Important Meeting Regarding the Future of Franklin High School

Franklin alumni in the Portland area are encouraged to attend a meeting on Thursday, December 17, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Franklin High School regarding the future of the school. Please open and read the following information from this week's FHS Parent Newsletter: http://images.wolfpk.com/franklinhighalumni/pdf/FHSParentNewsletter.pdf.

Franklin Choir Set to Perform

The Franklin High School choir will perform at two holdiay events during the month of December.

Their first appearance will be at the Grotto on Friday, December 4, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. For more information about the Grotto's Festival of Lights please visit http://www.thegrotto.org/~hbn0816/index.php/christmas.

The choir performs again at the Holiday Concert on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Franklin High School. For more information, contact the school at (503)916-5140.

Franklin Band Will Perform in Macy's Holiday Parade in Downtown Portland

The Franklin High School Quaker Band will be part of Macy's Holiday parade in downtown Portland on Friday, November 27, 2009. The parade begins at 8:45 a.m. and marks the start of the holiday season in Portland. For more information about the parade and the route please visit http://www.franklin.pps.k12.or.us/. Come enjoy the show and support Franklin.

Class of 1997 Alums Produce "Franklin Sings Broadway"

Nancy Sidley and Stephanie Sidley-Shrock will produce and perform "Franklin Sings Broadway" this weekend, with proceeds benefiting arts programs at Franklin. Graduates of Franklin in 1997, they have returned to Portland and are giving their time and talents to revive the school's performing arts programs. Please read the entire story about the upcoming show and the hard work and devotion of both women at http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/11/twin_franklin_alums_run_to_dra.html

Franklin Sings Broadway

The Franklin High School Performing Arts Department presents "Franklin Sings Broadway", a fundraiser for the Arts Department. Performances will be held on Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. A third performance will take place on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $10.00 and $6.00.
If you have questions please phone (503)916-5140. The show will be held at the school at 5405 SE Woodward.

Holiday Wreath and Poinsettias Sale Will Benefit Quaker Baseball

The holidays are fast approaching. This year you can decorate for the season and help the Franklin High School baseball team at the same time. The team is selling wreaths and poinsettias to raise money to support Franklin baseball. If you'd like to order a 12 or 16-inch wreath or a red, pink, or white poinsettia (6 or 12-inch), phone in your order to parent Sheila Lusby at (503)929-8023 or complete and mail the order form at http://www.quakerbaseball.com/ (click on the "Handouts" link). You can also pick up an order form from the Franklin student store.

The wreaths cost $20.00 to $30.00 and the poinsettieas cost $12.00 to $30.00, depending on the size. Images of the wreaths and poinsettias can be viewed at the the website.

Mail order forms to:
Franklin Baseball; c/o Sheila Lusby

6936 SE Morrison, Portland, OR 97215

Please note: orders must be turned in by November 2, 2009

Memories Wanted

Do you have a compelling, inspirational, motivational, or successful story about your time at Franklin related to band, choir, drama, dance or shop classes? If so, Tammy Carpenter, FHS parent and coordinator of the "Just Desserts" art auction, wants to hear about it. Please send your story to her at tcarp@hevanet.com or call her at (503)232-5152. Selected stories will be shared at the auction scheduled for April 10, 2010. Deadline for submission is January 31, 2010.

"Just Desserts" Fundraiser for Franklin

Mark you calendar now to attend "Just Desserts: An Evening of Art, Sweets and More". The event will be held at the Bossanova Ballroom on Saturday, April 10, 2010, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This is the second year for "Just Desserts", which raised over $11,000 last year!


Student art, as well as art donated by Franklin staff, parents, alumni members and the local art community, will be available for sale. In addition, there will be live performances by the Franklin jazz band, choir, dance class and members of drama. There will be raffle items, a direct appeal and lots of great desserts! Ticker order forms are available by clicking on the "Just Desserts" link of the Franklin website at http://franklin.pps.k12.or.us/. Proceeds from the evenings event will be divided between Franklin's industrial, visual, and performing afts department and the PTA.

The goals of "Just Desserts" are to:

1. Raise money to help augment departmental budgets and
support Franklin students and teachers.
2. Showcase some of FHSs's extraordinary student talent.

3. Help build a stronger Franklin community.

There is sure to be something for everyone at the event. Please give Franklin its just desserts and plan on attending to support our students and staff.

For more information about the event or to volunteer, sponsor the event or donate a piece of art, please contact:

Tammy Carpenter, FHS Parent and Event Chair
at tcarp@hevanet.com

or at (503)232-5152

FLIP Work Continues Saturday, October 10, 2009

On a beautiful fall Saturday, members of FLIP (Franklin Landscape Improvememt Project) gathered to continue their work to beautify the Franklin campus. Their hardwork and dedication is showing results, as these photos show. The school and grounds are starting to shine, thanks to the efforts of FLIP, several community groups and the Alumni association.

