Saturday, I can be there! But it's
time for ALL of us to help out. The people who have been
doing it for all the other reunions are burned out! We need
to step forward and help out! Like I said
GET OFF YOUR DUFF'S and let's get this going!
What are you afraid of? Oh you were the nerd in school? You
were the jock in school? Well guess what we're all grown
now! So come on!! Let's help out!
You can contact me through my email, or call me. The best
time to catch me is Monday thru Thursday after 7pm. (I play
on Friday and Saturday!) So I'll be looking forward to
hearing from ALL of you!!!
My home phone is (509) 422 1293
Bombers Rule,
-Pam Ehinger (Blue Ribbon Class of '67)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Mike Davis ('74)
Re: Fund Raiser for Jennifer Mauiri Davis ('86)
Saturday Night there was a fund raiser held for my sister-
in-law, Jennifer Maiuri Davis ('86) at the Knights of
Columbus. Jennifer is battling a rare form of cancer. The
fund raiser was a success way beyond anyone's expectations
with the auctions, raffle and donations raising thousands of
dollars. The generosity of this community is something I
will never forget. I want to thank the Jefferson Elementary
School staff and the other people that helped to make this
such a huge success. A special thank you to Kathy Hoff
Conrad ('64) who headed up this venture. You are a
remarkable lady and my family thanks you from the bottom
of our hearts.
Jennifer is the most courageous person I know with much hope
and determination. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you again,
-Mike Davis ('74)...and the entire Davis and Maiuri Family
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/14/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7 Bombers sent stuff and 1 honorary Bomber funeral notice today:
Jim Jensen ('50), JD Boyd ('55)
Burt Pierard ('59), George Swan ('59)
Lola Heidlebaugh ('60), Stephanie Dawson ('60)
Monica Strickler ('96WB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Diane Dvorak ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Marcia Wade ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mary Horton ('75)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim Millbauer ('77)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: Snakes
To: Ron Richards ('63)
You appear to know more about water moccasins than I do Ron,
but... I've seen a great many rattlers in my day and I've
never seen one move with the front portion of its anatomy
elevated, followed by about three-quarters of its length.
I have seen water moccasins in the water in a number of
geographical locations, swimming with roughly six inches to
a foot above the water surface - looking for all the world
like a periscope.
I'm clearly not a biologist. Among the many rattlers I've
seen, I haven't been "pursued" more than about a body
length. On the other hand, I've seen a few and heard of a
great many aggressive, water-borne moves by water moccasins
toward boaters - mostly in canoes.
I guess the third factor which left me with the impression
of an encounter with a water moccasin was the color. The
snake didn't have rattler markings. Had the snake been a
common water snake I doubt that it would have assumed the
attack mode.
Interesting... by the way, I'm not much of an outdoorsman
either. Just about all of my camping, hiking, fishing, etc.
was done in my youth. Now in Vietnam we had Kraits, etc. In
the Philippines, poisonous tree snakes... even had one in
our yard... in the Mikati-Rizal district of Manila yet.
The local guy who did our gardening dispatched it with his
machete. I nearly ran into a banded sea snake while taking
a dip a mere 30-40 yards off shore at Johnston Island (now,
Atoll)... when I saw that baby, vigorously swimming on a
path perpendicular to mine, I stopped doing everything...
no movement.. no breathing... the thing never appeared to
notice me.
You're right about moccasins near Katy, Ron... been lucky...
none in our yard as yet. They are primarily around ponds and
slow moving streams. Last summer a few, smaller alligators
turned up in one of the bayous (that's what they're
called... they look more like over-sized drainage ditches
to me) about a quarter-mile from our place.
Enough reptilian talk for now.
Bomber cheers,
-Jim Jensen ('50) ~ Katy, TX
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: JD Boyd ('55)
Re: Bay House
Fellow Bombers,
To: Ann Pearson Burrows ('50)
Really interesting to hear that your Dad worked on the Bay
House. I could sure use him now as we are in the process of
adding a martini bar, which will seat 45 bodies and will
have a wonderful view of the back bay. On top of the martini
bar will be a viewing deck for the smokers and others who
want a better view of the ocean and back bay.
Always nice to hear your comments about the Bay House. We
are in the planning stages of adding a bed and breakfast
just west of the Bay House which I will call the Bay House
Inn. Also we hope to build approximately 40 condos on the 2
acres we own adjacent to the Bay House property.
We have snow on the mountains and the big tennis tournament
going on here.
-JD Boyd ('55) ~ Indian Wells, CA
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
Re: 1948 Flood
Gary Behymer's ('64) referenced article
http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=5675
does tell the true story of the flood. Those of us who were
around then remember that every winter was much more bitter
than today (as a rule, at least one spell in the "minus
teens" and snow that would stay for days & build up). As
the article points out, the '47-'48 winter had an unusually
large snow build up and the resulting large run off, hence,
the Flood of May & June 1948.
Other sites, like Gary's
http://krookmcsmile.tripod.com/RichlandFloodof1948.html
and Maren's
http://richlandbombers.1948.tripod.com/48Flood/01.html
contain some misleading pictures & captions, to wit, they
indicate that the "freeze-over" of the Yakima River had
something to do with the '48 Flood. In actuality, the Yakima
"Freeze" occurred the following winter, January, 1949. Maren
is making corrections to her "slide show" as we speak. Also,
Gary's "Ice Picture" is captioned referring to the Railroad
Bridge which was not built until later (about 1950, I
think). The steel frame bridge that Gary refers to was
actually the original (before the government takeover) two-
lane bridge on the road from Richland to the "Y." The wood
bridge in the foreground was added to allow 2 lanes south
bound and the old bridge was used for the 2 north bound
lanes.
Re: Another generation that is not ashamed of our "roots"
You have to allow me a little "bargain" space here regarding
one of my granddaughters, Alisa Reimer (age 12), in Seattle.
She was assigned a 7th Grade Class Project to develop a
pictorial display of one of her ancestor's unique vocation.
She chose (on her own) to portray her great-grandmother (my
Mom) and all the other women who worked at The Project. In
addition, for clarity, she had to tell the story about the
Manhattan Project and "Fat Man." Maren has posted pictures
of the finished project:
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060314-00.html
I think she did a fantastic job (only input from me was some
pictures) of all her own research and board construction
(probably a little help here from her Mom, but not much).
Check out the dark object at the bottom of the center board
(a papier-mâché "Fat Man").
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
Re: Birds & Blooms, Pizza, Dog Lovers, and Flight Simulators
Congratulations on the publishing of your article in "Birds
& Blooms." I will look for it so I can say, "I knew her
before she became famous."
Another Bomber "Happening," that took place last Saturday,
was the informal partaking of pizza following the Club 40
Meeting. There was a lot of further communing with fellow
Bombers representing a wide range of class years. I was
especially intrigued with the "coffee table-type" book on
dogs that my "big buddy," Pete Overdahl ('60) and wife,
Maggie brought to show us. The book's jacket sported a
wonderful full-page picture of their own Greyhound,
"Groovy" (If I remember the breed and name correctly).
Apparently, a friend had taken a picture of "Groovy" and
sent it in when ordering the book for the Overdahls as a
present. Pete said that upon receiving the book, he remarked
that it looks just like "Groovy" when in fact it was ...
"Groovy". What a unique gift for dog lovers. I will leave it
to Pete to explain the details so that the information gets
out to interested parties correctly.
Another subject of discussion surfaced that is near and dear
to the hidden fantasy world of this ol' Bomber -- that of
flight simulators for PCs. Glen Rose ('58) and I somehow
got on the subject of "Combat Flight Simulators." Okay, I
probably started it. We were soon joined by Nick Nelson
('56) and Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54). All of us have
an interest in these "Grownup Toys." At this point, I must
say that it is a good thing that I am now retired as sitting
down to my flight simulator is the most constructive loss of
time that I have discovered yet. I save it for nighttime
and use it as my late night "wind down." Many late nights,
intending to fly just a mission or two, I become absorbed
by it, eventually realizing that I have flown, not two but
several missions and it is now ... early morning. Nightly, I
am transported back in time (within the cockpit of a WW II
fighter plane) as I help to halt the advance of the Imperial
Japanese Empire across the Pacific during WW II. However, if
I wrote any further about this subject, it would have to
be done in installments as I find it to be the answer to
a history buff, "Fighter Pilot Wannabe's" wildest dreams
(short of a ride in the real bird).
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where today, the
sun again shown brightly and when I returned home this
evening, I discovered that my elves are at it again.
Lowiq (under Lowkey's ever watchful eye) seems to have
sealed off one half of my horseshoe driveway and has
been intently constructing ... something.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Lola Heidlebaugh Bowen ('60)
Re: Portland/Vancouver March Bomber Luncheon
Sorry there aren't any pictures from Saturday's Portland/
Vancouver Luncheon. Dad-gum camera wouldn't work! We had
a good time though and great visit with: John ('66) and
Marilee (NAB) Zimmer, Marilyn Mabee Welter ('61), Ann Engel
Schafer ('63) and Fred Schafer ('63), Jo Heidlebaugh ('74),
Mom Heidlebaugh and Lola Bowen.
We talked about having our next Bomber luncheon in May at a
different location. Be sure to watch the Sandstorm for the
new one! When a reservation is made will send it so people
can start planning to join us!
Thanks for the Sandstorm!
Always a Bomber,
-Lola Heidlebaugh Bowen ('60)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Stephanie Dawson Janicek ('60)
Re: The Short and the Tall of It
Oh, how I remember the sock hops at Chief Jo. I think I was
the tallest girl in the class at 5' 9", maybe in the school.
One of my very good friends was George Sheard ('60-RIP); he
may have been the shortest guy in the class or school. We
were among the many who attended every dance with hope in
our hearts, seldom fulfilled.
George was a prince of a guy and really lots of fun. One day
we decided the heck with convention, we were going to be a
couple and have as much fun as anyone. So we danced together
(Strankman's P.E. class probably was the first place; don't
remember the female teacher's name). Once we attended a
party at Mary Jean Mattson's ('60) house. I don't remember
the occasion or theme, but I do remember that we dressed
alike, both in pink and black. My friendship with George was
a valuable and memorable lesson in judging people by what's
inside, not by outer appearances.
I was saddened to learn that George is no longer with us;
don't know how that happened.
-Stephanie Dawson Janicek ('60) ~ West Richland, where the
sun is fabulous and the daily temps go from freezing
to a respectable 53 or so degrees; yesterday my hubby
was out pruning roses.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
From the new ALL Bomber Alumni GuestBook.
From: Monica Strickler Pelto ('96WB)
POSTED: Monday 03/13/2006 12:42:51am
COMMENTS: None
-Monica Strickler Pelto ('96WB)
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*******************************************************
*******************************************************
Funeral Notice scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
>>Kirby Edwards ('52wb) ~ 2/7/34 - 2/25/06
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That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/15/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
11 Bombers sent stuff:
Gini Miller ('49), Dick Pierard ('52), Tom Hughes ('56),
Burt Pierard ('59), Pete Overdahl ('60), Helen Cross ('62)
Betsy Fox ('63), Deedee Willox ('64), Donna Fredette ('65)
Rick Maddy ('67), Mike Franco ('70)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ron Holeman ('56)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Roy Ballard ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Theartis Wallace ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Barbara Smith ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Terry Ganz ('68)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jessica Avant ('95)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Gini Miller ('49)
Re: Any Bombers in Central Florida?
I'm now living in Wildwood, FL. Wondering if there are any
Bombers in the area. I do know that Gene Conley ('48) lives
about 20 miles from here in Clermont. Saw a huge newspaper
clipping about him, two day's worth with picture, when he
spoke at a local college sports conference. He wouldn't
remember me. Would like to connect with any Bombers in the
area who might, if possible.
ALSO from Gini:
From the new ALL Bomber Alumni GuestBook.
From: Virginia "Gini" Miller ('49)
POSTED: Tuesday 03/14/2006 5:36:15pm
COMMENTS: How I treasure my Bomber days! Would love
to hear from other Bombers '48-'52.
-Virginia "Gini" Miller ('49)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Dick Pierard ('52)
I want to thank brother Burt ('59) for sending in the class
project that his granddaughter (and my grandniece) Alisa
Reimer in Seattle had prepared. If you didn't have the
opportunity to look at it yesterday, I will include the
link again:
alumnisandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060314-00.html
Our mother was really proud of her only great-granddaughter
and bragged on her a lot at the assisted living facility she
lived at in Indiana before finally Alzheimers got the best
of her and we had to put her in a nursing home where she
passed on to the great beyond in October 1998. I wish she
could have seen this celebration of her life She looked so
much to seeing Alisa when I escorted her to Seattle in the
spring of 1996, the last time she was able make a long trip.
The picture that got me was the one of Mom, Burt, and me
when we were all young and skinny. De times they do change!
Bomber cheers
-Dick Pierard ('52) ~ Beverly, MA
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Tom Hughes ('56)
Re: Flying
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
When I saw Pappy's comments about fighter planes I had to
write about one of the most memorable times in my life.
When I got out of the Army I went on and got all of my
civilian rating. (Single and Multi-engine, Instrument,
Instructor, Instrument Instructor, Commercial for Fixed and
Rotary Wing). In 1970 I was working at Ed's Airmotive at the
Renton Airport as a Flight Instructor and Charter Pilot.
A good friend of "Ed" Edward's was a gentleman named Mike
Loening. Mike was the son of Grover Loening and was married
to Elaine Dupont and operated the Boise Aviation Service.
Mike owned a number of World War II aircraft including a
P-51D Mustang that at the time he called Miss Salmon River.
He flew the Mustang in the Reno Air Races. I crewed for
him down in Reno one year and we got to be good friends. He
brought the Mustang up to Renton for Ed to do some engine
work on it and I flew him back to Boise while the work was
done. When he came back to get the Mustang he flew his AT-6
Texan up to Renton. He asked me if I would like to fly the
AT-6 and of course I jumped at the chance. I flew for about
5 hours in the Texan and he asked if I would like to try the
Mustang. He said he felt comfortable letting me fly it. I
wasn't quite as sure but he talked me through the checkout
including all of the "Don't Do's" and he finally told me to
go ahead.
I have to admit that of all of my time in the air those two
hours were the most exciting of my life. I was as nervous as
a cat in a room full of rocking chairs but managed to keep
focused on what I was doing. When I landed back in Renton
(Once committed to the landing do NOT try to go around.
Pushing the throttle up too fast will just turn you on your
back) I was sweating rivers. I was so high that I don't
think I came down to earth for days. If you are looking for
a high there is no drug in the world that can give you a
high like that.
Later that summer I went to Rock Springs, WY for two weeks
working for Mike dusting Federal Range lands in a Piper
Supercub modified for carrying dust. Flew for two weeks
and never got over 50 feet off the ground. (Mike said if
I didn't come back with sagebrush in my wheels I was flying
too high.).
Unfortunately Mike was killed about a year later when he
flew his Beech Baron into the side of a Mountain while going
from Boise to Denver. Nobody knows how it happened but it
was a great loss to his friends and to aviation.
-Tom Hughes ('56)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
Re: My post yesterday - Oops!!
I tried to begin my post yesterday (about my granddaughter's
School Project) with a request for a little "BRAGGING"
space. But my gol-durned Spell Checker slipped "bargain" in
instead. My apologies to all. In case you missed it, here is
the URL for her finished project:
alumnisandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060314-00.html
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
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*******************************************************
>>From: Pete Overdahl ('60)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Your Dog on Cover of Purina Dog Book
George mentioned in the March 14th Alumni Sandstorm about
seeing our book of Extraordinary Photographs of Wonderful
Dogs with a special cover with the picture of your own dog
on it. If you love your pet like my wife Maggie loves our
Greyhound Groovy, it will be worth every cent on this book.
We were given this book for a Christmas present. This 192
page color book on dogs is a real keepsake. The bonus is
having your own dog on this beautiful book's cover. You can
write for more information at www.dogs24-7.com for this
book and cover.The book is 9x11, hardback book with mostly
colored pictures and a short synopsis of each photo. All you
have to do is upload your favorite digital picture to the
web site.
-Pete Overdahl ('60) ~ Still living in Bomberville
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
I don't know why I am joining in on the snake identification
discussion, as I know very little about them, nor do I want
to learn more. I just avoid them the best I can. Last year
I was at Mascatatuck National Refuge (that's near where
I live), when I saw a snake in the water with it's head
projected up (how high I don't remember, but I was nervous
about it, even though I was on the shore about 20 feet away.
And I didn't go any closer once I saw it.) I heard they have
copperhead snakes, and I thought that sounded bad. Well, I
just saw an article in the paper about Mascatatuck that they
have copperbelly watersnakes. And I was very relieved to
learn it is a harmless reptile that is rare.
My point is couldn't the snake you remember, Jim Jensen ('50),
have been another type of snake besides a water moccasin
or a rattle snake???
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ in the house by the little lake
in West Harrison, IN where we had blue skies and
sunshine with fluffy white clouds today, beautiful,
but a brisk wind in the 40s. It's suppose to snow a
little this weekend, but my crocuses and daffodils
are breaking into bloom, so Spring really is coming!!
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Betsy Fox Vance ('63)
A reminder to any of the Bombers living in the Tri-Cities
area who are taking care of an aging parent - or spouse -
or taking care of anyone -- we are having our first get-
together/support group this Wednesday evening, March 15th at
6:30 in Richland. Anyone interested is certainly invited
to come and take part. Please e-mail me for location address
and directions. Several people have responded - it looks to
be a good group - all facing a lot of the same issues that
come with this role we find ourselves a part of. Come and
meet others, share your stories, eat some great food and be
in on the ground floor of what could be a very important
group that could just keep going on and on (until our own
Bomber children are the care givers for us when we are old
and cranky)!
-Betsy Fox Vance ('63)
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>>From: Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64)
To: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
Congratulations on being "in print" with your article!
To: Burt Pierard ('59)
Your granddaughter did a great job on her project. I am
very impressed with they way she handled the information and
scrapbooked the pictures. She also kept it non-judgmental in
that she didn't put anyone down for how they felt about the
project. Kudos to her! She should be an "honorary" Bomber.
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Yes, please send me your writings. I always enjoy your
Sandstorm entries, so I'm sure I will enjoy your other
writings as well. Keep up the good work.
RE: The 1948 Flood
I don't know how I can possibly remember that flood as
I was only two that January. But I remember the water that
was still over the road after it was opened again. I also
remember the man who got killed with the live wire. They had
a bar on the right side of the road to the Wye. Sometimes,
my folks would stop there, leave us in the car (only Judy ('61)
and me, as Johnny wasn't born until 1951), and go in and
have a couple drinks. I don't remember the owner's name or
his face, but I remember that he came out to the car and
talked with us, and he told us he was Superman (I believed
him). My dad, years later, told me what happened to him. You
could see the foundation of their building for years. That's
one of a very few memories that I have of my early childhood
(prior to going to school). Actually, I don't have a lot of
memories AFTER going to school either. Perhaps that is best.
lol
-Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64) ~ Burbank, WA, where I'm
tempted to go steal Pappy's elves, or at least ONE.
After all, shouldn't Bombers share?
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*******************************************************
>>From: Donna Fredette ('65)
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Susie Butler ('65).
I remember her from high school as a very nice girl. It is
so hard to realize that our school friends are going one by
one when we thought we'd live forever. Well I guess we will
but it is still sad to lose a classmate. My best to her
family and friends and may God be with you.
Bomber Cheers,
-Donna Fredette ('65)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Rick Maddy ('67)
To: Burt Pierard ('59)
Your granddaughter's Hanford Project display was a winner
for sure. Very nicely done! Her papier-mâché "Fat Man" was
very, very nice also, and if she ever gets into marketing
them painted green and gold with the RHS... or just gold...
for rear-view mirrors, ear rings, necklaces, nose posts,
basketball court half time cheerleading or fireplace mantles
please let me know. I want one.
And for lawful clarification purposes… no Rivers ('65), I'm
talking about the bomb, not the cheerleaders.
I do recall seeing the Yakima River full of ice breaking
up with great noise and drama, but I was around six years,
maybe seven when we went down there to watch it. This had
to be around 1955/'56... I am assuming the '48/'49 Winter
must have been extraordinarily severe... and the Yakima
icing over was fairly common through the years back then
before global warming or maybe I was dreaming? Yes, this
is sort of a question.
-Rick Maddy ('67)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Mike Franco ('70)
To: Mike Davis ('74)
Re: Did Bix actually score on that floor - Dawald Gym....
Bix, like Dick Cartmell ('73) and most of the Northeast
Richland ghetto greats (Turp, Felts, Dan Cart...) did their
best work at Clark Stadium, the hotbed of the west's finest
fatbat wiffleball... all the rest is just wind in the
trees...
-Mike Franco ('70)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/16/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 Bombers sent stuff:
Betty Hiser ('49), Jim Jensen ('50)
George Swan ('59), Jan Bollinger ('60)
Helen Cross ('62), Deedee Willox ('64)
David Rivers ('65), Betti Avant ('69)
Mike Davis ('74), Dave Fowler ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Hazel Morgan ('52)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Debra Anne Crane ('71)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Tami Lyons ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Rhonda Miller ('78)
*******************************************************
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>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
Sorry I didn't get to the Club 40 meeting. I slept the
entire day.
Water Moccasins - I am originally from SW Ohio and my
paternal grandparents lived in South Central Ohio where
water moccasins abound. They are very dangerous - they come
out at night and it was very dark there - no street lights,
etc. One bit my grandmother and she never recovered from
the bite.
'48 flood - the '48 flood came up to what is now Allied Art.
They told us if it went past that building to pack our bags
and head for Yakima. I was terrified because my mother
couldn't drive. Don't know how we would have gotten to
Yakima - LONG WALK.
-Betty Hiser Gulley '49er - south/government Richland - nice
days and coolish nights
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: Snakes
To: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
Re: Your posting of 3/15. What? Me make a mistake? Moi? Yup,
could be. Does anyone know of a non-poisonous snake, other
than one of the constrictor family, which might aggressively
pursue a human?
Bomber Cheers,
-Jim Jensen ('50) ~ Katy, TX
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Tom Hughes ('56)
Re: Fighters and Flying
Tom, Nick Nelson ('56) told me of your envious career in
aviation. You are one of the very "lucky few" to have
piloted both an AT-6 Texan and a P-51D Mustang and probably
some others that you have not mentioned but you obviously
earned the right. It has to be a special unique feeling
to have flown the Mustang that men like Chuck Yeager rode
through the skies of Europe battling Messerschmitts and
Focke-Wulfs and others who fought Zeros over the Pacific.
The P-51D was (and the remaining few still are) very
possibly the most beautiful and effective fighters to serve
in WWII. Color me "Marine Green" with envy! For me, it is
quite easy to understand why those two hours were the most
exciting of your life. Just as there is nothing like the
sound of a Harley for bikers -- for pilots and aviation
enthusiasts -- there is no sound like a Mustang approaching
and going by.
My little flying career drastically pales by comparison. I
earned a single engine -- land license and worked on the
instrument rating and commercial ticket and had the hours in
but never completed either. When I gave up active flying due
to far too many interests unmatched by sufficient funds to
support them all, I had about 300 hours (mostly in Cessnas).
Those hours encompassed experiences that I would never
trade. For me, a couple of cross country flights in marginal
weather are memorable. I even wrote a poem about one
of those flights and how glorious it was after dodging
thunderstorms and rain squalls when returning from Montana
over the Blue Mountains to Walla Walla to finally see that
flashing green and white light. However, my brief but most
exciting hours (other than training as a crew chief on a
Huey) were in the right seat of a PBY Catalina when hauling
fish. It was a Borate Bomber that was cleaned up and
converted to research the feasibility of transporting
juvenile salmon and steelhead. No, I did not have a hand in
takeoffs or landings but I had the privilege of steering
that big flying amphibious "fish bus" up and down the Snake
and Columbia Rivers on a couple of trips.
Does anyone out there know of a good source for a WWII
leather pilot's cap, goggles, and silk scarf? I have the
sheepskin-lined Bomber Jacket so far. I am getting into
this combat flight simulator thing to the point that I
think that I will set up a big fan on top of my monitor
to simulate the slipstream and really play the part. Yep,
I am easily amused in my elder years.
To: Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64)
Thanks for your request. The articles are on the way,
probably "flying" through cyberspace as I write this.
However, you leave my elves alone. It has taken a long time
for me to train them. No, that's not true. Elves have a mind
of their own so they are obviously just humoring an old guy.
Which reminds me, I still don't know what Lowiq is up to
with his construction out there as every time I get close,
he and his little crew pull a little tarp over it. You see,
I respect their privacy -- well, usually.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where today was
again a pretty nice day but I am really
wondering... what are those elves up to?
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>>From: Jan Bollinger Persons ('60)
For those Bombers who may have missed the true story of
Jason McElwain, there is a great video at
http://www.collegehumor.com/movies/1667265/. Jason is
autistic, and for years he helped coach his high school
basketball team. The last game of the season, the coach
let him play. You don't have to like basketball to get a
thrill from watching this short video.
-Jan Bollinger Persons ('60) ~ Spokane, where Spring will
have to hurry to make it here by 3/20: we woke to
an inch of snow this morning!
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>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
To: Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64)
So what happened to the man who had the bar at the Y(wye)?
email me privately if it shouldn't go on the Bomber "air".
To: The Pierard brothers
Re: AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060314-00.html
You both should be very proud of Alisa. She did an excellent
job on her project. I am so sorry your mother didn't live to
see it.
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ West Harrison, IN - in the house
by the little lake, where the danger of flooding is
over, as it was sunny and breezy, and 40° again today.
How boring!! But more rain and snow is expected the
next few days. I'm loving it as more flowers are
coming out. All of my purple crocuses just appeared
overnight in full bloom today.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64)
To Burt Pierard ('59)
Re: Your granddaughter's School Project
AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060314-00.html
That's OK. Grandchildren ARE a bargain: you don't have to
clothe them or feed them or send them to college. You just
get to enjoy them immensely. Again, I say that grandchildren
are your reward for not killing your children (especially
your teens).
-Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64) ~ Burbank, WA where I'm stampin'
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*******************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: I DID NOT FORGET I DID NOT FORGET
Honest... this was a very honest mistake this time and while
it was my fault (real men can admit fault... if it doesn't
hurt too much)... I looked at the calendar and was certain
that the 16th was Roy Ballard ('63) and Thea Wallace's ('63)
birthdays... so it was not intentional so at best in it
negligence and maybe even excusable neglect but certainly
NOT an intentional tort so no punitives boys... What can one
say about these two guys... Roy is the keeper of the Bomb...
in fact Roy is the genius behind the bomb... you know the
big one we use at reunions... While Jimmie Adair ('67)
was recuperating at my house a few years back from heart
surgery... Roy took it upon himself to visit a little
surplus place in Utah he'd seen when he, Jimmie and Steven
Adair ('08) were trekking over to Illinois to pick up a car
for me during the worst storm season in many years... Roy
got the Bomb and Adair, Stull ('63) and others worked on
it to bring it into the shape we now see... (tho before
graffitti)... Thea is, of course, one of the reasons we are
all sooooooooooo proud of Bomber B-Ball... an artist... in
fact Peter Joe Carroll's ('65) dad used to call him "the
artist" and I was never sure if he was mispronouncing Thea's
name or if that was a true nick-name... soooooooooooooo...
I am very sorry that I missed your birthdays and I hope it
doesn't happen again! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU BOTH!
