THE WOLVERINE - W'sup at skool

I apologize in advance for being unable to enlarge some of the images and articles - FO

Let's travel back to the Friday, November 4, 1966 issue of the Wolverine....

It is the heart of the football season. Tommy T is being chased by wild wolves.....

"Catch me if you can!"

....was 34-15 and the Willits Wolverines fell to 1-5....
It was hard losing those games, but I'm sure we grew
from the whole experience...


The old quad is being transformed into a habitable area with picnic tables at a cost of $2,094.....

Old Quad

New Quad

Check out our October Girl....

And then there was Powder Puff Football...

Did anyone not like this place?....fries and a 25 cent monster twist cone with a cherry on top.....heaven on earth......What was your favorite?

Take another step back to Friday, May 1, 1964 to a front page article in the Wolverine.....here, you will find many of our Senior girls in the running.....

Fishin' For An Answer was always fun....

In closing, We thank all those classmates on the Wolverine staff for publishing and preserving our history....

See y'all at Hud's on August 31....55 days and counting......

THE GOOSE STORY

Next Fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in a V formation, you might consider that science has discovered why they fly that way.

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flapping in V formation, the whole flock creates at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going faster and easier because they are traveling on the trust of one another.

When a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power from the bird in front. If we had as much sense as a goose we would stay in formation with those who are headed in the same direction that we are.


When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back and another goose flies point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs whether it's with people or geese flying south.

Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. What do we say when we honk from behind?

Finally, and this is important, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshots, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or it dies; and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.

We will soon meet at Huds for our 41st class reunion to renew friendships, share life experiences, and just act like a bunch of silly geese. And if we have the sense of a goose, we will always stand by each other, our families, and friends.

We will pass through these hallowed doors, once again....

We have been watching for an elegant photo of the main entrance to the High School. Sonja sent us the link to this site and photo owned by Elaine Hamby of Willits. We asked Elaine for permission to share it on our site and she graciously agreed. Please check out her site http://willitsdailyphoto.blogspot.com/ for some great photography and articles about Willits scenes and subjects. Here is her caption for the photo, above.

"About the only bit of architecture that comes close to the grand decoration of Pasadena-style Palladian, is the front portal to Willits High School. Someday, I'll have to check out the interior. My high school, elsewhere, was built in 1960 or so, and looks more like a Bauhaus concentration camp. I hope these kids appreciate what they have."

In a few weeks, we will pass through these hallowed doors and relive some of our past memories of Willits High. We hope this will encourage us all to attend our 41st Class Reunion, August 31, at the House of Hud.

IMPORTANT REUNION UPDATE....

Hello '67 Classmates,

It is a milestone day in the reunion universe (so let's move boldly forward). Finally, I have an e-mail message with the core information we need to get together. The Willits (Hommies) Planning Group (WPG) has been able to assemble a costs package to include rentals, catering, etc and provide a ticket price. We, also, have a Secretary/Treasurer/Controller/CFO to receive ticket monies and provide accounting. Many, many classmates are on board. We have a roster of teachers planning to attend. And, we have a Class picture and school tour organized. So, (without further............you know) here's the dope:

Ticket price: $35 per person. By the Huddles' gracious offer of their home, we have avoided the cost of a hall or other "at price" venue. To receive ticket money (for catering and etc) without bylaws and a constitution, we could not open a bank account in the name of the Class or Reunion. Ken Runyan has stepped up (needs to make a big house payment) and has volunteered to receive the ticket checks and to account for them and our spending. Therefore, send ticket checks to: Ken Runyan, 24149 Birch Terrace*, Willits, CA 95490. *It is important to use "Terrace" as there are a number of other Birch addresses in Willits such as Street, Circle, Place, etc. The checks should be made in favor of Ken Runyan but Ken requests we make a note " '67 reunion" on the checks. The WPG needs to know how many attendees they will be providing for with enough lead time to coordinate the number with caterers, rental suppliers, etc. Therefore, the checks need to be to Ken by July 31st.

The July 31st deadline date gives us a full month and one half to remit. After July 31st, the reunion will continue to accept late ticket payments but the price will be adjusted to $45 per person to compensate for out-of-package cost amounts.

So, checks to Ken Runyan, by July 31st, at the above "Terrace" address, in the amount of $35 per attendee ($45 per, after the 7/31). Note "67 reunion" on the check (Ken will provide accounting for any nervous Classmate to review). Get your check to Ken by July 31st or pay a $10 cost premium per attendee on checks arriving after July 31st.

Now, for the fun stuff.`It appears there are a ton of Classmates coming.
Marilyn and Felix have taken the lead on contacting Teachers. With support of other Classmates, they have found/contacted many of those Teachers still with us, and, somehow, convinced them to attend. So, bring your latent Algebra questions and your yet-uncompleted sentence diagrams and make this more than just a reunion - seize the opportunity to complete your education!!!!!! (Heads up - it might not hurt to throw in your gym shoes, too).