Mt. Tabor All Classes Picnic 2009

Quaker alums enjoy getting together so much they had a second picnic this past summer. Grads and their families and friends met on Sunday, August 9, 2009 for an all classes get-together under the trees at Mt. Tabor Park. With beautiful views of Portland as a backdrop, former classmates spent a wonderful afternoon catching up with each other. Next year's all class picnic is planned for Sunday, August 15, 2010. The class of 1975 is also holding its' 35th reunion that same weekend, so we hope to see many Quakers from that year at the 2010 Mt. Tabor Picnic.

Class of 1960 and Class of 1975 Schedule Reunions for 2010

2010 will see the 50th reunion of the Class of 1960 on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at the Holiday Inn at the Portland International Airport. A classmates and family picnic will be held on Sunday, June 27 at Creston Park on SE 44th and Powell. For more information, please visit http://www.fhs60pdx.lifequarters.com/ or email canmarto@aol.com.

The Class of 1975 will celebrate their 35th reunion on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Shenanigans in the Red Lion Jantzen Beach Hotel. For more information and to update your contact information, please email dcaputo@teleport.com

If any other Quaker classes are planning reunions in 2010, please contact the FHSAA at franklinalum@hotmail.com and we will post your reunion information on the website at http://www.franklinhighalumni.org/.

Thank You Class of 1959

A big thank you goes out to the Class of 1959 for their generous donation of $1,930.00 to the Franklin High School Alumni Association. The class held their 50th reunion on Friday and Saturday, August 14th and 15th, 2009. Individual class members donated a total of $1,175.00 and an additional $755.00 was raised from a raffle at the reunion. The Class of 1959's gift will help the FHSAA continue its' mission of assisting the current faculty and students of Franklin High School as well as keeping graduates of Franklin in touch through the alumni newspaper and other alumni events . "If it's for Franklin, we're all for it" is the spirit of the Class of 1959. Happy 50th reunion to each and every class member.

Oaks Park Gathering 2009

Quaker alums gathered for the annual alumni picnic on Friday, July 10, 2009. The weather was just right, the food was delicious and the company was perfect. Classmates from the 30s to the 70s met to visit and reminisce about days gone by. If you missed this year's picnic, plan to attend next year on Friday, July 9, 2010. We hope to see you there under the oaks.

Spring 2009 School Clean-up a Success

Thank you to all the staff, students, alums and friends of Franklin who helped out on Spring Clean-up Day, Saturday, May 16, 2009. The weather cooperated and provided clear, sunny skies and warm temperatures as volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Because of their efforts, the campus looks great.

Just Desserts - An Evening of Art, Sweets and More

Franklin alums are reminded of the first school-wide fundraising event for Franklin High School, "Just Desserts", on Saturday, April 18, 2009, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This event will be held in the Bossanova Ballroom at 722 E. Burnside (http://www.eastburnside.com/). Art by Franklin students and staff, parents, alums and the local art community will be offered for sale. There will also be a raffle and lots of delicious desserts for sampling. Proceeds from the event will suport the school's visual/performing arts department and the activities of the Franklin PTA.

Tickets are $15.00 per person and are available by visiting www.franklin.pps.k12.or.us and clicking on the "Just Desserts" link. With each ticket purchased you are entered into a drawing to win 25 Oregon scratch-off lottery tickets.

For more information or to volunteer, sponsor the event or donate a piece of art, please contact Tammy Carpenter, Franklin parent and event chair, at tcarp@hevanet.com or (503)232-5152.

Don't miss this opportunity to indulge your sweet tooth, check out some great art and support Franklin High School.

Class of 1964 Reunion Planning Meeting

The Class of 1964 is hosting a reunion planning meeting Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the Eastmoreland Golf Club. All interested class members are invited to attend and share their ideas. For more information, please contact Claudette Ebi Naylor at (503)256-2088.

Searching for a Photo of "The Speck"

Claudette Ebi Naylor ('64), is looking for a photograph of the old Speck restaurant. Quakers of a certain age may remember this famous Portland landmark. A popular gathering spot on the east side, the restaurant was located where SE Powell, Foster Road and 50th all met. If you have a photograph, please contact Claudette at (503)256-2088.

