JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

Another new year has arrived, and while we put the holidays of 2009 behind us, we look forward to the year of 2010 with its opportunities for the Class of ’67 alumni to continue to keep in touch with each other by way of events, emails, and news (which is located on our website (www.ghhs1967.org).

Soon it will be February and with it, Valentines Day (February 14^th), the holiday that allows us to put a bit of romance back into our lives as we think of roses, cupids, and the sending of Valentine cards to those people who have a special meaning in our hearts. Besides English, here are ten ways to say “I Love You” in: Spanish – “Te Amo”; French – “Je t’aime”; German – “Ich Liebe Dich”; Japanese – “Ai Shite Imasu”; Thai – “Phom rak khun”; Italian – “Ti amo”; Chinese “Wo Ai Ni”, Swedish – “Jag älskar dig”, Czech – “Miluji te”, and in Polish – “Kocham cię”.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

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It is always disturbing to hear that a friend has passed away. Many of our alumni no longer live in the greater Cleveland area, and because of the distance of their current residence or the fact that somehow we just haven’t seen them in a while, circumstances can certainly make it more difficult to keep in touch. Therefore, it was with great sadness that we received the news that Dan Ebenhack has passed away.

Dan was quite active at Garfield Heights High School, as he was a member of the Booster Club, Hall Guards, a Homeroom Officer, involved with Varsity “G”, and an outstanding member of Garfield’s basketball and football teams. Dan played Varsity basketball and football during his junior year at GHHS. As a senior, he continued playing Varsity football and was Co-Captain of the Bulldogs. He played Offensive Tackle and was also bestowed an All Conference honor for his offensive prowess.

If you may recall, Dan’s father, L.V. Ebenhack (now deceased), officiated at Garfield’s track meets and was an Industrial Arts teacher at the high school.

Dan graduated from Muskingum College in Ohio with a degree in physical education. At Muskingum, football was still important…he played for the varsity team all four years of college, and was captain his senior year. It was at Muskingum that Dan met his wife, Kathy, and they were married in a traditional military wedding while Dan was stationed at Quantico, Virginia. Dan served in the Marine Corp and achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He was an infantry and counterintelligence officer in Viet Nam, and a reserve commander after the war. Dan then joined the Mobil Corporation, and the family then began moving throughout the Northeast, living in the cities of Huntington, Rochester and Syracuse, New York, then Portland, Maine, Ipswich, Massachusetts and finally, Danbury, Connecticut. They decided Danbury would be “home”. In 1989 and for 10 years afterward, Dan became an entrepreneur owning the Town & Country Cleaners in Brookfield, CT.

Unfortunately, Kathy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma blood cancer, and after a 10-year battle, succumbed to it in February, 2008. Dan essentially died of a broken heart and passed away November 21, 2008. Dan enjoyed gardening, reading, music, restoring old guns and the beach. He especially loved his family more than anything. He is survived by his two sons, Ryan and Michael.

We still have some alums turning 60 and sharing with us their birthday experiences:

Judy Majewski Fish turned 60 in October and celebrated in northern Michigan visiting the Grand Traverse Winery and attending an apple festival in Charlevoix. She said staying at the Inn at Bay Harbor contributed to making the “perfect” weekend.

Leslie Mroz Readinger celebrated her big 60^th in Las Vegas! Leslie’s husband and daughters (and their husbands) gave her a wonderful party and a trip to Sin City! The best surprise for this birthday was that her daughter and her husband came all the way from Wales to help in the celebration!

Congratulations!!!

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He came to GHHS from John Adams High School and threw himself into school activities. Bill Williams participated in Activities Band, Band, Concert Band, and Marching Band, and while he did all of that during high school, he continues today to be a driving force within our alumni association, as he volunteered to be the Webmaster of our Class Webpage (www.ghhs1967.org). His creativity and professional efforts have made our website a wonderful tool in keeping our alumni informed with a variety of up-to-date information concerning people, places and “things”.

Bill proceeded from GHHS into the U.S. Army, where he attended basic training in Ft. Campbell, KY with advanced training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. Spec 4 Williams was with the 14^th Combat Engineers in Quong Tri, Vietnam during 1970-’71 and then part of the Construction Supply Yard (S-4) and Water Supply while serving with the 14^th Combat Engineers.

Since his military service, he was elected and served for three terms as President of the Mill-Cabinet & Display Local 1542 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, and between 2003-2004, he served as Chairman of the Board for the Northeast Ohio Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Committee. Although Bill is now retired, we understand he currently has a part-time job, plus formed his own business, BC Website Design of Ohio. With that business, he was instrumental in creating a new website for the Garfield Heights Historical Society.

While successful in business, he also seems to be quite successful in hobbies and interests. Bill has been a part-time, professional magician for over 25 years, and is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He performed as Clancy the Clown for children’s birthday parties and with the Shrine Circus.

He is a 32^nd degree Mason and a member of Theodore Breck Lodge #714 F&AM, collects model trains and die cast model cars, loves classical music, and has played trombone in a swing band for many years. Cathy, his wife, and he resides in Brunswick and have been together for 40 years. They are the proud parents of William IV (deceased), Sarah, Kathryn & Elizabeth, and grandparents of Rebecca and Kyle.

While Bill seems to “clown around” at our GHHS Class events, he certainly takes the role seriously. Below you can view a photo of Bill as “Clancy”, performing magic with Big Chuck on Kelly’s Island, as well as an article about Bill being in the right place at the right time to perform some magic in saving a man’s life!!

You make us proud, Bill! So glad you are a part of the Class of ’67!

Kudos to Candice Coneglio Frantz as she becomes a grandma again! Cute Ava was born the end of November.

Our Busy Alumni: Lots of our alumni traveling during the holidays….Amy Roman Kostka visited her son in St. Louis during the Thanksgiving holiday; Bill Williams & wife, Cathy, were in Madison, Wisconsin, visiting middle daughter & son-in-law in their newly purchased home; Gail Russler Meyer and husband, Barry, spent New Year’s at their home in Central Florida; Susan Said was off to Colorado to attend her niece’s wedding; Carol Stolarski traveled to Las Vegas also to attend the wedding of a friend; Terry Meek is out of the country from January thru March; Sandy Bittner is bound for Florida in February; Gloria Radziewicz Holloway had some GHHS alums in December at her condo in Vermillion, and Chuck & Cindy Ruggerio Rifici are out of town the last weeks of February & beginning of March!

Thinking of: Barbara Regula Johnson who is recuperating from successful hip replacement surgery.

Jim Spatney who is recovering from having two stents (one on each side) inserted into his arteries. Although he was hospitalized, he is now at home and doing better.

Dan Mauser, husband of Diane Marzano Mauser, who continues to recuperate from acute congestive heart failure.

Gary Seman, husband of Delores Jacobs Seman, who has been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. At this time, it is in a stable condition; and,

Doug Day who had surgery on his nose (the area where nose clips would sit on your nose) to remove some cancerous cells.

Connie Tortorici Smolko who invited her mother into her own home during Mrs. Tortorici’s recovery from surgery for removal of a tumor within her stomach.

Leslie Mroz Readinger who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis went on Family Leave the end of July and now begins the arduous process applying for disability, since it is becoming more difficult to walk. She still tries to volunteer at the MS Society, and to spend time with her four grandchildren, one just being born this past November!

Our Condolences to Dale Thomas, upon the passing of brother, Lowell, 56, on October 30^th. Lowell was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in June of this year. He was also a graduate of Garfield Heights High School, Class of 1972. (Dale also mentioned that Sandy Bittner has been a great help to their mother, Mrs. Audrey Thomas, when it wasn’t possible for him or family members to be there, and the fact that he and Phil Magro got together to catch up and have a few beers! He also said that his mom is a great follower of our newsletter & website! )

Susan Said, whose cousin, Michael S. Said, 49, of Brunswick, passed away November 19, 2009. Michael was a Veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard.

Ray and Sharon Patyk D’Eusanio, upon the death of Ray’s mother, Joanne E. D’Eusanio, 84, December 1, 2009.

Richard and Louise Pieschalski Novak, upon the passing of Rich’s mother, Martha M. Novak, 85, on December 3, 2009.

Doug Day, upon the death of his father, Donald R. Day, 87, who also passed away December 3, 2009. Mr. Day received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy and served during World War II in the U.S. Navy. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Ohio University in 1947 with a BS degree in chemistry, his entire career was spent with Standard Oil of Ohio (Sohio) until he retired in 1977. He had a zest for life and loved golf, being very proud of his four hole-in-ones and his double eagle! And,

Linda Carile Plumb, upon the death of her 80 year old father, Benjamin Carile, January 10, 2010, in Rutland, Vermont. Before retiring as a truck driver for the Finast Food Company, he was employed as a concrete finisher and printing plate maker. He was also a member of the Italian American Club in Rutland, as well as serving with the U.S. Navy.

Our sincere sympathies to all of their families and friends.

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Mardi Gras Update: While we had great response to our query of whether our next event should be a Mardi Gras party held in February, some of those responding asked if we could possibly schedule such an event when the weather warmed up. Therefore, with the hope of drawing more people to it, especially those from out of town, we are contemplating a “Mardi Gras in July”…..so stay tuned for more details!

Newsy Reflections & Tidbits: If you do any research at all using the internet, you have probably consulted (a time or two) Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia website. Did you know that if you research “Garfield Heights, Ohio” at their site, not only will you view all kinds of pertinent information regarding the city, but you will also see under the heading of “Education”, that our specific Class Alumni Association and website are mentioned!

Speaking of websites, don’t forget that if you are looking for a low cost method of advertising your business or products you may sell, our webpage features banner and business card ads. Fifteen dollars a year will post your business card to the site, and $20 will feature a banner on the home page of our website. Great advertising for you, and revenue to support our Class! Contact us for more information.

If you are reading this newsletter from our webpage, perhaps you don’t have email capability. If not, a copy of it could be personally delivered to you prior to the posting of it on our website. Simply send us $5.00 and we will mail you a copy via U.S. mail for one year! If you, on the other hand, do have an email address but have not yet provided it to us, please do so…..with it you get our “news” quickly and help us save postage costs.

And finally, Cleveland Magazine ran an article in their December 2009 issue titled, “Where Are They Now”? As you can see, one of the persons featured was weatherman, Don Webster. However, in the picture below, can you recognize and identify one of the three gals? She’s a Class of ’67 alum (and we do know where she is!!).

Till next time, Go Bulldogs!

Your energetic editor,

Gail Russler Meyer

November / December 2009

Dear Fellow GHHS 1967 Graduate,

Upon looking at the calendar, another year is quickly escaping! Reflecting on the year 2009 brings to mind a few more memories that were created for the Class of ’67 and added to its “Alumni Scrapbook”. We find that:

(1) Alumni events continued with a “high tea” for the ladies held at Clementine’s in Olmsted Falls on May 17th, and a 60^th birthday celebration in Bedford Reservation on July 25th (and we can say that when Chuck Angello travels to the Cleveland area his visit always promotes a gathering of alumni wherever he happens to land!).

(2) Our web page, (www.ghhs1967.org), designed and implemented after our 40^th Reunion, has received a total of 8,177 hits since its inception. That means that our site is being found easily and that people are checking its contents on a regular basis. We have had many complimentary comments about our site and it has become a great communication tool in keeping alums informed about events, good news, sad news and tidbits of all kinds. It is meant for your use, so please do so!!

(3) Six times a year, a newsletter is prepared and sent to alumni. Because of postage costs, it is sent to those alums who have provided us with their email address. In this manner, a variety of news can be provided somewhat quickly to our alumni family. However, this newsletter, as well as all the others, are “archived” on our web page, so those alums without electronic email can still review a copy. Anyone interested in receiving our newsletter by mail can do so by making an annual donation of $5 to help cover the cost of printing & mailing.

(4) The “feather in our hat” comes with our continuation of awarding an annual scholarship of $500 to a deserving graduating senior of Garfield Heights High School. We have awarded a scholarship the last two years, and hope to continue this worthy tradition.

