OHS Newsletter
(Archived Copy)

A Summary of Events and Topics of Interest to OHS grads and friends

May 1, 2003

IN THIS ISSUE:

Hello, everyone! I'm back! First of all I want to thank Bev Shulster Beiman '65 for filling in for me during my recuperation. She did an excellent job as always. Thank you, Bev! Since we kind of screwed up the addresses before my "vacation", some of you might not have received the last two newsletters. If you are one of them, they and all the previous newsletters since September, 2002 are available at Bev's site, www.oocities.org/ohsnewsletter and at my brother Tom's site, www.oakland.yearbookhigh.com, Cyber Kwikway. Apologies to all those who were inadvertently left out of the last two mailings.

The surgery went great. I want to thank all of you who called the hospital, and sent cards and flowers. I actually had to turn off the phone in the hospital to get some rest! I even got some mystery flowers. Someone sent Orchids and Roses in a crystal vase, and overnighted them, bought online. There was no card! The florist wouldn't tell me who or where they came from! So if you are the person who sent them, please know they were appreciated and lived 2 weeks! I'm a very lucky person to have so many wonderful friends.

The doctor and hospital care was great, although some weird patient stuff happened. The surgery took a while longer due to an enlarged liver, but I was on liquid the 2nd day, and soft foods in a week. By the third week, I could eat anything but alcohol, red meat and carbonated drinks. And I don't want them! My heart failure is all but gone. No more wheelchairs, electric carts or cane! I can walk. I can even do stairs! From my high weight of 358 in Feb, to 282 now. 73 lbs total, 43 since surgery. My clothes are fitting loose, but still in the same size. I was huge!

The winds in Barstow have been around 40MPH, so to get my exercise walking, I've been going to Walmart or the grocery store, and walking the store twice, every aisle. The bad part is I SPEND MONEY. I can't just go to Walmart and pass up a sale!

I have 5 tiny scars about this ________ long on my belly. I'd do this again in a heartbeat. I'm so surprised every time I get up and can actually move around! A big milestone for me was getting in the car and finding out I could fasten the seat belt, something I could never do before. The next milestone was getting on my bathroom scale and finding I was under 300 lbs. It's been years. My next goal is a pair of REAL levi's without elastic in the waistband! The other night I sat down on a beanbag to go through my old 45's. When I was done, I got up. I GOT UP! Incredible. No crane, no paramedics, no strong man or anything. On my own, I got up. Stuff you skinny people take for granted are small miracles to me!

I have a TON of news to print. I hardly know where to begin!

Prayers do work. Norma Allison's Pernell's son is out of his coma, and on the road to recovery. Ours prayers are still with you and your son, Norma.

Louise Lovett Watson '66 writes her son Richard is doing better. She recently lost her stepfather. Our condolences on your loss, Louise.

Fentons should have reopened. Joyce Parsons Doull sent me an email regarding the opening back in March and it was predicted for April. They were scheduled for an Open House on April 19. They are online at www.fentonscreamery.com for further info. Thanks for keeping us up on it, Joyce.

In other news, Dick Youngberg, writes that the Willy Wildcat cartoon on the left margin of the OHS letter (seen only in the online version at www.oocities.org/ohsnewsletter) was drawn by Dan McDonald, class of June 56. Dan was a great artist and good gymnast, Dick tells us. I have often wondered where the cartoons originated. Welcome to our newsletter, Dick.

66 Reunion Yearbooks. The final edit has been done, but it may be a month or two before you receive them. Be patient! They will be coming your way soon, and worth the wait! Any questions write to Julia Etzel at hulajules@hotmail.com .

Bev Shulster Beiman '65, spent a week in England for the celebration of the Queen's birthday. She met some friends and had a bloody blast. Bev's also found a wonderful site to visit, www.cablecarmuseum.com/ where you can view the history of the unique, custom made San Francisco Cable Cars. Lots of interesting stuff.

