2008 San Francisco Balboa High School Alumni Gangplank vol 40 -1 Gossip
2008 San Francisco Balboa High School Alumni Gangplank vol 40 -1 Gossip
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MARCH 2008 Balboa Celebrates 80th Birthday The Alumni Association is planning special activities during 2008 in the celebration of Balboa's 80th birthday. In the August issue details on 80th Birthday dinner/dance will be announced. Save the date of October 25, 2008. Alumni Annual Picnic will be held on August 2 at San Bruno Park, Site 7. Donate to the Senior Sweaters Fund. Keep the Spirit Going. See page 3.  GANGPLANK STAFF: Editor- Vickie Hackett, S'71 Asst. Editor- Vickie Jargoyhen,S'66 Associate Editors: Pat Keney Perruquet, F'53 Barry Calero, F'72, Cinfonie Jong Bayone, S'70 Reporters: Board of Directors |
| Above is a picture of the newly designed main entrance. (Picture taken by: Barry Calero, F'72) Standing on the Russia Avenue Hill and looking down on that beautiful building that is Balboa; it stands out and above the neighborhood, with the lovely palm trees. Even close to the building, one does not notice immediately the changes over the years. Our building is 80 years- old, and who has not changed in 80 years? In the 1970's the filigree around the Main entrance was removed during the earthquake safety reconstruction mandated by the State. The SF Unified School District must now meet the American Disabilities Act to make all schools accessible to all persons. Wheelchair access has been completed or will be completed by October 1, 2008, at Balboa;the Main Building can now be accessed by a wheelchair directly from the sidewalk. To walk up to the Main building from the street, one cannot walk directly into the Main Lobby, but instead use stairs built on the north and south side of the entrance; the Pioneer classes 1928-1930 plaque has been placed in front, between the sets of stairs, and can now be seen from the sidewalk. The change had to be made, and thanks to Dorothy Orchid F'45, and Emily Powell F'46, and Alumni Advisor Emeritus Nick Kafkas of the Alumni Heritage and Traditions Committee, it has been done well; we can now welcome all students and all people equally. Elevators are being added to the gymnasium, and to the side of the auditorium on Onondaga Avenue, as well, the auditorium stage has been extended, and the side stairways to the stage widened, and now accessible for those in wheelchairs, Our building stands magnificently, our traditions mostly remain, our scholarship is improved and still improving. Thank you to Dr. Patricia Gray, Principal, and the faculty and staff, and to the Alumni Association for their constant vigil for our Balboa. by Nick Kafkas
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CORRECTIONS OF SEPT. 2007 GANGPLANK |
| PAGE 4 MARCH 2008 Galley Gossip... Congratulations to Dana Spurgeon Ayoob, F'62, her sons, and family friend Robby Cavagnaro and his family, for donating $101,770 over a period of twelve years to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Greater Bay Area, which funds were received from donations, raffles, profit received from their sponsorship of the annual Jim Ayoob S'61 Golf Classic in memory of her husband, Jim. Dana worked all year long soliciting dona- tions of raffle prizes from businesses, and organized a well-planned golf program and dinner attended each year by many friends, family, and included many Balboans. Good job, Dana, Robby, and families! Carmen (Soto) '56 & Frank Stuhler '55 celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary last October at a picnic hosted by their children Terri & Bobby. And, it was like a Balboa family reun- ion. The Stuhler celebration included Carmen's maid of honor Nancy Ruzich '56 and Frank's brothers Rudy '50 & Ed Stuhler F'62. Other Bucs in attendance were Carmen's cousins Stella Rodriguez F'60, Cathy (Rodriguez) Fata S'64, Joe Rodriguez F'61 & Joe's son in law Ron Balestier '87 who had charge of the newest family addition his six month old daughter Aulani. Proud parents Annette (Rodriguez) & Ron report that Aulani was born on April 11, 2007. Equally proud are Aulani's grandparents Chris & Joe Rodriguez. At the November 2nd S.F. All City High School |
Jerome V. Brown '66 likes Mexican food! He was seen buying tacos and enchiladas at the Mexican restaurant on Ocean Avenue near Granada. He was a very good Balboa athlete and now referees basketball games. At a Christmas party on Hanover Street, Fred Gibson '75 "joined up" and is willing to be a volunteer at Balboa. He's a high tech wizard working as a technician at Heald College. David Lowe '77 was also at the party. He lives in Pacifica.
