Route 66

UPDATE: Click here to see pics/vid of the move

Since my move from California to Florida will include bits and pieces of Route 66 (but mostly Interstate 40), thought it fun to do a little post in honor of that well traveled road...

Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles
Route 66 From Start to Finish

Bobby Troup, composer of 'Get your kicks on Route 66' performs in 1964

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U.S. Route 66 (also known as the Will Rogers Highway after the humorist, and colloquially known as the "Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road") was a highway in the U.S. Highway System. One of the original U.S. highways, Route 66, US Highway 66, was established on November 11, 1926. (from Wikipedia)


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My Route takes a right at Oklahoma City!



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Beautiful Downtown Burbank

Found this postcard pic on Wes Clark/Mike McDaniel's wonderful Burbankia website. One of my first jobs a loooong time ago was at Burcal during Christmas break in the 60's!

Remembering downtown of yore

By Richard Tafilaw
Published: Last Updated Tuesday, March 30, 2010 10:00 PM PDT
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Would you believe there once was an empty lot where, only a few decades ago, a traveling circus would arrive, set up a genuine “big top” and proceed to joyfully entertain Burbank residents young and old for a couple of weeks each year? Welcome to Beautiful Downtown Burbank, 1975.

The ultra-modern Golden Mall, one of our town’s great commercial failures, began where Macy’s now meets Cypress Avenue.

Mall organizers took six blocks of San Fernando Boulevard, blocked off automobile traffic and tried to make the old shopping district a user-friendly shopping experience with trees, fountains, grassy areas, benches and, of course, a wide variety of stores. It sort of succeeded for a while, but then that 800-pound gorilla — the Glendale Galleria — opened up. A noble effort, nonetheless.

Let’s reminisce a bit. Right across from today’s California Pizza Kitchen on Cypress was the Burbank Surplus & Western Wear store, where yours truly once picked up a pair of Levi’s bell-bottom patch pocket jeans, and I mean to tell you I looked “hotter than Georgia asphalt” in them!

Where the AMC Theatre in the Town Center mall now sits was a Goodyear Tire Center, and up by Magnolia Boulevard, in place of the Pomodoro Restaurant, my entire life savings safely rested inside the trusted vaults of Gibraltar Savings & Loan, sometimes as much as $400.

Directly across Magnolia was a favorite stop for many an anxious child with a complicit parent in tow — the Thrifty Drug Store with its low-cost scoops of delicious ice cream, and right next door, the shop now occupied by Urban Outfitters was the ever-fascinating J.J. Newberry’s — sort of a hybrid mixture of a five-and-dime store and a department store.

Across the way sat the venerable J.C. Penney’s building with, I’m not making this up, folks, a genuine elevator inside. Just in front where traffic flows freely today was a children’s playground and a convenient men’s and women’s washroom. How very thoughtful — today’s urban planners, please take note!

Continuing on south, you’d pass a Hallmark Shop and Kessler Jewelers. No, wait! Time out on the field! Kessler Jewelers? Is this 1975 or 2010? Yikes, it’s both — they’re still here today! Congratulations, guys, you get a longevity award.

Meanwhile, what’s that up ahead? Two delightful water fountains adjacent to the very popular Burcal Store at Palm Avenue! Burcal? I wonder how they came up with that catchy name. Kitty corner was a Sav-On drug store, and just west of that in the space now occupied by the AMC Theatre complex was the old Elks Lodge.

Farther south we encounter a Pep Boys and a Singer Sewing Center on our right and a classic Woolworth’s at the next corner on our left, now taken up by a Mairinello School of Beauty.

In the middle of Orange Grove, set back toward the east side of the mall, was a hexagonal public pavilion of sorts that was used for special occasions such as “Come Meet the Easter Bunny,” art exhibits, karate exhibitions, and I clearly remember seeing an Irish clog-dancing show there long before Riverdance came along.

Reaching Olive Avenue, in the spot today filled by the Universal City Studios Credit Union was a Wells Fargo Bank with a small Gas Company office next door, where I would pop in once a month and pay my bill in cash. Remember cash?

Across San Fernando Boulevard where the Tnn Mobile outlet now is was a variety store, but the real draw for me was stepping into a building some sources contend to be the oldest continually operated commercial building in the city. OK, maybe it’s not the Bradbury Building, but it’s all we’ve got.

