1/4/2016 - vhs62.com

Monday Update
A weekly newsletter dedicated to those who
remember & celebrate Vallejo as it once was.
Vallejo
Apaches
St. Vincent
Hilltoppers
Hogan
Spartans
St. Patrick/St. Vincent
Bruins
January 4, 2016
The Monday Update is published weekly, on the
John Bunter Memorial Computer
by Harry Diavatis, who is solely responsible for its content.
Please send correspondence, photographs and archival information to
[email protected]
The Monday Update is posted every Monday on www.VHS62.com
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HH = Hogan HS SV = St. Vincent’s HS SP = St. Patrick’s HS FF = Former Faculty
G = Guest VJC = Vallejo JC SCC = Solano Community College
Year Only (ie: ’60) = Vallejo High School
Hello Classmates, Schoolmates and Friends:
In this edition: Jim Adams HH65, Chip Carter HH67, Dave Clement SV60, Chet Curtis
SV60, Sue Dillon-Hess ’61, Carol Egidio-Murray ’63, Greg Fiscus HH68, Sam Hutkins
SV64, Karl Jacque ’60, Dan Kaiser ’63, Patricia Matson-Abernathy ’62, Oleta RichardsCato-G, Ted Roberts ’67, Suzie Schmutz ’59, Lesley Tofanelli-Warnshuis SV70, Pat
Whalen ’62, and Paul Wright ’61.
1
Index
This ‘n’ That ............................................................................................................... 2
The Mailbag .............................................................................................................. 4
Apache Review of Arts by John Parks ‘62 ................................................................. 11
On the Sidelines ........................................................................................................ 16
A Cup of Joe by Joe Illing ’61 .................................................................................... 17
A Stroll Down History Lane........................................................................................ 21
In Memoriam ............................................................................................................. 23
The Last Word ........................................................................................................... 27
MU Calendar of Upcoming Events ............................................................................ 29
Public Service Announcements (PSA) ...................................................................... 29
Addendums ............................................................................................................... 30
The Fine Print ............................................................................................................ 31
This ‘n’ That
After a busy December, things have quieted down considerably around
here. Not much to do in the garden when it’s as cold as it has been. In
a few days, however, it’ll be time to prune all the fruit trees because
they’ll begin to show signs of life in late February, particularly if the
weather warms up.
...
On Thursday, Crag ‘63 and Claudia DownsParker ’63 and Sally and I took a little drive
up to Bodega Bay. It was a bright, although
brisk, day… not a cloud in the sky. We
stopped at the Lucas Wharf in Bodega for
lunch. I wanted a Crab Louie but due to high
levels of a dangerous neurotoxin, the ever
popular Dungeness crabs are unavailable in
California for the time being. Scientists
blame warmer waters for the toxins.
Our camera, however, did manage to find the
only two crabs available and, frankly, they
didn’t look very appetizing.
2
Sally and Claudia managed to
pick up a friend along the way.
Following lunch, we stopped by
a campsite at the Doran Regional Park to visit with a few
friends of the Parker’s who
were camped out for the holidays. The area is very scenic
and affords lots of “photo ops.”
On the way to Bodega we saw a
herd of horses we couldn’t identify. They weren’t She-lands, but
we didn’t know what breed they
were. Do any of you “horse
people” know what type of horse
this is?
All in all it was a very pleasant
day…. until the sun went down.
Man! It got cold fast, so we packed up and headed home after a very
nice day with friends.
3
Sally and I managed to stay awake until midnight to usher in 2016, but
soon after that it was “lights out.” We spent New Year’s Day making
my favorite Greek cookies… “Koulourakia.”
I can’t think of a “yummier” way to start the year. I’ll enjoy 4-5 of them
every morning with my coffee… ‘til they’re gone.
...
The Mail Bag
From: Chet Curtis SV60
Harry, your granddaughter Nikki is beautiful. She and her
boyfriend make a very handsome couple. It must be in the
genes!!
We greatly enjoyed reading the Christmas notes from
contributors. Please accept our belated "Merry Christmas".
Best wishes for a Healthy, Happy and Fulfilling 2016!!
Looking forward to getting together with Pauline Dennis-Bunter ‘62 for lunch in your
“neck of the woods” one of these days soon.
I couldn’t think of a better lunch partner than Pauline.
...
From: Pat Whalen ‘62
Hope Sally liked the tape measure and seam ripper. If you have any trouble with the
tape going in or out let me know and we can try adjusting the screw on the bottom or I
will replace it with another one.
4
I wonder how may classmates we have in the Vallejo/Benicia/Fairfield area that do wood
turning ?
Pat, Sally absolutely loved those little gizmos you made for her. I
couldn’t even fathom a guess as to how many people engage in that
particular craft. I do know that many of our readers were crafts people
at MINSY and are good with their hands. I am not.
...
