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.

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.

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

An Important Update from Jerry!

We had a great time getting together for a preview last year at the Edmonds Waterfront Center in Edmonds, where we gathered to celebrate the 69th year since graduation.  But this year is the BIGGIE – our 70th!

YOU are invited! Click here to see your invitation!

Our 70th Reunion is on Wednesday September 13, 2023, at the Inglewood Golf Club, Veranda Room at 12 noon!

Address:  6505 Inglewood Rd NE, Kenmore WA 98028

But that’s not all! There’s even more! This will be a three-day event, September 12 through 14, 2023!

Event number One
Tuesday September 12^th we will have an informal warmup at ZEEKS PIZZA 18115 68^th Ave NE, Kenmore from 3 to 7 PM. Certainly those from out of town can meet up with those with whom they communicate. Socialize with host Terry Olson.

Our Main Event
Wednesday September 13, 2023 at the Inglewood Golf Club, Veranda room at 12 Noon. 6505 Inglewood Rd NE, Kenmore WA 98028. Cost will be $53 for a choice of a chicken or salmon or vegetarian luncheon.  Many thanks to our Hostess Beverly James Miller for connecting us to the Golf Club.  Reservations must be in by August 31, 2023.

Our third and final event
Thursday September 14^th at Third Place Books, Stadler Meeting Room, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park for a no host lunch from 11:00 AM to 3 PM.  This is for all of you that still have more catching up to do with friends again.  Hostesses for this event are Jackie Godfrey Brotnov, Jane Hessian Pickering and Connie Busigin Bean.

Don’t miss your chance to meet old classmates and friends.  It’s been a while. There are only about ½ of our class of 663 left, so join us for fun and reminiscing.

Let any other classmates know of the events.  Be sure they AND YOU call in their current ADDRESS, PHONE AND EMAIL so we can stay in touch.

Click here for a reservation form to print out and fill in. Let us know which events you can join and the names of your guest(s), and mail in the form with a check to Carolyn at
3507 142nd PL NE, Bellevue, WA 98007.

And click on this information page of directions, local motels and a map.

Financial aid is available.  And local rides may be provided. Contact Jerry.

Contacts 
Connie Busigin Bean, Secretary:
509-884-6077 constance@applecapital.net
Joyce Hitt Butchart, Historian:
206-242-9524 butcharts2@aol.com
Carolyn Anderson Richardson, Treasurer:
425-881-1378 missyjean@gmail.com
3507 142nd PL NE, Bellevue, WA 98007

Call any of us if you have questions or if you want to know about someone.  Our web site is rhs53.com for class lists and who is where.  Reservations must be in by August 31, 2013.

SAVE THE DATE!!

Jerry Chichester,
Senior Class President
206-351-7225      Shotage80@gmail.com

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 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

An Important Update from Jerry!

We had a great time getting together for a preview last year at the Edmonds Waterfront Center in Edmonds, where we gathered to celebrate the 69th year since graduation.  But this year is the BIGGIE – our 70th!

Can You Believe It?

Our 70th Reunion on Wednesday September 13, 2023,
at the Inglewood Golf Club, Veranda Room
at 12 noon!

Address:  6505 Inglewood Rd NE, Kenmore WA 98028

Here’s a chance to meet with old classmates and friends.  It’s been a while.  There are about ½ of our class of 663 left.  So join us for lots of fun and reminiscing!

Cost will be a bit over $50 for a choice of a chicken or salmon or vegetarian luncheon.  Financial aid is available.  Local rides may be provided.

Let any other classmates know of the event.  Be sure they AND YOU call in their current ADDRESS, PHONE AND EMAIL so we can stay in touch.  If you are interested in helping out you can contact one of the classmates below (who are members of the Permanent Reunion Committee) or connect through the Contact page of this website. Or just contact me.

There may be other events that pop up as we get closer to the Reunion Luncheon.  Watch for more news.)