2009 Franklin Rose Princess Chosen

Joy Shufeldt has been chosen as Franklin's representative to the 2009 Rose Festival Court. Joy is a straigt A student who is also a varsity cross-country and track runner at Franklin. The Queen's coronation will be held Saturday, June 6, 2009 before the start of the Grand Floral Parade. The Franklin High School Alumni Association congratulates Princess Joy and wishes her success and good luck. For more information about Princess Joy go to: http://www.oregonlive.com/rosefest/index.ssf/2009/03/decribe_or_name_named_franklin.html

Countdown to Oaks Park Gathering

A sure sign of spring is the arrival of the Oaks Park Alumni Picnic flyer in former Quaker's mailboxes. This years' work party was held on Thursday, February 26, 2009. Members of the Picnic Committee gathered to address and stamp 3,000 flyers and deliver them to the post office for mailing. The Oaks Park Alumni Picnic is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This year's picnic is hosted by the Classes of 1946 through 1958, but all classes are invited. For more information please visit the Alumni website at http://www.franklinhighalumni.org/ and click on the link for "Upcoming Events". For those who are interested in attending but did not receive a flyer, please download the picnic flyer from the website and return it to the address listed on the webpage. The cost for the catered lunch is $20.00 per person. Lunch includes fried chicken, a choice of salads, cheese and vegetable trays, rolls and butter, soft drinks and dessert. We hope to see you there!

Alumni Picnic Committee

Clockwise from top: Mary Lou Wiggins Prosser ('53), Janette Entrikin Sprando ('51); Shirley Patrick Watkins ('49); Connie Felmley Ottoboni ('48) and Carol Wiggins Addlemen ('56)

Mal Watt ('50)

Clockwise from top: Vi Watt ('53); John Holcumb ('56); Sam Avery (husband of April Avery, ('67); Stu Johnson ('52); Dave Evans ('55) and Mal Watt ('50)

Special thanks to April Whitely Avery ('67) for being behind the lens and taking these pictures and helping with mailing.

Franklin Quakers in the News

Howard Bell, class of 1929, was featured in a story in the Oregonian on Tuesday, January 27, 2009. Mr. Bell, 98, volunteers in Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital's Short-Stay Unit, where he helps with paperwork and errands. For the full text of the story please visit:

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/98yearold_howard_bell_has_neve.html.


Mr. Bell's wife, Elaine Turnbull Bell, also graduated from Franklin High School in 1929. She passed away in 1999.


David Trotter, current member of the faculty at Franklin High School, had the opportunity to entertain President Barack Obama on Inauguration Day. Mr. Trotter plays the clarinet in the Portland-based "Get A Life Marching Band". This group participated in the Inauguration Day Parade in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 2009. Mr. Trotter teaches math and is the test coordinator and has been at Franklin for seventeen years.


Former Franklin principal, Dr. Charles Hopson, also attended the Inauguration of President Barack Obama. Attending with the Arkansas Delegation, he had a front-row seat at this historic event. Dr. Hopson is from Arkansas and has family still living there. Dr. Hopson is currently the High School Director for Franklin, Grant, Lincoln and Cleveland High Schools here in Portland.

Ben's Birthday Bash

Members of the Franklin High School Choir and their director, Glen Ludtke, serenade Dr. Franklin with "Happy Birthday" on his big day.

Members of the Franklin High School Rally Squad sing the Quaker fight song at Ben's birthday party.

Dr. Franklin visits with Franklin High School Alumni Association President Pam Knuth Child ('75) at his birthday party. By all appearances, he is looking quite fit at 303!

The members of the committee organizing this year's event:

(from left to right) Beverly Blanchard Entrikin ('60), Terri Bollinger ('67), Joyce Stroud Gago ('54) and Janette Entrikin Sprando ('51). Not pictured: April Whitley Avery ('67)

Dr. Benjamin Franklin celebrated his 303rd birthday on Friday, January 16, 2009 in the Media Center of Franklin High School, named after the distinguished gentleman from Philadelphia. On hand were members of the Franklin High School Alumni Association, faculty from the school and friends in the community. The FHSAA celebrates Ben's birthday every year with coffee and pastries for teachers and staff as their way of saying "Thank you" for the work they do. And a special thank you to Dr. Don DeSpain for playing the part of Dr. Benjamin Franklin.

On a more serious note, the day also included the dedication of the main hall desk. This desk was donated to the school in memory of long-time staff member, Steve Armony. Mr. Armony lost his life in an auto accident on October 6, 2008. The funds for the desk were donated by the following individuals and groups:

Imago Dei Community Church

Franklin High School Alumni Association

Jerome Mannenbach, Franklin High School Faculty

Intrepid Marble and Granite, Drew Brandt ('84) and Leslie Hugo Brandt ('84), Owners

Charles Landers ('74)

Joyce Stroud Gago ('54)

Steve Matthews ('70)

Stu Johnson ('52)

Members of Steve Armony's family and friends look on at the dedication ceremony.

On the left, Russ Brown, Presient of the Franklin High School Development Endowment and on the right, Dr. Charles Hopson, High School Director for Franklin, Cleveland, Grant and Lincoln, speaking at the dedication.

"Discover Franklin" Open House

All alums, friends of Franklin, prospective students and their families and neighbors in the community are invited to the "Discover Franklin" Open House. The event will be held at the school on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Come and enjoy this chance to see what the students and faculty of Franklin High School are all about.