How the time flies!!  Next Thursday is the First Thursday get together at the Amigo Spot.  I only heard from one person interested in showing off their automobile, so I guess I'll put the car show concept on hold.

Tuesday will mark the 10th Anniversary since Marla Bennett, daughter of Michael and Linda Ackerman Bennett, was the innocent victim of a terrorist bomb.  Marla's legacy was outlined by Diane Bell in yesterday's Union-Tribune.  Click HERE to read her column.

I'd heard about it, but I hadn't seen it.  Apparently you can print your own postage stamps.  At least I think that's what Dave Sleet '61 has done.  Don't even have to use the correct postage either.

Bill Rainey '62 shares a bit of trivia.  The officer in charge of the Rolando Park School Patrol was the brother of English Channel swimmer Florence Chadwick.

Jim Smith '63 was down from Montana for Over-the-Line, so a bunch of his classmates got together for lunch at the La Mesa Brigantine.  Seated: Martin "Tuffy" Stutz, Barry Houck and Jim Smith;  Standing: Ron Kroepel, Bob Kerns, Mike Alexander and Sharon Jarvis Daigle.  

At the request of brother Ken, I have added to the 1963 Obituary Page excerpts from an obituary for Duane Becht '63 published in Southern Utah's The Spectrum newspaper.  I've also added an ON-LINE GUEST BOOK if you'd like to share your memories

Tom Christensen '63 found his copy of the Pirates Little League team and discovered that his mother had put the players' names on the back.  Click HERE to take another look.

Misty Mellett '65 is back in town after 35 years of residence in Santa Barbara.  She's a San Marcos girl now and would like to hear from old friends.  Click HERE to send her an email.

Dennis Robberecht '68 poses with his "new" '37 Ford, powered by a Corvette engine.  That just doesn't sound right.  His wife says they enjoy traveling around their Sacramento neighborhood.

Tim Abbey '71 got so many requests for the Horace Mann LP he's gonna try to convert it to a digital format so it can be shared with more folks.

Steve Gunderson '75 (that's him on the left) appears in The Nightingale, currently showing at La Jolla Playhouse.  I don't get out much, so I didn't know the play is set in China -- and the actors are supposed to be Asian.  Click HERE to read all about it in Monday's Union-Tribune.

Fry Day July 20th

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You know it's time to clean off your desk when you have instruction manuals for two different cameras, produced 40 years apart, by a company that is going out of business.

Subscribing to the quarterly newsletter were Diane Dowling '61, Pomela Stewart Furtkamp '61 and Janis Irvine Ricards '64.  Thank you ladies.

From Spokane, Washington -- home of the finest San Diego Burritos -- Tim Abbey '71 sends word that his wife discovered a treasure while getting ready for a yard sale.  It's an LP entitled Horace Mann Junior High Advanced Band and Advanced Orchestra, Mr. Carlyle Hume, Director.  Tim's willing to send it to the first interested person, or perhaps to the person with the best story.  Click HERE to email your request.

I am in receipt of Henry F. Bugenhagen, Architect, a gorgeous coffee-table iBook published by his son Bill.  Henry designed many homes and businesses in Pacific Beach and La Jolla, including the condominium complex above for Sandy Shapery '61.

Fry Day July 13th

FRY DAY

July 13, 2012

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The San Diego Aston Martin advertisement in this week's Union-Tribune only had a web address.  As a matter of fact, the web site didn't list a street address.  It DID have the following statement, however:  Aston Martin San Diego is San Diego's only Authorized Aston Martin dealer.  We've invested heavily in our facility, which features a state-of-the-art showroom and a high-end, comprehensive service department.  The aim is to provide our clients with nothing but the highest quality automobile experience now and in the future.  I'm thinking they're trying to weed out the less-than-enthusiastic buyer. 

I've been using 29 cent postcard stamps and 3 cent stamps to mail postcards, but the 32 cent stamps finally came in.  It looks like the artist was inspired by my clothes closet.