-David Rivers ('65)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: elves
To: Pappy Swan ('59)
Hello Pappy--I was going to write this note to you before
I saw yours, but will send it anyway. I didn't see any low
flying elf aircraft. However I saw something else. There
were ducks in several of the ponds along the highway. In one
I witnessed several elves racing on duck back. I believe
they told me it was "Bogart" who broke his leg when he went
"flying" off the back of one of the ducks. If any of the
others come home with injuries they don't want to discuss,
that is probably what happened to them, too. They looked
like quite a lively bunch.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA
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>>From: Mike Davis ('74)
To: Mike Franco
Re: Northeast Ghetto Greats (Felts, Bix, Carts, Franco, etc.)
May have been a touch of talent up your way, but nothing
like the Tinkle Streeters.
With the likes of the Slater Boys (Turk and Rick), the Davis
boys (from Bear, Boo Boo, Jumbo and I guess Wig too), Smooth
Craig-O King, Whoop Caudill, Lord Dog Soldat. Even Greg
"Truax" Halseth may get you a bucket on occasion..... Sounds
kinda like a "Who's Who" of Hoopdom!!!
And what great facilities we offered - on the south side of
Tinkle was King Arena, later to be replaced on the northside
by the Davis Forum. Facilities now only rivaled by Quest and
Safeco!!!!
Yeah, we had "skills."
-Mike Davis ('74)
PS - But when Bix came across town and brought his game
we couldn't stop him. We only hoped to contain him!!!
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*******************************************************
>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Urban Legends
Yesterday morning after completing another 12-hour night
shift I backed my car out of the parking lot in Hermiston
and started my routine drive home to Richland. The sun
greeted me as it started its upward climb into morning. It
never ceases to amaze me how beautiful our dawn and evening
skies are. So rich in color with hues of yellow, red
and blue. As always, Rattlesnake mountain loomed with a
dominance as I started my last leg. Wearily, I pulled into
my driveway glad that the shift was over and looking forward
to a good day of sleep.
Our house was quit as my wife had already left for work and
the pitter patter of small feet grew up and are contending
with their own pitter patting of small feet. My usual
routine of a couple of crackers, a glass of water and the
morning news quickly escorted me to my bed. That moment,
when your head drifts so comforting into the arms of a
pillow. When your body goes horizontal and your weight is
evenly distributed. I close my eyes to begin yet another
"Bomber Memory". Just as I loose sense of reality and
willingly subside to a gentle feeling of falling. Out of no
where, angrily jerking me back to awake I hear the sound of
"Woof, Woof" followed by a loud voice yelling "Rex, get in
here! We have shift workers in the neighborhood". Yes, and
I'm but one of three that border Rex. I lay there now trying
coax my mind back to were it came from, remembering an
earlier time. Darkness Falls Behind The Cemetery
It was 1964, the end of yet another scorching day on
Cottonwood. My bed - like most I suppose - positioned to
catch the night time breeze. My window open as my father had
not yet come to terms with the value of an air conditioner.
The cloth curtains moving ever so slowly bring fourth the
aroma of sage brush and the soothing smell of water from the
sprinkler. In the distance the coyotes howled and yelped.
The whistle of a train and then quite. A sudden fear came
over me as I in vivid color remembered the Hook man and
Sandman that lived behind the cemetery.
I had two older brothers who took great delight in scaring
the crap out of my younger brother and I. One of their
favorite stories went like this. After the sun goes down and
it gets real dark. Behind the cemetery where no one lives
the dead are stirring awaiting the coming. The coyotes howl
announcing his nightly arrival as he crawls from the depths
of the Yakima river. His eyes glowing with red as blood
pours down his face. One hand missing from a fight with a
giant catfish, replaced now with a hook. Silently stocking
those that failed to leave before it got dark. Eyes glowing
red and a hook that would rip you stem to stern as he let
out a horrifically painful yell. The coyotes which grew
quiet, yelp... calling forth the Sandman. The sand of that
place would come together to form something that resembled
a man, but he was no man. Evil, and cursed to forever seek
the breath of young boys about my age I was told. He rode in
the wind and would find himself in our bedroom, hiding under
the bed. Waiting for just the right moment to suck out our
breath and carry us to the cemetery as a offering to appease
the Hook man. There was only thing that could save you. The
Sandman couldn't get you if you were asleep.
As so long ago I now try to find sleep as my mind moves at
the speed of light. When I awoke this morning I found a
small pile of sand near the back door. Now maybe this wasn't
a true Bomber Urban Legend. Probably just a terrible story
made up by teenagers trying to scare their two younger
brothers. I can vaguely recall a legend about Jump Off Joe.
If any of you can recall a true Bomber Urban Legend, let
it come forth. Those that hold back may very soon find
themselves riding the dead train that use to pass by the
cemetery every evening after the sun went down.
-Dave Fowler ('76)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/17/06 - HAPPY ST. PATARICK'S DAY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 Bombers and 1 NAB sent stuff:
Dick McCoy ('45), Jim Jensen ('50)
Phil Belcher ('51), Gary Persons ('57)
George Swan ('59), Lora Homme ('60)
Donni Clark ('63), Carol Converse ('64)
Deedee Willox ('64), Dave Fowler ('76)
Don Sorenson (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Richard Roberts ('49)
BOMBER ANNIVERSARY Today:
Thomas Peashka ('68) & Lynn-Marie Hatcher ('68)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Dick McCoy ('45)
Re: Records
Hey there stat freaks:
I have in my hand a set of state tournament BB stats from
the PI last week. They look OK for the most part, Norris
Brown ('57) most field goals made, Career, 84, most
rebounds, career, John Meyers ('58-RIP), 196, and
tournament, 79.
However, for points, career, some dude named Sean Mallon,
Ferris was listed at 230.
I seem to remember Mike Neill ('75) scoring 399 in 3
tournaments, 1 shy of 400 and a 25 per game average over
12 games. Dang I used to rely on Ray Conley ('46-RIP) to
take care of such trivia.
-Dick McCoy ('45)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: Special Days
HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY TO ALL and a happy birthday
anniversary wish to one of the loveliest ladies to ever
grace the halls of Columbia/Richland High School:
Sharon Templeman Watts ('55).
-Jim Jensen ('50) ~ Katy, TX - where you don't have to wear
green because it's all around you.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Phil Belcher ('51)
Re: Flood
http://richlandbombers.1948.tripod.com/48Flood/01.html
My Father came home one day and told my Mother that the ice
was so thick that they were running cats on the ice. Mother
could not think of a good reason that anyone would want to
run cats across the ice! (Its been a family story ever
since.)
We lived in West Richland across from what is now the golf
course and when the street to town was closed just west of
the stables, Dad had to go to the Twin Bridges to get to
work. (He was a fireman) Final tests were due that week so
I would ride with him. The Twin Bridges was closed within a
day or so, then we drove to Benton City for a day and then
had to go to Prosser and back up the Old Inland Empire
Highway. Around 60 some miles to cover four as the crow
flies. (I didn't want to take a make up test after the
waters receded. Found out the school gave an average
for your final for the ones that didn't make it during the
flood.)
I remember the big earth movers running around the clock
keeping just ahead of the waters in Richland. Some of the
drivers worked 36 hours straight. I believe they lost one
cat in the Columbia during that time. Also think they had to
move a few houses to make room for the dike. The FD decided
if the dike gave way that they would move the trucks up to
Thayer Drive and operate by radio. It was a few touchy days
until the river started to recede.
Re: Ice jam
My memory, sometimes faulty, says that the Corp attempted to
blow up the ice jam at the Yakima river bridge by chopping a
hole upstream of the bridges and floating explosives down to
the jam area. Instead they blew part of the bridge supports
of the railroad bridge.
-Phil Belcher ('51) ~ from dreary Pasco, waiting for the
rain that they have been promising
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Gary Persons ('57)
To: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
I believe you are referring to a bar what was commonly
called "The Barn". It was a two story building on the West
side of the highway and owned (I think) by Blaine "Smokey"
Barron's parents.
-Gary Persons ('57)
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*******************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: Additional Elf Evidence
They're a lively bunch all right! I knew those little guys
were once again up to something. When I tried to quiz Bogart
(who is clunking about on little crutches) concerning his
"Bum" leg, he changed the subject. And, I noticed an arm
sling here, a head bandage there, and a whole lot of Band-
Aids goin' on. However, Lowiq, always close-mouthed about
his own exploits, is usually less guarded about spilling the
"jelly beans" about his buddies. It seems that the "Green
Team" has arrived from Ireland -- Leprechauns! Lowiq let
slip some "Elfin Intel" ... something about "The 550th
Annual International Wee People's Duck Day" including
"Air Races" and a slight hint about a "Hydroduckplane Gold
Cup Race." It is all supposed to happen on March 17th in
observance of Saint Patrick's Day in a secret location to
be revealed only at the last moment (by invitation only).
That's about all I can get out of him but something is up.
Lowiq's little construction zone is now closely guarded by
both elves and the wee ones who sport the little green suits
and hats. It is enclosed like a "crime scene" on CSI within
a perimeter of fluttering bright green ribbon and has been
moved into (you guessed it), a bright green little tent that
went up overnight. Every time I get close, I can hear all
kinds of noise (sewing machines buzzing, hammering, the
whine of little power tools, riveting, and flashes from
a little arc welder). If Darby and I (while nonchalantly
trying to find the end of that little rainbow) get too
close, I hear excited little "twittering" voices, all
activity comes to a halt, and they all stand around with
their hands in their pockets, gazing at the sky, and
attempting to whistle -- while they don't work.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where it is cloudy
and pretty windy today and Darby, hiding in an
arborvitae bush, watches my backside and I (cleverly
disguised as a squirrel nest up in the willow tree)
conduct a swaying surveillance from afar with my
spotting scope and long-lensed camera while hoping
the wind won't blow ... much harder. What are those
little buggers up to?
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Lora Homme Page ('60)
Re: Support Group
Wednesday night was the first meeting of the support group
for those of us who are caring for our aging parents and it
was excellent. What a great group of people with whom to
share ideas and solutions.
My 87 year old mother and almost 99 year old dad live with
me and I care for them by myself. Although it's the most
satisfying thing I ever did, I'm exhausted as they are both
almost helpless. I found out that there are resources where
I can get some professional help.
Thank you, Betsy Fox Vance ('63), for organizing the meeting
and the rest of you for attending. I'll be there for the
next one!
Re: Puddles
It's time to open the puddles, folks, and I've been hearing
some talk about them. George Pappy Swan ('59) has elves,
Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) has real fish(!), and I have slugs.
There names are Sluggo (Well, what did you expect!?) and
Slymi. They aren't cute and mischievous or beautiful and
colorful, but they can be interesting. They can too, Jan!
Jan Bollinger Persons ('60) still doesn't even have a
puddle! Gary, it will soon be a year, are you never going
to do anything about that? You should be ashamed!
Re: The Great Flood
My family and I had gone "back home" to Montana on vacation
to visit relatives (about every third person in Montana
is my relative) when the flood occurred. When we got back
to Pasco, there was no way to get to Richland so there we
sat, we three and our husky/collie cross, Jerry, who went
everywhere with us.
There was a guy with a small plane who was ferrying people
back and forth across the river who said he didn't do dogs
because they sometimes went nuts trying to get out, but my
dad assured him that he'd hold him so my mom, Jerry, and I
got our first plane ride. It was also my mom's and Jerry's
last.
Neither of them liked it much and sat very very still,
studiously not looking out a windows during the flight. I
don't know which of them was out first when we finally came
to a stop but I know that one of them sailed over my head on
the way to the door. I thought it was fun, but I was only,
what, five or six years old and liked roller coaster rides,
too. I think a friend of my dad's took him some very long
route back to Pasco to get our car.
-Lora Homme Page ('60) ~ In that town across the Yakima and
up the road from Richland
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Donni Clark Dunphy ('63)
Re: Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
They say everyone is a little bit Irish on St. Pat's Day so
here is wishing you all a very Happy St. Patrick's Day! I
became a little more Irish when I married my husband even
acquired an Irish name. My husband has been to Ireland 3
times visiting family but I have only been once. It is
an enchanting land across the sea and I do believe some
Leprechauns still exist there. Some have found their way
over to this land. I do believe they have found a place at
Pappy's. God bless you all on this day and wear green so
you don't get pinched!
-Donni Clark Dunphy ('63) ~ La Mirada, CA where the sun is
just beginning to shine and maybe a rainbow will come
out so we can look for that pot of gold!
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Carol Converse Maurer ('64)
To: Jan Bollinger Persons ('60)
I tried going to the website to see the movie clip of
Jason McElwain, but it was blank. Could it be that the
address wasn't quite actuate?
[http://www.collegehumor.com/movies/1667265/
If anybody else has trouble with that URL, try
going back later. I suggested Carol do that and
she said she got it to work the 2nd time. -Maren]
To: the Pierards: Dick ('52) and Burt ('59)
Re: alumnisandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060314-00.html
I really enjoyed seeing the slide show of your
granddaughter and grand niece. What a remarkable job she
did!
To: Pappy Swan ('59)
Loving your elf stories that you are telling once again.
They are the lively bunch aren't they.
To: Dave Flower ('76)
You had me in your grips as I read the story of the Hook
and Sandman. Also about the warm breezes and sprinkler
sounds. I really do miss the "spring" and "summer" that we
had in Bomberland.
-Carol Converse Maurer (Boomer Bomber Class of '64) ~
Eureka, CA where once again it's raining.
We are over 165% for the year.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64)
Re: 1948 Flood
http://richlandbombers.1948.tripod.com/48Flood/01.html
To: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
The man at the bar in the Wye (well, it wasn't actually IN
the Wye; it was on the way to the Wye on the right side of
the then-much-lower highway. He was the one fatality of the
flood, 19-year-old man named Vernal Nield ('46-RIP). He was
cleaning out his family's flooded-out restaurant, and was
electrocuted when a live wire fell into the water in which
he was standing. Reading that he was only 19 makes me
realize that he didn't own the bar, his family did. Still
he's the one who came out to the car and talked with us.
-Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64) ~ Burbank, WA, where I'm
working on my Sunday school lesson today. Lots of
study, as we are going through the Book of Revelation.
I love it.
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From the new ALL Bomber Alumni GuestBook.
From: Dave Fowler ('76)
POSTED: Thursday 03/16/2006 4:02:20am
COMMENTS: I came back to Richland in 1996 after retiring
from the Air Force. I don't see any from our class using
this site. Are you out there? The [Alumni] SandStorm is
Great.
-Dave Fowler ('76)
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>>From: Don Sorenson (NAB)
To: Burt Pierard ('59)
Re: Burt Pierard's Granddaughter's display
alumnisandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060314-00.html
That really is a neat display she made! It has to be one of
the most unique on that side of the state. A question for
you. The picture of the suggestion flyer's, the one in the
upper right hand corner of the display, just above the Women
Win the War photo. Where did you find that one? And the
picture D-4548 is one of 2 West area. Again great display!
-Don Sorenson (NAB)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/18/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
13 Bombers sent stuff:
Jerry Cawdrey ('48), Betty Conner ('52), Tom Tracy ('55)
Burt Pierard ('59), George Swan ('59), Bill Bixler ('60)
Larry Mattingly ('60), Lora Homme ('60), Dave Hanthorn ('63),
Carol Converse ('64), Linda Reining ('64), Jeff Michael ('65),
Dave Fowler ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Les Fishback ('34)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Carol Brady ('60)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Jerry Cawdrey ('48)
Re: Hi Maren...a note on Jeff King.
We in Sonoma, CA cheer big time for Jeff. He grew up in the
little town of Glen Ellen, AK sort of a sister city (?) of
Sonoma. The population of Sonoma is about 9800... that of
Glen Ellen can't be more than about 500. So you see, Jeff is
a small town kinda' guy. A couple of our locals go to Nome
every year for the end of the Iditarod. But, Nome, Alaska
in the middle of winter? not me kid.
However, a pal of mine who lives in Anchorage and I tried to
drive up to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) last
August... in his camper. We got as far as the Arctic Circle,
66 degrees 33 minutes north latitude, about 80 miles south
of Coldfoot, just south of the Brooks range on the Dalton
Highway, 100 miles or so north of the Yukon river, but had
to turn back. I have emphysema and he has asthma... there
was a forest fire going on... and the smoke was fairly
heavy, so we turned back, after taking pictures.The trees
are only about 30 or 40 feet tall at that latitude and are
sparse and fairly far apart. Of course there's no one nor
any equipment to deal with fires, so I guess they just let
'em burn till it starts snowing. It's a great place to visit
but I REALLY wouldn't want to live there! Incidentally, I
got a picture of a tree exactly as it was bursting into
flame. Really a lucky shot... I was standing in the road
taking pics of the billows of smoke to my left, and the
thing just burst into flame up at the crown and for several
feet downward. about 100 feet away! No danger of course, but
it sure was smoky! Nothing else around was burning right
then so it was spontaneous combustion (like haystacks used
to do once upon a time, when I was a kid in the Yakima
valley), or more likely a spark or hot ember.
-Jerry Cawdrey ('48) ~ Sonoma, CA
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*******************************************************
>>From: Betty Conner Sansom ('52)
Re: Snakes
To: Jim Jensen ('50)
My husband went to work for Bonneville Power Administration
in 1965. That October, we were sent to live at the little
Government housing development out by the Vernita Toll
Bridge. (22 houses, a one-room school, a 2 bedroom prefab
that had been moved out there served as library, meeting
place, and Church on Sundays, for those that didn't go into
town). In October, it was too late for snakes - in fact it
snowed a few days after we moved there with our 6 children -
ages 9, 8, 7, 5, 2 and 1. We heard some big whopper of snake
stories and legends out there (I think partly because they
recognized in me a person who was totally fearful of any
snake.
We fenced in our yard to contain our dog and at least the
smaller kids... But that didn't help on one fine Spring day
when the entire neighborhood of kids (over a dozen) were out
playing on our swing sets, etc., and I was inside - and I
heard the screaming. I went running out to find most of my
kids standing on the picnic table, crying, and begging for
help. I grabbed a hoe that was handy, and went out and
dispersed the First Rattler of the Year. (They kept track -
but you didn't win anything.) After everyone came over and
observed it - and I cut off the rattle and put it into a
fruit jar - things went back to normal... for a little
while. Less than an hour from the first screams, it happened
again. This time, all the kids but my eldest son, who was 2,
were on top the picnic table. My 2-year old was inside
the house, leaning out the bedroom window, and giving
directions... I ran out, and killed the second snake.
Rattler in jar. At that point, I was trying to figure out
how to pack everything we owned into our station wagon - an
Olds sedan... as I had enough of snakes....
Not to be. Everyone congratulated me, and no one cared if I
was scared or not - and Mother's instinct was to protect my
young.
We lived out there for a little over two years, and I left
with a mayo jar full of rattles. (The kids took the jar to
Show and Tell, and within 2 years, it was brought home
empty.)
I learned that the rattlers were rather sluggish and lazy.
Or blind and dumb. Something. Anyway, the only good rattler
is a dead one, was my theory - and all the other mothers out
there. The one snake that I really feared was a Bull Snake -
which is about the same size and color (who had time to look
at skin patterns?) as the rattlers, and they would "RISE
UP" and "Chase" -- I wondered if that could be the one you
mentioned? It makes a hissing sound that can be exactly like
the rattle of the venomous snake. I often wished that I had
a mayo jar that could preserve Bull Snake heads. I killed
quite a few of them, with relish.
There was a rumor ("early Urban Legend") that the bull
snakes and the rattlers had started hibernating together in
the winter, and there had developed a NEW breed of snake -
a poisonous Bull Snake. I had my husband's brother, Gary
Sansom ('56) who was a science major, and taught high school
math and science, etc., to check it out, and he thought it
was a funny story. Not true. (Thank Goodness!!!!) But I
guess the bull and rattle snake are often found hibernating
together.
I had lived in eastern Tennessee before we moved to
Washington, and Water Moccasins, aka Cottonmouths, were as
feared or more feared than the copperhead, which was also
an aggressive snake. My dad had been bitten by the Water
Moccasin on the arm when he was 9. He was where he should
not have been (swimming in the pond which was a known pit of
those snakes) - and he started walking home, knowing if he
lived from the snake bite, his dad would kill him anyway.
But he was met a short distance from the pond by my
grandmother's brother, who was a Country Doctor who made
his rounds on horseback for many years. He saw the problem
immediately, and took daddy to his home, which was not too
far off, and treated him - country ways - (gross story - my
kids would barf when they heard the story) - and then he
went over to see my grandpa and grandma, Daddy's parents. He
told them that he had taken my dad over to his house to help
him do some work. Well, WORK was a respected occupation of
parents in those times, and Grandpa's reaction to that was,
"Well, just work his britches off." -- So Daddy stayed over
there, a very sick young man, for over a week or more - and
went home wearing long sleeves. We were telling stories in
Richland, at Grandpa's 83rd birthday, and Daddy was there -
and we were laughing about the Big Snake Bite Cover-up -
and Grandpa gave his "very mean look" - and Daddy grinned
weakly, and apologetic.. We made him show Grandpa the scar,
which was still significant. It was never mentioned again by
either of them. Not something Grandpa approved of, even all
those years later.
Another snake story: My dad was fishing in a small aluminum
boat up by the Vantage bridge, with two friends. Daddy
pointed out a rattler swimming out close to them. He said he
knew what it was, because a rattler swims with both it's
head and tail out of the water. Most other snakes swim with
just the head up. The friend gave some dispute about it, and
in the course of the discussion, he hooked onto the snake,
and couldn't shake it off his line. It made it into the boat
- and 3 grown men learned how low the back of a boat like
that can go without going under. And, indeed, it WAS a
rattler. The snake finally was dispersed back out into the
river, and they came on home -- having lost their tastes for
fishing that day. By the time he got home, the story had
developed into one of the very funny stories my dad had. We
knew the man for some time, and he was often the cause for
much humor in Klutz stories.
Bomber Cheers!
-Betty Conner Sansom ('52)
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>>From: Tom Tracy ('55)
To: Tom Hughes ('56)
Congratulations on your P51 Mustang piloting experience.
Whoever would have ever thought a 5th Grade Patrol Boy from
Marcus Whitman would ever get a chance to fly one of those!
That wonderful plane that was able to escort and protect our
B-17 Bombers (like Days' Pay) all the way to the target and
back home. One B-17 pilot from Boise once remarked, "One day
we were watching out for the Messerschmitt's when suddenly
along side of us appeared this magnificent P51 aircraft
whose pilots had the darkest tan in America. They were our
heroes from that day forward". Before that time we were
dropping almost as many pilots into Germany as we were
bombs. Those planes ruled the skies after that... even
against the ME-262 jets (that our classmate - Jim Byron is
still re-constructing in Everett) Everyone should drop by
and see their work. Afterward you can visit Boeing and have
a memorable seafood lunch at Arnie's by the Mukilteo Ferry.
Mike Loening was a respected Boisean and true gentleman for
sure. Glad you got to work and fly with him. Also glad you
got lots of sagebrush experience in Richland which should
have prepared you for your crop dusting experiences.
The airplane fascination we enjoy from the '40s on makes
those who flew the earlier versions even more adventuresome.
Each day during WWII at our school in Los Angeles we saw
every kind of plane fly over our playground. One day a 3rd
grade classmate said, "Hey, my Mom flies those planes!"
Everyone laughed at him and teased him until the next day
when his Mom brought his lunch... and just happened to bring
a stack of pictures showing her flying everything from the
factory that flew. She also wore her flying uniform. She was
gracious and kind and brought us treats. She and her son
were our new heroes. The war soon ended. I remember the
day... Summer School and we were on the playground... All
the Los Angeles traffic was headed home and suddenly all the
horns were honking people were screaming The War is OVER.
People stopped and danced right in the in the middle of the
intersection. All of us kids were shouting and throwing
Eucalyptus leaves into the air and watching them flutter
across that intersection at that moment-in-time. Most of our
Dads were coming home. It is still a heart-warming thought.
Its easy to answer whenever someone says, "Do you remember
where you were when the war ended?"
Hey, Tom, enjoy those piloting memories. Soon all cockpits
will only contain one pilot and one dog. The pilot's only
job will be to feed the dog... the dog's only job will be to
bite the pilot if he touches anything.
To all Bombers, WBs and citizens:
May the Leprechaun Pilot of Peace strafe you with shamrocks,
land you carefully under the rainbow umbrella and taxi you
near the pot of gold.
-Tom Tracy ('55)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
To: Gary Persons ('57)
Re: The old place west of the highway (electrocution site
during '48 Flood)
The name of the place you guys have been trying to remember
was "The Dutch Mill," complete with giant Wind Mill on the
NE corner (facing north, I believe).
To: Don Sorenson (NAB)
Re: Specific comments on Alisa's Project
I believe the "flyers" that you asked about were actually
tie-on "bumper signs" (this was before "bumper stickers").
It's hard to read the number on the picture so I checked
with Alisa. She found it on the Declassified Documents
Retrieval System (DDRS) under Document Number D-6693. Plug
that into the "Advance Search" box and you've got it.
You are correct that the "buses" picture is from 200 West,
not Hanford Camp. Again, checking with Alisa, she just
wanted a picture of the buses and inserted "buses" in the
Search Engine, getting the picture she included in her
project. The caption "...200 West..." didn't mean anything
to her - it's all "Hanford" to her.
By the way, we are waiting breathlessly until the first part
of next week when we find out what her (Alisa's) grade is on
her project. She did withstand one hour of public viewing &
answering questions Thursday night. Her Mom primed her in
case my worst fear (some "anti-nuke wacko" berating her)
might occur, but it never happened. Their biggest fear was
that Alisa would get expelled for her paper-mache' "Fat
Man" violating the "Zero Tolerance for Weapons on School
Property" policy.
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Betti Avant ('69), Lora Homme Page ('60),
Donni Clark Dunphy ('63), Carol Converse Maurer ('64),
and all fellow EEPPs (Elf Enthusiasts and Puddle Pals)
Re: Further Elf Shenanigans
Even before dawn this fine morning of Saint Patrick's Day,
I was jolted awake from my lapse of consciousness during
my overnight surveillance. With sudden surprise, I was
subjected to a lilt of squeaky little voices singing Irish
ditties and the stomping of tiny feet to an Irish jig all
to the accompaniment of little drums, fiddles, and tin
whistles. As I attempted to quickly rub the sleep from my
eyes, I gazed at the inverted scene of the elf and wee
people's camp and the house ... and then the camp and again
the house, and ... Well, hanging there (upside down) while
slowly spinning on my safety strap in the willow tree, I
quickly deduced that something was up. There in suspended
rotation, I thought, "God, I am good!" You see, I have
always hidden my suppressed abilities to have been a super
sleuth -- another "Mr. Bean," "Maxwell Smart," "Monk," or
even a "Pink Panther."
Anyway, as soon as Darby had chewed through the safety
strap, I deftly landed, once again ... on my head. I
immediately took two aspirins and told Darby to remind me to
call my doctor later in the morning. After making a mental
note to reread the instructions for the safety harness,
we set out following (at a discreet distance) the little
caravan on its journey to the Burbank Sloughs. We slipped
onto some high ground overlooking the water. Dressed in our
camo gear, Darby squeezed into a clump of bunch grass while
I assumed the pose of a dead tree. We were amazed and
stupefied by what we saw. There, by dawn's early light,
spread before us was a large flotilla of ducks and geese
adorned with bridles and reins, saddles, and little green
tags sporting racing numbers. The audio portion of this
scene was horrendous. Waterfowl were honkin' and quackin'.
