Click to see the slideshow.

by Connie Busigin Bean, Class of ’53 Secretary

What a grand time we all had that were able to attend this incredibly special reunion, our 70th! This reunion was planned and made possible by many. We still believe that in the “far flung west our school’s the BEST.” Our friendships are still strong and our times together these days are precious. Our dedicated class president, all these years, Jerry Chichester, has done a marvelous job keeping track of our 665 class members. Who wishes to be President for 70 years? Only our Jerry could have managed such a commitment. We all thank him for this devotion to our class as well as to Roosevelt High School.

We celebrated with three extraordinary events over 3 days giving opportunities to all to attend what was possible and what fit their lives. We started with a fun pizza party at Zeeks in Kenmore, on September 12, hosted by Terry Olson and attended by a fun group, including Marv Behar, Jim Getz, John Cunningham, Jerry Chichester, and a host of lovely 53 ladies.

Janet Dailey, school president- the first female school president in Roosevelt High School history.

On Wednesday, September 13 we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Inglewood Golf Club hosted by Beverly James Miller and assisted by Nancy Kracke Pinkerton, Terry Olson, and Jackie Godfrey Brotnov. Forty-one graduates attended this event including our school president 1952-53, first Roosevelt high school woman president, Janet Daily Law. She shared with us all her view of the times when we were students and made us all once again appreciate that we had the opportunity to attend this high school. Grand memories for sure for all of us who were there, to hear her voice of leadership. Thank you, Janet, once again for all you represented to each of us in those quite different days. I do not think one of us women who chose a career ever forgot what you modeled: loyalty, hard work, and a belief that Yes, I can do this.” Thank you from us all.

Thursday morning, September 14, we gathered at Third Place Books in Kenmore for more chatting, coffee, and lunch, hosted by Jane Hessian and Bob Pickering, Jackie Godfrey Brotnov and Connie Busigin Bean. Jackie shared a marvelous poem she wrote for the occasion, a talented and gifted friend to all. Jackie has also been a loyal member with our Joyce Hitt Burchart in keeping the Juliets, ladies chat alive twice a month all these years. Along with this active group is the men’s breakfasts each Monday morning, the Romeos led by Jerry Chichester. All class members are always welcome.

As we ended this remarkable time, shared old stories repeatedly, told new ones, mourned our lost classmate, yet still dreamed of what was still possible, we sang our school song together. We agreed we were so lucky to have been able to attend The Best in the West! A huge thank you to all who helped make this 70th reunion possible:

• Registration: Carolyn Anderson Richardson
• Music: Rowena Rosenquist, Joan Marston Burton
• Lost Research: Bob Reddick
• Webmaster: Ellen Brown Hewitt
• …and many others!

Once again, thank you to all and a special thank you to our school president, Janet Daily Law that led and inspired us many years ago and Jerry Chichester, our class president, who did the challenging work of keeping us all together.

We have been asked that a few times. This time instead of calling a meeting of the perpetual reunion committee, we just used our existing groups. The Ladies Chat (also known as the “JULIETs” (Just Us Ladies Interested in Eating and Talking twice a month for coffee) and the “ROMEOs” (Retired Old Men Eating Out for breakfast every Monday).

In addition we consult constantly with:

• Connie Busigin Bean, Secretary and Phone Chairperson
• Carolyn Anderson Richardson, Treasurer and Registrar
• Joyce Hitt Butchart, Historian and Juliet Leader
• Ellen Brown Hewitt, Web Master for RHS53.com
• Bob Reddick, Finder of the Lost and Data Researcher
• Bev James Miller, Hostess and Luncheon Coordinator
• Jackie Godfrey Brotnov, Golden Grad Represenative
• Hosting Volunteers; Terry Olsen, Jane Hessian and Bob Pickering, Connie Busigin
  Bean, Jackie Godfrey Brotnov

So all this is happening in front and in back of the scene. If you want to have fun, even before the Reunion, just join in in either group. Both now accept either gender. If you are ever in the area Contact Us.

Juliets: First Thursday and Third Wednesday each month at 10:30 AM in Cafe Arta in Third Place Books 20th Ave NE and NE 65th Street .
Call Joyce Hitt Butchart 206-242-9524 butcharts2@aol.com

Romeos: Every Monday about 9 AM at Clair’s Restaurant, 301 Main Street, Edmonds
Call Marv Behar 425-771-5584 marvbehar@aol.com
or Bob Bleeck 425-778-7587 bbbleeck@schwitters.org

OR Just call Connie Busigin Bean 509-884-6077 Constance@applecapital.net

Roosevelt Jazz Band 1 Is Going to Essentially Ellington!

from RooseveltJazz.org

We’re proud to announce that Roosevelt Jazz Band 1 has been selected as a finalist to the Essentially Ellington Festival in New York City.

The Pacific Northwest is rich with such quality jazz musicians, educators, and programs that deliver excellence at the highest level. We are honored and deeply grateful to get to represent our region alongside our friends from Garfield High School and Bothell High School.

Read more in the Seattle Times: 3 Seattle-area high schools make finals of 2023 Essentially Ellington jazz band competition

To see what else is happening, go to one of the websites below:

• High School
• Jazz
• Drama
• Orchestra
• Bands

For More on RHS Jazz Bands click here or visit the Jazz Boosters Calendar Page. For RHS Orchestra click here. For RHS Roughriders Band information click the Riders Band site. And for Roosevelt Drama events click here.

Roosevelt’s 100th Anniversary and the Wall of Honor

The Roosevelt Foundation has announced the schedule for Roosevelt’s Centennial Celebration: 1:00 to 3:00 pm, August 27, 2023. A highlight will be the unveiling of a Roosevelt “Wall of Honor” identifying outstanding Roosevelt graduates, teachers, or staff.  You can see more about it on the website rhsgoldengrads.org. If you’re interested in attending the 2-hour Centennial   Event, you must register.  Time is short. To RSVP click here and fill out a short form by August 20th. There is no charge to attend.