I know I’ve missed more than a couple of favorite stops with friendly names like Al’s Bootery, Mamselles Shoes, Ed’s For Men & Young Men and Doty Lee’s, but cut me some slack — it was long ago and far away.

Unlike Pasadena’s Colorado and Glendale’s Brand boulevards, Burbank never opted to widen its main business thoroughfare, and it remains today a rather sleepy area during the day, but with the popularity of the AMC Theatre it does seem to do a respectable business in the evening and on weekends.

I do wonder what it will all be like in another 35 years, but I’ll be long gone then, and you’ll have to write that one.

RICHARD J. TAFILAW is a Burbank resident, small-business owner and freelance writer. He can be reached at tafilaw@hyjacks.net.

Florida Fishing

In four days, I'm moving from sunny California to sunny Florida and thought I'd share a few pics from the Panama City pier today of my daughter, Linda, her husband Ernie and granddaughter Lauren...


Linda reeling in her king






Ernie in blue with friend Gary who's holding Lauren







In Facebook, Linda wrote, "Ernie & Gary caught 2 fish from a wad of 4 or 5 and I caught a King today. Mike Clark caught a 48 to take all 3 spots in the Sunjammers Watersports tournament."
Website: http://www.sunjammers.com/

Burbankers Remember

Burbankers Remember
Edited by Wes Clark

An old TV show began, "There are eight million stories in the naked city. This has been one of them." If this is the case for New York City, there must be over 90,000 stories for Burbank!

The idea of this page is to capture some of the memories, lore and interesting tales about life lived in Burbank. The criterion for inclusion is that the tales be specially about life in Burbank - there are other forums for the San Fernando Valley and elsewhere. And, after all, the web site is named "Burbankia", right? I'm looking for things like using old Lockheed linen for dresses, or Burbank's Breathing Bush, or Love From Above... stuff like that.

To submit your Burbank stories contact me!

Wes

What Will Aging Rock Stars Sing?

Enjoy the humor of Tim Hawkins. Thanks Pam for the link!


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MORE TIM HAWKINS HUMOR

Night Flight to Saigon to Save a Dog's Life by Don Ray

Received the following post from Don Ray (BHS '67). Click HERE visit his blog - thanks Don!


Gunship on runway in Vietnam

It was one of the most touching moments in my tour in Vietnam. I made the journey in late 1968 -- probably in October. I was with the 212th M.P. Company at a small detachment at the Soc Trang Army Airfield.

Countless times in my 30+ years as a reporter, producer, author and teacher, I've looked into the eyes of people I was interviewing and realized that they weren't there with me -- they had taken a mental journey into the past. They were somewhere else. I eventually learned to remain as silent as possible so that they could stay in that place -- any questions would quickly bring them back to the present.

Ten years ago I attended a memorial presentation at the unveiling of a statue honoring the bravery and dedication of the thousands of dogs what served our country in combat. I remember how, during the ceremony, I found myself in one of those trances -- I was in another place, in another time ....

The strange thing is that I wasn't with my dog Fritz, I was with a 105-pound German shepherd named Samson. I was back on a gunship in the middle of the night sky on our way from Dong Tam to Saigon. I was trying to take Samson to the veterinary hospital at Tan Son Nhut Airfield so a real veterinarian might keep him alive. Samson was suffering from encephalitis -- he was burning with fever and having trouble breathing through the muzzle. I had tied his paws together to keep him from trying to stand up.

Samson's handler was on R&R somewhere and had no idea that his best friend was fighting for his life. All I could think of was my own dog in a similar situation. How far would someone else go to save my dog Fritz? I was determined to get Samson to a place where someone could help him.

It had all begun a few hours earlier when someone discovered Samson nearly passed out in his kennel. Only a day or two earlier I had been "volunteered" to be the acting-vet tech at our little 12-dog detachment in Soc Trang, south of the Mekong Delta. The nearest veterinarian was in Can Tho. On the phone, he told us to get the temperature down (we put him in a bathtub-sized dip tank with ice water) and rush him to Saigon. A local dust-off (Med Evac) pilot agreed to take us as far as he could -- to the airfield at Dong Tam. It was after midnight, when he dropped us off and flew away. Even though I had neither the orders nor the authority to request a helicopter for the dog, I still insisted that the CQ runner (enlisted guy on duty) awaken the officer-of-the-day. I don't know how I did it, but I convinced the major in charge to authorize a Huey helicopter gunship to take us the rest of the way.