Spectator owls were hootin', songbirds were tweetin,'
and Bullfrogs were kerchunkin'. On a point of land that
projected out into the sloughs, the wee people were
assembled. The ELO-LDB provided musical entertainment.
Oh, that was the Elf & Leprechaun Organization's -- Little
DO-DA Band.
The Gala event was kicked off with a performance by the
Green-winged Teal Aerobatic Team and formation flying by a
squadron of Widgeon. The Duck Races began with several heats
of goosehydro racing followed by duckhydro races. The birds
must remain on the water and swim while being ridden by
members of the Green Team (Leprechauns) vs. the Orange Team
(Elves). The Orange team ran away with the honors as the
Greens nipped from their little flasks a wee bit too "mush"
and kept falling off. ENN (Elf News Network) took care
of television coverage from high in the sky as "Lowkey"
provided commentary and fellow elf, "Shutterbugger" ran the
camera. Both were riding in and peering out of the pouch of
a white pelican's beak. You may have missed it as it was
aired pretty early in the day and perhaps overshadowed by
all of the parade coverage. The Duck air races came off
without a hitch as the leprechauns were strapped on with no
beverages allowed. The air races ended in a draw between
orange and green.
Oh! I almost forgot to mention that the halftime-like,
intermission event featured Lowiq performing a flyby with
his totally untested prototype, the EFM-000.5 (Elf Flying
Machine, model one half) because it was only half finished.
Somewhat of an amphibious flying machine, it consisted of a
conglomeration of a skate board, a couple of boat fenders, a
hula hoop, a slinky, a jack-in-the-box, a giant Frisbee,
a ceiling fan, a lot of silly puttee, and powered by a
rejuvenated castoff leaf blower. According to Lowiq, his
craft was still missing several items that he has yet to
find but should be air worthy. He taxied the EFM-000.5 out
on the course and was shortly airborne. Banking around at
the end of the sloughs and lining up on the straight and
level, Lowiq made a slow flyby, crabbing into the breeze,
waving to the crowd and grinning smugly from the little
cockpit with an, "I told you it would fly!" look on his
face. Encouraged by all of the waving, cheering, applause,
and honking, quacking, and hooting, his ego got the best of
him. Lowiq increased throttle and began a rapid climb. Well
past the other end of the sloughs, he did a half loop and
rolled level (more or less) his version of an Immelmann turn
and came diving back down the course -- full bore -- and
then it happened! The hula hoop began to vibrate, turning
into a rattle, as the silly puttee loosened up and the
Frisbee broke loose. Right in front of the crowd, the highly
souped-up leaf blower developed a mind of its own and went
"thataway" through the fan blades as the remainder of the
EFM-000.5 unraveled.
Fortunately, Lowiq's jack-in-the-box ejection seat
functioned, according to his sometimes misguided plans, as
we heard his high pitched voice frantically exclaiming,
"Eject, eject, eject!" Lowiq was propelled upward about a
hundred feet as the slinky (which linked him to the craft)
stretched out, slowing his near supersonic progress and then
broke free from the seat of his pants. Darby and I watched
speechless and "woofless" until we saw Lowiq's homemade
parachute open. The festive celebration resumed as the band
played "Doo-Wacka-Doo." Then, the stitching in Lowiq's
chute unraveled and he plummeted safely onto a muskrat hut
trailing a green streamer that said, "Happy Saint Patrick's
Day."
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where it was a
great green day, I called the doc and now I'm reading
safety harness instructions as the Green Team packs up
for their return to the Emerald Isles and Lowiq has
(once again) gone back to his drawing board.
*******************************************************
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>>From: Bill Bixler ('60)
To end all arguments as to the snake that attacked during
the '48 flood.. There is no way it was a moccasin as their
range only runs in the south from Virginia to Texas. See
the attached range of the species..
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Any/060318-Bix-snake.jpg
-Bill Bixler ('60)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: Snakes
I am a long ways from any kind of authority on snakes.
However I know the Columbia River pretty well. I have stood
on the glacier, source of it's head waters in Northern
Canada and have boated on/or fished most of it's length. I
have seen snakes in the water with their head up. A friend
who works at the Seattle zoo tells me Water Moccasins can
not survive in the Columbia. There is a creek in Western KY
called Cartwright's Creek. It is no more then 2 feet deep
until a good rain makes it several feet deep. My mother's
brother had a farm on that creek and my 5 cousins and I swam
in a hole in it daily. One day I felt something brush my
leg and they said it was "just a Water Moccasin, they won't
bother you". There was a whole nest of them under a ledge. I
got out of that water right then, but those kids swam in
that creek all summer long for the 5-6 years they lived
there. None of them ever got bit.
Re: Ice Jams, and Bridges
Maybe my memory is slipping, but I always thought the bridge
damaged by the C of E trying to blow the ice jam was the
hiway bridge. I always understood that was why the Army came
in and installed that Bailey Bridge in such a big hurry. We
were standing onshore with the rest of the crowd watching
them fiddle with the charges and then drop them in the
water. Whump, whump, whump... but never in the right spot to
release the jam. They finally broke it loose with one of the
little tugs from the White Bluffs ferry.
Re: Any Bombers in Berlin, Germany?
I will be there the week of April 1 to 8. I will be
presenting a technical paper to the International Symposium
on Fire works. It will be my 6th time in Germany and 3rd in
Berlin. I will have some free time and plan to explore old
bunkers and the eastern sector a bit. The hotel tells me I
will have e-mail service there through their high speed
wireless. The hotel is a couple of blocks from the
Brandenburg Torr.
"Happiness is the sky in bloom"
TGIF as is have been a long, very busy week.
-J Larry Mattingly ('60)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Lora Homme Page ('60)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Elves
Pappy, why have you never written a children's book!? If you
can get all of us adults (in our second childhoods) caught
up in your tales of the puddle, elves, frogs, etc., think
how you could enchant real children. Give it some thought,
my friend, I think you have a potential best seller
unfolding around the puddle and it's little people.
-Lora Homme Page ('60) ~ In Kennewick where it poured down
rain last night but is back to being overcast and
dreary this morning.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Dave Hanthorn (Gold Medal Class of '63)
To: Dick McCoy ('45)
Re: records
I am not sure why you remember Mike Neill ('75) scoring 399
points at "State". This is what I found:
According to the Bomber Mania book, Mike Neill scored 296
points in his three years at "State" for the Bombers, still
much more than the 230 for Sean Miller that the PI gave
credit to.
And according to the most recent "State" program I have
(from the 2002 tourney) Jeff Brown of Mead was the career
leader at "State" with 219 points.
The only way I can account for this "discrepancy" is that
Mike Neill must have scored some of his 296 points in the
"regional" tourney, and although Jensen and Swanson counted
this as part of "State", neither the PI nor the WIAA did.
And apparently Sean Miller scored his points at "State" more
recently than 2002.
Maybe Roger Fishback ('62) who I have always considered to
be "the Bomber statistics king", can clear this one up.
-Dave Hanthorn (GMC '63) ~ Mercer Island, WA where we have
plenty of puddles, but no elves.
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*******************************************************
>>From: Carol Converse Maurer (Boomer Bomber class of '64)
Re: Concrete foundation
Whenever we took a drive over to Kennewick or Pasco, which
wasn't very often at all, I would look out the window and
saw the horses and the concrete foundation. Was there only
one? I can't remember. Seems there were more. My imagination
went wild as to what it used to be. I was saddened when the
horses were gone and you couldn't see the foundation any
longer. Is it still there and just hidden with all the
grasses and weeds?
Does anybody know who owned the house by the highway just
as you went around the curve past the "Y"? I noticed that
it was gone the last time we were there last summer. So
many changes going on at and around Columbia Center area.
I know I won't even recognize the "Y" area at all next
time. They were going to put in a wider highway or a large
intersection?
-Carol Converse Maurer (Boomer Bomber class of '64)
Eureka, CA where we STILL in the rain!!! Yuck! Wish
I could send it to those who really need the rain.
We need the sun!
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber class of '64)
To: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Hook and Sandman story
reminds me of the scary stories we would tell around the
campfire or when a bunch of us would get together and tell
ghost stories and see who could tell the scariest ones. used
to tell one about "The Man with The Golden Arm"("........I
want my Golden Arm and I'm coming to get you, I am, I am").
my brother, Tim ('72WB), used to love going into the
cemetery by The Uptown and hiding amongst the headstones...
I was terrified of going in there, so I would stand on
the outside and yell at him to come out... he would stay
hidden... he knew I wouldn't go in there... I would threaten
to leave him there, but he knew I wouldn't walk home without
him, so he'd just stay in there and laugh and take his
"blinkety-blank" sweet time coming out!!!!!! little brothers
are SUCH a pain!!!!!!
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Thank you so much for bringing back your elf stories---have
missed them
To: Lora Homme Page (60)
Re: puddles and slugs
had to laugh when I read about you naming the slugs. we have
lots of puddles, thanks to the recent storms, and it has
brought out the snails, slugs, and worms, but I haven't gone
so far as to name them... just try real hard NOT to step on
them... the thought of "crunching" the snails or getting
"slimed" by the slugs is enough to make me create a wide
path around them!
-Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber class of '64) ~ we are in the
midst of another storm from the Pacific Northwest----
brought lots of rain, hail, lightning, thunder, and
some flooding and power outages in parts of town, but
none where I live, thank goodness! love this weather,
except for the lightning and thunder--frightened me as
a kid and still does!
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Jeff Michael ('65)
Hey there Bombers and Bomberettes...
So, Pappy Swan ('59)...when did they name that street in
Burbank for you? I had occasion to drive to Walla Walla
today. Loved seeing the green stuff poking up through the
dirt and the little black calves in the pastures. Also
noticed a street just a bit after crossing the Snake River
bridge. It's named "Humorist."
-dj jeff Michael ('65) in Pasco where it was simply gorgeous
this afternoon. Come on April 2nd!
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Those Elves
It was a dark and rainy night. After my usual 45 minute
drive to the power plant in Hermiston I arrived in the
control room twenty minutes early. There was an unusual
tiredness in the manner of the crew I was relieving. The
day had not gone well. Things were in a state of breakdown.
Threateningly, to bring down and turn off the power to many
a family. Without the customary turnover the shift I'm in
charge of set out to battle the circumstances and weather.
Working hard, trying desperately to bandage failing
equipment we worked. It began to rain, the wind blew, it
was dark. Steam and mist filled the air from the cooling
towers we were working next to. The sun had set and darkness
filled the air. We toiled and rain grew to a down pour.
Little progress was made... it was all we could do to just
break even. Tired, wet and cold it was midnight. Time to
take a much needed break and dinner.
Puddles grew from the outer ware removed. No one joked,
another six more hours to go. After hurriedly consuming my
dinner and feeling the warmth I read the Sandstorm. What an
up lift to see the young disabled man make six 3-pointers in
a row. Some how my night wasn't all that bad. I read on and
felt good knowing that no matter what, there is always
a Sandstorm to divert the stress. Lunch was over and
reluctantly we donned our wet cloths to pursue the battle.
Amazingly, the problems we struggle with seemed to have
repaired themselves. The rain eased and stopped. The wind
was now silent. I checked on item after item, each working
with great efficiency. As I sat in relief, the plant
won't go down on me this night. It was truly a moment
of contentment. I caught, out of the corner of my eye
a movement. You know, I could swear I saw a little man
shuffling on crutches into the darkness. I couldn't tell you
if he was wearing green. Perhaps if I had a couple of the
green pints of beer and a potato or two I would remember.
I thought as I sat at the control panel, "Pappy, where are
your elves tonight?" If it was you sent them my way then
thank you.
-Dave Fowler ('76) ~ There is a bit of the Irish in us all.
My middle name was my Mother's maiden name, Kelly. I
have named my oldest son Shane Kelly and my next Shawn
David. To you all laddes. It don't have to be St.
Paddies day to lift a pint of the home land.
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That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/19/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 Bombers sent stuff:
Jim Jensen ('50), Bill Berlin ('56), Grover Shegrud ('56)
Gus Keeney ('57), George Swan ('59), Bill Scott ('64)
Carol Converse ('64), Linda Reining ('64), Betti Avant ('69)
Dave Fowler ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Cheryl Raekes ('74)
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>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: The Last of the Snakes
To: Betty Connor Sansom ('52)
I thoroughly enjoyed your snake tales. The events you
described as a concerned parent looking after her children
brought home a memorable message to me. No matter how
frightened a loving mother might be, in any given situation,
that mother will do what ever is necessary to attempt to
shield her children from danger. Any mom who performs
that sacred duty as many times as you did (a jar full of
rattles?????) is a very special person. I sincerely admire
your courage. You would have been an exceptional pioneer...
indeed, you were such a pioneer.
To: Bill Bixler ('60)
Your scientific evidence has made a believer of me, Bill.
To: Larry Mattingly ('60) and other Bombers who have
educated, entertained and enlightened me, my sincere
appreciation.
Still...... is there a possibility that Pappy's elves (or
their ancestors) might have diverted one or two flights to
the Southeastern United States, trapped a moccasin, flown it
suspended from the "aircraft" with one of their magic ropes
and dropped it off on the south bank of the Columbia - circa
1948?
Bomber Cheers,
-Jim Jensen ('50) ~ from Katy, Texas where the only reptile
sighted this day was a frog.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Bill Berlin ('56)
To: Tom Hughes ('56)
What a thrill that must have been to drive a P-51 Mustang
and I envy you. One of my Dad's good buddies at Hanford had
been a P-51 pilot in WWII and had lots of pictures of them.
The plane was a "tail banger" and sitting there on the
tarmac it just looked like it was going to just jump into
the air. Later, and I am not sure this was the case but
Tom would know, we were using old aircraft engines in the
Unlimited Class hydroplanes and someone said they were
Mustang engines.
And speaking of WWII aircraft we have flown, when I got my
multi-engine rating I qualified in both the Grumman Widgeon
and Goose, which were amphibians. That Goose really required
you to "drive" it as it was very powerful, a little horsey
and kind of flew like a rock. The smaller Widgeon was
nicer to fly and when we converted the Continental's and
Lycombings for turbo-props, it was a blast to fly. I also
got to ride right seat with Pierre Costeau in their
Albatross and that was quite a trip.
One day we were doing routin maintenance on several aircraft
at our hanger in King Salmon, AK (King Salmon AFB was right
across the runway from us) when a beautifully restored P-51
came roaring in. It was in standard U.S. Army Air Force
livery (paint job) with the star surrounded by a blue circle
and bars of blue running outwards to the left and right. He
turned into our base for fuel and to get a small electronic
problem fixed before going out to Dutch Harbor and for the
next two hours every guy in the company was crawling all
over it, sitting in it and playing Mustang Fly Boy. The
next, and last, I saw was at the Reno Air Show a few years
later. And I know a Bomber who actually flew one...
fantastic.
Re: Snakes
I have been all over Eastern Washington and the only
poisonous snakes I have seen have been the Western Rattler
in the desert and the Timber Rattler in the mountains. Lots
of Bull Snakes too but a guy told my Dad that Bull Snakes,
being constrictors, were deadly enemies of the rattlers and
were not susceptible to their poison.
In the flood of 1948, and I have mentioned this before,
Pappy Swan's mobile pond (a/k/a the Columbia River) went
over the dump and all the way half up to George Washington
Way. Day and night the self loading LeTourneau dumps were
running back and forth building and filling the dikes on the
Columbia and Yakima. The "road kill" numbers on the rattler
population was huge but some did manage to get across the
street only to meet a similar fate at the hands of the Dad
Patrol who carried shovels, hoes or other dispatching
implements. In later summers we found a couple out in the
"compound" between our houses sunning themselves.
Re: The Iditarod
Many thanks to Maren for the reports. I know Dee Dee Jonrow
pretty well as she used to frequent our adult beverage
dispensing parlor, run by bartending elves, and it is hard
to imagine someone her size could do this race. She is
both tough and dedicated. You also mentioned Susan Butcher
("Alaska, where men are men and women win the Iditarod") who
was the first woman to win the race and she is in a Seattle
hospital battling cancer. Huge support for her in AK and the
mushers are 200% behind her too.
[Correction, Bill. Libby Riddles (in her 3rd Iditarod
race) was the first woman to win the Iditarod in 1985.
Libby only raced 3 more times. Susan Butcher MIGHT have
won in '85, but a moose stomped her team and she had to
scratch when she lost her leaders, "Hyde" and "Johnny".
Susan Butcher came back the next year and went on to win
three years in a row ('86, '87, & '88) and then her 4th
win was in '90. Susan Butcher's three-in-a-row wins made
the world sit up and take notice of the Iditarod. Susan
was the first woman to finish in the top ten (9th) in
1979. Susan does have cancer, but she's not in Seattle.
She was at the Ruby CheckPoint on 3/11/06 checking in
some of her old friends/mushers. She is scheduled for a
bone marrow transplant in April. -Maren]
-Bill Berlin ('56) ~ in Anacortes, WA where I am fully
booked for Club 40 and the Class of 1956 reunion.
Am I the only one so far?
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Grover Shegrud ('56)
Re: Elves
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
OK! I been sitting here enjoying Pappy's stories and not
saying anything so now it's time! I have been on the fence
about the existence of these wee creatures but now I can
join the believers. Pappy's stories have convinced me. These
youngsters can sure write convincingly! When the books go to
press count me in for one of the first edition (signed by
you and Lowiq of course).
-Grover Shegrud ('56) ~ In Lynnwood, Martha Lake, Bothel,
Mill Creek Where the weather has been everything
lately!
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Gus Keeney ('57)
Re: Hidden in Plain Sight
To: larry Mattingly ('60)
"Hidden in Plain Sight" is a great book written by my friend
and classmate Tony Tellier ('57). He has illustrations and a
lot of helpful hints on the locations on a lot of the
Bunkers, etc.
-Gus Keeney ('57)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Lora Homme Page ('60), Dave Hanthorn ('63),
Linda Reining ('64), dj Jeff Michael ('65),
Dave Fowler ('76), and fellow EEPPs
Re: Street Talk
No, I have never written a children's book but rumor among
the elves has it that there may be a quiet ongoing effort
behind the scenes. They figure that it may take some time
but the effort is there. Since they provide the subject
matter, the effort is somewhat dependent upon their
escapades and reader interest (both young and older) which
seems to be providing a good positive indication.
Humorist Road (gradually becoming a street) was already here
when I moved into my house a half a block off of it (about
1979). At this point, I have no idea where the name came
from. However, I must admit that the name has loosely
rattled about in the back of my head as a bit of
inspiration. Some day, with a lot of luck, it might be
fitting to live on it. For now, I am content to live near a
little intermittent puddle wonderfully inhabited by "Little
Friends."
At the risk of sounding like I am tooting me own "tin
whistle," I wish to thank all of you who have expressed
appreciation and extended words of encouragement both
privately and in Maren's wonderful writing vehicle,
"Sandstorm." To my amateurish way of thinking, a writer
should always acknowledge opportunity and appreciation.
Without readers -- what's a writer.
And finally, I want to say, "Thank you Maren." Thank you
very much, for the opportunity to try out some ideas
(admittedly -- at times pretty bizarre) on a more or less
captive audience. And, thank you for letting my wacky use
(or blatant abuse) of the English Language to slip past your
spell and grammar checker. May the wind always be at yer
back, the floods stay away from yer door, and yer compooter
never again suffer from "powerus interruptus." By the way,
I am sure that my subscription is probably due, if not
overdue. Since I lost a lot of saved files in a recent
"pooter meltdown," please tell an old guy who now qualifies
for the smaller portions and cheaper meals at restaurants,
once again, the details for renewing my subscription to
Sandstorm.
To all, as the "Big E" said, "Thank you, thank you very
much, thank you!" And now ... I return to the ... "Silly
Side."
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where in addition
to my little puddle (where little people frolic), I am
surrounded by much larger puddles (where big people play
with big toys) and I am cloaked in an awareness that
elves and wee folk are everywhere. To really "see" 'em,
all they ask in return ... is a smile.
*******************************************************
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>>From: Bill Scott ('64)
To: Carol Converse Maurer ('64)
The foundation you're referring to may be the same one
referred to by Burt Pierard ('59) in the same issue of the
Sandstorm. It was indeed the old Dutch Mill. The foundation
persisted for decades, but finally even that is gone. Don't
know how or why is was removed, but I am quite sure it is
indeed gone, and not just hidden in the weeds. Speaking of
foundations, who else remembers the first aborted attempt at
a Tri-Cities Coliseum? The project was started - just barely
- just off the extreme south end of GWWay, just before the
overpass. It's across the street from where the Rose Bowl
used to be. A few foundation walls were poured, and then it
was abandoned. The walls were there for decades, but were
finally removed in the late 1990s, and the site is now
inhabited by a mini-storage yard.
-Bill Scott ('64)
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>>From: Carol Converse Maurer ('64)
To: "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Thanks for another continuing story of the Elves and their
anticts
-Carol Converse Maurer (Boomer Bomber Class of 64)
Eureka, CA The sun is shinning today, Yeah!
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>>From: Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber class of '64)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Elves/Leprechauns
have you ever seen the Disney movie, "Darby O'Gill and the
Little People"? keep meaning to ask, especially, since
your dog's name is Darby and you write about the "little
people". the movie came out in the late '50s or early '60s
and starred a very young Sean Connery and Jane Munro (can't
remember the name of the Irish actor who played, "Darby",
nor can I remember the name of the Leprechaun King)---as far
as I can remember, it was the first American movie for Sean
Connery, then he went on to play "Bond" for a long time. ;)
loved your story in Saturday's Sandstorm. keep 'em coming.
they are so much fun to read and I agree with Lora Homme
Page(60)-------you SHOULD put all these stories down on
paper and sell them---I know my grandkids would love them,
and so would I!!!!!!!! *grin* if and when, I will be
one of the first in line to buy a copy or three!
-Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber class of '64) ~ we are finally
drying out a bit in Bakersfield, CA---had rain almost
all night Friday, a bit Saturday morning, but now, we
are dry and the skies are fairly clear.
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: "Elfin Magic"
Pappy-
I'm glad you got to watch the duck and other races on St.
Patrick's Day. I, too, noticed on my drive the sign that
read "Humorist Road". The luck of your elves was with me
yesterday, too. In looking at my bank statement on line this
morning I see my federal tax refund was deposited on the
17th. I hope to some day witness the above races first hand.
Oh, by the way, get better real soon to you Bogart and your
secret won't be revealed by me to Pappy.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA where on Sat. AM the sun is
brightly shining
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>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: The Man With The Golden Arm
To: Linda Reining ('64)
I remember that story being told but can not remember how it
went. Please share it with us.
Does anyone know who named our mountains/hills (Rattlesnake,
Badger, Red Mountain, Jump Off Joe) around the Tri-Cities?
To: All our NFL football fans
Greg Olson ('81), the son of Ken Olson our elementary school
P. E. teacher and bother to Marc Olson ('79) a Richland High
school teacher and Bomber Defensive Coordinator has had
quite an impressive career as a coach in the NFL. You can
get his biography at
www.stlouisrams.com/team/coaches/52979/
Another example of Bomber roots. I wish him well and will be
following him.
-Dave Fowler ('76)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/20/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
16 Bombers sent stuff and 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
Dick McCoy ('45), Doreen Hallenbeck ('51), Marilyn DeVine ('52)
Ken Heminger ('56wb), Tom Hughes ('56), John Kennedy ('57)
Darla Wise ('60), Larry Mattingly ('60), Helen Cross ('62)
Roy Ballard ('63), Carol Converse ('64), Linda Reining ('64)
Linda McKnight ('65), Doug Ufkes ('68), Julie Smyth ('69wb)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Leah Collins ('61)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Joanna Faulkner ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Sherri Daugherty ('67)
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>>From: Dick McCoy (Tin Can Class of 1945)
Re: Mike Neill ('75)
To: Dave Hanthorn ('63)
Actually I didn't remember Mike scoring 399 points, it was 299. I
got the avg pg right, about 25, and the no. of games 12, however,
no one told me there would be math.. You are probably right with
the 296 figure. .
Also, I forgot those bastard "states" that started off with 4
regionals, a very dumb idea. I guess the powers that be used this
to deny Mike his record. I do remember how happy everyone was when
the "sixteen" returned to Seattle.
As remarkable as the scoring mark was the 79 rebounds in 1957 by
John Myers ('58-RIP). 20 per game? And they didn't win the title
till 1958. Also John had 196 in three years. 12 games, over 16
per game. There is that math again.
-Dick McCoy (Tin Can Class of 1945)
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>>From: Doreen Hallenbeck Waldkoetter ('51)
Re: Tucson/Phoenix (Arizona) Luncheon
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Lunches/Current-AZB/00.html
Fantastic turnout at the gathering of Bombers -- more than fifty
people showed up at Ak Chin casino outside of Phoenix. While the
buffet luncheon (w/champagne) was good, the friendships renewed
were much better than the food. Doug Ufkes ('68) has done a
fantastic job of organizing these gatherings. We even had people
attending from Yuma, AZ as well as Roseville, CA -- the timing
managed to include Arizona winter visitors (politically correct
name for snowbirds) and it was great to see everyone again.
-Doreen Hallenbeck Waldkoetter ('51) ~ Green Valley, AZ
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>>From: Marilyn De Vine ('52)
I've been waiting to be hit by a "writing mood" but it isn't gonna
happen, I guess, so will just jump in....
A special "thank you" to Larry Mattingly ('60) and his cohort,
Jackie, for their help in suggesting a realtor and lawyer in Las
Vegas to help take care of Dana's things. Gus Keeney's ('57)
step-daughter died suddenly February 1st due to what may have been
an accidental overdose of her meds. It was a terrible shock and we
feel a tremendous loss. She was 39 years old. Her adult son lives
in Upstate New York and has authorized Gus to take care of all
arrangements and the sale of her belongings, etc. We miss her.
We had a wonderful surprise a few Sundays ago when Doug Stiles ('57)
and his lovely wife, Sally, stopped in for a visit! (Some of you
younger Bombers may not know his Dad managed the Richland Theater,
among others, in the old days and his family lived in an apartment
above the Richland Theater, which is now home to the Richland
Players.) It was such fun to see folks from home... we talked them
into staying overnight and we enjoyed a wonderful visit. Gus and
Doug were "buds" in school.
Snake stories: actually, I have several... starting back when I
was maybe 7 or 8 years old, one of my family's favorite things
to do, on a Saturday or Sunday, was go to our cousin's farm near
Ellensburg, WA. There was a creek running through, between the
house and the barn and one day I saw the most beautiful orange
snake swimming across it. I reached down, grabbed the snake by the
tail and yelled, "hey... look what I've got!!" And looked back at
the snake... just in time to see it winding up itself toward my
fingers!!! Woohee... boy did I drop that critter in a hurry!!!!
A few years later, when my family lived in one of the old farm
houses out of White Bluffs, brother Terry ('52) and I had walked
down the road for some reason or other when I realized that
"nature" called. I had taken my shoes off because they were giving
me a blister. Well, I stepped off the road into the weeds to pee
and saw a HUGE SNAKE stretched out in the sun. I screamed and we
ran... all the way home, me barefoot on that gravel road. Mother
was mad as heck that I had left my shoes at the site. My feet were
in fairly bad shape, so Terry and Mother had to go back to find my
shoes, which in WW2 could not easily be replaced. In those days,
it was our understanding that the Bull snakes would/could kill
a Rattler, so we figured the Bulls were our friends. (The one I
nearly stepped on was definitely a Rattler.)