Subscribing to the quarterly newsletter were Margaret Bemis Dennison '59, Shirley Ann Wright Crower '61, Jim '63 and Nancy Ford Mass '64, Ronald Gehlken, '64, Roberta Kleine Fine '64, Bill Paxton '66

Nearly 3000 people graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas last May.  One of them was  Colleen Hulette Bevilacqua '64.  You can read all about it in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Norm Black '68 shares an aerial photo of the Waldo Canyon fire on June 26th as it approaches his house in Colorado Springs.  Click HERE to see the enlarged photo -- and Norm's email

Rolando Park 1956

Safety Patrol 1956

Piggly Wiggly baseball 1958

Richard Lidbom '62 shares three photos:  Rolando Park Elementary Sixth Grade and Safety Patrol 1956, and Piggly Wiggly baseball 1958.

The Class of '62 reunion committee was notified of the passing of Cathy Angelo in January 2012 from lung cancer.   Her neighbor has written a lovely remembrance, which I've posted on the Class of '62 Obituary page.

Greg Reed '64 died July 1, 2012 after a six-year battle with lung cancer.

Chet Carney shares the sad news that Larry Myles '74 lost his battle with cancer on July 9th.

FRY DAY

July 6, 2012

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It's still overcase at the beach, but I'm betting the weather will be much nicer than the cool mists of July 4th.  Maybe I'll even get a parking spot at the Green Flash for breakfast.

How was YOUR 4th of July?  As usual, Pacific Beach is Ground Zero for Independence Day Fireworks.  I stayed in and read, which is a good thing because I couldn't have left if I wanted.  Cars in the alley were blocking my garage.  When it was time for bed I felt like I was bunking down in the bus station, the crowds outside my window were so close.  It was worth it, though, to hear a large group attempt to sing our national anthem.  I KNEW they weren't going to be able to hit that high note.


I heard on KPBS radio that a new public bathroom -- or comfort station -- has been opened in Ocean Beach.  Like the Sistine Chapel, the ceiling has been adorned with a painting.  Great!!  Now I'll NEVER hit the urinal.

Who is Mike King?  Every week I get a bunch of bounced Fry Day emails.  If the same address bounces two weeks in a row I delete it from my address book.   king-mike@hotmail.com bounces every week.  The problem is, I don't have this email address -- or a Mike King -- in my address book.  Maybe it's a Michelle King -- or your secret email address.

Thank you Brent Heramb, Robert and Sue Roskos Mardon and Alan Osborn -- all Class of '64 -- for subscribing to the quarterly newsletter.  You're keeping me solvent.  Well, almost.

Doug Kvandal '66 and his new organ will be back tomorrow (Saturday) night with Live Jazz at the Amigo Spot.  I'm not talking about his Hammond organ either.  On Easter Sunday, after a very short stay in the hospital, Doug rose from the almost dead with a new heart.  Come by and say hi.  They start at 7 -- and vocalist Lisa Hightower is well worth the visit.

George Sorensen '69 sends proof that San Diego's Best Burritos are in Salem, Oregon as well as Spokane, Washington.  Aiberto's has outlets in San Diego County so I guess you're free to take the taste test.

Here's some folks gathered to celebrate Wayne Zucker's 60th birthday on June 28th. From left, Jeff Lee '66, Debbie Mitton '70, Annette Godels Conway Marxen '71, Butch Hiller '71, Gary Gallerstein '70, Bernie Feldman '70, Wayne Zucker '70, Rob Seidman '70, Scott Silverman '72, Karen Simpson Seidman '69, Steve Hoke '70 with his son McKinley, and Robbi Mintz Campbell '71.  Click HERE to see an 8 x 10 version.

Bob Mardon '64 shares a couple of his Little League photos:  the Pirates (above) and Universal Electric (below).  Click HERE to go to the web site and see larger versions.  Get back to me if you can supply names.