I received an email from Nestor Sander '32, who is 88 years old. Many of you have heard of him before from the message boards at Classmates. When he went to OHS it was also a Junior High and Mr. Farris, whom Ferris Court was named for, was the principal. His classmate, Ralph Edwards of "This is your Life" fame was Yell Leader, and he was also a Yell Leader later at Cal. He was a member of ROTC when they won the Drill Competition in 1931, and played second violin in the orchestra. Nestor, or Sandy as he likes to be called, has led an incredible life, traveling the world with the love of his life, meeting many world leaders, working as a geoligist-paleontolgist, and a celebrated author. His books are available on Amazon.com. You can visit his website at home.inreach.com/rotsen . Take a look, then drop him a line. He's an incredible fellow. I recently sent him the 1932 Oaken Bucket (the very first) where his photo is on Page 1 of the Seniors so he could delve into his memories with names and faces to look at. He's been having a great time with it.

I also heard from John Leatherman, June '58 grad, who is still in touch with Richard Guider, same year. Richard is brother to the late David Guider '64, an Oakland police officer who was killed in 1973 in a helicopter crash in the House of Lee Parking Lot (see Memorial site for article and pix). John tells us Richard was World's Champion CanAm Race Car Driver in the 2-1 class in '89 and now owns an auto repair shop in Ben Lomand, CA. The middle Guider brother, Robert Guider, was District Attorney in Oakland. Their father was the Chief of Police in Piedmont, and since his death, the mother is in a retirement home. John also has a younger sister, Mary Lynn Leatherman Zimmershed, who graduated in '61. John lives in Morgan Hill. Those who remember him can contact him at john.leatherman@gene.GE.com.

Rich Tan, '65 is enjoying retirement, and remodeling his house with new hardwood floors. Rich is somewhat a craftsman when it comes to wood. Been to his house before the remodel and he's done a beautiful job! He also spends his "spare" time reading numerous varieties of books, and is thinking of buying another house just to remodel and fix up. I don't know how he can call this "RETIREMENT"! Keep going, Rich!

My brother Tom Burke is now operating a Web Design company, so if any of you would like to contact him about Web Design, he is at Graphicsdoc1@aol.com . Tom recently moved to a new "crib" and bought himself a hot classic Vette to cruise around in. For those of you who remember his son Jeff, he is still in Iraq as far as we know. Tom's son-in-law, Joel, is on his way back on the Constellation, (Hurrah!). Let's all hope the worst is over in Iraq.

SPECIAL NOTICE!!!

Summer's almost here, and with the extra evening hours, you may find yourself spending more time on your computer. How about giving the Message Board a try? A great way to make new friends and also reconnect. Message Boards. Currently, my brother Tom, Graphicsdoc1, moderates our OHS message board on Arborwood. Check it out at www.arborwood.com . There are lots of other topics out there too, as well as photos of old Oakland and Alameda. Message boards are like emails, but you can jump in any conversation. Arborwood will inform you of any replies to your comments. Go on out and check it out. Tom's put some really funny stories on there, too.

Hugs to all,

Bonnie

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Oakland High School Open House from noon until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3rd! I've received at least 50 " I'll be there's" from OHS alumni. There will be displays, T-shirts for sale, old yearbooks to review, and old yearbooks for SALE! Any of you still in the Bay area should try to make it if you can! Don't miss it!

REGULAR REUNION BLURBS:

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LOST: Does anyone know the whereabouts of Brice Atkinson, June 54? Or Dan Macdonald '56? Dick Youngberg would like to hear from them. D'niel Goldberg, '73 is looking for an old friend named Mario Lee, '73. Maggie McMillan Swinney is looking for Kitty Grodem '63, Margaret Cole 62?, and Susie Huebbe '63. Biff Gudmundsen is looking for John Muller, 65 or 66. He may have gone to O'Dowd at one time, then Oakland High. If you have knowledge of these grads, let them know someone is looking for them!

FOUND: Welcome to the newsletter! A hearty welcome to Dick Youngberg, '56. You can reach him at RYOUNGBERG@aol.com . Also a welcome to Esther Gonzalez '62, (now Mary Sanchez). Her email is Msanchez@actransit.org if you want to get in touch. Another newcomer is D'niel Goldberg, '73. He is looking for a yearbook from that year, and can be reached at supercheerful@yahoo.com. From '65, we have Susan McCready McCreight, who moved to Texas in '64, but still would like to keep in touch with old friends. She is at sbm2003@med.cornell.edu. AND, a welcome to Bobbie Bronnum (Pratt) '56, who is looking to find other '56 grads. She is at 091438@aol.com. Just heard from Robert Hardwick, '65 who says he would love to get in touch with old friends. His email is rhardwick@attbi.com.