The pilot and copilot were not happy about the run. They were reluctant to help me load the stretcher into the copter. Of course, there were no side doors and no way to tie the stretcher down. I sat on the floor and held onto the back of the pilot's seat as we took off on a most frightening ride. As they'd bank to the right or the left, the stretcher would slide toward the open door. It took all my strength to keep the stretcher and myself from falling out.

There was nobody manning the M-60 machine guns at either of the open doors. But we were traveling fast enough and high enough that the bright red tracers rising from some ground fire was of little concern to the pilot and copilot.

We eventually landed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base at an evac hospital for people. Two Vietnamese ambulance drivers were afraid to load the dog into their 3/4-ton ambulance. Eventually, I convinced them that the dog was tied down, they finally helped me and then drove us to the triage area.

Two more Vietnamese workers opened the rear door of the ambulance and were equally shocked to see that the patient was a dog. One of them helped me carry the stretcher to one of the empty racks in what seemed like an ocean of occupied stretchers. Soon about 15-20 medical personnel were crowded around us pointing, laughing, and talking.

It was about that time Samson completely stopped breathing! All I could think of was doing that leg-lift-chest-push artificial respiration I had read about somewhere. But his front paws were tied together with gauze. I couldn't get them untied. All I could think about was Samson's handler coming home from R&R to find his dog was dead.

Everyone around me were just spectators -- amused spectators! By this time I was crying.

"Would someone please help me? Please?"

It was then that an angel -- a nurse -- yelled, "Get the %@*% out of my way!" and shoved her way through the crowd.

"What can I do?" she asked. I told her I couldn't untie the gauze. She reached in a pocket a pulled out some scissors and freed Samson's front legs.

She quickly caught on and started lifting his right leg while I pushed on his rib cage. Within two minutes he started breathing again. At almost that moment, some veterinarian technicians from the veterinary hospital arrived in a jeep, and I helped them load Samson into it. It happened so quickly that I never had a chance to thank that beautiful angel. She had vanished.

By sunrise it was clear Samson was going to survive. I knew I could face Samson's handler.

Decades later, on February 21, 2000, I sat listening to the poignant comments at the War Dogs Memorial dedication at March Air Force Base. I looked at all of the guys around me and I could feel the love each one had for his dog, and the lengths to which they would have gone to save their dogs' life or save the life of any other handler's dog.

After all, I'm convinced every dog handler who attended the ceremony was able to be there because of his dog -- and maybe because of the dogs of his fellow handlers. And I wondered how many lives Samson went on to save when he went back to work. And I wonder what ever became of that beautiful nurse.

If she only knew the importance of her work that night.

If you ever encounter a former Army nurse who says she served in Vietnam, please ask her if she remembers saving that dog's life.

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Posted By Don Ray to Don Ray's Friends and Hideaways at 4/24/2010 08:39:00 AM


Fritz

May 2 - Family Fun Night

Received this email from Carol Hill Olmstead (BHS '61) today:

To keep my friends is my delight
So every chance I will invite
YOU...
to each event we host nearby!

The next opportunity is now!
COME TO A SPECIAL FAMILY FUN NIGHT
It's for ages 3 to 103

Play with words. Play with money.
Play with puzzles. Meet other families
Play with each other. See how you measure up,
Join a 2 Headed Snake Dance.

Prizes, soda pop, cheese pizza and ice cream dessert provided
SUNDAY MAY 2, 2010
5:30-7:30PM
ROUND TABLE PIZZA
In the Landmark Center
Corner light at
Victory and Buena Vista, Burbank, California

Please ask if you have questions.
Tell me you're coming:
Carol Hill Olmstead (Burbank High class of 1961): 408 828-2403
carol.h.olmstead@juno.com

Delta Theta Chi Sorority - California Rho Chapter
It's a non-collegiate, educational, nonprofit sorority, open to new members: ladies ages 18-108 who have similar interests.
Dues $60 annually. Membership not necessary for most events.
http://www.deltathetachi.org/

Larry Maxam Park Dedication, 17 April 2010

Robin and Linda Maxam, Receive Flag Honoring their Brother, MOH Receipient. Photo by John Boylan (more pics)

Wes Clark also has a wonderful presentation of the day's events. CLICK HERE to see.