IN MEMORIAM

Duane Becht '63 passed away Sunday morning, July 1st, in the arms of his girlfriend Janey Peters and brother Ken nearby.

FRY DAY

June 29, 2012

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Thanks to those of you asking about Mom.  Her physical health is good, but her cognitive faculties seem to be slowly fading.  She still manages a little Mona Lisa smile when I visit.  Sadly, Frances, a new patient at the home, has had to be moved to another part of the facility during my visits.  She was enjoying me a lot more than Mom and, somewhere along the way, decided that I was her son.   It would have been a good thing except that she sobbed and clawed at the glass in the front door when I left.  Old age is NOT for sissies!


Remind me to send a Sympathy Card to Attorney General Eric Holder.  I know what it's like to be held in contempt.  I never DID get a date for the Senior Prom

The Los Angeles Zoo has promised a full investigation into the death of a baby chimpanzee, allegedly at the hands of a rival male.  Good luck getting a confession out of a chimpanzee; not to mention empaneling a jury of his peers.


Subscription envelopes for the Classes of '61 and '64 went in the mail this week.  The $30 annual membership helps underwrite the work I do on the web site and blog.  You can also subscribe on line.

NEW BUSINESS

Ron Klein has offered to save two spots at the Big Kids' Table for Nancy and I at the upcoming First Thursday Fiesta on July 5th.  I had to tell him that, while I like to support First Thursday, I prefer to sit away from the crowd.  Doesn't mean I don't enjoy hearing from folks who want to stop and say hello.

That's Jim "Santa Claus" Smith '63 seated in the lawn chair at the left.  He's showing his '31 Ford 2-door with the "all chrome 350" engine at a get together in Kalispell, Montana

Bob Mardon '64 saved his Kindergarten through 6th Grade class photos from Oak Park Elementary and has now shared them with you.  That's Kindergarten above.

Paula Adler Sloan '68 is interested in a History of the El Cerrito neighborhood, especially the background on what she's calling the Castle House, the Farm House, and the Cape Cod style house.  If the house above, at 5602 Adams Avenue, is the "Farm House", I have its history also.  A couple years back Nancy bought a book about the history of the East San Diego Police Department.  It mentioned the home above and told about how it got to its present site from University and Fairmount.  We eventually found the place and, as the owner was on the front porch, I swung in the circular driveway and made Nancy introduce us.  She got a tour of the house and, since Newell Booth, organizes historic tours for classic cars, I was able to provide a custom tour of historic Pacific Beach, while he provided the Hupmobiles and Stanley Steamers.

OLD BUSINESS

At "Boys' Night Out" last Friday I shared the story of my Costco purchase, and got a Thumbs' Down on the Kirkland Bourbon from good buddy Vince.  "It gave me a headache," he said.  On further reflection he allowed that he probably should have drunk it in two sittings.  I had a taste and gave it a Thumbs' Up.  I'm not in Vinnie's league, however.  There's a real good chance I'll still have plenty left when New Year's Eve rolls around.

A whole bunch of you actually submitted stories incorporating the Kirkland Bourbon, 24-pack of AA batteries and Turkey Jerky.  Lynn Routt Swanson '62 abstained, waiting to hear if it had to be a G-rated tale.  She must have read my mind because I really was thinking about an old "Two and A Half Men" episode when I wrote.  It was the one where long-suffering Alan stormed into the house with a woman he met in the produce aisle.  They were doing who knows what in the bedroom for hours when Alan emerged in his BVDs.  "How's it goin'?" asked Charlie.  "GREAT!!", said Alan, "Now I need a step ladder, a rubber chicken, and some chocolate syrup."  


On closer inspection it would appear that I purchased a 40-pack of AA batteries, not 24.  I hope I don't fall victim to the Matt Pupkaris syndrome.  Matt is a friend who bought a giant carton of Q-tips, then wondered what he was going to do with a gazillion of the items.  He started giving away the smaller packs and, a week later, had to go back to Costco.  He was out of Q-tips.  I would have gone to CVS.