Joanne Potter writes that she and her sister have made contact with an old friend from Horace Mann Elementary. His name is Greg Clark. He located her through Classmates and she and her sister have not only spoke with him on the phone, but plan to go to LA to visit in the summer! Another success story for Classmates.com.

Just a note here. If you are registered at Classmates.com but aren't a Gold Member, and you want to contact someone, write me, and I'll send them your info and email address. I've been a Gold Member for 4 years.

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As most of you already know, we have lost Stan Huey '66. I couldn't believe it when I found out. He was such a cut-up and an integral part of the '66 reunion committee. Stan, you will be missed by all your many friends and all those whose lives you touched.

Also, Nicki Salvin Wight '65, lost her dad April 4. He was a 1939 Grad from Oakland High. Again, our prayers are with you, Nicki.

New additions to the Memorial Pages

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The morning of the surgery, we were off to the hospital. I had my slippers, robe and the dreaded Sleep Apnea CPAP machine that they said I HAD to have after surgery. In my pocket was my last will and testament and instructions on spreading me over Dimond Park, laws or no laws.......I was taking no chances.

At the hospital, they met me in the hallway, made me say goodbye to my family, and walk down the hall to the Pre-OP room. WALK! I didn't even get a wheel chair or a gurney. Hmmph, what kind of hospital was this?

Once inside Pre-Op, they told me to hop up on the gurney. I started laughing. "Honey, my body doesn't HOP anywhere. I need serious help to get up that high!"

So they found me a step stool, and helped me to the gurney. As soon as I sat down the tears came. I tried to apologize for crying, but they said everyone cries, and some people have to be strapped to the gurney so they don't get up and leave!

"This will relax you," the nurse said as she gave me a shot from a BIG needle. Great I thought, DRUGS! Just like the 60's! They put in the IV's and gave me the shot and suddenly everything was cool. They asked me if I was an organ donor. I was so relaxed, I said, "Sure! Want my kidneys? They're yours. How about a lung or liver?" Oh yeah, I was feeling GOOD! Gimme more drugs!

They pushed me through the doors to the Operating room, and I seem to recall yelling WHEE or something weird like that. They put a mask on my face, and I was GONE! Next thing I knew I was awake and in my room. Mike was waiting for me, and there were beautiful flowers all around from family and friends. The phone was already ringing. I felt like I'd been hit by a Mack Truck. My lips were dry, and I couldn't have liquid for 24 hours. I was miserable, but at least I knew I didn't have to worry about my ashes being spread in Dimond Park.

My sleep apnea machine that was so DANGED important sat on the floor. I asked the nurse about it, and she said it wasn't allowed unless approved by Maintenance. Okay. Call Maintenance. Whoops, they are off until next week. Sorry. Off UNTIL NEXT WEEK? The entire maintenance crew for a hospital? But good patient that I was I just pressed my Morphine button and went back to sleep. Without the machine.

The first thing I remember is that they took the lady next to me out for surgery. Her daughter was bawling, and they were doing surgery on her mother's knee. Hours later, they rolled a bed in, and in a few minutes, Bawling Betty was back! The patient's face was covered in tubes and tape, and she still had the surgical shower cap on her head. Her daughter was bawling at the top of her lungs. Holy Crap, couldn't the nurses do something??

Ten minutes went by before a nurse came in. In all my Mack Truck misery, I had to laugh. Outright giggle. The nurse said, "Mrs. -----, WHAT are you doing in here? Your mother is two doors down." The daughter snorted back a tear and hastily left the room. The nurses took the patient back out of my room to ICU and I never saw her again.

It was about an hour later that a patient, let's call her Loco Lorna, started YELLING "Help me, Help me! They're trying to kill me!" This went on for the whole time I was there! She also yelled that the doctors were trying to kill her, and there were alien spies in her room watching everything she did. The nurses tried shutting her door, but she was terrified of being in there with the door closed, so they closed our doors instead. It did no good. Loco Lorna never really slept. She was strapped to her bed, and for three days did nothing but scream, with the exception of short naps. By the second day, I had tuned her out, just like you do your children.

That evening, right after surgery, they made the mistake of bringing me a dinner tray of Turkey and mashed potatoes. It smelled soooooooo good. Unfortunately, the nurse saw it being delivered, and she snatched it right from me, and replaced it with lemon glycerol Q-Tips for my lips. *&*&%#@ . I don't think I've ever been so disappointed!

