Woodrow Wilson High School Alumni Update - April 2009
http://www.wilsonalumni.com

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

ENERGY SAVING WINDOW FILM
Since graduating from Wilson, Thomas Hicks '71 and David Hicks '75 have taken a journey that has brought them back home again. Thomas (Tom) invented a decorative and privacy window film, as well as an energy saving window film and is the President and founder of Artscape, Inc., located in Portland, Oregon. David is the PR Coordinator at Artscape, Inc. To read more, click here: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/alumni-spotlight/hicks.html.

OREGON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Chris Garrett '92 was elected in November 2008 to the Oregon House of Representatives' 38th District, representing most of Lake Oswego and portions of southwestern Portland. Chris attended Capitol Hill Elementary, Jackson Middle School, and Wilson High School. After graduating from Reed College, he attended The University of Chicago Law School and is a practicing attorney with Perkins Coie. According to the Southwest Community Connection newspaper, Representative -elect Garrett has been appointed to three key committees for the 2009 legislative session, including the Health Care Committee. Garrett will also serve as vice-chair of the House Land Use Committee and as a member of the Judiciary Committee. “Rep.-elect Garrett’s knowledge and firsthand experience on a broad range of issues, from health care to land use, are assets that will lead to concrete accomplishments for his district this session,” Hunt said. The Health Care Committee is expected, among other things, to take up the recommendations of the Oregon Health Fund Board, created by the 2007 Legislature to develop a plan for achieving universal health care in the state. A major task of the Land Use Committee will likely be to consider recommendations of the “Big Look” taskforce, established in 2005 to comprehensively review Oregon’s landmark system of land-use planning. “I said throughout my campaign that the Legislature’s top priority for 2009 should be to expand access to affordable health care,” Garrett said, adding: “I look forward to helping make that happen. Serving on the Land Use and Judiciary Committees will also allow me to play a key role in preserving Oregon’s quality of life.” You can contact Chris at rep.chrisgarrett@state.or.us. Congratulations, Chris!

GRAD OPENS PILATES STUDIO IN HILLSDALE
Mckenzie Petterson '01 recently opened a Pilates studio called “Moving Moxie Pilates LLC.” The studio is located near the Hillsdale Library. Moving Moxie has flexible hours and affordable rates on mat and Pilates equipment. Mckenzie was particularly inspired to settle her studio in the area of Wilson High School because of the support of the Wilson community and the other surrounding public schools. Having attended both Mary Rieke and Robert Gray, she finds gratification knowing that she is giving back to an area that means so much to her. It is common to see some of her favorite teachers around town such as Mr. Murphy at the community center or Mr. Penk getting a coffee at Baker & Spice or even the retired Ms. Woods at the Sunday farmers market. Mckenzie is extremely grateful for her positive experience at Wilson and she hopes to give back as much as possible to parents, alums and students from this small community. Learn more about Mckenzie and her studio at Moving Moxie Pilates LLC at http://www.movingmoxie.com or call 503-244-1240.

RESTORING ORDER
Vicki (Gillam) Norris '91 restores order as the President and Founder of her company, Vicki Norris' Restoring Order®, an organizing services and products company based in Portland, Oregon. Vicki is celebrating her 10th year in business as a national organizing expert. Vicki tells us that her dearest friend from high school Jen Deas (Miller) is now working with her at Restoring Order! Click here to read more about Vicki. 

WWHS SPORTS HALL OF FAME 2009
Four Wilson graduates were recently inducted as members to the 2009 Wilson Sports Hall of Fame. Carol (Eggen) Tyree-Dewell, 1961; Scott Peterson, 1976; Wendy (Peterson) Ingraham, 1978; and Cindy (Murphy) Padilla, 1989. Click here to read about the latest inductees.

STILL TWIRLING
Patti Waitman-Ingebretsen (Ransom) '61 was a Majorette for Wilson's band. I recall that Wilson's band marched out to the middle of the new Morrison Bridge and we watched Governor Mark Hatfield cut the ribbon as they dedicated the bridge. Marching band was a great experience.  Today, she is the Twirler Captain of the Baton Twirlers for the "Get a Life Marching Band". They were recently chosen to march in President Obama's Inauguration Parade on January 20. Patti said it was very, very cold but a great experience. The "Get a Life Marching Band" was also chosen to march in the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade in January, 2009. The group has been very busy. "Both parades were very fun," adds Patti. Check out the photos: Click here to see the Chinese New Year Parade photograph. Patti is the 4th person from the left. Click here to see the Obama Inauguration Parade photograph taken with the White House in the background. Patti is on the left end in the photo.