Let’s keep up the great work!!!

We still have some alums turning 60 and sharing with us their birthday experiences:

Linda Capretta celebrated her day, August 9^th, by walking her three dogs (Jersey, Bella & Bailey) to the doggie park…it happened to be the hottest day of the entire summer! Her son, daughter-in-law, daughter and grandsons then accompanied Linda to Pickle Bills in Grand River, one of her favorite seafood spots….afterward it was cake at Linda’s home! But the best part of her birthday, which was belatedly celebrated the weekend of October 9^th, was sharing with her family the sites and sounds of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls! Quality time was spent together, which was a treat!

Tom Prusa also had celebration assistance from family – he visited oldest son, daughter-in-law and 7-month old granddaughter in Atlanta, while youngest son and daughter-in-law surprised him by driving from Columbus, OH to Atlanta to join the fun! Tom was also proud to say that daughter-in-law, Christine, began Pharmacy School this fall quarter at Ohio State!

Suzanne Finney tells us her birthday of September 10^th did not start out with a bang, as she was knocked out with the flu!! She did receive, though, a balloon from co-workers that said “Happy 30^th Birthday”. Suzanne is planning birthday celebrations in November by traveling to West Palm, FL.

Guy Papa turned 60 October 28^th and was just plain leisurely. His wife, Karen, made his favorite dessert, apple crisp, and his son, Kevin, treated Guy to lunch, which was a nice surprise. Halloween weekend Guy & Karen shared dinner with friends.

Congratulations!!!

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Are any of you hooked on the CSI shows on TV? You know, those crime scene investigations going on in Las Vegas, Miami and New York? One of our alums, Agnes Balog Holmes, can relate to those shows, as she has worked a crime scene or two for the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department in Modesto, California.

Community Service Officer (CSO) Agnes Holmes started her career with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department in 1988 as a legal clerk and transcriptionist in the records division. She then spent two years in the Detective and Undercover Division within the Department where she also provided clerical duties, as well as preparing search and felony warrants. Agnes says part of her job was to even go out on the search warrants! She was promoted to Community Service Officer in 1992 and was assigned to the identification division where she received valuable training from the FBI and the Department of Justice in fingerprinting, photography, and processing a crime scene. In 1998, CSO Holmes was also assigned to Riverbank Police Services where she ran the Evidence Division. She also was a member of the Aero Squadron, which is the Sheriff’s Department air support. The Aero Squadron is used in pursuits, locating missing persons and bodies by air, surveillance for the growing of marijuana and gives assistance to other agencies of the county when needed. Agnes became qualified as an “observer in the air”, and took photos and videos from the air when needed.

Agnes says no two days were ever the same in working on burglary calls, assaults, homicides, child abuse cases, assaults in the jails, identifying missing persons found dead, suicides, and vehicle accidents. She says the fun part of the job was going out on the streets and catching “hookers” and doing sobriety check points. She certainly must have MANY on the job stories!

After 20 years of working in law enforcement, Agnes decided to retire in July 2008. However, not being idle, she has begun a new career working for a defense attorney and two private investigators using all the skills she has gained from the Sheriff’s Department.

Agnes has also donated her time to her community—she has been the “McGruff Crime Dog”, was the Secretary for the Sheriff’s Employee Foundation, and the Secretary of the California Association of Property & Evidence for the Central Valley. She is a mom of four children and yet still has a bit of free time to travel, do crafts and some sewing. Here is a photo of CSO Holmes….she says she never lost the “big hair”…she considers it her signature item!!

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WE WOULD LIKE YOUR FEEDBACK……. to begin the New Year of 2010, it has been suggested that perhaps we celebrate “Fat Tuesday” or Mardi Gras as a Class of ’67 Event!! We have already given a bit of thought to this suggestion, and have reliable information that it could be held at the Old Tasty Pizza location on Turney Road & the Boulevard in Garfield Heights!

CAN YOU ADVISE US IF YOU LIKE THIS IDEA AND WOULD ATTEND SUCH AN EVENT? Contact Audrey (asopko@sbcglobal.net) or Gail (grdmohio@aol.com) with your thoughts!

Kudos to Sharon Travagliante Weitzman who participated (and finished) in September the Susan Komen Race/Walk for the Cure. She’s a member of a team from the Cleveland Clinic where she is employed, and has walked for the past five years. She began participating before she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and admits that she never gave a thought that one day she would be walking as a cancer survivor!

Our Busy Alumni:

Traveling were: Linda Wike Calkins who spent a week visiting her cousin’s family enjoying sites in Colorado, including Garden of the Gods and the Royal Gorge, and Mark Miller (and Janet) who made a trek to Myrtle Beach.

Thinking of: Pam Poveroni Conrad, who is recovering from Meniere’s Disease, a disorder of the inner ear which causes debilitating symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss. Pam had made several trips to the hospital but is presently home and taking medication which seems to be helping the condition; and,

Audrey Sopko, whose mother had a second heart surgery. The procedure went well and Mrs. Sopko is home with Audrey lending a hand!

Dusty Bowling, whose mom underwent back surgery. Dusty stayed with her in Bluffton, SC near Hilton Head, to assist during her recuperation. We are happy to hear she is doing fine!

Diane Marzano Mauser, whose husband, Dan, is being treated for acute congestive heart failure. Dan is home but wearing a Life Vest which monitors his heart 24/7.

Our Condolences to Mike Lovasz upon the passing of Mike’s brother, James, 57, in October, 2009. Jim had been suffering with a variety of illnesses for a very long time. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and also a graduate of Garfield Heights High School, Class of 1971,

And to Jim and Rosemarie Martinovich Spatny who also lost Jim’s brother, Albert, 78. Albert was a U.S. Army Veteran and passed away in November, 2009.

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Newsy Reflections & Tidbits:

Any alumni who attended William Foster might want to check out the “Then & Now” page under “Photo Albums” on our web site (www.ghhs1967.org). Rick Kuehls who attended GHHS but then moved to Broadview Heights has forwarded to us his William Foster class pictures from grades 3, 4, 5 & 6. See if you can identify yourself and other classmates….heck, for that matter, all alums should check it out….what a hoot!!

Did you know that a chapter of the Anita Bryant Fan Club actually existed within the GHHS Class of ’67?? Anita Bryant won the title of Miss America in 1959 and became a popular singer of the late 50s & 60s. In 1969 she became a spokeswoman for the Florida Citrus Commission and was featured in their televised commercials…remember her tag line of “Breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine”? Donna Yurek was the chapter’s President and members included Gloria Radziewicz Holloway and Sharon Travagliante Weitzman! It has also been revealed that this particular chapter gave Anita Bryant a baby shower when she adopted a child…..and Anita attended in person at Donna’s home on Plymouth Avenue off Turney Road!!! Anyone else members of this Chapter? And where was I when this was happening?????

AND….just to show that strange things do happen, USA Today reported in their newspaper of October 27, 2009, that in Akron, Ohio, after 57 years, Joe Lepera, 75, got his class ring back at the wake of high school sweetheart, Sharon Coddington Gainer. The couple broke up when he joined the Air Force after his 1952 graduation from Akron Central High School. At her wake, Sharon’s husband gave Lepera the ring, saying his wife had told him to return it if Lepera visited the funeral home!!

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Each of you are wished a very happy, Holiday Season, with the very best of things to look forward to in 2010!! We hope that will include attending an alumni event, or two!

In that spirit, here are a few holiday quips to celebrate both Thanksgiving & Christmas:

What’s blue and covered with feathers? (A turkey holding its breath!)

Why did the turkey cross the road? (It was the chicken’s day off.)

What kind of music did the Pilgrims like? (Plymouth Rock!)

“The Department of Transportation reports that many Americans are going to travel a hundred miles or more to spend Thanksgiving with family. Then they’re going to spend the rest of the day giving thanks that they live a hundred miles or more.” – Conan O’Brien

A woman went to the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. “What denomination? asked the clerk. “Oh good heavens! Have we come to this?” said the woman. “Well, give me 50 Catholic and 50 Baptist ones!”

And for you travelers: The weary, holiday traveler looked in disbelief at a bunch of mistletoe hanging above the luggage at the airline’s check-in counter. Turning to the attendant he said, “I like your mistletoe. Is it for customers or only personnel?” “Neither,” she said. “It’s so you can kiss your luggage goodbye.”

Ouch!!

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As always, if you have anything you would like to share or have an item you feel would interest our alumni family, please let us know!

Till next time………go Bulldogs!!!!

Your energetic editor,

Gail Russler Meyer

News Letter

Sept / Oct 2009

Dear Fellow GHHS 1967 Graduate,

It is difficult to believe that the scent of fall is in the air! Not quite certain where summer went, or the fact that 2009 is quickly passing, but a new season brings new reasons for family and friends to get together!

It is with regret to report that we have lost three more from our alumni family….

Allen R. Juriga, 60, passed away suddenly on August 19, 2009. When in high school, Allen was a member of the Art Club, the Booster Club, Intramurals, and the German Club. Upon graduation, Allen used his talents and his compassion for people with disabilities. He assisted adults with serious mental illness to learn basic vocational skills in order to secure full or part-time employment. Although shy, he was clearly interested in his GHHS past. Allen also loved music and was an accomplished musician. At the age of 5 he began accordion lessons while still in kindergarten. I am told that Allen, Ken Zach and Ken Nowack were all pals because they all played that particular instrument! In the fifth grade, Mr. Gutkowski (remember that name?) recruited Allen, Joe Bizovsky and Ken Zach to play percussion in the band, as they could already read music but there was no room for any accordions! And later in life, there were a few weeks when Allen “stood in” for Ken Zach and played at the Bellaire Lounge on Turney Road (remember that place?) when Ken was double-booked and unable to “make the gig”! Allen was also a member of the band known as Heartbeat, and if you were in attendance at the Skyview Lodge in Brunswick, Ohio, for the Class of ’67’s Octoberfest event held October of 2007, you experienced first hand Allen’s musical ability. He was so honored to have the 40+ alumni there, that he ordered a large pizza for each table reserved by GHHS classmates!

Allen is survived by wife, Marcia, sister, Marlene Kiel, nieces, Kelly and Lisa, and nephew, Jeffrey.

Dennis J. Liniman, 60, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April and passed away September 12, 2009. Dennis, still a resident of Garfield Heights, attended Garfield Park elementary school and while at GHHS participated in Intramurals and Track. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and became a Purple Heart recipient due to VC pinning him down with mortar fire that caused him to be hit with shrapnel.

Dennis is survived by wife, Pauline, son, Dennis, and daughters, Carrie and Jennifer. He was also a loving grandfather of four, and an uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn J. Wolk, 60, was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away September 26, 2009. Marilyn was very active during her high school years at GHHS; you might say she was also a gifted musician instrumentally and vocally. She participated in Choir, Triple Trio her senior year, Concert Band, Marching Band, Pep Band, Showboat, GAA, Booster Club, Tri-Hi-Y, and was a Homeroom Officer. After graduating from Kent State University, Marilyn devoted herself to a career providing training, vocational opportunities and heartfelt care to individuals with disabilities. She had retired only a few years ago and continued with her passions of being an avid horsewoman, cross country skier, lifeguard, and outdoor naturalist. She also loved eating good ethnic food. One quest was to find the perfect cheesecake!

Marilyn is survived by sister, Barbara Kyne, brother-in-law, Paul, niece, Jenny Kyne Malseed, and nephew, Rob Kyne.

Our sincere sympathies to all of their families and friends.

News Worthy Tidbits:

Did you know that September 17, 2009, marked the 62^nd birthday of the United States Air Force, as it was founded in 1947, AND that on October 13, 2009, the United States Navy celebrates its 234^th birthday as it was founded in 1775???!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY…and we thank those alumni who have served in our Armed Forces! If you have served in the military, we would like to recognize you on our website at its “Veterans Page”. Contact our webmaster (Bill Williams) with your information (ghhs1967webmaster@hotmail.com).