From: Paul Wright ‘61
Harry, not sure how you keep up with all the news, especially the photos. I must say I
was shocked, but honored, to see me being presented with my "35 Year Pin." It was
such an honor, donating 35 Years with absolutely nothing in compensation other than
the satisfaction of serving. Also, I continually look forward to donating blood/platelets to
help those in need, 12 gallons of whole blood, over 300 platelet donations, is such an
honor. Donate if you can, also be a "donor" of organs too... :-)
Paul, you are a true “public servant.”
...
From: Sue Dillon-Hess ‘61
I couldn't resist telling you that I got such a chuckle from the Republicans Prayer in the
MU. Thanks for starting my day. Thank you for Monday morning coffee time. Happy
New Year to you, Sally, family and all.
Sue, I’m glad it gave you a giggle or two…
...
From: Jim Adams HH65
Savage, Minnesota
The Hogan High School Class of 1965 DVD arrived by mail in fine condition. Boy did
that bring back a lot of memories. Thank you again for making these available.
Glad you enjoyed it, Jim. Maybe the memories will help keep you warm
‘cause I couldn’t help noticing that the temp, today, in Savage, MN is
24. Brrrrrrrrr…
...
5
From: Sam Hutkins SV64
Harry, and friends: I enjoy reading the MU each Sunday/Monday, as was mentioned by
many last week. I especially enjoyed the letter from Glenn Dyson ‘66 (I wish I wrote
that!) and the article about “How I Won the Cold War”. Frank Rose SV64 wrote about
Kris DeVoto ‘63 and included a picture from their piano recital from the mid-50’s. I did
not know Kris, but I spotted Frank right away, front and center.
Our family Christmas included each of
our three children’s families including
our three grandchildren. The only
Christmas Eve present to be opened
becomes the “surprise” that is pajamas
for the kids! The grandest gifts came
from our son to the grandsons. The 7
year old got one of those popular handheld game modules, and when he
opened it he exclaimed,
“Wow! This is GREAT!!!”.
His mother asked, “What is it?”
And he beamingly replied, “I don’t know, but it’s GREAT!!!”
His 4 year old brother got what he wanted: an excavator that you can sit on and scoop
up dirt or rocks, just like the real ones. We had to watch out for our rugs and glass table,
not to mention other children getting in the way. “Hey, Watch out. I’m digging here!” We
have many family traditions wrapped around Christmas, but the best one is that the
family is together. God has blessed us, each and every one.
As for war stories, back in ‘64 there was that Vietnam thing going on. Many of our classmates back then bravely served our country. Me, I got a II-S deferment for going to
college, and then graduate school. I tried to join OCS in the Air Force, then the Army,
and then the Navy, to fly jets, but was turned down for each because I wore eyeglasses
(and did not know I had motion sickness, which would have eliminated me in the first
week, anyway!). “Okay, then I want to go to Nuclear Power School (which was at Mare
Island) and go in submarines.” “No, you can’t. You wear glasses and you have acne.”
Okay, if you won’t give me what I want, I won’t sign up for OCS. In graduate school, my
best friend and roommate did not get a II-S deferment from his draft board in Sacramento, even though we both took the exact same classes. His birthday came up #1 in
the lottery (You WIN!!!). He spent 25+ years in the Air Force (another long story.). Me?
6
I eventually taught school, and was 1-A for the first time. The morning of the lottery I
wrote all across the blackboard in big letters in chalk--- (remember chalk?) “3-2-1
WHOOPIE!!!” and challenged the students to figure that one out. I served out my time
as a civilian after that.
My SV64 classmates will be turning 70 in the new year. We will have a birthday party
for ourselves, details to follow. We already have had a Happy “Your 65th Birthday” 5
years ago at the Napa home of LaVerne Smith-Milstead SV64, and a fantastic 50th
Reunion a year ago at Eagle Vines Country Club. I guess we are just party animals.
Harry, keep up the great work. And Happy New Year to one and all.
Thanks for sharing the memories, Sam. I dropped out of college in
1964 and lost my student deferment. When I was summoned for my
pre-induction physical in 1965, I was listed as IV-F and never had to go
and was able to finish out my college. It is said that “God protects,
fools, lovers and drunkards.” Hmmm… wonder where we fit in?
Writing about the draft got me to thinking of a great old song by Arlo
Guthrie… Alice’s Restaurant recorded in the Hippy Days of 1967. It’s a
very funny song… if you’ve never heard it, click on this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m57gzA2JCcM
I also recommend that you also open up this link and read the lyrics as
Arlo Guthrie performs it.
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/a/arlo+guthrie/alices+restaurant_20518619.
html
...
From: Ted Roberts ‘67
Harry, I'd like to wish you, Sally, and all of the MU readers a very happy, healthy, and
prosperous New Year.
Thanks, Ted… back to you.
...
From: Karl Jacque ‘60
Before Christmas dinner I was having fun with the kids telling “knock-knock” jokes and
asking for answers to trivia questions.
