The Class of '66

SWCS classmate Jim Widrig has passed away at 65

2011-12-17T19:43:00.001-08:00

From the Jamestown Post Journal:

James A. Widrig, 65, of 4827 Mahanna Road, Bemus Point, died Wednes-day (Dec. 14, 2011), in Roswell Park Cancer Insti-tute in Buffalo.
He was born Aug. 28, 1946, in Jamestown, the son of Robert Widrig and Arlene Curtis.
Jim attended South- western schools, and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War. He earned the Vietnam Service Medal, the National De-fense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Prior to retiring in 2003, he had been a line supervi-sor with Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., where he had been employed for 34 years.
He was a member of Bemus Point Post 557, Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he had served as commander from 2000 to 2004. He was also a direc-tor and current president of the Bemus Point Veterans Club.
Jim enjoyed his retire-ment years, which included hunting, golfing and spending time at the Half Way Farm with his family, including his brothers- in-law: Randy (Laura) Otander and Moe (Patsy) Otander.
He was a wonderful hus-band and father and was adored by his grandchil-dren.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Beth Otander Widrig, whom he married in 1976; two daughters: Jamie D. (Kenneth) Glowacki of Summerville, S.C.. and Kry-stal (Brandon) Waite of Bemus Point; two grand- children: Olivia Allison of Summerville, S.C., and Col-ton Waite of Bemus Point; two brothers: Duane Widrig of Jacksonville, Fla., and Robert Widrig of Sugar Grove, Pa.; and two sisters: Patricia Zimmer of James-town, and Judy Marlett of Warren, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters: Kath-leen Bradley and JoAnne Hobart.
A reception to celebrate Jim's life will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Bemus Point Veterans of Foreign Wars in Ellery.
To send a message to the family, visit www. present sixbeyfuneral.com.
Flowers are gratefully de-clined. The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Maple Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Maple Springs, NY 14756; or to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, James-town, NY 14701

Byron Windoft, SWCS history teacher, principal has passed away

2011-12-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

This from the Jamestown Post-Journal:

================================

Byron Lee "Bud" Windoft, 84, formerly of 40 Vista Way, Lakewood, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, at the Lutheran Home & Rehabilitation Center, following a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
He was born Jan. 31, 1927, in Titusville, Pa., the son of the late Clarence and Lillian Penglase Windoft.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Bud graduated from Edinboro University and later received his master's degree from St. Bonaventure University.

He began his career as a history teacher at Southwestern Central School, moving on to administration and retiring as principal of the middle school. Following retirement, Bud enjoyed his second career as a licensed real estate broker with Winturn Realty.
He was a member of the Lakewood Memorial Post American Legion and the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club.
Surviving is his wife, Mary Ellen Warner Windoft, whom he married in 1976; seven children: Celeste (Dana) Bolles of Erie, Pa, Betsy (Don) Johnson of Lakewood, N.Y., Kellie (David) Bargar of Lakewood, Maryann (Robert) Whitney of Jamestown, Thomas (Andrea) Windoft of Lakewood, Michael (Melissa) Windoft of Erie, and Casey (Amy) Windoft of Lakewood; 14 grandchildren: Whitney and Jeffrey Bolles, Apryl Jackson Troutman, Gregory Jackson, Nathaniel, Kristen and William Bargar, Todd Whitney, Benjamin and Brock Windoft, Sara and Cristofer Windoft, Emily and Carter Windoft; two great-grandchildren: Quentin and Abigail Bolles; three stepsons: Dr. James (Valerie), David and Thomas Scarpino; six step grandchildren: Lisa, Julie and Laurie Scarpino, Madison Borst and Holly and Morgan Scarpino; and his mother-in-law, Emily Warner of Lakewood.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lola Windoft Jennings; and his step-mother, Eliza Windoft.
The funeral will be held at noon Saturday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Daniel S. Rumfelt will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.
Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, and for one hour prior to the service in the funeral home Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lakewood Fire Department, 20 W. Summit St., Lakewood, NY 14750; or to Lutheran Social Services Foundation, 715 Falconer St., Jamestown, NY 14701.

A great time at the SWCS Class of '66 reunion in Jamestown

2011-07-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - The SWCS Class of '66 reunion at the Allen Park Men's Club - which is not in Allen Park by the way - was a great success Friday night.

There was great food to share, a barbecue, and enough SWCS nostalgic chatter to make most people happy.

Many of the folks at Friday night's soiree were also planning on going to a 10-years-worth-of-classes reunion tonight.

Adm. Fox and I had to bail on that - we had an obligation back in Valois.

Along with the usual SWCS suspects, former high school music teacher Dalton Berringer and his wife came to the event. Both had a great time.

Shirley Adams took some photos to mark the event. I posted them on Facebook and below. Nice job Shirley...

I filled in caption information as best I could - if anyone wants to send me additional names (of spouses, for example) I will be happy to add them...

Mike Coon, Barb Bunce, John Schultz, Scott Garlock

Steve Yarnell, Randy Carlson, Jim Nelson

Doug Hooper, Sylvia Fox, Mike Fitzgerald

Roxanne Hooper

Ken Sonne, Mick Olson, Linda Dawson, Pete Dawson, Dan Beckstrom

Larry Nelson, Jim Lindell, Mike Coon

Linda Davidson, Bob Swanson and Sharon

Greg Taft, Lee Johnson, Ernie Hartman Laura Sweeney-Hartman, Pat Johson

Friday night Class of '66 reunion draws a few more folks

2011-06-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - Randy Carlson reports that several more folks have signed up for Friday, July 8's Class of 66 reunion festivities.

Among the five are: Jim Nelson, Ken Sonne, Dan Beckstrom, Bud Hooper and Mike Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald? Familiar name...

"We purposely set the gathering to be a low keyed, stop bye and say hi to old friends at the minimum gathering. See you there. Thanks," Randy said.

Dan Beckstrom, Ken Sonne and Steve Sewell at the 40th Class of 66 reunion

A few words from Randy Carlson about the upcoming reunion

2011-06-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - Randy Carlson asked that I pass along the following about our upcoming reunion(s) - now just 17 days away, as of this missive.

And the photo? From just a few years ago. Recognize everyone?

==========FROM RANDY CARLSON=================

A quick update to answer some questions that we have received from individuals. The Allen Park Men's Club is not in Allen Park, it is off Norby Road which is off S. Main St. Jamestown.

Quite a few classmates wanted to attend, can't due to circumstances, but were very interested in seeing what occurred. Mike Fitz has graciously agreed to post digital pictures on his class web site so bring your digital cameras.

We believe we have contacted everyone except the 11 we were searching for. The mailings included a request to notify us if they did not want to receive any further notifications and no one stipulated back so we still have a lot of potential attendees. Since people wanted to know who has committed so far the list follows, not including the procrastinators. Thanks.

Randy Carlson, Craig Fransen, Mike Coon, Jim Lindell, Vern Ahlgren, Gloria Boutelle, Lee Johnson, Larry Nelson, Ward Romer, Linda Anderson, Barb Bunce, Shirley Adams, Bob Swanson, Linda Hetrick, Kathy Bowman, Greg Taft Chris Henderson, John Shultz, Sue Siecker, Louie Acquisto, Mick Olson, Linda Hanson, and Laura Sweeney.

Randy

Emails needed for some SWCS Class of '66 classmates

2011-05-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - The plans for the two upcoming reunions in Jamestown in July - one for Class of '66 members, the other a 60s-to-70s bash - are in place, according to Randy Carlson, our Class of '66 on-the-ground organizer for the reunions.

The first night, Friday, July 8, will be the Class of '66 special night at Allen Park Men's Club, starting at 6 p.m.. Saturday night is the bigger bash at the Celeron Legion Hall.