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Speaking of birthdays…..since the celebration of our GHHS 60^th Birthday Picnic held July 25^th at Bedford Reservation, a few more alums have succumbed to their grand 60^th and notified us of how they celebrated: Linda Maciaszek Fauble turned 60 on August 1^st. Her daughter, Stacy, and grandkids, Jeremy (5) and Alyssa (2 ½) came from Michigan to spend some quality birthday time. Linda relived her childhood with a visit to Memphis Kiddie Park where she rode the Little Dipper with Alyssa. Dinner was served at Eat ’N Park, and birthday cake and ice cream were served later. Oh, and Linda also says, she bought herself a new 2009 Honda CR-V! No “little old lady from Pasadena” here!!

Audrey Sopko became 60 on August 18^th. Besides working that day, her youngest daughter, Kristen, surprised her with a small family gathering that evening, which she could only attend for 30 minutes as she needed to leave for a singing audition for Disney’s Cleveland promotional event of the new animated movie version of “A Christmas Carol”, starring Jim Carey. After the audition, she had a bite to eat and a birthday toast with a former Triple Trio Member/Alum of the Class of ’66, Lee-Ann Franco Spacek….AND she was still in bed by 11:00pm!!

AND, Carol Stolarski, our designated “Class Photographer”, recently provided us with an additional 60+ photos from the Birthday Picnic…so check our website “photo album” page again to view, as they are absolutely GREAT!

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ANOTHER REUNION???

Remember the Triple Trio of Garfield Heights High School? It originally began in 1956…..nine gals who all wore the same outfit (including same shoes and white gloves) and sang during assemblies, choral concerts and community events. They were an “arm” of the Music Department, and gals wanting to participate had to audition and could only be a member of the Trio during their junior and senior years of high school.

In 2006, the Triple Trio had its first reunion. It combined those Trios of 1965-1966 (our junior year) and 1966-1967 (our senior year). What a wonderful, emotional experience that one night was for each of us! It brought back many memories of just how close all of us were during that time of our high school days!

On August 15, 2009, a SECOND reunion was held. We offered one night of attending a “singing” rehearsal, one night for dinner, and a Sunday afternoon singing during the church service of our director, E. James Kotora. Those attending one, two, or all of the events were gals of the Triple Trios listed below. Can you recall any of these upper or lower classmen?

Triple Trio 1964 - 1965

Marsha DeMarco Lee-Ann Franko Connie Glazewski

Diane Hitch Carol Kus Patricia Oniga

Sheila Perz Mary Jane Settle Cynthia Volpe

Accompanist: Cathy Lewis

Triple Trio 1965 - 1966

Lora Finocchi Lee-Ann Franko Joyce Gregory

Marsha Grimes Lee Jacobs Linda Phillips

Toni Potocnik Gail Russler Audrey Sopko

Accompanist: Cathy Lewis

Triple Trio 1966 - 1967

Lora Finocchi Linda Gilberto Donna Jones

Mary Kotowski Gail Russler Audrey Sopko

Sharyn Ott Sharon Vojtko Marilyn Wolk

Accompanist: Elaine Gazdeck

Triple Trio 1967 - 1968

Betsy Chapple Janet Farr Beth Huber

Donna Jones Karyn Malinowski Sharyn Ott

Janet Scaparotti Sharon Vojtko June Zielinski

Accompanist: Elaine Gazdeck

Below is a group picture of those attending Saturday evening, August 15th:

Pat Oniga, Beth Huber Warren, EJ Kotora,Carol Kotora, Gail Russler Meyer, Lee Jacobs Pritchard,

Lee-Ann Franko Spacek, Diane Hitch Chesko, Jan Scaparotti Grimm, Audrey Sopko, Cynthia Volpe Varlotta,

Donna Jones Benko, Sharon Vojtko Nichols, Elaine Gazdeck, Carol Kus Adornetto, Jan Farr Wilkens, Cathy Lewis Poremba,

& Sheila Perz Wyse

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Thinking of: Connie Tortorici Smolko, who is recovering from toe surgery with sessions of physical therapy, and Audrey Sopko, whose mom is recovering from a severe heart attack.

Traveling were: Amy Roman Kostka, and husband, Bill, who continue to jet around the world visiting London, Paris and Switzerland!

And…..Sharon Travagliante Weitzman and husband, Skip, who spent 5 days on Maui, 5 days on Oahu, Hawaii, and then 4 days in California.

And…..Gail Russler Meyer and husband, Barry, who took a 9-day driving trip throughout the Hudson River Valley in New York State;

And finally…..Candice Conegleo Frantz who attended a business conference in Los Angeles on nutritional cleansing.

Kudos to: Audrey Sopko, who was chosen at that audition to be part of two quartets from her local theater group, “Spotlights” of Broadview Heights, that sang for Disney’s Cleveland opening of the promotional event, “A Christmas Carol”, starring Jim Carey. She sang soprano…..congratulations, Audrey!!

Candice Conegleo Frantz, whose son married on August 1, 2009, and then found out she was going to be a grandmother again…..#6 is on its way thanks to daughter-in-law Stefanie, and son….they are expecting a girl!

Dale Miller, who is seeking reelection as State Senator of District 23. He is planning a fall festival fundraiser November 5, 2009, so contact him if you would like to support his efforts.

Georgiann Roberts Christiansen, whose oldest son, Scott, was married in Portland, Oregon the weekend of August 22, 2009,

Skip and Sharon Travagliante Weitzman who celebrated their 15^th wedding anniversary September 30th, and to,

Barbara Filipski Franzreb, who has now become Mrs. Barbara Filipski Bunsey! Barb married Chris Bunsey on September 5, 2009. With Barb currently going through radiation treatments, she says that God couldn’t have dropped Chris into her lap at a more opportune time in her life, and she feels blessed! All the best to Barb and Chris for a long life together! Below is a photo of the happy couple!

Our Condolences To: Audrey Sopko, whose aunt, Elizabeth J. Burke, passed away in August;

Once again, to the family of our former classmate, Sharon Roth, whose brother, Frederick Paul Roth, also passed away in August at the age of 53. Sharon’s family lost, as well, Sharon’s daughter, Shannon Briggs, age 33, this past July;

To Pat Bogucki Yarmesh, whose brother, Tommy, age 51, passed away suddenly September 28, 2009;

To Linda Wells Art, upon the passing of husband, Kenneth, who died suddenly from a heart attack September 30, 2009. Ken, 60, retired from a military career with the U.S. Air Force; both he and Linda resided in South Carolina; and to,

Richard and Louise Pieschalski Novak, with the passing of Rich’s father, Stanley Novak, on September 28, 2009. Mr. Novak was a WWII U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Maple Heights American Legion Post 309; he was 87 years old.

±±±±±±±±±±±±±±±±±±

AND

You know you are too old to be trick or treating when……

- You get winded from knocking on doors.

- When the door opens and you yell, “Trick or ….” & can’t remember the rest.

- People say, “Great Keith Richards mask!” and you’re not wearing a mask, or

- You have to have another kid chew the candy for you!

What do you call someone who puts poison in a person’s corn flakes? (a cereal killer)

What time would it be if five demons were chasing you? (Five after one)

What do you get when you take the circumference of your jack-o-lantern and divide it

by its diameter? (Pumpkin Pi), and,

Why do Jack O’Lanterns have such silly looks on their faces? (You would too if you

just had all your brains scooped out!)

AS ALWAYS…if you have anything you would like to share or have an item you feel would interest our alumni family, please let us know!

Till next time………go Bulldogs!!!!

Your energetic editor,

Gail Russler Meyer

News Letter

JULY / AUGUST 2009

Dear Fellow GHHS 1967 Graduate,

Not even the threat of rain could dampen the Class of ‘67’s July 25^th celebration of their 60^th Birthday at the Hemlock Creek picnic area in Bedford Reservation! The rain gods were very much on our side and somehow the possibility of severe thunderstorms that were in the forecast did not transpire for most of the afternoon! We occupied a nice corner of the pavilion and everyone was most generous in bringing a variety of delicious dishes to share. We grilled, had cake (see above) and even sang Happy Birthday! A great time was had by all!

A special thank you goes to Audrey Sopko. She was in the ER on Thursday evening, July 23^rd, diagnosed with pleurisy, yet at 6:15am on Saturday the 25th, she was camping out at the pavilion to reserve tables for our birthday bash. What would we do without that gal!

Six baskets, called Sports, Relaxation, Hawaiian, Cookies & Goodies, Army, and Kitchen, containing assorted goodies, were also raffled that afternoon. That raffle contributed $95 to help defray our postage costs. The afternoon also brought a touching surprise when Dusty Bowling generously handed Audrey $200 and requested that this sum be added to the proceeds of our Scholarship Fund. Our Bulldog really needs to give him a big kiss!!!

Besides the “local” folks, we had alumni from the States of Minnesota, Michigan, Georgia, New Hampshire, Texas and Florida!

Those attending the Birthday Bash were: Donna Chapple Barton, Dusty Bowling, Bob & Peggy Terry Berteau, Linda Capretta, Helen Steblinski Cejer, Mary Chadwick, Karen Parhamovich Felon & hubbie, Darrell, Millie Gerak, Estelle Angyal Hofer, Gloria Radziewicz Holloway, Barb Regula Johnson, Bill & Amy Roman Kostka, Carol Niess Krajewski, Dave Krailo, Wayne & Diane Loretitsch, Linda Maciaszek Fauble, Joe Mack, Chuck Pflueger, Gail Russler Meyer, Dale & Carol Miller, Bud & Cindy Ruggerio Rifici, Sue Baranovic Slesnick, Audrey Sopko, Carol Stolarski and faithful Will, Bill Williams, and Skip and Sharon Travagliante Weitzman.

After the picnic, a smaller group of alums totaling about 15 continued to celebrate at Tinkers Creek Tavern, and then from there, about 8 die-hard souls found their way to Mavis Winkle’s. At these celebrations Chuck Angello and Al & Flo Novello joined the fold.

Our designated “class photographer”, Carol Stolarski, once again took MANY pictures. So check our web page (www.ghhs1967.org) to view a new photo album where all of these Birthday photos will be placed. We would also be very pleased to include the photos taken that day by any of our other alumni. Just let us know, or send them directly to Webmaster, Bill Williams!

Audrey asked those at the Class Birthday Picnic how exactly did they celebrate their 60^th? Here are their responses:

Bill Williams said his family threw a surprise party for him; dinosaurs covered the lawn and his brother gave him a gift of prune juice!

Chuck Pflueger celebrated by inviting friends, family & neighbors to a German dinner like the kind his mom and grandmother used to make, cooking roast pork, sauerkraut, spaetzel, and potatoes, all offered with varieties of wine. Chuck’s sister, Jane, even flew from Cleveland to join the festivities.

Cindy Ruggerio Rifici said Buddy went golfing, but he left her presents and took her to dinner later.

Estelle Angyal Hoffer wanted to do nothing but veg on her special day….now that’s MY kind of day!

Gail Russler Meyer climbed the Parthenon - yup, in Greece – to celebrate her special day!

Gloria Radziewicz Holloway said her brother took her to Alaska on a cruise….Audrey thinks she MUST have a talk with her own brother!

Helen Steblinski Cejer went to Las Vegas with Amy Roman Kostka, and we all know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!

Joe Mack said his kids threw him a party….aw, such good kids!

Millie Gerak spent her day at Hilarities, Pickwick-N-Frolic and a spa…..what a day!

Peggy Terry Berteau said her family threw a surprise party for her too….another surprise party…seems like “the thing to do”.

Sharon Travagliante Weitzman says she is going to Hawaii to celebrate. Since she didn’t say when, she must still be a young 59…aloha, Sharon!

Wayne Loretitch said his daughter gave him a red SAAB convertible… holy combustible, Batman!!!

Mary Chadwick had an uneventful, quiet birthday…. dinner with her daughter, son-in-law and grandkids and time was spent just the way she likes it!