RETIRED AND TRAVELING
After owning my own business in the industrial control and automation field, I finally retired in 2008 and am in good health. I'm doing a lot of RV traveling in the greater Pacific Northwest, visiting with other Wilson '61ers. Still have the humor and smile but the hair is all white. If you want to bs a little just call or e-mail. Tom Adams, Class of 1961

RETIRED CEO-PRESIDENT OF UNITED WAY
After Wilson I graduated from Portland State University and then went to the NAVY in the mid 60's. I completed post graduate work at the University of Phoenix. After 32 years as the CEO-President of United Way, I retired and moved to central Oregon in 2007.   Lynn Arnett, Class of 1962

LIVING IN NEVADA
I lived in Portland nearly 20 years, N. California for 40 years and now Nevada for the last 6 years. Currently I volunteer for Hot August Nights (classic car show - 1972 and older), Reno Philharmonic, Reno Film Festival, Reno Rodeo, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), CHSC (Citizens Homeland Security), AVP (Airport Volunteer Program), Legends Reno Tahoe Open Golf Tournament. I continue to Travel to Acapulco in February, and in December of 2008 I took a cruise to Costa Rica and Panama. Lynne Bonine (Roysum,) Class of 1960

LONG JOURNEY TO RETIREMENT
I attended Lewis and Clark College and graduated from Portland State University. I have lived in Gold Beach, Oregon, Portland, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New Jersey (twice). I co-owned and ran a small resort in Camp Sherman, Oregon before moving to Klamath Falls in 1996. I spent the last twelve years of work life as a staff writer on the Herald and News newspaper in Klamath Falls. I am married for 47 years in June, 2009 and have three grown children. Lee Beach (Altig), Class of 1959

ON THE COAST - CALL SIGN N7CVW
After graduating from Wilson I went to Whitman and then to Columbia in NY to study engineering. I joined Boeing and stayed working in software engineering and s/w management until I retired. I am living on the coast and enjoy bicycling and kayaking and amateur radio with call sign N7CVW. I am the amateur radio emergency coordinator for Pacific County. Bob Cline, Class of 1958

GEOGRAPHY CLASS LEADS TO MARRIAGE 48 YEARS LATER
Forty-eight years after we met in Mr. Johnson's geography class in 1960, Sue Gaye Kindberg (McCarthy-Jones) '63 and Blayne (Buz) Christian '63 were married barefoot on a beach in Maui, September, 14 2008. Blayne is a commercial real estate appraiser, with his company serving the bay Area. Sue moved from Beaverton, is now a regional financial advisor with Redwood Credit Union in San Rafael, Ca. Plans are to move to Bend, or the Oregon coast, when we (yea, right...) retire! Sue went to Collins View. Blayne (Buz) went to Capitol Hill.   Blayne (Buz) Christian, Class of 1963 and Sue Gaye Kindberg (McCarthy-Jones), Class of 1963

 

ALUMNI RECALL WILSON'S PAST

VERIDIAN MAGAZINE HISTORY
The WWHS literary magazine, The Veridian, was named around 1965 when John Briggs '66 and Dave Johnson '66 were trying out various combinations of green, youth, spring, and truth. Veridian is a coinage that combines Latin words for green and truth in a title that recollects the movie/book called The Virginian. Just what a lone western gunslinger has to do with the publication of students’ poems, short stories, and photographs is a mystery that continues to be worked out by generations of contributors. The first edition came out, I believe, in 1966. Historical accounts that claim the magazine was founded (to be refounded again and again after various lapses) much later are not correct. John Briggs, WWHS and Senior Class President, Class of 1966

HISTORY OF SCHOOL COLORS, FIGHT SONG BRINGS OUT MEMORIES
COLORS: The last issue of the WWHS Alumni Update started the conversation about the school's colors and fight song and it brought out lots of thoughts and memories. Winona Emslie Knutsen '57, a member of the first graduating class and editor of the first yearbook, remembers the assembly when the speeches for the colors were made (she gave the speech for purple and white). She wasn’t a member of a speech class with an assignment, but was just asked to give a talk as were some others. "There were many decisions made that year: mascot, names for newspaper and yearbook, names for clubs and cheer groups. As everyone was new to the school, all had an interest in these decisions," adds Winona. Not all graduates agree with the addition of the new color of orange in connection with the closing of Jackson High School. Vicki Lehrer Baker '84 and Barbara Schmidt Bingham '83 were quick to point out that the Jackson Raiders were Red, Black and White, without a hint of orange. Another grad remembers when the orange appeared. "I was there when orange was added...it was 1987...my first year on the varsity baseball team...my older bro Cam '85 wore only green and white....as far as I can tell Clopton's decision was somewhat arbitrary...he just wanted an accent color," adds Kevin Johnson '88.