The second day, the physical therapist showed up. I should have been ready for him, but they had complications with my liver, so I was pretty bruised. He wanted me to walk the hospital. Heck, I was lucky to get to the bathroom! He brought in a walker and sent me down the hall. HA. I got about 6 feet and came back. No stamina. Not yet. He actually gave up on me and never returned. As I got into bed, the nurse delivered a shot glass of apple juice to me. OMIGOD, it was heaven. I sipped it ever so slowly, and asked for ice chips. My lips were so dry I ripped an entire layer of bloody skin off! At lunch, they brought me bullion, coffee and more apple juice. It's amazing, but I didn't want it. I did, however, hoard the apple juice so I could refill my little shot glass! In fact, I never ate the whole time I was there! Just me and my apple juice and ice chips.

I settled back into my bed.

The phone was still off, and I didn't want visitors, but I got them anyway! I heard a noise beside my bed and opened my eyes to find a six foot chipmunk standing there! Now, I know the morphine was good, but dang, I didn't know it was that good! I had to be hallucinating. I pressed the morphine button again. Oh yeah. Good stuff.

He was still there. I closed my eyes, and when I opened them, he was STILL there. Maybe he was the hospital mascot or something. I guess it wasn't the good drugs.

In a high squeaky voice, he said "HI, I'm Mr. Chipper, and I'm here to cheer you UP!" I remember just looking at him, and although I was sure he didn't have Rabies, I wasn't too sure about LICE! All I remember is that he was an idiot, bouncing up and down and telling stupid jokes. And he brought LOTS of good wishes for me to get well soon! Oh brother. No wonder Loco Lorna was seeing alien spies. I was seeing Chipmunks! I don't know how long he was there, but it seemed like he should have been out gathering nuts for winter. Finally he scampered off to join the other forest creatures---I hope. Who thinks this crap up?

Day three. The doctor came and said "Go HOME!" I was ready. Loco Lorna was still screaming for help. Mr. Chipper was prancing up the halls. And, I could still hear Bawling Betty two doors down. Good Lord, I hoped her Mother was wearing earplugs!

Mike was on his third trip to the car with flowers and stuff, when the clickity click of the wheelchair came down the hall. I jumped into that sucker and was gone!

While I'd do the surgery again in a heartbeat, I think next time I'd ask for a private room. In a private building.

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BRAIN BUSTER
Here is a good brainteaser. It is reported that Einstein said 98% of the world could NOT solve this puzzle. Can you?

A. There are Five Houses in Five different colors
B. In each house lives a person of a different nationality
C. Each person smokes a different brand, keeps a different pet, and drinks a different beverage.

The Question: WHO HAS THE FISH AS A PET?

CLUES::
1. The Brit lives in a red house
2. The Swede has a dog as a pet
3. The Dane drinks tea
4. The Green house is left of the White house
5. The Green house owner drinks coffee
6. The person who smokes Pall Mall has birds
7. The owner of the Yellow house smokes Dunhill
8. The Man who lives in the house in the middle drinks milk.
9. The Norwegian lives in the first house
10. The man who smokes blend lives next to the man who has cats.
11. The Man who keeps horses is next to the man who smokes Dunhill.
12. The owner who smokes Bluemaster drinks beer
13. The German smokes Prince Albert
14. The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.
15. The man who smokes blend has a neighbor who drinks water.

OKAY, Go for it. See if you are in the top 2%.

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Pictures this week include:

A recent photo of what used to be Dimond Bowl.

Dimond Bowl
Dimond Bowl

Loards Ice Cream on Coolidge and MacArthur.

Loards
Loards

The old Laurel Theatre.

Laurel Theatre
Laurel Theatre

The Doggie Diner.

Doggie Diner
Doggie Diner

Last, but not least, a photo of Andy Orengo '64 and his family at Disneyland.

Andy Orengo and Family
Andy Orengo and Family

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If you have trouble with the graphics in the email version, go to www.oocities.org/ohsnewsletter

Mail your news, comments and suggestions to Bonnie at HULSEBE@barstow.usmc.mil.

Copyright © 2002-2003 by Bonnie Burke Hulse '65 and Bev Shulster '65. All rights reserved.