| November 2007 |
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I knew the first thing I had to do this morning was write the President’s Message. After all, I’d promised the Monitor’s editor Ed Carlos I’d have the piece yesterday. Or was it the day before? I thought I’d better get to it right away. But instead of writing, I read the paper first thing after seeing the headline in the Times “Clown with Cancer Still in Character.” It was an article about local TV legend J.P. Patches and his fight for his life. J.P. Patches is Chris Wedes and I had the honor of meeting the 79 year old TV icon last year in Fremont. It was for a NATAS event to raise money for a life-sized bronze sculptures of J.P. Patches and Gertrude. I told J.P., it was a privilege to meet him and I’m not sure what he said, but I remember whatever it was it made me laugh. From 1958 to 1981 on KIRO TV, J.P. Patches and Gertrude made a lot of us laugh. Now only sadness at the thought of our beloved clown battling blood cancer. On behalf of the NATAS board and all of our members, and all of the devoted Patches Pals, I wish you a speedy recovery Chris. You gave us so much joy for so many years. And now in your honor, we hope to dedicate your statue on the 50th anniversary of when you first went on the air in Seattle! Patches Pals can make a donation to J.P. Patches Statue/Urban Sparks at P.O. Box 17003, Seattle, WA 98127. You can find out more about the project by going to the NATAS website at www.natasnw.org. John Sharify President of the Board, NATAS NW
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Newsletter November 2007
Newsletter November 2007