Also, (bugles and drum roll, here) Our Hommies (WPG) have set up a Class picture opportunity and Willits High School tour. Arrive in front of THE school at 1:30 to meet and greet. At 2:00 we will assemble on the front steps (am I correct in remembering the school having front steps?) for Class pictures.

Directly following the picture we will tour the school. A "very Special" docent will lead the group through the hallowed halls

(to administer conduct control, provide hall monitoring, and deliver pertinent historic commentary).

No parental notes will be required and all costs are included in the ticket package price.

From the School, we will exit parking in parade formation and caravan to Huddle's (you're on your own for gas from the School to Hud's - no doubt, the biggest expense of the day).

Here, again, The Class of 1967 excels and "Sets the Standard" by which all others are judged as we cruise through town. Gotta love it!

Luvya, Can''t wait to C-ya! TT

Senior Snap Shot Quiz

Okay boys and girls.... it is quiz time....dbl click to enlarge...here we go....

Bottom right....Who is that streak of lightening escaping the hands of two Fort Bragg Timberwolves? ....and went on to score a touchdown on that very play....Would someone like to venture a guess?...ok, now if you are really good, you can name the two Fort Bragg players, too....and, if you can identify the person on the side line, in the background of this same photo, you will get a front row parking spot at Huddles on August 31!!

Next...proceeding clockwise to the bottom left photo...who is that senior in the vest sweater? (...lives in the bay area and just retired from Safeway Stores)....Who are the two girls in our class pointing at each other? (....first name initials form ED). Judging by the shadows, what time of day was this photo taken? Can you name the make and year of the two autos?....It's a guy, thing....Ok, another front row parking spot if you can find all 13 students in this photo....including limbs.

Left center....the Senior Play....who might this be? Could one of them be “The Brat”? Could the other actor, now be a teacher herself, living in Northern Cal? Who directed the Senior Play? Who was the student Director?

Top left...this classmate, by the way he carries the tea and cups, appears to be athletic....like he can run...fast...away from the other team, if needed....smiling from the corner is the housekeeper....who finds teachers....to be very nice people.

Top center...folks, it's only fire....not much to discover, here. Maybe the beginning of the Homecoming bonfire?....

Top right....Now that's the pose of a man going somewhere....and if you want to know where he has been for the past 40 years....come to the reunion and ask him in person!

Right center....We know this much, the dude with glasses is soon leaving for a little R & R to Ireland with his fine wife....sure hope they get back in time for the big bash!....the other dude is just hoping that the homework he just copied will not cost him too much....

Thanks for taking a few minutes to reach back in time with us....See you on August 31!! 81 days and counting....

AND THE SEARCH GOES ON...........

We thought everyone might like to see a small sampling of replies, efforts, and success we are experiencing as we continue the quest to find and invite classmates to the reunion...

Hello Classmates, Cathy Newton Turner is coming. Michelle found her and communicated. Ellen Derego finally is confirmed contacted and she is coming. Credit Michelle's work. M, also, spoke with Janice Scarberry Keeton. It sounds like Janice is on the fence. Couple Classmates better call her get her there. It would be nice to see her and the Class would be more complete with her in attendance. I have asked Michelle to forward Janice's phone number is possible. I will advise. Eddie Marlet will be speaking with Charlotte this weekend. She told me she would be coming but I asked Eddie to strengthen the request for her attendance. Hope to see everyone at Richard's. T

Hello everyone, Stand by for happy reunion news. Just had an email from Walter Smith. He is working out of the Country but WILL MAKE THE REUNION. Have your "Out of the Country" questions ready for him!!!!!! Luvyas, T

Hi Fred,
Thanks much! Seeing the names listed on your and Tom's e-mails is making me smile. Am looking forward to seeing you all.
Al (Baeskens)

Hey T, Just spoke with Diane Harms Griswold in Idaho, and she is going to try her best to make the reunion. She is still farming, so she can't plan that far ahead with total certainty. Gaylene Whited Austin lives in Boise and is going to make a trip to Willits around August 25 for a week, so Diane may ride with her. Here is her email to add to the list. I sent her the blog. Later. F

Tom,
I am truly impressed by the all the work you and other classmates put in. It will be a great reunion. Looking forward to seeing you all. Any luck locating teachers?
Felix (Seto)

Hi everyone,
I just wrote (snail mail) a letter to Mrs. Conant and Mrs. Rockefeller, notifying them about our 41st reunion. I know Mrs. Rockefeller is living with my brother Barry in Willits, and I have a current address for Mrs. Conant, so hope Mrs. Conant will respond with her e-mail address. Then we can notify her of the final plans.
Still have not been able to find Karen Northington, so if anyone can help please do. Kudos to the entire committee and we are going to have the best reunion ever.
Marilyn (Mickle)