Alumni who were unable to attend the Birthday Picnic have also shared with us; they are:

Karen Kuderna Kudley traveled to London & Paris the end of June, compliments of husband, Andrew; two weeks later, she was surprised with a large birthday party at a local restaurant where 50 friends and family members were in attendance. She was definitely surprised, since she turned 60 in August.

E. Stephan Penz tells us he spent his 60^th with his family, especially with his 5-year old granddaughter, who is the apple of his eye and can do no wrong! Sounds like a grandpa!

Margaret Plumm says her actual 60^th was celebrated with a quiet dinner with her husband at a favorite restaurant, but two weeks later, they rented a house in Asheville, NC for five days with two daughters, their spouses and five grandchildren. Despite rainy weather, one broken down car and a trip the ER for Marge, they had a really good time!

At the time of his 60^th birthday in June, Dewey Smith celebrated in Florida; wife, Jo Ann, sent us the photo below……Dewey appears as though being 60 is not so bad!!

Congratulations All!!!

Traveling were: Guy Papa with wife, Karen, to West Virginia the weekend of July 25^th to attend the second largest Italian festival in the U.S. (it attracted over 175,000 visitors last year); John Nosek who spent several days in Nova Scotia with friends visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, walking on the sea floor at the Bay of Fundy, eating fish every day and enjoying it all from a rented house on a peninsula on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean; and Rhea Jones Ashmore who had earlier traveled thru Great Britain and in doing so, believes the colonists truly brought the best of England with them to the New World.

Kudos to: Estelle Angyal Hofer, who is running for Councilwoman of Ward 3 in Garfield Heights. She previously was the Ward 3 Block Watch Organizer Green Drive. So, for those alumni who live in Ward 3 and want competent representation, remember to vote November 3^rd!!! And, Valerie Schwonek, who was appointed by Mayor Longo to the Garfield Heights Civil Service Commission. Three members comprise the Commission each serving a six-year term. Valerie replaces Tom Rybicki who moved to Broadview Heights. Good luck to both of you!

Congratulations to: John & Lois Cigavic, whose son, John Carl, has become engaged!

Thinking of: Frank & Rosemary Sanuk Remesch, whose son, Frankie, is recovering from back surgery performed in June and Dennis Liniman, and Marilyn Wolk, who are dealing with pancreatic cancer. Dennis was recently diagnosed, while Marilyn has been dealing with it for several months. Marilyn is having another round of chemotherapy and is attempting pain management.

Also thinking of: Barb Filipski Franzreb, who in June, was diagnosed with lymphoma. Barb has borne a bone marrow biopsy, relative testing, some chemo and had a port surgically implanted. On a very positive note, however, we need to congratulate Barb, too, as she has found “the love of her life” and will be getting married September 5^th!

Let’s all send Frankie, Dennis, Marilyn, and Barb our positive, healing, alumni energy with a prayer or two!

Our Condolences To: Michele Phan Voyzey, whose mother, Frances, passed away February 19, 2009, and had a memorial service June 19, 2009, and to Dave Fryzel, whose brother, Dennis, aka “Coach”, age 67, passed away July 6^th in Georgia. Dennis was a former graduate of GHHS, and became its defensive backfield coach during the 1966 Garfield Heights High School football championship season.

And to the family of Sharon Roth. While Sharon, our alum, passed away in July, 1997, her daughter, Shannon Briggs, age 33, died in July of this year. Our condolences to the family of “one of our own”.

News Worthy Tidbits: Since the creation of our newsletters, we have passed along a copy of them to the faculty members who attended our 40^th Reunion. Here’s a comment from Dennis Blue relative to the awarding of our second scholarship award:

“Gail, Thanks for sending this on to me…I was especially impressed with the fact that your scholarship has been continued, and even more that Mike Miller took the time to respond back as another way of thanking your class for the help. Think I told you once that these things are the best ‘gifts’ a class can give back to a school, by continuing to reward excellence…and this year’s young lady seems to fit in to that mold perfectly.”

We are doing a good thing, alums – thanks to those who continue to support our events and especially to those making periodic donations!

Mary Chadwick residing in Michigan offers a suggestion – anyone interested in sponsoring another Clambake for alumni in October? She says where she lives they don’t have them and she really wants to go to one!! Tom & Janice Hola did an outstanding job hosting one for alums last year – do we have any other takers???????

AND -- Sharon Patyk D’Eusanio will be featured in one of three stories being aired on a show called “I Survived…” on the Biography Channel. The story’s brief synopsis states, “Driving home from a friend’s house late one evening, Sharon is shot by another driver, who then takes her to an apartment where he continues his vicious assault on her.” Sharon will be sharing her story of trauma and survival on Sunday, August 16^th, at 9 pm ET.

AS ALWAYS…if you have anything you would like to share or have an item you feel would interest our alumni family, please let us know!

Till next time………go Bulldogs!!!

Your energetic editor,

Gail Russler Meyer

News Letter

May / June 2009

Dear Fellow GHHS 1967 Graduate,

Summer is fast approaching yet within the last several months, there has already been a flurry of activities keeping alumni busy!

May 17^th found 18 of our female alumni gathering for a Tea Party at Clementine’s located within the Grand Pacific Junction of Olmsted Falls. While enjoying the irresistible finger sandwiches, pastries and tea, a program entitled, “Women of Cleveland”, was presented by Katherine Kohl of the Lakeview Cemetery Foundation, who provided us with some known and unknown facts regarding the immense contributions women have made to the “continuing” history of Cleveland. Included in our group were: Marge Plumm from Kentucky, Jackie Kozak Hasinski, Carol Malinowski Townsend, Audrey Sopko, Helen Steblinski Cejer, Amy Roman Kostka, Gail Russler Meyer, Candice Coneglio Frantz, Pamela Poveroni Conrad, Karen Kuderna Kudley, Sharon Travagliante Weitzman and daughter, Carol Stolarski, Linda Maciaszek Fauble and her sister-in-law, Judy Majewski Fish from Michgan and her guest, plus Estelle Angyal Hofer, who was unable to attend at the last minute. A few prizes were awarded, too – Marge taking the one for being the first alum to submit her check for the tea! What a great way to spend a lovely Sunday afternoon! Carol Stolarksi took some great photos again! View them at our website at the tab labeled, Photo Albums, then Photo Gallery, then Tea Party (www.ghhs1967.org).

One of our goals after our 40^th Reunion held in 2007, was to award an on-going, annual scholarship from the Class of ’67 to a deserving senior of Garfield Heights High School. While in May of 2008, we presented a $500 scholarship to GHHS senior, Michael Miller, our goal of yearly awards became a reality this year, 2009.

After reviewing 54 applications this year, our scholarship recipient receiving a $500 scholarship award from the Class of ’67 was presented to MORGAN GREENE at GHHS Senior Recognition Night held May 21, 2009.

Morgan is hoping to major and then begin a career in theatre art. Her inspiration for wanting to affect the world through the arts came after attending the Cherubs Theatre-Art Institute at Northwestern University. Here she was immersed in a seven-week creative arts program, which she says changed her view of the world forever. Morgan feels that attending a theatre college program will allow her to do what she loves, and to affect others through the arts. She is impressive in her desire to become the best in her field, coupled with the quiet confidence of knowing that success will follow. Congratulations, Morgan………………….

And thank you to the alumni of the Class of ’67! Without your support, attendance of alumni events, and donations to this cause, our goal would not have been reached.

While mentioning scholarship recipients, below is a recent letter from Mike Miller, who is keeping us posted from Bowling Green State University:

“Hello to Class of ’67 from Mike Miller at Bowling Green University.

Very happy to get your note and happy to hear you were going to give someone else a scholarship this year. I hope you all understand just how much help that money is to a student starting up. I still can’t believe how expensive school is.

I just wanted to let you know what I’ve been up to. Thanks to your help I will be finishing my freshman year here at Bowling Green. I graduated “with honors” from basic training and my Tech. School with the Air Force. And have enclosed a picture for you to share. I am very proud to be serving my country in the Air National Guard while I finish school.

In my flight school and my other courses at Bowling Green, I currently hold a 3.5 g.p.a. and will fly solo for the first time on 4-1-09. I am very excited. I will have earned my private pilots license by the end of April when I take my F.A.A. exam.

I’m studying hard and will continue to do so. Thank you for your interest. And I will keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Michael F. Miller

Airman 1^st. Class”

OK, Class….now tell me the above letter doesn’t make you proud! Let’s keep this worthwhile cause going forward!!! Please continue your donations to this program!

The word through the grapevine seems to be that some of us need to have a party (some things just never seem to change no matter how old we become!), and what better party could we have than a Birthday Party! Since quite a number of the alumni of the Class of 1967 have, or soon will be this year, reaching that touching age of 60, we should celebrate!

Therefore, a birthday pot-luck, picnic gathering will be celebrated Saturday, July 25, 2009, within Bedford Reservation at the Hemlock Creek Picnic Area, located off Button Road, east of Dunham Road. To make the affair casual, simple, and very cost friendly, it has been suggested that each participant bring their own main course or meat to BBQ (there are sufficient grills), beverage and paper supplies. We are asking that everyone also bring a dish or casserole to feed approximately 8 (for sharing with participating alumni); that way there should be a variety for picnic foodstuffs for eating without bringing everything yourself! PLEASE…..not just bags of chips, but a dish you feel would compliment this “picnic style”. A birthday cake WILL be provided!

Picnic tables will be reserved from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. The Hemlock Creek Picnic Area also has a large baseball diamond at this site, and for anyone loving golf, there are two possibilities…..Shawnee Hills 27-hole golf course within Bedford Reservation, or across the street from the park at Astorhurst Country Club set in the US National Park System. Tee times can be reserved at Shawnee 5 days in advance by reserving on-line at their website (www.clemetparks.com/recreation/golf/shawnee_hills.asp); Astorhurst tee times are reserved by telephone only (440/439-3636), and they can fill quickly for a Saturday. Or you can just settle in for the afternoon – bring a lawn chair or two to relax and enjoy the camaraderie, or even go wading in Tinkers Creek!

AND for those who wish to continue celebrating into the evening of July 25^th, the Tinkers Creek Road Tavern at 14000 Tinkers Creek Road, just across from Bedford Reservation, has already been alerted about the possibility of our group appearing at their establishment. They offer a casual dining/drinking atmosphere in their rustic dining room, at the bar or out on the patio, where there is a terrific view of the rushing Tinkers Creek.

A detailed flyer of this event is being sent to all alumni via the U.S. Mail! A posting will also be included on our website (www.ghhs1967.org). Any questions, email Audrey Sopko (asopko@sbcglobal.net) or Gail Meyer (grdmohio@aol.com). WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE AND PASS THE WORD ALONG!

Traveling were: Candice Coneglio Frantz and husband, Bob, who returned May 16^th from taking their grandchildren to Disney World….all 5 of them ranging in age from 7, 5, 3, and 20 months! What a great experience – are you still singing, “It’s A Small World”, Candice? And Audrey Sopko and Gail Russler Meyer who had a “girls night out” at the Lakehouse Inn in Geneva-on-the-Lake the weekend of May 29th.

Kudos to: Dave Krailo, who, we just found out, took an early retirement from Osram Sylvania effective October 1, 2008, after having a 37-year career in the lighting business. He says that there is an adjustment period in being retired, but he is feeling more comfortable with each passing month! Living on the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border in the city of Nashua, New Hampshire, Dave also has a second home resting on 38 acres of land in the Great North Woods of the White Mountains in Northern NH….now there is a place to relax! Enjoy it, Dave!!

Chuck Pflueger is in charge of the public relations that his employer, Standard Renewable Energy of Houston, undertakes. Their goal was to get noticed by Vice President Joe Biden and to find ways to influence the Vice President’s energy/environmental task force relating to energy efficiency and renewable energy. Their PR efforts and plan paid off, as Standard Renewable Energy was invited to participate in a roundtable discussion held June 2^nd in New York at Pace University, hosted by Vice President Biden. Business leaders from across the country attended this roundtable that highlighted many aspects of the Recovery Act. You make us proud, Chuck!