I've run into Lee Harris '59 at Good Time Charlie's twice in the past few years.  Interesting, since he lives in Dunwoody, Georgia.  Now he's asked for the name of the Mexican Restaurant advertising San Diego's Best Burrito's.  I've reminded him that it's in Spokane, Washington.  Be on the lookout, Tim Abbey.

IN MEMORIAM

I recently discovered Cathy Moorhead Keyser '62 passed away on February 23, 2002 in Olympia Washington.  Cathy went to Horace Mann and attended Crawford but graduated from a high school in Hawaii. She went on to become a registered nurse -- Donna Ochiuto Rydon

It is with much sadness that I report the death of Karen Anne Sather '63.  She passed away on April 22, 2012.  I do not know the details of her death, but she had been ill with Crohn's Disease for a number of years.  Her sister asked me to share this information with Crawford Colts who knew her -- Joan Sanders Minnick

Fry Day June 22

FRY DAY

June 22, 2012

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This is the week, each year, that I contemplate the conundrum that is the first day of summer.  For the first half of my life it always conjured up Nat King Cole, singing "Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer."  Now it's, "Wait a minute, you mean the days are going to get shorter?  What's THAT about?"

OLD BUSINESS

Julie Eskew Daniels '64 says her after prom was held at La Mesa Bowl, later the campus of Coleman College.

NEW BUSINESS

Good news this week for Lee Cook '64.  He learned that a movie being filmed about world-renowned mountaineer Lou Whitaker contains a bar scene featuring the song "Texas Bounty Hunter", written by Lee and performed by Lee and his Joe Grease Band.

From Tim Abbey '71 in Spokane, Washington, "So I was driving tonight, after a beautiful walk along the Spokane River, and saw this sign for Atilano's Mexican Food.   I never knew the restaurant in San Diego, or if there ever was one with this name, but sure enough -- San Diego burritos in the Northwest.

Chet Carney ‘74 shares a news item regarding his classmate Beverly Simmons, who has been reported missing by the San Diego Police Department.  She was last seen in the 2400 block of Fairmount Avenue on June 13th.  Click HERE for more details.

BREAKING NEWS!!  Beverly was found in Las Vegas.  Details to follow -- maybe

Rick Combs '59 shares his 1953 Sixth Grade Class Photo from John Adams Elementary and wonders if any other Colts attended the Normal Heights school.  

(In Second Grade I attended Adams, Dewey, Brooklyn, Bancroft and -- in Guam -- George Washington Elementary, not necessarily in that order -- JF)

Kathy Keeyes Antus '68 forwards class photos from Kindergarten through 3rd Grade at Blessed Sacrament School.  With the help of Susan Weetman Belair she was able to put names on a lot of 1st Graders.

Here’s Kathy in her 1968 cap and gown.  If you too were a member of the largest class ever to graduate from Crawford, you might be able to find yourself in the Aztec Bowl photo that Kathy also sent.  

Ann Lebus Schmidt ‘74 shares the Henry Clay Elementary Sixth Grade Class Photo of brother Glenn Lebus ‘72.  You’ll have a better chance of spotting him if you go to the blog. 

IN MEMORIAM

Mike Stout '63 passed away on May 13th.  He lived in Fort Payne, Alabama.

Diana McGowan died on June 5th after a long battle with cancer.  A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held June 30, 2012, at Mission Trails Regional Park, located at One Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA, 92119, from 5:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m  Click HERE to sign the guest book.

FRY DAY

June 15, 2012


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My neighbor Sandy dropped by the other night to let me know that her renters, in the house next to me would soon be leaving, and that she was interviewing a new tenant but wanted to check with me first.  She's very considerate.  He's 30.  OK.  He's a musician who's been hired to play in the Summer Pops.  OK.  He'll need to practice during the day.  OK.  He plays the tuba.  Oh, really? That should be interesting.  I'll keep you posted.

