image

Woodrow Wilson High School Alumni Update - August 2011
http://www.wilsonalumni.com

Don't miss your upcoming reunion and special in-between-year get togethers

ROBERT GRAY, Class of 1957 ... Saturday, September 17, 2011
COLLINS VIEW GRADE SCHOOL, Class of 1957, 54-Year reunion ... Saturday, September 17, 2011
CLASS OF 1961
, 50-Year reunion ... Friday, September 16, 2011
CLASS OF 1966, 45-Year reunion ... Saturday, September 10, 2011
CLASS OF 1971
, 40-Year reunion ... September 10, 2011 and September 11, 2011
CLASS OF 1976
, 35-Year reunion ... Saturday, August 6, 2011
CLASS OF 1981
, 30-Year reunion ... August 20, 2011
CLASS OF 2001, 10-Year reunion ... August 12, 2011

Click here to see details for each of the reunions above: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/reunions.htm


WILSON ALUMNI SHOW SUPPORT FOR THEIR ALMA MATER!
Generous donations from alumnae will help keep Wilson’s tradition of excellence alive in 2011-‘12. Alumni gifts, coupled with contributions from current Wilson families and the community, raised $45,000 for the Wilson Foundation. These funds will help “buy back” staff. Thank you, Alums, for giving back!!

In addition, classes are finding ways to creatively donate…such as the Class of ’71, which plans to do a major clean-up of campus to alleviate deferred maintenance issues. One upcoming opportunity to participate in Wilson fundraising: on October 29th, 2011, Wilson families will be hosting house parties! We are looking for alumni interested in either hosting a party or being invited to a party. Please contact Linda Venti '83 at 503-780-1468 or lventi@realtytrust.com for more information.

 

GREGORY BALDWIN 1958
Greg Baldwin passed away on June 25, 2011 at the age of 70 from a brain tumor. Greg was born on December 21, 1940 and was a well-known architect and urban designer. His father, George Baldwin, was general manager of the Port of Portland; his mother, Maurine, was a teacher. Baldwin graduated from Wilson High School in 1958 and then headed east to Harvard College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in 1962, a Master of Architecture in 1966, and a Master of Urban Design in 1967 from Harvard University. In 1969, Greg received a fellowship from the American Academy in Rome. He also received a Marshall Prize and a Fulbright Fellowship for post-graduate studies.

Greg met his wife, Joan Lamb, a native of suburban Philadelphia, in 1963 while attending graduate school. They moved to Portland in 1968 to start a family and career. Their son, Benjamin Lamb Baldwin, was born in 1968.Greg, Joan and Ben returned to Portland where their daughter, Sera Gregory Baldwin, was born in 1973. His grandchildren, William, Hugh and Sofia, and his sister Suzie's grandchildren, Oliver, Katherina, Ella, and Arleah, all have grown from his gifts of time and love.

According to D.D. Row from The Oregonian, "whether at work or play, Greg Baldwin lived hard, passionately. Architect and urban designer Greg Baldwin wasn't known for a landmark building, project or even a particular aesthetic style. A sampling of Greg's work in Oregon include: the MAX system, lead architect and urban designer Portland transit mall, lead architect and urban designer Eliot Tower, lead architect Tom McCall Waterfront Park, urban designer Simon and Helen Director Park, lead architect and urban designer Oregon Health & Science University's Schnitzer Campus, master planner Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center at Willamette University, lead architect Multnomah Athletic Club, master plan for facility and lead architect for Loprinzi West End addition Bank of America Financial Center, co-principal designer River District Vision and Development Plan, lead urban designer.

For brief periods Greg worked with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, Environmental Disciplines, Inc. and Portland Public Schools. In 1979, he joined ZGF Architects and became a partner in 1985. Much of his nearly 44-year career in architecture was influenced by his commitment to integrate urban design and architecture and create a more livable environment through cooperative public and private partnerships. Greg had the ability to design at both the urban and the human scale. A number of his projects, perhaps most notably Portland's MAX Light Rail System (a recipient of a 2002 Presidential Design Award), have been recognized nationally for design excellence and became models for other cities. He served on a number of design awards juries, public boards and councils, from the original Central Eastside Industrial Council to the Portland Arial Transportation, Inc. board. He was an active member of the Harvard Graduate School of Design Alumni Committee and Urban Land Institute. Greg was an accomplished and quick vintage racing driver piloting Alfas, Lolas, and an Elden in events at Portland International Raceway. He was also a skilled craftsman and carpenter, again enhancing and enriching the people and environment around him. A public memorial service has been scheduled for Aug. 18, 2011 with details pending.