But Randy reports that we are still looking for emails and/or contacts for the following Class of '66 classmates:

Nancy Anderson Cavalier, Phil Calavitta, Jackie Erickson Newark, Cubby Gleason, Bob Fulcher, Dave Jones, Doug Pillsbury, John Limberg, Ingrid Lundgren (Swan)?, Judy Nau Dunn, and Debbie Stabler Melec.

I know who the guys in this photo are. But can you name all five.

At the SWCS football field snack bar

Mark your calendar for the Class of '66 reunion(s) in July

2011-04-15T05:17:00.000-07:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - Plans are solidifying for the SWCS Class of '66 reunion at the Allen Park Men's Club, Friday, July 8 starting at 6 p.m.

The facility is on Norby Road, off S. Main Street in Jamestown.

Randy Carlson is organizing things and has passed along the following:


Allen Park Men's Club

"Bring your own entrée, a dish to pass (if you wish) and drinks. A charcoal grill will be fired up for your cooking. Paper plates, silverware, ice, condiments, salad dressing, steak sauce, salt & pepper and coffee will be provided.
Please r.s.v.p if you plan to attend so that we can make sufficient arrangements. You can email at rcarlson@windstream.net or leave a message at 716-763-8597."

The following night, July 9, there will be a reunion of ten years of classes of SWCS grads at the Celeron Legion starting at 6 p.m. There will be a DJ and a dinner served. The cost for that will be $20.

This week Randy said he has been in touch with classmate Bob Tyler, who, unfortunately, cannot make the event.

Here's the note from Bob Tyler to Randy Carlson:

"Randy:
Great to hear from you! Thanks for your notice in mid-January and your efforts to contact everyone. How are you after these years? I have corresponded with Mick Olson over the last year and saw Mark & JoAnn Swanson the past two summers.
Early on, we had hoped to attend the Reunion. We have a family vacation in June and Sally's mom recently had a stroke. Sally and I will celebrate our 42nd Anniversary on August 2nd!
We have three married children: Rob (38), April (35), Andrew (33 in May), five granddaughters & one grandson! I am sorry to conclude that we will not be attending. Thanks for your contact
efforts."

Bob and Sally Tyler

SWCS coach/teacher Dick Shevalier has passed away at 90

2011-03-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

From the Jamestown Post Journal:

===========

Richard Gordon Shevalier, 90, died March 18, 2011, at his home in Venice, Fla.
He was born Jan. 31, 1921, to Gordon Shevalier and Mary Beach in Cortland, N.Y.
After graduating from high school, he attended Cortland State Teachers College. During this time, he joined the Army-Air Force and served 3 1/2 years during World War II. Upon his discharge from the military, he returned to the college and graduated in 1946. He earned a masters degree in 1947 from Columbia University.
In 1948, he began a long career with the Southwestern Central School District in Lakewood, N.Y., as a physical education instructor and as a coach. He coached varsity teams in baseball, volleyball, basketball, and was an assistant football coach. Prior to his retirement in 1976, he served as the athletic director for five years.
After his retirement, he moved to Venice, Fla. He enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and skeet shooting.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Pearl L. Curtis, who died Aug. 28, 1976; and his second wife, Joan L. Illingworth, who died Nov. 19, 2000.
He is survived by a son, Richard J. Shevalier (Beth) of Richmond, Va.; a daughter, Linda F. Shevalier of Littleton, Colo.; stepchildren: Karen Leggon (Bob), David Illingworth (Patty) and Gary Illingworth; grandchildren: Richard M. Shevalier (Jehan), Matthew J. Shevalier (Laith), and Jennifer P. Shevalier, all of Richmond, Va., Derek Shannon (Carrie) of Denver, Colo., and Jeremy Shannon (Carla) of Brooklyn, N.Y.; great-grandchildren: Alex, Jehana, Kailey, Matthew, Alanna, Trevor, Gavin, Bryce and Audrey; step grandchildren: Crissy Sabino of North Port, Fla., and Jason (Heather) Sabino of Brighton, Mich., Jaret Illingworth of Phoenix, Ariz., and Melissa, Katelyn and Justin Illingworth of Lake-wood, N.Y.; and great-grandson, Justin Sentell of North Port, Fla.
A funeral service and interment will be held in Jamestown, N.Y., at the convenience of the family.

Barb (Garlock) Bunce's father has passed away

2011-02-12T06:52:00.000-08:00

From the Jamestown Post Journal:

JAMESTOWN, New York - Tyler H. Bunce, 89, of 1322 Shadyside Road, died Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011, in WCA Hospital.

He was born June 1, 1921, in Jamaica, N.Y., a son of Tyler and Mary Naughton Bunce.

Following graduation from Jamestown High School in 1939, he attend-ed Dartmouth College.

He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force serving as a staff sergeant.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Marlin Rockwell Corporation for 23 years.

He was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Lakewood Rod and Gun Club and Lakewood Memorial Post 1286 Ameri-can Legion, where he had held the office of Sergeant- at-Arms.

Surviving are his wife, the former DeLoris Hey, whom he married Aug. 11, 1946; seven children: Bar-bara (Scott) Garlock of Fair-port, N.Y., Mary (Steve) Hailer of Stow, Ohio, John (Jeannie) Bunce of Nor-walk, Conn., Nancy (Mike) Robinson of Roswell, Ga., Robert Bunce of Pitts-burgh, Pa., William (Bettie Kenny) Bunce of Pitts-burgh, Pa., and Thomas (Suzie) Bunce of Grand Is-land, N.Y.; 17 grandchil-dren; and six great- grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter Reazen Love Vaughn.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Eric M. Williams will officiate.

Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Lakewood Memorial Post 1286, 174 Chautauqua Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Tyler at www.lindfuneralhome.com.

July reunion will have a Class of '66 party the night before

2011-01-17T06:35:00.000-08:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - The July SWCS reunion - for 10 years worth of Southwestern graduating classes - will also have a Class of '66 special event the night before.

Here are the details from Randy Carlson:

==========================================

SWCS CLASS OF 1966 45TH REUNION
             ALLEN PARK MEN’S CLUB
                            FRIDAY   7/8/11
                                   6:00 TO ?
     NORBY ROAD   (OFF S. MAIN ST EXT. JAMESTOWN)
                        INFORMAL PICNIC TYPE SETTING
                                        NO CHARGE

Bring your own entrée, a dish to pass (if you wish) and drinks.   A charcoal grill will be fired up for your cooking. Paper plates, silverware, ice, condiments, salad dressing, steak sauce, salt & pepper and coffee will be provided.
Please r.s.v.p if you plan to attend so that we can make sufficient arrangements. You can email at rcarlson@windstream.net or leave a message at 716-763-8597
========================================

The SWCS Class of '66 Mexico reunion - what's up with that?

2011-01-04T11:47:00.000-08:00

NUEVO VALLARTA, Nayarit, Mexico - For the past two years, I've been encouraging/touting/promoting a SWCS Class of '66 winter reunion here for our 45th class graduation anniversary.

And a few folks have responded, though it's unlikely the economy will call our class visitors a boom in tourism.

The dates when we will do some kind reunion - for whomever makes it - will be Feb. 11 to Feb. 25.

That's when Barb Bunce Garlock and her husband will be on scene in Puerto Vallarta. Everybody else, come on down...

This season, my wife Sylvia and I are splitting our time between Puerto Vallarta and our hacienda in Arroyo Seco, about 2.5 hours driving time to the south of here.

Why?

Well, our son is going through a divorce and fighting for child custody right now. In Mexico, family is everything and so our presence (we hope) will help tip the scale so he can have some custody of his two-year-old daughter, Sasha.