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| VOLUME 40, ISSUE 1 PAGE 5 Galley Gossip... Mike-and Del are gone but not forgotten by Don. He gladly reports that his aunt, Eileen Butterwood Welter (either '33 or '34) is still with us. Yola Re Actis (adoptee, and wife of Excelsior District's great fighter Ray Actis), and Grace Berry Facciano S'36 were seen lunching at Colma's Garden Club Restau- rant. Grace was S.A. Secretary and a mem- ber of just about every club that existed at Bal in 1936. Grace's son Rich Facciano '59 will be racing the "Quickest 1932 Ford in the World!" in March at Bakers- field. Ye Gads, Don Koehler F'57, are you getting old, or what? Only kidding; however, one of Don's favorite magazines is called Reminisce, which mostly has articles and photos from the Great Depression years and the 40's and 50's. Shhhhhl, this reporter also reads it! Does anyone know where Clyde "Buddy" Hatton ('52 or '54) is? Buddy was a well known disc jockey in San Francisco for many years and worked there with classmate Victor Ives, who now has a talk show out of Oswego, Oregon. We need you,Buddy! Rev. Hart Postlethwaite, IV '50 played in our JROTC band and is still a loyal supporter of that program. Hart and wife Janie are also pilots. Their youngest son Harley is now a Lieutenant Commander Naval Aviator. All of Hart's family served in each World War except Hart; he was in the Marine Reserve. Now hold on to your hats! Hart led local church bands, played in Bal's two bands and orchestra, plus was the only Balboa musician who played 66 instruments! Wow! Joe Smith F'43 attended the 1942 reunion (the committee put on a tropical island theme) and he enjoyed meeting so many Bucs of his era. By the way, many thanks to the Classes of Spring and Fall 1942 who donated "leftover" reunion funds to the Gangplank and our Senior Sweater Fund, as did the Class of Spring 1947. Ralph Donnelly S'42 was a World War II pilot, flying a heavy B24 bomber. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, and other medals. Ralph lives in Grass Valley and is one of our loyal Balboa Golfing Legends. We know that Howard Connolly (who is also a member of the Balboa Legends) really didn't go to Bal. His parents sent him to one of those Catho- lic schools, but his heart was and always has been with his friends at Bal of the late 1940's. Howard now has been adopted by us and has a Certificate of Adoption to prove it! We think Howard knows more about the Excelsior District than anyone. Sheron Chapman Parkins '61 and husband Al Parkins '60 were among the 54 Bucs on our 2006 Hawaiian cruise. Al passed away about three weeks after the cruise, so Sheron treasures the group photo we took; it was the last picture that was taken of Al. By the way, we were and are very unhappy with the NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) on that trip. We suspect our alumni association will never use that line again. As we think back, there have been many Balboa families who sent all their children to Balboa: The McMiilans, the Tuffts, the Mikulins, the Dragos, the Booteriches, and the Dellinges, just to name a few. And, the three Stoddard brothers: Searls '38, Lorin '39, and Gail '42. Ethel Costin '44 married Searls." Lorin passed away in October. Gail re- members with fondness his two old Buc buddies, Lyie Jacks and Dan Murphy. Thanks Gail, for your letter and donation. |
Three Fall 1946 Bucs were the judges at the February Lions Club Student Speaker Contest at the Granada Cafe. They are also members of the Bal "Old Geezers" group: Ric Micheli, Nick Miller EIchinoff, and Maurice Fitzgerald. Does anyone know where Rudolph Maldonado '52 is? His classmate Ed Tatton, 272 Cypress Trace, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 (tattone(g).bellsouth.net) is looking for him. Please help Ed. Thanks to Bernice Gatto Nicholson S'57 for donating her senior class panoramic picture to our museum. She can be seen on the second Friday of each month at the Granada Cafe with the Northern California Veteran Boxers' "lunch and punch" bunch. Hooray! We found Hilda Stagnaro Castelli '32, a Bal Pioneer and one of our first alumni members, thanks to her niece Geraldine Gioardo Rugani '55. Welcome back, Hilda. Oops!, we apologize to 94+ year old Al Fregosi, Charlie Bottarini '38 and Tony Rey '44. They were actual players at the July Legends Golf Tournament, not just "lookers on". Al wonders if we thought he was too old to play. Of course not, Al! Artie Dikas F'37, 991 Larkspur Drive, Millbrae and Bob Antraccoli '40 are working on the July 2008 Legends golf tournament. Through the years, the Legends have do- nated thousands of Bucks to help our sports program. Artie and Bob will welcome younger Bucs. Aaron Washington, '89, is Ship Manager of the WWII Submarine Museum docked at S.F. Pier 45; his twin brother Blake, is also of '89, and now a fire fighter in the Peninsula. His two other brothers are also Balboans: Bryant, '85, was S.A. President at Balboa and now a police officer; Keith, '86, who was President of the 100 Bucs at Balboa. It was reported while waiting for a MUNI bus Vickie Hackett, S'71 overheard a group of young people talking about Balboa. She noticed that one of the young men had a 2008 Senior Sweater on. She told him she also attended Balboa and that is pleased to see him wearing his Senior Sweater. He told her he is very proud to attend Balboa and that they are doing wonderful things there. She told him she agreed with him 100%. Kudos to Planters & More, Maple St. South San Francisco for their donations of bird houses to the handicap class to paint and sell for the class benefit. Jane Lacy McLeary, D'37 reports she recently spent some time look- ing through old Galleons that were published and enjoyed during the first decade of Balboa High School existence. It was fun looking at those young beautiful faces. Where are they now? And what have they accomplished? She received a great note/picture from Mildred Casanova, J'38. It would be wonderful if many other members of these classes would send a note to the Alumni letting us know where they are and what they have done in their lives.
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| THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER
By Emily Powell, F'46 We have received many favorable comments about our new Gangplank format, as well as some suggestions for making it better. We thank you for your input. And, of course, many thanks to those who sent donations to help pay for the September issue. While I am in the "thank you mode", I would like to introduce and thank our new Gangplank Editor, Vickie Hackett, 1st Vice President, S'71 and Asst. Editor, Vickie Jargoyhen, Exec Secretary , S'66 —informally known as "Vickie H" and "Vickie J". We are in the midst of our school year ending June 2008 and since the last issue we have faced more challenges. The latest was the attempt by the School Board to bring Downtown High School (formerly known as Continuation High School), into Balboa in the Fall. With only one day's notice, faculty, students, and your alumni association moved quickly, sending e-mails and faxes of protest to the School Board and Superintendent, as well as publishing the matter on our web site: balbucs.net. Our efforts paid off and the move was dropped. It is an obvious fact that we must keep "on the alert" to protect our school. In 1991 we saved Balboa from closure. In 1996 we lost the fight to "reconstitute" Balboa. Two or more times we helped save our JROTC. In 2006 we successfully kept Leadership Charter High School from taking over a sizeable section of Bal. And, as noted above, we worked to prevent Downtown High from being moved to Bal next term. We often wonder: "What next?" So you can see that your alumni association pays a very important role in ensuring the continuation of quality education and an excellent learning environment at Balboa. I want to thank our dedicated Board and Advisory Committee members, class reunion organizers, and the many small groups of "Guys and Gals" who meet regularly; i.e., The "Geezers", the "Golf Legends", the "Bal Gals", the "Excelsior Legends" the "Westlake Joe's Bucs", the "former Varsity Baseball Group", and others, all helping Balboa and our alumni association. Also, I thank many of you "out there" who cannot actively participate, but who send in donations to help us: (1) pay our general
operating expenses, It is always amazing to discover how many Bal grads do not know about our alumni association. A life membership is only $20, and the more members we have, the more good work we can do. Please spread the word and bring new members to our association. And feel free to call me about Balboa and/or our alumni association at 650 851-8101 or e-mail me at emilvbalboa(S)aol.com. "Go Bucs!" |
