MAY/JUNE 2010

The months of May and June usually bring a lot of activity to families stemming from weddings and graduations. There is quite a lot of activity coming from Garfield Heights High School as it prepares for its Commencement Exercises for the graduating class of 2009-2010 on Tuesday, June 8, 2010. The evening of May 27, 2010, highlighted the accomplishments and achievements of many graduating seniors at their Senior Recognition Night, and it was here that the Class of 1967 presented its scholarship award to a worthy senior graduate. This was our Class’ third scholarship award made possible with monies raised by its alumni.

Our scholarship recipient this year is Mr. Alex Chapek, who plans to attend Akron University with an intended major in media production. As a student of Garfield Heights High School he participated in marching band, concert band, theatre, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He ranked 19 out of a class of 317, and earned a grade point average of 3.767. Many of his family members are also part of the GHHS alumni family, such as, his father, Lawrence G. Chapek, who graduated in 1978. Alex says that he believes from past school experiences that he needs to strive to do the very best he can in everyday life, and that he can accomplish anything he loves to do if he just never gives up.

Below is a photo of Alex. We trust that he will continue to work diligently in college as he has during the past four years in high school, and send him our hearty congratulations and best wishes upon achieving all of his anticipated goals!

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While it is always great news to hear that someone has “found” our Class website, in this instance, because of our webpage, we were notified of the passing of yet another alumni member, Doreen Kreps Rasch. Doreen’s son, Robert, found our site on-line, noted our newsletters and many web pages with its diversified information, and wanted to share with us the fact that Doreen passed away in January, 2009. Doreen’s passing was another case of our not knowing about her death as there was no notice printed in the local newspaper.

As I recall, Doreen was a quiet gal at Garfield Heights High School, but participated in Future Secretaries and J.C.W.A., all of which son, Robert, was very interested in knowing. Doreen remained a long-time resident of Garfield Heights, living on Shady Oak Boulevard. Robert is Doreen’s only child and is anticipating graduating from Akron University. He hopes to have a career in detective work.

Did you know that one of our alumni is an apiarist? To give you time to run to your dictionary, let me tell you a bit more about that person……Gerald Benedick attended Garfield Park Elementary School as well as GHHS. During high school, he participated in Ski Club activities. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to Ft. Campbell, Fort Knox and Fort Poke for basic training. As a Sergeant, he served 18 months in Vietnam, and worked search and destroy, light and heavy armor.

Since 1994, he has worked in his own machine shop, at least one day a week. That allows Gerry plenty of time to work his “second career” as an apiarist, or beekeeper! Since he makes all of his own hive boxes and frames, a machine shop would certainly come in handy!

Gerry explains that he began all of this way back when he was initially stung on the cheek by a yellow jacket. For two weeks he couldn’t leave his house, as his eyes, mouth, and ears were giant sized due to the reaction of the sting. So he became a beekeeper! He continued to be stung on several other occasions, but little by little his system has now become totally immune.

There are three types of bees in the colony population: queen, workers and drones. Honeybees are social insects, which means they live together in a colony and depend on each other for survival. Most of the bees in a colony are workers that are sexually underdeveloped females. They are called “workers” because that is what they do; they collect food & water for the colony, build wax comb, guard the hive against intruders, and sting. Drones are the males in the colony and their function is to mate with a virgin queen. They are usually driven from the hive in the winter by the worker bees. The queen is a mature female and her job is to lay thousands of eggs for the colony during her lifetime. She has the longest life span in the colony, she is larger and is recognized by other bees from her special “odor”. She does have a stinger, but uses it to kill other queens.

Gerry has 150 colonies of honeybees. He says that bees have a 2-day memory and react to how they are treated; nothing different than having a house pet according to Gerry. He also says he is home mostly till August and then honey gathering begins. He collects honey twice a year and the gathering is usually between 4,000-8,000 pounds!

Communities also benefit from Gerry’s honeybees, as Gerry does public speaking about his colonies. He travels throughout Ohio giving presentations to various city organizations, schools, “green” groups, retirement homes, etc. Parma Hospital also invited him to speak as well! His topics vary from taking an existing hive to a school and explaining its structure, to just detailing the basics of “Beekeeping 101”.