Given that our son is an American citizen, our grandaugther holds and American and Mexican citizenship, and the child's mother is a Romanian citizen, we might have to call in the United Nations to mediate.

But none of that affects my ability to mix margaritas and/or Cuba Libres.

Plus, we now have access to a panga (small boat) to tour Banderas Bay, arguably one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Mexico.

Here's a couple of videos I posted on another blog from tours of the bay.

Tom Priester featured in Jamestown Post Journal story

2011-01-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

This story was sent to me today by Sue Siecker.

Thank's Sue!

It's from Monday's Post Journal and was written by retired Southwestern English teacher Sally Stauffer.

Here is the link to the original story: Tom Priester story in PJ

===============

Tom Priester is an interesting, compartmentalized man.

How he arranges his life in order to satisfy all the compartments is a story of its own.

He is a father, a coach, a USA Track and Field official, a retired and contented man, a grandfather (all largely the reason for the contentment) and passionate devotee of the local Joint Neighborhood Project.

His days are spent sorting out the best ways to complete all the missions laid before him with these involvements but he is tireless and forever invigorated with what he does. Even as a septuagenarian and feeling like all retirees the inevitable bite of age nipping at his heels, he doesn't flinch for a minute at getting things done.

Tom Priester, back row on right

Tom retired in 1998 from three decades of teaching high school physical education at the Southwestern Central Schools. He says: "I loved every bit of it. I had good mentors like Naomi Berg and Flash Olson. I loved it that you get to see kids in physical education with their moods and their troubles. Sometimes you can help."

While teaching, he also coached tennis, boys volleyball, bowling, track and field and coached cross country for 45 years, ending with a league record of 410 wins and 255 losses for the boys teams. His girls teams were league champs for four years.

By far, the love of his athletic life at the moment is his involvement, for 25 years, serving as a certified track official with the USA Track and Field organization. He has proudly officiated at National Masters Meet, Regional USA Track and Field Championships high school championships and NCAA Divisional Championships, as well as World University Games and World Veterans Games.

In 2009 he received the Outstanding Service Award for the Niagara Association of USA Track and Field. As a track official, he must be certified every four years and the position as official is an unpaid one.

Part of what keeps him grounded with all these portions of his life is his own attitude, which he refers to as, "I get a feeling of great satisfaction in doing what I can do to help someone or aid an organization with its goals. I respond to any call for help and in doing so, can really feel good."

For many who have known Tom for all of his years here in the area, these are words of truth, for the man and for his goals and interests.
Tom has been married 45 years to a wonderful wife, Susan, and has two adult children.

His six grandchildren, whom he sees regularly, are the sparkle in his life. His son, Dayne, lives in West Ellicott and three of the grandchildren, Eric, 14, Nathan, 12, and Sarah, 10, happily occupy a good bit of his time. His daughter Shannon, who lives in North Carolina, also has three children; Christopher, 21, Tony, 18, and Danielle, 12. He is able to do everything, in his words, with his grandchildren and revels in the opportunities. He and Sue hope to be great-grandparents, soon. Another uplifting part of his life is his 43-year involvement with Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Beyond his family, Tom's greatest involvement is with JNP, Joint Neighborhood Project.

As all of Jamestown is aware, this is a valuable community resource. Tom has served on the board of directors for some time and cites Patty Perlee, JNP director, and Samantha Ellis, the Spanish Services navigator, as key elements of the success of JNP. He also mentions the board of directors, with John Saraka as president and Joe Pillittere as vice president, helping others on the board to do business.

These other board members are: Jan Mara, Deb Pifer, Vicki Mason, Jane Lindboom, Tara Eastman, Sandy Merwin, Dave Anderson, Elsa Hern, Karen Rine and Kathy Robinson Jewell. The board helps to actualize the primary functions of JNP which are a Nearly New Store, a food bank, a summer camp, Live and Learn classes, a six-week summer recreational program for kids ages 5 to 10, the JNP Christmas Store for Kids and overall health promotion and protection.

The JNP is helped by the United Way in its capital funding and many of the regional foundations, such as Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and the Lenna Fund, also provide support.

Mr. Calamungi - SWCS history teacher - passes away

2011-01-03T06:05:00.000-08:00

This is one SWCS teacher I didn't have in my time there. I had Bruce Crist, Byron Windoff (sp?), Hubie Davis and, of course, the unforgettable Harold Burgard. And there was a fellow named Von Ryan, too, I think... And perhaps a Mr. Dominey (sp?)

I'm not sure Mr. Calamungi was teaching when the Class of '66 passed through the halls of Southwestern High School...

But here is his obituary from the Jamestown Post Journal.

==================

Salvatore J. "Terry" Calamungi, 89, of 181 Dunham Ave., died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011, in his home.

A native of Jamestown, he was born Dec. 12, 1921, a son of the late Vincent and Josephine Alessandro Calamungi.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Medical Corps serving during World War II and retired from the Army Reserve.

Following his graduation from Jamestown High School he went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Canisius College and a master's degree from St. Bonaventure University.

Prior to his retirement in 1982, he was employed by Southwestern Central School District as a history teacher.

He was a communicant of Holy Apostle's Parish Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church where he was active as a Eucharistic Minister and member of St. Vincent DePaul Society and church choir. His other memberships include the Celtics and Knights of Columbus, where he achieved Grand Knight status.

Surviving are his wife, Irene A. K. (Beer) Calamungi, whom he married Sept. 25, 1948; sons: Gottfried S. (Patricia) Calamungi, of St. Augustine, Fla. and Armando V. Calamungi, of Jamestown; granddaughters: Leslie A. Calamungi-Outten, of Orange Park, Fla. and Amanda Calamungi-Paddock, of Jamestown; and a great-granddaughter Nolianna Calamungi-Paddock.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: Armando and Joseph Calamungi, and a grandson Richard Vincent Calamungi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Holy Apostles Parish, Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Rev. Dennis W. Mende will be celebrant.

Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the Lind Funeral Home where a Christian Wake Service will be led at 1:45 p.m.

Photos of the new track and football field, courtesy of Jim Nelson

2010-11-24T08:54:00.000-08:00

LAKEWOOD, New York, USA - Jim Nelson made a trip down memory lane through Lakewood recently, stopping in to visit various folks including Randy Carlson (who is retired!) and Jim Lindell, still in the workforce at his company.

Jim passed along the photos below of the new track and football fields at SWCS. They hardly resemble the muddy football area, I remember. And I still carry a couple of black cinders in my leg from taking a tumble on the track on evening.

At our 40th Class of '66 reunion, a number of classmates responded to the plea from former SWCS gym teacher and coach Tom Priester to help fund this new facility.

Thanks for the photos Jim. Maybe we can have an impromptu football game/track meet next summer when we convene for a 45th Class of '66 reunion in Lakewood.

Wife of Class of '66 classmate Mike Coon passes away

2010-11-20T18:38:00.000-08:00

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, USA - I received this sad news from several sources in the last few days.

I am sure everyone's thoughts go out to our classmate Mike Coon.

Here is the obituary information from the Jamestown Post-Journal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nancy Ann Clements Coon, 57, Baton Rouge real estate agent, died Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, at home after a lengthy stay at Baton Rouge General Pennington Cancer Center.