And to Sharon Travagliante Weitzman and husband, Skip, who apparently have a celebrity grandchild. Two-year-old Vincent Farago, son of Sharon & Skip’s daughter, Maria and son-in-law, Joe, was photographed at Edgewater beach and now his image graces a Carlton birthday card (and sold at Target stores!). It is included below:

Grandsons Are Special All Life Through”

©AGC,LLC

Permission to reproduce granted courtesy of

American Greetings Corporation

Congrats, Grandma & Grandpa!!

Our Condolences To: Terry Barcikowski Davis and family upon the death in April of son, Corporal Brad A. Davis, a member of the U.S. Army’s 82^nd Airborne. As you may have read in the Plain Dealer, Brad was killed in Iraq while serving his country. Due to his bravery, he was awarded The Purple Heart by President Obama, as well as The Bronze Star Medal by the Secretary of the Army. Terry and husband, Robert, continue to reside in the City of Garfield Heights.

Nancy Seman Sramek, and husband, Martin Sramek, with the passing in May of Nancy’s brother, Raymond Seman. Ray was a U.S. Army Viet Nam Veteran; graveside services were held in Bushnell, Florida.

Preston Yuzwa, who lost brother, Alan, May 1^st, after a three-month battle with lymphoma.

Rosemarie Martinovich Spatny, and husband, Jim Spatny, with the passing in May of Rosie’s mom, Pauline Martinovich, who was 82.

Judith Liptack, who also lost her mother, Bertha Liptack, age 86, in the month of May;

Carol Hite Woods, whose father, John Hite, Jr., age 83, of Garfield Heights, also passed away in May;

Rick Milligan and wife, Jeannie, regarding the passing away of Rick’s mother-in-law, Mildred H. Jelovic, who was 85;

Kathleen Vajda Smith, whose brother, Ken Vajda, age 55, passed away in Naperville, IL, on May 16^th from a long battle with kidney cancer. Ken resided in Illinois since 1985, and was a 1971 graduate of Garfield Heights High School,

Dusty Bowling, who lost his grandmother, Daphna “Mamaw” Houck of South Carolina, formerly of Oakwood Village, on June 2^nd; she was 100 years old, and to,

David and Pam Latessa Sminchak upon the recent passing of Dave’s father, William C. Sminchak, who was 92, and a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II.

Our sincere sympathies to all of you and your families.

News Worthy Tidbits: Linda Capretta’s son and daughter-in-law ran in the 32^nd Annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon May 17, 2009, while Linda and grandchildren cheered them on, as well as Audrey Sopko’s son-in-law who did the same. He ran a time of 3:27:06, which qualified him in his age category for the Boston Marathon!

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AS ALWAYS…if you have anything you would like to share or have an item you feel would interest our alumni family, please let us know!

Till next time………go Bulldogs!!!!

Your energetic editor,

Gail Russler Meyer

News Letter

March / April 2009

Dear Fellow GHHS 1967 Graduate,

Spring seems to be just around the corner, and with good weather arriving (finally) in our area comes all kinds of reasons to be “out and about”. Enjoy this season of hope!

AS A REMINDER……………

For all our female alumni, don’t forget the Tea Party scheduled at Clementine’s in Olmsted Falls on Sunday, May 17^th from 2pm-5pm. We will have a variety of tempting finger sandwiches, pastries, and tea, and also a surprise program. This event will be open to sharing with your moms, sisters, aunts, daughters, nieces, or whomever you would like to bring….the more the merrier! Tickets are $25 each and for every guest brought to the tea, our Alum will receive $1.00 discount on her own ticket. Space is limited and payment for your reservations should be in our hands by May 1st. Therefore send your check, payable to Gail Meyer, to 6678 Tudor Circle, North Royalton, OH 44133. If you have any questions, call (440) 582-9620, or email: grdmohio@aol.com. No tickets will be sent to you but your reservation will be given to the tea room. Come an hour earlier and shop the various stores of Grand Pacific Junction!

Ever gone “hunting” in the desert, at the beach, in a ghost town? That seems to be the hobby of Sandy Zelch Farylo….metal detecting hunting that is!! According to Sandy, she has been metal detecting for about 20 years, hooked via her husband, who has been “hunting” for 30! It’s called hunting because the hunters are looking for coins, relics and jewelry. Sandy has found and cashed in over 25,000 coins with a value totaling $1,500.00. She has numerous trays containing silver jewelry, gold rings with diamonds, and various semi-precious stones, as well as several trays containing 300 costume and junk rings that were all found while hunting. Along with jewelry, commemorative pins, old memorabilia, and a few old cap pistols became all found treasures.

Sandy is a member of a metal detecting club in her hometown of Tucson, and has also hunted in competitions. She says she can out hunt most of the men in the club, except for husband, Bob. One of her best hunts was a Civil War relic hunt held in Virginia. There were 125 hunters from all over the world at that event, and she was 1 of only 4 women to participate! She was able to find several bullets, a soldier’s pocket knife with the wood trim rotted away, a fork, and a full reed to a harmonica. She dug a ton of Civil War metal garbage too; thinking it would be a great find, she presented it with the others….she says she was the butt of many jokes that night, as that find was actually not so great!

She says hunting is a great hobby for warm weather and they hunt every weekend. Since the desert temperature can reach 110º in the summer, they start at 5AM and finish by 11AM. Once, while hunting in a ghost town there, they encountered 5 illegal aliens that came out of nowhere. After providing them with some water, food, and a glimpse of the “Crocodile Dundee” knife Sandy also carries when in the desert, they were left alone. In the winter months, she and Bob hunt for at least 5 hours on Saturdays and Sundays. It seems as though the Farylos like adventure. They cruised the Amazon in 2005 and have just booked another cruise for later this year. We wish you happy hunting, Sandy, wherever you go!

We have another alum that you could say goes “hunting” too—only he is paid to do it, as he can be involved in search and rescue operations, as well as a variety of other tasks. Ken Dankowski is employed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and gets deployed by them on a national basis. FEMA is an agency of the US Department of Homeland Security, and was activated by Presidential Order on April 1, 1979 by President Jimmy Carter. The best-known purpose of FEMA is to coordinate the response to a disaster which has occurred in the U.S. and which overwhelms the resources of local and state authorities. The governor of the state in which the disaster occurred must declare a state of emergency and formally request from the President that FEMA and the federal government respond to the disaster. The only exception is when an emergency or disaster occurs on federal property or to a federal asset, for example, the 1995 bombing in Oklahoma City, or the Space Shuttle Columbia in the 2003 return-flight disaster. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, FEMA was absorbed into DHS. It was after 9-11 that Ken decided he wanted to become involved with this agency.

Ken says that all the coverage you see on the news during an on-going disaster is what he does. As an example, in June of 2008, he was deployed to Southern Indiana, and was part of a 4-person team covering 6 counties where flood damage was severe and wide spread. When he arrived, 8 counties were declared for emergency…six days later, there were 23. He said he was there for a while!

In September, 2008, he was deployed to Alabama to help with Hurricane Gustof, then sent to Texas to assist with Hurricane Ike. From Texas he was then sent to Chicago to deal with the flooding caused by Ike as it passed through the Northeast. He returned home from that mission on December 18^th. During the year 2008, he chased disasters for 249 days!!! Hopefully wife, Debbie, remembers what he looks like!

And if FEMA doesn’t provide Ken with enough excitement, when he finally gets some time at home, he volunteers with the Red Cross and is a Disaster Action Team Leader, responding to disasters on a local basis.

He must have MANY stories, some of them certainly heart wrenching! Just another alum that makes us proud! Thanks, Ken!

Our Apologies: to Barbara (Filipski) Franzreb. In our last newsletter (Jan/Feb), after describing the ornaments Barb has provided to the White House, we included her webpage address; unfortunately, there was a typo in it (duh!). Her website can be found at www.calicogoose.com. Check out the other wonderful things Barbara does for fun!

Traveling were: Bill & Amy (Roman) Kostka off on a LONG adventure cruising for a month from Buenos Aires, Argentina, around Cape Horn in South America, and ending in San Francisco, CA. Ports of call included cities in Argentina, Chile and Ecuador, as well as Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. They particularly enjoyed navigating through the famous and breathtaking Beagle Passage. Bill even purchased a Panama hat this trip!

Kudos to: John Nosek, a member of the Board of Trustees for Voices for Ohio’s Children, the non-partisan voice of Ohio’s nearly 3 million children, with more than 100 collaborative partners, impacting the changes in public policy that improve the health, safety, education, family stability and childcare of Ohio’s children and their families. Can’t think of anyone better doing this job!

Congratulations to: Sharon Travagliante Weitzman and husband, Skip, who became grandparents (again) March 11, 2009, when Marco Alexander Farago was born.

Thinking of: Linda Capretta, whose young nephew-in-law suffered a major heart attack. He is recuperating but slowly. To try to help with family, Linda did manage to take the grandchildren to Kalahari Resort in Sandusky for a weekend. Hang in there, Linda!

Our Condolences: to Lora (Finocchi) Garrett upon the sudden passing of husband, Bob, on February 20, 2009. Bob has had medical problems for a number of years, yet those problems never dampened his positive thinking or his good attitude, especially around those who knew him.

To Doug Day, whose sister-in-law, Suzanne Day, passed away March 30, 2009, after a courageous, faith filled battle with breast cancer. Suzanne’s husband, David, is also a former graduate of Garfield Heights High School.

And condolences to former faculty member, Ted Holtz, whose uncle, Theodore Stanley Holtz, passed away March 17, 2009. Mr. Holtz’s uncle had been Mayor of Garfield Heights from 1979-1983. Our thoughts are with each of you and your families.

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As an interesting tidbit, any of our alumni who graduated from Miami University might be pleased to know that on February 17, 2009, the US Postal Service issued a Miami University stamped postal card (27 cents) as part of their Historic Preservation Issue series to commemorate Miami University’s bicentennial. It was issued in Oxford, Ohio, and is available for purchase in either a 10 or 100-pack, or a full box of 5,000. The stamped card was designed by Howard E. Paine of Delaplane, Virginia, and the image on the card is a computer-generated illustration of MacCracken Hall, created by artist Tom Engeman of Bethany Beach, Delaware.

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We are also asking for copies of any old photos that you might be able to share with us…..those pictures of you with other GHHS Alumni, the schools we attended within Garfield Heights, your participation in an event as a member of an organization during your time at GHHS, etc. We’d like to post it in our newsletter, and maybe even ask other alums for captions. If you have any, send it or a copy to Gail Meyer, 6678 Tudor Circle, North Royalton, OH 44133. At your request, the photos will be returned to you!

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A LAST REMINDER…if you change your postal or email address, or telephone number, please let us know. We certainly want to keep all of you “in the loop” for future newsletters and mailings, and as always, if you have anything you would like to share or have an item you feel would interest our alumni family, please let us know!

And finally, spring is a beautiful time of renewal, when nature provides a fresh start. Wishing all of you and your families a new beginning with the arrival of spring…….Happy Easter….Happy Passover.

Till next time………go Bulldogs!!!!

Your energetic editor,

Gail Russler Meyer

NEWS LETTER

January/February 2009

IT’S A TEA PARTY..........

And we’re inviting all female graduates of the

Class of 1967 of Garfield Heights High School

to shake off that winter blah and welcome

the arrival of spring!!!!

To continue “keeping in touch”, the ladies of our class are invited to attend a spring “High Tea” on Sunday, May 17, 2009, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at Clementine’s located in the historic shopping district of Grand Pacific Junction of Olmsted Falls, 8092 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, Ohio, (440) 235-1223.

