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Alumni Sandstorm Archive ~ May, 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 ~ 05/01/06
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4 Bombers sent stuff and 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
Jim Jensen ('50), Frank Whiteside ('63)
Carol Converse ('64), Linda Reining, ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Tim Reining ('71WB)
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>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: Gratitude
I'm deeply grateful for the kind words and thoughts which have been
expressed to me concerning the loss of my sweet wife.
The last few days have been hectic with more to follow until we lay
Alliene to rest in Clovis, NM, the place where she was raised. It was
her desire to be placed next to her Mother's grave. Our family will be
gathered together from locations throughout the western US and we will
pay our respects on May 4th.
I'll respond to the condolences as soon as things settle down a bit.
This Bomber's heart is filled with thanks and appreciation for my fellow
Bombers.
Love to all,
-Jim Jensen ('50) ~ Katy, TX
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>>From: Frank Whiteside ('63)
Re: Jim Jensen ('50)/passing of his wife
I just had to publicly express my sympathy to Jim Jensen and his family
on the loss of his wife of nearly 50 years. While I haven't met Jim
in person, we have exchanged e-mails/forwards for quite some time. I
consider him to be a good friend and fellow Bomber and sincerely feel
the pain of his loss. I hope we get to meet in person someday. May our
thoughts and prayers be with him and his family.
-Frank Whiteside ('63) ~ Bayou Gauche, LA where we finally had some
heavy rain and wind. Thank goodness we just finished the final
minor repairs on the house. We really needed the rain. The yard
turned green overnight and must have grown an inch. Just hope
heavy rain and wind stay away after June 1. Don't want to test
the 140 mph wind struts I had installed on my garage doors.
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>>From: Carol Converse Maurer ('64)
To: Bonnie Allen ('59)
That '50s website that you sent to us in yesterday's Sandstorm was
really something. I throughly enjoyed it.
-Carol Converse Maurer (Boomber Bomber class of '64)
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>>From: Linda Reining, ('64)
to:Jim Jensen('50)
was sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. take care and know that
Bomber hugs and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
to:George(Pappy)Swan(59)
loved your recent story, regarding the elves and the party at Bonnie
Allen's('59)house. I was laughing so hard---you have such a way of
putting thoughts into words, I can actually "see" you falling down the
stairs and all the other misfortunes that happened. keep 'em coming!
they are so much fun to read and anticipate.
Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of 64)........the blasted heat has
arrived in Bakersfield, CA, we have gone right from Winter to Summer, no
Spring at all!!!!!!!! was in the 80's Saturday and Sunday----supposed to
be in the 90's for Monday!!!!!! Carol Converse Maurer('64)come on
down---the weather is just what you asked for. *grin*
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Funeral Notice scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
>>Mike Hall ('68) ~ 12/8/49 - 4/26/06
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/02/06
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5 Bombers sent stuff and 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
Dave Brusie ('51), Millie Finch ('54)
Tom Matthews ('57), Margo Compton ('60)
Irene de la Bretonne ('61)
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>>From: Dave Brusie ('51)
To: Clarence Fulcher ('51) and Gloria Adams Fulcher ('54)
Sorry to hear about your son-in-law. We will call you tonight,
Dave & Carol
To: Jim Jensen ('50)
Jim, my prayers are with you.
-Dave Brusie ('51)
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>>From: Millie Finch Gregg ('54)
Re: Grandma Gets To Brag
Greetings Bombers - I just had to write and let everyone know that one of
my granddaughters, Britny Gregg ('09) is now a BOMBER CHEERLEADER!! She
found out over the weekend and of course is so excited. I must say my
son, Scott Gregg ('78wb) if pretty proud himself. Anyway, just a little
fun mixed with life and its challenges. Have a good day
-Millie Finch Gregg ('54)
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>>From: Tom Matthews ('57)
Re: Ray Juricich (RIP)
Bill Berlin's ('56) mention of double clutching reminds me that the year
I took driving instruction from Juricich, we had the first automatic
transmission cars used in the program. He told us once in a prior year, a
student on her first drive managed to shift from first to third smoothly
without touching the clutch, much to his surprise.
On my first drive, after I got in the drivers seat, he told me to turn
left on..., right on..., then left on..., and after the fourth or fifth
turn on his lengthy list, I let him know I had no clue where I would be
turning so I just nervously sat there. "How long have you lived here? he
asked. "Since Kindergarten" was my answer. Unfortunately, I still have
that same difficulty with street names today. And I never did quite get
that parallel parking bit perfect, although I can always picture him
explaining it as i attempt to do it.
The most interest event was when a student was driving with two or three
of us learners in the back seat. She got a green light and was turning
left, but made the turn so slowly that a car approaching had to slow down
before we got out of the way. It happened to be a Richland Police car.
He turned after us, put the light on and siren, and we pulled over.
Juricich, was puzzled at this, and annoyed. The officer checked her
drivers permit, looked at us in the back seat and said, "You know, there
is only supposed to be one passenger when the driver has a learners
permit." At that point, Juricich asked the officer if he would come
around to the passenger side and he got out, taking with him the
Washington State Driving regulations book. There was a short and direct
discussion which we could not hear, but when our teacher got back in the
car, it was evident who had the law on his side! The police car drove off
without further ado.
Yes, a great instructor and he is missed.
-Tom Matthews ('57) Kirkland, WA
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>>From: Margo Compton Lacarde ('60)
Re: Employee Occupation Illness Compensation
To: Mike Brady ('61)
My sister and I were involved in this for four years. Then we were also
rejected for compensation for our father's (bone cancer). We wrote
appeals twice and both times were turned down again. Hope you have better
luck. Don't know anyone who has received compensation.
-Margo Compton Lacarde ('60) ~ San Antonio, TX
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>>From: Irene de la Bretonne Hays ('61)
The Support Group for Bombers Taking Care of Parents met last Friday and
agreed to meet again at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 5 at the Richland Community
Center adjacent to Howard Amon Park in Richland. Members of the group
asked that I remind you that the group talks not only about the challenge
of taking care of parents, but also--and equally important!-- about how
to care for yourself while dealing with the loss, grief and personal
challenges associated with a parent's illness or decline. For those who
may be wondering, this is the group founded by Betsy Fox Vance ('63) a
few months ago. I'm serving as the spokesperson for today.
Please join us at 7 pm Friday, May 5 at the Richland Community Center.
-Irene de la Bretonne Hays ('61)
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Funeral Notice scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
>>Darrell Plumb ('73) ~ 2/27/55 - 4/27/06
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/03/06
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5 Bombers and 1 Lion sent stuff:
Dick McCoy, ('45, '46, '02), Ken Ely ('49)
George Swan ('59), Patti Jones ('60)
Gary Brehm ('64-KHS), Dave Fowler ('76)
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>>From: Dick McCoy, ('45, '46, '02)
Re: Ray Juricich ('RIP)
This is late, as I am just getting around to some back emails. I would
like to add to the many testimonials to Ray Juricich. He was indeed a
gentleman, and so ancient that he went back to my time. It seems he lived
in that B house (Symons?) forever. Thanks to Tom Tracy ('55) and Jim
Doyle ('49). Your comments were right on. Good bye to a great man.
-Dick McCoy, ('45, '46, '02)
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>>From: Ken Ely ('49)
Happy birthday to my little sister, Kathy Ely ('62)
Hope you have a wonderful day, filled with sunshine.
With love, your big bro, Ken.
-Ken Ely ('49) ~ Orangevale, CA where it is warming into the high 80s
and is finally drying out.
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Achieving Regularity
Some folks look at life and ask, "Why?" Nowadays, I look at life and ask,
"Why not?" Some see fairies, some see "big white wabbits," and some talk
to imaginary friends. I see elves with a regularity. In fact, if an old
guy like me could achieve a similar regularity in all other aspects of
life, he would probably be totality free from concerns like taking large
doses of fruit and fiber and would probably remember birthdays and
anniversaries, etc.
One regularity that I have thoroughly perfected applies to the results of
my hunting adventures. By now, most Bombers are well aware that I am a
devout outdoorsman. Hunting, fishing, hiking, camping ... if it occurs
outdoors, there is a good chance that I'll be out there doing it ...
fairly regularly. Yet, Mrs. Pappy regularly asks, "Rather than go
hunting, why don't you just go to the super market and buy some meat?"
Obviously, she regularly fails to grasp the true calling and lure of the
great outdoors. However, don't tell her but I am afraid she probably
makes a good point.
There is a certain regularity that I wish to address here. When I go
hunting, I regularly experience everything but ... the intended results.
Some hunters go hunting and come home with their quarry with great
regularity. I go hunting and generally come home with nothing but bizarre
memories, with great regularity. Take for example, a very recent turkey
hunt.
My friend, Vinh, and I went turkey hunting on the Klickitat River.
According to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife,
wild turkeys are expanding their range throughout the state. Our great
adventure began when I told Vinh that I would pick him up about 5:00 AM.
I arrived at his house at 5:45 AM, after scouting all of the streets
where he did not live, near The Columbia Center Mall (but officially in
Richland contrary to some popular opinions). I could have been right on
time but I felt it was important to determine if there were any turkeys
living in Richland now (they are very active early in the morning). Some
folks would mistakenly think that I got lost.
We loaded Vinh's gear and headed out. However, we immediately noticed
that my little old 1990 Ford pickup "Ranger Ricky" seemed to be limping
(a noticeable noisy and bumpy lameness coming from his left rear "leg").
Not wishing to take any chances, we diverted 180 degrees to Burbank and
transferred all of our gear to "Henry," my other old pickup, a 1981 Ford
F150 4X4, more roomy but also much more thirsty (for gas). It was now
about 8:00 AM as we cheerfully told each other, "Go west young man (and
old man)."
We rolled down the highway, in happy conversation (yelling at the top of
our lungs). You see, Henry, highly reminiscent of an old man (like me),
makes a lot of different noises. Turning off at Toppenish, we headed
south over Satus Pass, through Goldendale and Blockhouse (which must have
some history behind it with a name like that), to the eastern rim of the
rather deep Klickitat River canyon. I decided to show Vinh one of my
secret spots ... where Henry immediately got himself stuck in a mud bog.
You know, when you get a 4X4 stuck ... you're really stuck. It was about
then that I realized that I had neglected to transfer my come-along hoist
and Hi-Lift jack from Ricky to Henry. One would think that by now with
all the experiences those two old pickups have had with me that they
would have reminded me to put 'em in. Anyway, Vinh and I stuffed all the
dead branches and rocks we could find under the kinda bald tires and I
jumped back in and revved Henry up and ... buried him deeper. Well, this
story goes on and on and becomes a bit repetitious, so let me just say
that a kindly local who, while mumbling something about city slickers,
did pull us out and then disappeared rather quickly after asking if I
went four wheeling ... regularly?
With undaunted courage, Vinh and I drove on down to the bottom of the
canyon. I would take Vinh to my other secret spot, known but to few and
where I seldom saw other human beings. As we wound down the steep and
curvy dirt road, I describe to Vinh the numerous past hunting adventures
that I had regularly enjoyed there with it virtually all to myself.
Rounding the last curve and rolling out on the flat near the river, we
were suddenly transported back in time to the mid to late 1960s.
Henry skidded to a stop like a balking horse confronted with a bear on
the trail. Vinh and I sat, speechless with lower jaws resting on Henry's
padded dash as we gazed at a brightly colored, ribbon-clad maypole.
Hundreds of brightly colored ribbons fluttered from the trees. Between
the trees were parked probably about 100 cars, old VW vans, and one large
gaily colored, yup you guessed it ... bus. Now, those were just the
inanimate objects. Liberally, (I mean very liberally) sprinkled -- No,
I mean crowded -- throughout the whole area were a few hundred of the
original, children of, and grand children of (and probably even some
great-grand children of) ... Hippies!
Now, I have been to numerous rodeos, county fairs, and a goat ropin' or
two but, "I ain't never seen nothin' like that" since my much younger
days. Vinh and I, in our camouflage turkey hunting clothes, were sure
that we had driven through a time warp. As we sat there, a young lady
in typical flower child attire approached and said, "Welcome to the May
Festival, you're late, last night was the big party but there are
probably some topless ones still running about!" "Uhhhhhh ... can you
give us directions?" I stammered. "Oh, they are here and there," she
offered. "No, I mean to the next campground. We're looking for turkeys."
I said. "We got lots of turkeys here" she gave us a grin and a wide sweep
with her arms. We hurriedly thanked her and Henry slowly and carefully
crept around the campground loop through the smiling, waving, yet
sometimes staring throng of most authentically clothed, flower people
and back up the hill ... outta there.
On up the river, we found another camping spot where we were more or less
alone but the turkeys were pretty much nonexistent or had all gone down
to the "Hippie May Day Festival." We put in a few miles, looking for
and calling turkeys but all we heard were the echoes of our own turkey
calling. Two hunters proudly displayed the rattlesnake skin and rattles
they had taken from a not so friendly buzztail.
We had a good camping experience and some enjoyable conversation around
the campfire that night. Each of us slept well in our own little bivouac
tents that night knowing it was still cold enough that rattlesnakes would
not be a concern until the sun was well up over the canyon rim and they
were re-charged with solar energy. We tried some more turkey calling in
some other areas but nobody gobbled back.
Late that afternoon, as we drove homeward through the hills of the Yakima
Nation Reservation, we saw two wild horse stallions fighting over a small
herd of indifferent mares. Laughing loudly and discussing our adventures
and misadventures, over Henry's various noises, we roared into the night.
We had survived one more of Pappy's all too regular hunting escapades.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Back in contemporary times in Burbank, WA
pondering if I really saw what I think I saw. Know what I mean, Vern?
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>>From: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) and Vera Smith Robbins ('58)
Re: All Bomber Luncheon Richland
The luncheon has been moved up a week because Mother's Day falls on the
normal luncheon weekend. Reservations (preferred) by Friday, May 5, 2006.
Plenty of room for last minute Bombers. Reservations can also be made by
phone.
WHEN: Saturday, May 6, 2006
WHERE: JD Diner, 3790 Van Giesen, West Richland, WA 99353
Used to be Coney Island
(Light green building just past the Yakima River bridge heading west
from Richland on the right side)
TIME: 1:00 P.M.
PRICE: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served all day.
Prices range from $4.50 - $13.95 (add drink, tax, and tip)
Bomber spouses and friends are welcome! Looking forward to also seeing
out-of-town Bomber visitors.
Class of 60:
I know that the class of '60's luncheon is the same day. Being as the
'60's luncheon starts at an earlier time please feel free to come join
the All Bomber Luncheon any time.
Out of town guest.
There is an out of town Bomber who will be joining us for lunch. Many of
you know the Bomber. I believe it is the first time for this Bomber to be
at a function in a while.
Bombers Have Fun,
-Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) and Vera Smith Robbins ('58)
Message from Patti at West Richland, WA: The wind has finally
died down. Saturday night's dust storm reminded me of the dust
storms when growing up in Richland. The family would be sitting
on the front porch of Birch enjoying the summer weather. Mom
would start picking up the lawn chairs. This was always a key to
follow suit going inside for cover. Within minutes the wind
would blow in with the dust swirling in it's brown hues. To this
day I always wonder how she knew? I swear she had a sixth sense
about the storms. Do not remember the weather men being able to
predict the wind as well then.
To: djJeffMichaels ('65)
Re: Yokes Fresh Market
I stand corrected on the spelling. From what I have heard they grow
their own beef and sell it. So Yoke's instead of Yolks would make much
more sense. The market is opening tomorrow. Will learn much more then.
With Wal*Mart and Yoke's within five minutes either, I have good choices.
The only problems is my daughter works in Western Washington for QFC
(owned by Kroegers) which also owns Fred Meyers. I should be shopping
there according to her. I miss QFC since I moved here but Yokes sounds
like a good second.
Lots of talk about the growth of Pasco. Will have to drive out there
some time just to see it all. I was a Real Estate Administrator when
San Jose had the same growth years ago in the Almaden area. Finally
decided to drive out in the area one day to see what all the paper work
I was handling was about. Boy, was I surprised to see that practically
a whole new town had grown up over a short period of time. With the
influx of people this area will definitely keep growing. Plenty of
desert for it to happen.
To: Linda Reining ('64)
Re: Yoke's Market
Thanks for the tips about the market. If I have to bag my own groceries
I won't be shopping there. **grin** As the prices have crept up in the
stores, I think it up to the store to do it.
To: Millie Finch Gregg ('54)
Re: Granddaughters and Cheerleaders
Congratulations to your granddaughter Britny for being chosen to be a
cheerleader for the Bombers. My granddaughter is a student at Stadium
high school in Tacoma. She was chosen to be a Varsity Cheerleader for
the high school next year. One proud grandma I am. Would be neat if the
schools played each other. From what I have discovered so far I think
Stadium is in the larger schools of the state? I have written the school
to find out all of the details. Will be following all the games. Patti
-Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
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>>From: Gary Brehm ('64-KHS)
To: Mike Brady ('61)
In 2002 I filed a claim for compensation on behalf of my father, who
passed away with prostate and bone cancer in 1992. We know he was exposed
in 1955 to radiation, they took all of his clothes, scrubbed him down and
he went through a decontamination process. He came home late that day
wearing a blue jump suit. I just received our final rejection about two
weeks ago.
I would love to hear from anyone who has actually been successful in
winning any type of monetary award from the federal government.
-Gary Brehm ('64-KHS) ~ Kennewick
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>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Winds and Power Outages
Last week has brought high winds and a good old fashioned dust storm to
Richland. It still amazes me now how the sand can still find its way into
the home. Sneaky stuff!
The wind blew hard, the farmers turning their field and a wall of brown
rising high into the sky. Only a slight breeze at first with the winds
picking up. And then it happens! The trees sprouting their new growth of
leaves begin to show their underside, and the branches moving in slow
rhythm. Giving way to a constant bow. The brown wall on the horizon
falls. Quick, shut the windows and doors! It comes, how I love the sound
of a roaring storm. Soon everything takes on a hue of tan. The dust/sand
swirling through the streets. Human life has retreated behind closed
doors. The only movement outside is the wind and sand.
Years gone by they would have called it a termination wind. There was
far less ground coverage, enabling the sand to blow more freely. Days
when those less dedicated to this otherwise oasis would call it quits,
resign from their jobs and go back to whence they came.
Today, I hear it called just another spring wind. The weathermen and
women call it "a bit breezy today with gust up to 45 miles an hour".
Breezy, and I ask myself, where did they grow up? In all my travels
a wind like this would have made the national news. For here it just
another spring wind, breezy. Just on the chance I checked the weather
channel.
Now our great nation has little understanding of the Pacific Northwest (PNW).
As previously mentioned, I spent 20 years in the Air Force. It always
amazed me how little the rest of the nation knows of the PNW. The weather
channel, as if there are only a few hundred people living "out there"
report "and there's rain in the PNW". Really! Could it possibly be that
we also have our nations only rain forest? Do they not know that our
mountains are so tall that they create a rain shadow. That, when they say
"there is rain in the PNW" it only accounts for less than 1/10th of the
PNW. No, they have a perception and the facts prove it. There is rain in
the PNW! So I must let it go, and to those who say "I really couldn't
live there it rains to much". I say your right, there really is rain in
the PNW. Keep quiet! It would be way too crowded if they all really knew.
Yet somehow the place is growing at a most disturbing rate. The wind
blows once again and the people seem to blow in to. I only wish I could
rake them up with the fall leaves.
We experienced a power outage in the area between Thayer and Jadwin on
Sunday. It surprises me that when the power goes out people race outside
to ask the neighbors "did your house loose power"? I suppose it is an age
old question. The winds had subsided between fronts. The power was out
and like my childhood the people came out and ask "did you loose power"?
I must admit I asked the question to my neighbor, as if I were special.
Why? I don't know! Working in a power plant, when the power goes out is
a time to shift gears and the work and training really have to kick in.
Sunday I was off and I returned to a person of unknowing. "Did your house
loose power" I asked?
Now I could tell you stories of termination winds and power outages that
I remember as a kid growing up in Richland. What are yours?
-Dave Fowler ('76)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/04/06
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6 Bombers sent stuff and 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
Lora Homme ('60), Carla Bosher ('64)
Dennis Hammer ('64), Linda Reining ('64)
Janis Cook ('68), Mike Lynch (’68)
BELATED BOMBER BIRTHDAY 5/3: Kathy Ely ('62)
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>>From: Lora Homme Page ('60)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Thank you, Pappy, for bringing some wonderful, lighthearted fantasy into
my life which is made up of a fair amount of grim realities. I love the
stories of elves and the accounts of your adventures, indoors and out.
You always bring a smile to my face and frequently, laughter out loud.
-Lora Homme Page ('60) ~ In that other town across the river and
up the road from home.
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>>From: Carla Bosher Viken ('64)
Re: Employee Occupation Illness Compensation
My sister, Debbie Bosher Neuroth ('67), and I were also involved for
approximately four years and ultimately were rejected. Our father died a
long, painful death from lung cancer, it was very disappointing that no
responsibility was ever taken. After the recent 60 Minutes program on the
Hanford Washington Clean-Up Project, I'm suggesting that the 60 Minutes
crew also investigate the above, it sure couldn't hurt.
-Carla Bosher Viken ('64)
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>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Re: Yoke's
Yoke's used to be a warehouse store, that is probably where the self-
bagging came from. They have completely changed and are now more of a
high-end store. If they don't have a bagger, the checker will bag the
groceries. Also, there no self-checkout stations. I suspect Wall*Mart
backs up the checkout lines on purpose in order to get more people to
check themselves out. I refuse to check myself out at any store; the way
I see it: a) I want to deal with a real live person, and b) if I check
myself out I am doing the store's work. So, if I check myself out, I
get to go clock myself in, and I get paid for it. Yoke's stock a lower
quantity of each product, but a wider variety of products. You can get
things there that you have a hard time finding in other stores. You
can even get Lefsa there, don't know if Lutefisk is carried because I
wouldn't be looking for that. There is a large wine section, emphasizing
Northwest wines. I have seen "Cheap Red Wine" (really it has a plain
brown label with the words "Cheap Red Wine" printed on it in what looks
like stencil, to a $170 bottle of wine. If you really want to save money,
watch for the "Fresh Friday" sales that are usually average about one
Friday a month.
OFC was bought by Fred Meyer, then shortly thereafter Fred Meyer made the
huge mistake of selling themselves out to Kroger. Just about one year
later Kroger came into Fred Meyer's main office in Portland and fired
most of the upper management. Then they started making decisions on how
to run the company from Kroger's main office in Cincinnati and the whole
place has been going downhill ever since.
Re: Dust storms
I remember about winter of '86, '87 we had a combination dust storm and
snowstorm at the same time. When the snow melted a few days later the
cars were so covered with so much dirt you could hardly tell what color
they were. I have told people that who moved here later about that and
they think I am telling them a tall tale.
Sometime about '75 got up in the morning and it looked like it had rained
mud in the night. Had to clean the windows just to see to drive. That
evening everyone seemed to be washing their cars and there were huge
lines at all the car washes. Fortunately, I was lazy and did not get mine
washed, because it happened again the next night.
-Dennis Hammer ('64)
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>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
gotta be Maren who will be the mystery guest at the Richland Bomber
Luncheon on Saturday, May 6th. this was too easy, Patti Jones Ahrens(60).
*grin*
[GUESS AGAIN, Linda!! I'll be watching Jimmy Buffett at Jazz Fest. -Maren]
re:Government compensation
my dad died in 1991 of liver cancer, which was attributed to his exposure
to radiation(I don't know how much radiation he was exposed to, but I
remember times when he wasn't able to come home cause he was "hot" and
had to stay at work)---my stepmother was awarded the compensation in
2004---her claim was never denied, but she had to fill out lots of
paperwork and answer lots of questions(in writing and over the phone)and
they also requested papers from the doctor that treated him and also his
autopsy records---my dad had requested tissue samples be sent to
Hanford---I don't know if that helped prove her case or not---it took
over two years to get the compensation.
re:winds and power outages
I remember walking home from school when those sand storms would "hit"
and the sand felt like bee stings on my bare legs!!!!! I remember always
trying to remember to carry a bandana so that I could cover my mouth and
nose and try hard to barely open my eyes, so that they wouldn't get full
of sand! even remember walking backwards, thinking that would help----
never did!!!!! I can remember my mom swearing that the Ranch house had
cracks in it, cause the storm door and storm windows were closed, TIGHT,
and still the entire house would have sand all over the window sills,
floors, and furniture!!!!! also remember when the power would go out, we
would go outside, look up and down Elm Street and then watch the rest of
the neighbors come outside, and everyone would ask, "power out?" then,
lawn chairs and blankets would be brought outside, and everyone would sit
outside, til the power came back on, was usually cooler outside than
inside the house! seemed to always happen on the hottest day or night---
we didn't have "air", and always had the windows open during the summers,
but still seemed cooler outside than inside. IF the power went off during
dinner time, my mom would make a trip to Mayfair(?--it was next to
Densow's Drugs)on Wright Avenue, buy hot dogs or hamburgers, potato chips,
and soda. then my dad would "fire" up the bbq and we'd have dinner. we
liked those times, cause it was the ONLY time we got to have soda with
dinner, otherwise, it was MILK!!!
Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of 64).......Bakersfield,
CA..........speaking of power outages, power went off at 3:30 Wednesday
afternoon and it affected over 47,000 customers--was off for three hours
and I it took me two hours to go 22 miles!!!!!!!! I was trying to get
home from my grandson's doctor appointment----stoplights were out and it
was bumper to bumper traffic---worse than being in Los Angeles during
"rush" hour traffic!!
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Janis Cook Tames ('68)
I, too, feel very frustrated with the Hanford Compensation Act. I filed
a claim on behalf of my dad and was also turned down due to only a 35%
chance of radiation. My dad died of complications due to COPD and bladder
cancer. Although his primary job was in an area where it was uncommon to
be around radiation, many times he was "pulled" away and put on other
jobs when strikes occurred. During these strike periods, the hours would
be long and arduous and certainly doing tasks that were unfamiliar to
some of these men. The phone calls and paper work were daunting and the
amount of records that were needed that are no longer available, who
keeps medical records for years? Several times I was asked to provide
duplicate paper work, for what? Only to be turned down. I feel like my
parents would feel that they had been treated unfairly. I also know of
no one who has received a penny, but MANY who have also been denied. The
amount of workers who have passed with cancer seem so over whelming to
me.....
-Janis Cook Tames ('68) ~ in Richland where it is another typical
beautiful sprig day!!!
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mike Lynch (’68)
Re: More on the Community Center
To: Gene Horne (’57)
Truly the best boxing coach there ever was, mentions the early years of
the boxing club at the Community Center. But I remember us returning
there for a year or so around ’67 or '68. We worked out without a ring
and I even remember fighting an exhibition there with Gene's neighbor
(can't remember his name) for some kind of ladies club. Now that was
weird! Being a teenager I never thought much about our frequent moves –
Community Center, Christ the King, HS old gym, Community Center again,
and Pasco (at two different locations). Could it be that we weren't that
desirable a group to have around? Back then I also never thought about
who paid for some of those locations, all the equipment, and those trips
to Spokane, Lapwai, Walla Walla, etc. I know it wasn't me or my parents.
But I have thought about it many many times as an adult. So, thanks to
Gene, Mr. Sullivan, Dickie Robertson, Andy Roebuck, and a lot of others
for bringing us up. We mostly turned out pretty darn good.
-Mike Lynch ('68)
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****************************************************************
****************************************************************
Funeral Notice
>>David Bishop ('67) ~ 2/20/48 - 4/29/06
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/05/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9 Bombers sent stuff:
Millie Finch ('54), Dick Avedovech ('56)
Burt Pierard ('59), Mina Jo Gerry ('68)
Cole Kids ('50, '55, '63, and '66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Patti Cole ('52)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Janice Wise ('71)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Millie Finch Gregg ('54)
Re: Hanford Compensation Program
I will get my two cents in also regarding this program. It has been
approximately 6 years since I filed, and of course have been denied,
appealed and denied.
However, in the meantime, this is information that maybe everyone isn't
aware of: Our Senators (Murray and Cantwell) started the ball rolling
asking DOE to take a look at their absolute 50% or nothing criteria.
That is still in the works. I also personally met with Doc Hastings and
presented my story to him and asked him on behalf of the Hanford workers
to please join Cantwell and Murray and stay on this case with DOE. I
have since written each one of them a letter, and periodically I will
telephone their offices to let them know I have not forgotten that
they are supposed to be looking in on this for us. It was actually the
Senators themselves who started the ball rolling.
I even suggested that if a person didn't come back at 50% (38.9% I had)
then pay the worker that percentage of the money instead of just giving
them zero. I think 38.9% is pretty high in a case like this.
So I am suggesting to all of you out there who have claims pending, don't
give up, but keep pressing them to continue to follow this through. One
of the articles in the paper about this stated that when it was final,
they would also be looking at all the claims that have been denied. So
lets band together and let them know we are a force to reckon with!!
-Millie Finch Gregg ('54)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dick Avedovech ('56)
Re: Cheap Red Wine and Fred Meyers
To: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Dennis, I have also found a bottle of "Cheap Red Wine" and bought 2
bottles: one to try, and the other for a friend in Wisconsin who likes to
kid me about loving fine wines. He used to say to me "What's wrong with
a cheap wine? So when I saw him at a corporate meeting I gave him his
wine and we had a good laugh. I tried the wine and although it wasn't
necessarily a fine wine, it was certainly drinkable.
As for Fred Meyers when it was Fred Meyers, I think I have supplied
the salaries of a lot of people over the years from everything from
prescriptions to building materials, but unfortunately, the attitudes
of the management have taken a definite down trend. My son-in-law
worked there briefly and the supervisor he worked for was constantly
on his back. Even though the manager liked him and his work ethic, the
supervisor demanded he be fired. Apparently she did not want a male in
her all female department - and the management allowed her to do that.
Regarding dust storms, when I was about 16 or 17 I took my mother's
Pontiac convertible (with the top down) out to the desert to hunt jack
rabbits. About a mile from where I parked the car, I could see the dust
storm rolling nearer and nearer in my direction. I raced back to the car
but the dust storm beat me. I had about an inch of sand in the car when I
left, and it took me a week to get it cleaned up. And to top it off, I
didn't even see a jack rabbit.
-Dick Avedovech ('56)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
To: Linda Reining ('64) & others who wrote about the storms
Re: Sand Storms (much more severe than the Dust Storms we have now)
The most severe Sand Storm I recall occurred (I'm guessing here) about
the summer of 1946, maybe a little later. I was just a little tike of 5
or so and we lived on the Southeast corner of Thayer & Rochefontaine. My
Mom had sent me to Randall & Doyle's Groceteria (Williams & Thayer, the
building before it was Campbell's, Mayfair, Salvation Army) to fetch a
bottle of milk (remember when milk only came in glass quart bottles). I
was decked out in my cute little sunsuit, consisting of shorts & straps
over my shoulders, and barefoot, of course. As I strolled happily to the
store, I failed to notice the menacing brown wall to the West which must
have been there. Anyhow, the storm hit just as I was leaving the store on
my return journey of the short block home. The sand was indeed stinging
my mostly bare body & I recall not being able to clearly see our house. I
only made it as far as the corner (still on the Pennywise side of Thayer)
when I stopped and was crying in the howling wind. I don't know if Mom
had heard my crying or was just concerned and looked for me. In any
event, she came running across the street to try and shield me from the
sand with her dress. She told me in later years that she had been wearing
a summer dress with a slip underneath and the sand was stinging her
skin through her clothing -- she could only imagine the pain I was
experiencing.
Afterwards, I recall the newspapers making a big deal about the storm
having approached Hurricane standards with gusts nearing 75 MPH. In
addition to numerous prefab flat roofs being blown off, I recall one of
"The Big Trees" at Putnam & McPherson being almost totally uprooted and
blown over to the East.
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mina Jo Gerry Payson ('68)
Re: Hanford Compensation
My mom had applied for compensation when there was an office in
Kennewick. The claim was turned down because dad died from cirrhosis
of the liver, not any form of cancer. Now she has received information
that her claim will be reviewed under Part E which deals with toxic
substances. We are currently at a standstill. Of course there are no
medical records. Dad was a millwright and worked at all the reactors on
maintenance as well as the purex plant. If anyone who has been through
the process or is currently working on a claim has any hints on where to
go for the needed info, besides the doctors, we would appreciate hearing
from you. They gave us 30 days to resubmit the claim. Please contact me.
-Mina Jo Gerry Payson ('68) ~ Richland where the sun is out and it is a
little breezy. Headed outside to clean the barbecue or
weed the flowers. It's spring!!!
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Cole Kids ('50, '55, '63, and '66)
Happy birthday to our sister Patti ('52). You are always so thoughtful
and loving... we couldn't ask for a better sister.
Love,
-Barbara ('50), Karen ('55), Judie and Jackie ('63), and Johnny ('66)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/06/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 Bombers sent stuff:
Nola Davey ('56), Judy Link ('59)
Dolores Moody ('60), Donna Bowers ('63)
Dennis Hammer ('64), Donna Fredette ('65)
Shirley Collings ('66), Gary Christian ('67)
Betti Avant ('69), Mandy Holmes ('97)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Myrna Bolin ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Brad Pugh ('66)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Nola Davey Meichle ('56)
I hate to be a "pain in the b...," but it is Fred Meyer. There is no
"s" on the end. Thank you, I feel better now
-Nola Davey Meichle ('56)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Judy Link Crampton ('59)
Re: Hanford Compensation Program
This is for anyone and everyone who reads the Sandstorm. I've been
reading the last week about all the denials for compensation. It seems to
me that all of them came in at less than the 50% or greater probability.
Is there anyone who was denied that had a 50% ruling? And if you were
still denied what reasons did they give you? We have recently received
our 50% or greater ruling and am now waiting for the final board to
approve. I certainly do agree that partial compensation should go to
those who have less probability. That really does seem like a fair way
to deal with the problems. Good luck to all of you who are appealing or
waiting as we are.
-Judy Link Crampton ('59)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dolores Moody Stewart ('60)
Re: Jimmy Buffett [Buffett ends with two t's. -Maren]
Maren,
Knew you were a woman of many parts, but had no idea you were also a
parrothead. Enjoy!
-Dolores Moody Stewart ('60)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Yesterday's Jazz Fest line up included Little Feat on the Acura state
(where I was) and Little Feat invited Jimmy Buffett on state to do a few
tunes with them. Jimmy said "This guy used to be my boss!" He was great
and I get to go again to see an entire program of Jimmy Buffett. -Maren]
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Donna Bowers Rice (Gold Medal Class of '63)
For those of you doing research about the overexposures to their parents
while working at Hanford, one needs to look up and read the ICRU Journal
(International Journal of Radiation Units). If you read back over 40
years of how and with what they measured the radiation with and how many
things were judged inadequate, you can begin to have an appreciation of
all that was not measured properly. I used to be able to go online and
read at my leisure, but that is no longer possible-you have to be a
radiation physicist to do so now. Some of the titles I found most
interesting were not even online and I had to make a trip to U. of Ill,
as this journal (and its precursor journal in total) is only found in
about 5 libraries in the US, and none notated in Wash. State as per
the ICRU info. Although the ICRU people tell me that there are only 5
libraries in the US, I was told by a government physicist at Hanford that
this journal exists at the WSU extension library, but I do not know if it
goes back until the 1940s. Having dealt with x-rays, I can tell you they
are not always as completely accurate as a lay person would believe. So I
was interested in just how accurate their measurements were. What I found
out is that if the epidemiologists had not done some studies because
they noticed the high level of cancer deaths at Hanford, that this whole
question would be moot. I praise the epidemiologists for questioning our
government. The Hanford TLD is and was different than others across
the world/country and the radiation standards deviate from country to
country. This becomes a fascinating subject to follow and then you couple
that with the unique exposures of our parents. My dad was over exposed
6 times, the last at 20,000 cnts. per minute to his left thumb-which 7
years later developed a hangnail that turned into amelonotic melanoma,
which spread throughout his body and killed him 1 1/2 years later. The
fact that he had right below the legal whole body dosage, belies the fact
that he dealt directly with radiation on a daily basis for at least
the majority of his 30 year career at Hanford (1950's radiation was not
adequately counted by todays standards) and even epidemiologists of this
time cannot adequately measure long term radiation exposure coupled
with higher levels of sporadic overexposures on a body that ages. There
are just no long term studies that show this. Radiation math does not
account for the inadequacies of measuring biological entities, its just
not finite enough and especially so when it comes to DNA (in my dad's
case of skin cancer they are still arguing over what depth they need
to begin to biochemically measure radiation). I have 2 engineers in my
family so quite often we have some lively discussions about mechanically
measuring the human body. When my son's Mechanical Engineering textbook
author (Dr.Wolfram) comes out with a new 4" thick textbook whose premise
is that our mathematical formulas that we are currently using do not FIT
human biology, I know I am on the right track.
I have been at this correspondence nightmare for 4-5 years now. I have
not gotten a determination yet about my father. But in my appeal, (which
it sounds like I will be doing as I hear how many people have been
turned down), I plan to sight the journal entries that most question the
government's assumption that they have done everything in their power to
adequately inform the person receiving the radiation, (when they did not
even adequately know just how dangerous this stuff is long term, or just
what exposures to which particular chemical can cause what). How they
measure radiation is critical to the thought process! Years from now some
epidemiologist (not government) will get to the bottom of this, but my
father who died at age 59 -- when everyone else in his family lived
till their late 80s and early 90s -- died an early death due to the
inadequacies of the system. All the probabilities in use today are
inadequate and are an injustice to the people overexposed.
Sincerely,
-Donna Bowers Rice (Gold Medal Class of '63)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Re: 75 mile per gallon car
Some years ago there was some discussion of the King Midget automobile in
the Alumni Sandstorm. Someone in the Tri-Cities has one, and there is a
short video (2.20 minutes) on the KNDU website about it. Click on "Car
gets 75 miles per gallon. . . "
http://www.kndu.com/
About 20 years ago I saw one at the Portland old car swap meet. It was in
just about the same condition as he describes his when he found it. Who
knows, maybe it was the same one. While I had wanted one since I was
a kid, there was no way I was willing to find the parts needed and do
that much work to get it running again.
More information on the King Midget can be found at.
http://www.kingmidgetcarclub.org/
-Dennis Hammer (Boomer Bomber class of 1964)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Donna Fredette ('65)
Re: Sandstorms
You know, I don't really remember being caught in a sand storm! I
remember looking out the window while the sage brush rolled down George
Washington Way but don't remember sand storms while I was a girl living
on Chestnut Street. I do remember the thunder and lightning storms though
very well! I remember being awakened at night out of a sound sleep with
the sounds of very loud thunder. You wouldn't have wanted to be outside
during one of those storms!!
I have always loved the wind, I remember it howling all night and then a
beautiful summer day. There were many beautiful summer days growing up
and many beautiful cold winter days with lots of snow. I remember jumping
in the leaves my Dad raked up in the yard in the fall and the forsythia
blooming in the spring. But I do not remember the sand storms! I don't
remember any sand in the house at all. Maybe I just didn't see it because
I was so used to running around barefoot and being a kid.
The only thing is I don't remember sand storms when I was a teen either!
I only remember wind and tumbling sage brush! ha
Bomber Cheers!
-Donna Fredette ('65)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
Re: Fred Milton ('66)
I read with interest an article from Thursday, May 4, TCHerald that
Fred Milton ('66) still has the area's longest-standing shot put record
at 61-4. He set it in 1965 ... 41 years ago! Milton is the only 60-foot
thrower the Tri-Cities has ever produced. Awesome, Fred!
The Class of '66 is the Best!!
-Shirley Collings Haskins ('66) ~ Richland, where our 40th Class Reunion
will be held June 23-25
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****************************************************************
>>From: Gary Christian ('67)
Re: dealing with the government.
Reading all these entries about claims with the government have depressed
me even more. Funny that even after paying taxes for forty, fifty or even
sixty years, the federal government is so reluctant to help those who
keep it operating. (If you can call it that). I for one, think it is
almost criminal to routinely deny the claims associated with the work
our fathers and sometimes mothers performed.
But I will soon be facing something similar and I am not looking forward
to it. With late life onset of Muscular Dystrophy, I find it more and
more difficult to do even the most menial of tasks. I can no longer
travel for work and visit our clients as I cannot walk for any real
distance and climbing ladders or stairs is out of the question. I also
have trouble swallowing which has changed my diet completely to avoid
choking. The duties of lawn mowing and gardening have now fallen to my
wife and grown sons. And to my dismay, my sons have to lift me into the
boat so we can do a bit of trout fishing.
I belong to a OPMD support group and a number of those people are now
disabled and are collecting Social Security Disability. But they had to
jump through hoops to collect and I suppose I will as well. Not a single
one of those people were approved for disability the first go round. And
every one of them had to retain attorneys to represent them during the
appeal process. They then had to pay a large amount of the benefits to
the attorneys. What is wrong with this scenario? I have been paying into
SS since I was sixteen years old! I have just over four years to go till
I can retire. Why is the federal government so reluctant to give back
what is ours? It's not like I am going to get rich on what they would
give me. In fact, the disability and loss of income associated with that
will probably force me to sell my home.
-Gary Christian ('67)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: Washington state quarter news
For those of you who may have brought up the site to check out the
designs. 45% of the people voting voted for the leaping salmon with
Mt. Rainier in the background, 40% for the salmon, apple, and outline
of the state, and app. 14% for the Indian Orca. The governor endorsed
the vote of the people and her decision will be sent on to the mint for
final approval. It will be released next year.
Re: A quick note to Lowiq and Bogart
About coming to visit your friends at the pond, sorry it's not there
right now. It seems it is just an area for water run-off and currently
is pretty much dry. I'll let you little guys know when it is full once
again.
Anyone out there live in the Port Townsend area? I have a job interview
up there next Friday and in looking at their website it looks like there
would lots of things to do and see. Thanks.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA ~ where I have been enjoying my morning
walks and ran into a raccoon the other morning (believe he said
his name was "Rory Coon")
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mandy Holmes Taylor ('97)
Hello from Southern California! I hope everyone is well or is on their
way to wellness....
I have two questions today that I hope fellow Bombers can help me with.
The first is easier:
Are there any good books about the history of Hanford and the Tri-Cities?
I found a book on Leslie Groves and it sparked my interest (again) in the
place I still call home.
The second requires some background:
I am in graduate school and in one of my classes we discussed the movie
"Atomic Cafe" which is a montage of clips dealing with the advent and use
of the atomic and hydrogen bombs. All in all, it served to show that
"nukes are bad" and how dare we have them, much less have used them. I
do not mean in any way to minimize the pain and suffering of those who
tested and were victims of atomic use because I know that it is beyond my
scope of imagination. I also know the effects of radiation, but I won't
get into things here. I also don't want to open a debate on whether or
not atomic weapons should or should not have been used. I also don't
want to open up a debate on what RHS should be symbolized by.
Coming from a nuclear town, I had a different view of things and,
essentially, I felt ashamed of having come from one. And then I bristled
at that shame because I love my home town and am proud to have been a
Bomber. My question, then, is this: How do you explain Bomber pride,
including mushroom cloud symbol and the school crest if you are "proud
of the cloud," when in an anti-nuclear crowd? If you're not "proud of
the cloud" or have issues with it, which is perfectly fine, how do you
explain pride in such a school, especially when we have generations of
Bombers who declare Bomber pride all over the nation and throughout the
world?
Again, I'm not interested in debating the merits of one symbol over
another. I would simply like to know your thoughts or experiences. I
showed my professor the RHS website and our symbol and our crest and
she was... impressed, awed, shocked, dismayed... I'm not sure how to
have read her expression.
Anyway. Thanks for letting me ramble and ask questions. I hope things
are well with everyone!
Still green and gold-veined,
-Mandy Holmes Taylor ('97)
*******************************************
*******************************************
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 ~ 05/07/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
14 Bombers and 1 Richland Historian sent stuff:
Carol Black ('48), Larry Christenson ('54)
Nola Davey ('56), Mike Brady ('61)
Bob Cross ('62), Ann Engel ('63)
Freddy Schafer ('63), George Barnett ('63)
Deedee Willox ('64), Dennis Hammer ('64)
Gary Behymer ('64), Linda McKnight ('65)
Rick Maddy ('67), Betti Avant ('69)
Don Sorenson (Historian)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jeff Hartman ('59)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Kathy Clark ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Laverne Vandenberg ('76)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Carol Black Foster ('48)
Re: Fred Meyer
To: Nola Davey Meichle ('56)
Nola: Thanks for making me laugh out loud as I read your entry in this
AM's Sandstorm about the spelling of Fred Meyer.
I can't figure out whether it is because I spend half my life in Fred
Meyer or whether it was because my mother (Leola Black (RIP) a former
Carmichael teacher, spent half my life correcting my pronunciation,
spelling or usage of the English language.
Anyway, I feel better now too.
-Carol Black Foster ('48) ~ Bellevue, WA
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****************************************************************
>>From: Larry Christenson ('54)
Re: Hanford Claim
I too have a claim or had claim concerning my fathers cancer. He had
cancer of the tongue and had half of it removed. When they first came
out with this information I filed a claim and went through the whole
process and got no where and my claim was rejected. I guess there were
four or five rejections. Seems like this is happening to quite of few of
us. I just don't know. Good luck to those still trying.