Nancy Coon

She was born to the late Joseph Dudley and Therese Virgie Landry Clements, July 8, 1953, at St. Joseph's Maternity Hospital in Houston, Texas. She was baptized at the Church of the Holy Name, Houston, Texas.
Nancy's father was a federal survey engineer and pipeline construction inspector, so consequently in her early childhood she lived in various locations across the southwest, from Texas to California. When she was a teenager her parents returned to their hometown of Abbeville, La., and she graduated from Vermilion Catholic High School in 1971.
Nancy married Michael A. Coon at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in La Jolla, Calif., on July 7, 1978. In 1985 they moved to and lived in Lakewood, N.Y., before relocating to Baton Rouge in 1992.
Nancy obtained her New York State real estate license in 1986. She was honored in 1990 as Realtor of the Year. Nancy was affiliated locally with Keller-Williams Realty for the past 10 years.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Mike; and three children: Trey Arthur Coon and wife, Rebecca Armour Coon of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Krifting David Coon of San Diego, Calif., and Megan McKenzie Coon of Baton Rouge. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Alexandra Aline Thibodeaux of Baton Rouge.
In addition, she is survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends, plus her two black Labrador retrievers, Sabre and Hunter.
In addition to her parents, Nancy was predeceased by her former Labrador retrievers: Major, Kra-mer and Cocoa.
Visiting will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 5 until 9 p.m., with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Trey Nelson at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m.
Gift bearers will be her cousins from Lake Charles, La., and serving as pallbearers will be her brothers-in-law: Timothy Coon, Daniel Coon, and Mark Coon; and friends: Doug Mackey, Bob Calongne, and Clayton Spilling.
Entombment will follow at St. George Catholic Church Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to KW Cares, 8686 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810.

Class reunions in 2011 - one in Mexico, the other in Lakewood

2010-11-14T08:53:00.000-08:00

LAKEWOOD, New York, USA - The plan to have a 45th Class of '66 reunion in Mexico in February is still on, those the details remain a little hazy.

But if you are thinking of coming down - to Puerto Vallarta and points south - get your passport in order. You will need it to cross into the land of margaritas, snorkeling and ceviche.

Randy Carlson also passed along this information about a reunion this summer - July 9 - that will not require a passport, unless New York takes its lead from Arizona.

Here's the report Randy sent me last week:

========================

First meeting last night and the following was decided, the 60's-70 reunion will be held Sat. 7/9/2011 at the Celoron Legion again (venue and event were both well received), cocktails 6:00 and food served at 7:00.

The cost is $20.00 per (down $5.00) which covers the hall, d.j., and dinner. Checks can be sent to: SWCS 60's Class Reunion, 35 Gifford Avenue, Lakewood, N.Y. 14750.

It is basically the same information as the flyer you posted on your class blog 6/7/07 with only the date, cost, and mailing address different.

Reunion info from 2007

Will send you pertinent updates as decided, it is lucky this dovetails with our 45th. -- Randy

======================

So it would seem this year will be a big year - most of the class is now eligible for Social Security, and there are two Class of '66 reunions in the works.

Jeannie (Sweeney) Hartman's mom has passed away

2010-08-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

Classmates:

I learned Tuesday that Jeannie Sweeney's mother passed away Monday.

Below is her obituary information and information about services.

Our condolences to Jeannie and her family...

--------------------

Irene C. Sweeney, 85, of 937 Southwestern Drive, passed away Monday, August 16, 2010 peacefully at her home with her daughter and family by her side.

She was the widow of Robert J. Sweeney whom she married February 7, 1946 and who died November 13, 1988.

An area resident all of her life, Irene was born September 28, 1924 in Jamestown, the daughter of the late Raymond Leon and Laura Cecelia Himes Pangborn, and was a graduate of Lakewood High School.

She had previously been employed by the former Marlin Rockwell, Art Metal and Sterlingworth Corporations, as well as the Village of Lakewood and Stanley Home Products.

A communicant of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was active in the Rosary & Altar Society, she also belonged to the Sugar Grove American Legion Post 758, Busti Fire Department Auxiliary, Busti Homemakers Home Bureau, Lakewood Rod & Gun Club and the Busti-Lakewood Golden Agers.

Irene’s favorite times were those she spent with her family. She loved the trips she went on with her daughter Jeannie and her family. She also enjoyed doing crafts, taking trips with the Golden Agers and just being able to go and do things, especially playing Bingo. She was a very loving and caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Surviving are two daughters, Roberta “Bert” (Ron) Snyder and Laura “Jeannie” (Ernie) Hartman, both of Busti; three grandchildren: Ronald (Tammy) Snyder of Lakewood, Robert (Amy) Snyder of Lakeland, FL and Corey Hartman of Busti; four great-grandchildren: Dylan Jay Hartman of Busti, Kayla and Cole Snyder of Lakewood and Taylor Snyder of Lakeland; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Raymond Leon Jr., Edmund B., Kenneth E. and Donald F. Pangborn.

Irene’s family wishes to give a special thank you to Accredited Care, especially Andrea Rodriguez and to Lake Shore Home Health Care, especially her nurse Jeanne.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home. Msgr. Joseph M. Dowdell will officiate. Burial will be in the Busti Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and for ½ hour prior to the service in the funeral home Thursday. A Christian Wake Service will be held in the funeral home Wednesday at 6:45 p.m.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Busti Fire Department, 886 Mill Road, Jamestown, NY 14701 or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 380 E. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Irene at www.lindfuneralhome.com.

A drive-by (in a pontoon boat) at the Surf Club

2010-07-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

BEMUS POINT, New York, USA - Shirley Adams sent along the photo below, taken when she and her daughter stopped by Bemus on their pontoon boat this past week.

Looks pretty cleaned up from what I remember, but then when I was there years ago, it was almost always dark - and/or my eyesight was impaired by some beverage. (Schlitz beer, most likely...)

Surf Club, July 2010

The Surf Club was almost always part of my up-lake bar travels that usually included Snug Harbor. I once frequented a saloon known as the Mar-Mar, but found it had a lot of bikers holding down bar stools. And they had little patience for skinny 19-year-olds.

The Mar-Mar did get some class music acts from time to time, though, including The Shadows of Night, singing their classic, Gloria.

Other than the Mar-Mar, Snug Harbor and the Surf Club, I can't recall any other joints we hit regularly, except for the SeeZurh House, which had cheaper beer than most.

Here in Valois, there is a place down the road (which also fills with bikers on the weekend) known as Big Johnson's. It's not the Surf Club, but seems to evince much of the same culture as we saw 40+ years ago in Bemus. And on Friday nights, there's karaoke for the brave, or incredibly hammered. Both are in large supply. And no, I haven't been singing there. Yet.

My wife's second cousin rated a mention on the bar's outside billboard after he got married this past weekend to a local girl.

You can't get more famous than that around here.

Big Johnson's, Hector, NY

Email addresses and coming to Mexico in February

2010-06-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

VALOIS, New York, USA - I sent out a missive last week about some missing addresses and got a good response from people who were able to track down some of our classmates.

Of course, I am still missing lots of emails for our classmates, but so it goes...

Five SWCS Class of '66 guys

Of the five classmates above, I have everyone's email, except, I believe, Dan Loucks (on the left). If you have contact info (even if not an email), send it along and I will phone or write to him directly.

And check out Allan Winger's newest writings... Perhaps he is related to the late Stieg Larsson...

Now, about Mexico and our reunion in February:

In my emails with various non-Class of '66 members, several have expressed an interest in coming to Mexico when the Class of '66 will have its yet-to-be-planned activities.

Sounds good to me, so unless I hear strenuous objection, I think we should post something on the other SWCS Class lists and see who shakes out and wants to come sit in the sun and drink margaritas in February.

The dates are Feb. 4-11. But if you come in earlier, or later, well, it will still be lots of fun.

Sailing by the La Manzanilla beach

Class of '66 members lost two moms this week

2010-05-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - Sue Siecker told me today that two of our classmates last their mothers this past week, Louis Acquisto and Carolyn Coulter.

Our condolences from all the classmates.