Another snake story: Years after the above story, we were living
in Richland (914 Wright Ave.) and a group of us went to a Camp
Fire Girl sleep over at a camp near the Yakima River. Walking home
the next day, my OLD pal, Luana Ivers Portch ('52) and I saw a
young Bull snake and picked it up. She wasn't allowed to have it
at her house (can't imagine why!!!!) so I became the keeper of
Speckles Lee Kiwa. He/It was speckled, we found it on Lee Blvd,
and we were returning from Camp Kiwa. (Not the right spelling but
sounds like key-wah.) He froze to death that winter when my folks
made me put his jar-home in an outside closet when my grandparents
came to visit for Christmas. Those were my Dad's parents... you
wouldn't have wanted to hear my Aunt (on Mother's side) having a
fit when she heard of the snake's demise: we hadn't put it outside
when SHE came to visit!!) Ha ha.
And then there was the story about my first son-in-law who bought
a young boa constrictor because he wanted to get over being
terrified of snakes. Well, one day he inadvertently "snuck up"
on the sleeping snake to put a little feeder mouse in the cage,
startled the snake so badly that it bit him... that was the end
of THAT psychology test!
One last note and I'll quit this epistle: had a great time at the
AZ Bomber lunch over near Casa Grande. It was our first trip in
the new motor home I bought in February. Not 'new' but a 1990
Class A. Anyway, it rained for nearly 24 hours straight and we
discovered FIVE leaks in the roof! Aargh! I have since caulked
all around the outside of the roof and painted it with a special
roofing water proof paint. Now if it would please rain, we can see
if I did a good job!!
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Lunches/Current-AZB/00.html
-Marilyn De Vine ('52) ~ in beautiful, dry Foothills, AZ and
getting ready to head north next month!
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>>From: Ken Heminger ('56wb)
Re: Snakes...
Been reading all the tails about rattlers. I grew up in what's
now West Richland. We moved there in '47 when there was nothing
there, and described it as the land of sage brush, cheet grass and
jack rabbits. I'd like a dollar for every time I climbed Flat Top
heading for the dump to look for "good stuff" or the old bombing
range to look for agates. The old gravel road was full of them.
Also spent a lot of time crossing the fields to get to the Yakima
River to swim, etc. We walked every where back then. In all the
time that I was there, I never saw a rattlesnake. Lots of Bull
Snakes but no rattlers. It was common knowledge not to kill a bull
snake as it kept the rattlers away. Must have been true as like I
mentioned.. Never saw one.
-Ken Heminger ('56wb) ~ Great Falls, MT - Blowing snow and 24°
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>>From: Tom Hughes ('56)
To: Bill Berlin ('56)
Bill, the P-51 that I flew had a Rolls Royce Merlin V-1650 V-12
Engine rated at 1695 Horse Power that was Ethylene Glycol cooled.
(You can see the radiator under the fuselage and the shutter that
was used to control the airflow through the radiator. Some of
these engines were built by other manufacturers during the war.
The earlier Mustangs were powered by the General Motors built
Allison V-12 model V-1710. Both the Rolls version and the Allison
version were used extensively in the unlimited hydroplanes for
many years. Most of the Hydros are now powered by Gas Turbine
engines for a number of reasons. One the turbines are cheaper to
buy and maintain than the limited number of the old V-12. Most
of the existing V-12s and spares have been bought up by aircraft
restorers in an attempt to keep the P-51s and P-38s flying. The
P-38s had two Allison V-12s. The interesting thing about the P-38
was that one of the engines was designed to rotate opposite the
other in an attempt to equalize the thrust of the two engines.
Unfortunately they built it with the left engine rotating counter
clockwise and the right engine rotating clockwise. This made both
engines critical in engine out operations. It was done so that the
descending blade (the one with the most thrust was away from the
fuselage where it created lower drag and thus provided higher
speeds. Because of the two critical engines the P-38 was called
the "Widow Maker" by the pilots until Bob Hoover demonstrated the
techniques for flying the airplane in all kinds of configurations.
After that the fatality rate on these airplanes dropped
drastically.
Guess I have bored everyone long enough
-Tom Hughes ('56)
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>>From: John Kennedy ('57) and Darla Wise Kennedy ('60)
Congratulations Bomber Gold Rush Girls Dance Team!!
The girls were in California competing in the National
competition. They placed first in open prop category including
Judges Best Choice and first in drill category. They placed third
in the senior dance category. The girls caught the plane at 6am
Thursday morning and will be arriving home this evening (Sunday)
at midnight. A very busy schedule and they did great! Our
granddaughter (Stephanie Chapman) has been on this team for
four years and this is her last year.
The next competition for the Gold Rush Girls is in Yakima,
Sundome, March 24 and 25, 2006 - 2006 State Dance/Drill
Championship.
Proud Grandparents
-John Kennedy ('57) and Darla Wise Kennedy ('60)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
To: Bill Berlin (;56)
A bit of trivia on aircraft engines and hydroplanes. Back in about
1967 I was on a plane going to Athens Greece I was with a blasting
engineer to do a delicate blasting job near some ancient ruins.
He was the boss and I was his "powder monkey". Anyway, the fellow
across the aisle from me was on his way to North Africa to recover
aircraft engines from the desert. These were planes that had gone
down in WW2 but were in recoverable because of the dry conditions.
It was like his third trip for this. He had been bringing out
Allison 2000 HP engines and on that trip was after several Rolls-
Merlins at nearly 3000 HP. He was an agent for several Hydroplane
sponsor/owners.
More P-51:
In the last few years I have been active in supplying specialized
pyrotechnics for use on aircraft at air shows. I am presently part
of a three member committee who is revising the pyro use manual
for the International Air Show Commission. For several years the
manual had been referencing a technical paper I wrote on aircraft
pyro safety and this past fall they invited me to be on the
committee. Being around the pilots is interesting and a different
world. Many air show pilots are considered to be among the very
best. I have often noted the respect given to owners and pilots of
P-51s. Planes are constantly taking off and landing, but everybody
stops whatever they are doing when the P-51 buzzes the field prior
to landing. At the Salinas, CA Air Show last fall a P-51 flew in
formation with an F-15 to some very stirring music. They made lots
of passes in perfect wing to wing. I saw a lot of vets wiping
their eyes after the low slow, all down pass. (flaps and landing
gear).
Re: Flood
We moved in to the "B" house at 310 Benham just days before the
flood. I remember walking down to GWWay several times a day and
standing in what turns out to be Bill Berlin's ('56) front yard
and looking at the rising waters.
Lots of folks carrying garden hoes and keeping dogs on a leash. I
don't know how many snakes there really were but it was enough to
make you watch where you step. Many can remember the building of
the dikes. Noisy, smoky machines running non-stop day and night
building what was called the "miracle mile" dike. It went up
something like a foot per mile per hour. Nowadays it would merit
a full-blown news special on TV. I don't have any idea what my
father's job was at the time, but it took him right to the dike
construction several times. I had to stay by the car but the
machines were roaring by at several times a minute just a few
feet away. Pretty impressive to a 7 year old.
"Happiness is the sky in bloom"
-J Larry Mattingly ('60) ~ From warm, sunny Tacoma where I am
stuck in the house, on the computer, setting up a full
budget and accounting system for the new company we formed,
to make and sell the new pyro firing system we invented. We
finally got production started a couple of weeks ago and the
first run is already sold out. Should have done this months
ago but just didn't know if it was going to be what pyros
wanted, or even know what we might be able to sell it for.
Suddenly, we are almost buried with potential orders.
*******************************************************
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>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
Maren, I love your coverage of the Iditarod. I am amazed that our
local news hasn't really even mentioned it. I still hope to make
it in person some day.
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ West Harrison, IN - where we've had
another sunny almost 50° day!! But the prediction is for a
last big cold snow storm on late Monday or Tuesday of this
coming week. The house by the little lake looked lovely in
the sun, and the birds are chirping like crazy, so Spring
will soon be here.
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>>From: Roy Ballard ('63)
Re: Dayton, WA
Maren, Well, my wife, Nancy Erlandson Ballard ('67), and I along
with Keith and Kathy Hoff Conrad ('64), made a trip yesterday to
Dayton. We had reservation set up at the Weinhard Cafe, Patit
Creek was full for the night, but we were well satisfied at the
cafe, I believe it was one of the best meals that I have ever
eaten. Residents of Dayton, (some) say that the cafe is better
than Patit Creek, if that is true they are both an experience to
try. After dinner and desert, (that was great) we knew that we had
not allowed enough time in Dayton to see all the things and sights
that need to be seen. Along with places to eat, and there are
many, the Weinhard Hotel is a place that one would have to
experience by staying there, the antiques that are downstairs are
magnificent. Also there is a place called Patit Creek Campsite,
which is the site of Lewis and Clark's encampment, there are steel
silhouettes set up like they are still there and the nice lady
that owns one of the antique shops on the main street told us that
the time to go out there is about sunset and sit quietly as the
sun goes down and that you some times can imagine the people still
there (she also said that one could see them moving around). It
was well worth the time spent there, but the next time the four of
us go, we will allow a lot more time to look around.
-Roy Ballard ('63)
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>>From: Carol Converse Maurer (Boomer Bomber Class of '64)
To: Bill Scott ('64)
Thanks, Bill, for the information. I think you are right about
the foundation. I don't remember the first attempt of building a
coliseum in Richland. I do know where you are speaking of though.
-Carol Converse Maurer (Boomer Bomber Class of '64)
Eureka, CA The sun is shinning and no wind so far!
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*******************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber Class of '64)
To: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: ghost story........"Man with the Golden Arm"
I can only remember bits and pieces of this story---I did check
for it on the Internet, but the story I found doesn't sound like
the one I remember---it has a lady, who asked her husband to bury
her with her golden arm---he does, but then he decides it is worth
money, he digs her up, takes her arm, and she comes back, looking
for it---but this is not the story I remember. this reminds me too
much of the "I Want My Liver" and think it has just been reworked
with the "golden arm" substituting the liver.
there was also a Frank Sinatra movie, "The Man with the Golden
Arm", but that is about drug addiction.
I seem to remember a barn and a ladder and kids playing with the
golden arm and the man coming after them to get his arm back, but
I could have this all mixed up with some other story, too. that
was over 50 years ago when we would tell this story, and the
memory is a wee, bit rusty. *grin*
-Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber Class of '64) ~ Bakersfield, CA---no
rain, and lots of blue skies---we are finally drying up
from all the rain and snow and hail.
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>>From: Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
Okay, Bombers, it is hard for me to believe that there aren't some
Husky and Zag fans out there yelling "Go Dawgs" or "Go Zags"
over the games Saturday in March Madness. I for one was totally
impressed by the Washington teams. I am a fence sitter on these
teams, as I want them both to do well in the next round. These
Washington state teams downed the Fighting Illini and Indiana,
two teams that always get into March Madness.
How sweet it is to be heading for the Sweet Sixteen!!
Bomber cheers,
-Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Doug Ufkes ('68)
Re: Arizona Bombers Lunch
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Lunches/Current-AZB/00.html
Almost 40 graduates of Richland High School who live in Arizona
(or were visiting Arizona) attended the AZBs re-union on March 12.
A great time was had by all, some seeing classmates they had not
seen for many years. It seemed like we were all talking at once
about our high school and our home town. It was truly an amazing
all class reunion, it was hard to get an accurate count because
all those Bombers kept moving around. Classes from 1951 to 1973
were represented.
Bombers came from all over Arizona as well as a couple clear from
Sacramento, CA.
It was held at the Harrah's Casino in Maricopa, AZ and those who
could not make it were missed... we hope that you can make it
the next time.
I would like to extend my thanks to all those who made it and to
those who took pictures.
For myself, I got to see a few old friends plus made many new
friends, but once again the highlight for me was seeing my
sophomore algebra teacher once again, Donna Gulley Jorgensen('58).
She is an amazing woman, still.
-Doug Ufkes ('68)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Julie Smyth Moss ('69wb)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
If only I could illustrate on paper what I saw while reading your
story!! You weave a magnificent adventure! You just MUST get an
illustrator and publish a book. That is, unless you can illustrate
it yourself. I promise I'll buy at least 25 of them for various
children and children to come. If all you need is encouragement to
get it done, you've got it from me. You have built in buyers for
your product if and when you publish! Thanks for sharing your
genius with us.
-Julie Smyth Moss ('69wb)
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Funeral Notice scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
>>Myrna Polk Frazier ('64) ~ 6/18/46 - 3/17/06
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That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/21/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
14 Bombers sent stuff:
Gini Miller ('49), Jim Jensen ('50), Marilyn DeVine ('52)
Bonnie Allen ('59), George Swan ('59), Lora Homme ('60)
John Adkins ('62), Carol Converse ('64), Gary Behymer ('64)
Janine Rightmire ('65), Shirley Collings ('66), Betti Avant ('69)
Linda Barott ('71), Russ Jackson ('81)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Gini Miller ('49)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Donna McGregor ('57)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Marji Brewder ('69)
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>>From: Gini Miller ('49)
While I was in Richland in 2005, I heard that Mary Musser ('49)
had passed away. Can anyone confirm that?
The First Day of Spring is NOT March 20th - I know, because I was
born on that day which is March 21st!! (I know, there are two
schools of thought on that)
Have heard from several Bombers, and it's so much fun to hear
about your lives. Thanks for writing!
-Gini Miller ('49)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: Bomber Gathering
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Lunches/Current-AZB/00.html
To: Marilyn De Vine ('52)
I truly enjoyed the coverage of the AZ Bomber lunch. It appears
that Doug Ufkes ('68) did a magnificent job organizing the affair.
The pictures were great!!! Outstanding color and the participants
clearly identified... very impressive effort. The Bombers seemed
to enjoy being together... it's universally the case isn't it,
when Richland alumni congregate there are no strangers and there
are a lot of smiles hangin' out. Thank you for sharing everything.
Makes me long to be a part of such events.
Did anyone ever venture a guess on the "identity" of the orange
snake?
Cheers to all,
-Jim Jensen ('50) ~ Katy, TX
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>>From: Marilyn "Em" De Vine ('52)
Re: Two cents worth on the recent entries about airplanes
After the great get-together for Arizona Bombers at AK-Chin,
March 12th, we spent some time with George Barnett ('63) at his
beautiful place nestled in a scenic spot near the mountains in
Tucson. Being the great host that he is, he shared some of his
grilling secrets with us. (Thanks, George!!) We didn't get to meet
his wife who was away helping with lamb-birthing out of state.
On Monday, we went to the PIMA Air Museum south of Tucson and saw
some wonderfully restored airplanes. The Tram driver gave us
interesting histories as we rode around the vast out door museum,
then we walked through Hangers where more planes, photos and
histories were exhibited. This is one of the largest museums
of its type and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in
aviation history from pre-Wright flight to space exploration. We
got some good pictures.
That's it for this time....cheerio from
-Marilyn "Em" De Vine ('52) ~ in pleasant Foothills, AZ, where
there is talk about annexing us to Yuma. We already have
a Yuma address, so I guess it wouldn't make much difference
except for taxes.
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>>From: Bonnie Allen ('59)
Re: Bob Lair ('56)
I understand that someone is looking for Bob's address in
connection with a reunion this summer. That would be right,
he graduated in 1956. He was my first husband, and we share
a daughter. I don't think he would mind me giving you his
address.Send me an email if you want his address. Put Bob's
name in the subject line because I delete emails when I don't
recognize the sender.
-Bonnie Allen ('59)
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Snakes
To: Jim Jensen ('50) and Betty Conner Sansom ('52)
Jim, while it is most unlikely that you saw a Water Moccasin (as
per Bill Bixler's ('60) posting), I have heard some real attention
grabbing tales of exotic animals, kept as living specimens or even
pets, that escaped or were released by unscrupulous owners (young
alligators, snakes, lizards, birds, etc.). Why anyone would
wish to keep a poisonous reptile as a pet is beyond my wildest
imagination and you know how wild that gets. I have known a few
people who did harbor poisonous reptiles. These were the same
people whom I immediately categorized as "distant" friends -- I
mean like -- really distant. Some had misfortunate relationships
with their "pets." I tend to agree with one of my adventure
heroes, "Indiana Jones" -- I hate snakes! When younger, I
had surprise encounters with several rattlesnakes and even a
"Cottonmouth" water moccasin in southern Kansas. What traumatic
events those were. Ever since, I have been prone ... to
occasionally see things -- that were not even there. Of course,
elves are always lurking about but usually unseen and up to
something so anything is possible. They could very well have
transported the rowdy reptile to you. Oh, Jim, shhhh! I won't
tell anyone but -- froggies are amphibians -- not reptiles.
Betty, I know the Midway Substation area near Vernita Bridge all
too well. I once had a fisheries study to determine the abundance
and distribution of "deep water" spawning by Fall Chinook
Salmon in the Hanford reach. I had read a historical account of
rattlesnakes in that area. It contained excerpts from the journals
of the British explorer, David Thompson, who ventured down the
Columbia River for the Hudson's Bay Company in the early 1800s. He
mentioned that when they visited the Wanapum Indian Village (then
located about 5-10 miles upstream of the present day village near
Priest Rapids Dam), they had to throw their canoe paddles up on
to the river bank to frighten away the rattlesnakes to clear
a walking path. So I was relieved to conduct my study during
October/November when the snakes were snoozing. However, the
snakes got even with me later one spring/summer when on another
fisheries project, I had to go ashore daily and visit radio-
tracking monitor/recorder sites located from Hanford up to the
Crescent Bar/Trinidad area near Wenatchee, WA.
Now, ever since I rode in that PBY (mid-seventies) with the two
engines of about 1200 horsepower ea. right overhead and ignorantly
failed to wear hearing protection, my hearing has not been what it
used to be. Huh? Doing a lot of diving and work at noisy dams and
a whole lot of shootin' goin' on probably did not help either.
Anyway, after all of that, I could never hear a rattlesnake
rattle. I can look right at one with its tail waving a rapid
greeting at me and hear nothing. My return greeting to the snake
cannot be printed here. So, I always walked slowly, softly,
watchfully, and carried a REALLY, REALLY, BIG STICK. Did I
mention that I hate snakes?
To: Grover Shegrud ('56), Carol Converse Maurer ('64), Linda
Reining ('64), Betti Avant ('69), and Julie Smyth Moss ('69wb)
Re: Elves
Thanks for being a part of the growing bevy of believers. Grover,
many years ago, while attending the University of Washington,
when I could get a break from working and studying, elves often
accompanied me in my little car-top boat as I fished for trout
in Martha Lake (occasionally even with a hook on my line) as a
relaxing getaway.
Yes, I have seen the movie, "Darby O'Gill and the Little People"
that I have been mistakenly referring to as Darby "O'Gillis" ...
(I guess it sounded more Irish to me.) And, yes that is where I
got the idea for Darby's name. I got her as a pup about the time
that I learned that I was indeed a wee bit Irish. I had discovered
that one of my ancestors had come to the colonies from Ireland in
the 1600s. For a hunting dog, I needed a short sharp one or two
syllable name for commands. That gets their attention and is quick
and easy to say and easier for them to hear so ... Darby it was.
It is often "Darb" for even shorter and when she and I are caught
up in a really playful mood and tearing up the place for Jeanne,
it could range through "Darby-doo", "Darby-Dooby", "Darbooskie",
or whatever comes to mind at the moment. Hey, as long as she
answers. However, at times like that, Jeanne seems to have other
names for both of us.
I dug out my copy of the movie, "Darby O'Gill and the Little
People," that I think I recorded from TV a few years ago. After
blowing the dust off of it and playing the credits over and over
and over and ... and trying to decipher the blurry printing, I
was able to determine that it starred Albert Sharpe, Janet Munro,
Sean Connery, and Jimmy O'Dea, with Karen Moor, Estelle Winwood,
Walter Fitzgerald, and featured Dennis O'Dea, J.G. Devlin, Jack
Macgowran, Faraell Pelly, and Nora O'Mahony. I remember the actor
who played Darby O'Gill from other movies that I viewed as a kid
but not his name. I am wondering if he is Jimmy O'Dea and Albert
Sharpe was the Leprechaun King ... or? Anyway, the screenplay was
written by Lawrence Edward Wackin, suggested by H. T. Kavanagh's,
"Darby O'Gill" Stories. Something new to look for.
Julie, actually, I have a live-in illustrator, if she is still
up to it. My wife, Jeanne, has done a number of personally
illustrated and written little "Fairy" storybooks for our
granddaughters. Her fascination with fairies apparently influenced
my admission to knowing elves. A little over 20 years ago, she
also wrote and illustrated a kid's coloring book that addressed
fire safety for the Richland Fire and Emergency Services
Department. It was titled, "Buff and George" featuring my first
yellow Lab, Buff, and what she visualized me to have been like as
a little boy. Boy did I fool her.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where I sit in awe at the
growing number of "thank yous" received from Bombers for
calling to their attention, the book, "Marley and Me." I have
yet to receive a "less than wonderful" report concerning that
book. It truly is a most wonderful read for anyone who loves
dogs. Hmmm, wonder if I should request a commission from John
Grogan? Naw, Darby and I will just get busy and write our own
story.
*******************************************************
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>>From: Lora Homme Page ('60)
Re: Pappy Swan ('59) Tales
Has anyone beside Jan Bollinger Persons ('60) noticed that even
(George) Pappy Swan's ('59) name is perfect for writing children's
stories? Mother Goose and Pappy Swan. Mother Goose wears a bonnet.
Pappy Swan could wear one of those early leather flight caps with
ear flaps.
My first thought was a camouflage hunting cap, given Pappy's
other love, but decided that that was probably not appropriate
for a bird that I think was hunted to near extinction. Flying is
perfectly politically correct, however, as long as no one ever
finds out that it's actually a BOMBER flight cap. Heh heh.
As Jan said, no one will believe that that was his real name
before becoming an author of children's (and fantasy loving
adults') stories.
-Lora Homme Page ('60) ~ Across the river and up the road from
Richland where the sky is clear, the sun is shining,
and it's the first day of Spring!
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>>From: John Adkins ('62)
Re: Class of '62 - 45th Reunion
Any members of the Class of '62 who would be interested in
working on a reunion committee for 2007, please let me know at
ml_adkins@msn.com
Even if you just want to give us your input on place and date.
-John Adkins ('62)
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>>From: Carol Converse Maurer (Boomer Bomber class of '64)
Re: Dayton, WA
Wow! The town must have grown tons since the last time I've been
there. Lets see, a couples years after graduation I believe. Long
time. I always liked it though.
Very saddened to see that Myrna Polk ('64) has passed on. She is
in a better place though.
-Carol Converse Maurer (Boomer Bomber class of '64)
Eureka, CA The sun is shinning now, but woke up to rain.
Supposed to rain for the next 10 days. OK, Linda Reining ('64),
did you send the rain back up to us?
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>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: Arizona Get-together
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Lunches/Current-AZB/00.html
It 'set me back' to see there was no mention of Boomer Bomber ('64)
Gary Setbacken. Perhaps he was climbing a rope? Then again I see
quiet & shy Cissie Setbacken (;-) IF any non-Bomber should be
awarded 'Bomber' ranking... it would be her!
A bit-o trivia...Gary Setbacken, Gary Adrian, Gary Behymer & Gary
Lee Cole (Kennewick 1964) were all a part of Miss Handsome's
Sacajawea kindergarten class of 1951-1952...
My sincere condolences to family members & friends of Myrna Polk ('64)
who was also a member of Miss Handsome's class of 1951-1952...
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Obits/pics06/RIP64PolkMyrna06.htm
"Work like you don’t need the money, love like you've never been
hurt, and dance like no one is watching." -Satchel Paige
-Gary Behymer ('Boomer Bomber' from 1964)
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>>From: Janine Rightmire Corrado ('65)
Re: Huskies and Zags
To: Linda McKnight ('65)
Linda. I try never to miss a game of either the Huskies or the
Zags. Both teams are always so great with wonderful coaching. I
was on my way home to Woodinville Saturday afternoon from south
Tacoma listening to the Huskies game as they were down by 11 and
then began their ferocious comeback and got so excited I totally
missed my exit.
So don't worry that you're the only one out there watching March
Madness or just plain college and pro sports. I'm there Baby!!!!!
Go Zags!!! Go Huskies!!!
-Janine Rightmire Corrado ('65)
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>>From: Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
Re: '66 in '06 40th Class Reunion
The class of 1966 will be having it's 40th class reunion June 23 -
25, 2006 at the Red Lion/Hanford House in Richland. There will
be a casual get-together in the courtyard with a no-host bar
beginning at 4:00 Friday evening. Saturday morning at 9:30 will
be a golf tournament, Saturday evening we will have an enjoyable
evening beginning at 5:00 with cocktails, dinner and music,
program and door prizes and later enjoy music, dancing, sharing
and laughter. On Sunday we will get together informally in the
park behind the Red Lion.
If you or someone you know has not received a reunion packet,
please let me know. I will gladly send it.
Just think, our class song was, "We Gotta Get Out of This Place."
Now it has been 40 years! As George Burns said, "Oh, I Wish I Were
18 Again!"
-Shirley Collings Haskins ('66) ~ Richland
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: Pappy's stories
You know Pappy, your stories got me thinking. I remember in senior
English class we had an assignment to write a one page story about
a recent dream we had. I wrote my paper and thought at least I
should have gotten a good grade. The instructor had someone else
read and grade them. She gave me a "D" saying it was too fantastic
to be a dream. How would she know what I dreamt? To this day on
occasion that theme comes back to me in dreams; being able to
disappear and change my appearance whenever I want or need to. It
comes in really handy when someone is chasing you. Oh well, like I
said last week keep em comin'.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA Where the sun was bright today but
tonight is supposed to bring rain, but then after all
it is Spring now isn't it?
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>>From: Linda Barott Rodriguez ('71)
To: Ken Heminger ('56wb)
I found your old house after looking for a while. With your
description of where it was located, I finally found it secluded
at the foot of Flattop and barely visible from VanGiesen. It has
changed a bit but I recognized it by your picture you sent me. It
is fun to reminisce and remember what West Richland was like back
then. VanGiesen and the bypass had a stop sign, and never in our
day would we have believed West Richland would have a 5 lane
highway running through it with a stoplight.
Re: Floods
Just visiting with my Mom and Dad, Bob and Doris Hackney Barott ('52).
Dad told me when he was a teenager he and his horse, "Boots", swam
across the Yakima with chunks of ice in it and rescued a woman who
wasn't going to leave her home during the flood. He had to tell
her it’s either leave or die. He put her in the saddle and hung on
to the horse’s tail and got them both back to the other side. He
still remembers how cold that water was.
Re: Snakes
Mom grew up at Horn Rapids Dam because her Dad was the ditchrider
for many years. She told me about how their dog got a hold of a
bull snake and was shaking it around in its mouth. He let go of
it, and it wrapped around her neck. She likes to joke that is how
she got such a long neck.
-Linda Barott Rodriguez ('71)
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From the new ALL Bomber Alumni GuestBook.
From: Russ Jackson ('81)
POSTED: Monday 03/20/2006 8:56:26am
COMMENTS: None
-Russ Jackson ('81)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/22/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
15 Bombers sent stuff:
Dick McCoy ('45), Jim Jensen ('50), Jim McKeown ('53)
Gary Persons ('57), Gloria Falls ('58), George Swan ('59)
Jan Bollinger ('60), Patti Jones ('60), Denny Johnson ('62WB)
Dennis Hammer ('64), Linda Reining ('64), Ray Stein ('64)
Lori Simpson ('70), David Flaherty ('76), Shawn Schuchart ('78)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mike Rice ('60)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jeanie Crigler ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Nina Jones ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Gordie McMaster ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Janet Ell ('72)
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>>From: Dick McCoy ('45)
Re: Spring!!