Below is a photo of Gerry working with his colony! Obviously, there is a lot to know about beekeeping, and all of it is pretty fascinating……………

Kudos: Several of our alums have gone further into that “political arena”…..Dale Miller, who is Senator of Ohio’s 23^rd Senate District, has filed a valid petition with the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections to compete for the new Cuyahoga County Council; Estelle Angyal Hofer was elected in May to become the Precinct Committee Representative for Ward 3B in Garfield Heights, as was Casey Lesiak who was elected Garfield Heights Precinct Committeeman in Precinct C;

Chuck Angello retired in June from 39 years of teaching in the Oxford, Ohio, area; and,

Barbara Filipski Bunsey, one of the artists featured at the Log Cabin Gallery in Peninsula, OH. The “Spring Whimsy” exhibit at the Gallery remains until June 13^th, but the Gallery operates year round offering the wares of many fine, local artists.

Our Busy Alumni: Traveling were Barry and Gail Russler Meyer to China for 18 days visiting Shanghai, Xian, Beijing, the Great Wall and a cruise down the Yangtze River;

Rich and Louise Pieschalski Novak vacationing for a week at Disney World with their 3 sons and their families, and then finishing another week at the Kennedy Space Center & Daytona. Their three grandchildren are ages 6, 9 & 16. What makes the trip even more fun is the fact that the 6 and 9 year olds are flying for the first time….they are so excited!!

Thinking of: Kathy Schneider Nowak who is recuperating from an April surgery which gave her a new left knee!

And, Sue Baranovic Slesnick recuperating from hip replacement surgery, also performed in April.

Wishing both of you a speedy recovery!

Our Condolences To: Marilyn Kovac Lynch, upon the passing of her father, Joseph Kovac, 91, on April 11th. Mr. Kovac was a U.S. Army WWII Veteran-Staff Sergeant with the 448th Ordnance Evacuation Company. Garfield Heights remained his residence and is currently where Mrs. Mary Kovac continues to call home.

George “Dewey” Smith, whose father, George D. Smith, Jr., 87, passed away April 30, 2010. Mr. Smith retired from the Ohio Bell Telephone Company in 1982, and enjoyed cooking, gardening, music and singing with his family.

Lynn Roark, upon the death of Lynn’s mother, Bernice M. Roark, 87, on May 27, 2010. Mother of 7, and grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Our sincere sympathies to all of their families and friends.

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Newsy Reflections & Tidbits: How many of our male alumni were involved in scouting during their youth, or are any of your grandchildren involved in scouting? To honor 100 years of the U.S. scouting movement, and to coincide with the Boy Scouts of America’s 100^th anniversary, the Celebrate Scouting stamp will be dedicated and on sale in July 2010. If you were a scout, I’ll wager that every time you use one of these stamps, you will remember a fond scouting memory.

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The GHHS Class of 1967 numbered 511 beings. Unbelievably, we have “found” the location of 427 of our alumni family; unfortunately, we have no clues as to the whereabouts of the remaining 84.

Below is a chart of those alums that are still “missing” from our database. Please take a minute to review this chart and see if you can identify any of our missing alumni. If you can, we would truly appreciate knowing their contact information so that we may invite them to join our “fold”.