Here are the links to their full obituaries published in the Jamestown Post-Journal.

Coulter

Acquisto

Grab your passports, the 45th Class reunion will be Feb. 4 to Feb. 11

2010-05-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

VALOIS, New York, USA - The date has been set - by Barb Bunce Garlock - for the SWCS Class of '66 45th Class Reunion. At least for the reunion I've been proposing to take place in Mexico, in February of 2011.

Barb's husband Scott booked them into a time share in Puerto Vallarta starting Feb. 11, 2011 and so it seems to make sense to have the Class of '66 reunion the week prior, Feb. 4 to Feb. 11.

A week?

Sure. Why not?

In case you don't remember, there is a certain logic to traveling south of the border for a reunion. Well, maybe not logic.

But Feb. 4 to Feb. 11 the air will be warm, the ocean water will be warm, the evenings will be warm (notice a theme here?) and the beer (start calling it cerveza please) will be cold.

It will not likely be any of the above (except for the beer) north of Florida that week in February.

I would propose we simply declare that week SWCS Gringo Week, or something. And we can get together in Arroyo Seco (my pueblo), neighboring La Manzanilla, and many points between and around. And we can party all that all week. Snorkel, swim, surf, boogie board, kayak (Dave Carlson, that's for you), hike, golf, play tennis, read, take siestas, and, of course, eat some fabulous food.

After the reunion week, we can all then visit Barb and Scott in Puerto Vallarta at their time share. (I hope they have lots of room.)

The pools at the Grand Mayan in Puerto Vallarta

Since I first started writing about this idea of a class reunion in Mexico two years ago, I have had about a dozen people say they actually are considering it.

Obviously, Barb Bunce Garlock is one. Cathy Lindstrom Prince is another. Shirley Adams has been asking me about places to stay. And other folks are asking me questions about travel, lodging, food, the water, safety, and is tequila really as cheap as Coca-Cola?

No, it isn't but darn close, margarita fans, darn close.

It should be a fun party/week. I live in Mexico because it's warm, the people are friendly, living costs are, well, downright cheap. And as an added bonus, because I get my news via the internet, I can avoid most of the more hysterical parts of American media.

If you think you might head south for this week-long party/fiesta/reunion/extravaganza-on-a-budget, consider getting an American passport sooner rather than later. You can't really travel outside the borders of the U.S. without one anymore, with a few exceptions.

And if other states take the lead of Arizona, you might need it to get through local airports.

See you in February 2011?

The surf is almost always up.

Surf's up at Playa Grande

Typical afternoon scene - Arroyo Seco's Playa Chica

The Surf Club in Bemus is getting a makeover

2010-05-04T05:19:00.000-07:00

BEMUS POINT, New York, USA - Sue Siecker sent along this missive from the Jamestown Post-Journal about some changes at the Surf Club.

How many hours did we spend there the first few years out of high school?

It was a regular stop on the circuit for me, right along with Snug Harbor and a joint called the Mar-Mar.

Here's the link to the story from the PJ and the Surf Club's own site.

Post Journal story

Surf Club site

Former band leader, music teacher, W. Edward Turner dies

2010-04-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

ASHVILLE, New York, USA - Sue Siecker sent along the news today that former SWCS band leader W. Edward Turner has died at 79.

Of course, when we were in high school, he was Mr. Turner, though more than a few people called him Cho-Cho Turner, in honor of the ice cream bars he consumed in the cafeteria.

I never did band, though many of my amigos did.

Here's Cho-Cho's obituary from the Jamestown Post Journal.

=============

Mr. Turner

Ed Turner, 92, formerly of Ashville, died Saturday morning, April 10, 2010, at Heritage Village.

A lifelong area resident, he was born March 9, 1918, in Randolph, N.Y., the son of Walter H. Turner and Gertrude Fox Turner.

He was the first in his family to graduate from high school and also the first to receive a college degree and then two graduate degrees.

He was married for 57 years, and he raised six children. He was hired by the state of New York to write a book about French horn playing and he performed as a soloist at hundreds of concerts. "Not bad," he would say, "for a man pronounced dead at birth."

He graduated from Falconer High School, then Fredonia State College. He received masters' degrees from Fredonia State College and New York University. He served as music instructor first at the Arcade School system, and then with the Southwestern Central School system for 27 years. The SWCS alma mater was written by him. He retired in 1973 and opened Turner Music Studio. He returned to teaching at age 80 as band director at Holy Family Catholic School.

He was a very active musician. He performed with a touring Broadway musical, the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra, and started several of his own bands. He is perhaps best remembered for his American Eagle Dixieland Band which played in the area extensively. He performed at Art Park and Chautauqua Institution as well as with the Jamestown Municipal Band and the Jamestown Civic Orchestra which he directed. He enjoyed arranging and composing, but mostly playing. In June 2009, he was honored as one of the founders of the Chautauqua County Music Teachers Association festival.

He was a very devoted father to six children and loved to play with his grandchildren. His unusually creative bedtime stories will never be forgotten. He loved to play chess. He was active in several churches and enjoyed deep philosophical discussions. Most recently, he was a member of the Gerry United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marabel King Turner and his younger sister Rachel Turner as well as by his six children, Ruth Wahl of Napoli, N.Y.; Tim Turner (Judith) of Canton, Texas; son, Lauren Turner of Warsaw, N.Y.; Molly Golando (David) of Sheridan, N.Y.; Paul Turner of Willoughby, Ohio; and Margaret "Peggy" Hallberg (John) of Jamestown, N.Y. He has 13 grandchildren: Christopher Wahl, Joy Golando, Grace Golando, Gregory Golando, Kalynn Turner, Elizabeth Hallberg, Emylia Hallberg, Stephen Hallberg, Tiffany Turner, Sherry Turner, Chance Turner, Lydena Sumarall and JoeCarl Turner. He has five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Robert Alton Turner, and a sister, Pauline Turner Maxfield.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday April 14, 2010, at the Lind Funeral Home, with Heather Allport-Cohoon officiating.

Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chautauqua County Music Teachers Association Scholarship Fund, 909 Central Ave., Dunkirk, NY 14048.

How about a week-long Class of '66 reunion in Mexico?

2010-04-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

ARROYO SECO, Jalisco, Mexico - After I posted a blog a few days ago about how quickly 2011 is coming up, I was hit with several questions.

First: Exactly when would such a reunion be?

Second: Is it safe to travel in Mexico?

Well, in order, exactly when isn't my choice (it is yours, too), but I would suggest the second or third week of February, 2011 - and make the reunion the entire week.

Maybe have it span two weekends so that people could get a good bang for their travel bucks.

Playa Chica at sunset

I don't have any set agendas - except to say that my wife Sylvia and I would be happy to host at least one wing-ding party here in Arroyo Seco at our Pink Flamingo Bar and Recreation Center. Ok, it isn't really a bar yet, but plenty of recreation goes on. And would there only be one party here???? Doubtful... more likely we would use the Pink Flamingo as the launch pad for all week.

In terms of recreation, between La Manzanilla, Tenacatita and Arroyo Seco, we have miles of largely deserted beaches, dozens of great restaurants, hotels, motels, houses-to-rent and camping accommodations.

And for activities, well, there's the obvious water sports: swimming, fishing, snorkeling, boating, boogie boarding, and surfing. In addition, there is hiking, shopping (lots of shopping), golf, beach volleyball, bocce ball and, and, and...

And in February, it is warm, amigos. Warm. Like 80-85 degrees during-the-day warm. At night? Maybe in the mid 60s.

Favorite swimming hole

And is it safe to travel to - and in - Mexico?

Well, I obviously think so.