Spring can fall on the 20th, 21st or the 22nd, same way on the
fall equinox..
[Dick is absolutely right!!! It depends on the year. -Maren]
Dick McCoy ('45)
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>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: Ye Olde Frogs
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Hey Pappy... you younger folks know all that stuff... like
amphibians (grin)... even know (unlike at least one of us) the
difference betwixt a reptile and one of those amphibby things.
The difference will be forever etched in my memory. Gracias.
-Jim Jensen ('50) ~ Katy, TX where I saw my first blue jay (so
early???), my first fire ant mound of the Spring, but
no reptiles... not even a frog (^_^)
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>>From: Jim McKeown ('53)
Re: Dayton, WA
Reading some of the comments these past few days on Dayton, brings
back a lot of memories. Many of us in the '50s spent part of our
Summers working in Dayton for Green Giant Company, in the pea
harvest. It was fairly good money, and, if like myself who worked
the night shift, we saved most of it. Dayton is not Seattle. Many
of us stayed in the camp with the Mexicans from across the border,
or rented a bed in town somewhere. The local guys hated to see the
Summer, because we had a very high testosterone and we seemed to
monopolize the local ladies. Not me of course, but others did. I
was a time keeper, and, for part of a year, I worked as some kind
of interpeter... since I had taken 3 years of Spanish. What a
laugh! The first day on the job, with the exception of numbers, I
couldn't understand a word they were saying, since I was taught
Castilian and they spoke pure Mexican. Since they were all
numbered, I got by for a while.
I worked with many Bombers, but also mant from other states,
including Jerry Kramer of "Green Bay" fame.
Just the mention of Dayton brought back many memories and
adventures that had me smiling from ear to ear. Thanks for those
memories.
-Jim McKeown ('53) ~ Sacramento, CA where we had our Bomber
luncheon yesterday
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>>From: Gary Persons ('57)
see entry from Jan Bollinger Persons ('60)
-Gary Persons ('57)
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>>From: Gloria Falls Evans ('58)
Snakes: I hate them can they go away
Dayton, WA My husband, Jim Evans, was the game warden in Dayton
for lots of years. Some of you may remember him if you are from Dayton.
-Gloria Lee Falls Loman Evans ('58) ~ Spokane where it is trying
to be Spring
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Names and Miles to Dream before I sleep
To: Lora Homme Page ('60), Jan Bollinger Persons ('60),
and Betti Avant ('69)
Lora and Jan, it has already been strongly suggested that I have
bees in me bonnet so I favor your choice of "old timey" leather
aviator cap complete with goggles and white silk neck scarf
streamin' or' me sheepskin collar into the breeze. The picture
would be complete if Darby, decked out in similar attire (whilst
temporarily giving "Snoopy" a break), was in the back-seat of me
little cartoon-like open cockpit biplane, manning the Ping-Pong
ball gun, in case the Red Baron gets on our tail. Just picture her
shaking her paw and barking, "Curse you Red Baron!" as paint ball
"splots" appear -- stitched in a line across our tail. I go into
evasive action and Darby opens up on our arch enemy, firing at
his leering grin. She finds her mark as the white spherical
projectiles begin whomping the Red baron on his big nose and right
between his startled eyes. She momentarily lapses into one of
those toothy chuckles, "Hee, hee, hee" like Snidely Whiplashes'
dog, Smedley. Then she hangs on tight in anticipation as I push
forward and jam the stick hard left and we dive "outta there,"
surviving to duel ... yet, another day. As we find cover in a
puffy little white cloud, I yell over the throb of the engine and
wind in the wires, "We'll get him next time Darby. We'll come
outta the sun!" To which she woofs, "Ya, right Dad ... next time."
As far as me name, few believe it now. Constantly, I am telling
someone my last name only to have it go down on paper with a
double n. And, somehow -- I don't know how they get this out of it
but it will be played back to me as, Swen, Swami, and one time ...
Sweeny. Several years ago, a lady (in all seriousness) even asked
me if I was related to the football player, Lynn Swann?
And finally, Betti, you seem to have struck up a close
relationship with Bogart, one of my elves. Did he plant a
bug in my office for you? Dreams? Just this morning, "my much
younger sister," Marilyn Swan Beddo ('63) and I, during one
of our regular "check-in" phone calls, were discussing dreams.
Actually, we were discussing weirdness. No, not as it runs in my
side of the family, just weirdness in general -- like in dreams
and sleeping or ... attempting to sleep. I think that I had most
of the standard dreams in my younger years of twisted adolescence
like going to school and suddenly realizing that I had forgotten
to put my clothes on. Later in college, and over the subsequent
years, I had and often still have this recurring dream that I am
looking at my college transcript. That's when I discover that I
received an F or an incomplete for a course because I slept in
and completely forgot to take a final test. And, in my dream, the
result is a demented life of telling really bizarre and senseless
stories.
But, how about that "alarm" thing. How many times have you
awakened just seconds before the alarm sounds? Now, with wind-up
alarm clocks it can possibly be explained that something in the
mechanical workings of the clock goes ... "click" just prior to
the alarm goes off. Okay, so now explain electric or electronic
clocks which are pretty much silent until the buzzer ... blows you
out of bed. With either type of clock, if I have to set the alarm,
I seem to wake about every two hours ... whether I require a "bio-
break" or not. However, if I don't have to set the alarm, I seem
to sleep better. I picture it in this weird way. Very possibly,
setting the alarm when I go to bed at night induces a mental state
that plays over and over in my subconscious zone (linked to my
personal biological clock) all night long like a broken record
(a pre-CD thing for you younger Bombers). That broken record is
saying, "I gotta get up at 5:00 AM, I gotta get up at 5:00 AM, I
gotta ..." Then, just before 5:00 AM, my personal "bio-clock" gets
panicky and starts saying, "Hey old dude, we're old now and I am
not as accurate as I used to be and its close enough so -- TIME
TO GET UP!" That could explain the phenomenon of why I seem to
sleep better when I don't have to set the alarm to get up at any
particular time and I know at bedtime that I can sleep in like an
old retired guy is supposed to do. However, my best hours of sleep
always seem to come in the "final four" which greatly supports me
in my average morning justification that I don't have to get up
now -- if I don't want too.
But, how does all of this explain the fact that it is now 4:00AM
and I am still up, I have not been on my flight simulator, and I
did not set the alarm? Maybe, for some of life's great mysteries,
there are just no answers or maybe they will come to me sometime
... in a dream ... if I can just get to sleep ... once ... again.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where ......... YAWN ...
I think I cna gaoo t sle ep n...ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz...
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>>From: Jan Bollinger Persons ('60) and Gary Persons ('57)
Re: Spokane Bomber Lunch
It was good to see a lot of our "regulars" at lunch last
Sunday and with 14 people, there were often many simultaneous
conversations going. We had to have the music turned down and got
so busy talking that we forgot all about taking pictures until
half the alums had left. So no photos, but for the record, those
attending were: John Bruntlett ('54) and sister Jean Bruntlett
('62); Ralph Bean ('58); Karen Correll ('54) and spouse Gary;
Denny McDaniel ('60) and spouse Kathy; Gloria Falls Evans ('58)
and spouse Jim; Rick Valentine ('68), Gay Edwards ('64) and mom
Vera Edwards (Carmichael and Chief Jo teacher); Gary Persons ('57)
and Jan Bollinger Persons ('60).
As expected, there was a lot of basketball talk and I was pleased
to get answers to some questions about foul penalties and the
double bonus. Everyone seemed to be a fan of Gonzaga's Adam
Morrison but were glad to see the team play for a win on Saturday
when Morrison wasn't at his best. The Huskies' win against
Illinois got some huzzahs, too. The dream game: Washington vs.
Gonzaga for the championship! Hey, anything's possible!
For all you Club 40 members, here's a record to shoot for: Gary
Correll told us about arrangements for he and his brother to fly
or drive their dad this summer to his 80th class reunion. Wow!
-Jan Bollinger Persons ('60) and Gary Persons ('57) ~
Go Zags! Go Huskies!
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>>From: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
Re: Birthday
To my little sister Nina Jones Rowe ('65) a big Happy Birthday.
It's not a 60th or anything big. Just a time that we have been
brought together which is very special. Pour into the day and
enjoy every bit of it being YOUR Birthday. Birthdays were always
made so special growing up. Our Birthday day was a time to choose
what we did, what we ate so on. So choose it to be what you want.
This may be a day late because of my finally getting on the
computer but March 22, is your birthday. Wish I was there.
Love to you, sis.
Bombers Have Fun
-Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) ~ Yeah! It's finally spring! Weather is
supposed to be 63° tomorrow by my computer weather
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>>From: Denny Johnson ('62WB)
I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jim and Judy
Heidlebaugh on 40 yrs of wedded bliss this coming Thursday. I was
fortunate enough to have known them both on the day they met, and
I can only stand in awe of the commitment they have made to each
other over these many years.
Best wishes, Jim 'n' Judy - I love you, man.
-Denny Johnson ('62WB)
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>>From: Dennis Hammer (Boomer Bomber class of '64)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: "Darby O'Gill and the Little People"
Somewhere in the movie, I thought it was at the very end, but it
may be in the opening credits there is the statement: "My thanks
to King Brian of Knocknasheega and his Leprechauns, whose gracious
co-operation made this picture possible. - Walt Disney." So
we know that Disney did not have to hire actors to play the
Leprechauns but used the real Leprechauns themselves in the movie.
I remember seeing an episode of the "Disneyland" TV show about
the making of the movie, but this one was done a little different
than most TV programs about making movies. It shows Walt Disney
going to Ireland to get the Leprechauns to help him make his
movie. At first the king doesn't want to do it and tries to buy
Walt off with a huge pot of gold instead. This episode was titled
"I Captured the King of the Leprechauns" and I understand it is
included on the DVD. I only saw it once back in 1959 and might
have to rent the DVD just to watch that part of it.
It was Albert Sharpe that played Darby O'Gill and Jimmy O'Dea who
played King Brian. There is an easier way to find out who the
actors were in a movie than trying to read the credits on the TV
screen. That information, and much more is available at the
"Internet Movie Database." http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052722/
-Dennis Hammer (Boomer Bomber class of '64) ~ From the Bomber
outpost in Lion country Kennewick
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>>From: Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber class of '64)
To: George "Pappy "Swan ('59)
Re: "Darby O'Gill"
I knew there were other stories, but have never looked for them---
might have to start, now that I know the author of the books. and
I think you are right---I think I remember a show on "Mickey Mouse
Club" where Walt Disney interviewed the actors and I think Darby
was Jimmy O'Dea and Albert Sharpe was the Leprechaun King.
To: Lora Homme Page ('60)
Re: Mother Goose and Pappy Swan
I can "see" Pappy on the back of a swan, wearing one of those
leather flight caps, too. also like the idea of it being a Bomber
flight cap.
-Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber class of '64) ~ no rain in
Bakersfield, CA today---in fact, they are saying we could
see temperatures in the 70s by the end of the week. sorry,
Carol Converse Maurer ('64), in Eureka, CA----you can send
the rain right back, cause I am in NO hurry for the hot
weather to arrive.
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>>From: Ray Stein ('64)
Re: PBS Special on Hanford
I was contacted last night by a lady from PBS. She said she was
putting together a special on Hanford during the War years. They
were using some interviews that were done in the early 1990s.
One of the men interviewed was my father, Glenn Stein (RIP). She
wanted some pictures of him taken in the 1942-1946 era, so they
could show the pictures while he was talking about the earliest
days of the Manhattan Project.
The reason I'm writing is that she said she was having trouble
contacting family members of the other men interviewed. I told
her to give me the names and I would write to our Alumni Sandstorm
and see if anyone could help. Here's the names:
Blake Miller (she said his wife was "Mina" and they had a daughter)
Clayton Nelson
Bill McCullough
Tom Clements
Her request was specifically pictures of these men in the early
1940s. I told her, I could put her in touch with people that had
all kinds of pictures of early Hanford, but she said she thought
she already had enough of those. Anyway, email me if you think you
can help. I have no idea how she plans to portray Hanford, but if
she's going to show an interview of my father and the other men, I
would say she's trying to get a true picture of early Hanford.
-Ray Stein ('64)
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>>From: Lori Simpson Hogan ('70)
Re: Carol Converse Maurer's ('64) question: "who owned the house
as you came around the corner of the highway by the Y"...
The Pardini family owned it for many years. I went all through
school with Manuel.
-Lori Simpson Hogan ('70)
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>>From: David Flaherty ('76)
Reading the snake stories reminded me of one of my Rattle Snake
experiences when I was a kid in Richland. My 9th grade Art teacher
from Chief Jo (Ray Beason) took me and a friend out dove hunting
one year... never really got dove hunting but always liked a
reason to pull a trigger... anyway after a fruitless morning of
trudging through the sage after the allusive and dangerous dove
we decided to head home. We had been hunting down near the Snake
River and had to walk quite a ways back to the Jeep that he had
put a 327???... sorry never really got engines it either... in it
and could actually do wheelies. On the way up the hill we had to
cross over several fence rows, and being the responsible hunters
we were, one guy would hold the guns while the others would head
over the barb wire. It was my turn to hold Ray’s gun as he went
over the fence and when he put his foot on the wire the air
exploded with the unmistakable sound of a Rattler that was coiled
right under his foot. It was my first experience hearing that
sound but there was no question in my mind what it was. Mr. Beason
climbed higher on the fence yelling "SHOOT IT!" (which I think the
people across the river in Benton City heard) Dropping his gun
against a sage brush I opened up with my 12 gage pump at anything
that resembled brown under his feet. When the smoke and dust
cleared he climbed off the fence and we rolled a tumbleweed over
to find the severed head (just as I had planned it) of a rattler
with its mouth wide open still wanting to bite. I picked up it’s
body and the crazy thing wrapped around my arm... scarred the crap
out of me. It's hide hung on my wall for years in memory.
-David Flaherty ('76)
P.S. I passed Art class that year
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>>From: Shawn Schuchart Mabley ('78)
Re: West Richland
I just read today's Sandstorm where Linda Barrott Rodriguez ('71)
commented on West Richland having a 5-lane highway running through
it. Can it be true? When I visit Richland I am either visiting my
sister, Teri Schuchart Sharp ('70) in Meadow Springs, or bringing
my kids to Columbia Center to shop so I never venture through West
Richland anymore. Hard to believe it's changed that much over the
years.
I, too, am curious as to the passing of Mary Musser. Karen
Filsinger Spanner ('78) saw her this summer and Mary immediately
remembered her and various parts of her family history over the
years. Although I lived across the street from Mary, usually she
had me confused with one of my sisters. Mary was a wonderful
neighbor, although I never liked stopping by her house on
Halloween because she always made me come inside and perform a
trick. Most of my friends weren't allowed to stop at her house
on Halloween either so I usually had to go by myself while they
waited outside for me.
-Shawn Schuchart Mabley ('78)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/23/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 Bombers sent stuff:
Betty Hiser ('49), Richard Roberts ('49)
Gini Miller ('49), Marilyn De Vine ('52)
Burt Pierard ('59), Lora Homme ('60)
Helen Cross ('62), Bill Scott ('64)
Carol Converse ('64), Linda Reining ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim Wade ('76)
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>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
To: Ray Stein ('64)
I did not know Blake Miller (the name is familiar). If Clayton
Nelson is alive he is in pretty bad shape (I'm always gone for 6
to 8 weeks at Christmas each year). You need to get a hold of him
right way if he is still living. He is/was a stamp collector. Bill
McCullough, I believe is a member of B Reactor Museum Association
(BRMA) - his brother is Dee McCullough - has a fantastic memory.
Dee was an engineer during that period. Tom Clements is dead -
his son is John Clements, the photographer, that takes all the
beautiful pictures of the Tri-City area and sells calendars, etc.
You might try to contact someone in BRMA. I am a member but
haven't been for the past 4 months - have not been feeling well.
Let me know and I will try to contact some of the guys that are
still living that went through the Hanford '43 and '44 era and
beyond.
The BRMA meetings are the second Monday of each month at the
Richland Library (in one of the smaller rooms in the very back of
the library). You would be most welcome to attend. I am sure you
could get a lot of information from those guys and they are always
willing to tell you. We, of course, are trying to save 105-B from
being dismantled.
-Betty Hiser Gulley '49er - south/government Richland - supposed
to get up to 63 today - still having cool nights - neat!
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>>From: Richard Roberts ('49)
I've never known Dick McCoy ('45) to be wrong!
Cheers,
-Richard Roberts ('49)
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>>From: Gini Miller ('49)
Re: First Day of Spring
Gee thanks, Dick and Maren, for your birthday greetings -- and for
enlightening me. For all these years, I've only had the printed
calendars to guide (and misguide me) and my mom's information. I
stand corrected - my entry was only meant to be light-hearted!
-Gini Miller ('49) ~ Spring in Wildwood, Florida, is delightful -
70s (last week 60s) and sunny - the kind of weather
for which people come to Florida.
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>>From: Marilyn "Em" De Vine ('52)
To: Jim Jensen ('50)
I don't know what kind of snake it was but will do some research
while I am up there this summer. Meanwhile, I'll send my cousin a
snail-mail inquiry. Maybe she will know.
To: David Flahaerty ('76)
Wow! Good shot! I used to like to shoot guns but haven't had the
chance in many, many years. I got pretty good on a stationary
target, whether with pistol or rifle, but I never got very good at
hitting a moving target. Hit a duck, once, when I lived in Alaska,
but he set his wings and landed across the inlet. (So much for
"bringing home the bacon".)
Next month I will travel to Wisconsin to visit my eldest
granddaughter before going home to Richland. I'm really excited
about the trip... I've never been to Wisconsin and I'm sure there
will be a lot to see besides Jaime and her husband, Sean.
-Marilyn "Em" De Vine ('52) ~ with sympathy to all who are still
in the middle of winter!
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>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
Re: Alisa's School Project
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Pierard/060314-00.html
I just wanted to share the following note I received from Alisa
today.
Dear Grandpa Burt,
Thank you for showing my project about my great grandma
to all your alumni friends. Thanks for all the nice letters
that people wrote about my project. You will be happy to
know that I got an A. Thanks for sending me all the pictures.
It helped a lot.
love,
Alisa
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
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*******************************************************
>>From: Lora Homme Page ('60)
To: George (Pappy) Swan ('59)
Re: The Adventures of Pappy Swan and Darby
I think you've hit upon two more denizens and another story line
for Pappy's Puddle People Tales!
Re: Dreams
I've also had the school dreams but for me they are cold sweat
nightmares, not just dreams. Sometimes I'm in first grade at the
old Sacajawea, sometimes I'm in the old Richland (Columbia) High,
and sometimes I'm in Graduate School, but the theme is always
the same. I'm not prepared for a test, I'm not going to graduate
because I somehow neglected to take one of the classes that are
required (usually a math class), or I'm late for a class and
either can't remember my locker combination where my books and
papers are, or I can't even remember where my locker is! In some
of these dreams, I've gone to the office to find out and no one
knows what I'm talking about. Sort of like the people who answer
most customer service phone calls.
I don't remember ever having felt that kind of anxiety about
school in real life. I never lost my locker and always wrote my
combination down, so I suppose it's some kind of symbol of life,
in general. I've never been very well prepared for real life; it
always sneak up on me. For example; how in the world did I get
this old? By staying alive, I guess.
-Lora Homme Page ('60) ~ In the land of the Lions and the home of
the Braves
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>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
To: Ray Stein ('64)
Re: PBS Special on Hanford
Ray, Blake and Mina Miller were very involved in CUP church when
I was growing up and were still active into the '60s. I had an
address for a niece I knew who last lived in Portland, Oregon. I
will try to contact her and see if they are still alive.
But does anyone have CUP contacts who might be able to check this
out faster? Nancy, could you ask your parents, Larry and Lorrainne
Riggs, if they have a phone number about Blake and Mina. Sadly, I
don't have any CUP contacts any longer.
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ West Harrison, IN - where the sun is
shining and the sky is blue by the little lake. So the
almost 3 inches of snow from yesterday is melting. My
crocuses are blooming through the snow.
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>>From: Bill Scott ('64)
To: Jim McKeown ('53)
Re: Dayton.
Ah, the memories. I too worked, for two summers, in Dayton for the
Green Giant, or as we sometimes referred to him, the Green Weenie.
Never one to waste time when there was money to be made, my mother
drove me to Dayton to apply, on the afternoon following the all-
night graduation party. A few hours of sleep, and then off to
work! Never made much money to speak of, but it sure was an
education. The twelve-hour days, the sharing the dorms with the
Mexican Nationals from Texas, the spending too much money for food
at Swett's Canteen, the sleeping on a bed in an upstairs hallway
of a private home in town. Going to see a western at the local
theater, and having the projectionist show reel 2 first, and never
bother to correct it. Then there was the time I rode to the field
and hopped on a swather tractor and fumbled around trying to
figure out how to run it, and having the field boss yell, "I
thought you said you could run this thing!", and me replying,
"No, I just said I'd come to work."
-Bill Scott ('64)
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>>From: Carol Converse Maurer ('64)
To: Lori Simpson Hogan ('70)
Thanks Lori for letting me know who lived in the house so close
to the highway. Each and every time that I would go past the
house, I wondered just how they got out of there (must have had a
road out back that you couldn't see from the highway). Plus, I
often wondered if anybody had run into the house, or at least the
yard, being it was soooo close to the highway. Just looked so
strange not to see the house the last time being there.
-Carol Converse Maurer (Boomer Bomber class of '64)
Eureka, CA where the sun is really trying to shine,
but the wind is blowing and it's cold. Well, Linda, I
would really love those 70 temps about now. People
here complain when it does hit 70° in the summer. I
just have to laugh and tell them that I wish it would
get at least up to 75. With the humidity here, it feels
warmer than it really is.
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>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
to:Dennis Hammer(64) re:making of "Darby O'Gill and the Little
People" I remember the TV show where Walt showed how the movie was
made, think it was on his Sunday show, "Walt Disney Presents"----I
had first thought it was on "Mickey Mouse Club", but after reading
your item, I think it was more likely on his Sunday night program.
am definitely going to look for this movie on DVD---not only do I
want to watch it, again, I think my grandchildren would enjoy it,
too.
-Linda Reining ('64) ~ sun is shinning and skies are clear in
Bakersfield, CA and we aren't supposed to be getting any
more storms from the Pacific Northwest---there is a new
storm coming Friday, but isn't supposed to come this far
South---sorry, Carol Converse Maurer(64) in Eureka, CA,
but it looks like you are going to stay wet a bit longer.
you can always put up a big fan and blow it my way.
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/24/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
11 Bombers and 1 NAB sent stuff:
Betty Hiser ('49), Richard De Ford ('56)
George Swan ('59), Barbara Seslar ('60)
Gary Behymer ('64), Jeff Michael ('65)
Rick Maddy ('67), Doug Ufkes ('68)
Betti Avant ('69), Nancy Nelson ('69)
Loreen Muhlestein ('89), Don Sorenson (NAB = Not A Bomber)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Cindy Lust ('72)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Rick Dahlin ('72WB)
FORMER RICHLAND TEACHER BIRTHDAY Today: Lynn Dunton
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>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
To the Hoke family: I wanted to let you know that my sympathies
are with the family. I met Jim when he was doing escort work at N
Area (after he had retired) and worked with your mother (Cyd) also
in N Area. He always recognized my voice when I would call Cyd and
we would chit chat for a few minutes before she came on the line.
-Betty Hiser Gulley '49er - south/government Richland - weather is
warming up and this week, for the first time in a LONG time,
the night temperatures will be above freezing.
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>>From: Richard "Dick" De Ford ('56)
Re: Road to Dayton
Back in the early '20s my Granddad had a farm where the old riding
academy was. Across the road and down a little bit, where a
nursery is, his house was located. The well is still there,
polluted by now. My mom started grade school in Richland. She went
to be with the Lord, October '04. She was born in Dayton, as was
I. I was born on the corner of 4th and Day street, in my Dad's
parents' home. Both sides of my family were homesteaders in the
Dayton township.
What I really want to talk about is the road that goes from
Burbank to Waitsburg. During the early days of the Hanford
project, my Dad (he is 95) would save his gas stamps so we could
make a trip, once a month, to Dayton. On to Wallula, Walla Walla,
Waitsburg then to Dayton. A long way around. One day my Dad got to
wondering, how did MacPherson make the trip? He found out that
he went across to Eureka. Well, my Dad, a couple of Uncles and a
bunch of cousins armed with shovels, found what use to be an old
wagon trail across the desert. The going was slow because the sand
had covered the trail in many places. We came to the edge of a
sand dune covering much of the trail. After much discussion and a
long walk up the trail, we took out across the desert around the
dune. Eventually we arrived in Eureka where there was a gravel
road through Prescott to Waitsburg. My Dad (he was a bus driver)
told others about the trail and it soon became the short cut to
Dayton. Hunting and fishing was the destination for many. Today,
on highway 124, you can enjoy a beautiful ride past the man-made
groves of tree and grape vineyards. The last time I made the
trip, a tree still stood, all by itself, just past the top of the
second long up grade. There was a well, with a hand pump, at the
base of the tree. I have received refreshing from that well. My
Granddad watered his live stock there when they crossed the
desert.
-Dick De Ford ('56) ~ Springfield, MO - w here the sun is shinning
on us at 34°
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: "Froggy went ah courtin and he did ride" Uh-huh, uh-huh!
To: Jim Jensen ('50)
I really don't know all that much about "froggies." I'm just
another fan of Froggy's adventures when he "did ride" and " ...
went ah courtin' (Miss Mousy), sword and pistol by his side." I
guess that's because he reminds me of my own awkward courting
attempts of yesteryears. I just wonder where he found a horse that
small? Jim, I have enjoyed our personal exchange of emails in the
past. You are a good sport and I admire your energy and enthusiasm
and I am really hoping it rubs off on to me.
To: Denny Johnson ('62WB)
Hey buddy! Haven't heard much out of you for a long time? I should
have looked you up when in Vegas a while back. I seem to remember
now that you said that you live there. I got caught up in trap
and skeet shooting at Nellis AFB, going to the IMAX Theater and
watching "Fighter Pilot," and interviewing a new chapter of elves
forming down there.
To: Dennis Hammer ('64) and Linda Reining ('64) (My "Wabbithabit"
friend -- I love that screen name)
Re: "Darby O'Gill and the Little People"
Thanks very much for the info on the movie and the movie website.
I did see the message from Walt Disney, thanking King Brian
of Knocknasheega and his Leprechauns. It is toward the end of
the credits and just prior to the beginning of the movie. And,
clearly, by pointing out the casting of real Leprechauns, you are
a fellow believer in "wee people." I recall the Disney episode,
"I Captured the King of the Leprechauns." My old tape has seen its
days so I must get the DVD to add to my reference library (which
the grandkids thoroughly use during their visits). A "wacky
writer" thrives on the old classics. With just a wee bit of
imagination, the spinoff of ideas gained from the viewing and
reading of such works can run rampant. I guess my challenge is to
try to capture and channel that inspiration into something that
folks will appreciate. Gotta get busy on that. Well, there goes
the yard work, once again. "Hee, hee."
