Stories of Old Timers
For Weekly column on Happy Camp: Stories of Old Timers go to:
http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/opinions/columnists/x549609576/Klamath-Views-Stories-of-old-timers
Author: Community News
Happy Camp Travels to Weed
Cindy from Mt.Shasta won the Happy Camp Basket
Several members of the Chamber of Commerce traveled to Weed last week to meet other Chambers from Siskiyou County. It was such fun to see people from all parts of the County. Weed Chamber hosted the event and their President, John Diehm shared that it is their 59th birthday since April 20, 1952 when the Chamber began, 9 years before the city of Weed was official.
James Buchner, a director in our local Chamber shared how Happy Camp Chamber is also celebrating a birthday, being 25 years old. Previous Chamber over 150 years ago decided the original name of the name of the town was not good for tourism promotion so they changed the name of the town from “Murder’s Bar” to “Happy Camp!” James also told about the new website at www.happycampchamber.org and more happening soo. A new town map brochure will be out by mid May.
Happy Camp donated a nice little goody basket with products from Happy Camp members and there was a flurry of interest in the drawing. The contents of the basket included eight (8) chocolate bars from Nena’s, a small boutique chocolatier down river in Somes Bar. Nena started making chocolate as a hobby when her children were little, but since they are all grown she shares her chocolate delectables with others. She distributes mainly in the smaller stores along the river, but she is preparing to expand and is looking for new avenues of distribution. Klamath River Resort Inn has donated 2 tube trips of the Klamath River. Since the Klamath River at Happy Camp is the world’s best River for family floats, this will be a wonderful opportunity for summer fun on the Klamath River! The cheerful floral painting in the Van Gogh style, on a saw blade, is signed by local artist Ray Arneson. There were also Artisan blank cards by local artists. A favorite local senior author, Stella Patterson’s book, Dear Madam is included also. “Between the Floods – Happy camp 1856 to 1965” was in the basket, as well as a booklet of stories and poems by Linda Jo Martin – local writer and web designer. There was a New 49ers’s DVD and a DVD “Karuk Voices – Stories from the Klamath River” included. A Happy Camp Tee-shirt with the friendly smiley face was from Forest Lodge Motel. There were two river-polished stones of Happy Camp Jade in a basket donated by Karen Toledo.
The basket was very well received and was won by Cindy from Mt. Shasta. Thank you to all who participated and especially those who contributed such great products to the basket!
Vicki Hammon Named Citizen of the Year!
Congratulations to Vicki Hammon from Seiad Valley. Vicki is a regular visitor to Happy Camp High since her four children, youngest Cayle at present, have been students at the High School. She comes with the hat of a concerned parent, mom, and sometimes as a substitute teacher, as well as the Booster Club Treasurer. She is always ready to help with a smile!
We also learned that she doesn’t like surprises. She nearly thwarted the efforts to surprise her with “Citizen of the Year Award” for her contributions to Happy Camp High! Thanks for coming to the School Board Meeting, and thanks for all the good you do, Vicki!
Rebuilding the Happy Camp Chamber of Commerce
Cat manned the Suggeestion Box!
Dinah Sulipeck celebrated her 66th birthday at the Grange Friday with the help of many old and new Chamber members, friends and neighbors along the Klamath River. What fun it was to share a spaghetti dinner made by Robbie Collum. Thank you, Robbie for your considerable time and effort. After some had seconds, it was time to sing Happy Birthday to Dinah and tackle that giant chocolate cake. Even got some sample music thrown in by Lou Sr.
Dinah had some words to share as president. I haven’t known Dinah long, but really appreciate her encouraging good will. It was fun to celebrate her birthday, too. She reminded the Chamber of the Mission Statement, The Happy Camp Chamber of Commerce’s mission is “to promote and encourage business, commerce and quality of life for the citizens of Happy Camp and the Highway 96, Klamath River Corridor.” Businesses all along 96 are welcome.
Chamber Board Members served Spaghetti Dinner for January.
Locating and restoring the Heart of Klamath banner that blew down was discussed. Following Dinah’s report, James Buchner gave a complete Treasurer’s Report. Good news is there is a credit on the telephone bill. Sad news is the Chamber is broke, but memberships are coming in to remedy that problem.
Secretary Cathleen Searle told of how she had come up with a membership list from a brochure and website and asked help in clarifying situations. Anyone wishing to work together in “Community Unity” toward the above mission statement is welcome. The Chamber returned dues to $50 and including 2 additional months if you sign up now. The Chamber telephone was changed to voice mail answered by the president and secretary. Terry Winslow has also offered to answer the phone.
Pete Winslow asked how many had gotten e-mails about the meeting and what we can do to get messages to others who may also have an interest in the mission of the Chamber. Pete offered to send a monthly newsletter. First was sent January 3rd but some couldn’t open it. Pete will send it in the body of a message ”but it won’t look so fancy!” To be notified, send him your e-mail, info@happycampchamber.org.