FIGHT SONG WORDS: What about the words to the fight song? We learned that Linda Rae Oglesby '58 and Lynne Harris '58 co-wrote the words to the Wilson High Fight Song. "Robert E. Keuscher, the principal, had a contest," states Lynne. "I think that we won $25 for the words. I remember that he changed one line that we wrote, but I can't remember which one." Susan Chaney '72 (Casey Moffett-Chaney) remembers a slightly different version of the fight song previously posted in the WWHS Alumni Update. "In 1968, our freshman orientation taught us the fight song, and we must have sung it at least 10 times before the end of the orientation. Then we sang it hundreds of times at pep rallies, and every time a touchdown or basketball basket happened. It is definitely ingrained in my psyche forever." Susan indicated that the version she remembers differs a bit from what was posted in the previous e-newsletter. Here is the version posted in the school's gym:

Best in the Land
The Mighty Woodrow Wilson High
Throughout the League,
Opponents Hear Our Battle Cry Fight, Fight, Fight

Victory For You,
Each Gallant Trojan Brave and True
For the Green and White, We'll Fight, Fight, Fight
Our Loyalty Forever, Wilson High!

FIGHT SONG MUSIC: Two grads, Dr. Karl Wustrack '62 and Kevin Flink '71, were quick to let us know that the music for the Wilson fight song is the Stanford fight song.

Click here to listen to Wilson's fight song

 

MESSAGES FROM CLASSMATES

WILSON POOL AND A CAR?
Just want to say a quick thank you for coordinating the WWHS electronic newsletter - it's fun to feel connected to the place again after 20 years and thousands of miles (I live in the Midwest now). And here's a memory - I'm in awe of the new swimming pool (if you haven't taken children there to play, you should!), and while I was enjoying it last summer, memories resurfaced of the morning we all showed up at school to find a gold Mercedes Benz parked in it's (fortunately empty) depths. Leirion Gaylor Baird, Class of 1989

CLIFF MATOUSEK
It was nice to see a comment about Cliff Matousek our Sr. Choir teacher in the last update. I think of Cliff often and now that I sing with a Jazz Ensemble here in Portland "The Westside Singers" I am thankful for the education I received from him in that music group. Clay Carter, Class of 1960

WILSON SPIRIT WEAR
Scott McCartney, Class of 1984 suggested that we include a new section on the WWHS Alumni e-newsletter and website that includes the option to purchase "apparel from Wilson so families of past students can order shirts, hats and other keep sake stuff from our HS days." Would you be interested in purchasing Wilson spirit wear? If so, let us know so that we can determine your interest level.

WILSON HALL OF FAME
It was good to read that Jack Bertell '58 was inducted into the PIL Hall of Fame because he has been the force behind the Wilson Hall of Fame. Karl Wustrack, Class of 1962

GOING TO ATLANTA?
Dear alums, Give a call if you are ever near Atlanta, GA. I'm a retired AF chaplain working in a small church part-time. Dottie and I adopted two wonderful girls, one from China, after our two went to college. blessings, Dave Fahner Class of 1961

ARE YOU A CAPITOL HILL ALUMNI?
I look forward to hearing from other classmates and would attend a Capitol Hill alumni gathering. Alice Dunlap, (Arp) Class of 1968

CLASS OF 1966 REFLECTIONS
• Four years of learning, fun and just being a teenager! I made life-long friends there. Louise Carroll (Labby)
• The class of 1966 was a wonderful group.   Richard Davidson, Class of 1966

 

TEACHER TRIBUTE

ROBERT WHITE - BAND AND ORCHESTRA
I started in the band in 1957 playing the baritone, but moved to the percussion section later as the tympanist (kettle drums which are tunable with a pedal), which. of course, were not carried in parades. So I got stuck with the job of playing the cymbals when the band would march or perform. Wilson didn't have marching cymbols, so what got used for parades were the concert cymbols which, if I recall correctly were about 12 inches in diameter and the Rose Parade was not a 15 minute affair. I learned quickly and moved to the orchestra beginning in 1959 but was always asked to return to my band uniform to play my kettle drums for concerts. I used to drive Bob nuts because I didn't need to watch him or read the music, so I would simply retune my drums for the next key change and sit down or goof off. No matter, when Mr. White, as I called him then, retired and opened a music shop in Beaverton, I would stop in from time to time to visit him. He always knew who I was and we had a great friendship.  Wm. Eckersley, Class of 1960

 

IN MEMORY OF

EUGENE KAZA
A highly respected Wilson music educator, Eugene Kaza died July 1, 2008 at the age of 84. He was born May 22, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Kaza was a former Oregon Symphony violinist and music educator who many people believe was the inspiration for the film "Mr. Holland's Opus." Kaza taught high school orchestras and bands in the Portland public schools from 1957 to 1982, including Grant from 1957 to 1969, Adams from 1969 to 1973 and Wilson from 1973 to 1982, when he retired. In addition to his wife Mary Ann, he is survived by daughters Stephanie Kaza of Burlington, Vt., and Janene Kaza of Portland; sons John of Salinas, Calif., Paul of Shelburne, Vt., Roger of Houston, Texas, and Andrew of Manzanita and London; and 11 grandchildren.