Joy Adamo	Roy Alford	Kathy Anthony	Elaine Baczkowski
Peggy Balazi	Phyllis Barr	Jan Benedetti	Roy Beznoska
Shirley Chmielewski	Bruce Christopher	Marian Chuma	Fran Cimino
Frank Dantimo	Karl Flowers	Donald Dickens	John Dobrovic
Barbara Dolozal	Vickie Egle	Donna Frisky	Scott Gregory
Joe Grimm	Cynthia Grover	Mary Grozdanik	Sharon Hatina
Jo Ann Hawkins	Tom Hershey	Janice Horvath	Lee Horvath
Robert Jagel	John Janoch	Mary Jaroscak	Bob Kane
Linda Kantorowski	James Kidwell	Janis Koberna	Jerry Koch
Gerald Kuntz	Jeff Kurowski	David Lacher	Tom Leggin
Jerry Majczenko	Joe Mrozowski	John Malone	Anna Mancini
Barbara Masters	Russ Mazzola	Kathy McCullough	Mary McNeeley
John Meisterics	Keith Monteleone	Frank Muranski	Cindy Murray
Dermot Nolan	James O’Bryan	Carl Peterson	Kathryn Portzer
Robert Quinn	Leonard Rachkofski	Mary Radke	Randy Sabin
Rose Sabo	Kathleen Sandor	Patricia Schimph	Bill Schumacher
John Secondo	Joe Seme	Barb Setla	Barb Shepka
Sharon Shudy	George Smith	Charlene Sorci	Randy Stakes
Richard Stakes	Russ Stakes	Robert Stetka	Gary Taraski
William Todd	Rich Trende	Lee Twiggs	Jim Widzinski
Jan Worcester	Craig Young	Marjorie Yurek	Martin Zastawnik

Until next time, have a safe and wonderful summer!

Go Bulldogs!

Your energetic editor,

Gail Russler Meyer

MARCH/APRIL 2010

Another spring season has finally arrived after a rather long winter…. a season that seems to bring us new hope and fulfillment. Wishing everyone a

Happy Spring!!

AS TO……MARDI GRAS IN JULY…..stay tuned for more details by mail, newsletter and our website!

Sadly, another of our alumni family has crossed that “Rainbow Bridge”. Kathleen Powell passed away suddenly from a brain hemorrhage on January 21, 2010. Kathy, or “Kitty” as she was known to some of her friends, participated in Block G, Booster Club, Future Secretaries, GAA, Intramurals, and the Spanish Club, and was a Teacher’s Secretary and member of the National Honor Society while attending GHHS. She continued to reside at her family home in Garfield Heights, where she always enjoyed her family of siblings and nieces and nephews (she babysat the nieces and nephews quite a lot!). She was employed for a number of years with National City Bank. Her sister, Susan, advised that while she was always quiet and a “home body”, she enjoyed hearing about what the alums of the Class of ’67 were doing and its events. Kathy is survived by sisters, Susan Kolo and Joan Hrovat, and brother, Scott.

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

Chris Zayd Dolce’s family planned an exciting birthday trip for Chris to Arizona. They experienced that beautiful, awe inspiring scenery of Sedona and the Grand Canyon. They partied in a caboose of the Verde Valley Railroad as the train wound its way through the hills of Sedona. While this area of our country was truly great, Chris says her favorite part of the celebration was gathering the entire family to share the adventure!

Kathi Glinski Smith celebrated her big 60^th February 6th! Kathi’s husband, with the help of their son and daughter, gave her a surprise party at the Blue Canyon Restaurant in Twinsburg! Kathi says she was completely surprised, and delighted to see so many family and friends at the celebration. Some of the guests included her brother and his wife who came from Chicago, a dear friend arriving from Florida, and Frank Soltysiak with wife, Mary Jane!

Congratulations!!!

Since sharing our newsletters, website and events with the Alumni of the Class of ‘67, it has become a proven fact that our Class from GHHS includes many talented people, who have contributed their skills in so many ways both professionally and civically within various communities. Each of us have a unique story to tell since we left those halls of Garfield, all of which are most interesting in so many ways!

One area that seems to have sprouted several talented alums in high school, as well as after graduation, would be in the field of Music. Whether the music was performed in a professional arena or for sheer enjoyment, we do have some very accomplished musicians within our Class. And, as the English dramatist (1670-1720), William Congreve, wrote, “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak."

Two alumni who come to mind are:

Ken Zach…..During his high school years, Ken participated in Biology Seminar, Intramurals, Spanish Club and was a Homeroom Officer. At the fall Harvest Dance, which was held in November, 1966, he played with a band that called themselves, the “Swaying Suedes”. Remember them and/or that dance?