-Larry Christenson ('54)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Nola Davey Meichle ('56)
To: Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
Shirley, we met at CK School, where we both worked in the school
cafeteria. Do you remember me? By the way, the Class of 1956 is
THE BEST!!!
-Nola Davey Meichle ('56)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Mike Brady (Class of '61: "Ahead of the Curve")
Re: Hanford Memorial
Let's build a Hanford memorial with names of all the men and women who
died as a result of exposure to radiation while building the atomic bomb.
-Mike Brady (Class of '61: "Ahead of the Curve")
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****************************************************************
>>From: Bob Cross ('62)
To: Mandy Holmes Taylor ('97)
I feel that the atom bombs that the Hanford project help create caused
Japan to end their fight with us saving many thousands of American lives.
The knowledge that we had the bombs and were not afraid to use them
probably weighted heavy on the German command at the end of the war in
Europe. Thousand of people came from all over the country to work on the
war effort at Hanford just like they did in other parts of the US and
created a weapon that help end the war. Of that we can be proud of.
After seeing the destruction that the bombs did, many of us are thinking
that we hope and pray that the bombs will never be used again. I for one
am not ashamed of our heritage but am in the no-nukes camp now. We have
learned that we can make weapons that can destroy thousands of lives in
a single bomb, aren't we great. Let's not do it again!
The mushroom symbol and the name Bombers shows pride in the effort of
many people and what was accomplished back in the '40s, not a celebration
of the destructive power of the weapons that were created. Be proud of
Richland and Hanford but hope no one uses the bombs again.
-Bob Cross ('62)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Ann Engel Schafer ('63) and Freddy Schafer ('63)
Re: Portland /Vancouver Bomber Luncheon
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Lunches/Current-PDX/00.html
Those present at Bomber lunch were Linda McKnight Hobin ('65),
Spouse Dennis Hobin,
Peggy Wellman ('66), Richard Swanson ('64),
Alan Porter ('67), Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54), Fred Schafer ('63),
Ron Holeman ('56), Lola Heidlebaugh Bowen ('60).
Camera shy: Jo Heidlebaugh ('74) and Ann Engel Schafer ('63).
The next meeting will be the Bomber Picnic on August 12 th at Lewisville
Park. All Bombers and family are welcome
-Ann Engel Schafer ('63) and Freddy Schafer ('63)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: George Barnett ('63)
Re: King Midgets
To: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Hi Dennis, (and ALL other Bombers) I happen to have a friend who has
a King Midget here in Tucson. It sits in the desert at the foot of
Mt. Lemmon, behind his shed. It is quite dilapidated but no real bad
rust, and all the mechanical parts are still there. It would require a
total off frame restoration, however, that wouldn't be hard as there
really isn't much to the little cars. You have fired me up, I think I
will call him up and see just what it would take to buy that little gem.
I will have to eat some crow, as I'm sure he will remember my slurs and
pugnacious puns regarding his purchase about 1969? of this little putt-
mobile. I think he paid about $100.00 including an Arizona title.
Bye Geo.
-George Barnett ('63)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64)
Re: High Mileage Cars
To: Dennis Hammer ('64)
My chosen sister (Carol) sometimes drives her hubby's car; he bought a
hybrid. It runs on battery up to a certain speed, and then switches to
gas. Since it's on battery around town, it's very quiet. It has a screen
that shows what's behind the car when backing up (a real improvement over
my Toyota's tinted windows with tinted-window canopy). Don't know what
the MPG is, but it's gotta be better than my Toyota pickup. And speaking
of gas prices, diesel has sky rocketed over gas. Unfortunately, we bought
a diesel Ford F350 a few years back to pull our 5th wheel. Needless to
say, we aren't planning any great trips this year. Hope future diesel
(and gas) prices will be better, cuz I hate staying home.
-Deedee Willox Loiseau (Bomber Baby Boomer, or is that Boomer Baby
Bomber, or is that Bomber Baby Boomer - oh well, I know it's '64
... I think.), Burbank, WA, where the weather has turned warm
(not hot yet, thank God), and I'm lovin' it.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Re: "Way out west"
Seems like two, or three, or four weeks ago; I don't know, to quote
Kermit the Frog, "Time sure is fun when you're having flies," there was a
mention in the Sandstorm about a lot of people back East don't seem to
recognize there is part of the country in the west. I was going to send
in my story, forgot all about it so I will do it now.
I was driving around and just before getting to my destination heard the
lady on the news say just before the commercial break, "when we come
back, news of a snow storm way out west." Well, I live in the west, so I
drove around a little longer to see if it was going to affect us in the
Tri-Cities. When they came back, you know where the snow storm was. . . .
Ohio.
-Dennis Hammer ('64) ~ Way out west in Kennewick, WA. Better not go for a
walk after dark; I might fall off the edge of the World
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
There was life after Bomberville & college... For myself, Uncle Sam
greeted me with open arms mid-August 1968. Basic training - Forth
Lewis... Radio training - Fort Ord and then off to radio teletype
training in - Augusta, GA. aka Fort Gordon... This all leads up to
another website to be built... of which I finally did two weeks ago.
I've found 12 of the members of the 511th Military Intelligence Company
(Fuerth, Germany) that I worked with + the commander of the current 511th
contacted me for some history of the Company. I've done 6 newsletters
(ala the Alumni Sandstorm) and it appears all are having a great time
with it (;-)
I came across a German fellow who volunteered to take some photos for
me... those pictures include the buildings where I worked and the
apartment where Janis & I lived for a year.
Life continues to be good!
http://krookmcsmile.tripod.com/511thMICompany.html
-Gary Behymer ('64)...somewhere in downtown Colfax, WA
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
Hi Maren - For the Sandstorm, you parrothead you!! I do wish I were in
Margaritaville, right now!!
[Buffett was great! Needed a nap when I got back, tho. Hence the
lateness of today's Sandstorm. -Maren]
To: Mandy Holmes Taylor ('97)
Being "Proud of the Cloud" is more about being proud of your school and
your town. All those years ago during the actual creation of Hanford and
the making of the products to fuel the atomic bomb, the people came from
somewhere else. And, I bet a lot of them wished they were somewhere else
when they hit the barren desert where it was either too hot or too cold,
and either too windy or too sunny. And the wind blew, and blew, and blew
some more. We moved to Richland in 1954 from Southern California, in
October. We didn't even have winter coats, because who needed winter
coats in Southern California where we played baseball in our shorts on
Christmas day!?! Not so in Richland. My mother cried her eyes out while
she was shoveling sand out of our house on the very last street in North
Richland, which was Catskill. We had no lawn, and across the street was
the desert. Mom was very unhappy, but there was work, and lots of it. We
were a unique group, all from somewhere else, where our Dads and Moms
couldn't talk about what they did at work, and had to leave bottles of
urine on the front porch for a truck to pick up. But, we had the best
education available and the best doggone basketball team in the whole
state more times than not.
Mandy, I think you need to tell your professor that it isn't because
of the Bomb that makes us so special, though that is why the Richland
Bombers came about. It is an attitude. It is a feeling that not any other
place in the whole wide world can duplicate. It is being Green and Gold
and very, very proud. Many people don't agree with what happened to end
World War II, but that's the way it was. Because of our uniqueness and
our pride, it goes back to the words of our Crest, which says it all:
CREST: (Top Cloud) "The nuclear burst symbolizes the attainments by
educated men and reminds us of responsibilities shared by all men in all
of life's endeavors and that man alone does not control the forces of
this world."
There is a great deal of history to be had in Richland. I think if you
haven't had a chance, study all the information available on the website.
The children of the Manhattan Project is also a good source.
Good luck with your project!! I know it is hard to make outsiders
understand. It may help to ask your professor what her opinion is of the
website after she reviewed it, and also what others do in regards to
their alma maters. I can guarantee if you ask just the question, "does
your school have a website?" Or, "Do graduates from your school meet for
lunch all over the nation on a regular basis?" Maybe, then they'll get
it. Because we are Bombers, we are all like brothers and sisters, or
friends of friends. We go beyond the years we graduated. And, we don't
really talk at all about "the Bomb" unless someone tries to steal our
mascot away!!
Bomber Cheers,
-Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Rick Maddy ('67)
Re: Nukes
To: Mandy Holmes Taylor ('97)
Hi Mandy,
Thanks for the refreshing questions. This will be fun. An explosion (no
pun intended) of Sandstorm posts coming with mass (not critical) answers
and opinions. These questions you ask have been turned inside and out in
the Sandstorm over the past few years. If you are willing to start from
day one and read through the years, then all your questions will be
answered.
Trying to explain to the "granolas" and people who read the morning
paper for objective news in our world that the Col-Hi mascot is an atomic
bomb/mushroom cloud that represents world peace in our time is a waste of
your time. The PROUD OF THE CLOUD refers only to the peace symbol that is
our mascot. Those that try telling you the mascot represents thousands
of dead and suffering Japanese and Hanford workers are misinformed. That
would be like a pack of strikes in a child's hands that burn down an
apartment complex and a lot of people too with the conclusion being a
match is bad. Tell your college professor that her time would be better
served changing the minds of thousands of cheering Washington Redskins
fans that their mascot is distasteful and make sure you are wearing an
RHS sweatshirt when you tell her. Perhaps educating people that flip that
filter cigarette out their car window that goes down the drain then out
to sea or in the river kills our food source would better serve the
student. Starving to death is bad. There are none of us born and/or
raised in the Tri-Cities that do not know that if America is backed into
a corner we will use this bomb again, whether the professor, you or I
like it, or not. The atomic bombs will not go away, no matter how hard
anyone pretends they will. Just ask Iran. Nukes are not bad when used in
moderation. I like putting my forehead on the bat end, spinning around
and around, then flipping the lights and getting that strobe action going
for fun like everyone else... electricity serves a good purpose, or am I
speaking for myself? Build a dam and destroy an ecosystem. Dams are bad.
I guess we could go back to gas lamps, but then we got O1 robbing O3 in
the ozone. O1 is bad. Not enough whales to light up that 4500 square foot
home for two anymore. We also know the affects of Agent Orange and other
herbicides. Herbicides are bad. Anyone that owns a fish tank and sprays
inside their house with the multitude of cans of aerosol spray with the
multitude of fragrances, paint and cleaners watch their fish die. We know
the affects of those cans. They are bad. Where are the aquarium fish
rights folks? Guns don't kill people, people kill people. People are
bad. Therefore, people with nukes will not register them in the state of
California. Alcohol related deaths on our highways have killed and maimed
thousands more than any nuke ever did... so far, and marijuana is against
the law. Pot is bad. Where is Abbie Hoffman when you need him? Where are
the war protestors on college campuses? Okay, I know from experience that
somewhere between 300-500 Americans need to die weekly like in the first
few months of 1968 before the college kids get nervous enough to protest.
Where is TRUTH? Can you imagine someone actually having the nerve to tell
us what the TRUTH is... as if they actually believed they knew it. So
many questions, so little time.
-Rick Maddy ('67) ~ College is the last time anyone will care what you
have to say.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: interview questions
Perhaps someone out there can enlighten me about questions during a job
interview. I know as a prospective employee one should not ask about
salary and such. What are the guidelines for people conducting the
interview? I do know they can't ask about marital status, pregnancy
status for females, etc. Here's two I came across the other day that I
thought were totally inappropriate and caught me off guard. I had done
most of the interview with the department director and then we went in
and talked with the administrator for a bit. He asked me if I had any
medical insurance and also what I thought my previous employers may say
about me. Is this a common practice, or was he "wrong" to even ask such
questions? I had never encountered this in the past and if it is brought
up by someone else, what do I say? I know honesty is the best policy, but
these were 2 questions I thought were a bit much.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Don Sorenson N A B
Re: Radiation at Hanford
To: Donna Bowers Rice ('63)
I read your May 6th post today. You hit on something I've thought about
for some time. Yes you are right they have changed the dosimeter for
Hanford workers at least four times I know of. First was the film badge,
second was a film badge with some absorbers to help measure the deep
dose. Those were around for quite a while until someone developed the
TLD chips in the late '60s and distributed in the early '70s. (It was
the first dosimeter I wore when I started in '77) Now we have a different
kind that we use that was introduced about 7 to 10 years ago. During that
same period the exposure was reduced from 3 REM a year to 500 millirem a
year. You can go above the 500 for the year with some signatures and a
maximum of 1500 a year. Well with that said, why did D O E reduce the
exposure levels at around the same time these new dosimeters were issued?
I don't know. But what I do know is the early film badges your parents
wore were not of the same caliber we have today. So if the folks who are
calculating the exposure to determine payment are they adjusting the
exposure based on what they know with the newer dosimeters. And if they
are not it is strongly suspected they know the lifetime exposure would go
up. Now something some folks may not know the workers at 234-5 dealt
with neutron exposure a lot. In fact it was a major concern to Health
Instruments (Radiation Monitoring). Special pencils were issued to them
to measure this exposure at the main badge house. I would disagree with
skin contamination issues. But I do believe our bodies makeup will play a
role in who gets cancer or not.
Chemicals are another issue that is not explored well either. Many kinds
were used at Hanford's laboratories and process facilities. Safe handling
was taught with the use of goggles, face shields, aprons and gloves. But
ventilation and chemical hygiene were lacking. Many chemicals were stored
on the shelves in the lab rooms and used on the bench top. NOX fumes from
the separations plants could be smelled while you walked from the bus and
you could smell them in the labs themselves. Inversions were the main
culprits for this. The bottom line is this you really need to study the
effects of radiation and understand how they reconstruct the radiation
dose. The University of Washington received a large portion of
documentation of radiation exposure at Hanford from Dr. Herbert Parker.
I know someone who is well versed on the subject of radiation, but he
would be for hire so I can't provide the name here.
-Don Sorenson N A B
*******************************************
*******************************************
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 ~ 05/08/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
13 Bombers sent stuff:
Keith Maupin ('47), Terri Royce ('56)
George Swan ('59), Bill Moyers ('60)
Michael Waggoner ('60), Jim Yount ('61)
Donna Bowers ('63), Linda Reining ('64)
Donna Fredette ('65), Betti Avant ('69)
Nancy Nelson ('69), Mike Davis ('74)
Jennifer Frank ('02)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dick Coates ('52)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim McKeown ('53)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dennis Barr ('58)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Pete Overdahl ('60)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Patty de la Bretonne ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mike Hogan ('70)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Keith Maupin ('47)
To: Mandy Holmes Taylor ('97)
Mandy, your question is one concerning the power of symbols to trigger
emotions and reason seldom enters into any discussion about a symbol.
Usually, the stronger the symbol, the greater the emotion, and the more
heated the discussion.
The "Mushroom Cloud" triggers emotions, but "Cardinal" does not – unless
you are a Stanford University student. Symbols mean something other than
what they are. To define a symbol one must look beyond the obvious and to
properly understand the meaning of the symbol one must always consider
the context. Spartan is a term with many definitions and in many usages
it is not a symbol. It becomes a symbol when used as a school nickname,
but a Michigan State Spartan is not a San Jose State Spartan. The
definition is largely determined by context.
For another example, consider the symbolic skull and bones. It appears
on poisons as a visual warning. It was used by pirates on their "Jolly
Roger" and to mark the graves of Knights Templar as well as by early
Christians in the catacombs. The Masons use it as a symbol of rebirth and
man's mortality. In modern times it was used by Nazi SS troops and by the
Skull and Bones Society at Yale University. While the symbol is the same,
what it represents is not. This is true of all symbols. The meaning of a
symbol is established by that group who chooses to use that symbol - and
the meaning is not determined by the definition outsiders assign to it.
Recently in the United States there has been controversy generated that
is critical of some symbols, and that criticism is not confined to
complaints by some Native Americans. Saxons, Devils, Demons, Cadets,
Pirates, Rebels, Savages, Earwigs, Brewers, Bombers, 1836 – all these
school nicknames have been condemned by some group or other. Is that
reason enough to change the nicknames? Maybe yes, maybe no. But the
decision must be up to the group that claims the symbol as their own. It
is only insiders that, through their experiences, can fully appreciate
the meaning of the symbol.
-Keith Maupin ('47)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Terri Royce Weiner ('56)
To: Nola Davey Meichle ('56) and Carol Black Foster ('48)
Cheers to both of you! I could not resist smiling at your insight on the
pronunciation of "Fred Meyer". Now if we can just get the rest of the
world to say "Nordstrom" and "Boeing" without the offending "s" we'll
have made an important contribution, after all!!
-Terri Royce Weiner ('56)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Goin' to the "Opry"
I have not attended the opera for some time. Ummm, come to think of it, I
don't think that I have ever attended an opera. However, I once attended
an operetta, I think. Anyway, it was one of those musical "thingies."
Lately, I have harbored a deep suspicion that in my "seasoned," as
opposed to "older" years (Thank you very much, my friend, Bonnie Allen
('59)), I suffer from a severe need to develop some class. All of my
erratic life, I have recognized that I lacked couth. I had decided to do
something about it. Obviously, too old to attend Couth School, I would
have to tackle this one myself.
I had learned of the staging of the musical play, "Bye Bye Birdie," in
Omak, WA, presented by the Okanogan Valley Orchestra & Chorus. And, it
was going to take place over a time period when I would be in the area,
once again attempting to hunt ol' Tom Turkey. So, I was looking forward
to the weekend. Friday night, opening night, May 5 arrived and I was
excited. I would embark on my mission to obtain some couth and class.
I had been in the deep woods for two days seeking the elusive "Tommy T"
but seeing only Tillie and Trixie, two hen turkeys that persisted
in hanging around. Now, based upon my vast experience of adolescent
endeavors with the opposite sex, I could only conclude that those
Okanogan Tom's didn't dance, either. But, the usual refrain, "I had a
good time," applied. For two days, I got dirty, sweaty, and tired so I
was happy -- It's a guy thing. I even had a campfire on Thursday night,
popped a cork (something that I seldom do anymore), and serenaded the
half moon on a clear, star-studded night. Hey, I was all alone in my
solitude so I wasn't bothering anyone. Well, I may have offended a couple
of hoot owls as they kept "hooting" which sounded suspiciously, a lot
like, "booing." But, the coyotes joined in whenever I got to the chorus.
So anyway, after two days of a lotta singin' and little huntin' in the
"outback," come Friday, I must say for an old (I mean seasoned guy), I
cleaned up pretty well with a bucket of water and a bar of Lava Soap ...
so I could make a presentable appearance at the Omak PAK (The Omak, WA
Performing Arts Center). I was of fine spirit. Yet, I had this strange
feeling that I was somewhat like the old hermit who came out of the hills
and into town to see a traveling "Opry" show.
I demonstrated my newly acquired couth by picking up my "Reserved" ticket
at the "Will Call" window and purchasing a raffle ticket. I entered the
PAC theater and seated myself near some friendly looking folks ...
who immediately sniffed the air and moved a few seats away from me.
I calculated they wanted a better view of the stage.
I smiled all around at the friendly folks looking at me as I adjusted my
8X42 Nikon Monarch (genuine guaranteed waterproof) Hunting Binoculars,
complete with elastic "stopem flopem" shoulder straps. Yeseriee Bob! None
of them floppy little opry glasses on a stick for this newly seasoned
"opry goer." I was indeed ready for the show. Beaming with delight and
projecting an aura of outright sophistication, there I sat ... in my
camouflage turkey togs.
Waiting for the lights to dim and the curtain to rise, I reflected on my
good fortune. A few days in the woods and now a night in the theater. It
ain't every day an old mountain man like me gets to see a musical and has
a friend playin' one of the lead parts. Peg Sheeran Finch ('63) would be
playing the part of Mae Peterson, Albert's domineering Mamma. I looked
about, proclaiming, "I know one of the stars!" as people moved yet
another seat away.
Well, to make a short story a little longer, the director provided
comments, the curtain rose and the show was underway. It was great! I
really enjoyed it. I am far from a critic of the fine arts but it seems
to me that a play or musical has to be good if, like with a good book or
movie, you find yourself losing track of the presence and all that is
around you as you become absorbed into the story.
I had heard of the show, "Bye Bye Birdie" but prior to seeing this
presentation, I knew little of it. The write up in the program states:
"Bye Bye Birdie -- What is it about? Rock and roll superstar Conrad
Birdie is being drafted and his Mama's boy Agent, Albert Peterson manages
to stage a publicity stunt in which Conrad will kiss one lucky girl from
Sweet Apple, Ohio before going into the army. Our Mama's boy Albert
Peterson has to deal with not only his Mama, but the love of his life
Rosie Alvarez, and the turmoil of high school love and growing up.
Enjoy!"
Hmmm, sounds strangely, somewhat, familiar to me as I think back over my
school days. Peg tells me that there was a movie made, of the same title,
many years ago, starring Dick Van Dyke, Ann Margret, and Conway Twitty.
The character of Conrad Birdie is based on Elvis Presley and was named
after Conway Twitty. The song, "Bye Bye Birdie" is not in the stage
musical but was only added for the movie.
The entire cast was very good, from adults right down to a couple of tiny
tots. Some entire families, participated in the production, not just on
stage but behind the scenes as well. Of course, the only one that I knew
was Peg. I remember her sister Katie Sheeran ('61) from Bomber Days.
However, I did not meet Peg until after she dropped me a line, in
relation to my Sandstorm writings, about her husband, Dick's, turkey
hunting exploits about a year, or maybe it was two, ago. As I become more
seasoned, the years seem to race by at an increasing rate. Dick was the
first turkey hunter in the State of Washington to take all three species
of wild turkeys in a single season (not an easy feat)! Later, in the
area, I had dropped in to meet both and have enjoyed knowing them ever
since.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Swan/060508-PegSheeran.jpg
Peg played her part phenomenally. Each time a character finished a song,
the audience clapped. Each time Peg completed a scene or song, the place
roared. She sings three or four songs with a lot of speaking lines in
between. She brought the house down when she climbed into a garbage can
calling for the trash pickup to just take her away while singing, "A
Mother Doesn't Matter Anymore" and when she lay down on the railroad
tracks in her attempt to keep Albert from marrying Rosie.
Upon final curtain call, the whole cast was on stage receiving accolades
when Peg "Mae Peterson" comes out -- center stage, obviously the hit
character, and really brings the house down. She has a hit performance
there!
During the intermission between Acts I and II, I had actually won the
raffle prize, a "Bye Bye Birdie" Tee Shirt, so I donned the Tee over my
camies to appear more classy. Following the performance, the full
cast gathered in the lobby. Having become an instant fan of my first
personally acquainted stage star, I received her autograph in my souvenir
program and she posed with me for a picture. A copy is included along
with a more formal picture of Peg in character that was featured in the
program pamphlet.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Swan/060508-Pappy-Mae.jpg
If you live within driving distance of Omak, you have another chance
to see this show and Peg's wonderfully funny performance. The show is
performed again on next Friday and Saturday evenings, May 12 & 13 at
7:30pm and the final show is on Sunday (a matinee), May 14 at 3:00pm.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students.
I got on the road about 10:30 PM and drove through the night singing my
seasoned heart out to Roger Miller's "Walkin' In The Sunshine," my new
personal theme song, arriving home about 2:30 AM. A few hours of sleep
and off to the Bomber Luncheon in West Richland for yet another mini-
reunion with Bombers, especially two that I had not spoken to since 1959.
But, that's a "whole 'nother" story. Seasoned life's pretty good livin'
here, in or near Bomberville.
-George "Pappy" Swan ~ Burbank, WA where today it's overcast and
threatening rain but that's OK -- Being a "seasoned" individual,
I need to rest up and tell the elves all about Pappy's latest
great adventure.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Bill Moyers ('60)
Re: King Midgets
I recall that Furman W. Potts (owner of the Rainbow gas station on GWWay,
located between the Village theater and Ernie's Typewriter) had one of
those King Midget putt-mobiles very briefly. He probably took it in as
a trade on set of tires, or maybe on a used car he had for sale. I was
working for him at the time, and remember driving the Midget home several
times for lunch and then back to work. I think we also drove it on
occasion to Taylor Auto Supply (on Stevens, near the Skating Rink and
Taste Freeze) to get parts, just for the novelty of driving it. I don't
think it was even close to being "street legal", so we drove residential
side streets whenever possible to avoid being seen and ticketed by
Richland's finest. I'd guess that was about 1960 to 1962.
Anyone else remember seeing it around Richland about that time?
-Bill Moyers ('60) ~ in rainy Vancouver, WA
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****************************************************************
>>From: Michael J. Waggoner ('60)
Suggestion to Mandy Holmes Taylor ('97), on how to respond to critics:
The atomic bomb and the hydrogen bomb were terrible weapons. I am very
sorry that we had to make them (Hanford made plutonium, both for atomic
bombs, and for the triggers for hydrogen bombs) and that we had to use
the atomic bomb. But we need to put that in perspective. First, in the 31
years before those bombs, we had two world wars with conventional weapons
and in each war tens of millions of people were killed. In the 61 years
since there have been no world wars, although there have been far too
many little wars and small-area mass killings.
Second, we dropped the bombs on Japan to end World War II and to save
hundreds of thousands of American lives, lives of parents, grandparents,
and great grandparents of legions of U.S. citizens who would never have
been born had the bombs not been used and had an invasion of Japan like
those of Iwo Jima and Okinawa been required. Although the bombs killed
hundreds of thousands of Japanese, many times that many Japanese would
have died in an invasion, so although our purpose was to save American
lives, we saved far more Japanese lives.
The people of Richland, as of the United States as a whole, can be proud
of what the dedicated workers of Hanford accomplished. We all should be
ashamed of the little help that they are getting for the chemical and
radiation injuries that they sustained in their nation's service to bring
about a more peaceful world.
-Michael J. Waggoner ('60)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jim Yount ('61)
Re: 8th of May
A special greeting on this special day to all Bombers who are also
Cougars. I was wondering of some of our more senior members might
remember the early traditions of the "Hooray, Hooray for the 8th of May"
celebrations at WSU/WSC. I remember being told that at one time, there
were actually parades, floats of sorts, and parties/dances. I know that
by the time I graduated in 1966, the history was long standing, and
that the Field House, student housing, and Women’s closing hours were
principal elements. I'm guessing that nowadays the frustrations and
whimsies of those more restrictive times would be lost on the current
generation.
Any good memories out there?
-Jim Yount ('61)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Donna Bowers Rice (Gold Medal Class of '63)
This is in reply to Don Sorenson (Richland Historian) about exposure to
radiation. My Dad was involved with pens and with different chemical
baths. He referred to his exposure as "spills" and asking those in the
know just what he was exposed to-I get nothing. You would think the
Unions would know, they do not! When you are dealing with weapons grade
plutonium and different chemicals, you get a nuclear soup that I don't
even know that they knew how potent it was. And different Nuclear Plants
used different chemicals. The secrecy surrounding all this really works
in the governments favor. The man that developed the Hanford TLD is a
leading "Linear-no threshold" advocate and there is quite a controversy
over that concept in the physics world. I am by no means as well versed
in this subject, but I KNOW that the human body is not linear and has a
tipping point in all reactions. This really is such a fascinating
subject.
I was told by an ombudsman (appointed by Congress for the Public's
Interest from Boston) that the probabilities of death were based on the
deaths from the bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima/Nagasaki. That
seems way off base, because our father's exposures were nothing like that
one-time incidence. Can you confirm or deny this? And do you know on what
they used to base the probability of death?
-Donna Bowers Rice (Gold Medal Class of '6#} ~ I have been in
Birmingham, Alabama. the past 2 weeks visiting my daughter-enjoying
Southern hospitality. It truly is a beautiful little city!
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
to:Mandy Holmes Taylor(97)
re:"Proud of the Cloud"
I had written an entry to send, hit the wrong button and deleted the
entire article! but Bob Cross(62)and Linda McKnight Hoban(65)said exactly
how I feel, so I won't rewrite what I had written. take pride in your
town, your school, your mascot, and the fact that we were and are a
diverse group with a common bond that holds us all together.
-Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber classs of 64).......weather in Bakersfield,
CA is okay for now----only in the mid 80's and we have had a mild breeze
blowing, so that is helping keep the temperatures cooler.
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****************************************************************
>>From: Donna Fredette ('65)
Re: Bomber Loyalty
To: Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
Well said.
Bomber Cheers!
-Donna Fredette ('65)
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Thanks to those of you who responded to me regarding interview questions.
I guess I can see why someone may want to know what previous employers
might say about you. It still doesn't make sense about the insurance,
however. I wonder what would have been said if I had said no. That
is the only time that question has ever been asked of me during an
interview. Oh well, I'll just let it go for now.
Maren, glad you had a good time with Jimmy Buffett.
Bomber rahs rahs to everyone.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA
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****************************************************************
>>From: Nancy Nelson Wyatt ('69)
Re: Interview For Betty Avant ('69)
Betty, As a former employer, I know the question of Medical Insurance is
not right to ask. And the question of how you feel your previous employer
would say about you is ok. He/she will talk to your previous employer
anyway. He just wanted your aspect on how you felt.
As for Mike's suggestion on a Hanford Memorial, My parents are still
alive and not in good health but I think the Memorial is an excellent
idea. I remember Dad coming home with the "Green Suits" on several
occasions. He was power supervisor for the areas where the radiation
was. I am real sorry I missed the [60 MInutes] episode on the Hanford.
Wish I could have seen it.
Will be home for a weekend around Mother's Day to visit my parents. Maybe
some of the Bombers could get together. If I don't make Mother's Day, It
will be the following weekend.
Everyone have a good day and week.
-Nancy Nelson Wyatt ('69) ~ in Northeastern Washington, Colville to
be exact where it is sunny now and rain this afternoon and the
fishing is excellent.
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>>From: Mike Davis ('74)
With great sadness I am announcing that my sister-in-law, Jennifer
Maiuri Davis ('86) passed away this morning [5/7/06] around 3:55 am.
She struggled on Saturday with her breathing, but was never in pain.
She looked very peaceful and is finally done battling this horrible
unforgiving disease.
Jennifer is the most courageous and determined person I have ever known.
She battled this disease with every ounce of her strength. We have all
learned and grown for this experience and are better people because of
her. She brightened our lives and she will forever remain in our hearts.
All of us in the Maiuri and Davis family would sincerely like to thank
all of you for the incredible support you have given us through this
rough time. Jennifer was an incredible woman with the most wonderful
friends that anyone could ever have. She is at peace now.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
We love you, Jen.
-Mike Davis ('74) ~ (speaking for all the Maiuri family and the Davis
family)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Jennifer Frank ('02)
To: Mandy Holmes Taylor ('97)
Mandy,
I guess I am going to add my input here and tell a little story—mine too
requires some background… I graduated in 2002 from RHS and have one more
year left in my college career at Boise State University. I grew up in
the RHS gym and stadium, and I am so proud to be a Bomber. When my sister
was 3, a friend of the family told her that she was going to have to be a
Hanford Falcon because of where she lived. She said "I am NOT going to be
a Hanford Falcon, I’m going to be a Richland Bomber!" She then told my
parents they were going to have to find a new house because she was not
going to go to school at Hanford. She graduated from Richland as the
class of 2005. It’s all about the Bomber blood.
Anyway, my sophomore year I had to take a history class that covered all
aspects of the war. Of course when the atomic bomb comes up, a small riot
begins, it never fails. I sat in class one day and listened to A group
of individuals share their opinions and as always I just sat there and
smiled, continuing on with whatever I was doing. About 15 minutes into
the conversation a gentleman raises his hand and says "have you ever been
to Hanford?" Of course, I perk up because I have a feeling this about to
get into something I actually know about. He goes on to say how you can't
even get into the town of Hanford and that there is a high school in
Richland, (which he then points out "isn't even Hanford") that has their
mascot as the Bombers. Everyone gets offended that such a place existed
and people began talking about going there and petitioning to get the
mascot changed because it was so disrespectful and so many other things.
I am not normally a talker in class, especially lecture classes with 300
people in them, but they had surpassed a line that I was allowing them
to go up to. I had taken a class, in a much smaller capacity, from this
professor before, so I raised my hand and asked if I could come to the
front of the lecture hall. I had been back to Richland about two weeks
prior for something for my younger siblings and my mom had given be a
window sticker of the "R" and the mushroom cloud… it was still in my bag.
I handed the sticker to my professor for her to put on the overhead so
everyone could see it... you should have heard the gasps. I went on to
explain that I grew up in Richland, that the town of Hanford doesn't
really exist anymore, hasn't in years. That you can't go to see it
because it is in a certain radius of what at one time was a nuclear
"camp" basically. I told them about the old foundation to the school and
how people moved from the bunkers to real homes in Richland. I told them
that they weren't the only ones who hated the fact that our mascot was a
Bomber and that our symbol was an "R" with a mushroom cloud – just like
they could see on the board. Every year someone tries to get it changed.
I went on the explain that Richland High School is a HUGE extended family
that spreads world wide. It doesn't really matter if you got to graduate
from RHS or not, because once you went there and knew people, you were
part of the group. I told them about the luncheons that many of the
alumni attend and about the Alumni Sandstorm and the stories and memories
that everyone tells. And I told them about the pride that comes with
being a Bomber or having family or friends who are Bombers. That, by no
means are people overjoyed with the fact that so many people died from
the bomb, some feel it was necessary, and others don't. The fact of the
matter is that, at the time that the Manhattan Project was in effect,
very, VERY, few people knew what was going on. There are so many people
in Richland that are feeling or have felt the affects of what the Nuclear
Radiation did to them and/or their families. I then told them about the
Day's Pay, and the amount of pride that went into that plane and that it,
too, is another version of our mascot. I answered some questions (to the
best of my ability) after I was done on my soapbox and I couldn't believe
that I had done that, but you know what? I have had a few more classes
with the gentleman and even though he still doesn't agree with the
dropping of the bombs, he understands that times were so different and
that fear and patriotism can drive many people to do things that may
never think of doing otherwise.
Being in Boise, we get some different, cultured movies at a theater
called "The Flicks." They have a movie there now called something to the
affects of "If the Confederacy Would Have Won." During the movie they
make a point to say that one countries terrorism is another countries
patriotism. I had never thought about that, but it's true.
I don't know if this helps, but seeing as how I'm in school too, I
thought it might help to shed a little light on something. Sorry if I
just rambled on and it did nothing for ya! If it helps, then awesome!
-Jennifer Frank ('02)
*******************************************
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/09/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9 Bombers sent stuff and 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
Curt Donahue ('53), Bill Lattin ('58)
Burt Pierard ('59), Larry Mattingly ('60)
Patti Jones ('60), Katie Sheeran ('61)
Linda Reining ('64), David Rivers ('65)
Betti Avant ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Twins: Bill & Mary Bailey ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Val Trent ('70)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Curt Donahue ('53)
Re: Proud of the Cloud
The remarks by Michael Waggoner ('60), Bob Cross ('62), Linda McKnight ('65),
and Jennifer Frank ('02) were all "right on" on this subject. We who grew
up in Richland have very much of which to be proud. We have a heritage
that is unrivaled in history. I believe that the strong bond that has
materialized among the alumni (no matter the graduating year) is the
result of that unique heritage as well as the fact that many of us and/or
our parents came together from all over this great country. I guess
that we just have to be patient with all those people who will never
understand of what and why we are proud or what bonds such a diverse
age group of people together like we are.
But, now for a really important matter: My wife and I have to travel to
the Midwest this summer to, among other things, attend the marriage of
one of our grandchildren. With the high price of gasoline, it would be
most helpful if each of you could send me $1.00. Whatever is left after
fueling up, I will send to Club 40 Scholarship Fund. Thank you very much!
-Curt Donahue ('53) ~ Federal Way, WA
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****************************************************************
>>From: Bill Lattin ('58)
I saw the note from Michael Waggoner ('60) and it reminded me of
something I read recently.
Stephen Ambrose wrote his last book "To America" as a set of personal
reflections after a half-century of teaching history and writing books on
history. He started his career as a critic of Truman's decision to drop
the bomb on Hiroshima and ended his career saying "Thank God for Harry
Truman. For his courage and decisiveness". Page 115. What caused Ambrose
to change his mind? Historical documents reveal that the Japanese
government was ready to defend the homeland to the last person and that
the defenses were modeled after what they had learned in Iwo Jima and
Okinawa. When Ambrose interviewed Colonel Andrew Goodpaster, the man who
did the projection of 800,000 US losses to invade Japan, he concluded
that the estimate was low. The Colonel had used the numbers from Okinawa
and multiplied by the larger force in Japan, but Hirohito and the
Japanese military leaders had more ambitious plans to defend the main
island, including using women and children to meet the Marines on the
beach with sharpened bamboo stakes. They thought that they could inflict
enough US casualties to force the US to negotiate a settlement on more
favorable terms.
All this to say that my dad was proud of the role he played working at
Hanford; and as bad as the war was, the bomb saved 800,000 to 1,000,000
US casualties and as Michael Waggoner pointed out, untold Japanese lives.
-Bill Lattin ('58)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
To: Jennifer Frank ('02)
Re: Your dissertation on the Bombers
Congratulations on your fantastic telling & defense of the Bombers'
Story. My only criticism is your description of Day's Pay as "another
version of our mascot." Day's Pay is not our mascot and never was. Day's
Pay was a Hanford Construction Workers event (little or nothing to do
with the Operations people in Richland) and practically everybody who
contributed, never even lived in Richland. The Day's Pay as a mascot
fabrication started with the arrival of the "mural" in 1993 and was
spearheaded & perpetuated by 4 anti-nuke teachers who wanted to get rid
of the "R-cloud." (Their earlier ploy, in the '80s, was to claim that the
Bombers name was adopted for a generic bomber airplane in 1944, before
the bomb was dropped, but that was easily proven as false.) But even
then, they hadn't dreamed up the Day's Pay Fraud yet. By the time you
graduated, the drumbeats for the Day's Pay mascot had been going on for
nearly 9 years and it is a credit to you to appreciate the tradition of
the "R-cloud" which was designed and trademarked in 1972 and adopted as
the Official School Symbol by the students in an all-school vote in early
1989.
Thanks for the wonderful story.
Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
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****************************************************************
>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: A very Happy Birthday
All of us are always concerned with the health, happiness, and welfare of
our children. 5 years ago today I dried my tears of happiness and wrote
of my number 2 daughter's winning her battle with a nasty stage 3
lymphoma cancer. It was her birthday. Of course you are never really sure
how long the victory will last. The big C has a sneaky way of coming
back. So this year it is an even happier birthday as the doctors
pronounced her 5 year comprehensive exam totally clean. A very Happy
Birthday to Sandra. After we settled down from that news she told me she
was homesick for the mainland and would be leaving Honolulu in a couple
of days and moving back to the Phoenix area. She is Chief Financial
Officer of a heritage jewelry firm with 8 stores including Tokyo and
Paris. Her boss refused to let her resign, and so instead of looking for
employment in the Phoenix area, he bought her a completely equipped
office for her home and she will telecommute. Additionally she will
become the Chief Financial Officer of FireLinx, Inc., our new firing
system company, and with HQ in Tahoe and the sales office in Tacoma, she
will telecommute for that also. So I am off to bed in the relief of a
truly happy day.
"Happiness is the sky in bloom"
-J Larry Mattingly ('60) ~ From home where I have been planning logistics
to move myself and another pyro engineer, 2 techs and nearly 1
ton of equipment to Shanghai China in Oct. We have been asked to
use the new firing system on a giant display of 9 barges and 2
land positions firing about 40,000 shells. I am in awe of this
opportunity offered to me by a pyro friend from New Zealand.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
To: Linda Reining ('64)
Re: All Bomber Luncheon - Richland
Good try about the out of town guest. The whole mystery was not about
the out of town guest. As you will see in the following write up about
the luncheon.
To: All Bombers
Re: All Bomber Luncheon - Richland
Marie Ruppert Hartman ('63) has now joined Vera Smith Robbins ('58) and
myself to put on the luncheons. Marie will be doing the photography from
now on. Thanks Marie for stepping up in your busy schedule to help.
As I mentioned in last week's announcement, there would be an attendee
from out of town. His name could not be mentioned as he was working to
get another Bomber at the luncheon who did not know that another out of
guest would be at the luncheon. David Mansfield ('59) came from Oregon.
David got Bonnie Allen ('59) from Mill Creek, WA to attend. The surprise
was for "Pappy" George Swan ('59) who did know that Bonnie would attend.
If too much was said before, it would have given away the surprise. The
three had attended their 40th class reunion but none of them saw each
other at the reunion. They had not seen each other since they graduated
in 1959. David and I started emailing a couple of months back. This
was all set up through emails.
Wow! I sure hope I said all this right!!!
We had many other surprises happening through out the luncheon. Sometimes
I have everyone introduce themselves and the year they graduated.
Announcements come also during this time. Introductions turned into more
surprises with a lot of laughter. Everything from who lived where in
Richland, to how many children, grandchildren, great children, siblings
and who were neighbors. Some of the Bombers had gone to school from grade
school through high school. The U shaped table arrangement made it easier
for group pictures.
Bombers in attendance: Myself, Bonnie Allen ('59), David Mansfield('59),
Jackie Devries Brown ('62), Eileen Shaw ('62), Barbara Stookesberry Long ('60),
Marie Ruppert Hartman ('62), Kathy Hoff Conrad ('64), Ralph Bean ('59) and
spouse Barbara, Barbara Isakson Rau ('58), Glen Rose ('58) and spouse
Carol, George "Pappy" Swan ('59) and spouse Jeanne, Derrith Persons Dean ('60),
Vera Smith Robbins ('58) and James Smith ('58).
To: Bombers hosting luncheons
Re: Pictures
A special thanks to Doug Ufkes ('68) who hosted the last luncheon in
Arizona. Doug and I were in email contact some before and after the
luncheon. Doug (If it was just you Doug let us know. Want credit to go
to whom it belongs) or another Bomber came up with the idea to have the
pictures taken at the same time as the Bombers sign in. Then it is easier
to put the picture and name together for the Sandstorm. It flowed very
well to do it this way so far. Hope this helps you also Maren.
Bombers Have Fun
-Patti Jones Ahrens ('60), West Richland, WA ~ Where we now have two
lights on Bombing Range Road. One at Van Giesen, second at
Bombing Range road where the new Yoke's market is. The spelling
of Yoke's is by the sign in front of the market. Haven't watched
the local news much the last few days but was told by a Bomber
that there is talk on the news about renaming West Richland to
Red Mountain, WA
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>>From: Katie Sheeran Johnson ('61)
Have to brag about my sister Peg ('63) being in the play of "Bye Bye
Birdie" in Omak, WA. Never knew she was so talented. We went to the
Matinee yesterday and she was great! Heard a few people say she was
absolutely "priceless".
You made us proud, Peg!
-Katie Sheeran Johnson ('61)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[See the picture of Peg that Pappy Swan ('59) submitted yesterday:
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Swan/060508-PegSheeran.jpg
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>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
re:Bye Bye Birdie
have seen this movie many, many times, but I don't ever remember seeing
Conway Twitty in it(don't think he was). it starred Dick Van Dyke, Janet
Leigh, Paul Lynde, Ann-Margret, Bobby Rydell, Maureen Stapleton, and Ed
Sullivan.
this was also done as a play at Col-Hi in my senior year, I think. I
think Sandy Bloom(class of 64)played the lead role of Kim and it also
starred Karen Webster(class of 64)as Mama Mae Peterson---she did an
awesome job and we laughed til tears rolled down our cheeks, she was
almost better than Maureen Stapleton! saw the play three times----once
during school hours and then on both Friday and Saturday nights.
when my youngest daughter was in high school, she was in this play during
her senior year--she played one of the participants doing the "Telephone
hour"---think it must be a play that is always done in high schools.
*grin*
would have loved to have seen Peg Sheeran Finch(class of 63)portraying
Mama Mae Peterson--thanks for the critique, George(Pappy)Swan(class of
59). *grin*
Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of 64).......Bakersfield,
CA.........weather is still nice---only in the 80s and a breeze is still
blowing, which is helping to keep the temps lower.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Proud of the cloud
I'm a Bomber thru and thru. Always was always will be. I have three
college degrees... big whoop... I'm still proud of the cloud... I have
seen war first hand... I'm still proud of the cloud... I saw my father's
legs that looked like they were made of alligator hide from an incident
through which he was the only survivor... an incident I might add that
according to Hanford history must never have happened... musta been his
imagination that he was lucky enough to have been holding a big piece
of masonite which protected everything but his legs and he must have
imagined those other two guys dying... I'm even more proud of the
cloud... I'm proud of Maddy ('67) who should have every reason to hate
anything to do with war and war tools... I'm proud of McKnight ('65) for
the way she expressed herself and the love and devotion Bombers have for
each other... I've met a ton of college professors and most appear to be
fairly well meaning... few have experienced much of life tho some have
experienced all kinds of things like death camps and such... I have a lot
more understanding of the latter than the former... I've experience a
whole bunch of life... lots of it was bad bad bad... imagine having a
shotgun pointed at your head while some guy robbed you and raped your
girlfriend... imagine seeing friends die... imagine finding friends
dead... it's all life but it doesn't make me think of the entire world
as a bad place... and I'm still proud of the cloud. I'm sorry that hind
sight is so narrow in its focus... it is so very easy to point one's
finger and be shocked and dismayed when one hasn't experienced the
horrors of war... but I'm sorry folks... this world has been experiencing
war of some kind or another since man first saw that hot chick over there
by that other man and hit the other guy with his club... is there any
excuse for war? Who knows... It all comes in increments... defending
one's self is ok... aggression is bad... what about some defense and
some aggression... where do we draw the line? But I'm still proud of the
cloud. When I got sober I was told to practice the three Cs... Don't
criticize condemn or complain... hard to do but when you can, it is so
nice... All I know is thanks to all Bombers... those who built it and
those who have lived in my home town... the best damned home town in the
world... bar none! And I'm still proud of the cloud!!!!!!! So there!