Contacts: 

Connie Busigin Bean,         Secretary 509-884-6077     constance@applecapital.net

Joyce Hitt Butchart,           Historian   206-242-9524    butcharts2@aol.com

Carolyn Anderson Richardson,          Treasurer 425-881-1378     crichardson@gmail.com 

3507 142 PL NE,  Bellevue,  WA    98007

Reservations may be made later when we have more details.

SAVE THE DATE!!

Jerry Chichester,
Senior Class President
206-351-7225      Shotage80@gmail.com

The high school we remember affectionately continues to thrive today as students enjoy the results of extensive modernization and refurbishment that was completed just in time for the 2006-2007 school year.

Roosevelt Jazz band, lab, and vocalists continue to win awards in regional and national competitions and Roosevelt drama productions continue to win praise.

The science program offers classroom excellence and additional opportunities for learning through connections with internship programs, the Windows on Science club where students build robots, musical instruments, and “other cool stuff”, and have the opportunity to participate with the Earth Service Corps, a service organization dedicated to conservation. Field trips as far as the Galapagos Islands have been in their adventurous sights. Roosevelt is continues its academic excellence in all areas. To see more photos of the Grand Re-Opening, open the Roosevelt High School Foundation web site and scroll down. You might find yourself, if you attended.

Note from Jerry Chichester:

It’s hard to believe we’re approaching our 70th Reunion next year! Where did the time go?

But we couldn’t wait for next year, so this is a preview and chance to check out the new facility for the big 7-0!

Our group of 60 + grads and guests will have a great time getting together at the Edmonds Waterfront Center, in Edmonds.

So we are getting older and have trouble remembering events and each other’s name! So what! We will have fun renewing old friendships.

There are COVID concerns for us aged folks of course, so I invite you all to wear a mask when meeting inside. I will be wearing one for sure. (Remove it for eating.)

The large dining room where we meet is on the first floor and is easily wheel chair and walker accessible. Greeters will show you the way in.

Expect to have some fun, see old friends, and enjoy good food!

by Mike Peringer, Class of ’53

It was an unusually damp and cool morning in June when the phone rang. You do remember phones, right?

A pleasant voice – “This is Meredith Reis. I’m calling from 30 Rock in New York” Yes she actually said that! “I’m a producer on the TODAY show here at NBC and I want to talk to you about Urban Artworks. Your non profit was nominated for a Pepsi Challenge prize of $100,000 and I’m pleased to announce that Artworks was one of four chosen out of 700 nominations” Silence .. More silence ….

“Wow!”, I cleverly opened with. “That’s really neat.” “Yes,” she continued, ” your group was nominated by your Program Coordinator and the judges immediately put Artworks on the top of the list. Now we need to arrange for a film crew to visit Artworks and produce your segment on the show, the one that will determine the winner by national vote.” Well, that’s how it started.

A few days later, a four person film crew showed up and spent the day taping over 8 hours of Artworks material from the studio, of our kids, some murals and other projects we have done over the years in the Greater Seattle area.

For those of you who don’t know Artworks, it is an organization I started some 15 years ago to clean up the industrial area of town we call SODO (SOuth of DOwntown). To do that we began using at risk adjudicated youth from the Juvenile Detention Center, mid level felons 13-17 years old. Over the years we have used over 6000 kids creating over 2500 public art projects mainly murals and contruction site panels.

It seems that Kathleen, our talented Program Coordinator, while getting ready to come to work, was watching the TODAY show and saw the story about the Pepsi Challenge and simply submitted out story. She didn’t even mention it to me but she too got the call from our new friend, Meredith, the producer.

So at 3 AM on July 1, we and our friends with the film crew were all at the studio when the announcement was made live from NYC (the show is delayed on the West Coast). Well, we didn’t win the top prize. it went to a gulf coast nonprofit. How can you compete with that? But, we were all delighted to be told by the Pepsi lady being interviewed by Meredith Vierra, that the runners up were going to get $50,000!!!!! And, believe me we were all yelling and screaming when they made that announcement. It couldn’t have come at a better time since most nonprofits are struggling big time right now.

That’s it. Should you want to see the 58 second piece that appeared on the show, you can go to https://urbanartworks.org/.

It was a good, fun experience, particularly the positive outcome.