 

REUNIONS

CLASS OF 1959 ... 50TH REUNION ... SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2009
Plans have been finalized for our 50th reunion! Dates: September 11 and September 12, 2009. Location: Doubletree--Lloyd Center, Portland. Click here to read all the details.  Any questions or input regarding the reunion can be forwarded to the committee at wilsongrad59@comcast.net. You can also contact Class Reunions at www.classicreunions.com, 503.636.3669 or toll free at 1.800.474.3669.

CLASS OF 1969
Are there plans for your upcoming reunions? If so, please send Linda Doyle your contact information and details, and we will share with your classmates.

CLASS OF 1979
Friday, August 21, 2009 from 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM at the Embassy Suites - Downtown, 319 SW Pine St, Portland, OR 97204. To register, phone: (503) 626-3669 or (800) 474-3669; Email: wilson1979@classicreunions.com; or go to Classic Reunions.

CLASS OF 1989
Mark your calendars for our 20- year reunion! It will take place July 24, 2009 at the Governor Hotel, in Portland, from 7:00pm - Midnight. Contact: Classic Reunions www.classicreunions.com. Phone: (503) 626-3669 or (800) 474-3669. Email: wilson1989@classicreunions.com.

CLASS OF 1999
Classmates are starting to come together for your 10-year reunion. Date: Friday, July 31 at Kell's Pub in Downtown Portland. Questions, please email Grahm Metz-Porozni or contact Classic Reunions at www.classicreunions.com or call (503) 626-3669 or (800) 474-3669 or email at: wilson1999@classicreunions.com.

 

WAYS TO SUPPORT CURRENT STUDENT BODY

PTA SPONSORED PIZZA FUNDRAISER TUESDAY, APRIL 14
If you live in Portland, tell everyone you know to eat at Pizzicato Pizza in Hillsdale Store (only) on Tuesday, April 14 and Wilson will keep 20% of the sales for that day. Enjoy pizza, salads, drinks, and desserts. You can call ahead for takeout. 503-452-7166. Location: Pizzicato Hillsdale 6358 SW Capitol Hwy. Buying gift certificates also counts- so take the opportunity to buy Pizzicato gift certificates and 20% of sales will go to Wilson! We hope to see everyone there supporting WILSON!

WILSON HOLDS ALL-SCHOOL AUCTION, APRIL 4
This weekend Wilson holds its annual All-School Auction.  Funds raised will support a variety of activities at school.  If you bought tickets for the Auction, Thank You!  If you donated to the Auction, Thank You!  If you would like to help continue the excellence at Wilson, there is still time to send in your monetary donation.  Please send your donation, made payable to "Wilson All-School Auction", and mail to:  Wilson All-School Auction, 1151 SW Vermont St, Portland, Oregon, 97219.  Thank you!

 

STAY IN TOUCH

WWHS ALUMNI - WEBSITE
Check out the WWHS Alumni website and don't forget to complete the simple online form to join the WWHS Alumni database. To help us reach as many graduates as possible, please consider adding the link to our website (http://www.wilsonalumni.com/) from your website. Pass the word along to your Wilson High School classmates about the Wilson High School Alumni website and the opportunity to register. Tell your friends.

ALUMNI COMMUNITY NETWORK - ONLINE
We've set up a new online Woodrow Wilson High School Alumni "Ning" online community network. The purpose of the WWHS Alumni Ning is for you to add stories about your time at Wilson, share what you've been doing since graduating from Wilson, and announce upcoming class reunions. Click here to learn more.

TELL US YOUR WWHS STORY
We are interested in gathering as many stories as possible from Wilson alumni. Do you have a story you would like to share from your time at Wilson? A memory of band class, football games, assemblies, typing class, wrestling matches, autoshop or home economics class, or about your time in Hillsdale. Please send the details to Linda Doyle. We will post the stories in future WWHS Alumni Update e-newsletters and on the WWHS website.

SPAM
If you are receiving the WWHS Alumni Update, please make sure to add the following email address to your address book (lsdoyle@earthlink.net). This way your internet/email provider will not view the e-newsletter as spam. Thanks! If you would like to be removed from the list, just send an email to Linda Doyle.

DO YOU HAVE NEWS TO REPORT?
Send the details to Linda Doyle, including your name, class year and quote about your time spent at WWHS. Do you have a story about a classmate's achievements. Send us the story and we will post it in our next WWHS Alumni e-newsletter. All you have to do is to give us the full name and graduating class of the individual along with their story. Then let us know your name and graduating class.

50TH ANNIVERSARY APPAREL
Interested in purchasing 50th Anniversary t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps? To place an order, contact Jack Bertell '58.