-David Rivers ('65)
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Now we all know the face to the name, thanks Pappy. I'm glad you enjoyed
the musical. I started going to the Richland Light Opera productions in
junior high and always tried to go to every performance while I was still
in Richland. There were times when I wished I could act, sing, or play
my instrument better so I could be a part of it. I could have joined the
crew or something but just never did. Local talent is the best. While at
CBC my speech teacher was member of the cast of Man of LaMancha.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA
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Funeral Notice scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
>>Bill Gaines ('65) ~ 12/6/46 - 4/29/06
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/10/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4 Bombers and 1 NAB sent stuff and 1 Bomber funeral notice today:
George Swan ('59), Peg Sheeran ('63)
Roy Ballard ('63), Jason Fleming ('86)
Don Sorenson (NAB - Not A Bomber)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Chuck Lollis ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Don Andrews ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Suzanne Christianson ('85)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dwayne Bussman ('98)
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NOTICE: Pictures from the All Bomber Lunch
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Lunches/Current-ALL/00.html
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Curt Donahue ('53)
I love your ingenuity in coming up with a unique way for a "seasoned"
Bomber to deal with rising gas prices and finance trips by calling for
indirect donations (all for a good cause, of course). This concept has
merit. I salute you, my fellow seasoned Bomber. Now, if I may borrow the
idea, let's see ... what trips do I have coming up?
To: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
You said, "Wow! I sure hope I said all this right!!!" You got it about
99.9% right. All four of us had emailed each other to some extent. Bonnie
Allen ('59) and I had exchanged emails after she wrote to me requesting my
"Pappy's Parting Shots" file of stories. She and David Mansfield ('59)
had also reconnected and had been exchanging emails, as he was emailing
with you also. Then David contacted me as to whether I could attend the
luncheon in order to surprise Bonnie, especially since she had weathered
the storm of my three-part description of my adolescent agony of attending
a party at her house way back in the seventh grade. So, the surprised one
was actually supposed to be Bonnie. However, being the fair damsel and
astute Bomber that she is, I think she had a suspicion that something was
up. And, it was Bonnie who strongly suggested that I stop referring to
myself as "old" so we more or less agreed on "seasoned." Anyway, it was
great fun and I enjoyed very much the mini-reunion with Bonnie and David
as well as you and the other Bombers. It is true that Bonnie, David, and
I all attended the Class of 1959's 40th reunion and somehow failed to
connect with each other then. Therefore, the three of us had not really
seen or spoken with each other since 1959. As David indicated, "One goes
to those events, gets caught up in reconnecting and the first thing
you know its midnight." In my case, by then, I have turned back into a
pumpkin, the mice ran off, and I have to walk home 'cause I still have not
found and become reacquainted with many classmates. So, I am left looking
forward to (and hoping God keeps me around until) the next one. But,
thanks to Maren and Richard for "Alumni Sandstorm," the Club 40, and the
mini-Bomber reunions (in the form of Bomber luncheons) all over the world,
we don't always have to wait until the next class reunion to reconnect
with many of our fellow Bombers. And, BTW, don't believe everything my
spouse (the love of my life ... I might add), Jeanne, said about me. I
mean, just look at this seasoned face. Would I be likely to fall for
something like calling what turned out to be "Dial a Prayer" as a result
of a young lady giving me her personal phone number? OK, that might be
true. Moving on ... Now, I think that I got it all right. I don't always.
Consider the following:
Re: For the Birdies
To: Linda Reining ('64)
I confess! I Googled and you too, are right! I could find no mention of
Conway Twitty being in the movie, "Bye Bye Birdie." So, I reread the
program for the Omak PAC production and found that it says that "The
character of Conrad Birdie was NAMED after Conway Twitty" (makes sense Con
... Twitty/Birdie) and the character of Conrad Birdie is based on Elvis
Presley. I repent. Guess that's what happens when a "seasoned" Bomber like
me attempts to come outta the hills, attend an "Opry," and write a review
of a Broadway type play. I'll stick to my daytime job ... being retired.
*grinin' back at ya*
To: Katie Sheeran Johnson ('61) and Peg Sheeran Finch ('63)
Katie,
You have every right to be proud of your sister, Peg. As I sat there,
mesmerized, on opening night, I kept thinking, "That's Peg up there making
me and the whole audience laugh our hearts out and I know her." She is
indeed talented and absolutely "priceless!" Now, as a result, I have
decided to check out local stage productions. I have never been much for
that sort of thing before. I guess an old (I mean seasoned), eccentric guy
can learn a new trick or two. Thanks Peg, you are truly an inspiration!
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ where again the sun shines nicely, Lowiq is
again hard at work on something under a little camouflaged tarp,
and rumor has it that the elves have even been discussing the
possibility of putting on a stage show right here in "River City."
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Peg Sheeran Finch ('63)
Re: Bye Bye Birdie
Thanks to George Swan ('59) and sister, Kate ('61) for their praise of
our play, which is performing its final 3 performances this Friday and
Saturday at 7:30 PM, and Sunday (Mother's Day) at 3 PM, at our Omak
Performing Arts Center (PAC) - the tallest (red brick) building in town,
with a flag pole right on top (on Cedar St.). Our town of 4800 or so, has
only SOME of the actors.... teens and adults have come from 30 to 40 miles
away to be a part of it (through MANY rehearsals). I think they're all
great... after having nearly given up on teens in large groups after
teaching at Omak High School for many years. They've renewed my faith in
our younger generation!
If any NorthCentral WA residents (or ANYONE from Timbuktu to - well -
anywhere)... it really can make you smile, I think. - maybe even laugh out
loud... and perhaps take you back to the good times in the '60s.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62 and older) and students,
and $8 for kids, and can now be bought at the door, if you can't get them
at our local businesses, like Donaldson's, Rawson's, etc.
I would love see you there...
-Peg Sheeran Finch ('63)
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>>From: Roy Ballard ('63)
To: David Rivers ('65)
Well said... no better way to say it. I too am Proud of the Cloud and
always will be... along with my wife Nancy Erlandson Ballard ('67). I
think that I can also speak for Jim Adair ('66) and Kathie Moore Adair ('69).
We four are all proud of the cloud, unlike some including the super and
some on down.
-Roy Ballard ('63)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Jason Fleming ('86)
To: Mandy Holmes Taylor ('97)
I think your question regarding Bomber pride and nuclear weapons shines a
light on many of the gray areas people face as they experience new things
and new ideas. This is especially relevant for those of us who have grown
up in the Tri-Cities.
The symbol that is used by Richland High School has been cherished by many
people over the years and, for VAST majority of them, represents a happier
time in their lives, a pride in a great school with many excellent
teachers and outstanding sports programs and parents who worked very hard
to support their families. One can argue about the historic relevance of
the whole thing, but that isn't what occupies the minds of most and there
isn't anything wrong with having good thoughts and memories.
When the matter gets down to brass tacks, though, the symbol of the
mushroom cloud is going to be linked for the duration of our civilization
to death, destruction and suffering. History, of course, will go on about
how many lives the dropping of the bombs saved and how it prevented any
more of the horrors of that war, but to those that had no participation in
the war it will mean something quite different. It will be linked to the
deaths of children going to school and mothers holding their babies. It
will be linked to ongoing birth defects, cancers and nuclear waste.
For you, Mandy, it might even be linked to the cancer your own brother
suffered from for too long a time. If we are going to take comfort in
what good memories that the Richland High School mushroom cloud represent,
though, we also have to accept the responsibility for the pain and
suffering such a thing represents to others, and not just the Japanese. It
also will be linked the Chernobyl accident and the rampant pollution of
nuclear waste throughout the former USSR and the depleted uranium dust
from weapons used during the first Gulf War that has devastated Iraq. If
we are going to have pride in those things we cherish that are represented
by the symbol of the mushroom cloud then we must also accept the other
things that it represents and the effect it has on others.
It is my sincere hope that all is going great for you and yours in
southern California and that your Masters program goes well!
-Jason Fleming ('86)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Don Sorenson (NAB)
Re: Radiation and Chemical hazards at Hanford
To: Donna Bowers Rice ('63)
It's interesting your dad mentions his exposures as spills. If I knew
what your father did I could answer some of your questions. The Nagasaki
and Hiroshima deaths and exposures were calculated using what they knew
from instruments in an accompanying plane and what they saw after the war
in Japan. While I do not know the whole truth the ombudsman is correct
to a certain degree. You really can't compare what Hanford workers were
exposed to with what happened in an air burst. But you have to start
somewhere and that is what they did, in part. There are other experiences
they drew their conclusions from but I don't have room here. The bomb
gives off an incredible amount of high energy neutrons, short lived
isotopes and a lot of fall out. Many folks died from the heat and over
pressures created after the blast. Anyway, Hanford workers were exposed to
much lower levels of mostly gamma & beta radiation and some neutrons (this
of course depends on where they worked i.e. reactors or concentrated
plutonium). Gamma was the biggest culprit since beta does not travel very
far and is blocked with some relative ease. Of course if the beta has a
higher energy it will cause some X Rays to be produced. And last but not
least airborne contamination breathed in to the lungs. A bigger problem
when you work with plutonium and in my experience Pu is easier to get
airborne than most fission by products. You are right about the body not
being linear. Los Alamos has 50 year lifetime records of 20 or so people
who were exposed to very high levels of contamination. Of those studied
only one has died. Car accident or heart attack. The others have lived
into their 80s. One man I have met personally is the second highest
recorded level of internal contamination. He is still alive approaching
90. However these folks were pulled from working with plutonium after
their exposures were recorded. No long term exposures to gamma, beta and
neutron radiations as were the production folks. I have some wild stories
of contamination incidents and over exposures from the early days. Of
course many Bombers can tell the same.
-Don Sorenson Just a N A B
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Funeral Notice
>>Jennifer Maiuri Davis ('86) ~ 9/26/67 - 5/7/06
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/11/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5 Bombers sent stuff:
Rosalie Geiger ('57), Larry Mattingly ('60)
Linda Reining ('64), Sean Lewis ('77)
Shawn Schuchart ('78)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bill McCue ('51)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dave Doran ('72)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Rosalie Geiger Hughes ('57)
To: Jennifer Frank ('02)
My family came to the Hanford Works in 1944 when I was 5 and before the
bombs were dropped. Even at that age I have a vivid memory of the secrecy
of the project. We lived in an A-house, and I remember like it was
yesterday, the day I was playing on the floor in the living room, my
mother was working in the kitchen with the radio on. Suddenly she said,
as matter of factly as if she were talking about the weather, "the war
is over". The news was flashing around the world that we had dropped the
bombs on Japan. Suddenly everyone knew what the big mystery was about.
The war was over.
You are going to BSU in Boise. I work for the Dept. of Homeland Security-
Transportation Security Administration at the airport in Boise. While my
job is upstairs in administration, if you come through airport security
sometime and have a few minutes, during the day, ask for Rosalie. I would
enjoy coming down to meet you.
-Rosalie Geiger Hughes ('57)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: Hanford contamination
There was another little-known contamination hazard at Hanford. Tritium.
This is the heavy hydrogen element that is a component of the hydrogen
bomb. Very little of it occurs naturally and so they made it by placing
"target fuel elements" in the neutron flux zone of a reactor. I didn't
understand all I knew about it, but the targets were lithium metal in
some form and during the ex-reactor radioactive decay process, Tritium
was formed and extracted at the optimum time.
In the process of destructive testing some of these elements, I (and two
others) received a dose of Tritium. It disseminates via the kidneys and so
we were on a forced water diet of a quart an hour around the clock for
24 hours (or, for as much as we could stand and stay awake for). And of
course the predictable results were dumped in the large can on the porch
and tested. I exceeded the minimums and the Health Physicist reported that
I got rid of over 90% of it in a 48 hour period. The others were somewhat
less successful at around 80% as I remember. I did see the final incident
report and if memory serves me, my "calculated whole body dose" was like
400 MR or .4 REM. Although that was in the mid-'60s and I am not sure what
that calculation would show now. I was told not to worry about it at that
level, and have not spent more then 15 minutes thinking about it since
then.
"Happiness is the sky in bloom"
-J Larry Mattingly ('60)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
to:George(Pappy)Swan(59)
re:coming outta the hills, going to the "Opry", and writing a review
DON'T give up doing what makes ya feel good! I didn't mean to pick on ya,
was just stating that I had never seen Conway Twitty in that movie. I LOVE
your writings about the elves and IF you want to stray into critiquing(not
sure if that is how it is spelled or not, but ya know what I mean), that
is okay with me. *grin*
I like musicals and I really think there are times when they are performed
much better by a group of amateurs---even funny when they mess up----makes
for a more relaxed atmosphere and gives the play a more human feel.
IF anyone remembers Bill Dunton(choir director from Carmichael), he was
always putting on choral plays and they were a lot of fun to watch! I
never had Bill for choir(he moved to Fullerton, CA, the summer before I
was to start 7th grade at Carmichael), but I have seen his "Scotscapades"
at La Habra High School and they were great! was almost more fun to watch
the rehearsals than the actual productions! he would get the "jocks"
involved, too. always seemed able to get them to perform a scene from
"South Pacific"........can't remember the name of the song, but might have
been, "There is Nothing Like a Dame"(they wore coconuts for bras and grass
skirts)----in the movie, this was done by Ray Walston and other Navy men.
*grin*
to:Peg Sheeran Finch(63).....love going to the "Civic Light Opera" and
seeing the plays they perform---keep up the great job----might just get up
to Omak to see you one of these years. *grin* have a cousin(Mike
DeMers,68?) who lives there---will have to e mail and see if he went to
the play.
Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of 64)........blasted heat has arrived
in Bakersfield, CA!!!!!! was 92 degrees Wednesday and supposed to be 96 on
Thursday!!!!!! ugh!!!
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>>From: Sean Lewis ('77)
Greetings from Puyallup, WA.
If your name is Harvey Chapman, Jim Tadlock, Gary Davis, Lori Gana,
Mark or Ann Gerken, Shannon Strankman or Tony Robinson; you still live in
the Dri-Cities, and you're an RHS alum (duh!), we probably know each other
and you're cordially invited on this coming Memorial Day weekend to come
hear me and my cohort play at the Bookwalter Winery in Richland. Our
acoustic guitar/vocal duo is called Lewis/Lane and we'll be there both
Saturday evening (the 27th) and Sunday afternoon (the 28th). We play songs
from the last 30 years or so that you're pretty much guaranteed to know.
If you're in town and have the time, it would be great to see you or any
other old friends/classmates from the Class of '77 era (and beyond). I
hear the wine there is pretty good too!
You can see our website at www.lewislane.info and of course you're more
than welcome to drop me an e-mail at: lewislanemusic@yahoo.com if you're
so inclined...
-Sean Lewis ('77) ~ Puyallup, WA
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****************************************************************
>>From: Shawn Schuchart Mabley ('78)
To: Jim Yount ('61)
My husband and I faithfully celebrate May 8. He might forget to celebrate
birthdays or anniversaries, but he never forgets May 8th!
-Shawn Schuchart Mabley ('78)
*******************************************
*******************************************
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 ~ 05/12/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3 Bombers and 1 NAB sent stuff:
Richard Roberts ('49), George Swan ('59)
Bill Johnson ('61), Don Sorenson (NAB-Not A Bomber)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Richard Roberts ('49)
To: Dick McCoy ('45, etc., etc.)
Last night with friends over dinner, we were discussing high school
antics. My wife, Carol Tyner ('52) told us that she thought somebody
had dismantled Coach Rish's car, then reassembled it on top of the
gymnasium building. I said Dick McCoy could probably talk more about
that or some related incident better than anyone. How about it, Dick?
-Richard Roberts ('49)
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****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Michael J. Waggoner ('60) with a CC: to Mandy Holmes Taylor ('97)
Re: The Bomb
Michael,
I have been reading the discussion of the dropping of the bomb(s) to end
WW II and our choice of high school symbol with great interest. For some
time now, I have endeavored to avoid writing anything to Sandstorm that
could be considered confrontational and try my best to stick to nonsense
and warm and fuzzies. However, seeing how the above discussion is about
a week old now, I thought that I would take exception to my own self-
imposed rules and mention that I was most intrigued with your posting
for May 08. Thus, I was motivated to add my own "2 cents plain."
I am very much in agreement with your points, especially the one about
keeping things in perspective. I am just a "little bit" of an amateur
historian (very amateurish). That coupled with being a military man and
growing up in "Bomber Town" gave me a bit of a different take concerning
the bomb in relation to "others" out there in the rest of the big world.
Admittedly, I was not quite six months old when the United States was
forced to enter WW II. But, as the war progressed and I grew into a
toddler, I was becoming old enough to recall when my dad was drafted
from a Kansas farm. I also remember that he returned home a few nights
later, rejected as 4-F (unfit for service), due to a recent farming
accident and a recent appendicitis problem. Although, he never discussed
it, I know it bothered him that he was rejected. Next, I can recall that
we moved to Wichita, where my dad worked at the Boeing Plant building
B-17s and later B-29s (similar to the "Enola Gay" from which the first
bomb was dropped).
And, I remember the end of the war. People took to the Wichita streets
celebrating. I got lost but I remember a kindly lady returning me to my
parents. My next recollection is driving a very long way to Sunnyside,
Washington in an old Ford with everything tied on top (like Steinbeck's,
"The Grapes of Wrath" Story). Dad worked as a farm and cannery laborer
until he was hired as a Hanford Security Guard and we moved to Richland
about 1948. And, the rest of that story is similar to that of the
lives of other Bombers who came to grow up or were born in the
melting pot known as Richland, Washington or as I like to think of it,
"Bomberville." I graduated in 1959 and entered the Marine Corps and
began looking, wide-eyed, at the rest of the United States and the
world. That's when I really began to comprehend what a unique setting I
had grown up in. In many ways, I was a naive kid but during those four
years, I got a pretty good education for which no degree is awarded
(before I even decided to go to college).
So many times, I have encountered (and still do) those who choose to be
highly critical of our nation's use of the bomb and/or our choice of
high school symbol. I find that as time goes by, we can expect that
attitude from the newer and younger generations. Often, if a threat is
not imminent, its just another story. But, more often, those critics are
not so young, either. Most, who take that side, seem to focus only on
the decision and the act of dropping such a horrible weapon (which it
was) and the aftermath. To me, it always seems that they take the road
more traveled as it is the easier choice to take the path of self-
righteous indignation along with those who let emotions rule rather than
thoroughly analyze and take the hard unpopular stand that in the end,
all things considered -- the bomb was probably a "good thing."
However, what always seems to be most apparent to me is their lack
of consideration of how the military forces of the Japanese Empire
conducted themselves throughout the Far East during that decade prior
to our dropping of the bomb(s).
The Japanese Empire forcibly insisted that we take them on when they
attacked our forces, on our land, with an unprovoked and undeclared act
of war. Their plan was to destroy our Pacific Fleet to keep us from
hindering their conquest of Asia. If their attack on Pearl had achieved
its full objective, what was left of our fleet would have had to
withdraw to our west coast. I don't think for a minute that they would
not have then taken Hawaii and subsequently moved on to take Australia,
New Zealand and the rest of the eastern Pacific.
As a kid, I learned in the Saturday Matinee western movies viewed in
the theaters of Bomberville that their method of attacking our forces
at Pearl should have been labeled "back shootin' or ambushin'" and any
who did that sort of thing were regarded as "without honor." For years,
prior to Pearl Harbor, they had committed horrendous atrocities on
civilians and captured or surrendered military personnel in every land
they invaded. I reckon the definition of "honor" differed in our two
countries. An astounding number of human beings (civilian and allied
POWs) were murdered or maimed by Japanese Military personnel, a fact
that is generally denied (even to this day) by the Japanese as a nation
and a people. That behavior and its aftermath always seems to get
quietly left in the wings, pushed under the rugs, overlooked, forgotten,
or just simply ignored, as if it never happened. For some reason (or
reasons), it just does not get talked about much. And, there was no
indication that the Japanese Empire would ever change that behavior
unless they were stopped in their tracks. Yet, some would say that we,
as a nation of people, should feel guilty about using the bomb to end
that nightmare?
A recent documentary on the History Channel told how the Japanese
Military (who in reality, were in control of that country for many
years, not the Emperor, although he was readily persuaded by the
military machine) had developed their own atomic bomb and tested it by
detonating it on one of their smaller islands. But fortunately for us,
they had not yet shrunk it into a small enough package to facilitate
delivering it on our west coast or use it on our concentrated fleets of
ships ... per their documented plans. So, given their track record, does
anyone seriously think that they would not have used the bomb on us, if
they had achieved final development first?
I agree the "bomb" was a terrible weapon and I sincerely hope it is
never ... ever used again. Many argue that the bomb killed mostly
civilians. And, I ask, what were Tojo and Hitler killing in all of
the countries that they took over? Well, so did our fire bombing of
cities in both Japan and Nazi Germany as we were desperately trying to
bring both wars to an end. In both, Japan and Germany, the populace,
regardless of how or why they allowed it to happened, let fanatics gain
and maintain control. Had they won, what attitude would the populace of
those two countries have taken and maintained? Right or wrong in today's
way of thinking, at that time, the Allied tactical plan was to put
enough pressure on the populations and leaders of Japan and Germany in
the hopes that they would force the fanatics (in control) to capitulate
(as in Italy).
Those in control of both Japan and Germany were demanding of their
populations and military forces, a fight to the finish with no surrender
to the Allied Forces. Germany finally fell. Japan was receding slowly.
However, our fire bombing of the Japanese cities was not bringing a
rapid end to that war and we were still losing large numbers of our
people (as in the Battle of Okinawa and through the loss of air crews
taking the fight to the Japanese Homeland). Looking at the potential
of further tremendous Allied casualties, if we had to invade Japan in
a final direct beach assault (in addition to the potential Japanese
Military and especially, the projected Japanese civilian casualties),
we had to consider another option to bring it to a rapid closure.
Some say we could have just blockaded Japan and starved them out. With
their mindset of fighting to the last person, I can just see the history
books after that one -- "America starves an entire nation of people!"
And, let us not forget our Allied POWs who were being held in Japan as
slave labor. At that time, I am unsure if the Allied Forces knew just
how many of our POWs had been moved to and held in Japan. It was learned
later that sadly, our own forces had bombed and sank Japanese ships that
contained hundreds of Allied POWs who were being taken to Japan.
We do need to move on and strive for a better world. However, we should
never forget, for history has a way of repeating itself. Had Japan and
Germany won ... well? The world seems to recognize more openly that
Hitler and his Nazis were ultimate evil. I just wish the world and
especially, many of our fellow Americans, would keep the "entire
history" of the fight with Japan ... in proper perspective.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where back to the warm and
fuzzies, I watered today, the puddle filled up, and I am trying
to see through my "opry" binoculars just what it is that Lowiq
is doing out there ... under that tarp.
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****************************************************************
>>From: Bill "Lane" Johnson (Classic Class of '61)
To: Linda Reining (Boomer Bomber class of '64)
Re: Bill Dunton (Retired Teacher)
In your entry to the Sandstorm on 5/11 you said, "If anyone remembers
Bill Dunton---."
I can only say that I personally have not and will not ever forget him
and the things that he taught me. I had the distinct honor, privilege
and pleasure of having lunch and spending a Saturday afternoon with Bill
and Lynn Dunton about three weeks ago in Fullerton, CA. While there
were some really good teachers in Richland and they taught me the three
"Rs" (readin', riteing and rithmatic) I don't think about them by name
whenever I read a book, write a letter, or write a check. I do though
Linda, think about Bill Dunton and all the things he taught me about the
proper way to sing each and every time I perform, whether it be for fun
in a karaoke environment or whether it will be of a more serious nature
like when I will be performing for Club 40 in September or in New
Zealand next February. I can only say to you that I am sorry that you
missed out on having Bill Dunton as a teacher. You would have enjoyed
the experience. I will value all of my life the fact that I had him as
a teacher, mentor and now have the distinct pleasure of calling him my
friend. I know this to be true because now when I depart his company, we
don't shake hands, I get an embrace and it doesn't get any better than
that. Yes Linda, I remember Bill Dunton.
-Bill AKA Lane Johnson "Classic Class of 61"
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****************************************************************
>>From: Don Sorenson (NAB-Not A Bomber)
Re: Tritium at Hanford
To: Larry Mattingly "60",
You're right. Tritium is a hazard at Hanford. Fortunately it does
have a short half life of about 12 years. In the later '40s tritium
was produced in quantity at Hanford. The 108 B building housed the
extraction facilities. There were two lines: the metal line and the
glass line. All of the piles B, D & F were used for irradiation.
Unfortunately tritium takes up valuable neutrons used to produce Pu.
But with the tritium you can boost a weapon and stretch your plutonium
supply. Many folks know the tritium was used in the Mike device or more
commonly known to the folks in the Pacific as "Shrimp" test. One of the
hurdles in the use of this material was to refrigerate it to the point
of being a liquid and keep it as so.
A side note: there was a conference in Chicago where a scientist from
Los Alamos announced they had achieved a process of turning a gas
into a liquid. Any spy knew immediately what that meant for the
early thermonuclear development. The dose they told you is a 50 year
equivalent. That is to say you will receive over the next 50 years will
be 400 mrem.
You mention water as a way to rid your body of tritium. During the war
and shortly afterwards the folks who tested positive for Pu were given
a prescription of as much beer as you could drink to help flush it out
of your system. It was reported that some folks asked the Health Physics
folks to find something so they could get a cold 6 pack. This incident
you had in the '60s was in the 327 building? You don't have to answer...
I am just curious. I think I have some cleared photos of the inside of
108 B. When I find them I'll post them.
Don Sorenson (N A B)
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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 ~ 05/13/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9 Bombers sent stuff:
Dick McCoy ('45), Mary Triem ('47)
Curt Donahue ('53), Dick Avedovech ('56)
Ann Bishop ('56), Larry Mattingly ('60)
Linda Reining ('64), David Rivers ('65)
Joe Eschbach ('72)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Dick McCoy (the Tin Can Class of 1945)
Re: Pranks
To: Dick Roberts ('49) et al
Not guilty to that one, but it was a good stunt. As for autos, we did
put a smoke bomb on the ignition wires of Henry Garrigues, espanol
teacher. Carrramba!!! He exited muy pronto. Also, Dave Clark owned a
'24 Chev. Six of us picked it up by its sides, and deposited between two
walls at school, making it impossible to get out. I don't know how he
managed, as he didn't speak to me for a number of days. I don't know
why, as he provided the bomb for the Garrigues incident.
-Dick McCoy, from the Tin Can Class of 1945
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>>From: Mary Triem Mowery (a '47 Bomber)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
You certainly have a gift of words and again proved just that with your
note in the 5/12 Sandstorm. As a very senior Bomber, I applaud you and
thank you for setting the record straight to the younger group. Too
bad that some of the teachers at our beloved school haven't the same
intelligence about the "bomb" as you do and indeed all of us should
have! BTW, have you read any of "our" Keith Maupin's ('47) writings on
this subject, as well as info on our mascot? He, and Burt Pierard ('59)
have a great amount of information on both subjects. Thanks!
-Mary Triem Mowery, a '47 Bomber
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>>From: Curt Donahue ('53)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Very well said!!
-Curt Donahue ('53) ~ Federal Way, WA
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>>From: Dick Avedovech ('56)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
I read your commentary with a great deal of concurrence, and want to
thank you for speaking your piece. I wish there had been a better option
than the violence of war and the use of nuclear weapons to shorten
and end the world wide conflict, but the fact is, it did what it was
supposed to do. Unfortunately, world wide peace rarely occurs for any
length of time and that appears to be the nature of the human race. I,
also, pray that such destructive violence, as what nuclear weapons can
deliver, are never again used for any purpose in the history of mankind.
It is the responsibility of every individual to stand up and be counted
against those who hunger for power and control, at any cost, if the
human race is to have any future at all.
With that said, I am proud to have been a student of Columbia High
School and the Richland Bombers, as well as the part our community
played in ending a terrible war. So far, no despot has used nuclear
weapons against other nations, societies, or groups of people. Perhaps,
we as a people, needed to see and experience the use of the atomic bomb
to ensure that it is never used again in such a way.
Dick Avedovech ('56)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Sara "Ann" Bishop Ousley ('56)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Couldn't agree with you more!!!! Much of our history has been altered
(and in some cases falsified completely) in the history books from our
founding fathers on, to accommodate modern thinking.
-Sara "Ann" Bishop Ousley ('56) ~ Texarkana, AR - Warm and comfortable
today...no rain and the heat is OFF outside Gardenias are in
bloom again.
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****************************************************************
>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
To: Don Sorenson (NAB)
Our ex-reactor destructive testing of several types of fuel elements was
a quiet little program in a very small, isolated, obscure building near
T Plant in 200 W. It was a short program, and I don't think I knew at
the time where the funding came from. The target elements were only one
of a series of a dozen or so tests we did over a period of 10-12 months,
then we were transferred into other programs.
In regards to my exposure, I was told at the time that my total exposure
was 400MR and what little I had left in my system was not significant
for future exposure. However they did collect samples again several
months later and said it was almost undetectable at that point. That
was when they told me not to worry about it in the future.
One thing I did learn in that very "hot" (high level radiation) work,
has helped me time and again throughout my explosives work for over 40
year now... we called it "Maximum Credible Analysis". Three questions,
What is the worst that can happen? How do we prevent It? and, What if it
happens anyway? Having answers to those three questions BEFORE starting
any hazardous work, has made a huge difference in safety in my life.
To: George Pappy Swan ('59)
Thank you for what I consider an excellent and very clear statement
of what should be our attitude about using "The Bomb". Tragic as the
results were, I believe Truman made the right decision at the time. I
have been to Ground Zero in Hiroshima. For the sake of mother earth and
her peoples, I hope no other leader will ever have to make that decision
again.
Solace for the elusive turkeys. I have a non-hunting pyro friend whose
dog chases toms out of his garden a couple of times a week. It is NE of
Spokane and I have had training or displays to do every weekend and just
have not been able to get up there. I am in hopes I can get there during
the fall season.
Note: The remains of the building of the PGE nuclear power station on
the lower Columbia river will be imploded with explosives on Saturday,
May 20th. The actual reactor vessel was removed months ago. I am not
sure what time this will take place.
"Happiness is the sky in bloom"
-J Larry Mattingly ('60)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
to:Bill "Lane" Johnson(class of 61)
re:Lynn and Bill Dunton
yep, I missed out on having Bill for a teacher, but I think I was just a
bit more privileged than most, as they were my backyard neighbors when I
was a little girl---they lived on Roberts and we lived on Rossell.
*grin* I got reacquainted with them when I moved to CA in 1974 and we
have remained close all these years! they are sooooo cool and their home
is always open to Bombers---they keep in touch with quite a few former
pupils. "once a Bomber, always a Bomber", even though Bill taught at
Carmichael and Lynn taught at Jefferson(I think), they think of
themselves as Bombers. *grin* and, I ALWAYS got hugs from him and
Lynn---never had to be "formal" and wait til I was a grown-up to get
that privilege! *grin*
to:George(Pappy)Swan(59)
re:being proud of the cloud
AMEN!!! you put into words my thoughts exactly---I tend to write too
emotionally and don't always express things the way I should, but you
said it "just right"!!!! *grin*
-Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of 64)......the blasted heat has
arrived AND is here to stay in Bakersfield, CA and I am ready to start
my yearly hibernation! *grin*
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
1. To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59): Damn Straight!
2. Here is the letter that went out this week. If you didn't get one
I'm sorry...but here it is again!
Dear Gang:
It's that time again. Though I put a blurb in the Sandstorm a few months
ago, I have received a few emails questioning whether the bunch of us
are getting together again this year. I can think of no good reason why
we would not be getting together. Anyway, please accept this letter as
official notice that the Class of '65 will hold its yearly gathering,
during the weekend of June 23, 2006, in conjunction with Kool Desert
Nights, the Class of '66 40th Reunion and the continued "All Class".
The agenda is pretty much the same. By this letter, I will ask that
Steve Simpson ('65) carry out his annual duties of setting up a reserved
table at 3 Margaritas (fka Las Margaritas) located at 627 Jadwin Avenue
in the Downtown.
I will arriving on Thursday afternoon, a little later than I normally
get there because of flight scheduling, but in any event, in time to
head on over to the DQ to hang with some of the boys, swap lies and
drool over some of the cars. I hope those of you are already in the
area, will meet me for a big burger and fries.
Now that Beaver and Jane have moved out of the trailer and back into
their home, perhaps they would like to host another little party on the
dock Saturday night. If not, perhaps Lyman will volunteer. Please let me
know if either of you is willing to host the party.
I will leave it to Werner to decide whether or not we will be taking
the jet boat up the Reach during the day on Friday. I will ask him to
circulate an email to let us know how many seats are available. For
those of you who are as uninformed as I about Kool Desert Nights, THERE
IS NO CAR SHOW IN THE UPTOWN ON FRIDAY. Last year, Heidlebaugh and I
bowed out of the boat trip so that Davis and others who had never been
could go. Naturally, we thought we would hang in the uptown during the
day while we waited for the boaters to return and have dinner at the
Mexican restaurant. Lo and behold, Jimmy and I were hanging out by
ourselves with virtually nothing to do.
Naturally, Heidlebaugh and I have never been able to endure idleness for
more than a few minutes. We looked at each other and said, pretty much
simultaneously: "what do you wanna do?" The immediate response was "I
dunno!" As you can imagine, trouble was brewing at that very moment.
Without missing a beat, Heidlebaugh suggested we go get tattooed and
that's exactly what we did. We are now sporting new tattoos with the
Richland Bomber Logo.
[OK, Rivers, you forced me to put up the Bomber Tatts page that
I've been promising since you and Heidlebaugh got yours... now
where's the picture of Heidlebaugh's???
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Tatts/00.html -Maren]
That evening when we headed over to the Hanford House to mingle at our
40th reunion, no one seemed surprise at the tattoos and, in fact,
Warford and Davis even mentioned that they might like to have their own.
[I can add Warford and Davis tatt pics when I get them. -Maren]
I have heard from a very authoritative source that Brian has taken a
sabbatical from his cheerleading days. I think we can convince him to
allow us to come over Sunday morning after breakfast; a gang breakfast
at the old DI and hang out until everyone's transportation leaves.
If you notice that I've left somebody out of this mailing and you think
they might like to attend, please give them a call. I will circulate
this letter in the Sandstorm and hope that others will pass it along as
well.
Just because you missed our 40th reunion, doesn't mean you can't come to
Richland for a good time. I hope to see all of you there. If you have
trouble finding anyone, please don't hesitate to contact me on my cell
at [email me for the number], or Simpson at [email me for the number].
See you soon.
-David Rivers ('65)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Joe Eschbach ('72)
To: Jim Yount ('61)
As an alum of WSU ('76) I do remember the chant:
"Hooray, hooray, it's the 8th of May.
It's outdoor [censored] day."
Next time I see Lane Rawlins, I'll ask him if the 8th of May is
still alive!
-Joe Eschbach ('72)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/14/06 ~ MOTHERS' DAY
Dateline: Richland
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note from Deputy Editor Richard: It is Mothers' Day so I decided
to kick Maren out of the Editor's Chair so she can get ready for
a busy day with her family down in New Orleans.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8 Bombers sent stuff:
Dick McCoy ('45), Mike Brady ('61)
Bill Scott ('64), Dennis Hammer ('64)
Linda Reining ('64), Marsha Hopfinger ('67)
Greg Alley ('73), David Fowler ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Shirley Watts ('49)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Claudia Stoffel ('68WB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Randal Southam ('82)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dick McCoy ('45, '46, '02)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: The Bomb
An excellent piece a couple of days ago. We folks of the Classes
of 1945 and 1946 especially appreciate the quick ending to the
war. We would have been the cannon fodder for the great
invasion. Many, many would have died. Perhaps my grand kids
would never have existed.
-Dick McCoy ('45, '46, '02)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mike Brady ('61)
Re: The Bomb
It will be a great day when the Bombers finally change their
mascot, and they will. It will be a time when people become more
sensitive to the thousands of people who died world-wide as a
result of bombs and a time when the world begins to disarm.
-Mike Brady, (Class of '61: "Ahead of the Curve")
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Bill Scott ('64)
To: Joe Eschbach ('72)
As another WSU alum ('68), I also remember the significance of
the 8th of May. Even nearly 40 years later, it didn't escape my
notice this year. Its notoriety was even mentioned in Playboy
Magazine in their "Girls of the Pac-10" spread some years back.
"Hooray Hooray for the eighth of May, ***********
*************** starts today!" And that's as specific as I can
get on a family website. Just suffice it to say that it takes
that far into spring for it to get warm enough for outdoor
activities in Pullman.
-Bill Scott ('64)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Re: Half a Million Purple Hearts
There were a half million Purple Heart medals made for the
expected invasion of the Japanese home islands. With the
dropping of the atom bombs and the sudden end of the war, those
medals were warehoused. All those Purple Hearts awarded in
Korea, Vietnam, and even today are left over from WWII. I had
read this in the newsletter of the Vietnam Veterans of America
which I was a member of for a couple of years about 15 years
ago, so I went looking for that information and found this
article from the American Heritage Magazine. I would recommend
reading at least the last three paragraphs in relation to recent
discussion about using the atomic bomb in Japan.
<http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/magazine/ah/2000/8/2000_8_81.shtml>
Re: "The Great Raid"
It was Japanese policy to kill all of the POW's ahead of any
invasion of an island. The movie "The Great Raid" tells the
story of American Rangers who rescued 512 POW survivors of the
Bataan death march ahead of MacArthur's landing in the
Philippines. If we had gone with an invasion instead of the
bomb, we would have to write-off all the POW's in Japan as
dead; mostly American and British. The movie was not in theaters
very long, but it is out on DVD. It is an OK movie, but really,
I thought the one hour documentary I saw on PBS about six months
before the movie was released was better.
Re: Japanese balloon bombs
I had recently been researching information on the Japanese
balloon bombs which were launched from the main islands of Japan
and traveled across the jet stream to America. There were an
estimated 9,000 balloons launched and an estimated 300 that made
it to North America landing from Alaska to Mexico and as far
east as Michigan, but most landed in the Pacific Northwest or
British Columbia. They carried a 15 kilogram anti-personnel iron
bomb and incendiary projectiles in an attempt to start forest
fires. It is hard to tell how many actually made it because some
sightings may have been duplicated, and some have probably not
been found. The remains of last one to be found was in 1987. The
US kept this out of the news so Japan would think they were not
getting here. I had known of these balloon bombs since the mid
70's, but did not know that one of them almost shut down
plutonium production at Hanford.
<http://archive.tri-cityherald.com/terror/0912-13.html>
I find it interesting that the Tri-City Herald printed this
article on 9-12-2001. The balloon detonated in some electrical
lines and power was cut to Hanford. The untested backup power
kicked in, but it took three days to get the reactors back up to
full capacity. In Southern Oregon a minister, his pregnant wife
and five Sunday school children found one while on a picnic. The
minister had heard of the balloon bombs, but before he could
stop them one of the kids pulled on it and his wife and all the
kids were killed. I had known about this, but did not know what
had happened to the minister. Rev. Archie Mitchell re-married
and became a missionary to Vietnam. He was working at a remote
hospital in 1962 when he and two others were abducted by the
Viet Cong and never seen again.
-Dennis Hammer ('64) ~ in Kennewick, a suburb of the
mighty Bomberville
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of 64)
re: tattoo pictures <http://alumnisandstorm.com/Tatts/00.html>
WOW! you guys have more guts than I do! have always wanted
a tattoo, but I am THE biggest baby when it comes to needles
and pain, so ain't no way this sissy is gonna get one!!!!!
*grin* my youngest daughter has one----rose on the back of
her shoulder with her son's initials at the bottom of it, but
this "wimp" just ain't got the guts! IF I did, I'd have a
small "wabbit", but "No guts, no glory"!!!!!!! *grin*
-Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of 64)....90's in
Bakersfield, CA
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Marsha Hopfinger Sork ('67)
The next planning meeting for the 40th reunion of the Class of
'67 will be held Sunday, May 21 at 3:00pm. Anyone wishing to
join the committee should contact me and I will give you
directions. We are looking for lots of helpers and some good
ideas to make the reunion pleasant for all. Thanks to those of
you who have sent suggestions and to those who are willing to
help regardless of distance from the Tri-Cities. Please update
e-mail addresses on the Bomber website. We look forward to
hearing from you soon.
Regards,
-Marsha Hopfinger Sork ('67)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Greg Alley ('73)
Re: Drive-ins
I know this subject has been discussed way back in the history
of the Sandstorm but inquiring minds need to know. A bar
discussion on the names of the drive-in theaters in the Tri-
Cities came up and most everyone could name the majority of
them. We were stumped on the one in Richland on G-Way where a 7-
11 and apartment buildings are and the one below Flat Top. We
know there are Bombers out there with better memories and
probably not in a bar drinking.
-Greg Alley ('73) ~ in warm and soon to be hot Richland where
mid-May temps are hitting July levels.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: David Fowler ('76)
To: Pappy Swan ('59)
Well said! I can not think of a more fitting way to put into
perspective the unfortunate use of atomic weapons. My father
after the end of the war in Europe did not have enough points to
come home. Instead he was sent to the Philippines to train and
await the invasion of Japan.
Being way too young to fully realize the impending nightmare he
was sure to face. I instead can only pass forward his only
thoughts on this subject: "Thank God, I don't think I would have
ever made it out alive." So it is I'm alive and another is not.
Horrific, unfortunate and ghastly Yes! Necessary, now that seems
to me the debate that many have. To those who play the Monday
morning quarterback remember the words of someone who faced it
up front and looked death in the eye of yet another war.
"Thank God, I don't think I would have ever made it out alive."
The words of my father, Charles L. Fowler, Blue Mountain
Division, Infantry, Machine Gun.
-David Fowler ('76)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/15/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8 Bombers sent stuff:
Keith Maupin ('47), Karen Cole ('55), Terri Royce ('56)
Bill Johnson ('61), Bill Scott ('64), Dennis Hammer ('64)
Linda Reining ('64), Peter Turping ('70)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Marilyn Swan ('63)
BOMBER ANNIVERSARY Today: Jerry Molnaa & Shirley Pittman ('52)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Keith Maupin ('47)
Re: Symbols
It would be great if Pearl Harbor was just a place on the map and the
Rising Sun was just something that happened every morning – but not in
my lifetime.
-Keith Maupin ('47)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Karen Cole Correll ('55)
To: Mike Brady ('61)
Mike, I applaud your idealism, but the Bomber mascot acts as a reminder
and a warning to future generations. As many have said before me, the
bomb was a solution for an inhumane war, and prevented a greater loss of
lives.
-Karen Cole Correll ('55)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Terri Royce Weiner ('56)
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Japan and The Bomb
I enjoyed reading and learning from what you wrote concerning Japanese
history. My contribution comes as a recent footnote -- and I'm sure
there are more like it from all corners. I play bridge with a woman who
was a young girl in Hiroshima. We compared notes not long after we met
about my very first memory (Pearl Harbor - and my Mother telling me we'd
have to leave Alaska) and my friend's experience hiding rice in the
hollow ties of her kimono when she and her family ran to hide in the
hills just before the bomb was dropped. Isn't it wonderful that we can
now meet on this level?
-Terri Royce Weiner ('56) ~ In wonderful Seattle where I golfed at
Newcastle with one daughter for Mother's Day, and fly to LA
tomorrow for my granddaughter Isana's first birthday.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Bill "Lane" Johnson (Classic Class of '61)
To: Greg Alley ('73)
Re: Drive-ins in Tri-Cities
Just for review, and I am sure that you already know these. The River-
vue was in Pasco just over the blue bridge on 395. The "Highland" was on
the corner of Clearwater and 395 in the Kennewick highlands. The "Y" was
in the Richland "Y" on old highway 410 and the one in West Richland at
the base of Flat Top was the Star-Vue. The One you are looking for was
the "Skyline" on GWWay. I was the Manager in 1962-1964 when it closed
for good. Some trivia about the "Skyline" It was the Largest drive-in
west of the Mississippi with a capacity of 1160 cars. It had the longest
throw (distance from the projectors to the screen) of any drive-in in
the country. 692 Ft. They had to have special lenses made by Bausch Lomb
specifically for this distance. The cinema scope lenses were about 27"
long and weighed somewhere around 18 pounds each. Now go back to the bar
and tell your buds that you got it. :-)
To: Mike Brady ('61)
Re: the Bomb
Mike, while I respect your right to your opinion, I respectfully
disagree with your comments about "Bombers" changing the mascot. History
is what it is and I for one am not in favor of changing history, for the
sake of being politically correct 60 years after the fact. I don't agree
that the bomb represents a lack of sensitivity. I think it represents
a pride in accomplishment of a small towns contribution to ending a
terrible war against an aggressor that without warning attacked this
country killing a lot of innocent men in pearl harbor, all the while
their diplomats were in Washington D.C. lying through their teeth. No
Mike, history is what it is, good, bad, or indifferent and I am not in
favor in rewriting it just to give us a warm fuzzy. When history is
rewritten, you lose the truth.