Grand Pacific Junction is one of the most authentic and original revitalized downtown historical districts in Ohio. Architectural make-up of this area is late 1880s, and Clementine’s, once a livery stable, is in the heart of the Grand Pacific Junction. Connected now by brick walkways, the area is ideal for a day exploring historical buildings, interesting shops, and eating outstanding food. [See last page for map]. Come early at 1pm to walk and shop the area!

Not only will we have a variety of tempting finger sandwiches, pastries, and tea, but also a surprise program. [Tea will be on the second floor, so there will be some stairs to maneuver.]

This event will be open to sharing with your moms, sisters, aunts, daughters, nieces, or if you would like, even your “better half”!!! Tickets are $25 each. The more the merrier, so…for every guest, Alum will receive $1.00 discount on her own ticket. Space is limited. Therefore, to join in the fun and begin the warmth of spring, send your check, payable to Gail Meyer, to 6678 Tudor Circle, North Royalton, OH 44133. If you have any questions, call (440) 582-9620, or email: grdmohio@aol.com. No tickets will be sent to you but your reservation will be given to the tea room.

Don’t worry male alums…..there’s a hint of a “guys only” event planned for fall!

It appears as though we have one alum that has a connection to the White House! Barbara Filipski Franzreb was commissioned this past year to paint 1,000 ornaments that President and Mrs. Bush gave as Christmas gifts to family, friends, and White House staff. Barbara is a member of the Society of Decorative Painters and Mrs. Bush’s office had contacted the Society to inquire if an artist could create a design for these ornaments. Barbara was one of four artists “in the running”, and in July she received the news that her design was chosen! She painted 1,010 ornaments, 1,000 of which were numbered, and the extra ten were done in case any of the numbered ones broke during shipment to the White House. Barbara tells us that between her full-time job at Fifth Third Bank and painting, she did pretty much nothing else! But, she says she wouldn’t trade the spiritual experience of this event for anything in the world! Barbara is also not a stranger to that house on Pennsylvania Avenue … four years ago, she painted an ornament that was included on the White House Tree in its Blue Room. Barbara has been painting for about 25 years and teaching for 23. She designs her own patterns, and has her own website (www.calicogoose.com), which highlights some of them. She began all this by observing someone painting at a craft show who also taught classes; she started painting with her and the result was ending up at the White House! Congratulations, Barbara….we are so proud of you!!

Below is Barbara (far right) with two of her students who assisted and accompanied her to the White House.

Our Busy Alumni:

Traveling were: Audrey Sopko who took daughter, Kelly, to Maui for a holiday, and Gail Russler Meyer and husband, Barry, to visit Mexico’s colonial cities and Aztec ruins.

Rhea Jones Ashmore has returned from her two month sabbatical in China. In addition to teaching and doing research, she had an opportunity to travel. She facilitated many workshops with Chinese teachers of English, visited many elementary schools, and found that English is a priority in the schools of China today. In terms of studying languages, President Obama’s speeches are being viewed and listened to in China as a method for students to learn English!

Proud again: Kim Mihalic, talented daughter-in-law of Mary Ann and Dan Mihalic, will be teaching “Introduction to the Theatre” for ages 8-12 for the City of Broadview Heights. This class, beginning February 21^st, will serve as a relaxed, fun-filled introduction to the art of the theatre, and students will learn about the creative process of performance through activities, theatre games and a final performance. All sessions meet at the Cultural Arts Building, home of the Broadview Heights Spotlights’ Theatre. This would be a great activity for those grandchildren! For more info, contact the City of Broadview Heights.

Kudos: Many of our alums chose teaching as their career and in doing so became mentors and exemplary examples for their students. After finding our class website, we received an inquiry from a principal in California asking if it might be possible to contact Sandy Bittner. Apparently, a teacher in his school was a 5^th grade student of Sandy’s and, like her, has become an outstanding teacher due to the positive influence of Sandy. She was a Cambodian refugee when her family moved to Ohio, and in those days, things were difficult for her and her family. Sandy created a safe and positive environment for her, and in turn, a young person became a caring teacher today! Thanks, Sandy!!!

Congratulations to: Helen Steblinski Cejer, who just retired from her management position in the pension department at Local 880, and, to Tom and Janice Wroblewski Hola who became grandparents for the 5^th time on January 12^th. Daphne Helen Tucker was born to daughter, Stacy, and son-in-law, Jason. Everyone is excellent! And, Supplements Etc., the business owned by Candice Coneglio Frantz, is celebrating its 10^th year this month. Alums receive 15% off on any order!

Thinking of: John Nosek, whose mother is in the hospital. We are sending her positive energy, John!

Our Condolences to: Alice Maciaszek Comeriato, whose mother passed away in December; Kathleen Glinski Smith, who also lost her mom in January, and Alex Semritc (Semrite) whose father passed away in January.

************************

AND FINALLY, ever look at those old photos in all those albums, and reflect, “What was I thinking?” Here’s a cutie that Renee Blank shared with us of Jim….love that bow tie! We need a caption – vote for the one you like the best. Just email your vote to Audrey Sopko, who will tally and give to Bill Williams to post on our website!

- This is the LAST undercover assignment I’m volunteering for;

- I plead contemporary insanity;

- At least no one will ever see this photo;

- I think these bow-ties will really catch on;

- Wow…I guess that stuff DOES mess with your mind;

- Man, I wish they’d bring back the 70s;

- One day I’ll learn to tie a REAL tie then I can ditch this clip-on bow tie;

- Does this make me look like a people person? and,

- I HATE losing bets!

(all of the above compliments of Guy Papa)

As always, if you have anything you would like to share or have an item you feel would interest our alumni family, please let us know!

Till next time………go Bulldogs!!!!

Your energetic editor,

Gail Russler Meyer

NEWS LETTER

November / December 2008

Dear Fellow GHHS 1967 Graduate,

The Year 2008 is quickly coming to a close and with its closure comes reflections of what has happened throughout that year.

Our Alumni “Association” has grown considerably since we celebrated our 40^th Reunion in 2007…alums are keeping in touch more than ever. Let us count the ways:

Since August, 2007, alumni from the Class of ’67 have come together for (1) an Oktoberfest in Brunswick; (2) an “Evening at the Races” which took place at Northfield Park; (3) a wine tasting at Jerry’s Wine Center, Broadview Heights; (4) a congratulatory evening in Beachwood for Chuck Angello to celebrate his induction into the John Carroll Hall of Fame, and (5) an October outdoor clambake at the home of our alums, Tom & Jan (Wroblewski) Hola. And all of these events took place just a year or so after our Reunion!

To keep us informed about events, alumni, good news and bad news, our personal web page was designed and added to that cyberspace of the world!! Alum, Bill Williams, volunteered (for free) his services in creating and maintaining that important communication tool. THANK YOU, BILL! You will find a great deal of information at our website (www.ghhs1967.org) including music from the days we attended GHHS, an alumni directory, all issues of our newsletters, a memorial page, and photos of all class organizations. This just names a few of the things to expect when viewing the site!

At the end of each 10-Year Reunion, any monies left “in the till” from that Reunion were given to a deserving graduating senior of GHHS. However, at the close of the 40^th Reunion, it was our goal to see if we could continue the tradition of providing a scholarship to a graduating senior, but doing so on an annual basis, rather than just after each 10-year period. We are pleased to say that it appears that this objective can be accomplished.

Our scholarship recipient for 2008 was Mr. Michael F. Miller, who was highlighted in our September newsletter (see our website). Mike plans to attend Bowling Green State University and become a pilot with the United States Air Force. Below is a copy of his recent letter to our Class:

Class of “67”

6678 Tudor Circle

North Royalton, Ohio 44133

Attn: Ms. Gail Meyer

Dear Ms. Meyer:

Well the school bills have started rolling in and I’m so happy

to have the scholarship money to help me out.

I have enclosed the bill for spring semester as you requested. Please

send the check to me, or to Bowling Green State University what

ever way is easy for you.

Again, thank you and the Class of “67” so very much for the help

you have given me in starting my future plans of becoming a pilot.

I will try and keep in touch and send pictures of me flying.

Thanks again.

Very truly yours,

Michael F. Miller

We hope to continue this wonderful program in 2009!!

THAT’S OUR RECAP…..NOW WE HAVE A BIT OF NEWS

TO SHARE WITH YOU…..

All of us appreciate the dedicated people who serve in our armed forces. One of these is Carol Stolarski. She has diligently attended all of those weekend and summer “tours of duty”, during her 26-year career with the Air Force Reserves. She will possibly have a bit more time on her hands now, as Carol retired from duty on November 1, 2008, at a ceremony at the Youngstown-Warren Air Reserve Station. Congratulations, Carol, and thank you for serving!!!

Congratulations to former faculty member, Dennis Blue, upon the birth of his “new” granddaughter born in July. He and wife, Joyce, traveled recently to Colorado to see the new addition to the Blue household of son, Doug, and daughter-in-law.

Our Busy Alumni:

Traveling were: Tom & Connie (Tortorici) Smolko with their son, daughter-in-law and 3 year old grandson to the Playacar area of Mexico (near Cancun), and cruising were Frank & Rose Mary (Sanuk) Remesch on a re-positioning cruise, and Barry & Gail (Russler) Meyer who cruised aboard the Queen Victoria thru the Mediterranean.

Gloria (Radziewicz) Holloway and Sharon (Travagliante) Weitzman celebrated Thanksgiving together in Vermillion, OH, and,

Audrey Sopko sings again with the Broadview Heights Spotlights “Costumed Carolers”, who perform songs of the holiday season in Dickens-period costumes at public and private events, and, Ken Zach who continues singing with the Master Singers, Inc. Chorale, as they performed their winter concert of “O Magnum Mysterium” December 7^th in Akron, Ohio.

Our Condolences to Jim Blank upon the sudden passing of Jim’s brother, Paul, on November 10, 2008, and to Terry Meek whose mother passed away December 19^th. Our thoughts are with you and your families.

***********************

AN EVENING WITH THE “PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES”

Kim Mihalik (daughter-in-law of Dan and Mary Ann Mihalik) gave a remarkable performance November 22^nd, the night Dan, Mary Anne and Audrey Sopko attended the Broadview Heights Spotlights dinner theater presentation of “Pump Boys and Dinettes”. The show was the highlight of a wonderful evening of food, camaraderie, and music. The evening began with appetizers and music by the Spotlights’ “Costumed Carolers”, singing Christmas carols dressed in Dickens period attire. Following the serenade was a fine meal offered by County Lakes Party Center. Conversation abounded as old friends re-united and new friends were made. Then began a show professionally performed with a set that was interestingly designed. Kim Mihalik did an outstanding job of directing AND performing in the charming musical about a Texas diner run by two sisters and the gas station guys that frequent the diner. Kim and her cast offered the audience talented voices and gifted acting. She did a nice job of adapting the show to the intimate, local stage. The cast interacted with the audience during the performance, which made the evening so much more enjoyable. The evening ended with more friendly conversation, as the cast mingled amongst audience members.

********************

AS A COURTESY: This newsletter is for the benefit of our alumni. Since it is distributed via email addresses, we ask that you respect the privacy of that email address and refrain from copying those addresses to solicit any materials of a political or sensitive nature. We want to keep using email addresses as a method of providing our alums with quick and informative information, and we appreciate your understanding of that communication tool.