The Admiral and I live here six months a year in the Costalegre and feel safer than when we live in Sacramento, California. A lot safer.

That said, I would not spend any time in Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana or any other Mexican border town. But then I am really nervous when I drive through Oakland, California to visit my one son who lives there, too. Really nervous.

Ditto for going through the Bronx when I am passing through New York City visiting relatives.

When boating, sometimes you have company

So, how about it? A reunion week?

I already have one person from the states who says she is in for sure and planning her itinerary.

Y tu?

Time to get 'serious' about a Class of '66 reunion - in Mexico

2010-04-05T07:43:00.000-07:00

ARROYO SECO, Jalisco, Mexico - So, where does the time disappear to? Two years ago, sitting in a rented house in La Manzanilla (10 miles from here), I posted a blog suggesting that the Class of '66 should have a 45th reunion here in the winter of 2011.

About a dozen people responded with a 'You bet,' (or something like that)...

Well, the winter of 2011 is coming up fast.

Really fast.

So if this is going to happen - and it would be fun, amigos - some minor amount of planning needs to be done: dates, accommodations for housing, accumulation of boogie boards and snorkel gear, ordering of tequila for margaritas, etc...

Beach at Playa Grande in Arroyo Seco

My wife Sylvia and I live Arroyo Seco - a small village that has great beaches and fabulous people - three hours south of Puerto Vallarta and one hour north of Manzanillo. Both cities have good airports and ground transportation.

And we have a big piece of property in the center of Arroyo Seco that would be good for a party or two during a reunion. We now call the place The Pink Flamingo. That's a long story, better told later.

The best accommodations - hotel rooms, rental casitas, etc... - are down the highway a few miles in La Manzanilla. La Manzanilla is on Tenacatita Bay, a relatively famous place for vacationing and, at last count, has about 40 restaurants.

Almost all of them are pretty good, too.

Beach at La Manzanilla

So to make this a short story: If the Class of '66 has a 45th reunion in February, 2011 here in the Costalegre area of Mexico - how many people are in?

And for the record, if it's a reunion of 100 people fabulous!

And a reunion two?

Equally fabulous!

Here is a link to a website about La Manzanilla:

Visit La Manzanilla

Hasta luego, amigos.

Another passing of a Class of '66 parent - Margrete Davidson

2010-02-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

FROM THE JAMESTOWN POST JOURNAL:

===========

Margrete Ester Carlson Davidson passed away at 4:50 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2010.

Margrete, of Neits Crest in Ashville, passed away in Englewood, Fla. She was born in Jamestown on May 19, 1929, the daughter of the late Helge and Judith Soderquist Carlson.

Margrete graduated from Jamestown High School in 1947 and married her childhood sweetheart, Robert G. Davidson on September 6, 1947. He went to be with the Lord on June 14, 2005.

She was the proud mother of Linda (Franklin) Yartz of Ashville and Ronald (Linda) Davidson of Lakewood. She has five beloved grandchildren: Andrew (Angela) Yartz of Essex Junction, Vt., Thomas (Angela) Yartz, Eric Davidson and Leslie (Thomas) Genareo, all of Lakewood and Tracy (Joe) Musselman of Columbus, Ohio.

In addition, she had been blessed with six great-grandchildren: Jake, Leigh and Jared Yartz, Myla Yartz, Emily Musselman and Wilson Genareo. She was affectionately known to all as Mimi. She is also survived by a sister, Doris (Ernest) Erickson of Jamestown.

Margrete and her husband, Bob, owned and operated Davidson's Restaurant from 1950 until their retirement in 1990. She remained a daily figure at the restaurant for the rest of her life. She was a charter member of the Lakewood Baptist Church and an associate member of the West Rotunda Community Church in Englewood, Fla.

Her hard-working hands played and enjoyed the piano all her life. Beginning at the age of six, she loved gospel music. She and Bob attended numerous concerts and gospel cruises. They enjoyed traveling to many destinations including Sweden, Alaska and Florida. She enjoyed working on her lake home lawn and flower garden and even captured her beautiful garden in an award-winning photograph of a rainbow.

She loved watching all sports - the Yankees and NASCAR were her favorites. In later years, she enjoyed reading Christian books. Most important to Margrete throughout her life was her love for her family and God.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home.

The Rev. Daniel W. Cook will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and for one hour prior to the service in the funeral home Friday.

The family suggests memorials be made to Lakewood Baptist Church, 150 Erie St., Lakewood, NY 14750.

More sad news about the passing of a Class of '66 parent

2010-01-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - I received notice from several classmates that Mike Coon's mother has passed away.

Our condolences, Mike.

Here is the obituary from the Post Journal

=============

Elizabeth "Betty" Joyce Coon, 82, of Tanglewood Manor, formerly of Glidden Ave., West Ellicott, died at 4:20 a.m. Saturday, January 2, 2010, in Heritage Green Rehab and Skilled Nursing.

A Jamestown native, she was born March 30, 1927, a daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Bauer Fish.

She was a communicant of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Surviving are six children: Michael (Nancy) Coon of Baton Rouge, La., Timothy (Kathy) Coon of Mooresville, Ind., Daniel (Mary Beth) Coon of Bemus Point, Mark (Kim) Coon of Cassadaga, Maureen (James) Hamblin of Dorset, Ohio and Lori Coon of Lakewood; 14 grandchildren: Shawn, Trey, K. David, Megan, Todd, Jamie, Lyndsey, Matthew, Christian, Allison, Miranda, Brandy, Candice and Dylan; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband James L. Coon, whom she married January 25, 1949, and who died August 22, 1999, a granddaughter Shannon Coon in 1986, two brothers: John Fish, Jr. and Howard Fish, and a sister, Dolores Hutchinson.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. Msgr. Joseph M. Dowdell will officiate.

Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701.

A link to pix of the late Harry Robie

2009-12-09T12:09:00.000-08:00

BEREA, Kentucky, USA - Cheryl Towers sent along a link to some photos of Harry, photos which should spark some memories.

I remembered his grin from all those years ago. And it is evident in the photos. He liked to smile.
You can also check out all of the comments at the same site, Caring Bridge, written by his wife, family and friends.

Harry and Laura dancing in 2007

Harry Robie

Here's the link

PHOTOS OF HARRY

SWCS English teacher Harry Robie dies at 75

2009-12-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

BEREA, Kentucky, USA - Harry Robie, English teacher to virtually all SWCS Class of '66 graduates died Dec. 3.

For the past few weeks, I was trying to get in touch with Harry. One of his children had contacted me via 'blogger' and said Harry was failing fast. I couldn't find a way to get contact them back. Dammit.

------------------------

Here is his obituary from the Jamestown Post Journal:

Harry William Robie, 75, of Berea, Ky., died of cancer on Dec. 3, 2009.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Laura Rector Robie; four children: David, Jonathan, Steven, Sara; and 10 grandchildren.

Born Oct. 2, 1934, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., to the late Norman and Beatrice Robie, he graduated from the University of Rochester, earned a master's degree at SUNY Fredonia, and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He taught En-glish, speech, and debate at Southwestern Central High School for more than 20 years. In 1985 Harry retired and moved to Berea to teach college full time. Following his second retirement from Berea College in 1992, Harry and Laura founded Robie and Robie: Fine Books. He always maintained that every small town should have one really good used bookstore, and he was proud that he had been able to fulfill his life long dream.

Reppert Funeral Home and Cremation Service entrusted with arrangements. www.reppertfuneralhome. com.

---------------

Harry Robie

Harry Robie was a pivotal character in my life, kicking my butt quite thoroughly from time to time for my academic laziness. He had me pegged quite well.

But he also taught me that wanting to be a writer was a cool thing and that you could be athletic and cool and still be a writer.