-Bill, aka Lane, Johnson (Classic Class of 61)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Bill Scott ('64)
To: Greg Alley ('73)
My wife and I agree the drive-in on GWWay was the Starlite, and the one
below Flat-top was the Sunset (we think).
-Bill Scott ('64)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Re: Washington State quarter design
The thought had crossed my mind to submit a design for the Washington
State quarter. I think I could have done as good as two of the designs,
and better than one. Well, it is too late to submit a real design, but
fellow Bombers might get a kick out of this one.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Any/060514-Hammer-Quarter.jpg
-Dennis Hammer ('64) ~ in Kennewick, a suburb of the mighty Bomberville
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
Bakersfield had it's Bomber Luncheon on Saturday, May 13th and what
started out to be about 9 Bombers, dwindled down to 5. those in
attendance were: Richard Greenhalgh('59)and spouse, Stella, from
Bakersfield; Bob Grout('66WB)and spouse, Michelle, from Chino, CA; and
me, Linda Reining('64), from Bakersfield. Bob is a fire captain at
Disneyland, so he brought chocolate Mickey Mouse Ears, wrapped in gold
foil for all. FYI: both Richard and Bob have decided that when they
retire, they are moving back to Richland, so look out, "Bombervile", you
will be getting MORE California rejects!!!! *grin*
to:Mike Brady(61)
re:changing the name of our mascot
since this is a "warm and fuzzy" publication, I cannot say what I really
feel, but suffice it to say, NO WAY!!!!!
-Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of 64).......temps are still hotter
than I like them, but that is just a fact when living in Bakersfield, CA
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Peter Turping ('70)
To: Greg Alley ('73)
Re: question on drive in on GWWay.
I believe it was the SkyLine. I remember George Dana ('70-RIP) worked
there one summer. If he was at the ticket booth we would hardly slow
down driving in. Man I miss that guy.
-Peter Turping ('70)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/16/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
13 Bombers and 1 Bomber Dad sent stuff:
Anna May Wann ('49), Wally Erickson ('53)
Bill Johnston ('55), Laura Dean Kirby ('55)
Ken Heminger ('56wb), George Swan ('59)
Lora Homme ('60), Michael Waggoner ('60)
Irene de la Bretonne ('61), Mike Brady ('61)
Dave Hanthorn ('63), Brad Upton ('74)
Dave Fowler (76), Larry Jacobs ('43 NAB - Bomber Dad)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Sandy Jones ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dave McDaniels ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Judy Kleinpeter ('67)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Ann Thompson, aka Anna May Wann ('49)
Re: Club 40
To all classes that have graduated from Richland High School 40 or more
years ago, we are getting ready to send out another Duststorm. The
mailing will only go to members who have paid their dues in 2005 or
2006. In order to keep the database up to date would you please e-mail
me any change of addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses that have
occurred in the past year?
If you have any friends that have moved, but are not getting the
Sandstorm would you send me their changes too?
Our dues are only $5.00 a year per person (or if you married a Bomber -
$5.00 per couple) Where else can you join such a large organization for
such a nominal fee? The $5.00 pays for the bulletin, which is mailed
twice yearly, and entitles you to come to the Club 40 annual reunion the
second weekend of September.
I still have not received the roster from classes of '63, '64 and '65.
'66 will send me their list right after their reunion this summer.
So if any of you folks have the roster for any of these classes please
contact me. I would love to get them into our data base.
We now have over 5,000 names that we are trying to keep tabs on. This
is a good place to look up old buddies and see if we have them in our
database.
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
I love your writings – please add me to your mailing list of all of your
"Gulliver Travels".
To All of the Other Entries defending our part in World War II, I
commend you. Your many responses are well written and show how much so
many of you are interested in our history and the history of Richland.
Suppose to reach 90 in dear old Bothell today. Hope not!!
-Ann Thompson, aka Anna May Wann ('49)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Wally Erickson ('53)
To: Bill Johnson ('61)
Re: Drive-In theaters
Thanks for the information on the Drive-In theaters in the Tri-Cities.
There were some great memories during that time. Here's one memory at
the Drive-In I can share. This was at the Skyline Drive-in north end of
Richland. My friends Harold George (RIP '52) and Bill Lloyd ('54)
decided we would to try to sneak one of us in for free! Bill Lloyd lost
the coin toss, so he had to get into the trunk of the car. As he was
getting in, in all the excitement Harold was closing the trunk lid when
Bill let out a "YOWL"; his fingers were in between the trunk lid and
car. There weren't any broken bones, so he was okay except for some
temporary pain. Anyway after parking near the back of the Drive-In, we
waited until the movie started before letting Bill Lloyd out of the
trunk. A couple of guys came out of the dark and told us we had to
leave. I wonder how many times that's happened during a weeks time?
Remember the "spikes" at the Exits?? I'm sure Bill Johnson can share
some interesting stories....probably some he can't share.
Did you know Dean Hutchinson ('61)? He goes to our church.
Re: Spokane Luncheon
Since my wife's going to be out of town that week, I'm considering on
being there this Sunday. Interesting about where you're meeting for
lunch. I lived across the street on 3705 North Division in a duplex the
summer of 1957. My gosh, that's almost 50 years ago! Hope to see you
there.
Bomber Cheers......
-Wally Erickson ('53) ~ It's getting real warm (80s) this week in the
Coeur D'Alene area. Still lots of snow in the higher mountain
elevations. There's a lot of water flowing through the Spokane
River falls now.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Bill Johnston ('55)
Re: mushroom cloud
I am one of apparently very few bommber alumni, an old one at that, who
believes that it is time to change the mascot. For me the issue is not
whether the bombs should have been dropped on civilian populations,
whether they did or did not save lives in the long run, and whether
or not we should all relish our memories of growing up in Richland. I
certainly relish my memories and feel fortunate to have grown up in such
a unique city that arose in the desert practically overnight.
For me the issue is whether the mascot is tasteful and sensitive.
We must remember what happened at ground zero... the vaporization of
thousands of innocent men, women, children and animals... and beyond
ground zero the searing and burning of flesh and agonizing death.
Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of descendants of the victims
of this massively destructive weapon do not need to be reminded
constantly and "warned" of this deadly force. While it was one of the
most fantastic technological achievements of mankind it was also one
of the most horrendous and ignoble.
It is simply not in good taste to flaunt this symbol. I would prefer a
mascot that has class and reflects something more positive, or at least
benign, of humankind. This one, as one poor voice in the sandstorm
wilderness said, lacks compassion and sensitivity.
Finally, I submit that change is usually good for us. It would be
difficult to let go of that mascot because of what it represents of the
Richland experience. But that experience really does not depend on that
symbol. It is time to let it go finally and move on.
-Bill Johnston ('55), an "old timer" getting ready to leave the searing
heat of Beaver Dam, AZ for a more comfortable spot further north.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Laura Dean Kirby ('55)
To: Mike Brady ('61)
I can hold back no longer. If you read Dennis Hammer's ('64) submission
yesterday and checked out his design for the Washington State quarter,
you'll have an idea of the pride we have about our bomb mascot.
http://alumnisandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Any/060514-Hammer-Quarter.jpg
I'm sure it was drawn with tongue in cheek, but there is no way, as
Bill Johnson ('61) said, that history should be changed or corrupted by
a desire to be politically correct after the fact.
Carrying that shell to the center of the gym floor, was an honor and
brought on an overwhelming show of school cheer. We are the Bombers!
-Laura Dean Kirby ('55) ~ Richland where we are setting heat records
this week.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Ken Heminger ('56wb)
Re: Drive-ins in Tri-Cities
Bill "Lane" Johnson ('61) is right. The Drive-in Theater at the base of
Flat top was definitely the Star-Vue. I along with Stewart Nichols was
the first to be hired. I don't remember now all who worked, but if I
remember right, Charley Cox ('56) was also there. Irvin Forke was the
manager of the theater. I think it was Mid State Theater Corp that
actually owned the theater along with the North Star Theater in North
Richland, and maybe some of the others. I'm trying to remember the name
of one of the king pins for Mid State that showed up now and then,
and I think his last name was Honey. I did most of the commercial
announcements over the car speakers for the intermission at the Star-
Vue. Our big thing was the "Tasty Burger" which was like a Sloppy Joe
in a pocket bun. It was actually really good too. Also remember we
were making 50 cents an hour at the start, and I worked all the way up
to 55 cents before I quit. I remember sometime later talking to the
projectionist while on leave from the Air force, and he was telling me
of how unbeknownst to him the screen had blown over during one of our
famous sand storms. He got up to make a reel change and looked out for
the cue and saw the marquee which was behind the screen. He said it
confused him for a second and then realized the screen was gone. I
believe the one in Kennewick also blew over at that time. Ahhhhh..Those
were good times!!!! Didn't have a care in the world.
-Ken Heminger ('56wb) ~ Great Falls, MT
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Footnotes on the "Bomb" and Mascot discussion
I sent the piece on the bomb and our high school mascot (symbol) to
Sandstorm and then went off hunting turkeys and trout fishing with my
grandkids, not knowing what would await me upon my return. I believed
that what I attempted to point out is seldom considered when the use of
the bomb or our high school symbol is discussed. History happened. It
may not always be reported accurately, so we should endeavor to seek
the truth. In recent years, it has become very popular to point out and
dwell on what our nation did wrong throughout its history. Again, enter
that "perspective thing."
For example, much is made of the mistreatment of Native Americans during
the settlement of the country and rightfully so in many cases. However,
if we could hop into a time capsule and go back to the mid-eighteen
hundreds and attempt to point that out to young cavalry troopers
about to be overrun and scalped or to emigrant families about to be
overwhelmed by attacking Indians, what response would we likely receive?
Likewise, "The Bomb" was a horrible weapon, but as we have heard often
from those who might not exist today (nor their offspring), if they had
been required to participate in a direct landing on mainland Japan, that
alternative was horrible to contemplate also.
A question that always seems to go begging is, "Why did it have to come
to that point in the first place?" That's where informed historical
facts need to be given precedence over emotional reactions. I often
find myself wondering if those who are so vocal against the bomb, and
consequently our symbol, don't have other hidden agendas because they
sure seem to be ill-informed as to the overall picture and why it all
came about in the first place. Those of us who take a positive viewpoint
in regard to the use of the Bomb to end the nightmare of WW II should
not automatically be branded as advocates of its use again.
When I returned last night, I was overwhelmed at the response. Many of
you offered points that I am aware of but had not mentioned as my piece
was growing in size so I thank you for presenting them in your writings
to Sandstorm. I will not attempt to thank by name, my fellow Bombers
who responded, for fear of leaving someone out. I thank all of you who
responded to me, either personally or in Sandstorm.
Please accept that I personally feel that all death and mistreatment of
human beings whether from any kind of bombs, genocide, starving, etc.,
are tragic acts and should be found unacceptable throughout the world.
But then, that also means that any nation should not be mistreated by
another. So, the aggressors should not be allowed to run amuck. It would
be wonderful if all the world could coexist in peace and happiness and
care for each other. However, by now, it should be obvious (actually
since WW I) that we need to remain a strong country. Since the days of
the cavemen, some will always covet and attempt to take what others
have or simply attempt to eliminate them because they are different. I
believe that Teddy Roosevelt was the one who spoke of walking softly and
carrying a big stick. Remain strong and suffer less aggression -- Remain
weak and suffer the consequences. To those who now frown on the use of
the bomb to end WW II, I would ask, "If someone walks up behind you and
blind-sides you with a baseball bat and then keeps kicking you while you
are down, however, you are able to regain your feet but they still keep
coming after you, what would be your response?" I don't know about you
but I am going to grab the biggest stick that I can find and do my best
to end that fight once and for all.
Prior to Pearl Harbor, the attitude within the United States was
generally to stay out of the wars in Europe and the Far East. Those were
not our problems. Thus, the Axis countries regarded us as weak with
no will to enter in and defend those that they were taking from and
mistreating. The Japanese military actually thought that we lacked the
will to fight. As Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto (who was directed to plan and
carry out the attack on Pearl Harbor) feared, they had merely awakened a
sleeping industrial giant, when they attacked Pearl. He had studied in
the United States as a young man and he suspected what we were capable
of and he warned the Japanese Military Regime who in turn ignored the
warning. If allowed, history will indeed repeat itself, perhaps in a
little different form but what goes around, sooner or later, will come
around again, if allowed. We were not really prepared for or expecting
the 9/11 attacks on the twin towers either, were we?
If one takes the time to examine the truth of WW II in the Pacific and
our subsequent use of "The Bomb" (since we achieved development of it
first) to end that war, I see no alternative that our nation could have
taken. The following are excerpts from my response to a very informative
email from Mr. Ellwood Werry, a WW II veteran, spouse of a Bomber,
father of Bombers and grandfather of Bombers:
Yes, "Flyboys," by James Bradley is in my personal library and
I have indeed read it. And, I agree, it was the first written
account that I have found so far, which gives as you say, the
best description of the training and indoctrination of the WW II
Japanese military. I further agree that it should be "required
reading" in American and world history classes.
I found another eye-opening book, "THE RAPE OF NANKING, The
forgotten holocaust of World War II" by Iris Chang (1997). It
addresses the occupation of China by Japan (including some
personal experiences of men like your friend, Walter) and the
rest of the world's lack of attention to it, then and since.
But, the most outstanding fact was Japan's denial that it ever
took place and the concerted effort during the Cold War on the
part of the West and even China to stifle open discussion of
this atrocity. Japanese domination of Manchuria and China
totaled fourteen years. The regular occurrence of that
particular atrocity that your friend, Walter, witnessed was but
one of the many committed, that are revealed in this book.
From the back cover of the book: "In December 1937, the Japanese
army swept into the ancient city of Nanking. Within weeks, more
than 300,000 Chinese civilians and soldiers ("who surrendered to
the Japanese on the promise that they would be well treated" --
covered in the book but entered here as Pappy's comment) were
systematically raped, tortured, and murdered--a death toll
exceeding that of the atomic blasts of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
combined. Using extensive interviews with survivors and newly
discovered documents, Iris Chang has written the definitive
history of this horrifying episode." She "...analyzes the
militaristic culture that fostered in the Japanese soldiers a
total disregard for human life." And, she "...tells the story
from three perspectives: that of the Japanese soldiers, that of
the Chinese, and that of a group of Westerners who refused to
abandon the city and created a safety zone which saved almost
300,000 Chinese." As a reviewer of the book, Ross Terill,
stated, "...only if the past is understood can the future be
navigated."
However, there is hope! There is an effort emerging, although small at
this time, by some of today's young Japanese to come to grips with what
their country was responsible for. I have found this in the "behind the
scenes documentary" included on the DVD of, "To End All Wars," a movie
starring Robert Carlyle and Kiefer Sutherland and based on a true story
from a WW II Japanese prisoner of war camp containing Allied prisoners
in the Philippine Islands. Now, I know that it is Hollywood but from it
emerges a look at the situation from both sides, such as the Japanese
sergeant's disdain for his wounded comrades (fleeing from the Allied
advances) who (in his eyes) should have fought to the death or committed
suicide, yet they are cared for by some of the Allied POWs who had
suffered greatly at their hands.
And, in the May 12, Tri-City Herald's "Names & Faces" column there
appeared a small clip titled, "Actor hopes film will educate young
Asians." Ken Watanabe, who stars in a new Clint Eastwood film, "Red Sun,
Black Sand," about the World War II battle for Iwo Jima, stated that
he hopes that the film will help young Japanese face their country's
wartime history. He said, "As we went through this film, we realized
that until now, we haven't really looked at Japan's past. We kind of
looked away from it. But we have to look at it and accept the fact that
this is what our fathers and grandfathers have actually done."
Now I wonder, should not Americans, young or older, take an honest look
into the what and why of their brother's, father's, and grandfather's
actions (military or civilian) during WW II? And there were many ladies
who served in the war effort in military or civilian capacities. We owe
it to them for, if not for all of them, we might not enjoy the luxury of
sitting here today, analyzing what they did ... then.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where I am thinking that is
enough from me to Sandstorm on this subject.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Lora Homme Page ('60)
Re: The Bomb
When I'm trying to evaluate something so beyond my comprehension as the
dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan, I try to compare it to something
that I can understand.
If suddenly my family who were minding their own business in our own
home were the victims of a cowardly surprise attack by another family
and we were fighting for our lives with clubs and whatever we could get
our hands on and a grenade were finally within my grasp, would I decide
not to use it because it would kill most of them and we were winning
anyway? Of course many more members of my family would die before we
could win with the clubs, but it would save a lot of them.
Who among you would sacrifice your children or parents or brothers and
sisters in order to save an attacker's life? If you would, I feel sorry
for your families that you value them so little.
-Lora Homme Page ('60) - In that other town known to some as a suburb of
Richland
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Michael Waggoner ('60)
Sometimes we get pessimistic about world peace, because war has been so
common throughout history, but I think that we may be slowly building
toward world peace from a series of regional peaces. The U.S. Civil War
was awful, but look how many recent Presidents we have had from the
southern states: Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill
Clinton, and George W. Bush; there is very unlikely to be another Civil
War here. Great Britain, France, and Germany fought countless wars over
thousands of years; it is hard to imagine another war there as their
economies, societies, and populations have grown together. Gradually
these areas of regional peace should expand until the whole world is
covered. We can compete in politics, economics, athletics, etc. rather
than in war.
-Michael J. Waggoner ('60)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Irene de la Bretonne Hays ('61)
Thank you, Mike Brady, for saying what many of us were not allowed to
say in the Sandstorm a few years ago. At that time, if you were to have
said those words or expressed that sentiment about the Bomber mascot,
you would have been scolded and booted. Let me repeat the message with
my hopeful endorsement: "It will be a great day when the Bombers finally
change their mascot, and they will. It will be a time when people become
more sensitive to the thousands of people who died world-wide as a
result of bombs and a time when the world begins to disarm." Members of
Richland's World Citizens for Peace, whose work I admire and honor,
would support your perspective as well. Another note: Mothers Day was
actually formally begun by mothers who were against the war, at that
time the Civil War. Celebrating Mothers Day is a step toward peace, a
step away from war. Hope everyone celebrated a Happy Mothers Day!
-Irene de la Bretonne Hays ('61)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mike Brady ('61)
As a kid, I loved the bomb too, and I loved the name Bombers, but
as an adult I think we have a responsibility to try to change the
consciousness of people. I know it's a dream and probably a fantasy,
too, but as long as we have the "bomb" mentality, we will continue
to go to use it.
-Mike Brady ('61)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dave Hanthorn (Gold Medal Class of '63)
Re: using the bomb
I wasn't going to get into the discussion on using the atomic bomb, but
I just can't let it go without letting my fellow Bombers know some of
the reasons we should not be ashamed for using the atomic bombs to end
the war against the Imperialist Japanese War Machine:
The Rape of Nanking
The Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Bataan Death March
The Korean "Comfort" Women
The "Death Railroad" in Thailand
Testing Biological Weapons on POWs
Using Chemical Weapons in China
To this day, the Japanese government is in denial about most of these
atrocities, not even allowing them to be mentioned in their schools.
Most of the Japanese people alive today are not even aware that this is
part of their country's history, but they are thoroughly indoctrinated
with information about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
-Dave Hanthorn (GMC '63) ~ from Mercer Island where spring has sprung
and my allergies are killing me.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Brad Upton ('74)
Re: Skyline Theater
I don't know when they finally tore down the Skyline screen, but it was
still standing when I was in school. One night, myself, Mark Gladstone
(HHS '74), and Bob Stevens ('74) decided we were going to climb to the
top. This decision seemed like a good one. Several Lucky Drafts always
makes for good decisions! Anyway, we climbed up the timbers in the
back and reached a cat walk that ran across the top of the back of the
screen. Once we were up there we enjoyed the view for a few minutes,
then relieved ourselves off the top of the screen (don't worry, keep in
mind it was abandoned), oh, the joys of being a male! Then it was time
to climb down before being discovered by Richland's finest. Just another
fun night in Richland.
-Brad Upton ('74)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Unknown Artist
I have a wonderful painting that Ray Juricich (RIP) left behind when he
sold his home to me. By all evidence it hung in his living room for many
years. He told me that a student had painted it many years ago. I would
like to return it this unknown artist.
The painting is of a beagle standing on a grassy knoll. A pheasant lays
in the grass at it's paws. the sky is blue with hazy white clouds. He
is standing in a typical dignified beagle stance, with a face that so
typically is seen in all young dogs. It truly is a picture of a hundred
words.
Unfortunately, I can not find the young artist's signature or initials.
If you know the artist or the story behind the painting please let me
know.
Thank You
-Dave Fowler ('76) ~ Summer Is Here! We will be in the upper 90s for the
next couple of days. If the temperature wasn't a clue all you
would have to do is watch the children. A 427 cubic inch engine
crammed into a VW. All that energy in such small packages and
the summer sun of Richland only fuels those little engines.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Larry Jacobs ('43 NAB - but proud Dad of four '69 '70 '74 '75)
Re: Bomb and Bombers
Richland High School, don't you ever change your Mascot.
Was enjoying all the 'Bomb' 'Bomber' discussions, pro and con, reliving
my own thankfulness for our courage to use it, for the Men and Women on
the production lines who won the battle of producing it and the Richland
High School Students who past, present and hopefully the future, had and
will have the pride to keep "Bombers" and the "Cloud" as their rightful,
hard earned Mascot..
Was happy to just read and enjoy, until a dreamer came along.
Ask me if I approved of the use of the Bomb!!!
Three plus years a Marine attached to First Battalion, Seventh Marines,
First Marine Division; End of June '45, Okinawa secured and into
immediate training for the big one, daily being warned, it would be
worse than what we had just finished.
August '45 the Bomb.
Instead of Japan, our Division went to China.
Ask the Chinese if they approved of the Bomb.
Again ask me, if I approved the use of the Bomb.
Richland, be proud of your part in the making of the Bomb that ended WW II.
-Larry Jacobs (proud supporter of Richland High, the Bomb and the Cloud}
*******************************************
*******************************************
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 ~ 05/17/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
19 Bombers sent stuff:
Jack Lowrey ('49), Jim Jensen ('50)
Irl French ('51), Ray Wells ('54)
Charlie Cox ('56), Lora Homme ('60)
Bill Craddock ('61), Irene de la Bretonne ('61)
Jim Yount ('61), Katie Sheeran ('61)
Mike Brady ('61), Helen Cross ('62)
Frank Whiteside ('63), Dennis Hammer ('64)
David Rivers ('65), Linda McKnight ('65)
Peg Wellman ('66), Mike Franco ('70)
Greg Alley ('73)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mike Brady ('61)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jack Lowrey ('49)
Re: Comments on the "Bomb" pro and con
Just finished today's Sandstorm. Lots of good comments. I am Pro Bomb
and believe history should be told as it is and not changed by
revisionist. That's how we learn. Time tends to mellow people but it
shouldn't change the truth. I would recommend the following book to
all. It takes a lot of the myth out of the subject and tells it like it
was.
"Code-Name Down-Fall,
The Secret Plan To Invade Japan and Why Truman Dropped the Bomb"
Thomas B Allen & Norman Polmar, 1995
ISBN 0-684-80406-9
A bit of trivia: All of the Purple Hearts that have been issued to date,
and after WWII, came from the or original purchase of the medals for the
invasion of Japan. There are considerable remaining, after Korea, Viet
Nam, other police actions and the current situation.
-Jack Lowrey ('49)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: Bataan Death March
The 5/14 posting from Dennis Hammer ('64) concerning "The Great Raid"
and the one of 5/16 from Dave Hanthorn ('63) which included a piece on
the Bataan Death March.
In 1955, while stationed at Clovis AFB (soon to be Cannon AFB), NM I
met a Master Sergeant (then the highest enlisted rank) who survived
the Death March. One of his buddies (my supervisor) worked in Wing
Operations with me and told me something of the survivor's experiences.
He said the man didn't like to talk about it so the information he had
was sketchy. One day at lunch the survivor joined my supervisor and me
at our table. He was rather animated that day and was expressing his
anger over the torture and brain-washing techniques used by the North
Koreans on American POWs during the Korean War. He began to make
comparison's with that treatment and that exercised by the Japanese
during the Bataan experience. I won't go into all of the horrible
details except to say that we learned the scars on his forehead and cheek
were caused by being hit with a rifle butt. He had a long, ugly scar on
his right forearm that had been inflicted with a sword...a soldier who
didn't like his sullen facial expression was "playing" with him. He had
other scars that were covered by his clothing. He said Marchers were
executed gangland style on a regular basis to help thin out the crowd.
Complainers were often disembowelled with bayonets. It was amazing to me
when the survivor told me that he preferred Bataan over the practice of
brain-washing...any time.
In my book all POW survivors are heroes.
-Jim Jensen ('50)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Irl French ('51)
Re: Class 1951 55th Reunion
This is kind of a follow up to yesterday's request Ann Thompson, aka
Anna Mae Wann ('49), but only for the class of 1951.
This is the 55th reunion of the class of '51. There were about 260
members in the class. Last year the small committee got 247 names from
the Club40 Treasurer.
E-mail went out to 71 class mates that we had address for. 16 bounced.
Snail-mail went out to 82 class mates that we had address for but no
e-mail. So far 11 have been returned by the US Post Office. If you got
snail-mail and have an e-mail address, please send your e-mail address
to me. If you believe that your home address may need updating also
include that. The information will be forwarded to the Club40 Treasurer.
Make sure to send your money for Club40 activities to the Treasurer.
Following is a list of bounced e-mail.
Leslie Blackwell... Murvelle Baker Wilson... Lou Lee... Ray Burruss...
Carol Haynes Finch... Gretchen Volmer Lee... Robert Flake...
Leon Stevens... David Hinson... Bill McCue... Henry Miller...
Shirley Crume... Joan Eckert Sullens... Bill Wilkins...
Louise Stoddard Duffin... Ralph Myrick... Murray Duncan...
Gen. Richard Meyers.
Here are 7 snail-mails that got returned.
John Williamson... John Musser... John Hackney... George Richardson...
LaVerne Osterman Newstrom…..Mary Ruth Monahagn….Evelyn Morris
To date, 26 1951 classmates have said they will be at Club40 come
September. That is 24 more than was at Club40 in 2005. If we fill
Shilo Inn/Motel the class of '51 will really have something to cheer
about.
-Irl French ('51)
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>>From: Ray Wells ('54)
Re: dropping the "bomb" mentality
To: Mike Brady ('61)
You are correct, dropping the "bomb" mentality is a dream and probably
a fantasy, too, because history has shown us that there will always be
nations with the "bomb" mentality, and they will use the bomb on us as
soon as we lose our bomb mentality. 911 may not have happened if the USA
had expressed more of a "bomb" mentality.
I am proud that my father helped develop the instrumentation that was
used to develop the bomb at Hanford, and I am also grateful that I was
able to work for four years at Hanford during the cold war. I hope the
Bombers never change their mascot.
-Ray Wells ('54)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Charlie Cox ('56)
Re: Star-Vue Theater
I was working behind the counter the night the screen came down. I also
worked for Mr. Honey at the North Star Theater in North Richland. If I
remember correctly Mr. Forke was Mr. Fay Honey's brother-in-law.
-Charlie Cox ('56) ~ Georgetown, TX - Just finished playing GOLF.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Lora Homme Page ('60)
Re: Shame
Thanks for your entry, Pappy. We are bombarded with shame for our use of
the atomic bomb to defend ourselves and prevent further American deaths,
but rarely does anyone suggest that the Japanese should feel guilty for
attacking the eastern half of the world and starving, raping, torturing
and murdering the people. Those people are just as dead and, many
of them died just as horribly. Was the bomb really worse than being
repeatedly raped and tortured to death?
I fervently pray that no one will ever use a nuclear weapon again, and
like Pappy, I wish that everyone would play nice. But as we learned on
9/11, that isn't going to happen at this time and we have two choices;
defend ourselves or let the aggressors kill us all and take everything.
If we do that, how long will it be before they're all that's left?
The rational world learned from Nagasaki and Hiroshima and we have all
pulled back in horror at the magnitude of the destruction and have done
everything in our power to prevent the spread of nuclear capability
to those less responsible. However, it isn't nuclear bombs that kill
people, it's people who kill people, to paraphrase a slogan, and it
doesn't matter if it's a fist or a nuclear bomb, you are just as dead.
God help us.
-Lora Homme Page ('60)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Bill Craddock ('61)
Re: RHS mascot "Bombers"
You know, as much as anyone, I'm very proud of the heritage that RHS
(Columbia High in my day) represents to thousands of grads. I treasure
my time spent there back in the day. I'm also very proud of the City of
Richland and of the Hanford Site. Great things were accomplished here
over a span of many years. My folks prospered beyond their dreams
(Oklahoma sharecroppers) because of Hanford. I was afforded a safe,
healthy youth because of Hanford and Richland and a fine education in
the Richland School District that saw me graduate in 1961 from Columbia
High School. Never once, during my life, have I wished harm or death to
any Japanese person. I am, however, an American and it has always been
my opinion that any time our government (that means us) sends even one
of our sons or daughters into harms way, it is the obligation of that
government to place ALL the resources of our country at the disposal
of that son/daughter. I believe that is what we did at Hiroshima and
Nagasaki. I'm well aware of most of the circumstances, both miliary and
political (as well as personal) that were involved in the decision to
use those weapons. It is sad, I'll admit, that so many were killed and
probably as much a tragedy that the lid to the Pandora's Box of the
nuclear age was opened. But - -
I'm unaware of any RHS grad that had anything to do with the dropping
of those weapons. Then, as now, we were/are just a bunch of high school
kids who took a certain amount of pride (and frequently, prestige) from
wearing the green and gold and being "Bombers". Just as the students at
Yuma High in Yuma, AZ take pride in being "The Criminals" in a sort of
acknowledgement of the famous and INFAMOUS territorial prison that was
located there and spawned the development of their town.
Come on, folks - - It's a high school, not an adult school where we
can beat our drums about political correctness, where we can delude
ourselves into thinking that even one descendent of one of the Japanese
victims will have their wounds salved by changing the name of our
mascot. Being a "BOMBER" is something we can be proud of - - not because
of Hiroshima/Nagasaki but because of the legacy of talent, goodness,
success, etc. willed to us by thousands of former and present "BOMBER"
graduates. Somehow, I doubt that the NOBEL PEACE PRIZE would be denied
to a person of greatness just because his/her HIGH SCHOOL was mascotted
by "THE BOMBERS". And you never can tell, with all the talent and
goodness that continues to pour forth from RHS each year - - It could
happen some day.
-Bill Craddock ('61)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Irene de la Bretonne Hays ('61)
I want to thank the editors for publishing an expanded and more balanced
array of views on the Richland Bomber mascot. It was truly refreshing.
Now that we know the "sky won't fall" when we disagree openly, I hope we
can continue this kind of open and challenging dialogue. Good work,
Maren.
-Irene de la Bretonne Hays ('61)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jim Yount ('61)
Re: Mascot
Once again there are active discussions on Bomber mascot selection. I've
read all the entries, and certainly remember my "Bomber Pride" when I
was attending Col-Hi in the early 1960s.
For most of us, our school days were forty or fifty years ago. I wonder
how we would have reacted at the time if our grandparents had insisted
that we reflect their history and the traditions of their experiences
when we attended school in the 1950s and 1960s. That would have meant
going back to 1910 to the 1920s for our inspiration. Sounds like a long
time ago, doesn't it? We would have demanded that OUR school reflect
what was current to us (building the bombs at Hanford), not the "ancient
history" of forty years earlier.
In the end, each generation has the right to set its own perspective
and create its own traditions. I would no more ask the class of 2007
to accept our traditions, than I would be willing to change mine.
Let's give the kids a break, and understand that WHATEVER mascot or
tradition they choose, it's their right to do so.
-Jim Yount ('61)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Katie Sheeran Johnson ('61)
Re: BOMB
I totally agree with Lora Homme Page ('60) and George Swan ('59).
We shouldn't remove the BOMB. It's part of our history and future
generations should know exactly what happened and to not forget it.
It doesn't represent anything we should be ashamed of.
-Katie Sheeran Johnson ('61)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mike Brady ('61)
Hi Bill and Irene,
Thank you for so eloquently weighing in on the Bomber issue.
-Mike Brady ('61)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Helen Cross Kirk ('62)
Well, first of all, let me say that I am happy that my husband, Warren
('63 NAB, but from Brewster, WA) did graduate from United Theological
Seminary in Dayton, Ohio last Saturday!! His brother, Bob, who lives in
Lynwood came, as did our oldest son, Chip, who came from Lake Tahoe, and
Carol Rice Forister ('62) also came from Kansas City!!
It was a day of fun celebration with family and friends, and also Warren
and I were very relieved to finally have it all done. Now we are getting
ready for a trek out to Washington State to see aging mothers, Thank
Goodness, mine resides in the lovely Columbian Inn, and I wish his did
too....
And we will get to visit our friends who live at the most lovely Lake
Pend O'reille. And we will be in the Tri-Cities of course. I'm sorry I
missed the play in Omak a few weeks ago, as I will be in that neck of
the woods a while, I'm sure. Now I need to contact my brother and tell
him I'm coming out.
Well, I can't quite stay out of the Bomb Mascot discussion, now that I'm
not so exhausted from getting our yard and house in shape for the Open
House, as I am surely not Martha Stewart or any close relation to her.
Anyway, I am proud of the Bomb and Richland's heritage, having a part in
ending WWII.
I agree that history should not be rewritten. We did what we did because
we were attacked by Japan, and we were fighting to save our country
and freedom as we know it. We did not want to have to learn to speak
Japanese or bow to an Emperor, nor did we want to have a German head of
state, and I believe those were real possible outcomes of the WWII.
I have a cousin who was on the Bataan Death March and my father and
my husband's father were sent to Okinowa (I'm sorry, I know I'm not
spelling it right.) In fact, the war ended before my Dad's Navy ship
got there. But the war definitely affected my parents' lives, as it
did everyone's life who was living in l939-'45, and indirectly it has
affected our lives ever since.
Maybe someday the people living in Richland will select a new mascot
to replace the Bomb. But I hope it isn't because they are not proud of
Richland's past. I too have visited the Peace Park in Hiroshima, Japan,
and I do agree that all world leaders should have to visit it, or the
Viet Nam Wall to be truly aware of the great sacrificed that any war
could require of it's citizens, but I did think when I was there, that
the Japanese didn't really state the cause of the war, their attack on
Pearl Harbor, in citing the horrors of the bomb being dropped.
It is a difficult issue, but I used to belong to Mother's for Peace. In
fact, I wonder if that organization still exists. Unfortunately, I think
mothers of every generation long for peace and don't want their children
to go to war. But I end by saying let us not rewrite history, but try to
state it as accurately as we can, and cite the changes that have occurred
as we've moved on from that time.
-Helen Cross Kirk ('62) ~ In the house by the little lake which now sits
in a well-manicured yard (for a few weeks anyway). Where the
birds have been eating about 12 cups of bird food a week the past
month.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Frank Whiteside ('63)
Re: The Bomb and the "Cloud"
I am in total agreement with Dave Hanthorn ('63) and Larry Jacobs ('43
NAB). Everything they cited, I believe, gives us good reason to be proud
of our Bomb and the Cloud.
While I am sure that everyone agrees that war and the resulting loss
of life is tragic, war is war, and had the Japanese possessed the bomb
before we did, don't think for a minute that they would have hesitated
to have used it on us or any other country in the world.
They started it, and we finished it. By doing so, we saved hundreds
of thousands of our men and those of other victims of the Japanese
aggression. Far more Japanese would likely have been killed in a full-
fledged land invasion and bombing of the entire country. Turn it around
and imagine what the world would have been like if Japan had won the
war. I don't think their occupation of the U.S. and other defeated
countries would have been so benevolent as was ours. As the result of
our occupation and rebuilding of Japan, they have gone on to become a
wealthy, successful free country and a strong U.S. ally.
The blame for the loss of life of their own people and millions of
others lies squarely on the shoulders of the Japanese government that
started the war. The PEACE that resulted from our use of the Bomb
that ended the war served a far greater good than allowing the war
to continue.
We don't need revisionist historians to tell us how bad we are because
we used the Bomb to end a war that totally destroyed many countries and
may have cost the lives of 50 million people or more.
To those who say "get rid of the Bomb/Cloud symbol", I say, "get over
it." It ended the worst war in history, saved possibly millions of other
lives that could have resulted if the war had continued, and resulted in
Japan becoming one of the most successful and prosperous countries in
the world... and a strong U.S. ally.
We have every reason to be proud of our symbol. We are not going to
sweep the Bomb that our fathers/grandfathers built under the rug because
some people think that using it is not "politically correct". Its use
has made it a deterrent and likely has kept other countries that had
evil intents under control. The best example is the "Cold War." The U.S.
and Soviet Union, although both possessed thousands of nuclear weapons,
never used them. Nor has any other country that possesses them. They
know the end result. Let's hope we are never forced to use it again.
LONG LIVE OUR BOMBER SYMBOL!!!
-Frank Whiteside ('63)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Re: School Mascot names
In this PC world run amok, I don't understand. Why is it that when a
mascot has to do with the Indians, or Native-Americans, or whatever PC
term we are using this month, it is considered, offensive and racist,
but if it is named after about anything else it is considered to be
honoring him/it, and is also offensive? The name crusader has come under
attack at two schools, one in Texas and one in Massachusetts; with at
least one of them changing the name. The Minuteman of the University
of Massachusetts was under attack because he is male and carries a gun.
They paid a graphic design company $10,000 to design a gray wolf logo,
but decided to keep the minuteman. For opposite reasons there is a big
effort to get schools and professional teams to drop mascots having to
do with Native-Americans. As the guy with the pointy ears on Star Trek
says, "Highly illogical."
I found this Bombers Mug for sale at Gasoline Alley Antiques:
http://www.gasolinealleyantiques.com/historical.htm
RICHLAND BOMBERS Glass Mug. "Possibly the most politically incorrect
high school team. Richland, Washington named their team BOMBERS with the
logo of a nuclear mushroom cloud - because the Hanford Nuclear Reactor
was in their back yard. Yellow and green. 5.5" tall. On the reverse is
the team fight song. mint. 22.50"
"Well, if we are "the most politically incorrect high school team," that
is a good reason for me to keep the bomb. Political correctness makes no
more sense to me than the "new math" did. At least with the "new math" I
could get the answer, even if didn't count because I couldn't work the
problem.
-Dennis Hammer ('64) ~ In Kennewick located between the Kennewick Lions
and the Southridge Suns. Oops! the Southridge Suns mascot
is a actually fusion reactor.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Opinions...we all got some
First... Sandy Jones ('65)... I blew it... Happy Birthday (16th)...
Next... Thank goodness for the banter back and forth on the Bomb and the
Mascot. I tend to feel as George "Pappy" Swan ('59) and Dave Hanthorn
('63) do... oh that's silly... I don't tend anything... I wholeheartedly
agree and jump up and down and shout it out loud... But as much as I
disagree with the ones on the other side I want to thank them for the
courage it took to say their piece. I'm not one for pretending this or
that didn't happen or for worrying about how someone may feel about a
fact... facts are just that... facts... I didn't much care for hearing
that Chief Jo was an Eagle school rather than a Warrior school... I'm
not sure who was offended... I wasn't but I'm not Nez Perce, I'm Apache.
maybe those Nez Perce have thinner skins... I for one hope the Marine
Corps never adopts a bunny rabbit as its mascot... I'm kinda fond of
being a devil dog... the name was hard earned... probably some people
think Marines themselves just made that up to sound lean and mean...
no, the Germans named us that during WW I. Not because we were warm and
fuzzy but because we had a job to do and did it VERY well... I find it
amazing that we can look on eastern cultures who have no concept of what
runs through our minds and attribute to them our feelings and mores. In
Viet Nam the ROK Marines were my heroes... they thought just like the
Vietnamese... they fought just like the Vietnamese... they kicked major
butt on the Vietnamese... it was war... and they knew their enemy and
they fought the same war as their enemy... A symbol is what we make of
it. If we feel pride in it, it glows. When we were kids we didn't go to
other towns singing we are the bombers, killers, civilian haters... we
were the Bombers and that carried with it an entire town... none of
us that I knew had any intention of hurting anybody's feelings... the
symbol of the Bomb does not glorify war or innocent people dying... it
symbolizes American gumption... In drafting documents I often have the
other side demand the default provisions be watered down... my standard
answer is "NO" "But they are so harsh" is the response I get... I reply
"They are not the least bit harsh as long as you honor your commitments"
The War with Japan was waged harshly and it ended harshly... for many
Americans it is over and done and now let's all be friends... from what
I have read the only thing the Japanese are sorry about is that they
lost... In any event... whether we agree or not I hope we can agree to
disagree without getting nasty and personal... last time we had a guy
or two who couldn't get along with others we hadda go to the sandbox...
Let's just remember we are all Bombers (tho you can call yourself
something else if you like)... by that I mean Richland Kids... some born
and all bred! It just doesn't get any better than that! How's that for
rambling?!
-David Rivers ('65)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
In the midst of trying to stay awake when I should be working (after I
drank all the coffee and am too lazy to get up and make another pot),
I was traipsing around visiting different web sites, news sites, and
decided to visit the Sandstorm site. Looked at recipes and that just
made me hungry, and since I'm too lazy to make coffee, forget the
cooking right now, and then I thought I might check out the personal
pages. Lo and behold, I found my name listed under the year 1965, there
I found, Mr. and Mrs. Hoban's internet business. Before going any
further with this, I wish to thank whoever did this, although I suspect
it was Maren, and have thanked her at beginning of this, but thank you
again. For months now, I have been toying with the idea of writing a
little blurb about our hearing aid business, but then chickened out
because I didn't wish to shamefully advertise for free. Lord knows, we
have paid Google more money than I care to discuss, but that is another
story. I keep telling Denny to go buy stock in Google, but it's too late
now. Stock values are through the roof for them. We as consumers have
even coined the phrase, "I googled this or that ………." whatever. I have
the FREE (ha!) Google toolbar bar under the browser for my medical
transcription work, which has saved my hide more than once. Google is a
great search engine, but expensive, as in first born, etc., etc. The
only way you can get up there on the first page is to pay, pay, pay….
Because hubby and I are so very happy with the personal home page entry
in the Sandstorm, we are offering for as long as there is a need or
interest, a 20% discount for all Bombers, spouses, mothers, fathers,
sisters, brothers, and offspring. What am I talking about??? Well, our
web site is http://preciousear.com/ and we sell ready to wear hearing
aids. If you are in the need, and or even think you might need some
help, as I discovered, after all those years of listening to Jimi
Hendrix at full volume, and believing that the best place to dance
to live music was right by the speakers, and having headphones semi-
permanently stuck on my ears for the last eight years, I too have a
hearing loss. My hubby, Denny Hoban, is available at the number on the
web site. He is a certified and licensed hearing specialist that can
answer any and all your questions. We are offering the 20% discount
(which includes free shipping in all 50 states of the USA) to all
Bombers. Free shipping is always available for anyone living in the
land of the free, and home of the brave for all other folks.
Thank you.
Bomber Cheers,
-Linda McKnight Hoban ('65) ~ > From hot Tigard, Oregon where the
temperature yesterday broke a bunch of records all over the
state, and imagine 95° at the beach!!!
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Peg Wellman Johnson ('66)
We cannot bottle the humble pride and wonder that belonged to Richland
when we learned of our part in the Manhattan Project immediately
following Hiroshima and Nagasaki. If we could, we could distribute it
to all who encounter the Bomber name and mascot so that they also can
understand its origins and meaning. Then perhaps we could justify
clinging to our treasured mascot.
But the world is not the same place it was when the bomb was dropped to
speed an end to World War II. Today, our former enemies are our common
citizens in a global living endeavor that requires every ounce of
compassion, sensitivity, and understanding that we can muster – day in
and day out.
The legitimacy of yesterday's actions is not the issue; the reality of
today is the issue. And today we live and work side by side with those
whose families and loved ones were destroyed by the product of the
Manhattan Project. The symbols of past animosities and power struggles
need to be relinquished; they are counter-productive to building a
future of respect and equal value.
It is time to entomb the bomb and move on.
-Peg Wellman Johnson ('66)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mike Franco ('70)
Re: that drive in movie out on GWWAY in North Richland.
Peter "Turp" Turping ('70) is right on about heading out there spending
weekend evenings under the watchful eye of the sweetest guy ever,
Georgeouos George Dana ('70-RIP).
To: Bill "Lane" Johnson ('61) ....you had the theater closing in 1964...
not so, we class of 1970 geniouses spent a lot of our intellectual
development energy there in the late '60s, and I think into early '70s.
Of course our class imitated the whole theory of "rolling blackouts" so
our memories could be a little shaky.
My best thoughts to another 1970 great, Obie Amacker who lost his dad
last week. Mr. Amacker was another one of the legendary Richland
parents. We will have some cold ones this summer remembering Obie Sr.
I also understand Stubby Neill is approaching retirement....I never even
knew he had a full time job!!! Nobody tells me anything!!!
Bomber cheers to all
-Mike Franco ('70)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Greg Alley ('73)
To: Larry Jacobs ('43 NAB)
That was very well said about the discussion of the Richland High
mascot. I did not serve my country and I have not been around the world.