7
I asked “What dog looks like Lassie and helps protect the farmer's crop of cantaloupe
and honey dew?”
The kids answered with a question: "Who's Lassie? They got more laughter than I did
with my answer:. Won't you be my Melon Collie Baby? I know. They're still rolling their
eyes at me.
Uh, Karl, they aren’t the only ones “rolling their eyes” at you.
...
From: Suzie Schmutz ‘59
I loved hearing "Didn't it Rain" again. I've been playing it over and over and cannot sit
still in my seat - so wonderful !
...
From: Pat Matson-Abernathy ‘62
Here's what we've been cheering for this year. Our grandson Jake Linderman is a
senior at Clayton Valley High School and is a member of their football team.
He’s surrounded by his
family.
Proud Grandma
Jake is the starting
offensive center on a
very good football
team. At 6’4”, 290
lb., no doubt some
college program is
going to recruit him.
...
From: Chip Carter HH67
I purchased a Vallejo Apaches 1958 yearbook for $20 from an antique store. I'm not
trying to say the classmates in it are antiques or anything like that. The original owner of
the book was Robin Hansen. I'd like to sell it for what I paid for it. I didn't want it to be
8
thrown out because they are so hard to find. Can you put the word out and help find this
yearbook a good home?
If any of our readers are interested in purchasing this yearbook from
Chip, please contact me and I’ll put you in touch with him.
...
From: Lesley Tofanelli-Warnshuis SV70
Dear Harry,
It was great of you to publish Chris' pieces and to encourage your readers to bear with
the length. And your personal kudos meant a lot to him, too. He has a lot of stuff,
from novellas on an inner city mother who's lost 3 children, to a soldier in WWII and his
dreaming of life back home, to a semi-fictional "Memoirs of a Baby-Boomer." We'd love
to test some of it out on your readers, but not sure about the logistics--maybe as serial
fiction? What length would you recommend? Any suggestions would be welcome.
Hope you and Sally have a wonderful turn of the year. I don't think I've met her but her
pictures really remind me of Fellini's actress-wife, Giulietta Masina, a petite, full of
expression, kind of everywoman. Has anyone ever mentioned that?
No, Lesley, I can’t say that anyone has
ever mentioned that. I wonder what our
readers think.
Is it real or is is Memorex?
Now, regarding the length of Chris’
literary contributions to the MU. There are no set policies regarding
length, but I’ve found that many of our readers have short attention
spans, so if the piece is too long you might lose some of them. Chris
can always break down his longer stories into “parts” just as Joe Illing
has done. In any case we wel-come them. If Chris wants me to make
that decision he can go ahead and send them to me and if I feel they’re
too long, I’ll break them up into chapters or parts.
...
From: Dave Clement SV60
Harry, I send this with apologies to all the cat lovers out there. I can't tell you exactly
where I got it because I promised my Lab I wouldn't rat him out. But this seems to be the
solution to an age old problem.
9
Washing a cat can be highly challenging.
Cats generally don't enjoy the water, but they
do need to be cleaned on occasion.
Here is a great step-by-step guide of how to
bathe your kitty...Please make sure to read it
all the way to the end.
This plan is purrrfect!
Dave, what do you suggest I do
when cat lover Suzie Schmutz
’59 wants your home address?
...
From: Dan Kaiser ‘63
My daughter and son-in-law gave me this Montana State
University baby outfit for Christmas. It didn't take me too long
to figure out that I will be a grandfather in June.
Happy New Year!
Congrats, grandpa to be.
...
10
The Apache Review of Arts
…Remember, in 2016 it's ”All things in
moderation, including moderation.”
By John Parks
”For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.”
BLUE DAN LANE ---- is where this beautiful country home is located. It's in the area
between Ox Road and the Occoquan
Reservoir where the minimum lot size is 5
acres – due to its drainage into the Fairfax
County water supply. The owners host an
annual open house on New Year’s Day,
inviting members of our Burke Historical
Society. The interior decorating was so
classy you'd think Martha Stewart lived
there. I chatted with a fellow who described his recent visit to Florida Southern
University which has the distinction of a
campus designed by Frank Lloyd Wright,
his least known project. A really nice
gathering.
AND SPEAKING OF OF TIME ---- the song of the week is 11th Hour Melody, a beautiful
ballad, sung near the end of his career by Al Hibbler. (He was a vocalist for the Duke
Ellington band.) I first heard this song warbled by GVRD leader Frank Milo at Highland
Playground in the summer of 1956. Enjoy it right here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o5aURG7rxQ “Hold back the time!”
A REMNANT OF OLD TIMES PAST. ---- Nichols'
Hardware, out in Purcellville is pretty much the
same today as it was 100 years ago, though most
of the merchandise is modern. I took this picture of
a clerk at the counter who was helping my daughter
find the right tiny light bulb for a toy.