Ken studied piano under Mignon Bennett and voice under George Vassos at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Ken graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Music Education from Case Western Reserve University. He toured briefly with the revised Glenn Miller Orchestra as pianist, taught piano for the Preparatory Department of Case Institute of Music, as well as area music stores. He founded the Instrumental Music Program at Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, OH, and served as its Music Department Chair. In 2001, he became involved with the Master Singers Inc. Chorale (MSI), a representation of trained musicians and other volunteer singers from the NE Ohio area. Master Singers Inc. Chorale specializes in a broad range of choral literature, from a cappella works to major choral/orchestral masterworks, representative of all eras of classical choral literature. A second tour of duty with MSI finds Ken serving as their accompanist, and the group performs concerts scheduled throughout the year.

In his home community of Silver Lake, Ken was the interim Music Director at the Church in Silver Lake, and has been a substitute organist for the First Congregational Church in Tallmadge, OH. He is currently playing with a local group called “Jill and the Jillettes”! They play at Marcelita’s Mexican Restaurant in Hudson, OH, as well as private engagements. They offer a variety of music from pop hits of the Beach Boys and Roy Orbison, to Linda Ronstadt and country tunes.

Ken left the professional side of the music business to pursue a career in IT (Information Technology), which lasted more than 20 years and currently works for the Western & Southern Financial Group as a registered representative (check the Sponsor Page on our Class Website {www.ghhs1967.org} where Ken posted his business card and became a sponsor of the site!). For relaxation, Ken loves to brew beer!! He resides in Silver Lake with wife, “Mimi”, and has a daughter, Christina, and a son, David.

If you remember Doug Day, you will recall that he participated in Band, the Activities and Dance Bands, Biology Seminar, Booster Club, Ski Club, Intramurals, and Showboat. Besides those activities, he also found the time to be a member of the GHHS Cross Country and Golf teams, as well as the President of Band Council. Also, the senior class student body elected him as one of the King’s attendants for the Tri-H-Y King Assembly held each February.

Doug was a trombone major at Ohio University where he graduated, and has played trombone for hundreds of performances with the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus, ice shows and rodeos performing at both the former Cleveland Arena and the Richfield Coliseum. He played in the back up band/orchestra for numerous touring performers in downtown Cleveland, and for 10 years played in the sidelines band each Sunday during the home games of the Cleveland Browns. He played bass with the Hal Lynn Agency from 1975 to 1994, and was the bass player for the Harry Hershey Orchestra for seven years.

Doug’s teaching career began at Garfield Heights High School in 1973, where he directed the band and orchestra, and was also involved with WGHS Radio. In 1977, he began teaching with the Bay Village City School District. While at Bay Village, he conducted their school orchestra, directed the Bay High marching band, jazz ensemble and concert bands, and he also taught the 5^th & 6^th grade bands at Bay Middle School. Doug also conducted Bay’s 30-piece pit orchestra each spring for Bay High’s annual Broadway musical.

Doug retired from teaching in June, 2004, yet he still continues with his music. He has played piano for the annual BW Alumni Jazz Ensemble held each February, is the current pianist with the Cleveland TOPS (Tough Old Pros Swingband), and the pianist/musical director for the Don DiSantis Orchestra, a group providing musical variety at various venues throughout Northern Ohio. He also is the accompanist for “Rejoice”, a vocal octet from Bay Methodist Church.

As a retiree, he especially enjoys playing free golf at Sweetbriar Golf Course in Avon Lake, where he also mows their greens and fairways! He resides in Avon Lake with wife, Jackie. They have a daughter, Amy, and a son, Brian, who apparently is following in Dad’s footsteps, as Brian is a member of the band, Yellow Light Maybe, that released an album in February.

Below are pictures of Ken and Doug doing what they seem to do well……….continue onward!!

Kudos to Audrey Sopko and Dusty Bowling whose daughter, Kristen, became engaged on Valentine’s Day! A May, 2011 wedding is being planned.

To Steve Penz who just retired at the great age of 62! He now plans to spend a lot of time with granddaughter, Lauren, who begins first grade at St. Monica School. Steve will also become a helper at St. Monica, plus volunteer at Marymount Hospital 2-3 times a week. He says he does not want to become a “crusty old man”.