***********************

As our news comes to a close for 2008 and the holiday rush is upon us, perhaps a Christmas tune enters your head as you are shopping, wrapping, and addressing cards. Try to guess the real names of these Christmas songs:

1. Bleached Yule

2. Castaneous-colored Seed Vesicated in a Conflagration

3. Singular Yearning for the Twin Anterior Incisors (Dr. Soltysiak, this should be easy for you!)

4. Righteous Darkness

5. Arrival Time 2400 hrs – Weather Cloudless

6. Loyal Followers Advance

7. Far off in a Feeder

8. Array the Corridor

9. Bantam Male Percussionist

10. Monarchial Triad

11. Nocturnal Noiselessness

12. Red Man En Route to Borough

13. Frozen Precipitation Commence

14. Proceed and Enlighten on the Pinnacle

15. Query Regarding Identity of Descendant

16. Delight for this Planet

17. Give Attention to the Melodious Celestial Beings

18. The Dozen Festive 24 Hour Intervals

19. Our fervent hope is that you thoroughly enjoy your yuletide season

20. Tranquility upon the terrestrial sphere.

(Author: Jimmy Farrar)

Answers:

1. White Christmas

2. Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

3. All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth

4. O Holy Night

5. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

6. O Come, All Ye Faithful

7. Away in a Manger

8. Deck the Hall

9. Little Drummer Boy

10. We Three Kings

11. Silent Night

12. Santa Claus is Coming to Town

13. Let It Snow

14. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

15. What Child is This?

16. Joy to the World!

17. Hark the Herald Angels Sing

18. The Twelve Days of Christmas

19. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

20. Peace on Earth

***********************************

Each of you are wished a very happy, Holiday Season, with the very best of things to look forward to in 2009!! We hope that will include attending an alumni event, or two!

As always, if you have anything you would like to share or have an item you feel would interest our alumni family, please let us know!

Till next time………go Bulldogs!!!!

Your energetic editor,

Gail Russler Meyer

NEWS LETTER

OCTOBER, 2008

Dear Fellow GHHS 1967 Graduate,

Some things just never seem to change…..especially when it comes to the Class of ’67 knowing how to celebrate! We were proud to announce last month that the winners of the 1975 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship and their then Assistant Coach, Chuck Angello, were inducted into John Carroll’s Hall of Fame on September 26,2008. Several of us Bulldogs congratulated Chuck at Champps Restaurant in Lyndhurst the evening of September 27^th. Below are a few pictures of the group saying, “Well Done!” You may look at several more photos located on the Class website (www.ghhs1967.org) under the page entitled, “Chuck Angello Nite”. A very good time was had by all!

***************************************************

AND, more fun followed on October 11, 2008, when Tom & Janice (Wroblewski) Hola hosted, at their home, our Class clambake. Tents covered the backyard, enclosing tables and chairs to comfortably seat 41. With a steamer cooking clams, chicken, yams, and sweet corn, coupled with a wide variety of appetizers and desserts, no one left hungry! The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, providing us with a gorgeous autumn day! Music and camaraderie abounded, and our 50/50 raffle amounted to $114.00. Dan Mihalik had the winning ticket this time and then graciously donated $25 of his winnings to our Scholarship Fund!! Thanks so much, Dan!!

We have photos to share, but because we didn’t want to slight anyone by choosing just two or three for placement here in the newsletter, we refer you, again, to our Class website (www.ghhs1967.org) at the page entitled, “Clambake”. There you can view Audrey Sopko and Carol Stolarski’s photo abilities!!

ALSO…..a note from Jan & Tom:

“The fall clambake was terrific! Thanks to all the great people who attended.

We never ran out of conversation and everyone was willing to lend a helping

hand. We enjoyed hosting this event and thanks to all for contributing towards

our scholarship fund.

Tom and Jan Hola”

Speaking of websites, just a reminder to continue to utilize ours! Have an outing or charity event you would like us to know about? Selling an item? Contact Bill Williams with those details and they’ll be included on our “Bulletin Board” page.

Our website is funded by donations. ADVERTISING is the perfect method that helps both you and our class! Our rates are most reasonable. Display your company banner for $20 a year, or your business card for $15 a year. What better way to promote a business or organization …..it’s an inexpensive marketing tool, and it also assists in keeping our website going!

While Class events may taper a bit due to the forthcoming holidays and weather (meaning winter!), we can report that Dan & Mary Ann Mihalik’s daughter-in-law, Kim, is directing the dinner theatre production, “Pump Boys & Dinettes”, for the Broadview Heights SpotLights Community Theater. To support the Mihaliks and see some great, local theatre, we thought we would get a group together to see the show.

"Pump Boys & Dinettes" is an interactive musical comedy about the pump boys selling high octane on Highway 57 in Grand Ole Opry country and the dinettes, Prudie and Rhetta Cupp, running the Double Cupp diner next door. Together they fashion an evening of country western songs that have received unanimous raves on and off Broadway. They perform on guitars, piano, bass and, yes, kitchen utensils.

Since this show is a dinner theatre presentation, tickets include appetizers, dinner, dessert, show and cash bar. It will be held at the Country Lakes Party Center, 8626 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights, Ohio, on Friday, November 21, 2008, $42 per person. Doors open at 6:00; dinner at 6:30; show at 7:30.

PLUS……..The Spotlights' costumed carolers will provide background entertainment during seating and cocktails.

Military Discount Price $ 5.00 -- to active duty personnel!!!! (Valid military ID must be presented at box office).

INTERESTED? Contact Audrey Sopko to be added to our list of attendees (440/582-1780, or (asopko@sbcglobal.net).

Bulldog Kudos goes to:

Estelle Angyal Hofer, who received a promotion at her place of employment, Advanstar, to full-time sales rep, and,

Ken Zach, whose daughter, Christina, was married in Cleveland, Tennessee, October 11^th (so that’s why we didn’t see Ken at the clambake!!).

Our Alumni Keep Traveling:

Candice Coneglio Frantz, and husband, Bob, enjoyed 16 days in Europe. Started in Barcelona on a cruise and visited France & Italy, some of which was seen via rental car…….and,

Amy (Roman) Kostka, and husband, Bill, who traveled to London and then cruised from that glorious city back to New York City.

Our Condolences To:

Dennis Liniman whose brother, Norman, passed away September 19^th, and

Bill Williams who lost his Dad, also Bill, on September 28^th.

All of us who own animals also know how treasured they become and are included as members of our families. Therefore, we would also like to say “Thinking of You” to Ken Zach, who lost a great companion, Jake, September 27^th. Ken says Jake was a great dog and in tribute to him, he has become “immortalized” on the beer labels of Ken’s “home brewed” bottled beer! Ken & friends will now look forward to drinking, “Jake’s Christmas Ale”!

AND A CHUCKLE FOR THE DAY:

A man was walking home alone late one foggy night, when behind him he hears:

BUMP...

Walking faster, he looks back and through the fog he makes out the

image of an upright casket banging its way down the middle of the

street toward him.

BUMP...

Terrified, the man begins to run toward his home, the casket bouncing

quickly behind him

FASTER...

BUMP...

He runs up to his door, fumbles with his keys, opens the door, rushes

in, slams and locks the door behind him.

However, the casket crashes through his door, with the lid of the

casket clapping

clappity-BUMP...

on his heels, the terrified man runs.

Rushing upstairs to the bathroom, the man locks himself in.

His heart is pounding; his head is reeling; his breath is coming in

sobbing gasps.

With a loud CRASH the casket breaks down the door.

Bumping and clapping toward him.

The man screams and reaches for something, anything, but all he can

find is a bottle of cough syrup!

Desperate, he throws the cough syrup at the casket... and,

(hopefully you're ready for this!!!)

The coffin stops.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!

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Guess that’s the news for this month! If you have anything you would like to share or have an item you feel would interest our alumni family, please let us know!

Till next time………go Bulldogs!!!!

Your energetic editor,

Gail Russler Meyer

SEPTEMBER 2008

Dear Fellow GHHS 1967 Graduate,

It is also hard to believe that a year “plus some” has flown by since our Class celebrated its 40^th reunion (we partied the weekend of Aug. 3 & 4, 2007)! Since that reunion, our Class began its own website, has a monthly newsletter, and has tried to schedule at least two social events a year when not a reunion year! Communication between alumni appears to be better than ever, and we are pleased that so many of you are interested in what your past fellow classmates are doing now! We appreciate your support…..without it, none of the above would have happened!

With growth comes change, and we hope it is all for the better! Therefore, you are going to see a few changes to our website that will allow you to locate alumni news quickly.

Our newsletter is automatically included on our website. Each newsletter will now include a broader scope of information giving you the “who, what, where and why”s of news concerning upcoming and past events, plus items of interest, as well as “trivia” items regarding our alumni family.

Our “Bulldog Banter” pages will now be archived. Those pages that have been created will be archived on our webpage, so if you have not seen them, you can still view them.

“Breaking News” will be just that………information of events coming up, or news that we feel you should know about immediately. As this section is updated, a notation to that effect will be posted which will provide a date of when the update took place. So please continue to provide us with your news and notes!

Of course, we hope you will continue to “click” on all the other pages at this site and post your comments to its Guest Book. Never know what might be there!

And please remember, our website is funded by donations AND ADVERTISING. So if you have a business you’d like us to promote, remember our rates are the most reasonable on the internet! You can display your company’s banner for as little as $20 a year, or your business card for $15 a year!

ALUMNI EVENTS

We hope your summer has been enjoyable and that you are now thinking about some extra special plans for fall. To help you begin, we want to remind you of our Class of ’67, clambake hosted at the home of Tom & Janice (Wroblewski) Hola on Saturday, October 11^th, come rain or shine! The particulars are as follows:

TIME: 3:00 P.M.

PLACE: 9899 Seneca Court

Brecksville, OH 44141

(440) 838-5375

MENU: - Dozen Middle Neck Clams

- Half Chicken

- Corn on the Cob

- Sweet Potato

- Creamy Cole Slaw

- Dinner Rolls

Please bring your own beverages; Appetizers and/or desserts are welcome!!!

PRICE: $17.95 per person; subtract $6.95 if you don’t like clams! Add another $6.95 if you want a double portion of clams!

Make checks payable to Janice Hola and mail to above address;

payment due by September 24^th!!

Join us and create some fun!!!!!

ALUMNI NEWS

Chuck Angello was one of the Class of ‘67’s “Mighty Bulldogs”. Being Senior Captain of the GHHS Varsity Wrestling squad during high school, he was one team member who worked hard on the squad to see the Bulldogs finish that season with a 5-4 overall record, and a 3-2 conference record.

Chuck continued his interest in wrestling by lending his talents as Assistant Coach of the John Carroll University Blue Streaks. He and the team won the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship in 1975.

We are happy to report that both Chuck and the Team of 1975 are going to be inducted into John Carroll’s Hall of Fame on Friday, September 26^th, with ceremonials being presented that evening at the Windows on the World, in the Flats of Cleveland.

Since Chuck lives in Oxford, Ohio, and, of course, will be in Cleveland for this special award, there is going to be a congratulatory get-together for Chuck on Saturday, September 27^th, 8:00pm, at Champps Restaurant in Lyndhurst, 5835 Landerbrook Drive, (440) 605-9222. Any “Bulldog” who would like to stop by, see Chuck and extend their congratulations is welcome!

We’re proud of you, Chuck……..congratulations!!

We have also learned that Rhea Jones Ashmore, Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction Literacy Studies Program, is taking a sabbatical from The University of Montana and will be traveling to China October 9, returning to the USA December 3^rd.

Rhea will be teaching at the Zhejiang University, training Chinese teachers of English, and conducting English as a second language research. The purpose of this research project is to investigate the effects of peer-assisted repeated oral reading (PROR) on silent reading fluency in English for Chinese English language learners in fifth grade. After selection of two classes, Rhea will be overseeing reading for 20 a day, 3 days a week……which leaves time to tour China! Rhea will be living in Hangzhou, an hour’s ride from Shanghai by fast train! Rhea is a Fulbright Scholar, with Tai, Russian and Chinese teaching experience.

Good luck, Rhea…….we want to hear updates!

BULLDOG BANTER

Bulldog Kudos goes to:

Terry Calabro Karwan, a resident of Kentucky, tells us that she has returned to school and hopes to get into the nursing program in January!! This semester she is taking medical microbiology and fundamental psychology….our hats are off to you, Terry!

Bill Williams (our Class webmaster), who has recently become the Webmaster for the Garfield Heights Historical Society. They need assistance in creating their webpage, and whose better hands can do it than that of Bill’s!

By the way, Bill’s middle daughter, Kathryn, was married September 7^th in a beautiful wedding on the shore of Chippewa Lake. Newlyweds live in Madison, Wisconsin, where “Katy” is employed as the Art Director for Athletic Business magazine.