11
Music On Christmas Morning, by Anne Bronte
USIC I love--but never strain
Could kindle raptures so divine,
So grief assuage, so conquer pain,
And rouse this pensive heart of mine-As that we hear on Christmas morn,
Upon the wintry breezes borne.
Though Darkness still her empire keep,
And hours must pass, ere morning break;
From troubled dreams, or slumbers deep,
That music KINDLY bids us wake:
It calls us, with an angel's voice,
To wake, and worship, and rejoice;
To greet with joy the glorious morn,
Which angels welcomed long ago,
When our redeeming Lord was born,
To bring the light of Heaven below;
The Powers of Darkness to dispel,
And rescue Earth from Death and Hell.
While listening to that sacred strain,
My raptured spirit soars on high;
I seem to hear those songs again
Resounding through the open sky,
That kindled such divine delight,
In those who watched their flocks by night.
With them I celebrate His birth-Glory to God, in highest Heaven,
Good-will to men, and peace on earth,
To us a Saviour-king is given;
Our God is come to claim His own,
And Satan's power is overthrown!
A sinless God, for sinful men,
Descends to suffer and to bleed;
Hell MUST renounce its empire then;
The price is paid, the world is freed,
And Satan's self must now confess
That Christ has earned a RIGHT to bless:
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Now holy Peace may smile from heaven,
And heavenly Truth from earth shall spring:
The captive's galling bonds are riven,
For our Redeemer is our king;
And He that gave his blood for men
Will lead us home to God again.
Portrait of the sisters (Anne, Emily and
Charlotte) by their brother, Branwell. He
originally included himself in the center of the
portrait, but painted himself out. A shadow of
his outline remains. [ca. 1834]
My mother's only sister married a man with
ancestors who lived in the same Yorkshire
village at the same time as the Bronte family,
and almost certainly knew them. Tragically,
the Bronte children died relatively young, their
father out-living them all. How lonely his last
years must have been.
A PENNY ---- from 1962 (a very good year!) and a 1988 nickel were the high-lights of
my latest detectorist hunt. A large old valve handle was also interesting.
PHOTOGRAPHY ---A cousin's “father and son”
horses in Teton Valley, Idaho.
Note the “Trois Tetons” Peaks,
appearing cloud-like, in the
background.
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Christmas moon rising over
Birds Landing, from Benicia
bridge, by Eric Dugan
Approaching Vallejo on blue
breezes.
REFLECTING ON PLEASURE. ---- Pleasure is basic to
our lives. It comes in many different forms, one of which is
a soak in warm water. We select our pleasures, but there
are trade-offs. Life is far too short to experience all kinds
of pleasure. So people are constantly choosing one form
over another, or creating their own. Momentary pleasures
are often deferred for more permanent ones. Conversely,
big ones are sometimes foregone to gain smaller, but
more immediate ones. Many young people are advised
to identify a life passion to devote themselves to. But that
focus requires ignoring other options. I read that addiction
to heroin is the result of person's very first experiment with
it, probably at the urging of a pusher “friend”. The
pleasure of that initial “hit” is so euphoric that the person
14
continues using the drug, attempting to replicate that “high”, though it can never feel that
intense again. Perhaps it is the same with other “recreational drugs”. By contrast, the
pleasure of not knowing, of never experimenting with a drug, can be repeated every day.
Hopefully young people are having this explained to them, very early, so that they have
the freedom to choose between two goods, two positive pleasures.
PARTY TIME! ---- A while back daughters, Jenni and Jillian, were invited to a women's
shower/party which was centered around a short art lesson followed by a put-it-inpractice session where all attendees painted the same subject. (Have any of you been
to one of these parties?) Here are the two paintings they made. Some interesting
differences, eh?
THERE IS A SONG ---- three versions of which, by different artists, charted on the
Billboard Top 10 in the United States the same year. FOUR versions of it appeared in
the Top 20 in the United Kingdom simultaneously! What great song is this? Email me
with the correct answer for a good chance to start your 2016 as the winner of a fabulous
ARA prize!
“A cup of kindness”,
John
[email protected]
...
15
On the Sidelines
Professional athletes with Vallejo ties…
C.J. Anderson and the Denver Broncos beat Cincinnati in overtime last
Monday night 20-17 and C.J. played a large role in the victory which
propelled them to the playoffs. He rushed 9 times for 73 yards including
a 39 yard touchdown to put Denver ahead. He also caught one pass of
8 yards. C.J. fumbled late in the game but the Bronco’s defense held.
Yesterday, Denver hosted San Diego and the Bronco’s, despite 4 first half turnovers,
managed to hold a 7-6 lead at the half. In the third quarter, the Bronco’s began a drive
on their own 45 and C.J. did most of the carrying that resulted in him scoring a TD. All
together he carried 15 times for 95 yards in the Bronco’s 27-20 victory.
...