Just received this email and photos from Cathy Nicholls Coyle ('67) - thanks Cathy!

Last Saturday, John & I attended the wonderful heartfelt Ceremony the City put on for the Dedication of the new Larry L. Maxam Park (formerly Pacific Park.)


When we first approached the tent area we were given Dedication Programs and commemorative coins:



There were many dignitaries there to recognize Larry's valor and sacrifice for his country including: R. Lee Ermey; Calif State Senator Carol Liu; Congressman Adam Schiff; the Burbank Councilmembers and some top ranking officials from the United States Marine Corps.


Samatha Morales, from John Muir Middle School, read her winning essay on "What the Medal of Honor means" and the First Battalian, Division 4 presented their "Battalion Motivation Logo" with Larry Maxam's profile:



Larry's Marine Photo and Citation were presented:


There was a stirring military 21 gun salute:


Two flags were folded in a time honored military tradition to be handed out to Larry's brother, Robin, and sister, Linda:




Larry's Viet Nam Marine Corps Company & Mickey DePalo, MC, posed behind the Memorial for photos:


Other attendees were:

Mike McDaniel ('74); & Dona Foy Bruckner talking to Linda Maxam ('68):


Linda Mustion ('67), signing the Guest Book:


Don Baldesaroni ('67) and his wife, Sue:


Mike Ranshaw ('66) also signing the guest book:


Scott Bruckner; Greg Alaimo & Bruce Keswick (all '66):


Joan ('67) & Freddy Ortega ('65) & their son, Michael:


John ('65) & I and Pam & Jon Kirkwood (both '64):


and George Colvin ('65), who wanted his photo taken with R. Lee Ermey:


I also saw Al Thouette at the Dedication. He told me that he and Gil Uribe ('66) were there the day Larry Maxam said that he was leaving school and joining the Marines. Here's a photo from the 2008 JBHS/BHS Alumni Picnic: Al Thouette '67, Jim Knight '66 and Gil Uribe '66.


As we were leaving John was given a special treat from Patricia Walmisley, Burbank Veterans Commemorative Committee, who shook his hand and thanked him for his service to his country.


All in all, it was a beautiful ceremony and a great tribute to Larry's bravery and sacrifice to his country.

I knew Larry Maxam when we both attended John Muir Jr. High. It was 1963 and I was in 8th grade and he was in 9th. He would often walk me and my sister home from school. We attended the local dances and I would often dance with him. We weren't boyfrend and girlfriend; after all, I was only 13. But I remember that he had a great sense of humor, that he was very handsome, and always a gentleman . Since he enlisted into the Marines when he was in the 11th grade, I didn't see much of him. But I do remember seeing him in the hallways and saying "Hi." I know there are very many of his classmates and alumni from Burbank High School that have stories to tell about what kind of friend and person he was. Some of those friends were at the Dedication. I feel blessed that I was able to spend a brief time in my life with such a valiant and brave soul. Rest in Peace Larry. You truly deserve a special place in our City and in our hearts.
Cathy Nicholls Coyle

4/20/10 UPDATE:
CLICK HERE to see Linda Mustion's post which has more great photos!

5/18/10 UPDATE:
Thanks to Wes Clark & Mike McDaniel, HERE IS THE TRANSCRIPT of Lt. Col. John B. Lang's Remarks for the Maxam Park Dedication, 17 April 2010.

And HERE are Mike McDaniel's photos of the day's events - thanks Mike!

Suit Against Disney Over Burbank Contaminated Groundwater

Judge allows suit against Disney to move forward

Desert Sun Wire services • April 19, 2010
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A judge said today he was inclined to allow two lawsuits that allege The Walt Disney Co. for decades contaminated groundwater with toxic chemicals to move forward.

One of the cases was filed in March 2009 by Burbank homeowner Dennis Jackson and his two children, Matthew and Jennifer Jackson. They allege Disney has dumped wastewater contaminated with hexavalent chromium from its on-site cooling systems since 1998 and that the pollutants caused the death of Louise Jackson, wife of Dennis and mother of Matthew and Jennifer.