| VOLUME 40, ISSUE 1 PAGE 7 EXCERPTS FROM A BALBOA 1950's "THE PIRATEERS" CLASS PAPER The Balboa Alumni Association recently received a memorabilia item donated by Trudy Cox S'50, to the Balboa Hall of History Museum, which was the L-12 Class Paper, S'50 .called "The Pirateers". Besides special announcements in the publication, there were jokes and amusing writings, several being as listed below, which we thought the Alumni would enjoy reading and perhaps bring back some Balboa memories.... Students Relate to Movie Titles 'Strange Bargain"- I'll do your English, if you do my U.S. "Border Incident"- D or F? "Angels in Disguise"- Balboa's Student Body "Once More, My Darling"- Goodnight kiss "Dangerous Venture"- Cutter "Dark Corner"- Room 105 "The Great Sinner"- Talking back to teachers "Too Late for Tears"- Caught by the Senior Patrol "Treasure of Monte Cristo"- An "A" report card "Speed to Spare"- Gym to 3rd floor "Sitting Pretty"- An "A" student in front of you Stampede"- Getting into the auditorium Live Today for Tomorrow"- Friday Black Friday"- One with tests Good News"- No homework! Joke Waiter: "Is something the matter?" Diner: "Yes, this meat's funny." Waiter: "Well, try laughing at it." Fashions Girls: Pleated skirts are, of course, at the top of the list of every girl, al- though straight skirts are a must. Also climbing on its way is the new jersey skirt that can be worn with most anything. Putting buttons on skirts is the latest fad. Cashmere, Lanamere, Lana-knit, and Nylon are the best known names in sweaters. Many girls are getting out their scissors and making weskits out of their sweaters, either cardigan or slip-over. Also, many wool and corduroy weskits are seen lately. A new twist in the fall fashion is the use of brightly color scarves, tied around the neck, over a sweater, or a blouse. The jersey blouse is getting to be quite popular, and many have jersey skirts to go with it. There are different styles in this blouse, some have collars, slit front openings, others have buttons, etc. In the line of jewelry, bracelets with miniature perfume bottles dangling from them and football necklaces and bracelets are seen daily at Bal. Spauldings are most popular in the line of shoes. Pixie shoes vary, in all colors and different styles. They have just come out lately and many girls own a pair or two already. The boys also go in for Cashmere sweaters in the long-sleeve, slip-over style. The Pendelton is very popular and the same goes for Gauchos and the McGregor. Grays and Sun-tans are what most of the boys wear.
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| VOLUME 40, ISSUE 1 PAGE 11 BUCS GOING BOWLING IN 2007 by Rickey Bussey, 75 & Joe Rodriquez, F'61 In what may be a first in Balboa history, two former Buc gridiron players played in Bowl games following the 2007 season. JoPierre Davis '05 the AAA 2004 Player of the Year was a re- serve cornerback for the Hawaii Warriors this past season. Al- though JoPierre saw limited action, he did have one of this sea- sons highlight defensive plays when he returned an intercep- tion 53 yards for a touchdown against New Mexico State. The Warriors went 12-0 during the regular season and were invited to play in the Sugar Bowl on New Year's night were they suf- fered their only defeat at the hands of the highly ranked Geor- gia Bulldogs. JoPierre made a few tackles in that game and the future looks bright as he has two more years to play and the coaches love his size and speed. Don't be surprised if you see him on Sundays in a few years. McLeod Bethel-Thompson '06 was the 2005 AAA Player of the Year and he accomplished a rare feat. As a walk-on (non- scholarship player) Mac started at quarterback for UCLA against BYU in the nationally televised Las Vegas Bowl last Dec. 22nd. The former Bal football star came close to pulling out a victory for the Bruins. Down by the score of 17-16 with 2:02 left in the game, he led his team on a spectacular 87- yard drive which included completions of 4 of 6 passes. The key pass play was a 36-yarderto the 13-yard line setting up a 28-yard game winning field goal attempt by kicker Kai Forbath. Sadly for Mac and his teammates, the kick was partially blocked at the line by BYU and the Bruins fell short in their upset bid. On the day, he was 11 of 27 in passing for 154 yards with a TD and an interception. After the season, UCLA fired its head coach and with that, Mac decided to transfer to Sacramento State University were he was awarded a football scholarship. The Hornets are very excited to have Mac as their Quarterback, and we look forward to watching him play in the future. Keep producing those Division 1 players Coach Minor. |