Rashad Ross has been used primarily as a kick-off return
specialist for the Redskins. He has played in 12 games and has
returned 28 kicks for 684 yards including a long of 101 yards for a
touchdown. Rashad is ranked fifth in the NFL in that category.
Yesterday, Washington visited the Dallas Cowboys and, finally, Rashad got the chance
to prove what he can do. He caught a pass good for 71 yards and a touchdown as the
Redskins win 34-23
...
Q: What's the difference between the San Francisco 49ers
and a dollar bill?
A: You can still get four quarters out of a dollar bill.
Q: How many Raiders fans does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None they are happy living in the Broncos shadow!
...
16
Start your Monday with
A
By Joe Illing ‘61
How I Won The Cold War, Part 8 … THE KAISER’S COOK
Pete had a real fondness
for German Pilsner
Sergeant First Class Pete Peterson led the Koblenz
Detachment of HQ Company, 16th Signal Battalion, Seventh
US Army.
Tall, fit and ornery, Pete looked like a modern-day Erick the
Red. He was quick to anger, quick to forgive, fond of beautiful
women (his wife was drop-dead gorgeous), liked to drink and had vision … a gift to see
things clearly.
You could call him a born leader … which is exactly what all of his men called him, along
with a sincere, out-sized affection. They loved him, and would follow him anywhere,
without reservation.
Pete was a military anomaly. More entrepreneurial than army, he thrived and his
genius blossomed in the freedom his Koblenz domain gave him.
He set up an exchange with a local baker, trading
“surplus” army flour for 6-days-a-week, early morning
delivery of oven fresh bread and Brochens… the
tastiest I’ve ever eaten!
Doing my best to integrate with
the locals along the Rhein in Koblenz
17
He kept things between us and our Bundeswehr hosts well-oiled. He organized festive
parties with our German military brethren, and barbecues and feasts every 4th of
July and Thanksgiving … highlights of the detachment’s social calendar. These wellattended events were filled with goodwill, women and plenty of free liquor! Wives,
daughters and girlfriends were welcomed with open arms!
He forged relationships with the civilian community, important in that our kasern was
small and located smack dab in the middle of a bustling, prosperous city. We participated in activities like a 9 pin bowling league (fun, fun, fun … a far different game from
our 10 pin variety, great sport with weekly games awash in beer, followed by ox tail soup
… umm ummm!) and community basketball games.
Pete also made sure to invite the two local US Army and Air Force generals who served
as liaison’s with the Bundeswehr 3rd Korps to as many of our activities as possible
(mindful that many were not appropriate for general officers’ reputations)…. after all, you
never knew when you might need some reserve firepower, especially considering
Pete’s freewheeling ways.
The Kaiser’s cook enjoying
a time-out in his favorite resting spot
He also held our happiness or misery in the palm of his
hands. He was our Saint Pete standing at the pearly
gates, welcoming pilgrims into paradise or directing them
to eternal perdition, which made that dreadful fate all the
more bitter after getting a taste of heaven.
After I arrived I spent a short time in Koblenz, after
which Sgt Peterson assigned me to a duty station atop Hill 530, a tall peak in the
steep banks that lined the Rhein that, logically enough, stood 530 meters above the
town of Boppard in a small village called Fleckertshöhe.
Aside from a few modest pig and cattle farms, the village boosted an inn called
Gasthaus Fleckertshöhe. This modest place had comfortable rooms and a large, wellknown restaurant with a nationally famous, ancient chef (he owned the place) who’d
once served as Kaiser Wilhelm’s personal chef.
The fare was outstanding and as were the scenic views … after all, we sat atop a
UNESCO World Heritage site, the sixty-five mile stretch of Rhein River Valley with
mountain goat-steep slopes covered with grape vines and castles strategically located
along the river so as to provide their former occupants maximum “taxation” enforcement
efficiencies.
18
Our detachment’s mission was simple. Keep the radio link between the Bundeswehr
brass in Koblenz and those of the US Seventh Army on-air and “5 by.” We worked
in shifts of twelve hours on and 36 off in a cargo-container sized crate on the back of a
two-and-a-half ton truck. Its trailer carried two gas generators that we alternated every
four hours (the noise must have driven some of the locals nuts, but I guess that kind of
unpleasantness comes with losing a war).
Hard working GI Joe, between naps,
guarding the frontiers of freedom
Five gallon gas cans surrounded our tiny
compound, in the center of which stood tall
columns constructed from interlocking steel poles
that supported megaphone shaped, line-ofsight transmitting antennae.
Locals from Koblenz, Boppard and environs would
flock to the gasthaus during winter ski season (bunny slopes aplenty). And when there
wasn’t snow they’d come to hike. On weekends you could find a German getting back to
nature behind practically every tree!
To say we were living the life of Riley while saving Western Civilization would be an
understatement. We slept, read and ate during our shifts, and used our three-quarter ton
truck to drive into Koblenz to partake of its plentiful nighttime entertainments. We ate
exquisitely, got plenty of fresh air and had more than enough money with which to enjoy
the warm gemütlich hospitality of our German hosts.
