Ballard High School
"Class of 1966"
Website
October 2026,
October is a month rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a time of both reflection and celebration across the world.
But more important, we will be receiving our mail-in ballots this month. Please exercise your constitutional rights and vote. Take your completed voters ballot to one of the many drop-off boxes early so it can be counted well before the deadline.
We have had a few classmates fall down lately and seriously hurt themselves so please take note: We are getting up there in age and need to take better care of ourselves. I started wearing a helmet while out on my walks for fear of falling. And, not to look completely stupid, I carry a skate board with me.
Sometimes humor can help speed up recovery time.
Here are some interesting thing that are related to October:
The Orionid meteor shower, associated with Halley’s Comet, peaks in mid-October.
Remember the Cuban Missile Crisis that began on October 16, 1962.
The Hunter’s Moon, the full moon following the Harvest Moon, typically occurs in October.
Notable Holidays in October: Halloween (Oct 31), Columbus Day (2nd Monday), Canadian Thanksgiving (2nd Monday).
Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, was born on October 25, 1881.
October is typically when new television seasons premiere.
Apple picking is a popular October activity in many parts of North America.
If you read last month’s greetings page on our class website, you might remember that I was waiting for the new batch of Red Delicious Apples to come out this month. Well, they became less desirable than the current selection of apples and most stores are not stocking them. The newer strains of Red Delicious were more solid red than the original apple. Growers keep selecting redder and redder apples until we got the pretty Red Delicious we all know. The downfall is that the flavor and texture were lost. The skin of a Red Delicious in stores now is bitter tasting.
Pumpkins, a symbol of October and Halloween, are actually a fruit, not a vegetable.
October brings significant changes in nature, affecting wildlife behavior and plant life. This month marks important transitions for many species as they prepare for the coming winter.
Many deciduous trees reach their peak fall colors in October in the Northern Hemisphere.
Many bird species begin their fall migration in October.
Squirrels are particularly active in October as they gather and store nuts for winter.
The rutting (mating) season for deer typically begins in October.
Monarch butterflies complete their migration to Mexico in October.
Famous October-born individuals include John Lennon, Bill Gates, and Julia Roberts.
The popular tongue twister “How much wood would a woodchuck chuck” was first published in October 1903.
Henry Ford introduced the Model T automobile on October 1, 1908.
Did you know that Henry Ford once opened a school in Seattle with a dorm for engineers? He also chose Seattle for a Model T assembly plant, which is now a Public Storage facility. The school, meanwhile, is now a boutique hotel with fifty-nine rooms, and it boasts Seattle's first underground parking garage.
1918 – Originally constructed as the Seattle Engineering School, the building was developed as a housing and training facility for blacksmiths working at the Ford assembly plant.
1998 – MarQueen Hotel officially opened alongside Tin Lizzie Lounge, weaving in the 1920s era.
2025 – The MarQueen Hotel unveiled a comprehensive renovation that reimagined every guestroom and common space—honoring its historic charm while elevating the experience with modern sophistication.
Located at: 600 Queen Ann Ave North, Seattle, WA.
Ok, now you know just about everything about October but, did you know this:
Why don’t oysters give to charity?
Because they are shellfish.
Why don’t Chinese kids believe in Santa Claus?
Because they make the toys.
Why don’t you see elephants hiding in trees?
Because they’re really good at it.
Why don’t eggs tell jokes?
Because they might crack up.
Where do bee’s sit?
On their bee-hinds
Why did the cat pour oil on the mouse?
Because it squeaked.
Why did the photo go to jail?
Because it was framed.
“I spotted an albino leopard the other day. It was the least I could do.”
"I have several Hispanic friends. I try to use the word ‘Mucho’ around them as often as possible. It means a lot to them."
"A termite walks into a bar and asks, ‘Is the bartender here?’"
"We didn't have iPads when I was a kid. We had this thing called 'outside'."
“What’s red and bad for your teeth?” “A brick.”
“Some people can’t sleep when they drink coffee. I’m the other way around — I can’t drink coffee when I’m asleep.”
“A man was arrested at the airport today when they found a compass and protractor in his carry-on. He stands accused of smuggling weapons of math instruction.”
“Why don’t you and Roy play golf anymore” asks Tom’s wife. “Why? Why?!” demands Tom. “Would you want to play golf with a guy who kicks his ball to a better position? Takes mulligans on every hole. Shaves strokes when he’s keeping score?” “Of course not.” “Well,” says Tom, “neither does Roy.”
Greenland sharks – which can live to be four hundred or more – don’t reach sexual maturity until their 150th birthday.
Punctuation saves lives. Example:
“Let’s eat Grandma.”
“Let’s eat, Grandma.”
I hope that we will restore the faith in what used to be known as public service: that is, elected representatives serving all the people. Not self-service, not for personal financial gain or power. For the benefit of the people.
A lot of our confidence or ability to bounce back is because we had someone who - every day, in big and small ways – communicated to us that we, the people, are wonderful and so deserving of the country that used to be. I am just saying.
Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today. You make the world a better place just by being in it.
Live life for today.
Look for a single moment of joy each day.
Pray for tomorrow.
Cherish your blessings.
And visit with your precious memories often.
Your Ballard High School Class of 1966 Reunion Committee.