Heatwave In The Rearview

 December 17, 1014

   They drank, they danced and they laughed. Oh, how they laughed. I can hear them still. Here for those of you who didn't know them, are a few of the regulars from the heyday of the Heatwave Cafe.

Sue Dancin' With The Handsome Stranger

"Man, that guy was smooth."

—Ina Mae Odle

Donna Jean returns with drinks

(Sue's best friend)

Meanwhile, out on the dancefloor. . .

Miss Bee "Boppahlula" Bensen

(Cuttin' a rug!)

(1951-2019)

   Bee Bensen, nee Banegas, the irrepressible and indomitable rodeo queen, who was one of the last female links to the original pro rodeo circuit, died on Wednesday in Queen Creek, Arizona.

   Her death in an assited living facility was confirmed by her step-daughter, Frannie Tutti Banegas (she kept her mother's maiden name).

Down Wickiup Way

Uncle Guy

(1924-1991)

Milly

(She could cut a rug!)

(1912-1983)

Itty Bitty Tatas Man

(1939-2002)

Mister Hell On Horses

Emmett Kroger

(1907-1965)

Los Mexicanos Hilarios

(the comedy group often appeared 

at the Heatwave. They were from Jalisco)

From the peanut gallery. . .

   

Ellie Fancher

(1936-2002)

Jay Dusardo, the mayor of Cattletrack

And the A-1 Beer Distributor

(1931-1999)

Chata Alvarado

(1037-2024)

Chata's Concern

Seri Witch

(1762-????)

   Yes, as you no doubt know more seniors are living longer than ever and guess what lobby is bigger than the NRA or the AFLCIO combined? Yes, the American Association of Retired Persons—AARP—is humungous. Some have compared it to a certain Italian crime organization.

"AARP is similar to the Mafia but more concerned with dietary fiber."

—Dave Barry