| HOMECOMING NOVEMBER 3, 2007 by Emily Powell, F'46 The Excelsior District "rocked" on November 2nd when Balboa beat Burton in our Coach Carl Mitchel Field at our Coach Archie Chagonjian Stadium. The music of The Balboa Fight Song resounded throughout the neighborhood, thanks to Music Director Michael Arnold and our Balboa band. Our JROTC and cheer leaders performed, and we thrilled to the singing of Balboa's new songstress Deanne Palaganas. The sun shone kindly down upon us, as the event started with our classic car parade around the track with LaVonne Sallee in her Ford Escort "Art" car taking the lead, followed by Nick Campagna in his 1962 Chevy Nova, and Jerry and Pat Marsala in their 1955 Chevy Bel Air, and George Solimine in his 1932 Ford. We "stuffed" each car with student officers, Principal Gray and dignitaries: Honoree John Consiglieri, 37, wearing his No 21 Jersey that he can still fit into and Senator Leiand Yee, (adopted in 1991) wearing his '91 Senior sweater that he too, can fit into! John Consiglieri know as "the icon of the neighborhood" and who is, possibly, the last living Balboa Football great, was presented with a number of awards: The Balboa Alumni Association presented "The Mr. Excelsior District Award". The California Senate presented a Certificate of Recognition, as did the office of Gavin Newsom and Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval. And what a day it was for Balboa's second championship Football team of 1967, represented by Captain Steve DeMaestri, Pat Grimesey, Rick Calcagno, Ramon Perez, Gerald Zari, Lou Fabela, Jim Tyree, Mike Salem and of course Rev. Calvin Jones. They received special certificates and Balboa caps. Alumni Vice Present Rickey Bussey, '75 unveiled two new permanent banners on the south fence in honor of Balboa's 1957 and the 1967 AAA Football Champions. (Many thanks to all of the Balboa Legends & 100 Buc Club for funding the banners.) S.A. president Lewis Geist hosted the event and a Homecoming Queen and King were crowned. Vickie Jargoyhen, S'66 presented a baseball/golf cap to former football great Pete Pappageorge, '43. And while the game and all the festivities were going on, the tantalizing aromas emanating from the barbecue concession of the Balboa Parents Booster Club drew students, alums and all to indulge in delicious foods and drinks. It was a proud day for Balboa's Buccaneers. (Please see page 12 for pictures of this wonderful event) EDITORS NOTE: Join the Alumni at Balbucs.net and get the Gangplank |
| BUCS BEAT BUCS!! 'Yep', that's what happened in the Orron Quails Boys Gym on February 2nd .which was the scene of the 38th Annual Alumni vs Varsity basketball Game. Once again the valiant Varsity was beaten by the able Alumni team! Alumni 79; Varsity 58! Yes, "it was raining and pouring", but the bleachers filled with Bucs were not snoring! At 5:40, Co-Masters of Ceremonies, Rick Bussey '75 and Lewis Geist, S.A. President, enthusiastically welcomed the crowd (which included alums, parents, students, faculty and friends). Then our JROTC color guard, drum and drill team got the crowd "jazzed" up at 5:40, with Bal's new "songstress" Deanne Palaganas singing the National Anthem. One of the highlights of the night was the celebration of the 30th year anniversary of Balboa's 1978 Varsity Championship basketball team. President Emily Powell F'46 presented each team member, as well as their Coach Dave Roberts, a beautiful Certificate of Honor. Photos were taken by alumni photographer Barry Calero '72. Some of the 1978 team members who were there, also played on the alumni team: Captain Joseph Beifrey, Dean "the Dream" Maye, Pierre Wise, Troy Nichols with Larry Shetton, Assistant Captain. The alumni team was rounded out by: Greg Price F'66, Antoine Snelgro '88, John Thomas '05, Andrew Walker '04, Joseph Green, Richard Morton, Walter Jackson '92, Ron Cooper '76, Luqman Baaset, Marcus Hagwood '00, Glenn Daniels, and Afonzo Williams. Most Valuable Player Awards presented to Greg Price (Alumni) and Don Rebuquio (Varsity). Half-time entertainment was provided by Balboa's cheery Cheer Leaders. When the referees didn't show up, Rickey Bussey and security guard "Cowboy" did the job. Many thanks to Richard Driscoll S'75 for super score keeping and to Jack Ditty S'49 for his help each year. Special thanks to our ever loyal lobby merchandise/food sales workers: Vickie Hackett S'71, Vickie Jargoyhen S'66, Julio F'72 and Maggie Morales Najarro '73, Ed Baker, F'59 Sandy Carlomagno Silva S"63, Pat Keney Perruquet F'53, "Hot Dog Lady", Leroy Miranda '79 with Danny Perez '73 in charge of security. The game was an exciting "kick-off" event to celebrate Balboa's 80th Birthday! 2003 Game HERE |