I appreciate very much, the information, offers to illustrate
and publish, and encouragement that I am receiving. Frankly, its
almost overwhelming for an old guy who just started out to write
some simple light hearted postings in "Sandstorm." Linda, I like
your suggestion (maybe for a book cover): "I can "see" Pappy on
the back of a swan, wearing one of those leather flight caps, too.
also like the idea of it being a Bomber flight cap." Also, me very
own, "much younger than me" sister, Marilyn Swan Beddo ('63), has
suggested, "An Elf Himself," as a title.
To: David Flaherty ('76)
Many fail to see the sense in Dove hunting. Admittedly, there's
not a lot of meat on those little self-guided missiles. However,
I see "dove hunting" as a misnomer. Dove shooting should really
be referred to as, "Dove Shooing." Dove hunting season (first two
weeks in September), ushers in bird hunting season that begins
with grouse season and carries on through upland bird (pheasants,
quail, and partridge) to finish out with the close of waterfowl
hunting in January. Therefore, dove shooing is an opportunity to
get out after a long stretch of no hunting and get going -- once
again. However, most hunters (like myself) bang our way through an
unbelievable number of boxes of shotgun shells without having much
effect on the dove population. Those twisting, climbing, turning,
pace changing, and suddenly diving little speed demons make red-
faced "missers" of most of us. So to save face (red or not), we
like to say that we are merely out there to provide a service.
We are encouraging the wily little birds to get going southward
before the cold weather comes along. Thus, we "shoo" them along on
their southern migration.
PS: Congratulations on passing art class. Saving the teacher never
hurts.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where the weather is
pushing into the high 60s with partly cloudy skies and I am
prepping my shootin' gear to "shoo" some clay pigeons this
weekend.
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>>From: Barbara Seslar Brackenbush ('60)
To: Lora Homme Page ('60)
Re: dreams/nightmares
I can identify with your nightmares and even add: not remembering
where my classes are, not remembering where the office is and when
I do find it, can't get any information, not remembering what
my homework was, not bringing it with me. Now, in later years,
forgetting my badge, getting into my office without my badge
and then hoping no one will notice, and on and on. I guess we're
working out our stresses (still). I don't think any of these
things ever actually happened. Worse case I remember is not having
a pencil or pen with me in class and being too shy to borrow one.
-Barbara Seslar Brackenbush ('60)
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>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: B Reactor needs you ...
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/opinions/story/7554603p-7466218c.html
Re: Juggling
Fantastic! Fast speed internet connections only (;-) "You have to
see this amazing feat of juggling by Chris Bliss to believe it!
Juggled to the Beatles Golden Slumbers medley, watching this
juggling routine is like watching music come to life right before
your eyes. Enjoy!"
http://www.classbrain.com/artteenah/publish/chris_bliss_juggling_beatles_medley.shtml
-Gary Behymer ('64)
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>>From: Jeff Michael ('65)
Hey there Bombers and Bomberettes...
Yesterday (22Mar) was an awesome day for Bomber-land folk!! I
wanted to clone myself so I could be at all the important venues.
The last time I tried that, though, we just got another sheep!
I was at the Hispanic Chamber luncheon the day before, so got
exposed to some of the excitement of WSU-Tri-Cities as a 4-year
school. Also an upcoming event, one of the biggest Mariachi
contests in the whole country will be held here in May. And that
was just "a lick of the cone".
Yesterday was the Regional Chamber luncheon where CH2M-Hill added
$500,000 to the educational coffers of WSU-TC and CBC. That's part
of the scheduled $4 mill they committed when they came to town.
It brings the total to just over $3 mil to date. There were some
super presentations by the WSU-TC Chancellor (who had also spoke
to the group the day before). Also speaking was the CBC President,
some politicos and Frank Armijo (also from the day before as
well).
I got to help the video team from Lockheed-Martin shoot a short
bit starring various Chamber members. Some of you local Bombers
may get to see that clip in the future... it's got signs about "I
Luv IT" waving to the tune of "I Love LA". Not sure what they will
do with it.
Later, up the river towards Hanford, many of the same dignitaries
joined Gov. Gregoire to sign the WSU-TC bill the state legislature
passed earlier this year. What a coup for the Tri-Cities!
I skipped that event in order to prepare for an interview with my
pastor. He recently returned from Israel and Egypt, doing some
international work that is very exciting. If things go well, those
of you that listen to K-LOVE on the radio or internet will get
to hear his comments. I'll submit the interview for release next
week.
Then there was the B-reactor meetings with the National Landmarks/
Parks people at the Hanford House/Red Lion. There was an afternoon
session with nearly 100 folks participating. The evening meeting
drew 40-50. I was sitting adjacent to a distinguished fellow with
a long gray beard and pony tail. Later, on KEPR news, I discovered
he is the oft posted on this site, Burt Pierard ('59)! Wow, such
elite company! I am excited to be passionate about the same cause
as Burt. The B-Reactor MUST be preserved! There were some folks
there from CREHST also. What a truly unique museum. This community
has produced some really cool stuff and super cool people! And it
has not stopped doing so!!!
Remember when we were kids and our parents lived with the thought
that the gov't would just decide one day to close the plant and
we'd all blow away like the Okies, many of whom came here? And now
"Pete" Joe Carrol carries on the tradition of his dad on GWWay.
How 'bout them Zags and Huskies!! I'm gambling that their seasons
have not ended when you read this.
The FEVER begin their defense of their national arena football
title and the Dust Devils will some begin their drive to the play-
offs in baseball. And Congrats to the awesome cheer/dance team
from Richland. I went to the regionals in Anaheim a few years back
when my granddaughters competed at the Junior level. What a
show those kids put on!! Cheer is no longer just pom-poms and a
megaphone! Seems I remember some really pretty RHS Cheerleaders
and Song Queens... Majorettes, too. David Rivers ('65) pays annual
tribute to many of these folks in his posts here.
On a technical note about airplanes and boats (hydro planes)...
the boat that I have been attached to for nearly ten years was
originally equipped with Chrysler-Crown, av-gas burning, speedy
engines. She is named Music Man III for the organist that owns
her. She was originally built in 1944 as an 83' Air Rescue Vessel.
She never saw combat. She and a sister boat were converted to
yachts in the late '50s. The sister boat belonged to Ann Southern,
the TV actress. MMIII lives in Newport Beach, CA. She was a leaker
in poor condition in San Diego Bay when my boss bought her. We
spent 3 years restoring her. The motors we installed were Detroit
Diesel 1271s. That means they are v-12 with 71 cubic inch
displacement per cylinder. They consume copious quantities of fuel
and air in their production of 12-1500 BHP per motor. They do, in
fact, spin in opposition to each other. They sit aimed the wrong
way in the boat, using a set of V-drive gears to spin the props,
which are actually many feet in front of the motors (but at the
back of the boat (naturally). Many of the custom parts on the
engines were built by Chuck Daigh, who built hydroplane motors for
Bill Muncey and others. Chuck still has a shop in Costa Mesa, CA
and built the MMIII motors. They have twin GMC superchargers,
twins turbo chargers and intercoolers. They are two stroke
power plants that top out at 2200 RPM. Let me testify, that engine
room is LOUD when the skipper feeds the fuel! She'll cruise at
18-20 knots while running at 15-1600 RPM. We went up and down from
San Diego to Newport Beach many times and over to Catalina once.
This is the engine noise that I first fell in love with on the
shores of Lake Washington when I went to my first Unlimited Hydro
races. The gas turbines are cool and fast, but I do miss the
rumble and roar of the early thunder-boats vibrating on my chest
as six or seven went by on a flying start to the green flag.
Well, I have rambled on at length. Maybe I'll have a chance to get
on the "dreams" bandwagon another day.
-dj jeff Michael ('65) on a semi overcast day on the banks of the
Columbia. The daffodils, dogwoods and cherry trees are in
glorious show time. I don't recall what the yellow flowering
bushes are, but they are blooming, too.
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>>From: Rick Maddy ('67)
Re: UCLA VS. GONZAGA
Bummer of a basketball game. Although, a great bummer it was. An
odd thing in Orange County, California, at the local sports bar...
when UCLA scored, the whole place erupted into a frenzy. I'm
thinking it must be because I live fifty miles from Hollywood, or
something like that. When Gon-ZAY-guh scored I erupted... I, as
in the only one in the bar erupting into the frenzied applause at
each score... and receiving the obligatory stink eye from just
about everyone with the exception of... well... that don't matter.
Even if the P-C pronunciation in the Espanola is Gone-ZAG-ahh...
a's are ahh, e's are a's, i's are e's, o's are o's and u's are
oo's as is Honolulu... it still bothers me when announcers say
Gone-ZAG-uh... I have known a Spokane resident since my days at
Eastern and hanging out at John Stockton's ole man's tavern that
tells me it is Gone-Zay-guh no matter what they tell you...
whomever "they" is. I swiftly left the bar and ran home fearing
for my life... the bar is one block away. The Morrison kid is a
great one. Enjoyed the game... it is just a game... isn't it?
Somebody one time told me that if we couldn't get hurt or killed
playing "the game", then we wouldn't bother playing it. I was
trying to figure in the adrenalin junkie card about golf and how
many go down with the torn anterior cruciate ligament, which then
reminded me of the snakes. There are 12 species of snakes in
Washington State.
http://www.fish.washington.edu/naturemapping/results.html
-Rick Maddy ('67) ~ Hoping the Huskies reel in the slack
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>>From: Doug Ufkes ('68)
Re: Arizona Bombers Lunch
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Lunches/Current-AZB/00.html
Bombers all over, it appears we have all the pictures in and
identified except for one lady in Gus-05.jpg. I know she and I
were introduced and I should remember but these days I have a
mind like a steel sieve, is it Barbara Brown Webster ('57)?
After going through all the picture plus counting at least 4 that
are not pictured but were there I come up with 49 folks attending.
Those not photographed were Owen Jorgensen ('56), Donna Gulley
Jorgensen ('58), and Paul Webster ('56), and Barbara Brown
Webster ('57). I am sorry to all of you we have to get more
organized photo-wise so we miss no one.
If anyone was there who was not photographed or not one of the
above please write to me privately. I know I was never introduced
to 3 folks who said they would be there. Or was I and have
completely lost what little mind I had?
Write to me, y’all.
-Doug Ufkes ('68)
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: Dayton
I played in some softball tournaments in Dayton back in the early
'80s. It hadn't changed much from what I remember. One of the
fields we played on was next to the migrant housing in an open
field that reminded me of some of the parks in Richland's
neighborhoods like Roberdeau. I usually played catcher but in this
one game we had players who had to head back to the Tri-Cities
before our last game on Saturday. The coach put me in at first.
One inning he called time out and told me to switch with the gal
playing second. It seems the batter coming up had hit the ball to
that position in her previous at bats and he figured I would at
least get an out which we did. After that batter he switched us
back. By the way the gal playing second was someone we added for
the tournament to have enough bodies and she usually didn't play
that position.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA
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>>From: Nancy Nelson Wyatt ('69)
To: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49) and Ray Stein ('64)
Clayton Nelson is still alive and doing pretty good. He is my
father. He also has some pictures of the "crew" on the wall in the
basement. His memory is pretty good and is getting around. Mom has
been working for the Hanford Family for some time and I am sure
they would love to share their experiences and photos with anyone.
Dad would also be able to tell you about the other people and if
they are still around and where they are. Most of them came to
Dad's surprise Birthday Party I gave him a few years back. I also
still have some addresses of people who worked on the project.
I hope to be down in Richland this next month to visit with
friends and check up on my parents as you may remember my brothers
were killed in '68 and '69 so I am the only sibling.
The least we can do for the parents who raised us and taught us
responsibility and morals is to give back to them when they need
it.
-Nancy Nelson Wyatt ('69)
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>>From: Loreen Muhlestein Bliss ('89)
Hey all! For those of you who I have not chatted with for a
while... Tim and I had another baby! Things have been busy, of
course... and, well, here is finally a welcome to our new baby
boy!!! Logan Reed Bliss was born on Tuesday, February 21, 2006.
Visit this link for pictures, etc. Sorry it has taken me so long!
We are thinking of you though and want to share this wonderful
time with you!
http://www.loreenbliss.com/lrb
Take care!!!
-Loreen Muhlestein Bliss ('89), Singer/Songwriter
Listen on line at: www.loreenbliss.com
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>>From: Don Sorenson (NAB = Not A Bomber)
Re: PBS Special on Hanford
To: Ray Stein ('64)
Tom Clements has passed away. Blake Miller I believe has
Alzheimer's. And yes Mina was Blakes wife's name. I interviewed
her and published a story about her early experiences. Blake was
an insurance salesman beginning in the late '40s or early '50s.
He was a Health Instrument tech before leaving Hanford. I would
suggest looking into some early phone books and perhaps Blake's
name might be mentioned as one of the agents. Or call around to
some retired agents who might know of his daughter. I do know they
had a large collection of things they displayed at their 50th
wedding anniversary. Hope this helps.
-Don Sorenson N A B
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/25/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7 Bombers sent stuff:
Ann Bishop ('56), Terri Royce ('56), Burt Pierard ('59)
Dale Ennor ('59), Irene de la Bretonne ('61), Mike Brady ('61)
Denny Johnson ('62WB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Frank DeVincentis ('56wb)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Virginia Brinkerhoff ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Susan Gunter ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Karen Davis ('76)
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>>From: Ann Bishop Ousley ('56)
We in Texarkana, AR/TX are considering having an antique/classic
car show in the future. Since there are car buffs who write in
occassionally, I just thought I'd check to see if there would be
any interest in coming to Texarkana for a show. We have a small
club just down the street from us that is pretty active.
To: dj Jeff Michael (65)
The yellow bushes are probably Forsythia in bloom.
-Ann Bishop Ousley ('56) ~ Texarkana, AR Cool and sunny today.
Daffodils been and gone, tulips up, fruit trees and tulip
trees blooming, gardenias and mock orange have flower buds
*******************************************************
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>>From: Terri Royce Weiner ('56)
Re: Writing Children's Books
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Putting your elves to work in a children's book is a wonderful
idea -- one you should seriously consider. I've been a member of
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for a few
years, and want to make you aware of their existence. They're
chock full of ideas and pathways, and you may be involved on many
levels. Check out their website at http://scbwi.org/ and get those
elves a-hoppin'.
-Terri Royce Weiner ('56) ~ in beautiful Seattle where my dogs
have fresh mud to investigate.
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
To: Jeff Michael ('65)
Re: Saving our History
Thanks for the kind words. Flattery will get you everywhere with
me - I admit it. Your statement about the necessity to save B
Reactor was right on! We are also fighting to save the T Plant
(the "Queen Mary" canyon building) but that will be a tougher job
to develop for touring as opposed to B Reactor which is already
"Tour Proven." I feel that, with the Parks Department involvement,
we are going to win those battles. When I was back in D.C. for the
Study "Kickoff" meetings last year, I had the opportunity to talk
with some of the DOE people back there. They said that Keith Klein
(our local Hanford DOE Manager) was flat-out wrong when he had
claimed that DOE was in the "Cleanup" business, not the "Museum"
business. They said they (DOE) were given a Presidential Directive
(I don't know if it was from Clinton or George W.) to preserve
any Manhattan Project facilities possible that were designated
"signature" facilities to represent the Project, B Reactor & T
Plant in our case. In any event, the emergence of the Parks
Department Study has brought Klein's plans for destruction to a
halt (at least for now). It was even more critical for Oak Ridge
where their Klein Clone had scheduled the dismantling of the giant
Gaseous Diffusion Plant to start in January, 2006. That is also on
hold now.
It is interesting to note that Klein has been rushing to spend
$20 million on "cocooning" B Reactor, which is about 20 times the
estimated cost to operate it as a display (it could never meet
current codes for a museum) for 20 years.
At this point, I would like to expand this discussion to point out
that these projects are just a battle in a bigger war being waged
by the "anti-nuke" folks (and their dupes) to totally erase any
indication that HEW and the government were ever here. You may, or
may not, be aware that there is only ONE remaining, intact WWII
Commercial Building left in Richland, the Richland Theater,
presently owned by The Richland Players. (Ganzel's Barber Shop is
close but it has been somewhat remodeled externally.) About two
years ago, our illustrious City Fathers tried to bribe the Players
to sell the theater so it could be torn down for a Walgreens!
Fortunately, Walgreens sensed they were getting into something
more controversial than just site acquisition and backed out. That
scared the heck out of me so I have since secured the position of
Historian for the Players and I hammer on the Board about the
historical necessity of keeping the building.
Oh, well. Enough "soapbox" for now.
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
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*******************************************************
>>From: Dale Ennor ('59)
Re: Recurring school dreams
To: Barbara Seslar Brackenbush ('60), Lora Homme Page ('60),
and all others who hav suffered from the syndrome
For a few years after graduating from college at the tender age of
29 I, too, "enjoyed" the almost nightly reoccurrence of wondering
why I had not attended the class for which I was about to be
examined. One day my boss brought the following article from Time
magazine to me, asking if I ever suffered this problem. Seems most
graduates do. After reading the article the weight was miraculously
lifted and I have not had the dream more than a half dozen times
since. Some "shrink" out there can probably put a name to it. Check
out the full article at the library, unless you are a subscriber to
Time and can access the magazine’s archives without cost. The lead-
in is as follows:
Recurring Nightmares
Monday, Jan. 28, 1974 (magazine date)
It was examination time, and the student realized that he had
totally neglected one course. Worse yet, he did not even know where
the exam was to be held. Panic engulfed him—and then he awoke.
It was all a dream, but it was a dream that he had sweated out
repeatedly after his graduation in 1940, E.C.K. Read wrote in the
letters column of Harvard Magazine last August. Read was not alone
in having that recurrent nightmare. In subsequent months, more than
60 graduates, ranging in age from 22 to 65, have written to the
magazine to describe similar experiences. "It is the only dream I
ever have,"...
-Dale Ennor ('59)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Irene de la Bretonne Hays ('61)
People are asking about Mina and Blake Miller. Some have described
Blake's contribution to the community, but I have not noted much
said about Mina (perhaps I missed it).
When I taught at Richland High school (1974-1980), Mina was one
of my colleagues in the English department. She also taught art at
Richland High. Mina was a strong community supporter of the arts
in all forms: music (she was a fine volcalist); visual arts, and
literature. Mina also had a way with students who needed special
attention to keep them on track toward high school graduation. Her
teaching affected many, many students and also inspired those of us
who taught with her. In addition, Mina was a good friend and all-
around lovely person to know. Mina passed on several years ago and
she is missed.
-Irene de la Bretonne Hays ('61)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Mike Brady ('61)
Re: March Madness
Well, now I know the true meaning of, "leaving it all on the
court!" What an amazing ending to a fantastic game. You people
in eastern Washington have been lucky enough to know Adam Morrison
for a long time. What an amazing athlete! After last night's game,
I'm not sure if I'm able to get "up" for tonight's Husky game.
Is there any doubt why they call it, "March Madness?"
-Mike Brady ('61) ~ Kirkland, WA where it finally warmed enough to
pull my Miata out of storage and put it on the road
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*******************************************************
>>From: Denny Johnson ('62WB)
Thank you to Pappy for acknowledging that my aged decrepit body
still casts a shadow in the daylight. Yes, you should send me an
email next time you're coming to town. I sold the Cessna, so I
can't offer you a personal ride, but I do have access to planes
of others, so perhaps we can still do some bug-smashing and scud-
running. I pretend that I'm looking around for an old Bell 47G
helo... but I'm painfully aware that my next visit to the AME may
not have the desired results... ergo - I'm sort of holding off.
Ravages of the calendar and a life of debauchery and decadence are
beginning to take their toll.
To: Jeff Michael ('65)
Re: Diesel V12s
I've never seen a 2 stroke diesel of that displacement. Diesels by
nature do not have spark plugs, but nearly all large diesel engines
are four-stroke... the inherent mechanics of a 2 stroke engine
require a spark plug in nearly all cases. Engines with spark plugs
CANNOT be diesels.
I have a modicum of knowledge about Rolls-Merlin and Allison V12s,
which of course were NOT diesels, and I've been around GM V12
diesels enough to know they are 4 strokes - and ignition occurs at
the top of the compression cycle... sans an electrical discharge of
course, but all the other three cycles are commensurate with a
gasoline/electrical ignition engine.
Re: miscellaneous ramblings
Flying up to Seattle next week... getting ready to buy a "summer
place" on Camano Island to ease my eventual transition back to WA
in a year or so, and it'll give us someplace to "hang" besides
at the relatives' joints. Aside from that I have nothing else to
report.
Well, I did get an email from a denizen of this conclave (the
Sandstorm), who saw fit to denigrate me for congratulating Jim H
and his lovely wife on their 40th Anniversary (today). This
wag (who shall remain un-named) indicated that we should not
congratulate a man that is SO boring, only one woman was interested
in him over this extended time period.
-Denny Johnson ('62WB) ~ From Las Vegas, where the Donut
Delinquents set the pace....
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/26/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 Bombers sent stuff:
Jim Jensen ('50), John Kennedy ('55), Burt Pierard ('59)
Darla Wise ('60), Mike Brady ('61), Linda Reining ('64)
Jeff Michael ('65), Linda McKnight ('65), Anna Durbin ('69)
Dave Fowler ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jon McDougal ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Twins: Dale and Gale Gunter ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jeffrey Suchland ('90)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: Olio
The Alumni Sandstorm becomes more intriguing every day. Talk
about diversity!!!
To: Rick Maddy ('67). I sincerely appreciate your providing us
with the Washington State Nature Mapping Program (3/24)...
interesting!!!
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59). My friend, there is little I could
offer you to emulate. I am the "before" picture in the world of
intellect. You, on the other hand, have a great talent to share -
not only with your fellow Bombers, but with an audience that
waits. I agree with Terri Royce Weiner ('56) that children's
books might be an interesting first step. I don't believe that
your skills should be restricted to that medium. Consider the
interest you arouse among the Bombers - many of them quite
discriminating.
To: Richard De Ford ('56) You have a knowledge of Southeastern
Washington that not many, I'll wager, possess these days. I love
both history and maps and your posting arrested my attention. Are
you by chance related to a De Ford who once lived in Katy, Texas
(circa 1992-1996)?
To: Burt Pierard ('59). Your advocacy for preserving Richland's
heritage is well documented in the pages of the Sandstorm. I
admire people who have the courage of their convictions and are
willing to stand up for their beliefs and concerns. My father was
such a man - as are you.
To: Dale Ennor ('59). I plan on checking out the Time story on
"Recurring Nightmares." Thanks for sharing that information. I
have recurring dreams that are not necessarily nightmares. After
reading the postings of other Bombers I've begun to realize that
the predicaments that I face in dreamland are not so unusual.
Mine always seem to deal with the lack of preparation or
the realization that some skills I possessed are no longer
functional. Like others, I've gone through the dread of not
having studied for a test or even knowing that a test was going
to be administered. My worst lack of preparation is military-
related. I consciously took pride in my accomplishments and my
refusal to accept less than my very best. In my dreams, I'm
always engaged in preparing for a parade, an inspection or a
deployment. Sometimes my shoes aren't shined... I'm wearing the
wrong insignia... I've forgotten my tie... I either can't get my
troops into formation or I can't find my place... I've forgotten
one of the general orders... I'm trying to explain something to
someone who either can't or refuses to understand... etc., you
get the idea. None of this causes me to break into a sweat. I
simply wake up (in due course) still irritated by my failures.
Maybe Time will tell (^_^).
Thanks to all of you Bomber folk for sharing bits of yourselves.
-Jim Jensen ('50)
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*******************************************************
>>From: John Kennedy ('57) and Darla Wise Kennedy ('60)
Our Granddaughter, Stephanie Chapman ('06), just called to let us
know that the Richland High School Gold Rush Girls placed first
in the 'prop' division at the state competition in Yakima. They
competed in prop, drill and dance, but the prop was the only one
they placed in. Their props were great. The girls' parents had
spent over 2500 hours building these props. The props take over
an hour to put together with a crew of about eight men. On the
dance floor they have 90 seconds to be placed and the girls dance
performance is about three minutes. A lot of work for all of
them. We had watched their rehearsals, but watching their actual
performance was awesome. What an experience for our Granddaughter
after four years of performing and now heading off to college.
Way to go Bomber Girls!!!
Proud Grandparents
-Darla Wise Kennedy ('60) and John Kennedy ('57)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
Re: Old Col-Hi coaches never die - they don't even fade away
Just wanted to share the following note that was appended to an
off the SS email I received. The correspondent is kind of shy
(I don't recall seeing more than a couple of SS posts from him
in the last 5 or 6 years) so he probably won't approve of my
submission but I'm doing it anyway. He wrote:
"Want to let you know that I'm back into Coaching again.
I'm the new (first year) Pullman High School Tennis Coach.
Their coach from a year ago died and they thought they had
one hired, but he backed out at the last minute. So one of
the parents asked if I would talk to the Athletic Director
about doing it. We did, and so 50 years after I first started
teaching and coaching in Richland I'm doing it all over
again. They are a pretty young team and have a lot to learn,
but I'm having a great time with them."
The coach is a regular attendee of the Club 40 Reunion (he ticks
most of us off because he still looks as young as he did in his
Col-Hi days -- it's not fair to all of us who are aging normally)
and was the Gymnastics Coach during my Col-Hi days. If you
haven't guessed who he is, it is the ever-lovable Rex Davis ('49).
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Darla Wise Kennedy ('60)
See entry from John Kennedy ('57)
*******************************************************
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>>From: Mike Brady ('61)
Re: Sweet 16
Another reason why they call it March Madness... Coach Romar
is a great coach and a classy guy.
-Mike Brady ('61)
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>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
(Maren, I'll leave this up to your disgression if you think it
warrants a place in the Sandstorm)
sad news in Bakersfield, CA this Saturday, March 25th. Buck Owens
passed away Friday night in his sleep. he was a good guy,
although he could be one, mean, son-of-a-gun IF you got on his
bad side or crossed him!!!!!! he was proud of Bakersfield and was
never shy about telling people he hailed from this "hick" town.
*grin* even The Beatles recorded one of his songs....."Act
Naturally".
my oldest daughter worked for him for two years and she said he
was more like a friend than a boss.
with his nightclub, "Buck Owens' Crystal Palace", he gave lots of
singers a place to try out their own brand of Country Music.
Michael Peterson(class of '77)was one of the singers who
performed there.
Linda Reining(Boomer Bomber class of '64)........it's raining in
Bakersfield, CA and the blasted wind is also blowing! kinda
figure the rain is tears for Buck. *grin*
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>>From: Jeff Michael ('65)
Hey there Bombers and Bomberettes...
Oh, the dreams. My wife thinks I should have "outgrown" them by
now. Maybe I need a therapist (well... no doubt that's true). I
didn't attend college, maybe that's the transition mode. Probably
why I have another recurrent dream. I appeal to my older
associates... if you don't have the locker, missed class, forgot
to study and lost your clothes (optional) dreams... what replaced
them?
My second most common recurring dream is that I have rejoined
the military!!! I'm ususally sent to some arctic outpost that
is either Greenland (again) or some simi liar duty. I often am
telling the young guys that I was here many years ago and it
hasn't changed. But of course, I can't find my dorm/room, chow-
hall, etc. Sure glad I didn't see combat... those dreams must be
the pits... now where did I put my M-16?
The other weird thing about these dreams is that I am always
wearing glasses! duh!! Haven't worn those things in ages.
Sometimes in my dreams, I realize I don't really need them and
wonder why I am wearing them. Sometimes I take them off, other
times I leave them on or thirdly, I compare my sight with and
without them (A or B, 1 or 2, which do you like better) and
usually can't decide before the curtain closes on that episode.
