WHEREAS, Julius Pierpont Patches is fondly known by thousands as J.P. Patches; and
     WHEREAS, Chris Wedes has been J.P. Patches for fifty years; and
     WHEREAS, The J.P. Patches show aired on KIRO, Channel 7 television for twenty-three years, the first time on February 8, 1958, fifty years ago today; and
     WHEREAS, The J.P. Patches show was the longest-running, locally produced children's program in the United States; and
     WHEREAS, J.P. Patches, along with Gertrude, Ketchikan the Animal Man, the Swami of Pastrami, Ggoorrsstt the Friendly Frpl, and countless others, entertained children twice a day for 13 years (plus Saturdays), another 8 years on mornings only, and on Saturday morning only for another 2 years, totaling approximately 10,000 hours of on-air clowning around; and
     WHEREAS, Generations of viewers grew up as "Patches Pals," sharing the joyful, zany antics of J.P. with their children; and
     WHEREAS, The show was live, unrehearsed improvisation; and
     WHEREAS, At the peak of its run, the Emmy award-winning program had a viewership of over 100,000 in its local markets; and
     WHEREAS, J.P. Patches was "Mayor of the City Dump"; and
     WHEREAS, The roster of "Patches Pals" is long and varied, and contains many notable names; and
     WHEREAS, J.P. Patches not only entertained through television, he remains a common sight at Children's Hospital and other hospitals in the area, visiting sick children and promoting the work of the hospital; and
     WHEREAS, J.P. Patches has made countless fundraising appearances for a variety of charities;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate honor J.P. Patches and his alter ego Chris Wedes for the wholesome, family-oriented entertainment that he has consistently provided for 50 years; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to J.P. Patches (Chris Wedes).