We had it made … almost.
My home away from home …
and a catastrophe waiting to happen
There always seems to be a fly in every ointment. Our
fly in Fleckershöhe was a buck sergeant (an E-5, the
second lowest rank in the army’s enlisted officer hierarchy) from Texas who was in
charge of our duty station.
19
While I became close friends quickly with the other two privates in Fleckertshöhe,
Rudy and Lumpkins, I never could figure-out our sergeant. We were complete opposites
in just about every respect. The result … a most unfortunate personality clash that I
couldn’t resolve, try as I might. And to make matters worse, he was my roommate!
If this sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, you’d be right, for that’s exactly what
happened!
Coming next! How I Won The Cold War, Part 9 … A SUCKER PUNCH AND A
PRAYER
...
A man was telling his neighbor, “I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost
me four thousand dollars, but it's state of the art.. It's perfect,”
“Really,” answered the neighbor. “What kind is it?”
“Twelve thirty…”
20
A Stroll Down History Lane…
A place to share your memories…
before they disappear forever.
From: Sam Hutkins SV64
You never know what prizes you might
find in the garage. I was just now cleaning
the floor of the garage and look at what I
found (and, no, I don't know how it got there.)!
It reads "VALLEJO BUS CO. INC.",
and on the other side "GOOD FOR ONE
FARE".
I remember my dad having these, I think for
the ferry to the yard. You don't suppose I
could still get a bus ride in Vallejo for this
token, do you? I thought not.
Hmmm… interesting. I wonder if it’s worth anything?
...
The following was sent in by Patricia Matson-Abernathy ’62 who came
across it while on line. I was put out by CalHi sports.
50 All time Great Football Teams
The 1954 Vallejo Apaches listed as the second best ever
21
This is the
plaque at San
Francisco
International
Airport that
honors Vallejo’s
Dick Bass
22
Contributed by Dave Clement SV60
...
In Memoriam
John Lyle Cato ‘56
March 20, 1938 - December 27, 2015
John L. Cato ‘56 died on December 27,
2015 in Kingwood, Texas after a
courageous battle with COPD. His strong
heart finally gave out.
John was born in Kalispell, Montana, on
March 20th, 1938 to John F. and
Elizabeth Cato. He is survived by:
his wife of 56 years, the former Oleta
Richards; his son, John F. Cato; and
daughter Jana Niemeyer (Chris), all of Kingwood. John was Poppa to six grandchildren
and several great grand-children. John is also survived by: his brother Gary Cato
(Glenda) of Sonora, California; his sisters Ellen Bogart (Gerry) of Florence, Oregon,
23
Colleen Gray (Terry) of Cut Bank Montana, Marilyn Quaccia, Hawaii and Georgia
Quaccia, Washington; also many nieces and nephews and friends.
John was a loyal friend and good neighbor, always ready to lend a helping hand when
needed. He was the first to admit that he loved giving advice, even on things he didn't
know much about. He was an avid sports fan and fly fisherman. He told wonderful
stories (some of which were true). He loved to make people laugh. John was a highly
skilled gourmet cook, his specialty was French food. He enjoyed making an entire meal
for large parties of friends and delegating clean up to his wife. He was an outdoorsman and prior to his illness, he enjoyed landscaping and working in his yard. John also
loved to travel. He lived a complete and full life and left nothing on the table.
The family would like to thank John's many Vallejo High School friends who have kept
in touch during John's illness. It meant the world to him.
Per his wishes he was cremated with his ashes to be brought home to Montana.
Oleta, thank you for taking the time to write and send John’s obituary
to the Monday Update,so that his many friends and classmates could
learn of his passing. My condolences to you and the family.
From: Oleta Richards-Cato-G
Thanks Harry, John was very dearly loved . I tried to put a touch of humor in the piece
as that's what he would have wanted. Humorous man, loving man. I picture him with
his friends who have passed and with his parents. My sister in law, Pat RodrigoRichards ‘60 gave me great comfort last night. People have been so good. It's a
measure of how much John was loved.
...
James Stewart "Jim" Sigler ‘55
December 22, 1937 - December 26, 2015
Jim Sigler, 78, passed away Saturday at Kaiser Hospital in Vallejo
surrounded by his family.
Jim was born to Eugene "Gene" and Rae Sigler in San Francisco and
has lived in Vallejo most of his life. He graduated from Vallejo High
School in 1955. He worked as a pump station operator for the Vallejo
Sanitation and Flood Control District.
On Dec. 21, our family found out that Jim had a short time. He passed away just five
24
short days later. Our family is in shock and in mourning. His last request was to have a
private family only service. We are honoring that request.
We want each and every person who was in his life to know that they were very
important to him. Jim's friends meant the world to him and he loved them all very much.