Thinking of:

Millie Gerak, continues to convalesce at home from surgery performed the end of July; and,

Ernie Chizmar, who had his left hip replaced July 16^th, but is recovering well. He says his running career is over, but he’s still riding his rode bicycle and lifting weights.

Our thoughts are also with Chuck Pflueger, who was right in the path of Hurricane Ike when it roared through Houston. Chuck reported that the winds came whistling through for more than 12 hours at 110 mph. Even the dog started howling when the wind noise hit a certain pitch! He is a bit “wounded” but ok….minor damage to his house and he thinks a “hurricane tornado” knocked his brick wall over….the wall broke about 4 rows of bricks up from the base and then just snapped and broke off. The neighborhood looks wrecked. In storms like these, winds from the hurricane tend to push or roll trees over, taking huge chunks of sod with it. Some trees get snapped off at the top so there have been lots & lots of tree and shrubbery debris clean-up. Chuck and family were without power for 60 hours, they faring a bit better than 80% of the greater Houston population. But what a BBQ they are having: he and neighbors have been cooking food that was defrosting in the freezers…lots of steak, lamb, chicken, sausage and even dessert! We’re glad you made it, Chuck!

***********************

Guess that’s the news for this month! If you have anything you would like to share or have an item you feel would interest our alumni family, please let us know!

Till next time………go Bulldogs!!!!

AUGUST, 2008

News Letter

Dear Fellow GHHS 1967 Graduate,

There is already a “tingling” of fall in the air! With that come plans for another alumni event – a GHHS Class of ’67 Clambake! What better way to begin the fall season!

Hosted by Tom & Janice (Wroblewski) Hola at their home in Brecksville, we are looking forward to gather together on Saturday, October 11^th, rain or shine! The particulars are as follows:

TIME: 3:00 P.M.

PLACE: 9899 Seneca Court

Brecksville, OH 44141

(440) 838-5375

MENU: - Dozen Middle Neck Clams

- Half Chicken

- Corn on the Cob

- Sweet Potato

- Creamy Cole Slaw

- Dinner Rolls

Please bring your own beverages; Appetizers and/or desserts are welcome!!!

PRICE: $17.95 per person; subtract $6.95 if you don’t like clams! Add another $6.95 if you want a double portion of clams!

Make checks payable to Janice Hola and mail to above address;

payment due by September 24^th!!

Due to the expense of postage, there will not be a mailing of this event to those who did not provide the reunion committee with their email address. Please pass the word to any other alumni member you know that might be interested in joining in the fun!

We hope to have a great turn out! After all, this event will be the last for 2008, so join us and create some fun!!!!!

Scholarship Recipient,

Michael Miller

As a follow-up…..in the June newsletter, you met Michael Miller, a 2008 graduate of GHHS, and this year’s Class of 1967 Scholarship Recipient. Mike’s graduation plans include attending Bowling Green University and majoring in aviation technology, and then pursuing a gratifying career with the United States Air Force. We are happy to report that Mike graduated from Air Force basic training on August 22, 2008, and will be attending BG in January, 2009, to begin his college career. CONGRATULATIONS, MIKE!!!

It has been said that as you grow older, you begin to reminisce more! Three gals from GHHS were extensively reminiscing in Columbus, OH, on August 9, 2008. Audrey Sopko, Gail Russler Meyer, and Marsha Grimes Oakley (who actually moved from GH at the end of 1966) attended “Alumni Day” of the All Ohio State Fair Youth Choir. This organization, which is still a viable choir today and known as “Ohio’s singing ambassadors”, performs for several weeks at the Ohio State Fair, as well as providing concerts throughout the State of Ohio. The Choir has also toured internationally.

It is composed of high school males and females, selected on the recommendation of their high school choir director. Audrey, Gail and Marsha sang at the Ohio State Fair in 1966 and then traveled, toured, and gave concerts in Europe with the Choir after high school graduation during the summer of 1967. On August 9^th, they were able to sing with the 2008 Choir (and remembered the music!), view all kinds of archival materials of the choirs past and present, as well as make new “choir” friends. They even ventured to find the girls’ dormitory and it brought back memories…..looked like the same 1966 bunk beds!! All of us to this day still thank our GHHS Acapella Choir director, Mr. E. J. Kotora, for the wonderful experiences we shared during our time spent with the AOSFYC! Those recommendations must have been phenomenal!!!

Left to right: Gail, Marsha & Audrey at

the Ohio State Fair, Ohio Department

of Natural Resources Pavillion.

And, yes…that is Smokey the Bear behind us!

Speaking of music, another 1967 GHHS alum, Ken Zach, is currently a member of the Master Singers, Inc. Chorale of Northeast Ohio. This choral organization began in 2001 and is founded on the premise that it performs serious, heavy, classical choral masterworks. It specializes in a broad range of choral literature, from a cappella works to major choral-orchestral masterpieces representative of all eras of choral composition. Auditions for singers are held year-round by appointment. While the Chorale performed it’s summer concert, “The Romantic Era – Verdi, Dvorak & Brahms” on August 3^rd, Ken will also be participating in its winter concert scheduled for December 7, 2008, entitled, “O Magnum Mysterium” – Master Singers, Inc., Chamber Singers, Inc. and The Paragon Brass (a resident quintet ensemble at The University of Akron) will be performing.

Maybe we should surprise Ken and attend???

As a reminder, continue to check our website (www.ghhs1967.org) for postings and more class information, as well as those little tidbits included on the “Bulldog Banter” page!

AND, as another reminder, this is your newsletter. Please share with us any information that you feel our alums would like to hear about….after all, we can’t spread the word about the members of the Class of 1967 if we don’t know what the “word” is!!

In closing, for all of you who know some seniors, feel like seniors, or will soon BE seniors, here’s the chuckle for the day:

An irate customer called her newspaper office, loudly demanding to know where her Sunday edition was.

“Ma’am”, said the employee, “Today is Saturday. The Sunday paper isn’t delivered until Sunday.” There was quite a pause on the *other end of the phone, followed by a ray of recognition.***

“So that’s why no one was in church today!”

Till next time………go Bulldogs!!!!

JULY 2008

Dear Fellow GHHS 1967 Graduate,

As the ticket states, Saturday, July19th, brought together 18 alumni & friends for some casual wine tasting at Jerry’s Wine Center in Broadview Heights. Light appetizers were served with a selection of 6 Ohio wines from Debonne Vineyards. We had a few wine connoisseurs in the group and the general consensus is that Ohio is becoming a bigger and better wine producing area. The ever popular 50/50 raffle provided a “pot” of $88, with Carol Stolarski having the winning ticket for half that amount.

The party and gathering continued when 17 of us walked across the parking lot for an optional dinner at the restaurant, Cozumel’s. A back corner of the restaurant proved to be a great place for conversation and laughter (where there was plenty!), along with experiencing some great Mexican dishes. Some of us even tried margaritas!

Once again, the camaraderie and mingling were great, as you can see by the group photo below! (Check the page entitled “Wine Swirl” here at the website to view more photos of that evening.) It was fun to again see: Linda Capretta, Millie Gerak, Tom & Janice (Wroblewski) Hola, John Nosek, Guy & Karen Papa, Bill and Amy (Roman) Kostka, Barry and Gail (Russler) Meyer, Arlene (Sobie) Rieker, Audrey Sopko, Helen (Steblinski) Cejer, Carol Stolarski and friend, Will, and, Paul & Sharon (Travagliante) Weitzman.

We had also scheduled a trip aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway for October 10, 2008. Their “Grape Express” that evening was featuring Italian wines. While our reservation deadline date was June 28^th, we were baffled on June 25^th to find out that the train was sold out! Some of you probably thought we were a bit crazy asking for money in June for an event in October, but as you can see, these wine tasting events aboard the train are extremely popular! Hopefully, we can try to schedule again in 2009 when we discuss future alumni events!

(Photos courtesy of Carol Stolarski!)

Unfortunately, our Class has lost three more of our alumni family.

On June 10, 2008, Patrick “Spud” Piekarczyk passed away suddenly due to a blood clot breaking away from his leg and traveling to his lung. Pat attended his first Class Reunion last year when we celebrated our 40^th. He was one of Garfield’s “mighty Bulldogs”, playing guard on the football team. Hence his nickname, “Spud”….someone said he looked like a potato when mud splashed into his face! Pat is survived by his wife, Joanne, and two children, Alexandra and Michael.

Brian Jasin passed away July 3, 2008. Brian was also at the 40^th Reunion celebration and had participated during high school in JCWA, Spanish Club and Booster Club, to name a few. Brian retired in 2007 after being an insurance agent for 31 years. He was an avid fan of the Indians and Browns, and even a renowned softball coach. Brian is survived by wife, Pam, son, Mike and daughter, Nikki Gervais.

Joseph Fetzer passed away suddenly July 14, 2008. If you remember, as a senior at GHHS, he was voted “Most Prettiest Eyes”. He was a great “character” in high school and in life. Joe served in the US Army’s 101^st Airborne, and received a Jump Master diploma in 1975 at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He served two tours

Garfield Heights High School Class of 1967 Garfield Heights, Ohio

An Alumni Organization

Newsletter

November / December 2009

News Letter

Sept / Oct 2009

Triple Trio 1966 - 1967

News Letter

Karen Kuderna Kudley traveled to London & Paris the end of June, compliments of husband, Andrew; two weeks later, she was surprised with a large birthday party at a local restaurant where 50 friends and family members were in attendance. She was definitely surprised, since she turned 60 in August.

Let’s all send Frankie, Dennis, Marilyn, and Barb our positive, healing, alumni energy with a prayer or two!

News Letter

News Letter

March / April 2009

NEWS LETTER

January/February 2009

IT’S A TEA PARTY..........

And we’re inviting all female graduates of the

Class of 1967 of Garfield Heights High School

to shake off that winter blah and welcome

the arrival of spring!!!!

NEWS LETTER

November / December 2008

NEWS LETTER

OCTOBER, 2008

Our Condolences To:

Make checks payable to Janice Hola and mail to above address;

Make checks payable to Janice Hola and mail to above address;

An irate customer called her newspaper office, loudly demanding to know where her Sunday edition was.

“Ma’am”, said the employee, “Today is Saturday. The Sunday paper isn’t delivered until Sunday.” There was quite a pause on the *other end of the phone, followed by a ray of recognition.***

JULY 2008

Garfield Heights High School Class of 1967 Garfield Heights, Ohio

An Alumni Organization

Newsletter

November / December 2009

News Letter

Sept / Oct 2009

Triple Trio 1966 - 1967

News Letter

Karen Kuderna Kudley traveled to London & Paris the end of June, compliments of husband, Andrew; two weeks later, she was surprised with a large birthday party at a local restaurant where 50 friends and family members were in attendance. She was definitely surprised, since she turned 60 in August.

Let’s all send Frankie, Dennis, Marilyn, and Barb our positive, healing, alumni energy with a prayer or two!

News Letter

News Letter

March / April 2009

NEWS LETTER

January/February 2009

IT’S A TEA PARTY..........

And we’re inviting all female graduates of the

Class of 1967 of Garfield Heights High School

to shake off that winter blah and welcome

the arrival of spring!!!!

NEWS LETTER

November / December 2008

NEWS LETTER

OCTOBER, 2008

Our Condolences To:

Make checks payable to Janice Hola and mail to above address;

Make checks payable to Janice Hola and mail to above address;

An irate customer called her newspaper office, loudly demanding to know where her Sunday edition was.

“Ma’am”, said the employee, “Today is Saturday. The Sunday paper isn’t delivered until Sunday.” There was quite a pause on the other end of the phone, followed by a ray of recognition.

JULY 2008

“Ma’am”, said the employee, “Today is Saturday. The Sunday paper isn’t delivered until Sunday.” There was quite a pause on the *other end of the phone, followed by a ray of recognition.***