The second complaint was a nuisance suit filed in January by another Burbank resident, Lorraine Baptist.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Rolf M. Treu issued a tentative ruling Friday stating that after three revisions, the Jackson suit contains enough details explaining why the family did not file its lawsuit sooner. Disney attorneys maintain the Jacksons knew of their claims by January 2007 and that most of them, including those for nuisance, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress, are now barred by the statute of limitations.

The Baptist complaint was challenged on similar grounds. After hearing arguments from attorneys today, Treu he said he was taking the cases under submission and would issue a final ruling later.

In their complaint, the Jacksons explain they did not know that Disney allegedly dumped the chemicals into their neighborhood until February 2009, a month after the watchdog group Environmental World Watch Inc. concluded an investigation and obtained the information from the company.

Other plaintiffs have filed similar claims against Disney. According to the various complaints, contaminated runoff flowed down the centerline of Parkside Avenue, toward Parish Place and across Riverside Drive into the Polliwog, an 11-acre parcel next to the studio's Imagineering facilities.

Disney for years has dumped vast amounts of cancer-causing chromium 6, air cooling water chemicals and other various toxic waste materials, according to the lawsuits.

Disney attorneys have denied any wrongdoing on the part of the company.

Environmental World Watch, a Delaware corporation with offices in North Hollywood, was hired by the Burbank Rancho Home Owners Assn. in February 2006 to investigate the proposed construction of a sewer line in the area.

EWW tested the Polliwog parcel, which is part of Burbank but is owned by Los Angeles, in its challenge to a tentative environmental impact report. Agency officials said they found “significant quantities” of chromium 6, according to the lawsuits.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Bruckner

Yesterday, Mr. Les Bruckner, former BHS Coach and Teacher celebrated his 92nd birthday!

Son Scott (BHS '66) sent this great photo of his folks. Thanks Scott!



Here are few other photos of Mr. Bruckner...










Back Row: Ray Turner (Tennis), Maurice Wiley (JV Football), Pete Peterson (B Basketball), Les Bruckner (Varsity Football), Roy Lockwood (Varsity Basketball). Front Row: Ray Trainer (Rifle Team), Bob Brewer (B Football), Don McMurry (Track & Cross Country), Richard "Dick" Minasian (Baseball & Athletic Director).

Parade Winners

Burbank on Parade winners

Published: Last Updated Friday, April 16, 2010 10:06 PM PDT
Burbank Leader
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Winners have been announced for Burbank on Parade:

Bands: Middle School Band: first place, Clifton Middle School; Drum Major: first place, Clifton Middle School; Majorette: first place, Clifton Middle School; Drill Team, first place, Clifton Middle School; second place, Rialto Middle School; Auxiliary: first place, Clifton Middle School; second place, Rialto Middle School; Drill Team Youth, first place, Toluca Lake Drill Team; Sweepstakes, Rialto Middle School; Host Band and Presentation of Awards John Burroughs High School.

Novelties: Dancing Gymnastic Unit, first place, Media City Ballet; second place, Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca; and third place, Jordan Cheer Team; Civic Novelty: BCR “a place to grow” “Under the Big Top,” first place; second place, Burbank Philharmonic; and third place, Burbank Civic Pride Committee; Commercial Novelty: first place, Keller Williams Realty; second place, Best in Green Solutions; and third place, Ultimate Tae Kwon Do; Marching Unit Novelty: first place, Carousel of Clowns; second place, Masonic Family-Shriners.

Floats: Commercial Float: first place, Forerunner Fire Prevention; second place, Burbank Assn. of Realtors; Civic Float: first place, the Reel Cowboys; second place, Burbank Tournament of Roses; third place, Native Daughters of the Golden West; Youth Group Float, first place, Girl Scouts.