Our family wants to thank each and every one of you for being a part of his life.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Stewart James Sigler.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Maureen; daughters, Debra (David) Martinez,
Kellee (John) Sisneros and Angelique Sigler; grandchildren, Sean Sigler, Suzanne
Sigler, Shelby Garcia and Benjamin Sisneros; great grandchild, Brooklyn Petullo-Sigler;
and his lifelong best friend, Willis McJunkin.
Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo
(707) 552-6696. www.TwinChapelsMortuary.com.
...
From: Greg Fiscus HH68
Harry, I want to let you know that my brother Gary ’54 passed away on 12-21-15. Gary
had kidney failure in June of 2013 and moved in with me at that time. In June 2014 he
fell and broke his leg. In December 2014 he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.
In October 2015 he was diagnosed with colon cancer and was put on Hospice. Even
with all the health problems he managed to be the most kind-hearted and caring person
you would ever meet. He would help anyone he could. It is that same heart that led Gary
to donate his body to UCSF’s Willed Body Program. Maybe he can still help others. He
would like that. Gary leaves behind my sister Jacquelene (Pugh) Wildman ’55, and my
brother Douglas Fiscus HH66.
Thank you for your kind response to my message. Also, thank you for all your work on
the newsletter. I read it from cover to cover every Monday and during much of the last
16 years of caring for my father, brother, and sister you have been one of my only
windows on the outside world. THANK YOU!!!
Gary Allan Pugh ‘54
September 12, 1935 - December 21, 2015
Gary Allan Pugh, 80, passed away Monday, Dec.
21, at home in Vallejo. Gary was living with his
brother, Greg, due to multiple health problems.
After a recent diagnosis of cancer and a fall on
Dec. 11, Gary quickly declined.
25
Gary was born in Sacramento to parents, Harry Pugh and Minnie (Neff) Pugh, both
deceased. He is survived by his sister, Jacquelene (Pugh) Wildman ‘55; brothers,
Douglas Fiscus HH66 and Gregory Fiscus HH68; niece, Michelle Betts, and nephews,
Michael and Malcolm Wildman.
As a young man Gary was active in the Boy Scouts and attended school at Carquinez
Heights, Grant, Franklin and Vallejo High School. He graduated from Vallejo High in
1954. He played saxophone in the band and later played professionally. He drove for
Vallejo Cab for over 30 years.
Gary was a kind hearted and caring person and would help anyone he could. It is that
same heart that lead Gary to donate his body to UCSF's Willed Body Program. Maybe
he can still help others.
There will be no services. Donate as your heart leads you. Gary will be missed.
Greg, my condolences to you and Doug and the rest of the family.
...
Wayne Waterman ‘62
May 20, 1944 - December 6, 2015
Wayne Waterman, age 71, died Sunday, Dec. 6,
after battling cancer.
Wayne worked with the Solano County Sheriff's
Department, retiring with 31 years of service as a
Chief Deputy.
Wayne attended Vallejo schools and graduated from
Vallejo High School with the Class of ’62.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Florita Waterman. He is survived by
his wife of 45 years, Baylonida; two sons, Mark (April) Waterman, Troy (Tracy)
Waterman; his "daughter" Debbie (Gary) Norman; grandchildren, Brandy (Matt) Shelton,
Alexis Waterman, Jerad and Kelsi Norman, Maya and Kara Waterman, and greatgrandchildren Cal, Lucas, and Nolan.
Due to his request there will be no services.
26
A celebration of life will be held potluck-style on Jan. 10, at the Southampton Swim Club,
10 Chelsea Hills Drive, Benicia from 1 to 4 p.m.
...
Contributed by Carol Egidio-Murray ‘63
The Last Word…
I was saddened to read that Norm Tanner, former Vallejo High School
baseball coach from 1963 to 1996, was recently diagnosed with
pancreatic cancer. Tanner, now 81, amassed 501 victories during his
stint as Vallejo’s head coach, one of the top marks in the state of
California. For a period of time, Norm also coached basketball at Cal
Maritime and since we rode back and forth to away games together, I
got to know him even better. A few years ago he moved to Idaho to be
closer to his family. Norm was inducted into the Vallejo Sports Hall of
Fame in 2006 along with his 1991 baseball team. Norm influenced
hundreds of students, and we wish him well.
...
27
This appeared in the on line Times Herald…Am I the only one that
thinks this category is somewhat ironic:
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
 Jury: Vallejo man was sane during shooting
 Vallejo man injured in stabbing
 Vallejo firefighters battle 3 fires within 24 hours
 Vallejo police investigate fatal shooting
 Dozens of dogs poisoned then fatally shot in rural…
 Man shot, wounded in Vallejo
“Like?” I mean, what’s to like?
...
And to all of my Monday Update readers…
… thanks for starting your Monday with me… hd
...
28
If your class is having an event within the next year let us know and we’ll keep it posted on the
Calendar.