| VOLUME 40, ISSUE 1 PAGE 19 DON HOFVENDAHL FORMER FACULTY MEMBER REPORTS: Barry Potthoff, who played baseball for Bal, has retired from the SFPD and lives in San Francisco with his wife and family Tom Ronco, S'67, has been a high school teacher in Brawley, CA for many years and also works as a sport reporter and announcer for local sports teams and lives in Brawley with his wife who is a school administrator. Jim Schach, who played baseball for Bal, has his own fish company in San Francisco for a number of years and lives in San Francisco with his wife and family. Steve Situm, S'59, has been in the wine business for a number of years and now produces his own label and lives in San Rafael with his wife Jeri (Netherton) Situm S'59 who is an elementary school librarian in San Rafael. Dollie Blazer (married name Tabor) lives in San Bruno with her husband Frank and they own a gun store in the Peninsula. Larry Tiscornia has lived in Japan and now lives in San Francisco with his wife Kimika and they teach Japanese tea ceremony to groups and individuals, Edison (Ed) Russell was a number of years an executive for several major pharmaceutical companies and now lives with his wife in Bellevue, WA. AROUND SF BY NICK KAFKAS: Wherever I go, Balboa Buccaneers are ever-present, and it is good to see fellow Bucs...... in Westlake I ran into Al Basso S'61 and his lovely daughter Lisa Basso '00; Anna Bolia, former Balboa Social Studies Faculty Head, now retired, she was the '85 class sponsor. I see Christine Karussos S'62, most times I bring my pet to the Sunset Vet Hospital. At Costco in SSF, I was pleasantly surprise to see Ms. Shari Balisi, a Balboa counselor in the early 2000's who did a great job with the Student Association; she is now a counselor at Lincoln High. Also saw Yvonne Martinez F'66, a former 100 Buc Officer, who is now director of a pre-school. At Miss Marjorie Maher's funeral, saw former faculty member AS Nuti, who taught at Balboa from 1956 to 1962 and retired as Assistant Principal from Washington High sev- eral years ago. Florence O'Maliey who was Dean of girls at Balboa in the 70's and is now retired from Lin- coln High School. Florence is still quite active with the Lincoln High Alumni. Mary Terheyden Moreili, Bal faculty from 1964 to 1972, was class sponsor of F'68 , now lives in SF Pacific Heights. Saw Mike Salem F'69 at the Home- coming game last football season, he was a member of our undefeated championship football team of 1967; we hope to see Mike in the SF Prep Hall of Fame soon. John Kiramis, F'69 is now an elected member of the Foster City City Council and congratulations to him. Alberto Garcia '93, is now supervisor of maintenance for the SF Unified School District; one of his jobs is to look after Balboa. Had lunch with retired faculty Don Hofvendahl and John Payne S'70; John is a retired SF Police Officer, with a wonderful family. His daughter is a West Point grad and has recently returned safely from Iraq. Spoke to Frank Chasseur who will soon be a father; he is the son of Martin Chasseur S'61, who passed in 1997, Michael Gemmet, S'65, who taught at Balboa, whose ideas revived the senior sweater program at Balboa, lives in Spanish Springs, NV, near his brother Ron Gemmet, F'61. And Orlindo Barsetti, F'61, we're glad to hear is recovering nicely from his knee operation; of course, Barbara Watts Barsetti, S'64, is there for support. Saw Rick Paras, S'70, now a retired policeman, exercises a lot and looks fit. Condolences to Rick, his father George Paras, F'40, recently passed on. John Starelli, S'64 was at the Alumni v. Varsity Basketball game, and he looks great. Saw Napoleon Reese, S'69, enthusiastic as ever, on Taraval; said he was planning a great 40th reunion for his class. |