NEW BUSINESS

Ken Kramer Interviews Jim Daigh

I wore my subtlest Hawaiian shirt to Rudford's Restaurant last week to hook up with Jim Daigh '64 -- and I almost blended in.  Jim was there to be interviewed by Ken Kramer about the day 49 years earlier when he took the great picture of John F. Kennedy in front of Rudford's.  You can revisit the site and see a couple of photos of the interview taken by Jim's wife Marla.  Nancy took the portrait of me, plus another shot on the web page.

Guess Which Colt Is Greek?

A Colt Mini-Reunion.  Victor Perez ’71, Alexandra “Sandy” Mouzas ’73, Phil Piscopo ‘71 and Irma Perez ’74 at the San Diego Greek Festival at Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church on June 8, 2012.

Henry Clay Elementary

Ann Lebus Schmidt '74 finally figured out how to use her scanner, and forwards her 4th, 5th and 6th Grade (above) photos from Henry Clay Elementary School.  What a sweet sentiment she shares in saying good bye to Mr. Hill.  Reminds me of when I taught at Hale Junior High.  They loved me -- or so I thought.  I was paging fondly, not long ago, through one of my annuals and sat up straight when I spotted "You Suck Mr. Fry!!"  It was unsigned.  Ah, kids

OLD BUSINESS

Spray Nozzles?

Your continued work to keep all of us Colts connected is AWESOME!  Curious minds wonder if taking all the "spray net nozzles'' was for the fun of it or did they really serve a purpose?  Eileen Baumgarten Gaudette ’74

(If you have no idea what Eileen is talking about, join the club.  Turns out she actually READS the stuff I put out, including the Golden Anniversary Pacer, in which one John Fry willed his "collection of spray nozzles to the people from whom they were taken".  It must be true because it's in the paper, but I have absolutely no recollection of such a thing -- JF)

Profesora Brownell

Thanks for the heads up on Profesora Brownell.  I will send out a card this morning and maybe it will get to her in time! I went on to major in Spanish language and history at San Diego State.   I never used my Spanish for its intended use.  I wanted to be a teacher, just like Ms. Brownell.  I ended up marrying just out of college, having three kids (all who speak Spanish!!) and becoming a real estate broker when they were all in school! But, as someone famous once said "Educate a man, and you educate a wage earner; educate a woman and you educate the children of the world".  So Ms. Brownell taught me the love of the land and the language, and I passed it on to my kids!   I have used my Spanish on many, many trips to all parts of Mexico. so it never went to waste!!  Jaye Apcenski Munger ’60

You and your amazing website, and e-mail list.  Another wonderful stack of birthday greetings for Mom.  She enjoyed every one of them on her 101st Birthday.  Thank everyone who responded.  Steve Brownell ‘64

Where was the '64 Prom?

Yes the 64 prom was at the El Cortez when it still had a glass elevator.  That and the graduation ceremony were the only "senior" events I was able to attend -- Karen Richter Tolvo ’64

The '64 Prom was at the El Cortez. But I can’t remember the where the bowling alley the after prom was at. I know it was right beside Hwy. 8 -- Dennis Mullican '64

Tell Maureen Nepp Millman it was the El Cortez Hotel.   I recall riding the glass elevator up the side along with Carol Fisk -- Ron Dixon ‘64

Yes, it was held at the El Cortez complete with an actual Carousal in the ballroom!  I think "Carousal" was the theme! See pictures in the "64" Annual! Bob Zito ’64

Yep, ‘64 prom at El Cortez -- Julie Eskew Daniel ’64

Yes the '64 prom was held at the El Cortez......remember it well.....ok sorta....the after prom was at a bowling alley. I’m looking for info on prom date Michael Rundt -- Dotty Saladin Matz ’64

It was only 42 years ago but I thought I was at the El Cortez in 64 -- John Murphy ’64

The comment by Maureen reminded me of the saying "If you can remember the ‘60s, you really weren't there".  Thanks for the smiles every Fry day -- Pat Chambers ’60

Are you a Turtle?