He encouraged me to become staff writer on the Trojan, the school newspaper, where John Rupp and I wrote stories (but mostly gossip columns). I can still hear Harry's voice. His was one class where I sat up front - I didn't want to miss anything.
Several years ago I started drafting a book about high school, with the working title of The Class of '66. Had I been in touch with Harry then, he no doubt would have kicked my butt to finish it. Maybe his death will do that.

Either way, one of the chapters in that book is titled Year of the Robie, and while the chapter isn't entirely about him, obviously his influence during my junior year of high school stuck pretty hard.

Here's a link to the draft.

LINK:

Year of the Robie

Rest in peace Harry Robie. You will not be forgotten.

A link to Class of '69 foto page

2009-08-24T04:58:00.000-07:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - Cheryl Aitken Thompson has posted a link to her photos from the recently held Class of '69 reunion.

Cheryl's pix

Looks like they had a pretty good time.

Another set of photos from the Class of '69 reunion

2009-08-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - Sharon Ticknor Streed put up a few more photos from her Class of '69 reunion on her Facebook page.

This batch, however, is sans captions, so you are on your own to figure who is who.

More photos from the Class of '69 reunion

2009-08-22T11:01:00.001-07:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - Sharon Ticknor Streed posted another batch of photos today, and in addition, Cheryl Aitken Thompson has some up on a Mobile Me page.

As I am not a Mobile Me member, I can't access those right now.

However, here's a few more shots from the festivities from Sharon's Facebook page...

Craig Zebrowski, Sharon Ticknor, Cheryl Aitken, Pam Schauers

Cheryl Aitken, Van Eckland, Tom Hutchinson

Nedda Wagner, Craig Zebrowski, Nancy McAvoy

Sandy Peiffer, Doug Swanson

Jack Lindell, Nancy Joslin

SWCS Class of 1969 is having its reunion

2009-08-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - The Class of '69 of SWCS is having its reunion as this is written.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it to the festivities, though I am not that far away. Too many last-minute parties, er, I mean things to do, before I head west to what is left of California.

But Sharon Ticknor has been posting photos on her Facebook page (where she is Sharon Streed). If you are a friend of Sharon, you can see all 25 posted so far.

And I suspect when Cheryl Aitken Thompson gets back to California, she will be posting photos on her Class of '69 website:

Class of '69

In the meantime, here are a selection of photos just posted.

Tom Cowing, Sharon Ticknor and Debbie Nelson

Sharon Ticknor and Rick Rosebury

Craig Zebrowski and Vicki French

Cheryl Aitken and Chuck Hodges

Connecting with the movie, The Endless Summer

2009-03-26T14:30:00.001-07:00

ARROYO SECO, Jalisco, Mexico - In 1966 - the same year I graduated from high school in Jamestown, New York - I saw the movie, The Endless Summer by Bruce Brown, a classic film about surfing around the world.

Endless Summer movie clip

And two days ago, I met Richard (who likes to go by Ricardo here). Ricardo hails from South Africa and grew up on the coast where the South Africa scenes of the movie were filmed.

He has vivid memories of being a child with movie people - and famous surfers - coming and going in his house.

As you might suspect, Richard/Ricardo is a surfer and has been his entire life.

Ricardo spent two days with us, surfing both days and getting some very good rides. In fact, as I write this, he is pondering whether he and his amiga Amy should spend one more night (which means surfing in the morning) or head back up the highway towards Puerto Vallarta.

Today Richard caught a great wave - not quite Endless Summer quality - but close.

And here's the video of it:

Scouting activities for Mexico reunion in 2011

2009-03-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

LA MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico - The months have been flying by here in Mexico, with too many things to do and see. Oh yeah. And eat and drink.

But I haven't been totally derelict in looking around for fun things to do for the SWCS Class of '66 Reunion in February, 2011.

And I have also been scouting various places to stay for folks, unless I get a wild hair and build guest casitas (little houses) out here in Arroyo Seco at the Pink Flamingo. (Anyone want to invest a few thousand?)

Upstairs palapa with view of Tenacatita Bay

The photo above is of the living room/kitchenette/deck of a casita in La Manzanilla that is the kind of place you might never want to leave once you unpack your suitcase. The bedrooms and bathrooms are on the floor below with tons of space for two couples. The main beach is about 200 yards out the front door. Some of the best margaritas in town are the same distance at Martine's Restaurant.

The price per night right now, is about $100 U.S.. That's $100 for the whole two-bedroom, two-bath place, which includes the kitchen upstairs and living area and deck.

Take that Motel 6.

BTW, with the current exchange rate of 15 pesos to the dollar, a cold beer in La Manzanilla is about 55 cents, a margarita $3, a hamburger and fries at Palapa Joes $3.50, and a big pizza for about $8. My dinner tonight, across the street at my neighor's taco stand, should cost me about $1.50 for 4 chorizo tacos.

Launching a Hobie Cat through the surf

The same beach (and margarita-watering hole) is also home to several sailboats and enough kayaks to keep everyone afloat from the class who has contacted me and said they might be coming. The bay is a great place to sail, kayak and swim. Sitting on the beach is kind of fun, too. Lots of wildlife to view.

My sailing dinghy will be in the water there long before then, I hope. Right now it is languishing in Arroyo Seco until I can get a small trailer to tow it (and launch it) with my Honda quad.

Here's some assorted photos from the last few weeks:

Metal sculptures, a little big to be souvenirs

Evening concert in a neighboring town

Fresh coconut milk

The last shot is our Canadian amiga Laura Warner, who came and taught English to the village children a month ago. We were out on the beach to check out the sunset and another friend walked over and got us coconuts from a fellow harvesting them.

Gawd, they are good right off the tree.

About two years from now, maybe some of us can be sharing coconuts right here. I hear pouring a little rum in them makes them especially tasty.

Might try that this afternoon.

Gringo fishermen come in with a full load of red snapper

The 2011 reunion is just around the corner, sort of

2009-01-01T20:52:00.000-08:00

ARROYO SECO, Jalisco, Mexico - So as the calendar turns today to 2009 (Who thought we would ever see that number when we graduated in 1966?), the idea of a 45-year reunion in Mexico in 2011 is, well, pretty close.

Sometime last year I suggested that the class might consider coming south, here to the Costa Alegre in Mexico to celebrate. But not in June. (Hell, I won't be here in June, it's too hot and humid...) No, what I suggested, and some people thought was good, was to have the Class of '66 reunion in February, when the winter is usually the most foul in the northeast.

The nearby city of La Manzanilla has great accommodations, world-class restaurants and enough surfing, swimming, fishing and cervezas (and margaritas) to keep everyone pretty happy.

Surfer Laura heading out into the waves

Of course, some of the reunion could also take place here in Arroyo Seco, where my wife and I live six months of the year. The village people (the Mexicans, not the aging singing group) are marvelous and would probably be quite amused by a large contingent of non-Spanish speaking gringos descending on the town.

They are amused with us - and we are the only two gringos living here.

Anyway, this is just a little reminder that a reunion is in the works...

Feliz a˜no nuevo, amigos.

Another former classmate passes away

2008-12-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - Sue Siecker sent along a copy of this obituary for Diane Whitermore, who Sue says went to school with us for awhile, but didn't graduate from SWCS.

I wish I could post some good news here, and not just these kind of notices. But news is news, I suppose.

Thanks Sue, for sending it along.

FROM THE JAMESTOWN POST JOURNAL

Diane Whitermore

Diane S. Whitermore, 60, of Schofield, Wis., formerly of Jamestown, N.Y., died at 4:50 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, after an unexpect-ed illness.

She was born March 17, 1948 in James town, N.Y., the daughter of James Gustafson and the late Carol Gustafson.