In my west coast and northwest travels when I say I am from Richland the
conversation is usually about sports and I like to big talk our sports
history. Maybe someone will say do you work at Hanford but never does
the subject get to dropping the bomb. Richland Bombers. Unique, one of
a kind, different, the best. Richland Bomber forever.
-Greg Alley ('73) ~ In hotter than heck Richland where its in the 90s
in May all week.
*******************************************
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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 ~ 05/18/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9 Bombers sent stuff:
Stan McDonald ('53), Laura Dean Kirby ('55)
Gene Horne ('57), George Swan ('59)
Lora Homme ('60), David Rivers ('65)
Pam Ehinger ('67), Peter Turping ('70)
Mike Davis ('74)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jack Keeney ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lyman Powell ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Caroline Stanfield ('66)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Stan McDonald ('53)
Re: Lessons of History
Someone much wiser than me has said (paraphrasing) ... "those who forget
the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it." We can disagree about
whether the "bomb" was a necessary advent of the war with Japan but if
properly understood, that war was not initiated by the United States.
The students in Japan are not taught that there was duplicity on the
part of their government nor many of the aspects of the second world
war. It just isn't there in their textbooks or class discussions.
Several years ago we took in foreign students to live with us through
an international student referral organization. We had one Austrian
student. But the others were from Japan. In all there were about 10 of
them. One stayed with us through the end of high school and one year in
college. But among the others there was one young man whose grandfather
was killed in China during WWII and he was trying to find his
"identity" through war games on his computer... that is another story...
but the point here is that this young man had not been told anything
much at all about the war while he attended school in Japan. Only that
Nagasaki and Hiroshima were devastated by U.S. bombs including and
primarily because of "the bomb."
The bomb is a significant part of the history of Richland and deserves
to be. As a symbol for the high school, I suppose that will continue
to be debated. But because it ended a horrific war, I see no reason to
stick our collective heads in the sand about it's place in history.
Thanks Pappy for reminding us again why we fought that and other wars.
You are indeed a good wordsmith! I enjoy (now) your "little people"
stories. At first read frankly I wondered if you were "all there." Tee hee.
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. Mine died 17 years ago
.... but I honor the mother of my children and the happiness that brings
when I see and hear from my two sons and their wives and my (now) seven
grandchildren.
-Stan McDonald ('53)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Laura Dean Kirby ('55)
Re: Hmmmm?
Do you think that if a new high school was built in New York City and
they selected the Twin Towers as a mascot, fifty years later a group
representing the people responsible for 9-11 would have any luck getting
them to change to something that didn't represent terrorism? Just a
thought!
-Laura Dean Kirby ('55) ~ Proud of the Bomb
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****************************************************************
>>From: Gene Horne ('57)
To: Mike Lynch
Hi Mike....
Just read the nice remarks u made about Gene as your boxing coach...
he thanks u very much... and u know how much he loved Boxing... fighting
and coaching... he also started a boxing club while we lived in
Ketchikan, AK... had lots of smokers... in the high school and also in
one of the oldest saloons in AK...
So thank u...
-Carol and Gene Horne ('57)
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****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: David Rivers ('65)
Taking my cue from you. First ... I too, blew it. Too much trout,
turkeys, and Sandstorm current events on my mind when I returned home
on the late night of the 14th. So ... Marilyn Swan Beddo ('63), my
much younger sister ... Happy Birthday (15th). Sorry kid! Your heavily
seasoned brother.
Re: Emblems & Symbols and principles
I know, I said, "No more on this subject." However, I am still pondering
that which is near and dear to me. I cannot help but think that the
question of the potential elimination of our high school symbol is
anything but just the tip of a giant national iceberg of PC movement
mindset.
So next. David, I too, was and always will consider myself a Chief
Joseph "Warrior" (where I was actually active and reasonably successful
as a Freshman in sports (Track and Field) competing in the shot put, low
hurdles, and high jump events as a Warrior. But, it would be years
later, that I would really come to understand who Chief Joseph was, his
stand for his principles, convictions, and concerns for his people, and
the history of his proud people. And, I will always consider myself a
Richland "Bomber" (where I finally admitted to myself that I was too
skinny, too short, and too lightweight to be an effective athlete -- so
I became an outdoorsman). Again, it would be years later that I would
come to really understand what was behind the "Bomber" name and symbol.
Those years, spent in the hallways and classrooms of both schools,
helped shape me into what I became after high school and what I am today
... an average, everyday, proud American. A heritage based on history?
David, I agree with your entire posting for today (17th), especially
your statement, "... I for one hope the Marine Corps never adopts a
bunny rabbit as its mascot ... I'm kinda fond of being a devil dog ...
the name was hard earned..."
I never, in my wildest adolescent nightmare, considered that anyone
would someday want to change me from a "Warrior" to a "Hawk" or
eliminate my "Bomber" symbol. But now, I shall live in fear that some
PC Person might actually begin pushing to change the Eagle, Globe, and
Anchor to a pink bunny rabbit and refer to us as, those "Devilish
Wabbits!" Tongue in cheek, folks but they had better not mess with that
one!
To: Dennis Hammer ('64)
You are absolutely right, this PC world run amok is "Highly illogical."
Reference, your example of the effort to do away with the "Minuteman"
mascot, which represents another grouping of Americans whose actions
were directly responsible for our being able to sit here today and
openly debate pros and cons (of anything). To those trying to do away
with that symbol, I would say, "Yep, he (the Minuteman) was male and by
golly I do believe he carried a (gasp) gun." There were some ladies who
took up arms and helped fight but by and large, the guys fought and the
ladies supported them on the home front. And, fight, when at first it
was not so popular, they did. So, let's see, I know about the Boston Tea
Party but did I miss something? Did not our forefathers arm themselves
and fight for our freedom (which we so freely enjoy today) or did they
actually deal with the British through peace marches, demonstrations,
and love-ins?
And further thinking about the "illogical," is America not one of the
few, if not the only Nation(s) that (after warring with Japan), rebuilt,
aided, allied with, and supported the loser (even after initially being
it's victim)? Had Japan won, wouldn't consideration of our symbol have
long ago become a moot point? In fact, many of us would probably not be
alive today nor would many of us have ever been born.
Given that, is it logical that Japan would offer no apologies for its
aggression (let alone, no admission of its aggression)? Is it logical
that America continues to receive, from many Japanese people (and many
of our own fellow Americans), major criticism relating to our use of the
bomb to force their cessation of aggression and bring to a close the
war that they started but were refusing to end? Is it logical that a
multitude of Japanese war criminals were never brought to trial? Is it
logical that America received no amends, only demands from Japan (who
still refuses to really own up), for the return of full control of its
lands (such as Okinawa)? I may be mistaken, but I believe some of the
Japanese people actually demanded apologies for our use of the bomb.
They started it without just cause, we overcame and beat them at their
own game, but they were and still seem to be ... very sore losers. So
now, regardless of the facts that they are currently our allies and
supposedly, "Peace and Tranquility" now reigns between us, is it logical
that our generation and all of those following should cease to remember,
let alone feel ashamed? Should we feel bad about ending a war that they
refused to stop even when it was obvious that they would lose eventually
... but at what price? Where is the logic (or mutual respect) in all of
that?
As for the current, rampant, changing of historical symbols, school or
other, I cannot help but wonder? Are today's kids being inadvertently
trained to disregard the hard-earned symbols and all that they represent
of our nation's heritage and history? Furthermore, is it really
"inadvertent?" It strikes me that there are a multitude of agendas
entering into these efforts to do away with much that was (and still is
by many of us) held precious due to the ultimate sacrifice of many of
our "forefathers," or is it supposed to be "forepersons" now?
Would it not be wonderful, if life in today's world could be as carefree
as the "Happy Days" of our youth growing up in a unique and relatively
safe town such as "Bomberville, USA?" I had not been away for long
before learning from other Marines how their days of youth differed so
greatly from mine. Seldom did any of them mention anything as positive
as I had enjoyed. So, to think that we could enjoy a similar carefree
life in today's world, while desirable, is exceptionally naive as there
are always wolves out there.
I am reminded of the old story of wolves, the flock, and sheep dogs.
There will always be wolves lurking about, secretively watching for
an opportunity and contemplating how to harm or take advantage of the
flock. In the meantime, the flock is content to go about its happy
existence of peaceful daily life. The job of the sheep dogs is to look
out for the flock. However, many of the flock do not like sheep dogs
much, as sheep dogs are considered armed and dangerous. Sheep dogs carry
weapons (like big teeth) and are trained to deal with wolves, thus many
within the flock tend to confuse them with wolves and naively conjure up
images of violence, especially, when no wolves are about. Often, this
situation goes on for extended periods prompting the flock to question
the need for or the number of sheep dogs. However, when the wolves attack
(and they always, eventually will), the flock demands the immediate
presence and protection provided by sheep dogs.
I want to thank those who joined in from both sides of the discussion
in a mutually respectful manner as I have increased my awareness and
understanding considerably. But I especially thank those who referenced
several books that I have not read. I will seek them out. We all have
opinions and are certainly free to express them. However, speaking only
for myself, if I am going to enter into a written discussion, I feel a
responsibility to strive for being able to offer an informed opinion
(based on accurate knowledge and/or personal experience) rather than
one based solely upon my own emotions or convictions.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where it is again hitting in
the nineties today and I am realizing that I have to quit making
short stories ... long, as I just suffered the near personal
indignation of almost missing the weekly garbage pickup. Picture
an old, gray-haired, portly shaped guy going on 65, hearing the
garbage truck as he pounds the keyboard. So, he races out of the
house without any shoes on to pull the big black container down
all 175 or so paces of the gravely driveway, "Ooching and
ouching" all the way to the street (thankfully the puddle is
currently dry). Returning to the house, he looks down and
realizes that he is clad only in his skivvies and sleeveless Tee
shirt (beating the heat ... ya know). Fortunately, he has
escaped both detection within the tree-lined driveway and an
arrest for indecent exposure. He returns to complete his
Sandstorm entry reminding himself that this is getting way out
of control. So, back to elf adventures!
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>>From: Lora Homme Page ('60)
Re: Politically Correct
I'm glad to see that there are so many people willing to stand up and
shout "THE EMPEROR IS NAKED!"
-Lora Homme Page ('60) ~ In that other town across the river and up
the road from Richland where it is 100° in May! No wonder
the emperor is naked!
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Birthdays... on the 18th
First: You guys make me so proud to be from Richland... so many guys and
gals have written about our town and our tradition... one guy even said
we should let the young have their own tradition (not sure how long a
tradition the young can have)... several have opined we should retire
the cloud and many have said it's ours and we're keeping it... I am
amazed at the scholarly comments we read in the Sandstorm... I'm sure if
our teachers could read them they would be puzzled by some and elated
by others... I am sure most of my teachers are surprised I can read and
write... (read my first book at 21... talk about stubborn)... Thanks to
everyone... even those who make me wanna jump outa my skin and scream
"wrong wrong wrong"... because you have the right right right to speak
your minds!
NOW... three Bombers who made my life much richer are having birthdays
on the 18th. Two are great buds and the other one of the sweetest most
loving people I have ever known. I am privileged to call these three my
friends... and while I consider him a friend I must mention that it is
NOT Johnny Crigler's ('64) birthday and he can no longer get away with
trying to make me think it is... One of these guys made me a belt when
we were in 10th grade and I still have it... he is about as talented a
guy as I have ever known... He wears the greatest Billy Gibbons beard
you ever saw... I have two phone numbers in my phone for him and neither
one works and even Brother Gus ('57) wasn't able to get me a good one...
I'll just call two bits... they'll know where he is... The other guy and
I have spent a lot of time together... he once saved me from being beaten
to death by a golden gloves type... the guy had me between two parked
cars when the birthday boy kicked the guy into the street... (in front
of a police car that was responding to a call from the party we were
attending)... The girl is just special and what more can I say... ...
she will always have a very warm spot in my heart...
So it's time to wish the Birthday Kids
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lyman Powell ('65), Jack Keeney ('65) and
Caroline Stanfield ('66)!!!!!!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Pam Ehinger (The Blue Ribbon Class of '67)
Dear Bombers
Please keep in mind our service men and women in your heart and minds
and keep the prayers coming for them. Remember when the bomb was dropped
it ENDED the War that Japan STARTED. We as Bombers should be PROUD of
what our fathers and mothers did to end that awful war.
I am the proud mother of SSgt. Jame Walsborn. He's been to Iraq and came
home safe and sound. But now I have to go through another year of worry,
as he is being sent back to Iraq in July. So please keep him in your
prayers. Thank You all! If it weren't for our armed services where would
we be? I'm proud to call myself a Bomber and I'm proud of our Bomb and
our Cloud!!!! An I let all know this by the bumper sticker on my car!
Now for some good news! My son is also going to be a daddy! Their baby
is due in December and he has made arrangements already to be home for
the birth of their first child!
Bombers Rule!
-Pam Ehinger (The Blue Ribbon Class of '67)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Peter Turping ('70)
Re: Sky Line Drive in
Franco ('70) is right (wow, don't get to say that often). The Sky Line
Drive In was going at least to the late '60s. I also remember that one
summer the only movie they showed was "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly".
Sometimes they showed it 3 times a night. Never stopped us from showing
up though. I guess it really wasn't about the movies.
-Peter Turping ('70)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Mike Davis ('74)
To: Mike Franco ('70)
Re: Steve Neill's ('72) Retirement
Mike,
You mentioned you were not aware of Stubby having a full time job? You
were correct, he doesn't! -- he's the principal of RHS. Occasionally he
will come down off his booster chair in his office and walk the halls!
-Mike Davis ('74)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/19/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 Bombers sent stuff:
Richard Roberts ('49) and Carol Tyner ('52), Jerry Boyd ('52)
Millie Finch ('54), Larry Mattingly ('60), Mike Brady ('61)
Linda Reining ('64), Rick Valentine ('68), Betti Avant ('69)
Brad Upton ('74)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bob Cross ('62)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Richard Roberts ('49) and Carol Tyner Roberts ('52)
To: Anyone who will read this
Our daughter, Linda Griffin, is performing on Broadway in a musical,
"The Drowsy Chaperone". They were just nominated for thirteen Tony
Awards. We are blessed. We will be going to NY next month to see the
show again as it was in LA at the Ahmanson theater for three months
trial before they took it to NY. Look it up on line:
http://www.drowsychaperone.com/
-Richard Roberts ('49) and Carol Tyner Roberts ('52)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Jerry Boyd ('52)
To: George Richardson ('51)
Many years have passed since we have crossed paths or talked and if you
get this message and are planning on going to be at Club 40 this year I
will be there.
-Jerry Boyd ('52) ~ Currently living in Yakima
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****************************************************************
>>From: Millie Finch Gregg ('54)
Re: Drive-Ins
I can't believe with all the talk about the different drive in movies in
the Tri-Cities that no one, that is right NO ONE ever dared them what we
called them - remember - "THE PASSION PITS". Do you remember now old
Bombers????
It was great to watch a movie, and spoon at the same time. Oh well, so
much for nostalgia, but just couldn't resist my two cents.
-Millie Finch Gregg ('54)
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>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: Buddy the crow
In these busy times of the year I tend to be an early riser. My eyes
usually pop open just after 5 AM and I don't even try for a few more
winks as I know what is on my continuous "To Do" list. So in the process
of waking up I put on a pair of shorts or jeans if chilly and wander
out to the front porch and pick over the geraniums that add color to my
rather drab front porch. A couple of weeks ago I had just stepped down
to go across the street to get the morning paper. Zoom, a crow passed
close in front of my face. He landed on a statue in the bird bath in the
rose garden. Caw, caw...he says looking down into the nearly empty bath.
Yeah right I says and head off to get my paper that I read every day,
despite the fact that some days there is so little worth reading that
it takes me 5 minutes. Zooom in front of my face again and back to his
perch. Caw Caw he says looking down. Nah I says to myself and start for
the paper again. Zoom again nearly hitting me and I can feel the air
from his pass. Caw, Caw CAW! He says stamping his feet on the head of
the damsel. No question, he was expressing his outrage. Down into the
dish and back up again flapping and fairly screaming Caw, CAW! This is
ridiculous I says as I start for the water hose. Caw Caw he says "keep
going". So I turn on the water and aim the nozzle at the bath and start
toward him figuring he would fly away. He sat there waiting patiently
while I sluiced the old water out and filled the bath. With that he
raised a wing and says caw, so I squirted water on him and he raised the
wing high and muttered something that sounded like "thanks Buddy", and
turned around and raised the other wing. Then sure enough he stretched
out first one leg then the other. Bowing his head and getting face full
he flew up to the fence post in the sun and shook himself nearly dry.
As I turned the water off I could hear him softly caw and could swear he
was grinning at me.
So I said "hey Buddy, is it OK if I get the paper now"? Caw. When I came
out later there he was walking around the front yard picking at bugs and
such. So I tore up half a slice of bread and found some hamburger scraps
from last night's stir fry dinner put them on a paper plate and put them
down in the front yard by the rose garden. Soon as I was back about 10
feet zoom. Caw he said and ate it all.
Buddy must live close by as he takes regular baths and is always hungry
for whatever I put out. He is still cautious about my getting too close
except with the water hose. But he is always willing to carry on a
conversation. Caw...
More later, as Buddy says "Caw".
"Happiness is the sky in bloom"
-J Larry Mattingly ('60)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Mike Brady (Class of '61: "Ahead of the Curve")
Re: Beth Pederson ('61) performing
Just a quick reminder, Beth Pederson ('61) will be performing at The
Seattle Center next Friday, May 26 at 4:30pm. She will be performing
at the Alki Center House. If anyone in the Seattle area needs a ride,
don't hesitate to contact me.
-Mike Brady (Class of '61: "Ahead of the Curve")
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****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
No Sandstorm in my morning e mail today(Thursday, May 18th)! boo hoo IF
it is cause I haven't mailed in my subscription, I am sorry to be
late----but, I am putting it in the mail tomorrow morning(Friday)and
sending it on its way. *grin* just can't start my day "right" without
that little paper in my mail each and every morning.
re:changing the mascot
I hope that NEVER happens! I am proud to be a Bomber, proud of the cloud
and proud of the work that my parents and aunts, uncles, and grandfather
did to help end that war! I shudder to think what might have happened IF
Japan had won!
-Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of 64).....the heat is melting the
snow pack faster than expected and the Lake Isabella Dam has a
crack in it and now the Corps of Engineers is worried about the
dam bursting----IF that happens, Bakersfield, CA could be under
30 feet of water! they have been letting water out of the lake,
but it has already caused erosion on one side of the road
through Kern Canyon---that's the main route up to Lake Isabella,
Kernville(home of Whiskey Flat Days), and other small towns in
that part of Kern County.
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>>From: Rick Valentine ('68)
Re: Richland Bomb Logo
Just thought I would put my Two Cents Worth in on the Richland Bomb
Logo. How soon we forget, I fear we have more to fear from the
Politically Correct and the History Revisionists, than we do from the
Richland Bomb Logo.
-Rick Valentine ('68) ~ Spokane, WA where we have set a record for high
temperatures in May for the past two days and less than two
weeks ago we set a record low for temperatures in May.
Go Figure..
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
I got thinking about all this talk of how our parents came to Hanford
for work. When my mother passed away in 1994 I was going through her
important papers. I found an application her mother had filled out for a
job at Hanford in the late 1940s. She never came out from South Dakota
except for visits but it got me wondering what type of work she would
have done. I don't recall her ever working other than renting out rooms
in her spacious house we used to visit as kids.
This talk about Chief Joseph was something else I have on my mind. I
don't recall ever hearing the history behind who he was while attending
Chief Jo JH, but I may be wrong.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA where the sun has been shining brightly
(not quite as warm as eastern WA though)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Brad Upton ('74)
Re: Political Correctness
Okay, let's take a look at all the mascots in the Big Nine, or Ten,
Twelve--whatever it is now.
Walla Walla Blue Devils: When you walk into a gym where they are
chanting "let's go devils" they're clearly practicing devil worship.
Wearing clothes and uniforms with the devil on it. Clearly these are
dangerous, evil people. Time to get rid of the Blue Devils--very
offensive.
Pasco Bulldogs. The Bulldog was bred with a powerful jaw and flat nose
so that during the 19th century they could jump up on a bull's face,
clamp on his nose, and see how long he could hang on with out getting
tossed off by the angry bull. Clearly, clearly glorifies abuse to
animals and very offensive. Time to get rid of the Bulldog.
Kamiakin Braves/Moses Lake Chieftans. 'Nuff said. Offensive to Native
Americans. Get rid of those.
Kennewick Lions. The Lion kills people every year in Africa. Think of
the poor families that have lost loved ones to a Lion. Do you think they
like seeing images of Lions? Of course not. Clearly offensive and needs
to go.
Southridge Suns. Oh, the Sun. What kills more than the sun? Millions of
melanomas every year. Drought. Withered crops. Global warming. Damn sun!
Very offensive and needs to be changed.
Wenatchee Panthers-See Kennewick Lions.
Eisenhower Cadets. Cadets? Soldiers. Instruments of war. Very offensive.
Get rid of it.
Davis Pirates. Let's see what are pirates known for? Robbery, murder,
rape. Do we need to glorify that? Very offensive. Time for a new mascot.
I think Eastmont is in the league now and I don't know what their mascot
is, but I'm sure it's offensive. BTW, my dad was a Marine training for
the invasion of Japan when the war ended. Had we not dropped that bomb,
I may not have been typing this satire.
-Brad Upton ('74) ~ Castries, St. Lucia
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/20/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
14 Bombers sent stuff:
Dick Harris ('49), Phil Belcher ('51)
Lorin St. John ('55), Mary Judd ('60)
George Swan ('59), Jan Bollinger ('60)
Patti Mathis ('60), Ed Quigley ('62)
Dennis Hammer ('64), Kathie Roe ('64)
Linda Reining ('64), Betti Avant (69)
Robert Avant ('69), Dave Fowler ('76)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Dick Harris ('49)
To: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Re: "The Great Raid"
I appreciated the movie, "The Great Raid," also and I, too, thought the
documentary on PBS was more informative. I particularly enjoyed the
interviews with Robert Prince, the leader of the final raid on the
Prisoner of War Camp at Cabanatuan on the Island of Luzon in the
Philippines. "Ghost Soldiers," by Hampton Sides, is an epic account of
this magnificent rescue mission. I was loaned this book by a friend and
you can imagine my surprise, when I discovered that an old acquaintance
was one of the special heroes of the book, Captain Bob Prince. Bob Prince
was a very successful apple broker in Wenatchee and I and many others
knew and respected him a true professional, without any knowledge of
his WWII heroism. Bob now lives in Port Townsend, WA, to be near his
son. I recently contacted him regarding an upcoming Rotary Conference in
Wenatchee. We wanted to have him here at that conference to honor him
for his service and to have an additional tie-in with our Rotary Group
Study Exchange Team, who were here from the Philippines. However, he
said his health would not allow him to come, so we didn't press him.
However, we do honor his sacrifice and that of many who gave so much for
our freedom!
-Dick Harris ('49)
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>>From: Phil Belcher ('51)
Re: The Bomb
I have set back and read about what other people have had to say about
our mascot. I read about other teams, pro and semi-pro changing their
names to be politically correct and I get angry each tiMe. We didn't
start the war, when we captured prisoners we treated them correctly, not
as the Japanese treated the American GIs. We were part of a great piece
of American history and we shouldn't attempt to change it.
I worked at PRTR during the time it was in service and sometime in the
mid '60s a group of Japanese scientists were invited over to tour our
reactor. They were welcomed with open arms by many and invited into our
homes but yet the black Americans that served and fought against them
were still being treated as second class citizens. That has griped me for
many years, now perhaps I can lay it to rest.
Re: Drive In
We snuck into many drive ins with one or two in the trunk. To avoid
being caught we had the rear the rear cushion of the back seat loose so
that they could exit into the rear of the car. Of course the tall ones
never had to go through the trunk.
-Phil Belcher ('51)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Lorin St. John (Col-Hi 1955)
Re: Edgar K. Haag's Senior Picture
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Any/060520-StJohn-Haag1929.jpg
To: All Bombers at Col-Hi through the '50s and '60s
Here is Edgar K. Haag's senior picture (Pasco High School class of 1929).
Now that we are adults ourselves we sometimes forget (I wonder why that
is so. Could it be that is why we were in school in the first place
because we didn't know anything?) that our teachers were also teenagers.
Mr. Haag was vice principal during my time at Col-Hi.
-Lorin St. John (Col-Hi 1955)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Mr. Haag was principal when I was there. -Maren]
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****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Further cawing about low-flying lawn mowers, Indian chiefs and the
strange possibilities of (ers)
But first:
Re: More Gullible's Travels (Senior Episodes)
Note: This one's for one of the loveliest ladies of Club 40, Ann
Thompson, aka Anna Mae Wann ('49).
THE JOYS OF LAWN MOWING: Chapter I, The Day Ol' SSR Went Down Well,
yesterday was not only hotter than the hubs of Hades; if was a
bitter/sweet day. It was both a sad day and a happy day. I was finally
forced to retire ol' "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" (Ol' SSR). Some folks
might immediately jump to the conclusion that SSR might stand for Souped-
up, Spiffy, Racer. Well, once, it could have.
SSR is (was) my Craftsman front drive, self-propelled, lawn mower that
faithfully served me for at least 20 years. Well, I came from Kansas Farm
Folks, so I believe in getting my money's worth out of my implements.
But, early yesterday morning, I was up and out there, trying to beat
the heat. One day per week, every spring, summer, and fall, of the past
double decade, I had performed the routine preflight check and fired up
ol' SSR, taxied out and flown my cross-property missions. At times, I was
barnstorming between small local towns, on other occasions, I flew the
Burma hump through high peaks, clouds, and angry swarms of attacking
Zeros to deliver much needed supplies to Chiang Kai-shek's forces and
General Clare Chennault's Flying Tigers.
OK, so I was just mowing the lawn! I have always had a vivid imagination.
It helps to get the job done. Is that what the "Pasykologists" call
transference? Seems fitting as I was transferring excessively long blades
of grass to the compost pile. On each mowing day, in my mind, I checked
out my flying machine and took off. After all, it has a big propeller,
OK? So what if it does point straight at the ground (it could be one
of those VTO things -- vertical takeoff). And, it has a throttle, and a
cargo space. Yesterday, I was cruising along (at times, nearly straight
and level), vibrating and smoking (a lot of smoke), able to reach speeds
just above stalling. It occurred to me that the neighbors probably
thought I was performing low-level sky writing maneuvers (or fogging
mosquitoes). That was about the time the left front wheel froze up
causing SSR to veer radically off-course to the port side and wipe
out a stretch of Mrs. Pappy's prize roses.
I managed to sit 'er down and like a good barnstormer, I hopped out of
the cockpit and deduced the situation. Following a brief application of
hammer, pry bar, needle nose pliers, a length of baling wire, and a lot
of duct tape, I was again yelling "Clear!" and running up. Grinning like
the Cheshire cat and beaming with smug satisfaction, I made a short take
off run and that time, became a crop-duster. I made straight low runs
over the fields of green, followed with a shallow climbing right bank at
the end, rolling smoothly around to the left, lining up for the next run
and rolling level, I zoomed (well put putted) back and forth lost in my
repetitious revelry. And then it happened!
The left front wheel, without warning, just kinda left and went
"thataway." SSR dropped his left wing and plowed into the green crops
with a RRRRR--SPWHAACK! Emerging from my flight of fantasy I profoundly
uttered the heroic words, "Uh Oh" as I watched the left wheel scribe a
rolling arc around the perimeter of the front lawn, then finally wobble
in a tight circle, and bring the episode to a less than dramatic ending
with a lame flop onto its side. Standing there, covered with dirt stuck
on sweat and bits of freshly mulched sod hanging from shoulders and old
red cap, I had a revelation. "I guess its time to retire ol' SSR. TO BE
CONTINUED
To: Larry Mattingly ('60)
I have often thought that in many respects, you and I speak the same
language. Please tell Buddy the crow that I said, "Caw, caw, caw, caw."
LOL. But seriously, caw, caw, caw caw caw! My best to Buddy and to you,
my friend. GOOD STORY!
To: Betti Avant ('69)
"This talk about Chief Joseph was something else I have on my mind. I
don't recall ever hearing the history behind who he was while attending
Chief Jo JH, but I may be wrong."
My point exactly, Betty. At that time, all I remember hearing was that he
was a famous Indian in the history of the Northwest. Years later, I found
the answers as I began finding books about him and his people. There are
several good books out there. One of my all-time favorite authors of
American Western History is Terry C. Johnston. Terry wrote over thirty
novels of the American frontier. All should be available in paperback or
hard-bound editions. One can always go to the more academic works (first
or later) but I can assure those interested, that Terry thoroughly
researched every one of his works. He won prestigious awards among
western writers and his books appeared on bestseller lists throughout the
country for several years. He makes western history so enjoyable and easy
to study as he would take a handful of fictitious characters and insert
them among the real figures of those times and real happenings and told
each story with a dedication to historical accuracy and authenticity. His
novels always cover the story from both the Indian and white side thus
presenting that "perspective thing" from both sides. He wrote several
series covering: Mountain men, the various Indian/U.S. Army Wars and
conflicts, "Galvanized Yankees" (captured or surrendered confederate
soldiers who again swore allegiance to the North and were allowed to
serve out west in the Indian wars for the duration of the Civil War),
George Armstrong Custer and other famous leaders, and several famous
Indian figures. Humbly, I admit that I have read them all. Terry worked
on a trilogy covering the Nez Perce War of 1877. He completed, "Cries
From The Earth" and "Lay The Mountains Low." Sadly, especially for me,
Terry died of cancer before completing the third book of that series.
However, the first two tell most of the story of Chief Joseph and his
people up to just about the point of the Nez Perce surrender in the Bear
Paw Mountains of northern modern day Montana, mere miles from their run
for Canada. I reckon its obvious, I was, am, and always be, a fan of
Terry C. Johnston and his works.
To: David Rivers ('65)
Ever since I delved into his story, I, personally, have always thought
that Geronimo was one of the greatest and most successful of guerrilla
fighters in history. The only way that he was beaten was through
attrition of his little force.
To: Brad Upton ('74)
All good points Brad. Consider the results if some well meaning (PC-
minded) person came up with the following idea? Maybe an alternative
solution would be to do away with mascots completely and simply add
"ers" to each school name. Thus, we would have Richlanders, Hanforders,
Pascoers, Kennewickers, Burbankers, Walla Wallaers, Kamakiners, Moses
Lakers, Southridgers, Davisers, Eastmonters (known as "The Wildcats" so
"also see Lyon" would apply, where my step-kids went to school and their
kids now go), Eisenhowerers, etc. Of course the "Bombers" could thereby
remain unchanged, since under that rule, it already ends in (ers).
Ummmmm. Thinking, thinking ... Wait! Nooo, maybe we better just drop that
idea. If it caught on nationally, what would the teams of Peck, Kansas
call themselves?
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where again, maybe I better just
focus on my low-flying lawn mower problems.
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****************************************************************
>>From: Jan Bollinger Persons ('60)
To: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: Buddy the Crow
Thanks for the entertaining account of your relationship with "Buddy" the
crow. I have something of a prejudice against crows and ravens, but just
couldn't help liking Buddy. Some might think the story sounds like a work
of fiction, but crows are known to be very smart--as well as devious--and
I choose to accept every word of your tale as gospel truth!
We have so many talented writers who contribute to the Sandstorm on
subjects nostalgic, whimsical and even contentious. Thanks to all of you
for the wonderful potpourri of musings that engage this reader every day!
-Jan Bollinger Persons ('60) ~ Spokane, where the tree pollen is blooming
and thunderstorms are predicted--on the very day that the window
washers are scheduled to be at our house, of course!
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****************************************************************
>>From: Mary Judd Hinz ('60)
Today's Tri-City Herald Sports Section featured an article on Frank
Teverbaugh. I sent it to you via your "pictures" address.
[The TEXT of what appeared in the paper can be read online at:
http://www.sportstricities.com/sportstc/midcol/sports/story/7743439p-7655254c.html
I took the Tri-City Herald "file picture" from what you scanned and it
can be seen at:
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Any/060520-Judd-TevFile.jpg]
-Mary Judd Hinz ('60)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Patti Mathis Wheeler ('60)
Re: Larry Mattingly's ('60) crow encounter.
I had a family of crows in a huge tree behind my house, and they were not
to be called "Buddy". Once the eggs had hatched, I was not allowed out my
back door for at least a week. The mom or pop would start this horrible
screech and aim right for my head. At first I just ignored them and
continued on my way. Then after about 3 dive bombs I got the message. If
I needed to go in the back yard, I always did it under the protectiveness
of darkness, and even then I was scared! My crows were very protective
parents, and my poor garden suffered. In the years ensuing they got use
to seeing me, and with only a screech or two, they allowed me back into
my yard.
-Patti Mathis Wheeler ('60)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Ed Quigley ('62)
To: Pappy, David R, & the rest of you who would feel abashed
Should the Marines (long may they serve, and thanks for your service)
decide to change their mascot to a rabbit, may I suggest you check out
the utter ruthlessness and fearlessness of the killer rabbit in "Monty
Python & The Holy Grail"! Stand proud! :)
And to all, thanks for a thoughtful discussion on the changing of the
mascots, although I hate what is being done in the worship of "political
correctness"! Some things definitely should change, and have, but this,
for me, has defined fears of the term, "Slippery slope", and proven to me
that "common sense" is not so common anymore: witness the move, a couple
of years ago to have the Enola Gay removed from The Smithsonian's
National Air and Space Museum, because it's memory might hurt someone's
feelings.
I, too, am proud to have been a Chief Jo Warrior, and a Richland Bomber!
-Ed Quigley ('62)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Dennis Hammer ('64)
Re: Buddy the crow
Your story of Buddy the crow reminded me of a story someone I once worked
with told us. He was an avid bicyclist and at one time owned a bicycle
shop in downtown Kennewick. He told of working in California and riding
his bicycle to work. There was a bird that would be on the roof of one
of the houses he passed, and after a while, going to work the bird would
come down and fly along side him for a block or so then peel off and fly
back to the roof. Then on the way home, the bird would again see him
coming and fly along side of him for a while. I don't think he said what
kind of bird, but if he did I don't remember.
-Dennis Hammer ('64) ~ in the Tri-Cities where about 5:00pm for about
15 minutes I was beginning to think it might be a good idea to
start gathering animals two by two. Actually, I've seen it
worse, but not usually in The Tri-Cities.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Kathie Roe Truax ('64)
Today, May 19, is Peter Lee Van Wyck's ('64-RIP) birthday ....
Happy Birthday, Pete!!!
-Kathie Roe Truax ('64)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
to:Brad Upton('74)
re: mascots
two words for your entry of 5/19/06
RIGHT ON!!!!!!!!
Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of '64).....Bakersfield, CA......where
we are getting the storm that was predicted for last night---wind, cooler
temps, and lots of humidity, so possibly will get some rain out of this,
too.
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****************************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant (69)
Re: Mascot
To: Brad Upton ('74)
I googled Eastmont High School and their mascot is the Wildcats. They
used to be in a smaller class of schools, but I guess Wenatchee's
population has crossed the river to East Wenatchee which is where
Eastmont High is.
-Betti Avant (69) ~ Lacey, WA ~ cloudy and dreary today
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Robert Avant ('69)
Re: Hanford Application
I guess I need to remind my sister, Betti Avant ('69) that our
grandmother was an institutional cook for years in Hot Springs, SD.
She probably filled out that app because our parents and an aunt and
uncle were Richland residents by that time.
-Robert Avant ('69)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Peg Wellman Johnson's ('66) - 5/17 Sandstorm Entry
I admire Peg expressing her genuine feelings and also that she has the
fortitude to publish it in an arena where the opinion greatly differs
from hers. I sincerely respect the opinion!
I feel strongly having lived outside the US in different places
throughout the world for close to fourteen years. Strongly, based not
on text book or second hand media bias. I have seen, lived with and
discussed both cultural and life's philosophy. Differences as foreign and
contradictory to me as mine were to them. In the end we could only agree
to disagree and in this process came to understand and respect one
another. I would like to share with you some of my memories as they have
shaped my beliefs and opinion.
Japan, I lived there for three years. As a young Airman assigned to a
Japanese crew I was the only American. There were two older gentleman
nearing retirement that I befriended. Even though they could speak very
good English they refused to speak to me until I attempted to speak
Japanese. When I did, it opened a door into a world I will never forget.
They both served in the Japanese military during WWII. Many a moment we
spent in their world of yesterday. They relived areal battles in the
skies of the very place we were. I heard of dog fights and crashes. Being
young without culture boundaries I asked pointed questions and they gave
me their honest answers. I told them were I came from and of my home
town's significance. They asked to see our mascot and I showed it to
them. They fell silent and spoke amongst themselves a bit. I asked them
"What do you think?". They told me and I will always remember their
words.
"Augachan", probably misspelled but it is the Japanese word for child.
"This, this war was tragic, our government lied to us. Like your father
we answered our country's call, full of pride and willing to defend the
lies we unknowingly accepted, most of us were children of farmers. We
fought, yes there were such atrocities, such loss of life so many friends
gone only to learn that it was lies gone unchecked. We now have memorials
in both Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Japanese is very much about pride, honor
and face. It was a mistake this whole matter. Forever, we must live with
this as a nation. We do not forget, but unlike your country we do it
in silence because in silence is truly were a lesson is learned. I do
not find contempt in this symbol it reminds us all not to let our
government's go without answers." This was spoken to me in 1979 at
Yokota Air Base Japan.
Australia 1984 - 1987 and again in 1994. In those years, WWII Australia
had most of it's young men serving in "The Queens Army" and England
thought it best that these soldiers fight in the Mediterranean and
Northern Africa fronts. If you're interested in learning a bit of their
plight I would suggest reading "Gallipply or Ansact", again probably
misspelled. Australia was for the most part undefended. I spoke with the
those that lived in that time. "Australia was so hard to defend we did
not have the manpower or resources to properly do it. Our government
thought it best that we concede the northern half and concentrate on
defending the southern part". Picture the US conceding the northern half
of our country. Let's say Boston to Los Angles and giving it to the Usama
Bien Laden. "America stepped in and made up for the resources in both
material and man power. Now we defended her mightily and had many heroes.
Make no mistake about it mate, had not the "Bomb" been used we very well
could have a very different Australia that we so lovingly call home. To
forget this would be to forget the struggles we endured". I showed them
our mascot and asked for their opinion. "Mate, it pretty well sums it all
up now doesn't it"? Inscribed on a soldiers memorial behind him were the
words "Least We Forget".
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait 1992 (Gulf War) and again in 1996. Never in my life
have I known such hate. I'm not talking about dislike or disgust but hate
in its most truest form. Not my uniform, school or language but a hate
that was so thick that it stagnated the air. Hate and willingness to end
their own lives if they could only take mine. It was in their eyes, the
glare. I asked them once their opinion of the "Bomb" and they replied,
"it is truly a shame it did not explode in your country". These now are
our new allies! It is taught to the children to hate and kill us. We are
lower than the animals that crawl in sand. To take our lives and country
is to stop and kill a cancer. On my last day in Saudi Arabia my room was
destroyed, Kobar Towers.
"It is time to entomb the bomb and move on.", for me I don't think so!
When I hear "Move On" I have to ask where are you going in this move? If
its to a world that is full of peace, love, respect, comfort and equal
value, it doesn't exist and won't until the final battle of Armageddon.
I'll Just Keep My Mascot
-Dave Fowler ('76)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/21/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
13 Bombers sent stuff:
Dick McCoy ('45), Doreen Hallenbeck ('51)
Marilyn De Vine ('52), Bill Berlin ('56)
Nola Davey ('56), George Swan ('59)
Lora Homme ('60), Jay Siegel ('61)
Donna Nelson ('63), Jim Armstrong ('63)
Deedee Willox ('64). Betti Avant ('69)
Greg Alley ('73)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today (5/21): Tom Graham ('55)
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>>From: Dick McCoy (Tin Can Class of 1945)
To: Carol Tyner ('52) and Dick Roberts ('49)
Re your daughter's success on Broadway.
I couldn't be happier for you.
-Dick McCoy Tin Can Class of 1945
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>>From: Doreen Hallenbeck Waldkoetter ('51)
Re: Bomber passing
Judy White Gunter passed away on May 22nd in Port Hadlock, WA. Judy
was a member of the Bomber class of 1951. Following the passing of her
husband, Judy took a position as Librarian at the Port Hadlock library
and remained there until her passing. She hadn't been feeling well,
and tests made two weeks ago showed she had liver and lung cancer; her
children were at her side. Judy's smile and humor remains with us all;
she will be missed.
-Doreen Hallenbeck Waldkoetter ('51) ~ Green Valley, AZ
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>>From: Marilyn De Vine ('52)
I'm home!!
It's so good to be back in Richland where, for now, 'most everything
is really green! (I must say, just as an aside, that I certainly wasn't
prepared for those record breaking high temps of late!)
Had a great trip, leaving Yuma, AZ. on April 20th. Enjoyed seeing
Carlsbad Caverns in southern New Mexico, visited my old Alaska friend,
Shirley, in Austin, TX (she's the one who went with me for half of last
year's trip), then headed north-east to see my eldest granddaughter and
her husband in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (Milwaukee). On the way, I stopped at
another Cave in or near Springfield, Missouri, saw the Will Rogers Museum
in Claremore, MI. (I had not realized he was such a popular movie actor.
I remember him only as a Humorist and Columnist.) Saw the wonderful
Abe Lincoln Museum in Springfield, IL. I was very impressed by one
particular display: a 4-minute animated map showing how the civil war
went, including sound effects, losses and gains, and fatalities on both
sides. Over a million killed! Our most deadly war ever! Each second
represented 1 week of the war.
Lake Michigan was socked in with rain and clouds so I didn't get to see
much of it, but had a wonderful visit with my Off-Spring-The-Doctor. She
had just finished her Residency and her husband had just finished med
school... whew!.... I am so proud of both of them. In Madison, WI, I had
to buy 2 tires for my motor home and a set-up for the windshield washer.
Hadn't noticed, when I was doing the test driving, that it had no working
washer. When we discovered the 5 leaks in the roof, on that trip to
Casa Grande, AZ for the Bomber lunch, it was raining hard enough to need
only the wipers. (!) We learn as we go along, right? Next time I buy
a vehicle, I'll fer durn sure check the windshield washer!
Continuing Northwest on I-94, I eventually connected with I-90 for a
more Westerly drive. Spent time in the Corn Palace and Wall Drug in
northern South Dakota, before dipping south to The Badlands (awesome!),
Mt. Rushmore (I'd been there about 20 years before and they've done
wonderful things with the tourist center and viewing areas), then on to
Crazy Horse Monument (wow! Incredible work going on there and a very
interesting Museum including movies of the man who started the monument
at the request of a Crazy Horse descendent! I totally do not understand
the passion involved in working so hard… in my book, that takes real
fanaticism!) They earn my total respect and awe!!
Next I stopped at the Hot Springs Mammoth Site, my furthest point south
and, again, very interesting. Driving through Yellowstone, I encountered
a lot of snow, both the drifted kind and the falling kind, got some good
pictures of Buffalo, hot springs, and a raging water fall. There was lots
of road re-construction. In fact, that was really the only time I felt
scared on the entire trip... going around equipment on a steep, wet,
muddy incline, I felt the motor home slip slightly toward the edge.
Aargh... got the ol' adrenaline going, for sure!
This has gotten too long... will have to finish it next time…
-Marilyn "Em" De Vine ('52) ~ in storming and delightfully cooler Richland!
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>>From: Bill Berlin ('56)
Re: Keeping the Cloud
Pappy pretty well spelled it out as far as I am concerned. Our past is
what it is and the aspects of the Atomic Bomb, the mushroom cloud, the
destruction, etc. is part of our Richland heritage. Were it not for this
project, Richland probably would not have the history it does and I might
have graduated as a Quincy Jack Rabbit or a Creston Thunder King, but I
am now, as then, a Bomber through and through. You can 2006 PC all you
want but you can't change history so let me tell you what I know about
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, having been to both of the museums there.
I have been to Japan maybe 50 or 60 times over the years, have had
several very honorable Japanese business partners, who are also good
friends. In those trips I learned a lot about the Japanese people, their
history and their mentality and it is true, the bombing at Hiroshima and
Nagasaki is not widely known or taught there. Nor are the atrocities of
Nazi Germany taught in German schools or listed in German history books
for that matter.
The Japanese are lovely, gentle people but they are a driven society as
witnessed by their economic development over the years. When I was taken
to the Hiroshima museum, I was one of the first "round eyes" to get
in and there was no, repeat no, English, Spanish, Italian or any other
language but Japanese. It was a very awesome experience and something
we do not want to see again. Words cannot explain it nor do I want to
secondhand.
Where am I going with this? The Japanese all through their history are
warriors and fiercely defensive of their homeland. You have seen all of
the movies of the Samurai mentality and it is all true. The Japanese on
average are not leaders but follow their leadership fiercely based on
their rote memory educational system. There is no doubt that they would
have fought the Gaijin [foreing] foes city by city, block by block, house
by house and the losses on both sides would have been terrible. The
decision to bomb Japan with the A-bombs was, in my mind, not only
justified, but a completely justified battle plan. For us to PC a change
now in the cloud would be an injustice to what we are...the sons and
daughters of the beginning of the nuclear age. Go Bombers, Go Cloud.