John, if someone asks you "Are you a turtle" the correct answer is "You bet your sweet ass I am". I have no idea of the origins, but I believe it was in the mid sixties when I first heard it -- Rick Combs '59

John. the way I heard the story was: when somebody ask you if you were a turtle you had to say "you bet your sweet ass I am" If not you had to buy them a drink. ( An old astronaut joke) -- Jim Smith ’63

Miriam Kanter Plotkin '72 let me know that she is an authority on real turtles and tortoises AND, in fact, IS herself a turtle.  Well, she sent me some of the double-entendre questions.  I would share them but I can't for the life of me figure out clean answers to any of them.  Doesn't matter.  All is revealed in the next letter.

Hi John,Once again I had fellow Colts vouch for my memory and sanity. I heard directly from Donna E. Johnson ’62 and Leslie Benjamin Wichers ’71 who both are members of The Turtles Club.  Leslie sent a Wiki link and given your interest in military aviation you might find the WIKI LINK to be of interest.   Again thanks for providing me the opportunity to once more prove my sanity to my wife -- Ed Schoenberg  ‘70

FRY DAY

June 8, 2012


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I spent much of last weekend and Monday folding, labeling, and double-stickering 550 Crawford Alumni newsletters.  On Tuesday Nancy and I took them to the Midway Post Office.  If you're a subscriber you should have gotten yours in the mail.  It was a spectacular day so we drove out to the Cabrillo Monument before lunching at Good Time Charlie's with the Class of '63 Reunion Committee.  A good time was had by all.  There are still venues to be investigated, with October 2013  as a probable date.

NEW BUSINESS

If you participated in the Rock 'n Roll Marathon, and thought you were having a near-death experience, that really WAS Lulu Anaya Bayless '63 on the 163 Freeway cheering you on while pounding on a Taiko drum.

Profesora Brownell (Archibald) will turn 101 on June 11th, notes hijo Steve Brownell '64.  If you'd like to pop a birthday card in the mail, send it to:  Frances Archibald, 5682 Kingsford Terrace, Irvine, CA, 92603 

Maureen Nepp Millman '64 says she's having a Senior Moment, or at least was having one when she couldn't recall if her prom was at El Cortez -- or somewhere else.  Thoughts?

OLD BUSINESS

Adele Spirz Delgado '71reports in:  "I've lived just above Lake Henshaw, on Mesa Grande, since 1976. Those turkeys were introduced without input from the public many years ago.   When they first were sighted by locals we asked if they were drinking Wild Turkey when they saw them.  When it became apparent they really were here and fish and game asked for comment, they had already done too well to do anything about it.  They are a non-native species, taking the  Quail niche habitat.  They have stripped my grape vines, taken my peacocks away with them, mowed down the outfields, damaged vehicles unlucky enough to run into them but they are good on the BBQ -- just stuff with sage, rosemary, apples and enjoy." 

"Are you a turtle?"  I guess not.  Someone said she was going to share the secret questions with me, but never got back to me.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY PACER

The party's over.  Here's the last Pacer for the Class of '62 Seniors, an 8-page extravaganza, published on June 4, 1962.  I've taken the liberty of showing my final page as Sports Editor above.   Click HERE to enjoy.

IN MEMORIAM

Marilyn Medak '63 died on April 29, 2012.  You can read a short obituary and sign the guest book on the Class of 1963 Obituary Page.

Janice Wilkerson Ziemann '63 passed away on May 29th due to complications from diabetes and kidney failure.  A few additional facts are available on the Class of '63 Obituary Page.

Susan Terdik Tippets '64 died on May 30th.  Sharrin Mass Miller '61 sent the sad tidings, noting that Susan and Sharon's husband discovered the Colt Connection when they worked together.