MU Calendar of Upcoming Events
Date
Event
Place
Time
Sept. 2016
The 2nd Annual MURP
TBA
Noon
Combined Hogan ’66 & St. Vincent’s ‘66 Fifty Year Reunion
Sept. 23, 2016
Sept. 24, 2016
Friday Night Cocktail Mixer
Reunion Dinner
Zio Fraido’s- Vallejo
Vallejo Naval Museum
TBA
TBA
VHS ‘61 Fifty-five Year Reunion
Oct. 1, 2016
Reunion Dinner
Double Tree by Hilton
American Canyon
TBA
...
Public Service
Announcement
The Vallejo Police Activities League (PAL) needs help from the public to make
improvements to the athletic field near Franklin Jr. High and adjacent to the PAL offices.
This new project will ultimately include three baseball fields and off-street parking.
This multi-million dollar project has several phases with the first being the concession/
bathroom area. Several revisions to the plan have occured over the years and the
current project is expected to cost $330,000. To date, we have secured approximately
$300,000 in funding - mostly from the City of Vallejo. The contribution from the City
($250,000) is contingent upon raising the balance of funds to complete the project. This
is where you can help, your tax-deductible donation will help us achieve our goal to
implement phase 1 of the project. We need to secure funding by January 31, 2016.
29
If you want to contribute to this worthy cause go to the link for the GoFundMe
page…https://www.gofundme.com/vallejopalproject
...
ADDENDUM ONE:
Reunion and Event Announcements
(Send us your upcoming events and/or reunions and
we’ll post them here every week until your event.)
No reunion info has been submitted.
...
ADDENDUM TWO: Missing Classmates
(Reunion committees: Send me your list if you want it posted here.)
No lists have been submitted
...
YEARBOOKS ON CD
Thanks to Bill Strong ‘62, many of the Yearbooks from Vallejo, Hogan, and St. Vincent’s
are available on a CD. (Also quite a few of the Junior High Schools.) The MU will be
happy to send you a personal copy, of your choice, on a CD for a free will donation. The
average donation has been $35. You may order up to five (5) yearbooks for the same
donation. Send your check to: Harry Diavatis, 5087 Green Meadow Court, Fairfield, CA
94533
Year
1929
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44-47
48
49
50
51
52
VHS
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
HHS
SVHS
VJH
HJH
FJH
1
1
1
1
1
1
30
Sol JH
Springs JH
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72-74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
Total
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
41
1
1
13
6
11
5
8
1
10
If you have one of the missing Yearbooks and will agree to have it scanned and returned
to you, please contact Bill Strong directly. Bill is the one who has scanned and provided
all of these Yearbooks and we are indebted to him. It would be nice to fill some of the
“holes” especially St. Vincents. Bill’s email is: [email protected]
...
THE FINE PRINT
The Monday Update
Publisher/Editor: Harry Diavatis
Published: Weekly
First Edition: Oct. 26, 2004
Circulation: 1,412 subscribed
(est. readers 1500+)
31
The Monday Update was originally intended to serve as a newsletter for members of the VHS Class of ’62. Over a period
of time, members of companion classes (1960, ’61, ’63, and ’64) and from Hogan and St. Vincent’s, indicated an interest
and began participating. Today the Monday Update has a wide and varied range of readership ranging from 1937 and
into the new millenium. We also have several “guests” who have no direct affiliation with Vallejo, whatsoever, but are able
to relate to the era.. Anyone who has an interest in, or is nostalgic for, our era is welcomed to participate.
Back issues from as far back as 2007 are available on line at www.VHS62.com
To subscribe to the MU go to www.VHS62.com and click on the Link- Sign Up for Our Email Newsletter.”
There is no charge for accessing the Update… just the expectation that subscribers will periodically “contribute”
something to the overall effort, such as a personal update, archival pictures, news, memories, anecdotes, true
confessions etc… anything that may be somehow relevant or interesting to our readership as a whole.
The Editor reserved the right to print, delete, or edit contributions at his discretion and is solely responsible for the content
of the Update. If you send us an email and DO NOT want it published in the Update please be sure to state as much, and
we will respect your wishes. The MU respects your privacy. Personal information, including email addressess and phone
numbers, will not be given out without your permission.
The Monday Update is not financed by, nor does it necessarily reflect the opinions of: Vallejo High School; the VHS
Class of 1962; or the VHS ’62 Reunion Committee. (And it sure as hell doesn’t reflect the Vallejo School Board!)
...
The Official VHS Class of ’62 Web Site
http://www.classreport.org/usa/ca/vallejo/vhs/1962
Administrator: Bill Strong
Asst. Admin: Harry Diavatis
Class size:
Located:
432
Missing:
195
Deceased:
143
Total on File:
770
All members of the VHS Class of ’62 are listed on the site including Missing and Deceased
classmates. Members of VHS ’62 are asked to log on to the site, register, fill out a profile and send in
a current picture. Non class members may also participate and should log on as “guests.”
...
32