-Bill Berlin ('56) ~ in Anacortes, WA where I am just about ready to get
out of my wheelchair after some five months with a broken foot.
I thought I might have to crawl to the Class of 1956 Class
Reunion/Club 40 adventure but it looks like I can at least "ride
the dog" [take the Greyhound Bus].
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>>From: Nola Davey Meichle ('56)
I really enjoy the Sandstorm articles, and Mr. Haag was principal when I
was in school; but, I am one of three ladies on the Class of '56 50-year
reunion committee, and I need some help. John Haugse has gone missing,
does anyone know his whereabouts? I would like to get in touch with
Karl Warburton's sister, and does anyone in Sandstorm land know when and
where Jo Mae Wilson, Lester E. Parker, and Larry G. Powell died.
-Nola Davey Meichle ('56)
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>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: More Gullible's Travels (Senior Sessions)
THE JOYS OF LAWN MOWING: Chapter II, The New and Improved SSR
The Elfin SAR (Search And Rescue) team was on scene almost immediately
after ol' SSR, "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" went down. Forcing me to lie
down in the partially mown green grass, Lowiq and Lokey administered
first responder aid to me, the crash victim. Lowiq hit me squarely
between the eyes with a tiny bucket of cool water dipped from Mrs.
Pappy's new fake, old, hand pump fountain. Lowkey held up his hand with
fingers fully extended and asked, "How many do you see?" "Three and a
half" I responded. Taking a second to look at his three fingers and
shorter thumb, he replied, "You're OK!"
Squirting a stream of water back out of my mouth at Lowiq, I sat up. A
visiting Green Team member stepped up and offered me a snort from his
tiny flask. I declined. So as not to waste the moment, he consumed it
himself. Walking off, he burped and said, "Sheer an' begorrah, he'll be
jus' fine an' so will I," as he again toasted the occasion and himself
with another nip from a tiny tankard. Ya gotta love those Leprechauns.
We gathered up the wreckage of ol' SSR and sadly deposited it near the
trash can. Lowiq, Lowkey, Darby, and I stood with heads bowed and hands
and paw over hearts in silent respect for 20 plus years of faithful
service. Mrs. Pappy came out, surveyed the aftermath and our sad faces.
Then she asked, "Now, will you get a new mower?"
Darby and I made a quick trip to Sears and returned. As I slid the big
box from Ranger Ricky's tailgate to the driveway, Lowiq and Lowkey
climbed out of the pump fountain and sauntered over, dripping wet. I cut
the corners of the box, lifted the top, and all four of us uttered, "Oooh
Oooh!" It was indeed a Tim Allen, "Tool Time Moment."
Before us, we beheld 6.75 horsepower of Briggs & Stratton pure energy
mounted on 21 inches of grass cutting expanse of rear wheel self
propelled drive, variable speed EZ Walk system with mulcher included,
Super duper dust-blocker bag included, and side discharge, all combined
with Z Start in black and red, and get this...fully assembled ...
(AWwwOooh!!!).
In a tight admiring little huddle, we read the brochure which assured us
that no matter what size lawn we had, "...there's a Craftsman lawn mower
for you." Careful to avoid suggesting that I may be slightly seasoned,
Lowkey pointed out the section that said Z Start engines are 30% easier
to pull, allowing lower speed and effort during the pull. "Ummmm."
Briefly noting that Lowiq was drooling slightly and eagerly pointing at
the line describing "a hotter spark for easier starting and POWER to get
the job done," I went on to unfold and tighten down the handle and mount
the Super Duper dust-blocker bag. As Darby sat panting her happy, tongue
hanging approval, I filled the tank with "fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane," per Lowiq's eager advice, as the
elves carefully hoisted the included oil container and filled the oil
reservoir. Then, Lowiq made the profound but nostalgic statement, "We
shall also call it SSR but now it shall really stand for "Souped-up,
Spiffy, Racer!" I agreed but with a slight hint of suspicion and
sidewards glance at Lowiq's enthusiasm.
Like a festive little parade, our happy entourage pushed the new,
gleaming red and black machine to the site where ol' SSR went down.
TO BE CONTINUED
To: Dick Harris ('49) and Dennis Hammer ('64)
Re: "The Great Raid"
I too, have viewed both the movie and the documentary and read both the
book, "Ghost Soldiers," by Hampton Sides and the book "The Great Raid" by
William B. Breuer. I am in agreement with both of your opinions of those
works. I again recommend viewing the movie, "To End All Wars," and note
that while "Hollywood," I thought that certain episodes within it helped
provide some awareness for our generations of what life might have been
like in a Japanese POW camp for both sides.
To: Phil Belcher ('51) and Ed Quigley ('62)
I echo Linda Reining's ('64) statement to Brad Upton ('74), "Re:
Mascots," to both of you for your notes -- "two words ... RIGHT ON!!!!!!"
To: Dave Fowler ('76)
And the same to you Dave, or as David Rivers ('65) said to me a few days
ago -- I pass on to you -- "Damn Straight!" GOOD ACCOUNT! I spent close
to a year and a half in Far Eastern countries about 15 years after the
close of WW II when memories were still quite vivid. In places like
Japan, Okinawa, Formosa (Taiwan), and The Philippines, I encountered a
whole range of opinions and attitudes.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where we are attempting to
dry out from a mini-hurricane that went through here yesterday
afternoon with a deluge of rain riding winds that gusted
somewhere between 60 and 80 mph. It did not come straight out of
the southwest, as usual, but seemed to come from all directions
at once, almost as if a "Twister" sat down for a while. Power
was out for about six hours. Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64), I
noticed that your area still had power last night. Hope you and
yours faired well. The elves and we came through quite well with
just a few large branches and a section of fence brought down.
Mrs. Pappy was mostly worried about her squirrels and their
nests high in the big willow tree. They seem to have dried out
and are once again visiting the feeder. For a while, the
"puddle" grew to small pond proportions. However, neighbors lost
some sizable trees and one had his low garage flooded with about
two feet of water near the not so little lake that formed the
whole length of that street. To Maren and the rest of you
Bombers down there, it was just a very tiny sample of what
Katrina must have been like but that's enough for us -- thank
you Jesus!
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>>From: Lora Homme Page ('60)
I'm thinking of putting up a sign on the front of our house: Ant Social
Services. I know that's how they must view it.
After all, we provide a huge, safe condo complex under the concrete pad
that our house is built on that is cool in the summer and warm in the
winter. Since my 99-year-old dad lives with me, there's always a
plentiful supply of gourmet ant food in the form of cookie crumbs and
tidbits of various parts of Daddy's meal, sometimes a little too plain or
exotic for a dog's taste, and so rejected by our border collie, Missy.
I've seen her take something from him so as to not hurt his feeling, I
guess, and carry it off and deposit it somewhere out of sight on the
carpet, always on the carpet! However, since I submit a STRONG request
that he not do that anymore whenever I witness it, the whole process has
gone underground. I have looked up just in time to see him furtively
slipping a little piece of bread and butter to her when he thinks I won't
see him and you know what Murphy's Law is regarding a piece of buttered
bread. If dropped, it always falls butter side down!
I don't know how many times I've told him that Missy doesn't like and
won't eat bread and butter, all to no avail, "She's hungry," he says.
Sigh! I don't know a dog who eats better than Missy. I find little pieces
of stale bread and other rejects behind the chair, under the table, etc.
When I found one covered in ants, that was the last straw and I called
in the big guns!
I have battled the ants with Raid and various other over-the-counter
concoctions, which, in years past, have held them at bay. However, this
year, given the short, mild winter, there has been a great surge of
illegals across our borders and I'm not going to take it any more! I'm
calling in the National Guard! Well, not exactly the National Guard, but
Senske is a reasonable facsimile in the insect world. They're coming
Monday to spray around the house, inside and out! I signed us up for a
quarterly sweep of the property because I know that they'll be back. How
can they resist such a cushy setup? To arms!
Which brings me to the caregiver's support group formed by Betsy Fox
Vance ('63) a while back for people who are involved in the problems
associated with aging parents. It has saved my sanity.
I have both of my invalid parents living with me and it's the hardest
thing I've ever done. It's also the most satisfying but I've been on duty
24 hours a day, seven days a week for three years and I had become so
focused on nothing but taking care of them, that I was approaching
burnout. The group has given me an outlet to discuss problems and has
helped me to remember that I have to take care of myself as well as my
parents.
Most of the possible parent-related situations, and in one case, sibling
also, are represented in our group: hands on, 24-hour care, having a
parent in a nursing home here, having a parent in a nursing home in a
distant location, having a parent cared for primarily by a sibling.
Parents who are loving, grateful, and easy to care for and parents who
are less loving, grateful and easy. All the situations present different
difficulties but are united by the common concern for the welfare of our
parents.
The group has helped us all with our problems and concerns, and since the
ability to find the humor in some of our predicaments is high, we also
have fun. I would encourage anyone who's dealing with the care or well-
being of anyone, not just parents, whether they need constant care or are
still in their own homes and fairly independent at this time, to join us
as we deal with the inevitable decline of some of the most important
people in our lives.
-Lora Homme Page ('60) ~ In the town of Kennewick which has been built on
a giant anthill! They're everywhere!
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>>From: Jay Siegel (Classic Class of 1961)
Re: Mascots & PC
Once again I must add my feelings on the subject.
Having spent considerable time in Japan and specifically in the Hiroshima
area, there is more resentment of the "Bomb" among our alumni than there
is among the people who actually experienced the effects of that day.
I have walked the streets of the Peace Park and talked with people who
have lost loved ones both quickly, in the initial blast, and slowly to
the radiation. They are saddened at the loss of loved ones, but almost
everyone believes that it was the best thing to have happened - the
vision of Japan after an Allied invasion and the subsequent battles is
a much more horrifying picture than those of Hiroshima & Nagasaki. I am
proud to have a mascot that actually saved lives and property.
As for Chief Joseph, his heroic epoch was taught when I went through
school there and I was truly saddened to the name change: from a picture
of pride, integrity and honorable conviction to that of a majestic
scavenger. I have read several accounts of the pursuit of the Nez Perce
and, have never come away feeling anything but pride for the Nez Perce
and a bit ashamed to be a white man. Chief Joseph's statement "I will run
no more" will always be a guide to all that, when it is time to take a
stand for something, it must be with conviction and the full knowledge of
what the results of ones decision may be. I am proud to be known as one
of Chief Joseph's Warriors. The concept of "degrading" the American
Indian (they are no more native than we are, they just arrived earlier)
by using them as mascots is, in itself, degrading. There is no greater
honor than we may show them than when we claim a small portion of their
honor and pride by using their name as a symbol of one of our schools.
Many of us were fortunate to have been raised in an environment rich in
history and to have it brought to life by our educational system and
not to have had history "altered" for convenience. I can remember being
taught the real reason for the American Civil War, rather than the
popularly conceived one that most people talk about. It saddens me
greatly to hear of people who, for what ever their personal reason
are, wish to discolor and change our history.
We received the gift of a great heritage, we should always cherish it.
Clear blue skies and warm, gentle breezes
-Jay Siegel (Classic Class of 1961)
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>>From: Donna Nelson ('63)
I live in the Eastmont Wildcat area and East Wenatchee is not only
growing but there's an explosion of growth in the Quincy area where
I teach with Microsoft and Yahoo building. Property values have gone
up and interest calls at the Chamber Office have increased 10 fold
according to the newspaper.
-Donna Nelson ('63)
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>>From: Jim "Pitts" Armstrong ('63)
Re: Mr. Haag
To: Lorin St. John ('55)
One day in 1962 I was hurrying to my to Miss Murell's English class and
Mr. Haag stopped me and said if he ever caught me again without a belt he
was going to send me home. Man! He'd have a seizure if he saw what they
wear to school now! Girls couldn't wear long pants in those days except
for ski pants on snow days.
Regards
Pitts ('63)
P.S. Happy Birthday Pete.
-Jim "Pitts" Armstrong ('63)
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>>From: Deedee Willox Loiseau (Boomber Bomber Class of '64)
Re: Animal Life
All this talk of animals reminded me of an incident last summer.
Anyone who lives in Burbank knows we have a good population of squirrels
(right, Pappy? Do they bother the elves?). My hubby built a tree house
for the grandkids. Of course, he won't let them go up there alone; he
climbs the ladder behind them.
One day, my 11-year-old granddaughter, Alanna (the delight of my life),
climbed up with grandpa behind her. When she stuck her head over the top,
she startled a squirrel. He apparently didn't hear her coming, cuz it
scared the daylights out of him. He jumped from the tree house, aiming at
our very large snowball bush, which he missed. I was below and heard him
hit the board at the foot of the bush. I thought for sure he was dead
meat (hmmm... can you call a squirrel "meat"? I never ate one, so I don't
know). Anyway, he picked himself up and ran the opposite direction in a
real big hurry; I mean, he was getting' outta Dodge! His little ol' tail
was waving as he ran, no doubt thinking to himself, "what the Sam Hill
was that?"
Truth to tell, it startled Alanna a bit too, but she recovered without
jumping out of the tree house!
-Deedee Willox Loiseau (Boomber Bomber Class of "64), Burbank, WA
where we got one heck of a storm last night. No damage, but it was
something to behold. I don't think I've ever seen it rain that
hard and blow that hard. News said it was 55 MPH with gusts up
to 80 MPH. It was more like a tropical storm than a desert
storm. Cooler today because of it, thank God!
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>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: Senior Moment
To my brother Robert ('69)-I guess I had a "senior moment". I knew
grandmother worked at the VA hospital I just didn't recall what she
actually did. It seems she was always home when we there for vacations.
When you indicated her 2 daughters were in Richland at the time of the
application, that is exactly what I told cousin, Jean Bruntlett ('62),
when she e-mailed me.
Smart crows-when I first moved to Lacey last July the maintenance man for
the apartment complex was watching TV in the rec. room. It was an "animal
video" show of some kind. It showed a crow waiting to cross the street.
Instead of flying across, he stood on the curb, waited for the light to
turn green, and then hopped across the street in the crosswalk. I had
several of them "cawing" at me this morning during my walk. They can be
so loud when they want to be.
Bombers do have fun,
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA
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>>From: Greg Alley ('73)
To: Brad Upton ('74)
I am glad everyone has informed you that Eastmont is the Wildcats. But
next year the Big 9 is no more and it will be called Columbia Basin
League with 14 teams and two divisions of 7 including 3A and 4A schools.
I guess they could not see graduating from the Big 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
You're gonna have to come up with more politically correct names. It will
be a whole new scenario on how they run the tourneys at the end of each
sports year.
Re: Frank Teverbaugh
Congrats to Frank Teverbaugh on his election to the Central Washington
Sports Hall of fame last night. He had a nice record with Rearden and the
Bombers in his coaching career. I know Blaine Teverbaugh ('74-RIP) would
be proud. Blaine and I took a road trip to Walla Walla to see Frank win a
NWJCC title with CBC. I really miss Blaine.
-Greg Alley ('73) ~ In Stormyville (aka Richland), where the wind storms
are knocking trees down and the dust is flying, but the
rain is good. More thunderstorms coming.
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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 ~ 05/22/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7 Bombers sent stuff:
Grover Shegrud ('56), George Swan ('59)
Lora Homme ('60), Deedee Willox ('64)
Linda Reining ('64), Susan Baker ('64)
Mike Davis ('74)
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>>From: Grover Shegrud ('56)
To: Larry Mattingly ('60)
A terrific tale, well told, every time I go out in my yard now and the
crows are squawking I will listen closer for some insight as to their
needs.
Now for my tale: Today I was outside watering some new azaleas I had
planted and was running the hose with a good stream of water. I looked
down and a humming bird was playing in the stream, flying across it and
dragging her/his feet through the water. It would fly off then return and
do it again, then fly right up the stream towards me. I called my family,
in the house by cell phone to come watch (I was afraid to move and scare
it off). This went on for 6-7 minutes with the little bird getting within
2 feet of my hands. Fascinating!!
-Grover Shegrud ('56) ~ In Lynnwood, Bothel, Millcreek, Martha Lake, WA
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Yet More Gullible's Travels (Senior Experiences)
THE JOYS OF LAWN MOWING: Chapter III, The Grass Is Always Greener Over Yonder
Avoiding, a never ending procession of ants headed toward Kennewick, SSR,
in all of its gleaming glory of flame red and jet black, was grandly
rolled out to the accompaniment of the tiny drumbeats of the Doo-Whacka
Band and a chorus of elfin and leprechaun voices carried along on the
slowly bouncing and twirling, bee-bopping legs of a whole crowd of elves
and "green-clads" with raised waving hands. They seemed to move as a
single unit. They sang the Johnny Paycheck lines of, "Bring on the
happiness!" "Let us sing!" ... "Bring on the sunshine!" "Let us
sing!" ... "Bring on the gladness!" "Let us sing" ... "Love is a goOOood
thing." That little group was of course led by Lowiq, fancying himself as
a little drum major. The little unit followed closely until SSR sat on
the very spot where ol' SSR went down. Peering about for Al, I felt just
like Tim Allen about to test drive a new bundle of astounding energy.
Darby, sat with panting approval, seeing before her a mobile training
machine to pursue about the yard. Lowkey rode on my shoulder like a
diminutive conquering hero, waving to the crowd. I, with a very smug look
on my face, daydreamed of speedy lawn mowing sessions that shall set me
free to spend more time afield with my blond girlfriend who has perpetual
bad breath and often smells like a wet rug. However, Lowiq, unable to
take his eyes off of SSR, was a changing individual, seemingly working
himself into a near fit of uncontrolled frenzy.
Lowiq leaped up on SSR, climbed the handle, turned and faced the music.
Like David Letterman to Paul Schaffer, Lowiq made a cutting motion with
his baton and the Doo Whacka Doo instantly ceased. He then, pointing down
at SSR, launched into a series of Tim Allen-type OOOHS, AWWWS, and grunts
and groans. He clearly was overcome with emotion. As he neared collapse,
I gently lowered him to the ground and placed him in the shade of the
pump fountain where Keepsie took over. Keepsie, is Lowiq's girlfriend,
who has dedicated her life to keeping Lowiq out of trouble, a nearly
impossible undertaking. She tries hard and does a good job, however one
must consider that it is Lowiq whom she attempts to protect ... from
himself.
Without further adieu, Lowkey, jumped off of my shoulder, slid down the
handle and pressed the choke bulb three times. He waved the crowd back,
and gave me the "all clear" sign. I pressed the "operator presence
control bar" against the handle and pulled the starter handle. VROOOOOM!
SSR roared to life. Lowkey danced about waving his arms, Darby bounced
about barking, the crowd cheered, the band doo-whacka-dooed, and Lowiq
... fainted.
Keepsie picked Lowiq up by the ankles and dunked his head into the
fountain. He came out sputtering and again focused on SSR. I was ready
with my WW II cap, goggles, white scarf, and leather gloves on. I pulled
the drive control lever rearward and SSR's front wheels reared off the
ground like one of those dragsters. The rear wheels dug in throwing
chunks of sod that hung from me like moss on a tree, settled on Darby's
head like a bad hair piece, and plugged up some doo-whacka horns, and
then shot forward. Suddenly, I found myself in a paradox, as SSR lurched
further away from me, my hand naturally pulled tighter on the drive
control lever causing SSR to go faster yet. Realizing what was happening
and fearful for my surrounding friends, I relaxed my grip but to do so,
I had to make a giant leap forward for elf-kind. Then SSR caught up, my
hand tightened and the whole scenario began all over.
Picture mostly the sound of a speeding locomotive, on a somewhat level
roller coaster track, going by without so much up and downward movement.
SSR took off lurching, ahead and back, loud and quiet, as the engine
revved up and slowed down, jerked and stopped, and jerked as I
alternately ran and then crashed repeatedly into the handle in a
vain attempt to regain control.
Well, after taking out a large section of picket fence and making it
halfway down the U shaped driveway, narrowly missing Lowiq's "Elfin
Experimental Area 51" under the little camo tarp, I prepared to try to
turn through the street and come back into the other part of the drive. I
began to regain control. OK, maybe it was kind of a faster than I want to
go type of control. Then, I realized that I was not alone. Behind me, for
probably 50 feet, led by Lowiq (in hot pursuit), came Darby, Lowkey, and
a long line of elves and leprechauns on legs resembling running quail,
alternately running, crashing into each other and running and crashing
into each other to keep from piling into my backside. About the third
time around the driveway, I noticed dropouts who were converting to
spectator status. Keepsie just stood there laughing her head off at all
of us.
Finally, on about lap number six, I regained the presence of mind to
release both the drive control and the "somebody needs to be present
bar." All stop! I collapsed over the handle and the whole pursuing troop
piled into me. Laying there in a pile and through gasping attempts to
catch my breath and be still my heart, I assured all that I knew what
I was doing and had just been performing tests and developing a little
finesse with the controls and it actually ran pretty good. After knowing
looks at each other, the little group persuaded me to sit down and take
a break under the Elderberry tree. The leprechauns offered their jugs,
which this time ... I accepted, for medicinal purposes, of course.
Six tiny jugs later, we were startled by the sudden sound of SSR
exploding to life once again. I "leaped" to my feet, with the aid of a
dozen elves, six leprechauns, Darby, and a sturdy Elderberry branch, just
in time to see SSR (Souped-up, Spiffy, Racer!) rounding the last turn
in the driveway. As it went by entering lap two, throttle wide open,
I (knowing what to look for) saw Lowiq, Lowkey, and Keepsie all
strategically perched in position to operate the controls. All wore tiny
flight suits, helmets, and flowing white scarves. I could not help but
admire the stick on racing stripes that Lowiq had applied and the way
they all shifted their weight, like bob sledders to make the turns. About
lap number six for them, as they disappeared around the bend, I was
beginning to entertain the idea that I could take advantage of this new
found talent and have my elves do the mowing so Darby and I could just
hunt or fish all of the time, when Mrs. Pappy came running out saying
that she just got a phone call from the neighbors about a runaway lawn
mower.
Well, I finally got it all under control and now SSR remains chained to a
beam in the garage. So, things have settled down once again in Puddledom
and Lowiq has once again gone into seclusion in EEA-51 under the
camouflaged tarp.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where it currently rains or
shines intermittently with a forecast of more thundershowers, I
have a lot of storm cleanup yet to do, and the endless line of
ants has reversed course and are now headed toward Antietam.
Something about someone in Kennewick bringing in the big guns so
its no picnic there anymore. Have you ever noticed that if you
get way down, low and close, and listen carefully, ants say,
"Bread and Butter" each time two of them pass an obstacle, one
on each side, at the same time?
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Lora Homme Page ('60)
To: Jay Siegel ('61)
Thank you, Jay, well said. You put into words the feelings that I've been
having about the mascot controversy. I always thought that mascots were
usually chosen for their strength, speed, agility, intelligence, cunning,
or some other trait that the people choosing wanted to be identified
with. What can be offensive about that?
I'm of Scandinavian descent and certainly don't get worked up about the
Minnesota Vikings. However, I'm first and foremost an unabashed, flag
waving, patriotic American and still can't imagine spending a lot of
time and energy protesting the name of the Yankee baseball team, the
New England Patriots, or the Tri-City Americans. If a sports team in a
foreign country chose to call their team the Yankees, I'd be flattered.
But that's just me.
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
I hope the visiting Green Team decides to stay, they're a happy addition
to the always interesting denizens of the Puddle. However, just to be on
the safe side, you should probably speak to Kermit first to see how the
green folks feel about the team name before you invite them.
-Lora Homme Page ('60) ~ in the town across the river and up the road on the anthill
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64)
Re: Storm
To: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
We are on Columbia Rural Electric Association where we live. Are you
on CREA or PP&L?
-Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
to:George(Pappy)Swan('59)
re:lawnmower escapades
have been laughing at your antics with your lawnmower. when my mom was
alive and living on her 8 acres in Northern Idaho, she had a riding
lawnmower and all her great-grandkids loved mowing her lawn--the youngest
was 4 at the time and he would get on that goofy thing and go around in
circles, squealing with delight!
to:Lora Homme Page(60)
re:ants
try planting mint around the base of your place---my mom did that when we
lived on Elm and the ants don't like the smell, nor the taste, and they
avoid the area. she kept mint plants around her place in Northern Idaho,
too, but it didn't do much to keep the carpenter ants away, but she was
never bothered with red ants or the common, sugar ants(the little, black
ones that are so annoying).
[NOTE: IF anybody plants mint, be aware that mint is invasive... it will
absolutely take over wherever it's planted. -Maren]
re:clothes kids wear to school
where is the dress codes of yesteryear? I don't mind that girls are
allowed to wear jeans/pants to school, but I am so sick and tired of
seeing guys walking around with pants hanging down to their knees and
girls walking around in short-shorts and tops that belong ONLY at the
beach!!!!! keep wondering HOW does a male teacher or male students keep
their minds on what they are supposed to be teaching/learning when they
have so much exposed skin right in their faces!!!!!!!!! UGH!
[Um, LINDA. WHY do you think the boys wear baggy pants? Hmmmm???? -Maren]
Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of 64)......we have gotten a small
dose of rain, just enough to make a mess out of all the vehicles, and
lots of wind in Bakersfield, CA., and the temps are down into the low
80's and supposed to be in the 70's by Monday. hooray for lower temps---
triple digits in May were just a bit much!
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Susan Baker ('64)
Martha must have been reading our minds! Martha Stewart, that is.
The current "Living" magazine suggests we mix One cup of White Vinegar
with One cup of Water in a misting bottle, shake well and spray. She
suggests spraying around all kitchen cabinets, pantries and inside
cabinets. You can also spray your picnic table and around your deck or
patio areas. You let the mixture dry. Vinegar and water is safe for all
pets, children and us to be around. Hope this helps a little until the
Big Guys can get there.
-Susan Baker ('64)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mike Davis ('74)
Re: Frank Teverbaugh
Along with Boog Alley ('73), I would like to extend my congratulations
to Coach Frank Teverbaugh for his induction into the Central Washington
Sports Hall of Fame. Frank had the great fortune of coaching some great
basketball players, highlighted by the greatest one of them all......
You see, the Bombers have fielded 3 state championship teams - 1958,
1972, and 1979. If each team had 12 members on the team then 36 young men
have been crowned "state champions." Of those 36 players all of them also
appeared in the state tournament the year before or the year after their
championship year. So each player also had the misfortune of going to the
state tournament and losing. That is all of them BUT ONE. That one would
be ME! My only appearance was in the championship year of 1972.
Therefore, I am the greatest Bomber of all time!!! (Sorry Ray Stein.
Sorry Mike Neill, You guys weren't bad either!)
Makes sense, doesn't it?
Frank's best,
-Mike Davis ('74)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
****************************************************************
Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/23/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
14 Bombers sent stuff:
Anna May Wann ('49), Jim Jensen ('50)
Doreen Hallenbeck ('51), Marilyn De Vine ('52)
Tom Tracy ('55), Martie Wade ('57)
Paul Ratsch ('58), Pappy Swan ('59)
Jan Bollinger ('60), Larry Mattingly ('60)
Lora Homme ('60), Jim House ('63)
Linda Reining ('64), Sean Lewis ('77)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Terri Royce ('56)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Terry Matthews ('60)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Paul Felts ('69)
BOMBER MOM BIRTHDAY Today: Ruth Richardson (Bomber Mom)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Ann Thompson, aka Anna May Wann ('49)
Having been out of town at a convention, I have thoroughly enjoyed
catching up on the Sandstorms.
First to Grover Shegrud ('56): - You must have one big yard that it
includes Lynnwood, Bothell, Millcreek and Martha Lake. – Only please
spell Bothell right. The way you spelled it all we have to do is add
an “R” and I could say I live in "Brothel" At my age that could be very
interesting, or very challenging.
To Maren: Thanks for explaining why the boys wear such baggy pants. I'm
still laughing at that one.
To Pappy: Thanks for the lawn mowing episode. Reminds me of when my
husband was in an electric wheelchair. He mowed the lawn with a self-
propelled lawn mower, (riding behind on his wheel chair), and the big lab
next door (it had to be Marley) broke through the fence to chase him
around the yard. Always wished I had taken a video of that!!
And as for the crows!! – those darn guys, are on the golf course and are
quiet until I take a shot and then its caw, caw, caw. Only it sounds more
like Ha, Ha, ha!!.
Glad to see some of our rain today, that way I don't have to water the
lawn – I'm lazy!!
-Ann Thompson, aka Anna May Wann ('49) ~ in good old BOTHELL
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
Re: School Attire
Recently there have been some postings concerning clothing being worn by
students these days. I'll probably be accused of being a product of the
dark ages - and maybe I am - but in my opinion the issues of "school
attire" and discipline in schools are interwoven. I believe the problem
began around the 1960s.
I was no whiz bang as a student ('40s - '50s), but I was able to
recognize that classroom diversions were and are hazardous to gaining
an education.
My younger son's home room teacher invited me to sit in on a U.S. history
class, circa 1976. His teacher was a well-groomed lady who had prepared a
comprehensive lesson plan. The students filed into the classroom talking
and joking. After the teacher opened the class session I was dumbfounded
to see several "students" standing near the windows chatting away and
completely ignoring the teacher. One student was sitting on the carpeted
floor in front of the teacher's desk reading a magazine. During the
course of the class some students talked non-stop about everything except
the presentation of the lesson. When the teacher attempted to gain
student participation only the same three or four responded. After class
the teacher explained that high schools in Aurora, Colorado had adopted
the "open class" concept. She said that the concept had more less nation-
wide acceptance. It was the time of do your own thing.
As I walked through the halls towards the front doors I noticed that most
of the teachers were dressing like the students. That night I asked my
son about that. He said that only a few teachers and the principal ever
bothered to "dress up."
A month or so later I had an appointment to visit my son's counselor
concerning his status during the final semester of his senior year. When
I arrived I was informed by an administrative aide that the counselor was
tied up and couldn't see me. I learned from my son that the counselor was
having a pre-lunch session in the student swimming pool.
I guess my point is when teachers emulate student dress, allow virtually
any form of behavior in the classroom and disregard honesty... they
sacrifice respect by the students. In essence, why should we respect him
or her if they're just like us? No role model provided.
I understand that not all environments are the same as I've described.
Hopefully there has been a return to enlightenment in more recent times.
The schools here in Katy, Texas (Houston suburb) have some rather strict
rules concerning dress and behavior. The competition to gain entrance
to colleges and universities is fierce!!! Local students indicate that
homework is so extensive that finding leisure time is difficult.
In retrospect I believe in many locations the breakdown in schools walked
hand-in-hand with the era of societal disregard for laws and authority of
any description and that era began in the 1960s. Is it still here?
-Jim Jensen ('50) ~ Katy, TX where Spring feels more like Summer
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Doreen Hallenbeck Waldkoetter ('51)
Re: 1951 Registration
Attention all 1951 classmates
You can register for the Club 40, September 8, 9, & 10 activities by
going to http://www.richlandclub40.org - Just click where it says
"2006 Club 40 Regis. form". Some of our '51 classmates have already
registered and you can see the names by clicking the "List of 2006
Reunion Attendees" button. It would be helpful if you got your
registrations in so a head-count of '51ers would be available. As
mentioned earlier, there is no planned program for our class, just the
great opportunity to reminisce with classmates (and see who tells the
biggest fish tales or golf should-have-beens).
-Doreen Hallenbeck Waldkoetter ('51) ~ Arizona sunshine being absorbed
in Green Valley, AZ
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Marilyn De Vine ('52)
Before I continue sharing the saga of my travels this spring, let me
switch to another topic of great interest to many of us: the Bomb and
Cloud. I've really been a fence-sitter on this issue, with my mug on one
side, my "wump" on the other. (For you younger folks, Mugwump was a long-
ago popular term for people who couldn't decide which party or issues
they wanted to support.) I truly believe we would be the same people with
the same pride no matter what had been chosen for our mascot.
Although the era in which we grew up was unique, it was not exclusive.
(See Oak Ridge, Tennessee and Arco, Idaho.) I admit to being taken a-back
with the B-17 Bomber on my grand daughter's graduation announcement.
Clearly "someone" is trying to change the meaning behind our name,
Richland Bombers, which was, as we will all agree, a salute to the
Atomic Bomb.
I HAVE AN IDEA…(!)...instead of getting all incensed by the possibility
of "them" rewriting history, let's MAKE them change the mascot……so they
CAN'T REWRITE HISTORY. The books are already written. If the mascot is
changed, the books will stay the same. Let's DON'T LET THEM KEEP THE
CLOUD AND BOMB because if they haven't got it, they can't change the
meaning behind it!
Admittedly, I have no good ideas on what the mascot could become. Uh, The
Richland Rivers? The Richland Sand Dunes? The Richland Sunsets? (After
all, we do have glorious sunsets here on the desert.) Okay, I'm being
silly, now. But I ask all of you to consider my solution. There is so
much more to nuclear power than just blowing away the enemy. Maybe go
to the atom sign, with its concentric circles.
Food for thought... we would be the same people with the same pride no
matter what had been chosen for our mascot.
-Marilyn De Vine ('52) ~ Richland
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Tom Tracy ('55)
Congratulations to Linda Griffin, Broadway Star, for her wisdom in
choosing two parents from RHS - Richard Roberts ('49) and Carol Tyner ('52).
Linda is performing fabulously in the Broadway Debut! After 5 National
Tours, 2 feature films, 1 TV show, countless regional productions,
several starring roles, Landscape Designer (inside/out design), Creative
Director for Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band. 20-year member of Actors'
Equity. She has 1 husband, 1 son, 2 cats, a sweet little bungalow in
Burbank and two splendid parents from Richland, WA. Tune into some of her
performances in the clips from http://www.drowsychaperone.com/ right
there on your own internet. They are really "UPBEAT". And try to catch
the show in NY. I'm sure trying to make it. The music will help us relax
and enjoy an evening to remember... and we'll say from then forward...
"by the way, we caught the Broadway show of "The Drowsy Chaperone"... you
shouldn't miss it lest you become culturally deprived". Congrats again
Richard and Carol and Linda and her husband and her son and her cats. And
to all future stars of stage, screen and television... carefully select
your parents with a slight dusting of RHS glow-in-the-dark magic. It's a
spirit well worth keeping alive.
Its good to be from the atomic city, land of nuclear research,
biomedicine, nuclear powered-electricity, nuclear fuel, the energy that
propels the world's largest vehicles (aircraft carriers... without a
single drop of petroleum), and, oh yes... the little genie clouds all
packed away just in case we need them again. We used to test one of those
every week during the mid-'50s. (Some people may not know that we still
have them). We handle them now with more experience and with care. They
will only be used in an emergency. But we keep them handy just in case.
And we continue to display the historic symbol as a reminder to maintain
peace, keeping the courage, faith and determination to try something that
has not been done before, as an unlimited future resource and an icon of
intellectual prestige. World Peace... a big assignment. Everybody expects
America to make it, keep it and foster it. I'm glad its our assignment.
We have a lot of homework. My grandfather used to say, "It's just like
licking honey off a thorn".
Bomber cheers, peace and prosperity to you all
-Tom Tracy ('55)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Marian "Martie" Wade Jenkins ('57)
To: Nola Davey Meichle ('56)
Jo Mae Wilson tragically died in 1962 together with her 3 children in a
house fire there in Richland.
Has anyone seen or heard from Loretta Ostboe Fraser ('55)? Apparently her
phone is either a cell or she has an unlisted number. I haven't heard
from her in about 4 months. If you know, please let me know, or if you
see her, tell her to e-mail her step-sister.
-Marian "Martie" Wade Jenkins ('57)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Paul W. Ratsch ('58)
Re: Email from Mike Shirey's ('60wb-RIP) email address
Paul,
Your friend Michael suddenly departed to be with the Lord on
Thurs afternoon [5/18]. He is in Heaven dancing and singing with
the Lord and the other Angels and has his Miracle of a healed
body. I believe it was a massive heart attack and died instantly
now that I have talked to people and put some of the facts
together.
The services are in Bothell, WA at 2 pm this Wednesday [5/24]
at 16300 112th Ave. NE in the Chapel of the Resurrection on
the Cedar Park Assembly Church property---one of our many
ministries. Can you let any of the Bombers know that might want
to know that you are in contact with. The obituary is being
placed in the Harold in the Tri Cities, Seattle Times, and
our local papers. There will be a family and friends dinner
following at his local daughter's home. Be assured that I am
taking it very well and his suffering is over. Thanks, Merrily
-Paul W. Ratsch ('58)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Feel Good Stories
I for one, am really enjoying the animal stories of late (crows,
hummingbirds, and even Lora Homme Page's ('60) ants, etc.). Perhaps we
should have an all-Bomber and associates, Sandstorm, "Can You Top That
One Fest" of animal stories.
To: Lora Homme Page ('60)
Kermit was invited to the puddle but had to decline due to "Hoppy
rights" and other legal stuff. However, he said go for it, 'cause "it
ain't easy bein' green!" The green folks welcome appreciation for the
color green, whether related to leprechauns, farm tractors, avocados, or
Bomber Stuff [See Judy Willox ('61) for more info] and so forth. BTW,
Judy, got any Bomber baseball-type hats? I have a Bomber stocking cap but
it's getting kinda hot now. Besides that Lowiq always "borrows" it for
use as a sleeping bag.
To: Deedee Willox Loiseau ('64)
Re: Storm
I suspect that's the problem. You are on REA and I think we are on
RTI-KHR "Refuse To Improve -- Keep Higher Rates"
To: Linda Reining ('64)
I tried a riding mower once. Then, Lowiq discovered it. See Chapter III
of THE JOYS OF LAWN MOWING, Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/22/06.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where it again rains so SSR
sits dry and shining and waiting to perform his "Unchained Melody,
I use the rain as an excuse to write," Darby lays snoozing at my
feet, and Murphy, my cat, regularly wonders in from outside to
report on his elf surveillance duties while traipsing muddy
footprints across my keyboard and committing numerous typos for
me to try to find. All part of life's great puzzle. Oh, and
speaking of puzzles, there is a lot of noise and activity out in
EEA-51, under the camouflaged tarp.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jan Bollinger Persons ('60)
Re: Spokane Bomber Lunch
Spokane Bombers welcomed several visitors to our lunch on Sunday:
Kaye Ivers ('60) and Marsha Lawell Hatchcox ('60) drove from Richland,
and Wally Erickson ('53) came from Coeur d'Alene. There were 14 of us to
share conversation that varied everywhere from the Bomber mascot, to the
old rubber pit between the "Y" and Kennewick, to the ghostly presence of
Kaye's mother as Kaye continues with a major remodel of the family home
on Sanford!
Of course there's never a dull moment when Vera Edwards (retired teacher)
is on hand; besides sharing memories of students and teachers, she was
happy to remove a shoe and walk around the table to show off her new
pedicure, featuring a tiny rose on her painted toenail. Thanks to
daughter Gay Edwards ('64) for sharing this special lady with us! Also
attending were Gloria Falls Evans ('58) and spouse Jim; Denny McDaniel ('60)
and spouse Kathy; Richard Coates ('52) and Kay Mitchell Coates ('52);
Gary Persons ('57) and Jan Bollinger Persons ('60); Jim House ('63).
Another subject we discussed was foods that are unhealthy for dogs, and I
would appreciate more Bomber input on the topic. In the book "Marley and
Me", the dog owner says he never gives his dog foods that are known to be
unhealthy, such as chocolate, sweets, dairy products, or potatoes. Does
anyone know why potatoes and dairy products are bad for dogs--and how
much is a dangerous amount? Marsha advised that grapes and raisins are
also bad for a dog's liver. Any other foods dogs should avoid?
We finished lunch with birthday cake and good wishes to Richard, then
some of us visited the local casino, where we had good luck and then
not-so-good luck. That's okay, because we had fun the whole time!
(Marsha, I hope I didn't leave any bruises on your arm!)
-Jan Bollinger Persons ('60) ~ Spokane, where the weather has changed
from hot and dry to cool and wet.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: Buddy and the squirrel
There I was this morning, surveying what was left of the grass in my
front yard. I bought this house in '95 and every year I have fought the
severe moss infestation. Thatch raking, spraying, powders, prills and
25-30 bags of moss pulled up every year and hauled to the big hole on our
fireworks facility property. I am talking a hole we had a bulldozer in
the bottom of. I wanted to be sure nothing was buried there before we
bought the property several years ago.
But I digress... Anyway I was looking at the remains of the commercial
thatching job after several applications to kill the moss. What a mess.
But I look forward to over seeding and bringing it back to a nice lush
lawn and... Whaaat?... Suddenly a clamor of cawing broke out in my back
yard. What a racket! Walking down the driveway I peered around the corner
of the house and there was Buddy raising 3 kinds of hell with a squirrel
in my big black walnut tree that Buddy apparently felt was his private
fiefdom. That crow was dive-bombing, screaming, and strafing as fast as
he could flip around in the sky. Finally the squirrel got into a place
where he could duck around the thick branch and Buddy could not get to
him. There he was chattering and thumbing his nose at Buddy. So Buddy
flew over to the corner of the house near me and sat panting with his
wings hanging loose. He then proceeded to tell me in no uncertain terms
that the squirrel had to go. "Get your pellet gun" he said. "The county
agent says they are rodents and you can dispatch them as long as you
don't make them suffer" he says. So I said "Buddy, I don't do that any
more". "Why not"? He says indignantly. "Because the squirrels won the 7
year war. They finally succeeding in digging up and eating virtually all
700 of my special Holland tulip bulbs". Buddy cocks his head to one side
to eyeball me and says" well that's now my tree, and that squirrel is
leaving one way or the other. So I says "OK, OK Buddy, but leave me out
of it, you are going to have to fight your own battle there".
CAW he says, "FINE! I'll handle it". And off he went to the top of one
of the tall firs behind my shop. Swaying around on a very small branch at
the top he bugled CAW, CAW, CAW, continuously in a tone I had not heard
before. In a couple of minutes he had a whole squadron of crows. They
gathered on the roof of my house near the walnut while he paced back and
forth chattering and cackling at them. The briefing was short and they
all took wing and zoomed up to attack altitude above the tree. From
perfect formation circling the tree they peeled off and dove on the
squirrel. Now that was one very quick squirrel, and he ducked around and
jumped from branch to branch. That tree is about 45 feet high and a good
55 feet wide and as I watched, that rodent covered most of it. Diving and
loudly screaming CAW, CAW, the squadron continued to press the attack.
Finally the squirrel just wasn't quite quick enough and Buddy caught him
in a mid air leap. Whump! I'll give the rodent credit. He dropped about
20 feet to the grass and was off running a zigzag course across the
yard in a split second. Around the yard he went with continual strafing
attacks and noise enough for a whole air base. Under bushes and across the
deck and out the driveway. At this point I was at the other end of the
house and so I ran to the front yard at that side.
That squirrel was really stretching out and making for far points down
the street. And of course Buddy was nipping at his heels and pecking as
he streaked by. I am not sure how old Buddy is but he really knows how
to fly. It was amazing to watch that bird keep up with the antics of the
squirrel. Flipping, turning, diving and zooming in a hundred different
ways, he tormented and pecked that rodent the length of my cul de sac.
There was too much traffic on the main road so the squirrel reversed
course and came back towards me from side to side ducking under all the
bushes in all the yards on both sides of the street.
By now the battle had lasted several minutes. I wondered how long either
side could keep it up. Finally the squirrel ran under a car in the
driveway across from my house. He was in bad shape. Panting and heaving
and bleeding, he hovered close in behind a wheel and pretended he was
invisible. Caw says Buddy to me as he sailed by and landed near the car.
Caw, caw, there he is pointed Buddy and incredibly, the attacks resumed.
Those crows literally flew right under the car and routed the rodent once
more. Off he went and after going around a garden storage shed twice he
was able to duck under some large wooden boxes and was at last, safe.
"Well that is that" said Buddy as he paced back and forth in front of
those boxes and dusted himself off and preened his feathers. Cawing
loudly to his squadron he bid them thanks and safe flying as they went
off to search for more crow adventures.
As I started back to the house I saw Buddy landing on the statue in the
rose garden obviously pleased and full of himself for the morning's work.
Caw, caw, caw, he says. "Come on lets get the shower going, you don't
expect me to look for breakfast in this condition". So sure enough when
I turned on the hose he was right there lifting first one wing then the
other. I found some food scraps and he broke his fast and as I drove off
to work he was strutting along the top rail of the fence, cackling and
muttering and obviously happy with the outcome of the day.
"Happiness is the sky in bloom"
-J Larry Mattingly ('60) ~ From home where I need to get back to
work and complete the green house I am building. For the 4th of
July we have a contract with the City of Unalaska, Dutch Harbor
in the Aleutian Islands, AK. I look forward to a real adventure
there. They are flying me up for an inspection trip in a couple
of weeks. My only concern is that the contract includes a
New Years Eve display. Coping with Gulf of Alaska weather in
December should be interesting.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Lora Homme Page ('60)
Re: Caregivers' Support Group
I've heard from several people who are interested in the meetings, and
it's been brought to my attention that I didn't mention in my previous
entry that the group is attended by men as well as women. People
sometimes forget that there are a lot of men who are also dealing with
the problems of aging or otherwise incapacitated relatives and they can
also benefit from the input of other's.
The group includes people in all levels and kinds of care and concern
and welcomes anyone whether they're hands on now, just taking care of
Medicare and financial business, anticipating care becoming necessary
in the near future, or involvement in any other capacity.