Fred,
That's so funny about the football game as I give credit to the fact that I probably ruined my knee playing that great game. I will play bad knee or not and if I have a little metal in it watch out if you play running back. Looking forward to seeing you.
Mike (Fagan)

Twelve More Big Logs

(We think this may be David Page and Kenny Brown on the Home coming Bonfire Committee)

Hello Classmates,

I have new from our administrator of lists - Fred O. He reports he has added eleven more Classmates to the Contact Confirmed listings. Now additionally on board and intending to attend are:

Leland Bean

Nancy Field Buch

Ted Geller

Earlene Mahan Gorzell

Norma Bartalini Hibbs

Mitchell Hood

Beverly Burton James

Eddie Marlett

David Page

Richard Skinner

Richard Southwell

Also, I spoke with Charlotte Marlett and she is intending to come but I must not have advised Fred. So Charlotte makes number twelve for this last week and I will touch base with Fred on it. A lot of Classmates were involved in contacting our brothers and sisters and it is warming to see everyone involved. I am twelve units of excitement more anxious for 8/31/08 than I was last week. Keep up the good work. We are gaining momentum!!!!! Luvyas, TT

Class Reunion Update

Hello again everyone, Please accept my apologies in advance for all the e-mails. However, I keep getting messages that need to be shared. Fred is continuing his beaver-like work ethic. He has provided a consolidated Classmates list. Everyone (we believe) from the Class is listed. Each Classmate is noted either as "Contact Confirmed" or Still Needs to be Contacted".

Fred updates the list continually based on the good work done and ongoing via the "assignments" approach and other communicating. The list is to the right of this post. PLEASE take a look at the list and see if you can contact any of the "Still Need to be Contacted" Classmates. There are too many Classmates yet not contacted to leave uninformed.

If you contact a Classmate, PLEASE get their info: phone, address, and, if they have it, e-mail. If we can get e-mail, we can communicate directly and everyone gets the same messages. THANKS - let's find them.

The Willits "Food and Etc" group is continuing its work on our ticket price. We should have a number in the near future. We will let everyone know how much and to whom as soon as established.

Oh! There are still a number of uncontacted Classmates residing in and around Willits. It is inefficient to communicate with them from down here. It takes wither a letter through the US mail or long distance phone calls. May I ask for help on the local front - would someone (or more) please contact the remaining Willits Classmates? It would be a great help. They are identified on the class list. THANKS!

Yours for the Class of '67 and a great reunion! TT

Reunion Plan Update

Hello Classmates,

Hope this finds everyone well and happy! Jon McKee phoned this evening. He is working with Suzie, Richard, Doug, and Dennis on the food plans. He reported contacting the Lions Club for menu and price information. The Lions Club will feed back to Jon in a day or so. Jon will liaison with S, R, D,and D to provide us with a proposed ticket amount. They will fold associated costs such as table rental, etc into the amount. As soon as we have a figure we will let everyone know. We will need to get a treasurer set up.

Also, Just got off of the phone with David Page. He is in Medford, Oregon. He was pleased to hear we are getting together. He said he has Willie Nelson tickets for sometime in August but if the concert conflicts with the reunion he'll off the tickets. Now there's Wolverinism on display! We had a nice conversation to be continued in person. For those who have not met, his wife's name is Kim. Spoke yesterday, in separate conversations, with both Charlotte and Eddie Marlet. Both doing well and intending to come. Charolette is in up-state Washington, Eddie in Fortuna. Fred is moving to assign names. Felix is back from his trip abroad. Fred assigned him two names the minute he hit the door. I think Fred is starting to enjoy this. Again, hope all well. TT

Venue...Richard Huddle's house

We have had a little opening conversation re teachers/administrators. Without question "Rocky" should be there if possible. If she is with Barry, maybe you can liaison. ??? Could be a gold star in it for you! Also, I'd like to talk to some of those other teachers about my grades. What about calling it a fund raiser and have a dunking tank for them. We could make enough to finance the 43rd get-together.

For all unsure of the venue, we are going to Richard Huddle's house. (Thank you, Richard!) He has a nice home, with manicured lawn, on the west side of Highway 101 just as you come into town from the south, (I can't believe he is this foolish). You can see the house (in its present state) from the highway. He is just west of 101, opposite Brown's Corner (Andy's - see old photo above), and, You should recognize our gathering (by our Class' disorganization).

Ask for the "Lower Percentile 41st Annual Get-Together and Memory Check" Then pull right on ("Right On!") in. There should be plenty of ("Right On") parking right on that lawn. The planned date is August 31st; but I am sure Richard won't mind if some of us arrive a few days early. Wouldn't that be a fun surprise for him. I understand he is very understanding. Look for him standing under his garage door with tears in his eyes. I am sure they will be tears of joy. The first Classmates to get there get their most fun parking spots. See you there Brothers and Sisters!!!!! TT