As to the boat motors... I'm not a diesel mechanic or expert in
that (or much of any) area. But the guys that are, all say they
are two stroke engines. The expression "they live on wind" was
often used. No, there are no spark plugs and lots of "clatter".
The biggest fear users of these power plants have is that they
will go into "avalanche" mode. For this reason, we had heavy duty
garbage bags ready near the air intakes. The reality is, that it
is possible for these motors to run away with themselves and ramp
up to run away RPMs until they explode. Obviously, turning off
the electricity will not stop them, they only use electric to
start. Shutting down the fuel doesn't always work, they have a
nasty habit of sucking the lubricating oil from the sump into the
combustion chambers and burning it until it is all gone, thus
hastening the engine explosion. There are sometimes emergency
cables attached to the air box to pull it shut which sometimes
calms the beast. The most sure trick is to put the garbage bags
over the turbo intakes and suffocate the monster. As first mate,
and often the only crew besides the skipper on board, that chore
was one of the things I was trained to do.
In order to ensure a ready supply of air got to the motors, we
had four intake fans drawing fresh air from above deck and an
exhaust fan drawing heated air out of the engine room. There were
also 5 port lights that were open. It still got beastly hot in
the engine room. And with all this free flowing and driven air,
the gally door, if left partially open, would be sucked shut with
a kaboom (pulled towards the engine room) at cruising speed.
A much more common Detroit Diesel in the marine industry is the
892. This is an V-8 cylinder motor with 92 cubes per hole. They
(2) usually sit amidship with conventional drive trains. My boss
also had a 63' Air Rescue Vessel outfitted with these motors.
They had only one supercharger and two smaller turbos each with
no intercoolers. The 63' was quite a bit faster. We did the
measured mile on San Diego Bay one calm day at a 28 knot average
up and back. Pretty amazing for a wooden vessel built in WWII.
The older Huckins, Hattaras and the like often have these
engines. Newer yachts and sport-fishers are running Cats, Manns
and other manufactures besides Detroits. Detroits have a
reputation as leakers, but after rebuilds and mods, ours rarely
spilled a drop into the bilge. Another of my chores was to keep
clean absorbant pads under the engines. Skipper was really
pleased when he didn't have to replace them very often. He wasn't
about to show the boats to guests with soiled pads (well, you
wouldn't either, would you?) and he was ALWAYS showing the boats.
We took them to a couple shows where we walked around a thousand
people through the 83' in a day. We were both hoarse by the end
of the open-house. Skipper once hosted a party at the opening of
a movie about the ARV's. We had several WWII "ace" pilots aboard
and some guys that were rescued by boats like these. It was quite
a big deal. Naturally we took the folks that wanted to go on a
short cruise the next morning. For the John Kerry, JFK crowd,
these were the boats that preceded the PT's and "Fast" boats of
the Viet Nam era. Most of the PT's were made of plywood and
burned on beaches after war.
Well, again, I ramble...so I'll ramble on to other things.
-dj jeff Michael ('65) on the banks of the Columbia on where the
forsythia's are showing their beautiful yellow flowers, the
spring showers are, as we speak, bringing pretty flowers all
around the Basin.
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>>From: Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
Great games for the Huskies and the Zags. I just hope that The
Trailblazers might get Adam Morrison or Brandon Joy in the draft.
Maybe I'll become a Blazer fan again....... Love that game of
basketball...... sorry to see it end for another year.
Bomber cheers,
-Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Anna Durbin ('69)
Happy Birthday to my classmate, Susan Gunter. My friends have
been calling it "hitting the speed limit." But I don't look at it
that way. I am working on another year of reinventing myself and
my relationship with the world. Enjoy!!! And thanks again for all
your work for our class. May we get together again.
-Anna Durbin ('69)
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>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
To: Doug Ufkes ('68)
Doug, I was one of those toe headed kids growing up in the Fowler
family on Cottonwood. Your name was brought up often in our
house. I was too young to remember but I know it was all good. I
believe you lived on Putnam, but could be wrong. So it was said
that my brother Skip Fowler was fast with his fist and my brother
Don ('69) was fast with his mouth. Please Doug, if I'm correct
tell me about my siblings.
To: David Flaherty ('76)
I was in your graduating class. I believe you were strongly
involved in music. Although, I didn't run with your crowd, I
heard your name often. David, tell us a little bit about you.
-Dave Fowler ('76)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/27/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7 Bombers sent stuff:
Betty Hiser ('49), Burt Pierard ('59)
Mike Brady ('61), Jim Hamilton ('63)
Ray Stein ('64), Betti Avant ('69)
Barb Belcher ('72)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Char Dossett ('51)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lenora Hughes ('55)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: George Barnett ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Georgia Rushworth ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Gayla Armstrong ('74)
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>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
I am suffering from the "punies." My doctor tells me that this is
going around the Tri-Cities like wildfire - I am a dizzy blond
(gray?) and am trying to sleep my life away.
Dream: I had to have all my teeth pulled at 18 and for about 6
years I had the same dream. My wisdom teeth hadn't come in yet
and I dreamed for years that my dentures wouldn't fit properly
because my wisdom teeth were trying to come in. I told the
dentist about it about 4 years later and he said a lot of younger
people have that same dream. I asked him if his ears burned
because I sure was one angry person. I knew he had cut them out
because I saw the little bitty saws, etc., he used to cut them
out.
-Betty Hiser Gulley '49er - Pitter pattered most of the day
yesterday and drizzly looking. Wind is blowing today and at
least the sun had tried several times to come out today.
*******************************************************
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>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
To: John Kennedy ('57) and Darla Wise Kennedy ('60)
Re: Congrats to Stephanie and the RHS Gold Rush Girls
Wow! Another Bomber State Championship! I'm one of those who
appreciate the true athleticism required for performing in those
events and it's great that the girls were appropriately rewarded
for all their hard work. What a great Graduation Present for your
granddaughter. I was also impressed with the accounting of the
time & effort of the parents to pull something like this off. I
have to admit that I didn't realize what all was involved with
the props thing. Congrats to all!
PS - It's hard for me to believe that you guys are old enough to
be grandparents (justifiably proud, at that) but now that I think
about it, it has been about 45 years since we hung out together.
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
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*******************************************************
>>From: Mike Brady ('61)
Re: Recurring dreams
I keep having this dream that there is only one day of the year
that I can get discharged from the military, and I keep
missing it. Rather than a recurrent dream, I'd call it a
nightmare.
-Mike Brady ('61)
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>>From: Jim Hamilton ('63)
Re: Gathering at Pook Smith's ('63-RIP) Bench
The Plaque and Bench have been installed by the City of Richland,
so now it's time for everyone to gather.
The Gathering is planned for this Saturday the 1st of April at
1pm. The Bench is in front of the Marriott at "Lamppost 21", and
will be marked with Green and Gold Balloons. A short program is
planned after which everyone will muster at Jackson and Sons (the
old Gas Light) for libations, something to eat and Pook Stories.
Maribeth has told me that Pook's brother Hal ('56) is flying in
from Florida to be with us.
We look forward to seeing everyone as we remember a very special
friend.
jimbeaux
-Jim Hamilton ('63)
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>>From: Ray Stein ('64)
Re: PBS Show on Hanford (In the making)
Thanks to everyone who responded to me by email or sent a
response to the Sandstorm. I passed all of it on to Mary
Gustavson DeCesare ('72), the person putting together the
documentary. I didn't realize till I met her tonight that
she was a Bomber and a Richland "Gustavson"!!! Her mother,
also Mary, was an elementary school teacher in Richland.
Young Mary said there was no scheduled air time yet, but
she thought there was a good story to tell about early Hanford.
-Ray Stein ('64 Col-Hi Bomber)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: LSU Lady Tigers
I believe the LSU Lady Tigers have to beat the Stanford Cardinals
on Monday 9:00 (Eastern Time) on ESPN to go back to the final 4.
March Madness is never a dull moment; mens or womens. There is
always an underdog or two to make the office bracket contests be
a mess.
Re: Lacey pond
Pappy - If your elves need to have a "bigger pond" rather than
their puddle they can come over here for a while. There is a pond
(I think it is for drainage but not sure) across the parking lot.
Every night the frogs are at it almost all night. It is really
strange because they get quite loud and then all of a sudden it
becomes "deathly quiet". It's like when one stops they all do
almost at the same time. Bogart and his buddies can come over
and practice for next year's frog races.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA where my little pond outside my
apartment window is full of frogs (or so it seems
every night when they are at it)
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>>From: Barb Belcher Valinske ('72)
To: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: Chris Bliss' Juggling
Thanks so much, Gary, for giving us the website for this terrific
juggler. This was inspirational for my 12-year old son, who
learned to juggle while at Tapteal Elementary School here in
West Richland. He now belongs to a group of middle school kids
who perform and do charity performances around town. Besides
juggling, they ride unicycles and a few can juggle torches at
the same time!
-Barb Belcher Valinske ('72) ~ West Richland - where it rained
yesterday and blew today and temps are forecast for
60F this week
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/28/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6 Bombers sent stuff:
Peggy Nelson ('55wb), Gary Lucas ('57)
George Swan ('59), Linda Reining ('64)
David Flaherty ('76), Shawn Schuchart ('78)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jay Siegel ('61)
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>>From: Peggy Nelson ('55wb)
This message is directed to Donna McGregor Salazar ('57) in sunny
New Mexico. I don't know if you will remember me but we were
friends way back then. I think of you and that wonderful time
often. I have been back in the Tri-Cities since 1977, but haven't
seen many of the people I knew then. I enjoy seeing the familiar
names on the Sandstorm website and always read anything sent in
by a name I recognize. I retired from Hanford a few years back
and took a full time job with an engineering firm in Richland, so
I am still working. Thinking about retiring, but what would I do
then? If you would like to email me, my address is at the top of
this entry.
-Peggy Nelson (an almost graduate of 1955)
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>>From: Gary Lucas ('57)
Re: George Mason
I live about a mile from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
Prior to the NCAA tournament the school was almost unknown even
in the Washington area. The Washington Post would focus almost
exclusively on the University of Maryland, Georgetown, George
Washington, and, occasionally the University of Virginia, often
not even putting the George Mason scores into the paper. George
Mason with almost 30,000 students was a school somewhere out
there in the sticks. (It's about fifteen miles from downtown
Washington.)
Now the landscape has completely changed. George Mason has become
the darling of the Washington area. Since they first beat
Michigan State in the opening round of the tournament, George
Mason has been on the front page--not the Sports page--of the
Washington Post nearly every day, often with a large color
picture of the coach or the team. Sports columnists in the area,
who probably didn't know the name of the coach, Jim Larranaga, or
the league they play in, the Colonial Athletic Association, are
constantly vying for interviews. You can't turn on the local TV
or talk radio stations without someone conducting an interview
with someone--even the president of George Mason--associated with
the school. Last night when the team returned to George Mason
after defeating the University of Connecticut there was a huge
fire works display on campus that we thought for a moment was
some sort of terrorist attack on Washington. It was simply the
student body celebrating--like never before.
The best part of this whole experience is that all of the
adoration directed toward the team is richly deserved. From a
basketball perspective they play as a team with intelligence,
courage, joy, and the will-to-win--not as individuals showcasing
their individual talents for NBA talent scout consideration. As
individuals they express true humility in proper English--they
attend real classes--and exude unconstrained joy in their once in
a lifetime experience. Everything that one would like to see in
modern sports and does not is exhibited by this team.
Hail to the Patriots! May they move forward to the national
championship.
-Gary Lucas ('57)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[GO TIGRRS!!!! -Maren]
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: On der "shooing" undt der cooking uf der elusive but
delectable Clay Pigeon
This recipe was sent to me by a long lost great uncle (of whom, I
was totally unaware but is apparently quite well known among bird
shooers in the old country), Dorkel Swan, who insisted (after my
post referencing the "shooing" of migrating game birds) that I
share it with the Bombers. He is quite obviously from my "much
younger sister's" side of the family. "Hmmm, file a mental note
to edit that last out as that would be my side also."
OK, here it is:
Vun Goot Recipe fer der cooking uf der Clay pigeon by Meester
Dorkel Swan.
Fer does dat don like shoot undt eat der leetle feddered friends
heir ist vun guut alturn... alder, ... oh, you know, nudder good
idea. Dis haas ol' country feeling undt cooseen write all over
it. Der are many places all over da vorld where vun kan shutz der
vily clay pigeon, known as "Peegeonis terra-nicht-so firmis" to
many shooters. Der known by udder names too, (vich cannot be
printed heer) to "shooers" like me who miss many time, mit
purpose uf course, cose vee are "shooing" does birds avay.
I am tinking dat many uf you don' know 'bout how coook der clay
pigeon. Firs, don try fry dem. Nein, dey vill jus' lay der in
die fry pan undt stare back at you caus' dey are vun tuff bird.
Da vey to coook dem ist in ein goolawsh. Vunce you success at
shutzing at least vun uf deez tuff leel birds, you haf earn right
undt are now qualify to enjoy da eat uf dis bird. If you need
more bird for ein gut meal, vait til da trap range close undt
get some more. Dey all over in front of da trap house. I no
unnerstan' -- no bodyelse eat dem. Undt mos' already tenderized.
Be sure undt brush off der lead shot. Put some in der pot undt
brink to boil. Keep at steady rollink' boil fer ... oh, bout ...
two week. If not pokable mit der fork ... boil some more. Dis ist
nicht ein fast food dish.
You vill know ven ready. Da broth vill turn lovely deep black.
You know, like da black bean soup dat you forget on burner so put
more vater in it and cook up again and everbody happy (I tink no
one ever know deefarance). Next, add vun bushel of poetatoes,
several bag carrots, six sacks onion. Undt add (to der liking)
turnip, rootabeggar, celery, cabbage, undt vatever. Don' overdue,
bout two gallon each do goot. Season to der taste mit salt,
pepper, 'bout ten pound garlic, undt vun case voostershire sauce
undt might as vell tro in two beeg bottle mustard fer goot
measure. Oh, if you don figger out by now, better get big barrel
to cook it in and keep garden hose close to add vater often vile
simmer fer bout two day. Recipe seem to got beeger, so invite
many peeples. Enjoy ... mein freunden! Dorkel
Okay, Pappy back now. For any enthusiasts wishing to try cooking
"Clay Pigeon Goolawsh," first you will have to bag some "birds."
Friends, neighbors, cooking enthusiasts, and fellow Bombers -- I
know where you can get some clay birds.
About once a month, I serve as the RO (range officer) at the
Rattlesnake Mountain Trap Shooting Club's range, located north of
Benton City. The trap shooting club is a part of the Tri-Cities
Shooting Association's (TCSA) shooting facilities located along
the Yakima River on the West side of highway 225 between Benton
City and its junction with highway 240 (near Horn Rapids Dam).
Several Bombers are TCSA members who shoot in the rifle, pistol,
or shotgun disciplines. About a week ago, I finally met Mick
Hemphill ('66). His brother, Tom Hemphill ('62), is a longtime
friend of mine from the scuba diving world and one whom I have
not seen for probably 20 years. Tom will be back in town for the
Pook Smith ('63-RIP) Memorial gathering on Saturday. Tom emailed
me that he and Mick and some other folks are going out to shoot
at the shotgun range on Sunday. So, I'm thinking that if any
other Bombers who live in or will be in the Tri-City area on
Sunday, April 2 and would like to try trap shooting (at Peegeonis
terra-nicht-so firmis) -- come on out.
And, trap shooting is not just for the guys. There are many
ladies involved too. And it is a great activity to do with kids
and grandkids.
For those who have never shot trap, it goes like this: A "round"
of trap consists of firing a total of 25 shots. There are five
positions arranged in a fan-shape about 16 yards behind the
"trap house." Up to five shooters can participate in a round.
The shooter at Position No 1 shoots first after calling "pull."
Number 2 shoots next and down the line and back to number 1 until
all have fired five shots. Then, with unloaded guns, everyone
shifts to the right one position and number 5 goes to position No
1. However, the shooter who was number 1 at the beginning always
shoots first and around and around it goes ... until each has
fired 25 shots or "shot a round of trap." The voice-activated
microphone, at each shooting position, picks up the call, "Pull"
and activates the "trap," the machine (located in the near
ground-level trap house) that holds and throws the birds. It
throws the bird in one of five angles (left, right, center, or
in-between). The birds sail upwards and outwards in one of the
five angles to about 40 yards where they begin to drop. Simple
enough, right? Factor in some wind or breeze that may blow steady
or in gusts and let the games begin. The greatest challenge seems
to be achieving the ability to consistently get it right: holding
the gun, keeping the proper head position on the gunstock,
swinging and touching off the shot at the right time and with the
proper lead. Your reward is seeing the "bird" break when it all
comes together for you. "It ain't easy -- but it is a lot of
fun!" It is a good shooting activity whether you hunt of not. A
great number of trap shooters are not hunters but they like to
shoot.
You will find that trap shooters are a friendly and helpful
bunch. If it has been a long time since you have shot or you
never have, they'll help you. Bring your shotgun and a couple of
boxes of No 71/2 or 8 shot (target loads). You can get a good
price on shotgun shells at places like Wal-Mart, Bi-Mart,
Grigg's, Sportsman's Warehouse, etc. Don't own a shotgun but
would like to try it? Come on out anyway. There is always someone
who is willing to let you try shooting with their gun. Twelve
gauge is the most common. Shells can be purchased from the club
(by the box -- containing 25 shots). Of course they will cost a
little more than if you bring your own. Shooting each round of
trap will cost $3.50 for nonmembers of TCSA, $3.00 for members,
and $2.00 for kids. A $1.00/day range maintenance fee applies to
each shooter. Shooting begins about 10:00AM and winds down about
2:00PM. Ya'll come -- we'll have fun!
To: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: Lacey pond and the amorous adventures of toady/frogs
Betti, they might be toads or they might be frogs but spring is
already in the air or just over the horizon. Their nighttime
singing is really choir practice or amateur hours for serenading
the objects of their affection. The sudden breaks in their
repertoire is probably when they are changing pages in the song
book or looking around to see if any girl toady/frogs are even
taking notice. Of course, all the songs seem to have the same
beat but occasionally there is a featured soloist. I suspect in
the amphibian world any girl will do but according to Kermit, "It
ain't easy being green!"
-George "Pappy" Swan ~ Burbank, WA where Darby overheard Bogart
and Lowiq discussing something about going off on the
upcoming "Froggy Festival" Fair and Rodeo circuit.
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>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
to:John Kennedy(57)and Darla Wise Kennedy(60)
re:your granddaughter
Congratulations on your granddaughter's team winning the props
division of their cheer competition! my youngest granddaughter
(she's 8 and has been competing since she was 6)cheers in
competitions and I know how hard all the parents, coaches and
girls work. they were in Las Vegas last weekend for "Nationals"
and came in second.
Darla, don't think I've seen you since I moved away from Elm
Street. saw Nester two years ago---when I came up for my 40th
class reunion. seems so weird for all of us to be grandparents.
*grin*
Linda Reining(Boomer Bomber class of 64)........Bakersfield,
CA----no rain, just the blinkety-blank wind!!!!!!!
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>>From: David Flaherty ('76)
To: David Fowler ('76)
Well as I was reading the Sandstorm from the 26th and saw your
request I just happened to have the comedy channel on watching
Ron White’s stand up routine. It was funny because he was telling
how he was on cruise and some guy was "raping his ears" with
stories about his life. So at the risks of doing the same to
the majority of Sandstorm readers I will be brief. I live in
Nashville, TN and love the south, I have become a redneck bass
fisherman and avid Whitetail hunter. Yes, I was and still am to
some extent involved in music I wrote a song for Denise Williams
in the '80s that went to #1 on the gospel charts….. my limited
claim to fame... and now live vicariously through my kids. I have
2 boys and love being a Dad... I sucked as a husband and have
been divorced for almost 5 years. I plan on being at the reunion
so maybe we will talk then... or better yet throw a line in the
water.
Hey Upton,
You doing any cruises in Nov.?
Pappy,
Didn't mean to demean the Dove Hunt... I know they are tricky
lil' son's. I haven't enjoyed a good bird hunt for years since
Pheasant are the only ones I really enjoy eating... is there
anything better?.... and we don't have them naturally in the
south. I could do the duck thing but every duck hunter says the
same thing... "ya just gotta know how to cook 'em" which I have
always defined as "you just gotta know how to cover up the
taste"... lol I think that's where Cajun came in... they were
eating Carp and road kill... had to cover up the taste.
Class of 76
Looking forward to seeing everyone who can make it this year...
Any way we could get the old "KISS" band back together for a
"reunion" show. Who all was in that? Tucker, O'Malley... can't
remember but it was great... would be fun to see again after 30
years.
-David Flaherty ('76)
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>>From: Shawn Schuchart Mabley ('78)
To: Dave Flaherty ('76)
Sheila Linn Zilar ('78) and I were friends. She told me you had
a recording out (must have been around 1980) or so and I tried
to find a copy of it for years. I was always a fan of yours
(secretly, from afar of course, since I was two years your
junior) and loved to listen to you. It seems the class of '76
had more than its fare share of good musicians as I recall!
-Shawn Schuchart Mabley ('78)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/29/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
15 Bombers sent stuff:
Betty Hiser ('49), Paul Phillips ('49), Jimmie Shipman ('51)
Pattie Crigler ('59), Jan Bollinger ('60), George Barnett ('63)
Linda Reining ('64), David Rivers ('65), Gary Crow ('65)
Anna Durbin ('69), Betti Avant ('69), Gary Spanner ('72)
Brad Upton ('74), Dave Fowler ('76), David Flaherty ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Pattie Crigler ('59)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Anne Jochen ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Brian Johnson ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Gary Crow ('65)
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>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
I lived in a small town in Ohio (Kings Mills). We had a shotgun
range that was owned by some rich people from Cincinnati. Each
weekend the range very busy because it was being used by the rich
people from Cincinnati. It was on the way to my grandmother's
house and as you walked by it you could hear "Pull." The car
track (which previously had been for a street car line to
Cincinnati) was littered with clay pigeons. The inside of the
pigeons were black and some were painted with loud (usually
yellow) colors. If the pigeons were not broken my sister and I
would pick them up and take them to my grandma's or on to our
house and we made all kinds of things out of them - including
making things with mud inside the pigeons (we made excellent mud
pies - which I ate because I can not taste). I always wondered
how kids made it in this world - my grandma always told me God
looked after kids and fools.
-Betty Hiser Gulley '49er - south/government Richland - nice
weather during the day and cool nights. Supposed to
sprinkle for the next 2 or 3 days.
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>>From: Paul Phillips ('49)
To: Doug Ufkes ('68)
My wife. Kathy, and I are two of the people who had planned to
come to the AZ luncheon. We had moved our motor home to Phoenix
to be able to go to the luncheon. However we received some bad
news from home in Seattle. Our grandson was involved in a very
bad accident along with our daughter. He was (and still is) in
Intensive Care and his condition is very serious.
To make a bad situation worse, our pet Yorkie of ten years got
sick and we had to have him euthanized. We decided we had better
come home under the circumstances. We apologize for not letting
you know of our change of plan.
After I got home and checked all of my E mails and learned of
the death of Bob Clancy, my friend and boxing teammate of 1949.
My condolences to the family. He was well-liked and fun to be
around. Later, Bob.
I have a newspaper clipping and photo of the 1949 Boxing Team
having a steak dinner at my house hosted by my Mom and Dad,
neighbors, and Mrs. Rish. This was after a winning match over
Pasco. If anyone in the Clancy family would like a copy, I would
be happy to send them a copy. (Bob was front and center, as
usual).
-Paul Phillips ('49) ~ Maltby, WA - Sprinkles in the morning,
sun in the afternoon.
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>>From: Jimmie Shipman ('51)
To: Maren (Editor)
Who are the TIGERS??????????
-Jimmie A. Shipman ('51)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Jimmie - That would be the LSU (Louisiana State University)
fightin' Tigers. Men and women are both in the Final Four. The
men play on 4/1 and the women play on 4/2. GO TIGERS! -Maren]
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>>From: Pattie Crigler Cole ('59)
To: Gary Lucas ('57)
Re: George Mason
Having lived in the Fairfax area for 16 years (recently "came
home" to WA state), it was nice to read your write-up on the
George Mason Patriots. Even though we are back in Washington
State, we still have a soft spot in our hearts for the Patriots!
Thanks!
-Pattie Crigler Cole ('59)
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>>From: Jan Bollinger Persons ('60)
Re: George "Pappy" Swan's ('59) Recipe for cooking "der elusive
but delectable Clay Pigeon"
For any Sandstorm readers who might have encountered Meester
Dorkel Swan's German accent and decided to skip to the English
part of Pappy's post yesterday: go back and read it! A sentence
or two will get you into the "flow" and you'll enjoy a good
laugh. I read it twice before retiring last night, laughed well,
slept well, and I'm still chuckling today!
Temperatures in Spokane neared 60º today, and tomorrow I'll plant
seeds in 18 little 4" pots for this year's crop of a tomato
variety called "4th of July." (Yes, we give away a lot of
tomatoes!) Bombers who live in shorter growing seasons like
Spokane's might want to try this variety from Burpee. I've never
picked tomatoes on the 4th of July, but the plants usually do
produce some ripe fruit by the middle of July, if set out by the
middle of May. These are small tomatoes, but have a great flavor
and are very prolific. Can't imagine summer without home-grown
tomatoes!
-Jan Bollinger Persons ('60)
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>>From: George Barnett ('63)
Re: Saluting
A little info to all Bomber Veterans:
A group with which I am affiliated (Red River Valley Fighter
Pilots Association) is trying to start a new trend. To salute
during the national anthem, pledge of allegiance, or when the
U.S. Flag is displayed in ceremony or parade. This would be in
lieu of placing the right hand over the heart, to signify that
you are a veteran of the U.S. Military.
Meetings with top brass have concluded that civilian attire does
not exclude the use of a hand salute in place of the usual hand
over the heart custom for civilians. Furthermore, the new custom
would tend to identify those who have served in the military.
This new approach would of course be optional and at the
individual's preference.
Can you imagine this at large gatherings? You could see your
fellow veterans in the audience, as well as all others could tell
those who have served.
Please feel free to spread the word, all veterans should like
this idea, and if you don't, well I guess you just don't have to
participate.
Bye Geo. Barnett (63)
From Tucson where the sun always shines
except today, and I love it! now if it would only rain.
-George Barnett ('63)
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>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
to:George(Pappy)Swan('59) re:recipe for clay pigeons had NO
trouble reading your recipe---I grew up with a great-uncle who
had a thick Norwegian accent...it was very easy for me to
decipher what you had written---I could even read it with the
proper accent. *grin*
re:shooting clay pigeons my ex husband had the clay pigeons and
the "trap"(I think that is what you said the "thingy" was that
shoots out the clay pigeons)---he would take it, the girls, and I
out to the desert and let us shoot them. it was fun, but I never
did hit one of those blasted "birds"!!!!!!!! by the time it
dawned on me that I needed to SHOOT, it was too late to connect
with the "bird"! good hand-eye co-ordination is a must and I
lacked in that! only went one time---it hurt my arm and my
shoulder, so once was more than enough for me! *grin*
Linda Reining(Boomer Bomber class of '64)........it's raining in
Bakersfield, CA---this storm is coming from the Pacific Northwest
and is supposed to last til Wednesday. it is supposed to bring
snow to the mountain areas, too. they are saying we have had so
much snow and rain since January, that we won't have to worry
about drought conditions for at least two years.