We meet from 7:00 pm to 9:00 - 9:30 pm. Let me know if you're interested
and I'll send you directions. Join us.
-Lora Homme Page ('60) - Across the river, up the road, on top of
the anthill. Pappy, I make it a point to NEVER "get way down low
and close" to ants (shudder!) for any reason; I don't care if
they're saying cake and ice-cream, I just want them to DIE!!
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jim House ('63)
To: Linda Reining ('64)
I don't think the more liberal dress standards effect today's high school
boys any more than in our days at Col-Hi. Even under Tom Lyda's strict
standards, I had trouble "keeping my mind on what I was supposed to be
learning." The Gold Medal Class ('63) had the finest distractions.
To: Mike Davis ('74)
Agreed, you are the greatest! Just think what would have happened if you
played two more years. Three in a row?
-Jim House ('63) ~ Mead, WA (Bomberville to me)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
re:why boys wear baggy pants
oooooo, Maren, you are a bad girl. *grin*
to:Grover Shegrud(56) re:hummingbirds
my mom(Hazel,RIP) had a "Rufus" hummingbird land on her shoulder when she
was out in her yard in Northern Idaho--she was wearing a red shirt--she
stood still as could be and the hummer stayed on her shoulder for a few
minutes---I also have a picture, somewhere, of my ex-husband holding a
baby hummer in his hands---it had fallen out of the nest and he picked it
up, held it for a few minutes, then it flew off.
re:critters
boric acid can also be put along the back and sides of cupboards---it
isn't toxic, but the critters don't like it. good for roaches----they eat
it and then crawl back inside the cracks and crevices--the boric acid
creates gas and they can't burp or "other", so they burst. bay leaves can
also be used to keep critters out of cupboards. got the hint about the
boric acid from "Mother Earth" back in the '80s. have used it and have
never been bothered with roaches or other bugs in any of my cupboards.
Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of 64).......Bakersfield, CA
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Sean Lewis ('77)
Re: Live music this weekend, anyone?
Just one more shameless plug here for our upcoming gig at the Bookwalter
Winery in Richland, this coming Saturday and Sunday (5/27-28). Anyone
who (a) knows me, (b) knows any of my siblings, (c) knows/knew any of my
family or (d) is a Bomber alumni (that oughta cover pretty much everyone,
huh?) would be great to see there. Our little acoustic guitar/vocal duo
is called Lewis/Lane and we play stuff you're guaranteed to have heard
over the past 40 years (!!!) plus a smattering of original tunes. If you
come out, please say hi!
http://www.lewislane.info
-Sean Lewis ('77)
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/24/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8 Bombers and 1 NAB sent stuff and 1 Bomber WB funeral notice today:
Marilyn De Vine ('52), Missy Keeney ('59)
Lora Homme ('60), Frank Whiteside ('63)
Ray Stein ('64), Doug Ufkes ('68)
Betti Avant ('69), Brad Upton ('74)
Catherine Conte (NAB = Not A Bomber)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Daniel Laybourn ('70)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Marilyn De Vine ('52)
Now…while I wait for the reaction to my proposal to make them stop using
the bomb and cloud, back to my trek West:
Cinco de Mayo. My dog and sole companion on the trip, woke me up at
6:30am so we got an early start. Cold, with temps near 32° at night. My
furnace worked well, thankfully.
After leaving the Mammoth Site, I followed the signs to the 11,000 acre
Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary but arrived too late to get the tour. I
bought a few things at the Visitor's Center (hey, I gotta support this
kind of thing, I’m crazy about horses!) and saw a few beautiful mares
with foals. These, however, were the expensive Registered horses, not
the young mustangs that are for sale at reasonable prices.
My next major stop was at Medicine Lodge Archeology Site in Wyoming.
I hope to volunteer there sometime... interesting Native American
pictographs and petroglyphs. (My computer is telling me "petroglyphs" is
not a word---what’s up with that?) Anyway, there were only 2 groups at
the camp ground (if you can call Lucky and me a group) and, by the way,
in all my travels they are the only ones who invited me over to enjoy
their evening fire. They had 2 dogs. I suppose that was the common
ground. Their dogs were yippy but cute. Lucky took the high road and
tolerated them well. Bless her heart: she is such a good little traveler.
The six of us (3 people and 3 dogs) walked half a mile up a hill so I
could call family and friends to let them know where I was. I got some
good pictures of the area but can’t make my computer "see" the camera to
play the video. I have 2 sets of the cables to view it on TV, but can't
find either of them. "Senior Moments" abound around here!
After spending a night in a grocery store parking lot in Blackfoot, ID,
I continued west and followed the signs to Craters of the Moon National
Park. Certainly one of the Northwest's best kept secrets! Magnificent
lava-scapes. Astronauts have been trained at the site for their trips on
the moon.
Had a blow-out on the highway just before Baker City. It wasn't as bad as
it sounds: the tire that blew was dual. (Having wisely put new tires on
the front in Wisconsin.) It happened just a minute before the 1st exit
to Baker City, Oregon, and I was able to come to a stop slowly, check out
the situation and proceed slowly into Baker City and----wow, get this!---
there was a Les Schwab RIGHT THERE!---within a few hours, I was on the
road again, with 4 new tires, arriving in Richland at about 8 that
evening!
It was an expensive trip, due to high gas prices (never had to pay more
that $2.95) but well worth it. I love seeing the sights in this wonderful
country! (Thank you, Dad (RIP), for the inheritance which allows me to
take these trips.)
The End.
-Marilyn De Vine ('52) ~ in wonderfully wet Richland
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Missy Keeney ('59)
Re: Mascot
To: Marilyn "Em" De Vine ('52)
I agree, Em! Changing the mascot does not "change history." I think it
should be a student body decision.
-Missy Keeney ('59)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Lora Homme Page ('60)
Re: The Ant Wars
The Senske man was here today. I was a little disappointed that he didn't
wear his tights and cape or at least camouflage gear and combat boots,
but, oh well, it may work anyway. He did something that no one has done
before. He drilled little holes in the walls and sprayed a concoction
inside them. I'm not sure how I feel about the holes in the walls, but if
it gets rid of the ants, I can live with it. Putty or toothpaste or
something should do the trick for the walls. He also left some new and
improved ant traps.
Instead of little hexagonal thingies, they are little rectangular
transparent packages and you can see a clear liquid inside. An ant
takeout martini, perhaps? They're supposed to really like the stuff.
There's a little ant door in the package where they can get in and
collect this liquid to take back to share with the others and then
they're all supposed to die! Ha ha ha ha ha! (Evil laugh.)
How do ant's carry a liquid? Do they have little buckets or do they do
that disgusting drink-your-fill-and-then-regurgitate thing? Bleh! Drink
yourselves to death, ants, DIE!
To: Linda Reining ('64)
My husband did some research awhile back and discovered that boric acid
is the active ingredient in most insecticides so he got some and we've
been using it both in power form and mixed with water in a spray bottle.
It keeps them at bay and kills the ants who are present at the time, but
they had overwhelmed that with sheer numbers. We needed to get to the
headquarters to wipe out the whole colony. I don't know if that's
possible since there are millions of colonies, but if we can just slow
down the ones living under our house, it will help!
I haven't had a problem with them in the cupboards or on the counters,
they're content to stay on the floor where the feast is. Why go to the
trouble of climbing the cupboard cliffs when, thanks to Daddy and Missy,
there's a cornucopia right there at ground level. I've discovered that
ants aren't stupid!
Re: Caregivers' Support Group
It has now been brought to my attention by Maren (thanks, Maren) that
I didn't mention the day of the week that the meetings are held. I
apologize for my oversights, my first entry was meant as a plug rather
than an announcement and I didn't expect to receive the response that I
did. So here's a real announcement.
Caregivers' Support Group Meetings
Day: Every Friday evening
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 - 9:30 pm
Place: Email me for the location and/or directions.
Please join us.
Bomber caregivers have fun!
-Lora Homme Page ('60)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Frank Whiteside ('63)
Re: Ants
Appreciate the ants that you have in the Northwest (and, of course,
eliminate them). We are not so blessed with southern fire ants. Wait
until you accidentally stand in a small mound of them. Feeling them run
up your leg by the hundreds is not a pleasant experience. Talk about
burning misery! They don't call them "fire" ants for nothing. The red,
itchy burning bumps--not fun--especially if you are allergic to the
bites. I have seen mounds a foot (or more) high. When you poison the
mounds, they simply pop up at another spot in your yard (and everywhere
else). After a heavy rain, it isn't unusual to have 20-30 good-sized yard
mounds pop up. We have tried every poison made, and they die, but spring
up again a few feet away from the original mounds. Just a tiny mound
has thousands of them. The foot high mounds--undoubtedly millions. Our
military could no doubt get information from terrorists in a hurry. Just
accidentally set the interrogation chair over a foot-high fire ant mound.
(Fire ants are Maren's favorite little creatures).
[You're a riot, Frank! Did I ever tell you about the time Abby
(my granddaughter) was about 2 and got her Barbie 4-wheeler
stuck over a red ant mound? She put her feet on the ground to
move the 4-wheeler forward and soon became hysterical when she
realized the ants were biting her. Poor baby ended up with 53
ant bites on her feet, ankles and legs. -Maren]
Re: Schools
Okay, now y'all opened a can of worms. 30 years in New Orleans and New
Orleans area ghetto schools should make me an expert. I started teaching
in 1969, right after the public schools really started going to pot.
Believe it or not, New Orleans Public Schools (for the most part) were
excellent up until about 1966-67 or so. Betcha didn't know New Orleans
had about 150,000 more people in 1960 than it did pre-Katrina 2005. It
was actually bigger than Houston and Atlanta back then!
My first teaching job was being sent around to different city schools as
a fill-in teacher for vacancies and absentees. From January 1970 until
June 1970, I must have been sent to 30 different schools until I was
placed in a permanent school across the street from a housing project in
the 9th Ward (yep, the now ghost town area left by Katrina). The dress
code never even crossed my mind. I was too busy, like everyone else,
trying to survive each day while applying for teaching positions in other
parishes or states. Nearly every school was a nightmare, except for Ben
Franklin High--the school for the gifted, where I spent several days.
Just in those months alone, I saw a large high school kid beat and choke
a male teacher across from me in the teacher's lounge, kids smoking
cigarettes in class, students leaving class (during class) in large
numbers at will, smelling the strong odor of urine and pot in the halls
and stairwells. That didn't include all the times that kids cursed out
teachers, engaged in violent fights that nearly destroyed classrooms and
threatened teachers and beat the tar out of them. And those were just a
few of the typical things that happened on a daily basis in that short
time period in early 1970. Luckily, I escaped to a school outside the
city that was only about 80% as bad--but I could handle that. Our annual
school spring riots became an expected event every year. I got hardened
over the years and probably lived with post-traumatic stress. (Oh, well,
at least I still had my memories of Richland). Just normal times in many
large city schools. At least the murders in schools weren't nearly as
common as today. (In the '70s, they would just kill their victims off the
school grounds).
Just a good example of what happens when the inmates run the asylum. But,
I survived, (with a few teaching-induced health ailments) and retired to
the country. Now, if I can just figure out what to do with hurricane
season!
-Frank Whiteside ('63) ~ Now just a simple, hopefully sane country boy
on the bayou.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Ray Stein ('64)
To: Marilyn De Vine ('52)
Re: Ideas for Mascot Names
How about Richland Atoms!!! OK, I know it was suggested in 1945 and
rejected in favor of Richland Bombers. But at one time, Atoms and Bombers
had equal status (see Sandstorm 10/19/45, pg 3 at:
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Mascot/BvB/1945-10-19-SS-P3.jpg). Besides,
Atoms would be a better "salute to the Atomic Bomb", and a great fit with
the Cloud.
Here's another idea from 1945 - Atom News instead of Sandstorm (ibid. pg
4 at: http://alumnisandstorm.com/Mascot/BvB/1945-10-19-SS-P4.jpg). Really
now, the name sandstorm doesn't salute anything but the weather, does it?
We had "Atoms" in forty-five.
But sadly it didn't survive.
A "gang of four",
They shut the door,
And our "Atoms" took a nose-dive.
But now we have another chance.
So Bombers come out of your trance.
Don't be insane,
Bombers is plane.
Richland Atoms will make us all dance!
-Ray Stein ('64 - born and raised a Col-Hi Bomber)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Doug Ufkes ('68)
Re: Bomber Logo
I see some discussion that gives me to believe that they are trying to or
are going to change our High School logo. So be it, Like Marilyn De Vine ('52)
has said the book will not change. Back in the olden days when the logo
first started, times were different, we did not have to be politically
correct, in fact I doubt if anyone had even ever heard that term.
Things nuclear were just coming into the public eye as we knew that it
was the atomic bomb that brought Japan to it's knees and ended the war,
the war that they, incidentally, started when they attacked Pearl, which
is still, in my mind a cowardly thing to do and even the admiral of their
fleet, Yamamoto, feared that they had "awoken a sleeping tiger".
Then, again memory fails, but I think it was in the '70s that a Japanese
delegation came to Col-Hi and wanted the logo changed because of what the
atomic bomb did to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. If I remember correctly, the
principal of Col-Hi at the time informed them that Japan had started the
war and we finished it.
It is a known fact that many people died when the bombs were dropped, but
it is also a known fact that that number would have been a lot larger and
would have included thousands of American lives, if the Allies would have
had to invade Japan.
I do hate to see people, in the guise of political correctness, try to
re-write history. Or the movies "Hollywoodizing" some historical event
and then the people who go and see that movie take is for gospel, I can
give a lot of examples of this.
The young people in this country need to be taught the correct history,
without leaving anything out, no embellishments, no "political
correctness", plain and simple true history because if that is done maybe
someone will come up with an idea on how not to "repeat history" which
seems to happen a lot.
In the '50s we did not know, I mean really know, of the power of things
nuclear, we did not know the long last effects of things nuclear, like
pollution, we did not know these things because they were "top secret"
and they had to be top secret so our enemies would not be able to develop
this awesome power. Unfortunately, over the years, our "enemies" have
developed nuclear power and so have many of our friends.
It is now 2006 and the whole world knows how nuclear power can actually
destroy much of the world in a very short time and pollute much larger
areas for a very long time. They are spending millions of dollars trying
to clean up the Hanford area and I remember working for the Pasco Office
of the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey in the late
'70s, and taking tritium samples at the Blue Bridge (I think) and at the
Vernita Bridge.
All this leads me to think that after 50+ years if they want to change
the logo, I guess they can do so, I mean, it is their school now but I
really think they also need to use caution in doing this so as not to
re-write history.
-Doug Ufkes ('68) ~ Tucson, Arizona USA
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: Burbank doings
Pappy here's a warning 'fer ye. I ran into Dilly and Dally Squirrel the
twins of Sammy and Susie this morning on my walk. It seems the "little
people" of the Lacey Pond area are headed your way this weekend for some
fun and sun. They are to be the guests of Lowkey, Lowiq, Bogart, Keepsie,
and all the rest of the "Puddle Group". Rumor has it over here that a
resort area is what is under the tarp, so they thought they better keep
it under wraps until early Sat. morning. Shh-don't tell them I let their
secret out of the bag, OK? I hope this finds Bogart's legs healed. Have a
good one.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA where today the sky has opened up once
again so the pond has some water in it again
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Brad Upton ('74)
Re: Mike Davis ('74), Greatest Bomber Ever
I have to agree with Mike. He is the all time greatest. In fact, 2 years
ago, at our 30th reunion, we were going to honor Mike as being the best
ever. Presents, plaques, speeches, a free vacation trip were arranged for
our all-time greatest classmate. How'd that reunion turn out? Oh, yeah--
Mike didn't make it. Those 8 blocks were too far to travel.
-Brad Upton ('74) ~ Orangstad, Aruba. It's only beginning--Mike is almost
out of school for another summer and will have more time to
post on the Sandstorm.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Catherine Conte (NAB = Not A Bomber)
caty_conte@hotmail.com
Re: Sharon Tate
Hello,
I know many of you went to school with Sharon Tate. There is a fairly
new website dedicated to her memory at:
http://sharoninartonline.net.tc/
Please be sure to check it out and be sure to sign the guestbook. The
artist, Kerstien, has worked very hard on this and loves hearing from
people who knew Sharon.
Sincerely, Catherine Conte
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Funeral Notice scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
>>Michael Shirey ('60wb) ~ 6/17/41 - 5/18/06
*******************************************
*******************************************
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 ~ 05/25/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6 Bombers sent stuff:
Larry Mattingly ('60), Roy Ballard ('63)
Linda Reining ('64), Donna Fredette ('65)
Mike Davis ('74), Tim Cowan (’95)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Shelly Belcher ('74)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: Schools conduct and dress
To: Frank Whiteside ('63)
We do fireworks at 40 or more Homecomings and a number of graduations
at High Schools all over the NW. I also sometimes end up speaking
to Distributive Education Classes about our business as part of the
contract. I have only seen a couple of problems in maybe 35 or so
appearances. One was a class where I could not help but see a fair
assortment of panties under skirts so short it was impossible to cover
anything. I asked the male teacher about it after class, and he said as
much as he tries to ignore it, it is distracting, and difficult to cope
with. He did agree with my comment about how much the boys must enjoy
the view with so many hormones running wild at that age. He also said
complaints to the school board brought no solutions as they would not
enforce dress standards, they had too many other "more serious" problems
to contend with.
I was in another high school a couple of years ago where all the students
were confined to class rooms after a massive food fight in the cafeteria.
(As a result there were no fireworks at homecoming). The young student
who explained the problem to me was very embarrassed. He did admit that
these fights break out every once in a while for seemingly no reason.
That cafeteria had food all the way up the walls and on the ceiling.
It was totally trashed with broken chairs and tables. The Activity
Director/Assistant Principal who apologized to me for the cancellation
was obviously trying hard to control his anger. They estimated at least
3 days to completely clean that room.
On the other hand....Just this afternoon I drove home from Sunnyside
where I spoke to 3 chemistry classes about the history and chemistry of
fireworks. I enjoy the public speaking and the kids seemed to like it
too. They asked lots of questions and many of them thanked me as they
left for their next class. I did note that in 2 of the 3 classes at least
one student was head down and sound asleep. But the students response
told me it was worthwhile and if invited, I would do it again. The 2
teachers present asked me if I would come back next year. Contrary to
some of the schools I have been in, virtually every student I saw seemed
to be in a good mood. All smiles and laughter in the halls and not a
frown in the bunch that I could see.
"Happiness is the sky in bloom"
-J Larry Mattingly ('60) ~ From home, where Buddy is sitting on the
statue in the rose garden looking for a snack before heading
off to bed.
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****************************************************************
>>From: Roy Ballard ('63)
To: Maren and all others
I guess all I want to say on the subject of the mascot is, the kids and
the staff did vote and if my memories are correct, it was about 90 some %
in vote of the R and the cloud. I guess that they should now vote every
year on what the mascot should be! If the staff, some particular would
tell the whole story, things would be a whole lot better...
-Roy Ballard ('63) ~ Richland
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
to:Lora Homme Page(60)
re:holes in walls for killing ants
had forgotten all about those---my oldest daughter has those in her
house---the "bug" guy drilled tiny holes, then sprayed the chemical
inside the holes, then covered the holes with small, white plastic caps.
by the way, would think the ants "carry" liquid on their feet---am
guessing that the chemical sticks to their feet, they carry it to the
nest, and the rest of the ants eat the sticky substance--kinda like
leaving a trail of sticky syrup. do know that those little packages have
a sweet, sticky substance that attracts the ants.
re:fire ants
we just got rid of an infestation of those in the garage---figure the
latest rains must have brought them out from their nests and they wanted
shelter inside! we also find mounds of them at the field where my
youngest grandson plays soccer. when my youngest daughter was in grade
school, she had a "horned toad" and we had to feed it red ants all the
time---they need red ants or they will die. she kept it til her science
project was done, then we took it to the desert and released it. we were
all bitten many times--they leave nasty welts and itch for what seems
like hours! was VERY glad when the "toad" was back in the desert where he
belonged!
Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of 64).......Bakersfield, CA, where
the temps are down in the low 80's and a slight wind is blowing, so it is
downright nice, but know it won't last, but sure is nice for right now.
****************************************************************
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>>From: Donna Fredette ('65)
Re: Changing the Bombers to something else
I really do not think it is good to change our history. I think the
children should be taught about the past. I do not think we should have
to be politically correct. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!!!!!
Bomber Cheers!
-Donna Fredette ('65)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Mike Davis ('74)
To: Brad Upton ('74)
Re: Greatest Bomber
Aw shucks, Brad. Stop, you're embarrassing me! Actually, I'm gleaming
like the top of your head.
Greatest ever,
-Mike Davis ('74)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Tim Cowan (’95)
Hello Bombers,
First of all, I am still managing for Jennifer Lynn -- www.jlynn.com and
www.myspace.com/timcowan -- in Portland, Oregon. We just played a show at
The Lyons Den in Waitsburg and even autographed the City of Waitsburg's
Fire Engine!
I wanted to send a note to share some terrific news! On Sunday, August
6th, we will perform at the highly acclaimed Oregon Jamboree --
www.oregonjamboree.com – and will open for national Country Music stars
Rockie Lynne, John Michael Montgomery & the ACM's New Female Vocalist of
the Year (& American Idol) Carrie Underwood!
If you missed our show in Waitsburg, we hope you'll catch us the next
time we make it to SE Washington. If anyone is interested in helping us
arrange a performance in the Tri-Cities, please send me a message to
tim@jlynn.com
Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
-Tim Cowan ('95)
*******************************************
*******************************************
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 ~ 05/26/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8 Bombers sent stuff:
Marguerite Groff ('54), Burt Pierard ('59)
Pappy Swan ('59), Larry Mattingly ('60)
Frank Whiteside ('63), Gary Behymer ('64)
David Rivers ('65), Brad Upton ('74)
Dave Fowler ('76)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Millie Finch ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Cecilia Bennett ('65)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Marguerite Groff Tompkins ('54)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MILLIE (Finch Gregg ('54)
HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!
Millie, you are one of my most favorite friends. I honor you today and
pray for many, many more birthdays to celebrate. Oh - I forgot, you are
now older than me; But, I'll soon be catching up. I'm finding out that
70, which used to be OLD, is now only a number and an honor.
-Marguerite Groff Tompkins ('54) ~ In Richland where the weather has been
great. I even enjoyed the recent thunderstorm.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
Re: R-cloud & the Bombers name
I've been sitting back to let all the pro & con comments to be made about
the R-cloud before throwing in my three-cents (allowing for Inflation)
worth. One frequent Sandstorm poster couldn't hesitate to throw in
non sequiturs about "the Atoms"... I'll deal with that at the end of this
post. I join the recommendation of somebody a week or so ago, to read
the "Code-Name Downfall" book by Thomas Allen & Norman Polmar if you are
interested in what the authors found out, from the Japanese Archives,
that was truly going on in Japan prior to, during, and immediately after
the bombs were dropped. You will learn about Japan's own Atomic Bomb
Program (which Japanese officials agreed that they would have dropped if
they had completed it). You will also learn why the Nagasaki Bomb was
necessary (their Head Nuclear Physicist surmised that Hiroshima had
indeed been attacked by an A-bomb but since they knew from their own
program how difficult it was to enrich Uranium, they were sure we didn't
have enough for another bomb so they essentially ignored Hiroshima). As
an aside, they were right, but they didn't know about Plutonium (our
Bomb).
As Keith Maupin ('47) so ably pointed out, symbols mean different things
to different people observing them. To some of those who weren't here at
the end of WWII (experiencing the Village-wide euphoria of the War Ending
event and the realization of our parents' contribution thereto) or
Johnie-come-lately outsiders, the R-cloud is a symbol of "death" or a
promotion of Thermonuclear War. In my historical presentations to groups
of RHS students, I tell them that (to me) the R-cloud is a recognition
of a historical event 60 years ago (the successful completion of the
Manhattan Project) and my pride in my parents' contribution. I also point
out that the whole town, including Col-Hi/RHS wouldn't exist today if it
wasn't for the Manhattan Project, thus those are our (and the school's)
roots. I also mention the total mobilization and training of the Japanese
civilians (except for the very old and the very young), the plan to
sacrifice every man, woman & child in the defense against an invasion.
In that view, the bombs literally saved Japan from self-immolation, thus
the R-cloud could be viewed as a symbol of "life." I also point out the
hypocrisy and tunnel-vision of the anti-cloud people who are only focused
on the events of two days from the whole war (Aug. 6 & 9, 1945) while
totally ignoring how that war was fought. Starting with the German attack
on London in the Battle of Britain, continuing through the night bombing
of Germany (by bombers like Day's Pay, when no military targets were
visible), the fire-bombing of Dresden, the fire-bombing of Tokyo & appr.
60 other Japanese cities (incidentally, killing many more people than
the A-bombs), a perfectly acceptable tactic of that war was the breaking
the will of the people to resist. You don't hear any criticism of those
events because they were done with conventional weapons, not nuclear, so
it must have been perfectly OK.
Several people have mentioned that "they" can change the Official Symbol
of the school if they wish and I would agree, if "they" means the
students, not the teachers (and Supt.) with agendas. The students have
controlled everything up to now (except for Day's Pay as the source of
the Bombers name campaign by a small number of teachers, but even that
appears to be failing now). They voted the Bombers name change on Oct.
12, 1945, dedicated the '45-'46 Columbian to the A-bomb and their parents
contribution, and they selected the R-cloud as the Official Symbol of the
school at an all-school vote in Feb. 1989. Keep the "adults" out of it!!!
Re: Did "Atoms" and "Bombers" have equal status?
The "Atoms" reference was used by some unknown kid sportswriter (possibly
even a 15 year old Frosh) in an article about a football game the
week before the school vote to change the nickname to Bombers. All it
indicates to me is that it is obvious that talk was going around school
to come up with a name change (from Beavers) in line with the euphoria
about the A-bomb and this kid was apparently trying to promo his
favorite. Alas, it had no effect, since the paper didn't come out until
the week after the change to Bombers.
Atomic Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: Tom Tracy ('55)
Thanks very much for calling attention to the multi-talents and many
accomplishments of "Linda Griffin, Broadway Star, and for her wisdom in
choosing two parents from RHS - Richard Roberts ('49) & Carol Tyner ('52)"
and to the website for the Broadway show of "The Drowsy Chaperone."
I doubt that I would make it to the "Big Apple" but I do love a good
musical. After a really good one -- I just feel so ... lifted. I watched
the clips and read the info and I think it could be one of those "really
good ones." Probably, my all time favorite was "A chorus Line." I never
saw it on stage but have the movie starring Michael Douglas as the
choreographer. I simply loved the musical numbers in it, especially the
finale!
I want to thank you even more because of one little blurb on the website
about "The Drowsy Chaperone" that could very well help me find myself. It
states, "In the real world the only people who burst into song are the
hopelessly deranged." It could explain so much. My wife often reminds me
that I cannot sing. "I don't care ... I don't care ...," Oh, there I go
again! I have certain songs on CD that I play over and over when driving
and sing my heart out amid fantasies of performing on stage. At this
point, I always return to reality but ... one never knows. I could just
start referring to myself as "HD Pappy" from now on.
To: Jan Bollinger Persons ('60)
I too, am interested in foods that are harmful to dogs. I have a couple
of home veterinarian books. But, although, I have heard, from others,
that the items on the rest of your list are "bad" for dogs, chocolate is
the only one that I have seen documented as being extremely harmful
to dogs. So, I avoid letting my dog have any of them. If anyone can
reference something in print, Darby and I would be most interested.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where the clouds build for yet
another seemingly, now daily, thunderstorm and Bogart is healed
up and again on scene and involved with Lowiq where a high state
of activity is underway at EEA-51.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Re: Fireworks
There will be two displays this year that some of you may want to see.
First, Saturday, June 3 the very large display at the Forest Festival in
Shelton WA. This is a must see if you like fireworks. Over 500 items and
50 multi-shot devices, and fired HOT. In the City of Shelton, WA in the
High School practice field next to Wal*Mart. Show time is after dark.
Second, on the 4th of July. An annual sponsor of a very large display is
moving his mega million corporate operation out of the state because of
the tax structure. (And yes he did write the Gov. and tell her that). But
then he called us and said "lets make it a blow-out this year as our last
show". "Make it at least double or more, then the past". So we better
then doubled it. It will be the largest display in all the NW on July
4th. We had to charter an ocean-going barge for it. With over 3000 shells
including several hand made in the US special 16-inch shells, and 100s
of other pyrotechnic items it WILL BE a blow-out. The place will be
Quartermaster Harbor on the lower/South end of Vashon Island. Show time
is about 10:15 PM. If you like fireworks... don't miss it.
"Happiness is the sky in bloom"
-J Larry Mattingly ('60)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Frank Whiteside ('63)
To: Larry Mattingly ('60)
Hi, Larry, I remember you from when my family lived at the south end of
town. My brother, Al, graduated with you.
I assume most of the schools where you were a guest speaker were, for the
most part, civilized schools, and usually in the Northwest.
Unfortunately, in many of our New Orleans area schools, we are usually
dealing with a whole different class of students and parents. I
occasionally had an excellent class of kids (honor students/gifted) who
were usually a pleasure to teach. Sometimes, their parents were the
biggest problem, as they would run to the principal or school board if
their kid got a "B" instead of an "A." I can remember about three really
excellent classes in 30 years.
Most of our classes were called Level III (the lowest ability), whose
standardized test scores ranged between 1% (lowest possible) to 20%, with
99% being the highest. I did have some 99% kids in the honors classes.
The parish where I now live has schools second to none. We pay through
the nose for them though. They get 3 cents of local sales tax and about
85 mills per thousand of assessment on homes ($85 for every $1,000 on
the assessed value of a home). Luckily, for the homeowner here, the first
$75,000 of the assessed value of a home is exempt. Then, 10% of the
difference is your assessment (If a house is assessed at $275,000 and you
subtract $75,000, the value of assessment is $200,000 and 10% of that is
$20,000). So 20 times the number of mills assessed by the parish is what
the property tax bill is based on. If the parish imposes a total of 100
mills (ours is higher) times 20 your tax bill would be $2,000. Anyway,
about 60% of our particular property tax goes to the schools. Every
school in our parish is Regionally Accredited. They lack nothing needed
for an outstanding education.
When my wife and I built our retirement home out here, our builder, who
was also a school system personnel director offered us both jobs. I had
already retired from Jefferson Parish Schools and my wife was at the end
of her career as well. Wish we had been hired 30 years earlier! We would
have had a much superior educational experience and higher retirement
pay. Oh well, that's the way it goes. I wish they would give more millage
to the levee system!
-Frank Whiteside ('63)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Gary Behymer ('64)
Re: Walla Walla Union-Bulletin: Local News
Horde leaps at chance for Hanford tour
http://www.union-bulletin.com/articles/2006/05/25/local_news/local02.txt
-Gary Behymer ('64)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: David Rivers ('65)
Re: Birthday Time 5/26/06
Oh yes... another one of our '65er Bomber Babes is having a birthday on
Friday! She and my partner were born on the same day one year apart... He
is waaaaaaaaaay older than she is with that one year... This is one of
those girls you just never forget... she was my boy, Terry's ('65)
neighbor... but I never thought of it that way because I never approached
Terry's house from the front... I always came in behind Heidlebaugh's ('65)
house to get to Terry's and approached from the back. In fact, during our
30th reunion, Tony Harrah ('65) and I were making a little mental map
of everybody's houses and when I got to Terry's street I could hardly
recognize the house because I'm not real sure I ever went in the front
door... Except for the time we were throwing snowballs at cars and we
opened the front door to confront the big mean "teenager" that was mad at
us for hitting his car... (we had a rule... loud pipes... don't throw...
ooooops on that one)... So I'm losing my purpose of wishing this lovely
lady a happy Birthday... .At R2K I remember seeing her so clearly... Now
up until then, Steve Simpson ('65) seemed to be the only kid who still
looked exactly like high school from the '65ers... Well if ya don't count
Heidlebaugh... and the fact that he's bald and grey (what there is left)
and heavier and, and, and... so at R2K I saw this young babe and sure
enough... it was the girl who was made famous in a song written probably
before we were born and then again in a Paul Simon song... now I can't
stand Paul Simon but I do not hold that against the birthday girl... so
the point of this silliness is to make sure that the Birthday girl knows
she is loved and remembered...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CECILIA BENNETT ('65)!!!!!!!!!
-David Rivers ('65)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Brad Upton ('74)
Re: Fire Ants
I was sitting in a friend's back yard in Clearwater, FL several years
ago enjoying a few cold ones when he told me a story about the ant
exterminator. He said that he got to talking to the exterminator one day
and the exterminator told him that, "We get paid to come out and get rid
of these ants. We spread this 'secret formula' white stuff around the
hole and in a few days they're gone. What these people don't realize is
that we're just sprinkling dry grits on the hole. The ants haul it back
inside to eat and when they eat it, it swells up and kills 'em all."
Brilliant. Don't know if it works but one of you southern Bombers might
give it a try and report back.
-Brad Upton ('74 and classmate of the greatest Bomber ever)
Back home in Seattle
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Spring Cleaning, Hidden Treasures
Now this year was going to be different, after all what else could
possibly be new, I've cleaned the same spaces over and over for the past
three years. It always amazes me, new items to be discovered. Yet some
how they do come forth.
This year was going to be different, I was going to give it the deep
cleaning it so richly deserved. Armed with the air lance I made up, it
was time to start. Now, this air lance was no ordinary lance. I made it
up at work, a government project, truly a Richland tradition. A lance
capable of 90 psi, a lance capable of cleaning the most inaccessible
places. Armed, I set out to clean the basement.
Ninety PSI, there was no place I could not reach. The air compressor
roared and I started, dust flew from places hidden. All went well,
cleaning all the out of way places, hidden ledges in this old Richland
house. Until, I found the place were the walls were black. I knew from
days gone past this place. From my Ranch house on Cottonwood, this place
was no stranger. I knew as I moved the lance slowly what to expect. Yes,
the coal dust flew, flew and flew. My dust mask turned from brown to
black. Cheryl came down stairs and saw the haze that seemed to strangely
stay in the air. It didn't settle but instead seemed to float effortlessly
and would not settle. Cheryl quickly went upstairs.
Now Cheryl, a true Aussie, knew not what was amiss, She protested loudly,
"Please stop" "I don't know what you're doing but it's coming upstairs!"
Not me, I was going to finally get it all. I was on a mission and it
wasn't going to stop until the dust settled. I changed my dusk mask
twice, final revenge for the times I had to shovel coal on those cold
mornings. The air compressor motor roared. Stop! and yet I could not,
driven by a ghost of Richland past. Days, when our mothers accepted as
a "Matter Of Fact". Not me, I could not stop. I was on a mission, to
finally end the hidden smell of coal dust.
The dust seemed to take on a presence of itself. I tried, Lord knows
how I tried to push the coal dust out. It only seemed to hang in the air
and settle in places I fought previously with such tenacity. It wouldn't
go, and I tried so very hard to make it move to outside from which it
came. The sound and sight now obscured, the dust was, it would seemed
to move in all the places I didn't want it to go. I cleaned and cleaned,
finally I had to a concede! This dust, a coal dust was more than I
had bargained for. Richland history, and would not leave! I staggered
upstairs and the dust had found new places in to which to plant it's
legacy.
Upstairs the dust had settled. It was literally everywhere. I dusted
the kitchen! Priorities first. It was close to dinner time and the male
hunger knew which areas needed immediate attention. I wiped down the
cabinets and shelves twice and mopped the floors equally. Cheryl started
dinner in silence, I must admit that there was a smudge of old Richland
lingering on her nose. I wasn't brave enough to point the fact out.
Instead, I resigned to the place of male superiority. The coach,
pointing without previously thought towards the T. V.! Amazingly, the
male has some input into the layout of the living room. Cheryl brought
the bounty of the day, a true meal that I can't seem to immolate She
keeps that as a secret you know. As if to stand demonic in the kitchen. I
have recipes, I keep them as a hold card. Some day at sundown a true dual
of the old west is about to take place. Skillet cook out at the sundown
grill. Aussie against Yankee, American against Australian. How the
skillets will heat.
I've got that secret ingredient. From her dish was born, a true Richland
secret, not often known by the residents who lived here. Yes, she cooked
superbly, a dish that surely brought me back to my childhood. Without
knowing she added, or may I say I added the secret seasoning. Coal dust
and just a sprinkle of winter dust. Now that's a flavor worth marketing!
I'm not going to tell her, she would surely gag. It's my secret ingredient,
its all mine! You know I'll win that cook off! Atomic seasoning is
secretly made from the dust of the past"
-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
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/27/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9 Bombers sent stuff:
Norma Loescher ('53), Mike Clowes ('54)
David Mansfield ('59), Pappy Swan ('59)
Frank Whiteside ('63), Paula Jill Lyons ('64)
Anna Durbin ('69), Betti Avant ('69)
Mark Woodward ('81)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim Boyd ('55)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Norma Loescher Boswell ('53)
Re: Looking for Kenneth Roberts Sheridan ('53)
I'm hoping one of you Bombers knows the whereabouts of my classmate,
Kenneth Roberts Sheridan ('53). Possible California addresses may be
Glendale, CA, Thousand Oaks, CA and Oceanside, CA. Also there are two
possible Washington addresses, Glenwood, WA and Mercer Island, WA. I
need a street address, phone number and e-mail address, if possible.
His wife is named Merlee.
Bomber Cheers,
-Norma Loescher Boswell ('53) ~ in currently cool, rainy Richland,
inviting local Bombers to the Rose Show at the Shilo Inn,
Richland on Sunday, May 28, from 1-6 p.m.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54)
Re: From the "Don't say I didn't tell you" Dept
For those of you who wait with baited breath; the latest issue of the
Bomber DustStorm is on its way to a mailbox near you. Fueled by coffee
and Spudnuts, the folding crew, working at a fever pitch got everything
done and even cleaned up afterwards.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54)
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****************************************************************
>>From: David Mansfield ('59)
To: Linda Sargent Evans ('67)
I would like to write your sister Judy Sargent Scott ('59), but I don't
have a current address. Please send me her mailing address or email
address if she does the cyber space thing.
Has anybody ever visited the Indian Burial Ground that was allegedly
north of Richland? I have always wondered where it was.
I have heard numerous rumors as to where it was/is but never found it.
Patti Jones Ahrens said that it was straight north of the Richland
Riding Academy. Another was it was adjacent to Burton Pierard's Prison
Camp above Horn Rapids Dam. Yet a third rumor was that it was due
Northeast, 400 hundred yards, up the river bank from George Swan’s Duck
Blind No. 43.
If this place every really did exist, is this where they found the
"Kennewick Man"? If so, should he/she be called the "Kennewick Man"?
-David Mansfield ('59)
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****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: DUSTY MEMORIES
To: Burt Pierard ('59)
Re: R-cloud & the Bombers name
Good article Burt! BTW, I heard from Josef Choate ('60). His brother Jim
('58), apparently lives "right here in River City," in Burbank, although
I have not had a chance to track down Jim (who may not even remember me)
and say, "Hey there!"
I know this subject has been "around the horn" at least once since I
became a Sandstorm addict (about three years ago) -- Working summers at
the Walla Walla Cannery. One of the high points of my Bomber days was
working there between my junior and senior years and rooming with you,
Joe, Jim, and some others that I cannot remember. It was the longest
stretch I had ever been away from home, at that point, (short of kicking
up a little dust and conducting nighttime, covert operations to steal the
home brew that the counselors had cooling in a side stream, with Roger
Gress ('61) during summer camp at Camp Wooten on the Tucannon River).
If I remember correctly, Jim and Joe worked nights and you and I worked
days. And, I was impressed Burt. In those days, you were such a "Man of
the world" to a naive wall locker, head thumper like me.
To: Dave Fowler ('76)
Re: Spring Cleaning, Hidden Treasures
Dave, I know how you can gradually rid your basement of coal dust. After
blowing it loose (similarly opposite to washing gold bearing sand from
cracks and crannies), use one of those little brushes like they use on
CSI to sweep it into tiny vials. Then you can market it as that secret
ingredient, found in many Bomberville meals during our formative years,
with an attached secret recipe. Just look at what it has done for
Bomberdom! We lived in a Ranch House, complete with a coal furnace, upon
arriving in Richland and now I am "Hopelessly Deranged!" I suspect that
you are literally sitting on a gold mine (aka coal mine) of Bomber
nostalgia. It could render a nice supplemental income to finance your
fishing adventures for years to come. As you have demonstrated, coal dust
is virtually impossible to eradicate, so you will never exhaust (no pun
intended) your supply. By about year 2050, you might possibly be rid of
all coal dust. Or, you could just paint over it and ... go fishing. Good
luck my friend.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where an increased state of
activity has been observed at EEA-51 and a new rectangular-
shaped tarp has appeared overnight occupying a large portion of
my driveway parallel to the puddle. The Green Team, acting as
security, patrols the area, armed with tiny Boda bags.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Frank Whiteside ('63)
To: Brad Upton ('74)
Re: Fire Ants
Brad,
Better tell your friend to get a new exterminator if he is using grits to
kill them. I was just about to deplete my wife's favorite breakfast side
item just to see what would happen. But I thought the idea sounded a bit
far out, so I did a little research and found out the real scoop.
While there are a few unscientific sites that say grits explode fire
ants, every university and scientific site that I found said it isn't
possible. They say that while fire ants can carry the granules, they can
only digest food in a liquid form. So what they do is bring the grits to
their larvae and the larvae break them down into tiny pieces, liquefy
them and regurgitate the liquid grits back to the fire ants for
nourishment. So I guess that means you are feeding the fire ants
and giving them more energy to carry more grits. So evidently the
exterminator is keeping himself in business by keeping the fire ants
alive and well and free to reproduce more fire ants. Not a bad racket
since grits are pretty cheap--much cheaper than those expensive, poison
non-grit granules. However, if anyone still wants to try the grits
routine, then at least put some salt and butter on them because they
are very bland and I'm sure the fire ants would enjoy a little flavor!
-Frank Whiteside ('63), Fire Ant Buster
PS--They say oatmeal doesn't work either, as some people
believe. Skeptics should try the cinnamon-apple flavor on
them (my favorite flavor).
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Paula Jill Lyons ('64)
Re: CLUB FORTY
My boss recently received the following email. I couldn't help but
identify, and decided to update it to reflect "Bomber Country." Enjoy
"Club Forty" members!!!
Have you ever been guilty of looking at others your own age and thinking,
"Surely I can't look that old?" Well, you'll love this one!
I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new
dentist. I noticed his DDS diploma, which bore his full name.
Suddenly, I remembered a tall, handsome, dark-haired boy with the same
name had been in my high school class some 40-odd years ago. Could he be
the same guy I had a secret crush on way back then?
Upon seeing him, however, I quickly discarded any such thought. This
balding, gray-haired man with the deeply lined face was way too old to
have been my classmate. Hmmm . . . or could he?
After he examined my teeth, I asked him if he had attended Columbia High
School. "Yes. Yes, I did. I'm a Bomber," he gleamed with pride.
"When did you graduate? I asked.
He answered, "In 1964. Why do you ask?"
"You were in my class!" I exclaimed.
He looked at me closely. Then, that ugly, old, wrinkled son-of-a b****
asked, "What did you teach?"
-Paula Jill Lyons ('64)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Anna Durbin ('69)
Re: R-cloud & the Bombers name
Well, I am supposed to be getting some other work done, but I guess I
should call Burt with my 3 cents. I am proud of my Bomber History and I,
perversely to most of my post high school friends, do still treasure the
mushroom cloud and Bomber name as a recognition of historical events and
pride in what our parents accomplished. I do not see them as a promotion
of Thermonuclear War, and we need to keep that clear.
However, I do feel a need to recognize some of the arguments of the
other side. I have not read the book mentioned by Burt, but I do wonder
how much of that argument about the mobilization of the population of
Japan and the "ignoring" of Hiroshima is post war propaganda to justify
a very difficult decision. There were indeed irrational people running
Japan at that time, but we need to remember that the population had a lot
of devout Buddhists who were not part of the war-machine. I have become
very cynical of a lot of misinformation and spin that our government has
caused to be provided to us for years. I think, growing up, that we got
more propaganda about the safety of nuclear energy than anyone else in
the country, at a time when we really didn't know that much about the
problems of waste and pollution.
I, for one, am very wary of having this kind of information you describe
in the book used to justify any idea of nuking Iran, for example. We
cannot ignore or forget the vast numbers of innocent civilians, old
people, women and children who were destroyed by these bombs. I am
grateful that we saved the lives of numberless soldiers, sailors and
pilots and other civilians. But we cannot ignore the vast amount of
nuclear pollution that was in the atmosphere during the years of
atmospheric testing, and we cannot ignore the enormous amount of
dangerous waste that seeps toward the water supply.
And I think we must remember that we learned that we should never have
to use an atomic bomb again because of what it demonstrated to the world,
and that we should do everything we can to keep others from using them.