The Advertising Committee Report was given by James on the map and directory in the works for several months. Ads on the map will be available on a first come first served basis, but there will be a list of all members also. This membership brochure will be completed in March for April printing. The Board asked the gathering for input in dealing with the missing www.happycampchamber.com website. Dinah renewed the name with Go-daddy but who is the host? Restoring it hasn’t been accomplished yet. The members were very concerned about it. Lou Tiraterra, Sr advised to set aside previous mismanagement and proceed, so Treasurer will arrange for a new site with a company Kirk Eadie recommended.
To think that it all started when Cathleen was guest speaker in November on “community unity!” Several expressed the desire to forget the past, rebuilding trust and going forth with the new Chamber of Commerce to serve the members and our community on the wild Klamath River. Next meeting was set for February 1st at Elk Creek Campground and then all pitched in with cleanup and putting up chairs together. That Chamber can really work together and accomplish a lot quickly!
Happy Camp Elementary Holiday Show
Happy Camp Elementary Holiday Show
Patti Sherman had a bunch of Rocket students beating rhythms on drums and other percussion instruments. They practice after school and were amazing! After Casey Chambers welcomed everyone the 2nd & 3rd graders sang Rudolph and Jingle Bell Rock, Rock around the Christmas Tree. These beautiful singers were Syvana Arwood, Michael Beals Jr. Colin Brannon, Mekhia Gabriel, Keelan Hahn, Christian Kienlen, Chelsea Post, Rose Shuler, Shaggy Spence, Ian Tuttle, Hawkeye Valin and Matthew Wilson.
Rudtz Galindo played a piano solo and a duet with Eddie Davenport. The 1st & 2nd graders sang All I want for Christmas in My Two Front Teeth. Alyvia Arwood, Kaylee Bangs, Madeline Davis, Bridgett Aubrey-Harrison, Luke Robinson, Elyssa Thom, Timothy Thompson, Jessica Williams, Hannah Wilson. Elijah Beals, Blake Beals, Jozlynn Brink, Taylor Cortes, Kairi Harrison, Kimi Harrison Zachary Horvath, Justin Kroll, Luis Loya, Kohl Pinassi, Layla Titus, and Alexis Williams.
Then wise people with gold, frankincense and myrrh came on stage! They were accompanied by large colorfully wrapped packages. The Gifts that Don’t Cost was performed by the 4th grade class. The gifts were Joy, Peacebuilder, and Friendship etc. Lovely young Ella Galindo, was a beautifully decorated tree. The class sang O Christmas Tree and We Three Kings.
The 5th and 6th graders sang a rollicking version of Twelve Gifts of Christmas. Brittany Barnett, Dakota Estep, Maria Griffin, Malford “Chuuk” Harrison, Madison Offield, Matilda Peters, Lu-Lin Spence, Aaron Tuttle, Devon Tygart, Gage Welter, Travis Bledsoe, Kai Crockett, Samuel Davis, Beatrice Edwards, Nikkita Harrison, Miranda Hayes, Quinn Horvath, Curtis Kienlen, Carl Mayton, Jacob Rachal, Meranda Rasmussen, Nancy Shuler, Christopher Wilson and Silas Yamamoto. Silas kept singing the praises of the transistor radio!
The 7th and 8th graders had a special presentation of The Giving Tree, performed by Carl Blossomgame, Mitch Hokanson, Sydney Snider, Isabel Bryant, Emily Parry, Cierra Silva, Angel Griffin, Natalia Long, Jack Spence, Abigail Eadie, Ryan Randleman, Cody Sindle, Shawn Hillman Chauncey Lloyd, River Tuttle, Cody Haskell, Christian Robinson, and Taylor Soto. Mitch Hokanson also played some beautiful piano .
It was time for the littlest students to sing Up on the House Top and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The kindergarteners who sang were Ernie Beals, James Bledsoe, Emilie Cushman, Jason Day, Isabell Gomez, Charles Harrison, Michael Hauki, Devon Honza, Jessica Lantow, Alex Loya, Emily Mattson, Logan Nelson, Luis Osorio, Willow Rose, Priscilla Weeks and Spencer Wreath Jr.
The students returned to sing Winter Song first in the Karuk language , then in English. Then in a grand finale they sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Cody Sindle was the stage hand helping everyone for the performance. The teachers and staff at the school did an excellent job preparing the students for the performance.
Tree Lit in Happy Camp – Joy of Children!!
Thanks to Cathleen Searle, Dinah Sulipeck, Danielle Bailey, Melanie Vivpackman, and Coleen Goodwin, as well as the Volunteer Firemen and Santa and Company, who made the Tree Lighting a success. It was such fun to see all the kiddies tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas!