 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

HE LEARNED THE VALUE OF THINKING, NOT REACTING
John Erwin graduated from Wilson in 1963. His parents were transferred to Maryland the year after graduation. John attended Portland State University for one and then moved to Maryland to be closer to his family and attended the University of Maryland at College Park near Washington, DC. After college graduation, John went into the US Navy and served as a Communications Officer in Kunia, Oahu, Hawaii for three years during the Viet Nam era. After a 37-year career as a telecommunications manager for the Social Security Administration Headquarters in Baltimore, MD, John retired at age 55 and headed west. "We moved to Winter Park, Colorado where we now live full time, about six miles from a major ski resort," adds John. When asked about influential teachers at Wilson, John recalled that Mr. Stallings, geometry teacher, taught him the value of thinking, not reacting. "He, above all others gave me the confidence to explore, learn new things, think on my feet." We asked John if he had any words of wisdom for the current students at Wilson. John stated that he wished he would have had his military experience earlier in his life. John said, "The military taught me a whole bunch of things but above all, it convinced me that nothing would happen in my world if I did not work hard to make it happen." "Too many times, we feel sorry for ourselves or are just not happy with our lot in life. The reality (which I learned in the military) - - if you work hard, life will take care of you and bring you good things. I think I would have worked harder in high school if I knew then what I know now - high school presents a huge opportunity to build a solid foundation for the education that will follow. I did fine in life but I think I would have done much better if I had fully applied myself in high school."

 

TILLAMOOK PASSAGE, FAR SIDE OF THE PACIFIC
Brian Ratty Class of 1960 has a new book out called, ‘Tillamook Passage, Far Side of the Pacific’.  It is a historical fiction that journeys back to the early days of the coastal Indians. This new novel for young adults and up is the latest book in an adventure series by award-winning author Brian Ratty. The novel’s storyline is spun around the 1787 passage of the ship, Lady Washington, under the command of Captain Robert Gray, and his discovery of the Tillamook Indians and their large, pristine bay. After some friendly trading with the natives, the ship suffers a surprise attack. During the ensuing battle, two young lads, Joe Blackwell and an African cabin boy, become separated from the ship and must hide from the marauding natives. Captain Gray holds off the Tillamooks with musket and cannon while getting underway. From the rocks above the bay, the two young men watch in frightened disbelief as their ship slips out onto a foggy sea. The two lads are now marooned in this remote, primitive land. Recently, Brian said of Tillamook Passage, “Being a professional photographer and history buff, I found writing a story about the coastal Indians of the Pacific Northwest intriguing. The years of research on the local native cultures were fascinating and led to a tale of fiction mixed with rich cultural facts. My main character, Joe Blackwell, who remains with the Indians for almost twenty years, comes into contact with such tribes as the Tolowa, Coos, Siuslaw, Siletz, Clatsop and Chinook Indians. But his story starts with the Tillamook tribe, as it was they who taught him to survive and thrive. Tillamook Passage is the coming-of-age story of two young lads living with a proud and fearless tribe that hunts and fishes the rugged and untamed Pacific Northwest coastline. Their story is a thrilling testament to the iron wills, brave hearts and cunning wits of the voyagers who came here before us. Two worlds…one destiny.” Tillamook Passage will soon be available at bookstores, libraries and www.Barnsnoble.com, www.Amazon.com, www.Booksamillion.com. To view a Tillamook Passage video book trailer: www.Dutchclarke.com/Media/DC3.wmv. Other Books by Brian Ratty include: (1) Dutch Clarke, the Early Years, published in 2009, named ‘Book of the Year’ by Foreward magazine and a quarter-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. (2) Dutch Clark, the War Years, published in 2008, won the Eric Hoffer Literary Award and was also named ‘Book of the Year’ by Foreward magazine.  Contact information for Brian: 503-717-1125; Email: Brian@DutchClarke.com; Website: www.Dutchclarke.com.

 

WILSON GRADUATE ELECTED TO LEAD THE BMW CAR CLUB OF AMERICA OREGON CHAPTER
Brian Cone ’68 was elected as the first president of the BMW Car Club of America Oregon Chapter. As an avid car enthusiast, Brian had an idea to establish a professionally run BMW club that had open communication, transparent financial information, and a club that would serve the interests of BMW enthusiasts from all over the state of Oregon. Since the nearest CCA chapter was located in Seattle, many Oregon CCA members had expressed interest in the formation of a local chapter so that they could participate in local events. Brian spearheaded this idea and enlisted a group of volunteers to make it happen. The Oregon Chapter was authorized in January, 2010 with a group of pro-tem officers and volunteers. With 700 members, the chapter had a very successful first year, with many events and social gatherings for the members to enjoy. The results of the chapter election were announced in January at the first annual banquet. Click here to visit the chapter website, http://www.bmworegoncca.com/. Brian contributes his time to other car enthusiast organizations as well, acting as a touring event coordinator for the PDX Mini Cooper Club, a board member of the Sunriver Festival of Cars, and a steering committee member of the Portland Art Museum “The Allure of the Automobile” exhibit and car show scheduled for this summer. Congratulations, Brian!


1996 GRAD RELEASES NEW MUSIC
Joe Powers '96
is an award winning Harmonica virtuoso.  He is known throughout the world as a premier Tango artist, yet his musical interests also include Jazz-Fusion, Classical, Blues, Pop-Rock, Hip-Hop, Latin, New Age, World Traditions, and more.  Joe has put out a new CD release.  It is called Mélancolie. To purchase this music now or to hear some sound samples first, click here: http://cdbaby.com/cd/joepowers2.  To learn more about Joe go to: http://www.joepowers.com/.