Equestrian: Fancy Parade Horse Open, first place and Sweepstakes Individual: Phantom’s Music of the Knight; Sweepstakes Group: War Horse Foundation; Fancy Parade Horse Open: second place, Academy of the Dancing Horses; Fancy Western Lady Open: first place, More Than One Trick Pony-Nori Anne Walla; second place, Laurie Carpenter; Hitch Drawn Vehicle Open: first place, Maryann Jorgenson; second place, David Hoch;

More are: Parade Horse Open: first place, More Than One Trick Pony – BC Cameron; second place, Carol Coon; third place, More Than One Trick Pony – Victoria Scarffe; Parade Theme Costume: first place, More than One Trick Pony- Karol Carleton; second place, More Than One Trick Pony, Caitlin Steimle; and third place, More Than One Trick Pony-Pamela Allen; Silver Mounted Open: first place, Page Williams; second place, Rancho Riders-Jay Geisenheimer; Western Historical Group: first place, The Wild Bill Buffalo Show.

More are: Working Western Lady Open: first place, Rancho Riders-Erica Balsam; Andalusian Lady Open: first place, Spectacular! Spectacular!- Lori Stoll; Arabian Lady Open: first place, Spectacular! Spectacular!, Amy Savarese; Friesian Lady Open: first place, Spectacular! Spectacular!, Monica Muehlhause-Horn; Shire Lady Open: first place, Spectacular! Spectacular!, Ami Curtis; Mounted Color Bearers: first place, San Fernando Rangers; Commemorative Cavalry, first place, War Horse Foundation; Plain Western Open, first place, More Than One Trick Pony, Vicki Mullins; Hitch Drawn Mini Novelty, first place, Rancho Riders-Susie Gimmell; English Open, first place, More than One Trick Pony-Debra May.

Fishing Article on Andrew Larsen, Son of Diana Ziegler Larsen '67

Andrew Larsen, son of BHS '67 grad Diana Ziegler Larsen, is a fishing guide and an article just came out about him!

Here is Andrew's website: kingmefishing.com

A Day in the Life of a Fishing Guide

By Dwight Caswell

I leave Highway 30 at Knappa and take ever-smaller roads toward Aldrich Point. Mist is rising and light rain falling; overhead there are geese, ducks, and a bald eagle. I am experiencing nature; I have a warm, cozy feeling. Then I get out of the car. It is cold and damp because it is 6:30 on a March morning. I grab my thermos of coffee and walk to the dock. I am going fishing for the tastiest fish of all, spring Chinook. Andrew Larsen is already there. He’s my fishing guide, owner and half the crew of http://www.kingmefishing.com/.

The other crewmember is also there, Larsen’s chocolate lab, Jagr. Larsen is well over six feet, broad shoulders, and handsome enough to have appeared on the cover of a Harlequin Romance novel. I am not making this up. He won the viewer’s choice award on a reality show called “Mr. Romance.” Only three clients will be going out this morning, because two women from Portland cancelled. They thought it might be too cold. One of the complications of a guide’s life, I guess, but what did they expect? The rest of us — Neila Wisniewski Getz and Gabe Hunt, from Montana, and myself — are wearing so many layers that we could model for the American Obesity Society.



Larsen fires up the jet engine and we head upriver. Larsen is using the oldest fish finding technique: “I’m looking for anyone netting fish.” Trouble is, nobody is catching fish this morning. Nobody. About three miles up the main stem Larsen finds water that looks promising. “There’s A water and there’s B water,” he says, “My job is to keep us on the A water as much as possible.”

Time to bait up. Larsen demonstrates, as he will all day, the proper way to secure herring to hook. “It has to spin in the water in order to attract fish.” He squirts the herring with a blend of scents and sprays it with WD-40. “Salmon hunt by sensing oil, and they seem to like WD-40.” Makes you wonder about salmon.

After forty minutes or so Larsen decides to head farther upriver. “Especially with spring Chinook, you gotta be there when the bite is on.” Maybe he’s letting us know we might be disappointed, but we knew it was early in the run. “We get two fish,” Larsen says, “it’ll be a good day.”



Again we wait. I drink more coffee. We get into the snacks. Larsen is able to simultaneously carry on several conversations, keep Jagr from eating the herring, and watch our rods. If he sees the telltale vibration that indicates the bait is dragging, he calls it to our attention, or reels the line in himself. It is such a casual yet masterful display I ask him how long he’s been doing this.

“I knew I wanted to be a fishing guide in seventh grade. After high school I worked in sporting goods stores, then charter boats; I finally saved enough to buy my first boat.” Larsen has been guiding for nine year, which speaks well for his skills. Guides live or die on word of mouth. “I’ve put some time and money into the internet and sports shows, but when it comes down to it, it’s clients recommending you.”