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>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Birthdays in March for the class of '65
Pop Quiz... how many hot chicks and cool dudes can you get into
one class... No Jimbeaux ('63) and LaMont ('63)... the answer
has nothing to do with Gold Medals or the square root of 63
multiplied by pi... the answer is simple... LOTS... today is
the magical day for two of the '65ers... they are the "normal"
age for the class unlike several of us who turn 60 this year...
on the 29th these two guys will be 59 years young... In some
places they get a senior discount and in some places they
don't... If they wanna come to the L.A .Roadster show with me
this year they can get in for a Senior discount... they can go
to the movies in Huntington Beach at the discount but not in
Vegas... not sure what the rules are at the Uptown... maybe hafta
check into it this weekend at the Pook ('63-RIP) Memorial Bench
gig... we'll see... so... I've told the stories for so many years
it's hard to come up with new ones... There's one about the
B-ball player of the two that he swears isn't true but I was
there and saw the unbelievable with my own eyes and KNOW it's
true... The other guy was a born wit and my folks' favorite
box boy at Safeway... he knew they were always good for a buck
or two... (or was it a nickel or two back then?)... he wrote a
column in the paper Sandstorm that was always worth the read...
I love both of these guys dearly and sure hope the tall one will
start inviting us back to his house for Sunday farewells after
our yearly get togethers... the DJ (NOT BJ) has to travel so
sometimes he can make it and sometimes he can't... but you always
know when he's there because Da Woofman knows baby... awright...
so this year I will lay off the how he got his scars stories for
the B-ball player... suffice it to say he grew like 5 feet in
twenty-four hours when we went from 6th grade to 7th... and the
DJ is already a legend so what more can one say.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO
BRIAN LEE JOHNSON ('65) AND GARY "THE CROWSTER" CROW ('65)
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
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>>From: Gary Crow ('65)
LOVE YOU. DAVID! And Brian always in my thoughts!
Hugs amigo!
Crowski
-Gary Crow ('65)
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>>From: Anna Durbin ('69)
Yeah, Betty, the LSU women beat my Lady Cardinal. I read that one
of the Stanford women sank a 3 pointer to win the game at the
buzzer, but it was disallowed and called a charge, which others
watching thought was a block. I didn't see it myself. 'Course the
Cardinal missed a lot of free throws, and my attitude is, if you
cannot make your free throws, then you cannot beat the other side
or the referees, if that is what you are feeling is happening,
all due respect to the referees. So, I think it is LSU's year
and they deserve it with all the horrible stuff that Louisiana
had to go through this year. And may next year belong to the Lady
Cardinal.
I have to say that I recently enjoyed the pleasure of reliving
the exciting basketball days of my youth watching the Bombers and
their full court presses and never say die attitudes.
My daughter's high school basketball team, Lower Merion, beat
their arch rival Chester High to go to the state championships
and she got me a ticket so I would take her and her friends. The
Lower Merion Aces were behind Chester about 13 points to begin
the 4th quarter, having had a disastrous 3rd quarter where even
their layups were not going in and they scored 4 points. They
said to each other during that quarter break, we can win
this game. Let's do it. And they did, through sheer will and
determination, and a lot of steals, fast break, full court press,
and getting the good shots with single-minded focus. It was a
beauty to watch. Then they went to the state finals and beat a
taller powerhouse team from some place called Schenley. The last
state championship the Lower Merion Aces won was 10 years ago
when they had superstar Kobe Bryant playing for them. He is still
a big supporter. He sent each team member three pairs of Adidas
to begin the season, and called them with encouragement before
each playoff game. This team had no superstars, just a real
spirit of team, playing for each other and being totally
together. I am sure Daddy Dawald would have loved to watch it.
I felt glad to remember the good old days. Anna
-Anna Durbin ('69)
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: recipe
Pappy, here is a recipe that appeared in a cookbook one of the
hospitals I worked put out. It is for Roast Mud Hen (coot)
1 cleaned & dressed "bird"
Box of Shake 'n Bake
6"x14" white pine board
Salt & Pepper
Nail "bird" to white pine board and bake in oven at 325 for 2 1/2
hours. Remove from board and eat the board.
Here's another submitted by the same guy-
Instant Mashed Potato Chips
1 lrg. bag potato chips
Take one large bag of "Old Dutch" potato chips and place unopened
on chair seat. Sit on chair, viola instant mashed potato chips!!
Goes well with Roast Mud Hen
Hope this gives you some ideas for lunch-ha, ha.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacy, WA
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>>From: Gary Spanner ('72)
Re: Network of successful former Tri-Citians
Several non-profit community development groups in the Tri-Cities
are assembling a network of successful former Tri-Citians. We are
looking for anybody who lived or worked in the Tri-Cities and
who went on to great success in business, government, arts,
entertainment, or sports, and who now lives elsewhere. Those who
join the network will begin receiving a quarterly newsletter and
invitations to network receptions in their area. Please tell us
about the most successful former Tri-Citian you know. For details
and to nominate members, see
http://www.pnl.gov/edo/business/alumni/
To read an article in the Tri-City Herald about this effort, see
http://www.pnl.gov/edo/documents/alumni_program_tch.pdf
Thank you.
-Gary Spanner ('72)
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*******************************************************
>>From: Brad Upton ('74)
To: Dave Flaherty ('76)
Re: Am I doing a cruise in November?
I'm glad you asked-yes I am. I will sail out of Ft. Lauderdale
on Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Sea on November 12th. It's a
6-day cruise with stops in Key West, Cozumel, Costa Maya, MX and
the Grand Cayman's. Better book it now. I'm also leaving this
Saturday out of San Juan for a 7-day trip in the Eastern
Caribbean. I'll be laying on the beach all next week drinking
Red Stripe.....
-Brad Upton ('74)
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Spring Time
Spring is definitely in the air. The trees are showing a slight
green color. I don't know which ones have a pink colored flower
and which ones have a yellow flower but I have both tress in
my yard and they are in bloom. My windows and doors are both
open and what a smell of Spring it is. OK, There is a smell of
cleaning chemicals, it all still reminds me of Spring.
The house I bought use to belong to Ray Jursich. I think he last
updated it in 1970 something, a "B" duplex he converted into a
single home. So, I'm slowly bringing it into the current century.
Over the past couple of days I've dropped the chimney, lord what
a mess that was. There is no doubt that he use to heat it with
coal. I ended up totally dusting the house and mopping the floors
no less than three times. I've learned a new respect to the
courageous woman who endured it on a daily basis. Coal dust is a
truly tenacious dust that doesn't cleanup with a quick dust over.
Those new "Old English Wipes" just don't cut the mustard. I
wonder now how they ever got the "hung out" laundry clean. In
case you might think I'm a bit too modernized I still hang out
my bedding and towels. My wife Cheryl, makes me and I must admit
they do smell so nice. Some traditions are still alive for a good
reason.
Cheryl, and my daughter Jeana snuck off to the Western Caribbean.
"It is for work" she says. I know it is, I told that Aussie lady
that after traveling the world for twenty years, courtesy of
Uncle Sam's U.S. Air Force, that I was tired of traveling. If she
really wanted to see the world then she should find a job and get
them to pay for it. SHE DID! And now I sit here remodeling and
cleaning. A truly fitting justice, I wish so very much that I was
with them both.
Tomorrow, I start a 17-day, 12-hour a day work schedule. A power
plant modernized, but really not a different schedule of that of
my father. My father was a reactor operator from the early 1950s
until 1970. They call it an outage, where they bring the plant
down to repair all the little things that can not be repaired
"on line" throughout the year. My last day of freedom before the
grueling schedule takes hold. Cheryl will return home from world
traveled. I will probably be too tired to share it with her as I
should. I've married a girl from the outback, she understands the
hard work, the lord only knows she has done more than her share
of it. So I'll miss her tonight and she will miss me as my eyes
fall asleep before my head will hits the pillow.
PS
I moved the front door and started my boat. I'm ready to throw
a line to the "finny ones". If only I could find a quiet moment!
Help me out "Pappy"! In a couple of weeks I'll be free again and
I'll need your support to justify a day of fishing. We'll catch a
few if they are at home, talk about A-10s, F-4s, F-16s and F-15s.
I wasn't a pilot but caught a few in the cables. On the other
end I directed some over a target as a "Terminal Air Controller",
earlier known as "Forward Air Controller", in the ever present
need for Close Air Support "CAS".
-Dave Fowler ('76)
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>>From: David Flaherty ('76)
To Shawn Schuchart Mabley ('78)
Please don't tell anyone how much I had to pay you to say those
nice things!!! There were a lot of great musicians in '76 and '77
many are still doing it and are very successful.
The Mattinglys ('77) went to Seattle and had a great following
with some of their bands and Mike Mattingly is still playing with
a Jazz band... he has a web site... I believe this is it
http://www.ecstasyinnumbers.com/mike.html
The Girls quartet had amazing singers Gin Brouns, Tammy Walker
Tammy Lyons and Maureen Sullivan (all '76) could have given any
American Idol a run for their money. You could literally fall in
love just watching them.
Pam Galbreath was a terrific piano player... I've lost touch with
what she is doing.
Last time I heard, Paul Barber was teaching music and writing
commercials.
And of course Michael Peterson ('77) is still great, Michael has
a couple new projects out and I will try to get his website for
everyone. One of his last releases had several references to
Richland and it had, I believe, 7 songs that were in the top 20
at the same time in Germany. His first album had 5 top 40 singles
in the US and if you look real close on his "too Good To Be
True" Video you will see a background singer that might look a
bit familiar. His music is as good as it gets and as one well
known producer here in Nashville said... "Michael Peterson with
an acoustic guitar is as good as ANYONE in the world" that puts
him among some pretty lofty performers... I totally agree.
But in your class you guys had some very good musicians as well
Tony Todish ('78) is playing and often times backs Michael
Peterson on his West Coast shows and Shelia Linn ('78) was a
great piano player. One thing we all had in common was Ted Baer
(Our Teacher) who would be bursting with pride for our successes
I wish he was still with us.
Thanks again for your kind words,
-David Flaherty ('76)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/30/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7 Bombers sent stuff:
George Swan ('59), Irene de la Bretonne ('61), Gary Behymer ('64)
Linda Reining ('64), Chuck Smith ('69)
Lori Simpson ('70) & Mike Hogan ('70)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Wayne Killand ('48)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Patsy McGregor ('54WB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Linda Belliston ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: John Bixler ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Craig Perkins ('69)
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Communicative Catch Ups
One of the joys that comes with writing something that some
people seem to like reading is getting responses via e-mail or
through Sandstorm. However, making sure that Darby, my wife, yard
work, and other family members experience equal representation, I
sometimes find my self falling behind in responding. So here goes
my catch up:
To: Larry Mattingly ('60) and Clark Riccobuono ('71)
The story that both of you sent about the Wisconsin hunter who
was trying to open up a hole in the ice to hunt ducks was a good
one. Having a well-trained dog could certainly have its downside
like when his dog retrieved the stick of fizzing dynamite and
deposited it under his new "huntin' rig." The pretty much happy
ending indicated that the dog and hunter were OK although his
"new" rig may not be retrieved from the lake bottom until later
this spring. Larry, I have long envied you in your career. You
get to make things go bang and boom and create a "Happy Sky." The
closest I came to that was going through Demolition School in the
Marines where I got to blow up stuff.
To: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
Your grandma was indeed a wise woman. After a lifetime of some
pretty much "out of the mainstream" experiences, I think that I
was one of those kids who eventually became one of those fools
that God looked after.
To: Jan Bollinger Persons ('60) and Linda Reining ('64)
I think Jeff Foxworthy, the redneck comedian, once talked of how
great it was to make a living from people laughing at his "funny
stories and statements" when all along he was just talking about
his family history.
To: Denny Johnson ('62WB)
Thoughts of your wit and self-described "aged decrepit body" have
been in the back of my brain cage since the early days of the
stirred up muddy puddle. And, we thank ya fer yer support! I also
understand your concerns about visiting the AME. Back when I was
still in the government stress grinder, my BP rocketed into outer
space. So, I just never took another flight physical. My doc
finally figured out a "Beta Blocker" that got it down to an
acceptable level and I was able to continue diving until
retiring. But, I sure miss being at the flight controls. Hence,
the flight simulator. If I get down there again, I will be sure
and let you know.
To: Betti Avant ('69)
I have heard the same recipe, using the board, applied to the
cooking of certain fish like Carp. Many years ago, one of the
major outdoor magazines featured a Cajun recipe for the cooking
of Mud Hen, aka Coot or "Peulei Deu" (or something like that),
meaning "water chicken." It called for adding horrendous amounts
of seasonings, peppers, veggies, other seasoned meats, etc.,
until finding any trace of the "Poolee Doo" probably became
one of the greatest all-time scavenger hunts in the state of
Louisiana. No wonder Mud Hens were supposed to taste so good! So,
accepting the challenge, I tried it but unlike Mikey -- I didn't
like it. Same goes for "Marsh Rabbit" or Muskrat. As a kid, in
my endeavor to become a "real outdoorsman," I tried to eat a
Muskrat. Words fail me to describe the bitter taste experienced
upon that day. Muskrats are safe as far as I am concerned. I
would rather watch them swim around with their little "motorboat
tails" fluttering in the wake. However, I do like the convenient
and easy to prepare "Instant Mashed Potato Chips" recipe but only
if consumed by the handful with a hot dog or hamburger replacing
the Mud Hen -- thank you very much.
DARBY UPDATE: Darby again overheard Bogart and Lowiq discussing
the upcoming Frog Races. They are supposed to take place about
daybreak on your Lacey Pond on Saturday, April 1. Can you provide
us with a first hand report of the event?
To: David Flaherty ('76)
No offense taken on behalf of the little speed merchants known
as doves. I was just seizing upon an opportunity to expound upon
the difficulty of trying to arrange a midair meeting of shot
and the little buggers. I agree that pheasants, grouse, quail,
and partridge are the better eating birds. I further agree on
waterfowl -- "ya do have to cover up the taste." The old standby
recipes for duck and goose always left me wondering if I wasn't
really eating badly cooked liver. So, I set out to create my own
recipes for both. Someday I will share those. And by the way,
roadkill ain't all that bad. No matter how badly "squarshed" it
is, there's usually always a good hind quarter.
Incidentally, I envy you also for your musical career. I have
long been a singer wannabe. Having absolutely no ability to carry
a tune, even in a five gallon bucket, Darby and I always sing
to the accompaniment of Roger Miller's feel good songs. As we
go down the road in "Lil Ricky," my ol' beat up '90 Ford Ranger,
singin' our hearts out, often I begin to think that maybe I could
be a performer. Then, in her rowdy sense of humor, Darby punches
the CD player off leaving me screeching out a sick solo rendition
of "Chugalug" or "Doo-Whacka-Doo" and I return to reality with
full realization that there is indeed -- no hope!
To: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Spring Time
Dave, your springtime domestic endeavors remind me of my own and
that I should be out there doing them rather than sitting here
pecking the keyboard with two fingers. When ready to imitate
Isaac, let me know. If I am not in hot pursuit of "Big Bird" with
the grandkids, I'm up for it. Turkey season begins on April 8&9
for youth only, followed by the general season for all (April 15-
May 15). Turkey time is one of my great obsessions. After that
I am "Free to Fish" until September 1 when I again turn into a
hunter.
To: George Barnett ('63)
Re: Saluting
George, I salute you and your affiliates of the Red River Valley
Fighter Pilots Association for your efforts in trying to start
a new trend of saluting during the national anthem, pledge of
allegiance, or when the US Flag is displayed in ceremony or
parade. As you say, this would be in lieu of placing the right
hand over the heart, to signify that you are a veteran of the US
Military. I agree that civilian attire should not exclude the use
of a hand salute by veterans in place of the usual hand over the
heart custom for civilians. After all, I have observed presidents
of the United States in civilian attire (whether they ever served
or not), rendering hand salutes in public to their military
personnel. Veterans, whether draftees or volunteers, combatants
or noncombatants, all gave a portion of their lives in support of
their country. They all deserve some recognition.
To be sure, most who served would have preferred to have been
home with family and friends and getting on with the "American
Dream" but they served, like it or not. Most feel some form of
pride in the fact that they did serve. On rare occasions, I have
encountered some who are quite bitter about their service time.
Nevertheless, I respect them for serving but I refuse to pursue
the subject any further with them. I just suspect there is more
to their story than they are revealing. So, I agree, if any do
not like the idea -- they don't have to participate.
Not only do I feel that saluting would be fitting, perhaps it
would help to rekindle some good ol' "American Patriotism."
Whether we agree with the politics surrounding any war, or not,
we should never forget nor fail to respect those who answered the
call and served.
Recently, I attended a large gathering (organized by Kathy Hoff
Conrad ('64) and her colleagues of ACES) to recognize and show
our respect for a Marine Vietnam Veteran who was failing from
his battle with cancer. His family had bundled him into his
wheelchair and brought him out on the front porch. We, each
in turn, went up to him and expressed our respect for him and
his service. I can't really say why but when it was my turn,
something came over me. Clad in "civies" and red and gold "Semper
Fi" cap, I stopped three paces in front of him, "snapped to" and
rendered a smart hand salute. For a brief moment, our eyes locked
in mutual respect and recognition, and then ... he nodded. Was
a hand salute appropriate? I don't know. But, it seemed most
appropriate to me at the time. If it wasn't -- they can court-
martial me -- 'cause I'll do it again.
-George "Pappy" Swan ~ Burbank, WA where ... Ooops! Gotta go
'cause the garbage man just came by so I gotta go lug the
big can out there before he bangs and beeps his way back
past my puddle.
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>>From: Irene de la Bretonne Hays ('61)
To: Dave Flaherty ('76)
Another successful musician from '79 is Michael Hays (my son).
His band, The Fat Tones, was awarded Best Blues Band by the
Inland Empire Blues Society last year and Michael was awarded
Best Blues Drummer. Upcoming gigs include Jazz Bones in Tacoma
(April 13), Highway 99 in Seattle (April 14), SunBanks Blues
Festival (May 19). Go to http://thefattones.com/ for CDs and
more information.
-Irene de la Bretonne Hays ('61)
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>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Serving on the GRAY "W" VARSITY CLUB EXECUTIVE BOARD, at WSU,
is our own 1949 Bomber, Rex Davis (;-)
-Gary Behymer ('64) ~ Colfax, WA
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>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
to:Betty Hiser Gulley('49) re: mud pies had to laugh when I read
your entry about eating mud pies---when my daughters were little,
they made mud pies all the time, but my oldest daughter decided
to put "roly-poly" bugs on top of one of hers and gave it to her
younger sister, telling her they were chocolate chips----you
guessed it---Ronda ate the pie along with the bugs!!!!!!!!!
*grin*
to:George Barnett('63) re:saluting I like your idea of former
vets saluting whenever the flag is presented. what a great
idea----hope you are successful in getting this trend started.
to:Dave Fowler('76) re: power plant outage I know exactly the
hours you are describing---my oldest daughter's husband works for
a power plant here in Bakersfield, CA and they just finished an
outage. last year, he worked almost 3 months straight with few
days off---they had to pull a turbo engine(I think that is what
he called it)and then they had to wait for the engine to be
shipped here from Australia.
Linda Reining(Boomer Bomber class of '64)......Bakersfield,
CA...........no rain so far, but they keep saying we are due for
more this afternoon and then again on Friday and Saturday.
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>>From: Chuck Smith ('69)
Well... it's nice to be back... meaning I was lost from the
Sandstorm for about 5 years... I was just wanting to say "Howdy"
to all my fellow '69ers out there. We're all getting close to the
wonderful age of 55... the RETIREMENT age... and yes, I'll be
retiring this year myself. 20 years with the USAF and 15 years
with the local County where I live, my wife and I have purchased
a new home near Tucson, AZ... it's called Marana. CAN'T WAIT
to get the heck out of Dodge (California) and begin the life of
leisure... golf and traveling. Anyone interested in visiting...
you got my email... Chuck
-Chuck Smith ('69)
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>>From: Lori Simpson Hogan ('70) and Mike Hogan ('70)
Re: Jeff Michael's ('65) entry on all that's going on in the
Tri-Cities...
I wanted to remind all the Football fans in the Tri-Cities that
we also have another Semi-Pro Football team in the area. The Tri-
Cities Knights starts their 2nd season this Saturday night, with
an away game at the Burbank High School field, 7pm. This is the
3rd year for 11 man outdoor Semi-Pro Football in the Tri-Cities.
Our oldest son, Chris is a receiver, and has played all 3 years
on the TC Rattlers and the TC Knights. Both of the previous years
they were their League Champions for Washington State and have
even been ranked as high as 5th in the U.S. Their home field this
year will be Lampson Stadium. So if you want to watch some more
football come on out and support another one of your local teams!
The following website will give you more information and the
Team/League schedule.
http://www.evergreenfootballleague.com/
Proud parents and fans,
-Lori Simpson Hogan ('70) and Mike Hogan ('70)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 03/31/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 Bombers sent stuff:
Betty Hiser ('49), Bill Berlin ('56)
George Barnett ('63), Gary Behymer ('64)
Linda Reining ('64), Betti Avant ('69)
Chuck Smith ('69), Darlene Napora ('69)
Lori Simpson ('70), David Flaherty ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Tonya Day ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Anita Kolb ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Byrne Haskins ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mary Haskins ('70)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Kellie Walsh ('77)
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>>From: Betty Hiser Gulley ('49)
Pappy: My grandmother said God looked after children AND fools.
As I have mentioned before I had my teeth pulled at 18. The
dentist asked me if I wanted white teeth when he made my
dentures. I told him no - because my real teeth weren't white
to begin with. Now all you see on TV, magazines, etc., are ads
for white teeth. What's with that?
Still feeling puny but will survive.
-Betty Hiser Gulley -- '49er - south/government Richland - still
having warm days and cool nights.
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>>From: Bill Berlin ('56)
Re: Friends of Pook Smith ('63-RIP)
I would really like to attend the event this Saturday for Pook,
who died far too young. Thanks to Jimbeaux Hamilton ('63) for
organizing this event and I hope it is a beautiful Richland day,
warm, clear and great to be in. Unfortunately, I am still in a
wheelchair with my foot problem but my thoughts will be with
everyone there.
When I was growing up in the South End (George Washington Way) I
can remember "Pooker David", Hamilton and a bunch of other little
rowdies running around the neighborhood loose. The age disparity
was probably one reason we called them "little troublemakers"
(and worse) but I have to agree that they were a tight lot,
just like the Dirty Dozen that I belonged to during those days.
I think that my brother hung with them more since he was a
little closer to their age (and mentality) but when he moved to
Kennewick in the summer of 1956, it might have cooled a bit until
all of them could drive.
Just the same, it shows what a great place Richland was to grow
up in and all of the close friends we developed in those times
and whilst I was not as close to Pook as Jimbeaux was, he still
was one of my "little friends" growing up. Calm seas and red
skies, Pook.
-Bill Berlin ('56) ~ in Anacortes, WA where the weather is really
turning into Spring and the flowers are out in the Skagit
Valley. The Dafs are really up and the Tulips are not far
behind, but don't wait too long as they are both early
this year.
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>>From: George Barnett ('63)
Re: Saluting
Thank You,
To all who responded both in the "Storm" or in thought, Thank
You, and I see our grass root efforts are really starting to
catch on nation wide.
Bye Geo.
-George Barnett ('63) ~ In Tucson, AZ where the sun is out again
and no rain in sight until mid July (let's hope not).
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>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
This is for James House ('63), the Class of 1964 and any WSU
basketball 'codgers' who might recognize a face... Sorry but they
did not identify the former players. Those of you above should
spot a familiar smile!
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Behy/060331-stein.jpg
Re: More from Behymer...
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Any/060331-News-RexDavis.htm
-Gary Behymer ('64) ...somewhere in downtown Colfax, WA
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>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
just clicked on the fake Bomber site----the guy doing this site
is really making me angry! how dare he think he can represent
OUR school!!! and, check out his horrible drawing he did of OUR
bomb!!!!!! what a jerk!!!!!!! hope NOBODY thinks his site is
evenly remotely affiliated with OUR site that Maren and Richard
work so hard on to keep all of us connected and informed. I know
there probably isn't a lot any of us can do to get this guy to
"cease and desist", but I sure hope his site dries up and blows
away!!!!!!! again, what a !@#%^&* jerk---since profanity isn't
allowed, I will refrain from saying what I really think of him,
but am sure you can all fill in the blanks!!!!!!!!! *grin*
-Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of '64).........high school
students are, again, "walking the streets of Bakersfield"
in protest of the upcoming immigration bill!!! since this
forum is for "warm and fuzzies", I will refrain from saying
what I really think of their protest!!!!! ;)
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Thanks Pappy I'll stop at the pond on my way to the mailbox and
see if I can get a pit pass for the races Saturday.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA
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>>From: Chuck Smith ('69)
Re: Fellow Bombers
Just had to comment on what a pleasure it was to hear from 3
"old" Bombers. Ben Jacobs ('69) (still in the Tri-Cities),
George Barnett ('63) (Tucson, AZ) and Penny ('67) living near
me in Bakersfield, CA......Gosh, gave me goose bumps when I read
their emails....We were all really lucky growing up in Richland,
huh?
-Chuck Smith ('69)
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>>From: Darlene Napora Shuley ('69)
To: Chuck Smith ('69)
It was so great to see a new name from the Class of '69
contributing to the Sandstorm, so I dug out my old trusty
yearbook and looked you up. Although we didn't share any classes,
I remembered your smiling face from the halls! Congratulations on
your imminent retirement and your new home in Tucson. My husband,
Keith & I really enjoyed his law firm's conferences in Scottsdale
so we wound up spending several vacations in Tucson, Phoenix &
Sedona. Although we love living in Austin, Texas, Arizona would
be high on my list if we ever moved!
To: Julie Smyth Moss ('69WB)
It was hard, but I have forgiven LSU (Men's Basketball) for
beating out the Longhorns during overtime in the Elite Eight. Now
I am rooting for LSU to make it out of the final four and on to
winning the National Championship. Seriously, the great state of
Louisiana deserves to have something to cheer about for a change
so I wish the best of luck to both the Men's & Women's Basketball
teams.
Bomber Cheers,
-Darlene Napora Shuley ('69)
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>>From: Lori Simpson Hogan ('70)
Re: Tri-City Knights - Evergreen Football League
http://www.tricityknights.net/
-Lori Simpson Hogan ('70)
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>>From: David Flaherty ('76)
To: Irene de la Bretonne Hays ('61)
Without a doubt I knew I missed musicians. It is great to hear
that Richland music is staying alive and well. I left in '76 so
I missed your son in H.S. and pretty much have been gone from
the great Inland Empire since. There were a bunch of musicians
that should have been mentioned... not the least Jody Huff ('73)
who many of us aspired to even get close to his high school
talent. Scott Bates ('76-RIP) who was an "All State" Football
player had a great passion for music... well for life for that
matter... his was cut far too short. There were girls in "Bel
Canto" and in swing Choir that I didn't mention that were great
singers as well.
To: Shawn Schuchart Mabley ('78)
Sorry I forgot about you asking about my recordings... yeah I had
2 in the '80s. They were on a private label (mine) and spent
years on top of the charts (my parents) They are... um... pretty
forgettable... lol... but it was fun at the time.
-David Flaherty ('76)
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That's it for the month. Please send more.
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February, 2006 ~ April, 2006