 

 

SHARE YOUR STORY
Send us the details on where/what you have been doing since graduating from Wilson, and we'll post in an upcoming WWHS Alumni Update e-newsletter.  Send details to Linda Doyle.

 

WILSON'S PAST

WILSON WAS A GOOD PLACE TO LEARN
I just looked at the WWHS website and was sorry to see that Frank Murray had passed on. He was a thoughtful and dedicated teacher. He insisted on your best work, but was good at helping hone a tentative start into something more meaningful. Wilson was a good place to learn. I remember thinking how easy college and grad school seemed, and only later appreciated the start I had at Wilson. High school seems a million years ago, and a kind of world that has faded -- but still crazy and fun memories. Colleen Leahy, 1970

 

MESSAGES FROM CLASSMATES

GREAT REUNION
Our 50th reunion was great and thank you to all you who did the organizing! Cece Delfs (Jeffries) '60

 

IN MEMORY OF

KNOWN CLASSMATES/TEACHERS NO LONGER WITH US
Please send an email with details to Linda Doyle if you have an obituary that should be posted here.  Below is a list of classmates who have passed away.  Here are the names for those who have just been added to the list:

Greg Baldwin '58
Matthew Baldwin '96
Jeff Basinski
'64
Frank Bowlby
'68
Mary Ella (Carson) Brodie)
(Wilson teacher) 1922-2010
George Michael Browning
'67
Tami Drangstveit
'79
Kent Frutiger
'66
Lannie Hurst
(Wilson Mom) 1925-2010
ROY Lindsay
(1927-2010) Math Teacher/Counselor
Linda (Rosebrook) Johnson
'61
Barry Michael Lewis '66
Gary Martin
'63
Jacob Summerfield '05

Read more about classmates, teachers, community members who have passed away...

 

REUNIONS

ROBERT GRAY, CLASS OF 1957 ... Saturday, September 17, 2011
COLLINS VIEW GRADE SCHOOL, CLASS OF 1957, 54-YEAR REUNION ... Saturday, September 17, 2011
CLASS OF 1961, 50-YEAR REUNION ... Friday, September 16, 2011
CLASS OF 1966, 45-YEAR REUNION ... Saturday, September 10, 2011
CLASS OF 1971, 40-YEAR REUNION ... September 10, 2011 and September 11, 2011
CLASS OF 1976, 35-YEAR REUNION ... Saturday, August 6, 2011
CLASS OF 1981, 30-YEAR REUNION ... Saturday, August 20, 2011
CLASS OF 2001, 10-YEAR REUNION ... Friday, August 12, 2011

Click here to see details for each of the reunions above: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/reunions.htm

 

MILITARY SERVICE

WILSON GRADUATES WHO HAVE SERVED OR ARE SERVING IN THE MILITARY
We have created a WWHS Military Alumni page on our website to honor our Military Graduates.  To add your name and information to the page,

Send your information to Linda Doyle at LSDOYLE@EARTHLINK.NET.

Name:
Year graduated from Wilson:
Military branch:
Years of service:
Service description:
Photo (optional):
Do you give permission to post this information on our website (required):


WAYS TO HELP CURRENT STUDENTS

WILSON CAMPUS CLEANUP, SATURDAY, AUGUST 27
Help cleanup and prepare the Wilson campus to welcome students back to school this fall.  Join us on Saturday, August 27 from 9 a.m. to noon, with free food, live music and more from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Click here for more details: http://www.pps.k12.or.us/schools/wilson/files/Project-Community-Care-Poster-2011.pdf.

 

DONATE YOUR PURSE AND SUPPORT THE ARTS AT WILSON
Last year over 600 purses were collected and sold at a purse sale to benefit the arts at Wilson called "In the Bag" Benefit for the Arts".  It was so successful that we are doing it again and have started collecting purses again!

Drop off your new and gently used purses, handbags, messenger bags at the following sites: 
   Wilson High School
   Paloma Clothing in Hillsdale
   Switch Clothing in Multnomah
   Sip D'Vine Wineshop in Multnomah
   KeyBank in Hillsdale
   O'Connors Restaurant in Multnomah
   Or just contact Linda Doyle at Lsdoyle@earthlink.net

Once we have collected the purses, we will hold a purse sale:
  In the Bag: Benefit for the Arts
   Sunday, November 13, 2011
   10am to 5pm
   O'Connors, The Vault
  
All proceeds benefit the arts at Wilson High School
  Wine; Music by Wilson students


STAY IN TOUCH

WWHS ALUMNI - WEBSITE
Check out the WWHS Alumni website and don't forget to complete the simple online form to join the WWHS Alumni database. To help us reach as many graduates as possible, please consider adding the link to our website (http://www.wilsonalumni.com/) from your website. Pass the word along to your Wilson High School classmates about the Wilson High School Alumni website and the opportunity to register. Tell your friends.

UNSUBSCRIBE
If you are receiving the WWHS Alumni Update, please make sure to add the following email address to your address book (lsdoyle@earthlink.net). This way your internet/email provider will not view the e-newsletter as spam. Thanks! If you would like to be removed from the list, just send an email to Linda Doyle.