There are enough out there now to destroy the planet or at least kill
most of the people on it. I think people have to remember Hiroshima
and Nagasaki so we don't lightly throw out threats to use the "nuclear
option." It is not an option, in my mind, based on what we learned from
Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
As for Burt's reference to firebombings during WWII with conventional
weapons being perfectly acceptable and never subjected to criticism, I
must disagree. The firebombings of London and Dresden and other cities
were tragedies which we hope never to repeat. Read Slaughterhouse 5, for
example. We lost priceless treasures and innocent human beings, and we
need to learn from each war how terrible war is, so that we can all learn
to work to avoid war and work to avoid having horrible people who start
wars come to run countries or have assets that they can use to commit
acts of mass murder. We humans need to do more remembering of history
so we can stop repeating the terrible things that have been done in the
name of National Pride, or Religion, or various other justifications for
power-grabbing evil. Hatred of faceless others is just wrong.
I am glad we have these discussions and that we respect each other. We
are probably all on some terrorist watch list now because of the key
words we have been using, but mass data-mining for key words is another
subject I don't want to get into right now. I agree with Burt that any
decision about change should be up to the kids who are in the school. We
cannot freeze our memories onto them if something becomes more meaningful
to them. However, I think our pride in our forbears may be alive in
Richland for a long time. And aren't all of us contrarians to some
extent, based on our backgrounds in Richland? But I think it also causes
us to think more about some issues and to be more aware of the world and
of history than people in towns that do not have our history. I think we
forgot lessons we should have learned from Vietnam about how not to fight
guerrilla wars. And we can disagree respectfully about that.
However, I'm still with Bomber Cheers to Us All.
-Anna Durbin ('69)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: Area EEA-51
Here's the scoop on area EEA-51. You aren't going to believe what I have
been told is under that tarp, Pappy. It is a full-blown resort area
complete with condo units, fast food places, a waterpark, and carnival
rides. The highest water slide is the same height as the top of the
roller coaster. Next winter there will also be a ski slope and jump area.
I have been sworn to secrecy regarding this matter, however, so don't act
too surprised when the "little people" and critters from the Lacey area
start showing up Saturday morning. After all it is a "long weekend" for
most so they thought it only fitting to open it this weekend. It will be
open 365 days a year 24 hours a day so hopefully you and Mrs. Pappy will
get some sleep. I'm glad you're healed, Bogart, and don't do anything
stupid for awhile, OK?
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA rain, rain, and more rain
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mark Woodward ('81)
Hello everyone. I am a second generation Bomber. Just wanted to send an
update on my family since some of you might know them.
My mom, Dorothy Osborne Woodward ('54), and my dad, Art, live in Gig
Harbor, WA. They love being retired and are getting used to the rainy
days of the west side of the state. They enjoy pampering our kids - and
are the best of grandparents. They still shy away from the computer - so
you have to go thru me.
My brother, Bill Woodward ('75), lives in Phoenix, AZ. He is not married
- enjoys his work and has had some health issues he has been struggling
with.
Now me: I am married and have two great kids - we started late so they
are little ones even though some of my friends have kids headed to
college. We have Will (3.5) and Lora (2). They are wonderful. My wife
and I live in Seattle in the Wallingford neighborhood. I am a pastor of
a church and love the challenge of touching people's lives with the
presence of God. It is a good life.
I also wanted to chime in on the mascot change proposed. I would vote
NO. Not for any political reasons - it is just so fun to tell people in
Seattle about my high school mascot - please don't take that shock factor
away.
So have a good day and someone please eat a Spudnut for me.
-Mark Woodward ('81)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/28/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8 Bombers sent stuff:
Anna May Wann ('49), Ann Clancy ('50)
Dick Pierard ('52), Burt Pierard ('59)
Mary Judd ('60), Pete Overdahl ('60)
Mike Brady ('61), Linda McKnight ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mike Clowes ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Twins: Bob & Roberta Grout ('66WB)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Ann Thompson aka Anna May Wann ('49)
Just received word from Glenn Turner ('49) and Bonese Collins Turner ('49)
that Bob Lyall ('49) passed away on May 25th. He had been suffering from
pulmonary fibrosis for some time. They had just recently moved so if any
one would like Lois' address email me and I will answer immediately. He
was one neat guy and will be missed by many people.
If his brother Don ('52) gets a printed obit maybe he will send it in so
he can be included on our deceased member page.
-Ann Thompson aka Anna May Wann ('49)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Ann Clancy Andrews ('50)
Re: Coming home
My brother Jim ('52), sister-in-law Mary and I arrived in the Tri-Cities
to attend memorial services for our brother Bob ('51-RIP).
What a greeting we got! Holy cow! What was that storm all about? While
living in the San Francisco Bay area endured many a storm that blew in
off the Pacific but do not remember anything like that while living in
Richland.
Jim and I spent the better part of a day in Richland revisting the old
homestead on Wright Ave. and the two homes I lived in and brought babies
home to along with other familiar places we had to see once again.
Went to the high school to check out student store for a Bomber token or
two but school dismissed for the day. So we just roamed now unfamiliar
halls.
Drove by Flat Top and the canals we use to swim in and just enjoyed
reliving those days. Was really surprised to see the old riding stable
barn still standing. Could not believe all the distances that we use to
walk to get where we were going, from Wright down Lee to the old swimming
pool in the park by the river for instance.
The rec hall gone but the Richland Theater still standing and my desire
to be an usher there unfilled! Instead I was a waitress at the drug store
next door to the theater.
Amazing to see the homes creeping up the side of the hills and the all
around growth of the area.
Last stop was Spudnut Shop and a hamburger at Zip's.
So we came home once again to honor our brother, greeted old friends
and classmates, relived old memories. All though the area has changed
so much, in my mind, it will always be the same as it was when we were
just kids living a way of life that we now know was most unusual and
rewarding.
Will end with saying that all the pros and cons regarding Bombers, etc.
have been very interesting. To the students that followed us~~~the old
timers~~~ my input is~~~maybe you had to be there ~~~at that moment in
time~~~to really understand what the Bombers are all about. Families
coming in from all over the states. Our mom drove us from Pennsylvania to
meet our dad doing construction work. Moving into a funny flat top house
with nothing but sagebrush and sand across the street. Starting school
and not one of us knowing anyone else.. A war going on. Two bombs drop.
War ends. Kids have bonded. We enter high school as that bonded group of
kids and we became "Bombers"~~~~ forever. Ya had to be there!
(2 pictures enclosed)
Jim Clancy ('52) at the Spudnut Shop
The Old Riding Stable Barn
-Ann Clancy Andrews ('50) ~ in cool but delightful Sacramento, CA where
the Jazz Festival is in full swing.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Dick Pierard ('52)
I want to second the perceptive remarks of my esteemed brother Burt ('59)
about the atom bomb and the end of World War II. I would say as a
professional historian who has been working in the field for well over
40 years that the problem with political correctness is the tendency of
its adherents to deny the past and rewrite history to make it fit a
contemporary political objective. Hence we get all of this nonsense about
squelching the Confederate flag even though it is a vital part of the
history of many people down South (I am saying this as the great-grandson
of a wounded Union army soldier), or this silliness about changing the
names of sports teams because they use the name Indian or some derivative
thereof.
Burt is quite correct about the intention of the Japanese to fight to
the last man and woman, no matter how many millions would be lost, and
the dropping of the bombs saved far more Japanese lives than it did
American ones. You are probably aware that the Purple Hearts now being
issued in Iraq were made just before the end of World War II because we
anticipated so many casualties in the final assault on the Japanese
islands.
As for the larger issue of using the atom bomb, I would say that once we
(the Allies) had accepted the logic of total war, then any weapon that
would achieve victory was likely to be used. Remember, the Japanese had a
germ warfare program under way, and the titles Burt cites show that they
were into the early stages of nuclear program as well. Had they developed
the bomb you bet they would have used it. To say that we developed the
bomb for racist reasons, as I have heard from radicals from time to time,
is simply feces from a male cow. The evidence is quite clear that if we
had had one ready soon enough, we would have used it on Germany. It would
have simply been more devastating than the terrible fire bombings of
Hamburg in 1943 or Dresden and Tokyo in 1945. I would humbly recommend
that those who are so concerned much about the Richland High School
symbol should devote their efforts to something more practical, like
helping to stop gung-ho politicians from dragging the U.S. into yet
another war and getting us out of the mess we are now in.
-Dick Pierard ('52)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
To: Anna Durbin ('69)
Re: Your response to my 5/26/06 Sandstorm post
Thanks for your excellent, thoughtful response. Frankly, I had to read
your post several times before I could find anything I didn't agree with
or required further explanation. The only thing I could come up with was
your "... I do wonder how much of that argument about the mobilization
of the population of Japan and the "ignoring" of Hiroshima is post war
propaganda to justify a very difficult decision. There were indeed
irrational people running Japan at that time, but we need to remember
that the population had a lot of devout Buddhists who were not part of
the war-machine."
First to my statement about "ignoring Hiroshima." Since I had written
that purely from memory (which always gets me in trouble -- when will I
ever learn?), I went back to the book to check (insert mea culpa here)
and I discovered that my mind had combined several different people's
statements into one, which I attributed to the Physicist (Yoshio Nishna)
who had only determined that it "... was probably an atomic bomb." I then
erroneously stated that Hiroshima was totally ignored. Actually, one of
the two civilians on the Big 6, Togo, told the Emperor about the A-bomb
and urged that Japan end the war at once. This could only be done by a
unanimous vote of the Big 6 (Togo, Premier Suzuki [civilian] plus 2
Army guys & 2 Navy guys). Togo told Suzuki to call the meeting but the
military guys ignored the call (one of the Navy guys was Adm. Toyoda who
(according to Thomas & Polmar) "had believed that the atomic bomb dropped
on Hiroshima was the only one available because of the scarcity of
critical nuclear materials, a belief that might have been based on his
knowledge of the Japanese Navy's atomic bomb program."). Then nothing
happened (like in ignoring) until Aug. 9 when Togo again told Suzuki to
call an emergency meeting - Suzuki agreed - Togo then went to the other
Navy guy, Adm. Yonai, who reluctantly conceded that Japan must surrender.
At the meeting, Togo, Suzuki, and Yonai agreed to accept the Potsdam
Proclamation with the proviso that the Emperor be preserved. The other 3
agreed but wanted additional conditions: no occupation; no war-crimes
trials; and disarming the Japanese troops under supervision of their own
officers (obviously patently impossible demands). During the meeting,
news of the Nagasaki Bomb came but apparently had no effect on the
two stands, thus nothing was done. Suzuki tried reconvening later that
afternoon, but Gen. Anami demanded the Decisive Battle (the every man,
woman & child thing). Suzuki & Togo then went to the Emperor & asked him
to call a full cabinet meeting (which Hirohito traditionally attended but
said nothing). That meeting (11 people) convened at 11:30 P.M. Everybody
had spoken by 2 A.M. with no agreement and Suzuki stood & did something
no premier had ever done. He asked for a decision from the Emperor & as
they say, the rest is history.
As far as the total civilian mobilization, I cite these additional
sources (and by the way, none of them mention any resistance by any group
to serve (like the Buddhists)). First, Japan had officially proclaimed
to the world that it was mobilizing the entire civilian population in the
Spring of 1945, "100 million fiery bullets against the enemy" (History
Channel Documentary "Japan: The Invasion That Never Was"). From the same
documentary, "millions of copies of 'The People's Handbook of Resistance
Combat' were circulated to all the cities, towns and villages to teach
them how to fight Americans." From the same documentary, noted Japanese
Author/Historian, Katsuhiro Hara, said that "If invaded, all were to be
in suicide tactics." From the same documentary: "It is ironic that the
most horrible weapon of that war very likely saved millions of lives --
the lives of American servicemen and the lives of the Japanese soldiers
& civilians." In Richard Rhodes book, "The Making of the Atomic Bomb," a
spokesman for the Fifth Air Force (in commenting about the 85% civilian
deaths in the firebombing) apparently believed the Japanese Proclamation
when he said "the entire population of Japan is a proper military
target." Richard Frank's book "Downfall," also cites the same quote
although he says that it continued on with "THERE ARE NO CIVILIANS IN
JAPAN." (sic) Frank's book does raise some question whether 1st through
6th graders were involved but I once saw an interview with a Japanese
lady who said that she was in 3rd grade when pointed bamboo sticks
were handed out and her teacher said that they had to kill at least 10
Americans before they would earn the right to die themselves.
I essentially agree with everything else you said. Like I said, an
excellent post.
Atomic Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
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****************************************************************
>>From: Mary Judd Hinz ('60)
Re: Mushroom Cloud
Not to add fuel to the fire, but I thought some of you might be
interested to know that this year's RHS graduation announcements
prominently display a drawing of the "Day's Pay" B17 Bomber (same
as the mural) with the words "Bomber Pride" below it. Although the
Coat of Arms is on the front of the announcement, the R with the mushroom
cloud is not used anywhere. I wonder if the students made this choice.
This grandma is very disappointed.
2006 RHS Graduation Announcementl
-Mary Judd Hinz ('60)
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>>From: Pete Overdahl ('60)
To: All Alumni& Editor Maren
I have sure enjoyed the great support for the Issue of the Richland
Bombers and Cloud. It brought some new people to the Alumni Sandstorm
with the "Reading & Riting ".
I have two things, I would like to know? In how many different states &
locations Alumni Bombers held Bomber Lunches? We probably have more
Alumni Bombers that read our Alumni Paper then students read the real
Sandstorm. Thanks for all the input to this great web site.
-Pete Overdahl ('60) ~ Where we had an early hot summer (One Week) and
then back to some rain, wind, warm and sunshine in good
Old Bomber Town.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Lunches have been held in: Bakersfield, CA; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO;
Las Vegas, NV; New Orleans, LA; Olympia, WA; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR;
Puget Sound - South & North; Richland - ALL Bombers; Girls of '52,
Girls of '54, Class of '60, Girls of '63 & '64; Sacramento, CA;
San Francisco, CA; Spokane, WA; Tucson, AZ; Washington, DC area; and
Wenatchee, WA - Maren]
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****************************************************************
>>From: Mike Brady (Class of '61: "Ahead of the Curve")
Re: Beth Pederson ('61)
Through the pouring rain, I spent a wonderful afternoon at the Seattle
Folklife Festival yesterday highlighted by the performance of Beth
Pederson ('61). I highly recommend her latest CD, "Everything must
Change". The title song brings me to tears.
Mike Brady (Class of '61: "Ahead of the Curve")
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****************************************************************
>>From: Linda McKnight Hoban ('65)
Happy Memorial Day (Monday) to all our troops, veterans, and their
families. The Vietnam Memorial Wall replica is visiting Portland this
week, chaperoned into town by Vets on motorcycles, which was quite a
site to behold.
About six years ago, I shared an office (in Portland, Oregon) with a
woman whose daughter was a former cheerleader at Pasco High School. After
several weeks of hearing nonstop "Bomber this, and Bomber that" and how
proud I was of my school, town, and mascot, this woman surprised me one
Monday morning by making a collage on the bulletin board of all sorts of
memorabilia, pictures, articles, and most importantly those white and
purple pom-poms of the Pasco Bulldogs!!! It was a riot! Not a word was
ever mentioned about "The Bomb", but there was a good old rivalry going
between two grandmas about their alma maters.
Bomber Cheers For Ever!!
-Linda McKnight Hoban ('65) ~ in soggy, soggy Tigard, Oregon. We were
going camping this weekend, but Hoban Camping trip memories from
the past included RAIN!! We are staying snuggled up by the fire,
hoping for warm weather soon!!
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/29/06 - MEMORIAL DAY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9 Bombers sent stuff and 1 Colt funeral notice today:
Mary Triem ('47), Mike Clowes ('54)
Marguerite Groff ('54), Pappy Swan ('59)
Lora Homme ('60), Irene de la Bretonne ('61)
Jeff Michael ('65), Betti Avant ('69)
Jumbo Davis ('82)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jimmie Shipman ('51)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dick Pierard ('52)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Larry Harrold ('56)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Sharon Sherwood ('58)
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>>From: Mary Triem Mowery (a '47 Bomber)
To: Dick ('52) and Burt ('59) Pierard
How in the world did two such eloquent men just happen to be brothers???
And both of you historians, at that. My question to you is: can an old
graduate of our beloved Col-Hi impeach (or whatever term is politically
correct) current teachers and/or administrative personnel who refuse to
believe the facts and continue to distort the past?
The 2006 graduation announcements set my teeth on edge!
2006 RHS Graduation Announcement
I thoroughly enjoy all the posts on the mascot symbol.
-Mary Triem Mowery (a '47 Bomber)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54) - DustStorm Editor
I was just informed that despite some careful research, a name appeared
on the memorial list [in the current issue of the Club 40 DustStorm] that
should not have been there.
Let me take this moment to paraphrase Mark Twain and state that reports
of Mary Lee Lester's ('58) death have been greatly exaggerated. For that,
please accept my apologies and continue life for a long time.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike Clowes ('54) ~ from Mount Angel, OR, where the
weather guessers think it will stop raining and storming
sometime this week.
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>>From: Marguerite Groff Tompkins ('54)
A belated "Happy Birthday" to another "54 grad - and the leader of Club
40 - Bob Carlson (aka Mike Clowes)!! Hope you had a super birthday
celebration with your family. Dare I guess that you too are now 70?? If
so, you just barely beat me!
To: Mary Judd Hinz ('60) - you mentioned the graduation announcement for
'06 Richland Seniors.
2006 RHS Graduation Announcement
I have a granddaughter graduating this year . When I received the
announcement I looked at it closely for a sign of the mushroom cloud. I
did see the "Days Pay" on the inside cover. However, the insignia had
what I thought was a mushroom on top.
[You're right, Marguerite. Check out a larger view:
http://richlandbombers.com/allbombers/CoA.html -Maren]
I know it isn't exactly how we would like to see it portrayed, but at
least, it is there. At least, like I said, it looks like it to me. Of
course, I may be seeing it because I wanted to. Check it out again.
-Marguerite Groff Tompkins ('54) ~ In Richland where the wind is blowing
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****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: Memorial Day
Here's to those who have gone on before us and especially to all who
served and gave their all.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Lora Homme Page ('60)
Re: A dog story
I've told you about the clandestine pact between my almost 99-year-old
dad and our dog, Missy, to be sure that she doesn't starve to death. I'm
not sure how much of Daddy's meals slip quietly under the table to her,
but he's not wasting away so he must be getting enough to eat.
Explaining that she always has a full bowl of nutritious dog food
available to her and is never hungry had absolutely no affect, so if I
happen to notice that she's sitting under the table, I call her away,
but otherwise I'm resigned. If it gives them both a little satisfaction,
what's the harm and Oxy Clean takes care of the grease spots left by the
rejects that Missy sometimes deposits behind chairs but usually drops
where ever she happens to be when she discovers that the latest offering
isn't to her taste.
For some reason, in spite of her abundant, high calorie diet, she never
puts on a pound. If I could figure out her secret I'd be in chocolate
heaven and become unbelievably wealthy. Unless, of course, it's because
she runs it off, and then I'm not interested.
Missy is the product of a one-night-stand between the farmer's (half
German Shepard, half Australian Shepard dog) daughter and the neighbor's
pure bred Border collie. All of the puppies looked exactly like dad
so there's no question of paternity. Missy is no exception, the only
difference being that her legs are a little longer than your typical
Border collie.
Fortunately, she's smarter than we are so has trained herself, for the
most part, to be a pleasant, agreeable and obedient member of the family.
Except, of course, for the fact that she can't resist the occasional
piece of ham or roast beef or cookie, or whatever else Daddy is eating
and I know she knows I'm not happy about that because the minute I lay
eyes on her under the table, she drops her head and looks up guiltily.
Oh well.
She can be pretty insistent if she wants to go outside whether she
"needs" to or not and she doesn't care what I'm doing or how busy I
am. She keeps at me until I let her out and sometimes we have quite a
standoff as to whether I'm going to hop to every time she decides to go
chase the neighbor's cat out of the yard. Not anymore.
The other day she started in on me when I was doing some important
paperwork so I finally yelled at her to "LAY DOWN!" Normally, at that
point she would have laid down until I told her she could move (or until
she got tired of if and quietly left the room) but this time she wouldn't
stop jumping on my chair, pawing at my arm, and running to the office
door and back. So I finally got up went to the back door but she went in
my mom's room and back out.
The dawn came! When I got in there, my mom had been to the bathroom and
on the way back had got her very long oxygen tube tangled and caught and
was struggling to free herself. She wasn't to the place where she was in
danger but she was very frustrated and upset and apparently our Missy
decided she needed help. I was so grateful that she hadn't given up when
I yelled at her.
So now I'm really well trained. Anytime Missy wants out, off we go to be
sure someone isn't in trouble. Do you think she knew that? She's smarter
than me, you know.
-Lora Homme Page ('60) ~ Parent caregiver and dog servant, par excellence.
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****************************************************************
>>From: Irene de la Bretonne Hays ('61)
To: Mike Brady ('61)
Re: Beth Pederson ('61)
I've collected all of Beth's CDs, the earlier ones with her partner,
Cinde, and now the latest, "Everything Must Change." I wish I could have
attended her performance in Seattle. I hope she'll return to Richland for
a concert sometime. Her music is wonderful.
-Irene de la Bretonne Hays ('61)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Jeff Michael ('65)
Re: "Feelings"
Hey there Bombers and Bomberettes...
Yup; I've been off-line for 2 or 3 weeks... trying to deal with my
"Feelings". Remember that one? Still gets air-play on some stations,
stations that I don't listen to very much. And why don't I listen to those
stations much, you may ask? Well, like I've mentioned before, I'm not big
on living in the past tense. I find that most of my friends today are
younger than me... maybe ten and twenty years younger. I like new stuff.
I like using the internet for business and pleasure. I don't like what
some folks use it for, but I don't think that makes it "evil". There
is tons of new music that I like, some that I think stinks. But I'm
not turning it all off because some stinks. Now that brings me to a
recognition of my conflicted feelings.
It's just like the "Bomber-Cloud" discussion. I've stayed away from it.
I can see both sides. I can relate to both points of view. And bottom
line... it's just not that important to me today. I was a "Bomber", wore
green and gold for three years. I also wore tight, high water jeans then,
too. I still wear jeans, but not the same way as in '63-'65. Heck... I'm
not even built the same! No matter what happens next year or ten years
after, I'll still be a Richland Bomber, a graduate of Col-Hi. What it
becomes and for what reason is not up to me, nor is it a big issue in my
life today.
Now, back to the concept of not turning it all off because some of it
stinks. That's what I have done for the past few weeks. I turned it all
off because of something that I thought sucked. Well, today, I started
reading the Sandstorms that I had skipped, and came across one that said
how cool it was to see the discussion on both sides of the issue of the
mascot. That people were able to share their divergent opinions on this
touchy issue through this publication. Yes, that is truly cool. And I
hope it is the fact!
What turned me off the Sandstorm for the past while was a sharply worded,
personal attack that landed in my email basket from a reader. I just was
stunned and not sure how to react. I discovered that tongue-in-cheek
humor was not accepted by all... perhaps none of the readership. I first
was angry and hurt. Angry that some folks seemed way too serious about
stuff and hurt because I certainly never meant to be mean to anyone. I
did not want to cause any more trouble, so I took the Buckminster Fuller
approach. At one point in his life, he felt that all his trouble stemmed
from the use of his mouth. So, he refused to speak... for a couple years!
But that much silence isn't so golden. Even Bucky ultimately returned to
the use of verbal communication.
Why did I return today? Well... it's like this. I was in church today
when a song was played during the offering time. Just like the mascot
issue, I can often see both sides of issues that face our nation and
president. I don't always agree with the decisions that are made, but I'm
not about to disavow that "I'm Proud to be an American". Yes, that was
the song that was played and I was not the first, but far from the last,
to rise to my feet and salute the Stars and Stripes. I am an American
and a Bomber. I'm proud that I can agree and/or disagree openly with the
opinions of others. And YOU are equally able to agree or disagree with
me, too. But, please, let's not take the old Saturday Night Live News
approach with Jane Curtain attacked as an "ignorant slut" for her
comments.
So, on this Memorial Day, known as Decoration Day in my youth, when the
point was to put flowers of the graves of our loved ones, I will go to
Swift and the By-Pass with a peace rose from my yard for my mom. And I
will return to reading and writing in the Sandstorm. Because neither
are/were perfect, both are honorable.
Those are my feelings, what are yours?
dj jeff Michael ('65) in the Tri-Cities where another afternoon unstable
weather condition has turned to a beautiful sunset.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: Celebrating Freedom
http://cards.webshots.com/c115099782apfrqj
Re: "Pappyland"
EXTRA EXTRA--"Pappyland" is now open in Burbank. According to Lowkey they
only saw it fitting to name the new resort area "Pappyland". After all it
is on his property and he has put up with us for a very long time. To top
it off (he doesn't know this yet) he owns 75% of it. We had to keep some
of the ownership amongst us, but figured he should be the majority owner,
so here's to you Pappy. Come on down and have a brew or two on us, OK?
Elves do have fun,
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA where I'm waiting to get the scoop on
"Pappyland" from my pond friends on their return
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Keith "Jumbo" Davis ('82)
To: Mike Davis ('74)
You were the greatest Bomber basketball player in my mind, too. If you
would have had any playing time none of us would have any doubts. That is
where Mike Neill, Ray Stein, and Brian Kellerman might have had a better
Bomber basketball career (they all checked in a time or two). You're
still #1 in my book!
Some of you probably didn't know that my legendary big brother also
(arguably) leads all Bombers in eulogies. To date he has given eight
eulogies at either family or friends funerals. That's even more
impressive than the eight garbage minutes he played when the Bombers
were up by 30 back in '72.
-Jumbo Davis ('82)
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****************************************************************
****************************************************************
Funeral Notice scanned from the TCHerald
by Shirley Collings Haskins ('66)
>>Alice Forrest Quillen ('34) ~ 12/16/15 - 5/19/06
*******************************************
*******************************************
That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/30/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 Bombers sent stuff:
Wally Erickson ('53), Burt Pierard ('59)
Pappy Swan ('59), Derrith Persons ('60)
Myrna Bolin ('63), Linda Reining ('64)
Rick Maddy ('67), Anna Durbin ('69)
Nancy Nelson ('69), Mike Davis ('74)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Teri Schuchart ('70)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Wally Erickson ('53)
Re: Bob Lyall ('49-RIP)
My condolences go out to Bob's family and his brother Don Lyall ('52).
Sadness for the loss of a nice guy! Bob gave my parents a ride in his
plane several/many years ago. Can't remember the year. Our parents
were good friends of the Lyall family. I still have Bob's family photo
Christmas card they sent to my parents. Bob's step-Mother gave me piano
lessons when I was in grade school at their home on Swift Blvd. I never
had the chance to really know Bob; my folks told me what a thoughtful
and good person he was!
-Wally Erickson ('53) ~ It's raining in the Coeur D'Alene area; must be
God's tears for such a sad day... Memorial Day! God Bless those
who have had their lives taken away from us.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Burt Pierard ('59)
Note to all of you in Bomberland:
Maren rejected my original post on the grounds that it was too
confrontational (no argument here -- it was intentionally so) so
if you are reading this, it means I was able to successfully reword
stuff to meet the Sandstorm Editorial Policy.
Re: The RHS Commencement Announcement
I previously posted that, in my opinion, the Day's Pay as origin of the
Bombers Name (and incidentally, use of the plane as a mascot) campaign
by some teachers with agendas was apparently failing. I still agree with
that statement (note the presence of the R-cloud on all athletic uniforms
now, except for one sport). But since some of those supposed Teachers of
Truth (?) are still at the school, the battle is not complete -- it's
getting there in small steps (via retirements). It may never be complete
until the mural comes down (or at least post a "disclaimer" since it's
such a beautiful painting) & the main hall floor inlay is torn up.
Atomic Bomber Cheers,
-Burt Pierard ('59) ~ Richland
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****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
To: David Mansfield ('59)
Re: Indian Burial Ground
There was indeed an Indian Burial Ground located on a small hill north or
northwest of the Richland Riding Academy. I rode a horse past it often
during the 1950s. In those days, prior to a more sensitive public
attitude and the enactment of laws concerning other peoples historical
cemeteries, I would see people digging and sifting for beads and
artifacts. I heard a story of someone taking a bag of beads out there and
throwing them around (their idea of a practical joke, I guess) -- So some
of those sifted beads may have had a very short historical significance,
in reality. I would assume it is still there, although I have not
ventured through there for many years. Whether it is private or public
land now, I do not know.
Oh, one way to locate a historical burial site is to simply begin
developing a piece of land -- Then, archeologists will suddenly appear,
out of nowhere, to provide you with that information -- and stop all
further development. And, I think that "Kennewick Man" was found along
the shoreline of Columbia Park, within the City of Kennewick's boundary,
hence the name. My theory is that Kennewick Man was an ancient skin diver
who perished from a salmon attack, after attempting to swim through a
spawning frenzy.
To: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: Area EEA-51
Betti, I fear that you received "BUM SCOOP" concerning this last long
weekends gathering at the puddle and consequently, the area known as EEA-
51, "Elfin Experimental Area-51" and what is going on under the tarps.
Furthermore, Lowkey has confided to me that your "Scoop" (or Intel) was
highly confused with what was merely intended to be a convention of wee
people, a total surprise to me. Lowkey, said that it was held at the
puddle this weekend merely to plan the gala gathering of wee folk to be
held sometime later this summer at the full-blown, giant "Silverwood"
amusement park located east of Spokane, an understandable mistake.
However, one must be very careful in releasing public information
statements based on anything these little people say, especially those
who are not of the puddle. They can be quite mischievous, devious and
easily given over to confusing the issues. Obviously, you were hoodwinked
... even by Lowkey. Keep in mind, EEA-51 is, as the name implies, a
site where my elves conduct highly secret experiments. So, I am quite
protective of it and my little friends. And, even I am seldom privileged
to this information, until often too late to head off the ambitions of
the likes of Lowkey, Lowiq, and their little select team of volunteers.
Lowiq asked me to convey to you his disappointment in your release of
this information as it inadvertently created misconceptions and diverted
the plans for his endeavors and attracted a large crowd of nosy
detractors. He asks that he be allowed to run with it ... himself. He has
found it necessary to double the security provided by the green team. All
work under the tarp has ceased. Bogart just sits shaking his head ...
side to side, muttering something about, "loose lips sink ships" amidst
what has taken on the distinct appearance of a news conference and
gathering of curious on-looking elves, leprechauns, fairies, gnomes,
gremlins, paparazzi and groupies.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where despite the large
gathering around the puddle, the areas around and within EEA-51
and the long, rectangular-shaped tarp are strangely quiet.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Derrith Persons Dean ('60)
Well, today is almost over. Lots of good things took place today! I went
to a Memorial Day Service at Desert Lawn Memorial Park here in Kennewick.
The service was very nice. My husband's name is now on the Honors Wall. I
didn't know that his name would be read.
Were there tears? Yes, I honor all of those that have and are serving.
Thank you to all.
Today was the first anniversary of my daughter-in-law's passing. We all
met at my son's house for a BBQ. The sun was shining! I now have a very
red face... it's called a sunburn. Yes it does hurt!
I thank all of you for writing in to the Sandstorm. I read it every day.
Yes sometimes I have something to say but I know that someone will say it
better than I so I wait. I love the stories. What awesome writers we
have! Thanks Maren for all your work!!
God Bless the U.S.A. and all the Bombers therein.
-Derrith Persons Dean ('60)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Myrna Bolin ('63)
Be: Bop A Lula She's my baby
To: Jeff Michel Class of '65
Loved your entry to the school paper and your classmates. It was top
drawer. You write so well and please continue.
-Myrna Bolin (Class of '62/'63) ~ Living now in Boonsboro, Maryland
40 miles from Camp David. Off to the country Diner for eggs,
toast, country ham and coffee till the pot runs dry with the town
locals. Lots of stories here in this small Civil War town. The
songs may be different but the music is still the same.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Linda Reining ('64)
to:Lora Homme Page(60)
re:dogs/sensing trouble
there are dogs that can "sense" their owner having a seizure or other
medical problems. you are very lucky that Missy is so "in tune" to your
mother. I really believe they possess an ability to "sense" things that
we cannot. cat lovers claim that their pets are sensitive to strange
happenings, too. *grin*
to:Jeff Michael(65)
welcome back to the Sandstorm! don't quit reading or contributing just
because one thoughtless person attacks you---this publication is for
EVERY Bomber, regardless of their views! I may not always agree with
everything that is written by Bombers, but I would never want anyone to
stop contributing just because I didn't like what they wrote!!!!! I am
99.99% certain that I have sent in many posts that others haven't agreed
with, but that ain't gonna stop me from contributing! *grin* don't you
stop, either!!!!!!! we need to hear everyone's points of view---that's
what makes this publication interesting and keeps me reading---I NEED
that little bit of controversy in my in-box each and every morning---gets
my "juices" flowing and makes me realize that this old broad can still
get excited over something! *grin* I like the "warm and fuzzies", but I
also like the controversy. even though we no longer have the Sandbox
or the Sagebrush Rag to really "get going", Maren has allowed some
discussions here that probably wouldn't be allowed IF we had some other
way to vent, so THANK YOU, Maren for allowing a bit of controversy every
so often. *grin*
-Linda Reining(Boomber Bomber class of 64).......Bakersfield, CA.........
am watching Memorial Day programs on TV and trying to keep the tears from
dropping on my keyboard-- FOXNEWS is showcasing servicemen and women in
Iraq, sending personal messages to family and friends.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Rick Maddy ('67)
Re: Confederate Flags
Confederate flags have differing emotions for sure. Particularly their
battlefield flag towards the end of the war. I was visiting my aunt in
Yakima last week. She turned 88 this last March. She talked about her
grandfather coming to their house and visiting now and then (a.k.a. couch
surfing). He lived one month short of 90. Until the day he died he talked
about the death of his father. My gg-grandfather had joined the Union
forces in Springfield, MO, in Feb. 1862, but after about two weeks of
that he decided to go home to his wife and six kids until something
exciting started, being he was mid thirty-something, mouths to feed and
the winter farm chores needed tending. On Dec. 12, 1862 Confederates came
onto the property and called him out of his house. As he stepped through
the front door they shot him dead in front of my g-grandfather, the
second from the oldest at twelve years old, and the rest of the family.
Since there were only about 2000 folks in 1862 Douglas County, Missouri,
I'm sure just about half knew his position on secession and slavery after
wearing a Union uniform for two weeks. Cost him his life. Talking about
politics to your neighbor or brother in 1862 was a very deadly and
dangerous subject that could cost you your life, at least in southwestern
Missouri. Can this ever happen in our country again… like that atomic
bomb? Of course. So, reiterating, the Confederate flag means nothing to
many, but still gets caught in the craw of others when seen flying in the
windows of Americans, such as myself. I don’t fly the English flag. Both
my father and mother’s family has been here for near 300 years. I fly an
American flag because I’m an American. I know no other flag… maybe that
is the problem. As far as others that fly something else… we have a
Constitution… end of story.
Hope all had a great Memorial Day.
-Rick Maddy ('67)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Anna Durbin ('69)
On Memorial Day, I have been thinking of the soldiers we have lost in
various wars, and how grateful I am that both of my brothers came back
alive from Vietnam. I know that some members of my class of 1969 died in
Vietnam, but I am not sure who. Does anyone have their stories to tell?
I want to remember them on this day especially. I think I heard that
Steve Jones died in Vietnam? Can anyone confirm or anyone tell of others?
-Anna Durbin ('69)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Nancy Nelson Wyatt ('69)
You know in my remembering the days of growing up in Richland, we talked
about the atomic bomb. Did anyone realize that when our parents or
grandparents came to build the town and power plant that it was the
energy that they building for the future. And where did the Coulee Dam
and Bonneville Power came from. There was more cement used to build those
dams than in the world.
I for one am proud of what my father, Clayton E. Nelson did for the town
of Richland, and The United States as far as the Atomic Bomb, and the
Energy of the USA.
As for the mascot being changed, I say NO, it was a symbol of History
and history cannot be changed just because some people of the newer
generation want to change it. I say let it stand. and be proud of it.
Happy Memorial Day to all that served before us, and to help the freedom
live
-Nancy Nelson Wyatt ('69) ~ in Colville, WA where we are having thunder
showers now and hopefully clear so can go boating tomorrow.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Mike Davis ('74)
To: Jumbo Davis ('82)
Well, well, well, little brother. You have let your medication run out
again, haven't you? This championship and "greatest ever" thing you speak
of.....if I have told you once I have told you a thousand times, this is
why Bill Russell (Celtic great), Jim Brown (NFL great) John Elway (Super
Bowl Champ) and myself are all spoke of in the same breath. We all walked
away at the top of our game - no more mountain to climb.
Having to share a brain with his twin, Wig ('82) all these years, Jumbo
has struggled intellectually. Occasionally, he comes out with some
irrational thoughts like the one mentioned yesterday. I partly take the
blame for this having exposed him to Brad Upton at an early age. It'll be
okay though, Jumbo. Just stay on those meds.
Greatest Ever,
-Mike Davis ('74)
*******************************************
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 05/31/06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7 Bombers sent stuff:
Jim Jensen ('50), Kay Mitchell ('52)
Bill Berlin ('56), Pappy Swan ('59)
Patti Jones ('60), John Campbell ('63)
Betti Avant ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jean Bruntlett ('62)
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Jim Jensen ('50)
I agree with Linda Reining ('64) and others about enjoying Jeff Michael's
('65) entertaining postings. I find them sincere, informative, clever and
amusing - just for a start. Hey, Jeff... keep those postings coming -
they are appreciated!!!!!
-Jim Jensen ('50) ~ Katy, TX where we who were parched longed for
raindrops... yesterday some folks in Northeast Houston got over
a foot of dampness. We here in Katy, west from Houston, settled
for a paltry 2-3 inches yesterday and today
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Kay Mitchell Coates ('52)
Re: Beth Pederson ('61)
Last month I had the privilege of hearing Beth perform. She was the
featured entertainer at a Reiki Alliance Conference at Silver Mountain
in Idaho. The daily meetings were on top of the mountain - a 20 minute
gondola ride from Kellogg. Beth's Sat. night performance was interrupted
by a severe thunder storm . All of the nearly 200 people were asked to go
immediately to the gondolas in order to clear the area before the storm
intensified. The 3.1 mile ride down on the swaying gondola with the
lightening flashing and the thunder booming, rain pelting against the
window was quite exciting. Beth's performance was continued at "Terrible
Edith's", the local restaurant at the base of the mountain. Greeting Beth
and asking for a Bomber hug was very special and we had time after her
performance to visit and reminisce about people, places and things in
good old Bomberland. Hearing her beautiful songs was the highlight of my
week.
http://AlumniSandstorm.com/htm2006/Xtra/Any/060531-Mitchell-Pederson.jpg
-Kay Mitchell Coates ('52) ~ Valley, WA - a hop, skip and jump north of
Spokane where our mountaintop is lush and green from all the rain!
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****************************************************************
>>From: Bill Berlin ('56)
Boy, does this remind me my youth in Richland. It was sent to me by a
friend who when to Klamath Falls High School [OR} about the same time I
was a Bomber and he now lives in Singapore. Small world, eh.
http://www.frontiernet.net/~jlbeam/specials/remember/remember.html
-Bill Berlin ('56) ~ in sunny, warm Anacortes, WA where we have calm
seas and lots of yachts out on the water despite the high fuel
costs. I am booked for the Class of 1956 Reunion and Club 40.
Are you?
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: George "Pappy" Swan ('59)
Re: The Class of 1959 "The last great Class of the "Nifty Fifties"
To: All '59ers
Recently, three of us from the class of '59 reunited at a Bomber Luncheon
hosted by Patti Jones Ahrens ('60) and Vera Smith ('58) in West Richland.
Since then it has been a lot of fun. We began to exchange emails in
consideration of getting together again at the Club 40 Party in
September. It has taken off from there, much to David Mansfield's ('59)
efforts. Our little email group of '59ers is gradually growing. Remember,
as Pappy proclaims, "There ain't nuthin' as much fun as havin' a good
time!" The following is a sample of our email exchanges (Names have been
reduced to first letters only, just in case some don't wish to reveal
that they associate with a weird individual who runs with elves):
I wrote, "Hey there B! I remember B well and we have emailed a few
times. Back in school, when I could get B to stop bouncing and doing
"gynnasties" long enough, we would go fishing or hunting. We once went
fishing at Kahlotus Lake, depleted the trout population and then ... the
lake dried up. Seriously -- Drive by it now! -- gone, kapoot, a guy even
farms what used to be the bottom of the lake."
And, D, I know that you are absolutely right when you wrote, "I know you
ladies are all being nice and saying that you remember George, the skinny
shy kid and me the just skinny geeky kid, but I know you all remember
B," and "B was the handsome gymnast with broad shoulders, always wore
his hair in a flat top (and I mean a flat flat top), he drove a cool
customized white '50 Ford, ... plus, ... he always had a pencil stuck
behind his ear. Right or left ear? ..."
To which, I responded, "Ah ha! I have finally, after all of these years,
figured it out:
B = handsome gymnast with broad shoulders and a super athlete, George =
skinny shy kid who occasionally caught a fish; B = flat flat top, George
=just somewhat flat top; B = Drove a cool customized white '50 Ford,
George = Drove what ever his dad owned ('50 Studebaker Champion-without a
Bra on it, not even one of those little propellers on the center front
protrusion, or a '40 or '50-something Nash with seats that were supposed
to lay down for camping but always fell down anyway when driving over a
bump (so girls never wanted to ride in it), or a plain jane Plymouth --
so plane, the year escaped into obscurity); B = always had a pencil stuck
behind his ear. Right or left ear? ...," George = often wore dark horned-
rim glasses like Buddy Holly (when no one was looking) so a pencil kept
falling off of either ear. So, I now conclude that girls were never
interested in me because ........ My flat top was not "flat flat!" If I
had only known?"
And, then I wrote to P, who said, "...Cool cars is what I always looked
for in a guy!!!." Oh, P, if you had only ridden in that Nash -- What a
HOOT and always good for a laugh! And, after all, it was very cool! ...
sleeping in it with all of the seats down, all of the doors open, and
waiting for the next morning's duck shooting time ... while the battery
ran down."
And, B and I have this ongoing discussion about which of us is now the
worst one who "Dances With Bombers."
At any rate, this is fun -- "'59ers Reuniting" until the next class
reunion -- by whatever means! Any of you '59ers who would be interested in
joining in -- send David Mansfield or myself and email.
-George "Pappy" Swan ('59) ~ Burbank, WA where the weather is ... just
beautiful, the crowd left with the weekend, and ... it has
started up again. Late last night, a faint glow suddenly came
from the tarps at the puddle area. Then EEA-51 sprang to life
once again, as the lights gradually grew brighter. Then, came
the sounds of tiny tools and work in progress ... cutting,
sanding, spraying, drilling, rapping, and tapping as the height
and expanse of both tarps increased. It is still going on now as
Darby, Murphy, and I sit dozing with one eye open and waiting...
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: Patti Jones Ahrens ('60)
and Vera Smith Robbins ('58)
and Marie Ruppert Hartman ('63)
Marie has now joined Vera and myself to host the luncheon. She is also
doing our photography. Great photos last month, Marie.
Re: All Bomber Luncheon - Richland
Reservations (preferred) by Friday, June 9, 2006.
Reservations can also be made by phone.
WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 2006
WHERE: JD Diner, 3790 Van Giesen, West Richland, WA 99353
Used to be Coney Island
(Light green building just past the Yakima River bridge
heading west from Richland on the right side)
TIME: 1:00 P.M.
PRICE: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served all day.
Prices range from $4.50 - $13.95
(add drink, tax, and tip)
Bomber spouses and friends are welcome! Looking forward to also seeing
out-of-town Bomber visitors.
Last month had a few surprises and a lot of laughter. What will the
Bombers create this month? Come see!!
Bombers Have Fun,
-Patti Jones Ahrens ('60),
Vera Smith Robbins ('58), and Marie Ruppert Hartman ('63) ~
Spring may be here to stay. The flowers, trees and shrubs are
gorgeous displaying all their colors. Where ever I look there
seems to be another color. Even the desert has it's own special
colors. Some of the finest roses I've ever seen are flowering
with spectacular arrays of color. dj Jeff Michael ('65) all the
beautiful colors should show you why you moved back to this area
even though by your Sandstorm entries you don't seem to be here
much. **grin** Hope to see you at the Bomber luncheon!?
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
>>From: John Campbell ('63)
Re: Mustang Show in the Park
Anyone who knows me, knows that I've always been a Chevy guy. However, we
couldn't wait for the Camaro and bought a new Mustang. I'll never forget
going down to the Ford dealer and checking out the mustangs in '64. I
think they've captured the essence of the old pony. The local club
(Pacific Northwest Mustang Club) put together a nice show this past
Sunday at Howard Amon park. Perry Moore ('63) dropped by and chatted. He
and his brother were Ford guys way back. Anyway, hope some of you got a
chance to see some of the beautiful cars. There were even some Corvairs
there.
-John Campbell ('63)
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****************************************************************
>>From: Betti Avant ('69)
Re: EEA-51
Pappy-I'm sorry for all the flak area EEA-51 got. I now know not to trust
my ears to what I hear. If I hear anything else I'll check in with you
first, deal? As to the goings on at the puddle, tell them to start once
again as I imagine it will be worth their wile. Lowkey, Lowiq, etal
please accept my apology.
-Betti Avant ('69) ~ Lacey, WA where on Tues. morning there is some fog
*******************************************
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That's it for the month. Please send more.
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April, 2006 ~ June, 2006