And to: Margie Aenis Jacox who recently moved from the sunny climate of Florida to another wonderful climate in the southwest area of Oracle, Arizona. Best of luck in your new home, Margie!

Our Busy Alumni: Those lucky to travel were Pam Poveroni Conrad, and husband, Joe, who cruised in February aboard the Princess cruise lines to the Bahamas. A few of their ports were St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk. Joe was even a finalist in the onboard karaoke contest!

Amy Roman Kostka with husband, Bill, also traveled in February and visited Antigua, Aruba, Barbados and St. Lucia. (Wish I had your work schedule, Amy!!!!)

Helen Steblinski Cejer also to the Bahamas with her daughter where they enjoyed the lush beaches, a little bit of gambling, and getting a great start on their tans!

Thinking of: Jess Palker, husband of Karen Soika Palker, who had surgery for prostate cancer on March 25^th. Surgery went well, and Jess was in the hospital for only 2 and a half days. He is recuperating at home; and,

Gary Seman, husband of Delores Jacobs Seman, who is in remission with small cell lung cancer. Gary continues to have C-scans performed every three months for his condition. He is still optimistic of beating this dreadful disease.

Our Condolences: to Jean Alesci Ford, at the passing of her mother, Lois R. Alesci, in February, at age 83. Mrs. Alesci was mother to 8 children, grandmother of 14, and great-grandmother of 5. Our sincere sympathy to her family and friends.

Newsy Reflections, Tidbits & Interesting Items: If any of you passed the Clocktower located at the entrance of the library in Garfield Heights, you might have noticed a sign sending best wishes to Michael Miller. Mike was our scholarship recipient for 2008, and since his receipt of our award, has kept in touch with us regarding his plans of becoming a pilot with the United States Air Force (see our previous newsletters at our website). Mike is finishing his Air Force training, has taken his solo flight and now has his pilot’s license. The “Best Wishes” extended to Mike concerns his deployment to Afghanistan, as Mike left to serve the weekend of March 27, 2010, and will be returning to the U.S. within six months. According to Mrs. Miller, he is very happy with his career choice and will be returning to school for its January semester. He actually has two nicknames from his military buddies, “Sleeping Beauty”, because he can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, and “Sunshine”, because he is continually happy! As a funny twist to Michael being our first annual scholarship recipient, we have learned that he is the grandnephew of Loretta Salicki Harris, one of our alumni of the Class of ‘67! Now, how much better can that be? Please keep Michael in your prayers, and ask that he returns home to his family and friends safe and sound!

And for those alumni who live in Broadview Heights or near the community, pick up a copy of the April, 2010 BroadView Journal, as the feature story is about none other than our alum, Audrey Sopko!! It expounds on Audrey’s unique travel experiences throughout the world, and its cover has a great photo of Audrey swimming with a dolphin while traveling in Australia. She seems to adhere as much as she can to Mark Twain’s philosophy of “sailing away from the safe harbor….catching the trade winds in your sails….explore, dream, and discover!”

One of our alums, Leslie Mroz Readinger, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2002. Her family and friends have formed a “Team Leslie” for this year’s two mile long MS Walk in Cleveland scheduled April 10, 2010, beginning at the Cleveland Browns Stadium. If you would like more information about the walk, how the proceeds for the walk are used, becoming a walker or a volunteer, or how to support Team Leslie, go to the National MS Society web page at www.walkoha.nationalmssociety.org, or contact Leslie (contact info for her at our Directory page on our website).

Ever give any thought about “SERENITY” in our old age? Here are a few things to ponder:

A reporter interviewing a 104-year-old woman: “And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?” the reporter asked. She simply replied, “No peer pressure.”

Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked, “How old was your husband?” “98”, she replied. “Two years older than me.” “So you’re 96,” the undertaker commented. She responded, “Hardly worth going home, is it?”

Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it! and,

The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement!

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! Here’s hoping we see you at our next event!

Till next time, Go Bulldogs!

Your energetic editor,

Gail Russler Meyer

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!!

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

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.

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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! T

Garfield Heights High School Class of 1967 Garfield Heights, Ohio

An Alumni Organization

Newsletter

Newsletter

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!!!!