As of 11/22/07 the following alumni have been reported as affected by the tragic fires in Southern California:
Monte Robold, Bill Hughes, Vickie Banando, & Bob Fitzgerald were all in areas under mandatory evacuation, but were able to return to their homes still standing. Karen Nielsen was also close to loosing her home (see below).
Unfortunately, an email from Gail Morgan relayed the bad news that Kathy Ainsworth-Arias lost everything to the fire:
Dear Friends,
I have just heard from the THSAA Treasurer, Joann Sandstorm Ainsworth (Class of 1948) that her daughter Kathy Ainsworth Arias (Class of 1972) has lost everything in the fire down in San Diego. They are currently at a high school waiting to hear about FEMA help but...So I have asked Joann to let me know what they need now and of course in the future. This touches each of us even without being there. I know there are a lot of Tartars in the San Diego area and I am sure we will hear of other losses soon. Kathy is a THSAA member and has each and every year comes to assist with the THSAA dinner and does an outstanding job at the Opportunity Drawing table at the THS car school. I will keep you informed. Please say a prayer for Kathy and her family as they move forward with their recovery.
With Tartar Love and Respects
Gail Morgan
President, THSAA
The THSAA has begun the Arias Family Fund to help Kathy and her family during this difficult time for them. Please click on the link for information on how you can help.
Our fellow classmates and firefighters, Scott Snyder, Scott Christie, and Richard Elliot were right on the fire lines for the enitre week and have our gratitude!
Regarding firefighters, I received a heart warming email from Nancy Clayton Hair who was affected indirectly in another way:
So sorry for those who lost their homes and many that got hurt in the latest fires in CA. My son, Ian, was just hired on in May as a seasonal firefighter. He had just completed his fire academy in Chico, CA and was glad to get a job so quickly. Little did he know that he would be fighting such huge fires so late in the season. I have asked him to call me everyday just to let me know he is OK. He has told us some of his stories of saving puppies, a tortoise, and goat and many small "critters" in these past couple of weeks when the occupants were already evacuated. I know those families were glad to know that their pets were there when they came back. He also had witnessed so much devastation, watching homes burn. He said it feels so good to save a house, clearing out all the surrounding brush, patio furniture and all that could and would be "fuel" to save a house. Some times they were in dangerous situations, I am surprised he told me of these. I am a proud mom as my son is now a firefighter. My heart goes out to those who have suffered loss.
Nancy (Clayton) Hair
From Karen Nielsen came this email:
Hey Everyone ! We are back home as of Monday 10-29-07. Our home is Fine, thank God. Our Trip up to see our Son in Arcata, CA . Was Wonderful and we are a happy little Family we did not loose our home or livelyhood. I am back to work @ Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa and we are putting up alot of Firefighters, Insurance people and people that have lost their homes. Busy little Mountain getting back to Normal. Thanks for all the concern and love.
Karen L. Daoussis (Nielsen)
If you know of any other classmates or alumni that were affected by the fires, please email John Dickson at chairman@1972tartars.com and I will post it here.