Gabe gets a bite, but it’s a fleeting thing. He reels in to find half his herring gone. We go farther upriver until we are off Puget Island. We anchor and Larsen switches us over to lures, again coated with scent and WD-40. Small oil slicks form where the lures hit the water. Larsen gets a phone call. “We did good yesterday,” he says, “but nothing today.” There’s a pause. “Almost up to Wauna.”



“Another guide,” Larsen explains. I want to know if guides trade information. “It depends. If he calls at the end of the day to tell you he got fish, he’s just boasting. If he calls you when he gets his first bite, then he’s helping. Those are the guys I’ll call.” The salmon don’t like lures any better than they liked herring. We decide to pack it in.

We’re almost back when Larsen considers another spot, but doesn’t like the look of the water. I ask him what makes the difference between the professional and the amateur. “Personal dedication” he says. “You have to have a knack, and then you have to raise fishing to an art form. And you have to have confidence.” “We came up empty,” I remind him. “It happens to everybody. But I know I’m going to catch fish tomorrow.”

Maybe some of that confidence is rubbing off on me. As I walk back to my car I realize that I had a good day. I’m ready to go out again. I’m confident. After all, as every fisherman will tell you, “they call it fishin’, they don’t call it catchin’.

Nancy Jennings Webb (BHS '64) Died Yesterday

April 15, 2010
Cathy,
Nancy Jennings Webb BHS '64 passed away yesterday, in Frisco, Texas, after a long battle of many years with breast cancer. Below is the letter we received from her husband and also fellow class member, Rev. John Webb...Pam

Dear Loved Ones,

Nancy went home to be with Jesus at 2:40pm this afternoon. I had the great privilege of holding her close as she made the transition from the pain of this life to God's marvelous place prepared for those that love the Lord. She is now with the Lord, without pain and suffering. I cherish the 43 1/2 years I had the privilege of sharing with the most wonderful woman in all the world. She cherished all of you, and prayed without ceasing for the needs of each of you when she became aware of those needs. I pray that her legacy of loving her Savior and others will live on in each of you.

On behalf of my family, we thank you for your thoughts and prayers over the months and years. Those prayers meant so much to Nancy, my family, and me. We will have a memorial service some time next week, and we will keep you posted as to the day and time. Please spread the word to any you might think of that loved my precious wife. I love you all very much.

Much Love,

The Webb Family

John, Carrie and Tim, Jonathan, David and Kellis, and our 9 grandchildren

Burdette Houser (BHS '66) 1947-2010

Received the following email just now...

Hi All,
Just got this from Jennifer Dale Schatz '66...

Burdette was one of the "Good Guys"...God Bless Him...

Herb, will you please add his name to the Senior Bulldog News Memorial List? (Also, please remove him from the mailing list)

Richard Crescitelli, will you please add Burdette Houser BHS '66 to our BHS Memorial List? Thanks so much...

Pam

Afternoon Ladies,

Sorry to have to report this but, Dennis Roy just called to say that Burdette passed away last night. As of now there are no plans for a service or memorial.

After seeing him for the past few weeks it really was a blessing. He still gave me that smile and asked about our girls. He was quite a guy. I had the pleasure of knowing him since elementary school and Howard worked with him on the BHS “Chain Gang” while our girls were in school.

God bless you our friend.

Jennifer (Dale) Schatz

PREVIOUS POST ON BURDETTE

Carhops!

As a former Toluca Lake Bob's Big Boy Carhop, I had to post this fun video I stumbled across today.

Nancy Bridgestock Steichmann's (BHS '67) aunt Kay was the manager, so we both got jobs there in the late 60's - wild times indeed!

Next Burbank on Parade, why not have Carhops rollerskating holding trays of food?


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BHS Display for Centennial


THE FIRST CARHOPS







Carol Sundstrum (BHS '69) was also a carhop.

Carol (Brown) Baker


Carol Brown Baker (BHS '67) wrote, "Wow, that was a long time ago. If my memory is correct it was sometime between 67/68. I went to school in Europe for the summer of 67 and sometime after I returned I got a job at the Toluca Lake Bob's."

Who else??