Diane was a graduate of Jamestown High School and a graduate of Rafael School of Beauty. She owned and operated a beauty shop in Gerry for many years. She was a member of the American Legion Post 25 in Lake Placid, Fla. She most recently worked for Sam's club in Rib Mountain, Wis., in charge of the membership desk.

Diane enjoyed her grandchildren, cooking, baking, camping, spending time with her dog Lady, and crocheting. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, and friend who highly enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and great-grandson.

Surviving is her husband of 41 years, Fredrick L. Whitermore Sr., whom she married Sept. 16, 1967 in Lakewood, N.Y. Also surviving are her father, James Gustafson of Richmond, Va.; two children; Fredrick Jr. (Patricia) of Lake Placid, Fla., and Joy (Matthew) Olmsted of Wausau, Wis; four grandchildren: Gordon Ellery III and Daniel (Melissa) Ellery), all of Lake Placid, Fla., and Matthew and Madison Olmsted of Wausau, Wis.; and one great-grandson, Payton Ellery of Lake Placid, Fla. She is also survived by three sisters: Nancy Roselle of Lake-wood, N.Y., Connie (William) Sexton, of Rich-mond Va., and Bonnie (Robert) Murphy of Melbourne, Fla.

She was preceded in death by her mother; Carol Gustafson who died Oct. 4, 2004.

A memorial service will be held in the spring in Schofield, Wis.

Memorials may be made to the Aspirus Palliative Care Unit, 333 Pine Ridge Blvd. Wausau, WI, 54401 and your local chapter of the Children's Miracle Network.

On-line condolences may be given at www. brainard funeral.com

Former classmate Dick Popowski dies at age 62

2008-12-01T20:28:00.000-08:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - Dan Beckstrom sent along the sad news that Dick Popowski, a classmate of ours who disappeared from our class around 7th grade or so, has passed away.

Dick Popowski was a friend of mine when we were in 6th grade, as he was with Dan Beckstrom. I lost track of Dick while we were in junior and senior high school until the late 1960s when I ran into him at the Hideaway Restaurant on Fairmont Avenue when I dropped in for a beer.

Dick told me an incredibly funny - and pretty filthy - joke about a dog.

I still tell it occasionally, though my wife is furious when I do tell it in mixed company. (No, not people and dogs...)

I sometimes wonder about other classmates who have disappeared at some juncture. Somehow Dick Popowski led me to thing about a fellow named Dan Ryan... I remember him playing football and also spending part of a season on the wrestling team.

Below is Dick Popowski's obituary from the Post Journal.

Obituary from the Jamestown Post Journal

Richard F. Popowski, 62, of 37 McKinley Ave., Jamestown passed away at 11:14 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 29, 2008) in WCA Hospital after a brief illness.

A life long area resident he was born June 22, 1946, in Jamestown, the son of the late Chester F. and Doris M. Silk Popowski.

Richard attended Southwestern High School and was currently employed by Ohio State Security, Bush Industries.

He loved to spend time with family and friends, and his dog Brandi. He also loved fishing, woodworking, baseball and was an avid Red Sox fan. Richard will be sadly missed by his family and by all who knew him.

Surviving are a sister, Diane Rickard of Pensacola, Fla.; two brothers, Douglas Popowski and Scott Popowski, both of Jamestown; a niece, Robin Curtis of Celoron; a nephew, Randall Rickard of Pensacola, Fla.; and a grandnephew Matthew Rickard.

He was preceded in death by his father on Jan. 4, 1976 and his mother on May 24, 2002.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Falconer Funeral Home. The Rev. Robert Lewis will officiate.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donate to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701.

SWCS wins state football championship

2008-12-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

FROM THE JAMESTOWN POST JOURNAL

==========

Best In The State

Southwestern Cruises To Class C Crown

By Scott Kindberg skindberg@post-journal.com

POSTED: November 30, 2008

Email: "Best In The State"
*To:		<--TO Email REQUIRED!
*From:		<--FROM Email REQUIRED!

Croton-Harmon coach John Catano was at a loss for words, too.

But, courtesy of a 70-second stretch in the second quarter in which they scored three touchdowns, the top-ranked Trojans seized control of Saturday's New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class C championship football game en route to a dominating, 35-7, victory over the Tigers at the Carrier Dome.

''In a game like this, momentum is going to be a killer,'' Southwestern coach Jay Sirianni said. ''We grabbed it and didn't let go of it.''

As a reward, the Trojans returned home with a plaque that signifies them as the best Class C team in the state.

No one would dispute it.

Junior running back Zack Sopak, the game's Most Valuable Player, threw for two touchdowns and ran for one; sophomore John Mistretta, the most valuable offensive back, rushed for 92 yards and a score; and the defense did the rest to secure Southwestern's first state football title.

''This is for every person who ever played at Southwestern,'' Trojans coach Jay Sirianni said. ''That's what makes it special for me.''

There was nothing particularly special early on as the game was scoreless in the first quarter. The Trojans - behind the running of Sopak, Mistretta, junior Levi Bursch and senior Eric Mazgaj - mounted a 10-play, 64-yard drive, capped by Sopak's 20-yard touchdown pass to Bursch in the right flat. Senior Dan Imfeld, who had missed a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter, booted the first of five successful extra-point tries to give Southwestern a 7-0 lead with 6:36 remaining in the first half.

It didn't take long for the Trojans to find the end zone again.

How does 14 seconds sound?

On the first play from scrimmage, the Tigers fumbled, thanks to a hit from junior defensive end Corey Carlson. Buzzetto scooped up the loose ball and sped 29 yards for the touchdown, pushing Southwestern's lead to 14-0.

''It's one of the greatest feelings I've ever had,'' said Buzzetto, who led the Trojans with 10 tackles, including two for losses, one forced fumble and one sack. ''It came right to me.''

Added Carlson: ''I could not wipe that smile off my face.''

But there was more where that came from.

See CLASS C, Page C-2

From Page C-1

On the ensuing kickoff, Croton-Harmon fumbled again, Southwestern senior John Volpe recovered and, two plays later, Sopak connected with senior Andy Lata on an 11 yard TD strike.

In 1:10, Southwestern had scored three times.

''In a game like this, you can't have turnovers,'' Catano said. ''Unfortunately, we were on the receiving end.''

The Trojans' defense saw to that.

Armed with a 21-0 lead by halftime, the kids in red and white punished Tigers' quarterback Nick Mainiero and three other running backs, holding them to 199 yards in total offense, 48 of which came on a touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter.

''It's true what they say,'' Sirianni said. ''Defense wins championships and we had the defense to do it.''

Sopak and Mistretta added second-half touchdowns, pushing the lead to 35-0 with just under eight minutes remaining in the game.

For Mistretta, who averaged 9.2 yards per carry, it was especially gratifying.

''I told him that he had to go out and run with no worries,'' Sirianni said. ''On the biggest stage in New York, you have to run like this is your last game and, fortunately for us, he's got two years left.''

Added Mistretta: ''To have a couple carries the last couple games and then to come back with 10 carries feels great. To come out on top feels even better.''

Having that winning feeling again is not a reach. In fact, with many of the top players returning next year, it's not inconceivable that the Trojans could be back at the Carrier Dome a year from now.

One of the returning players will be Sopak, who has been named an MVP each of his last three playoff games. Against Croton-Harmon, he completed 5-of-7 passes for 92 yards and rushed 12 times for 77 yards.

''It's not all me,'' he said. ''I have a great supporting cast around me, but when the game's on the line I know I have to make plays.''

The ability to make plays - on both sides of the ball - was common for Southwestern.

''We came out and proved that we should be No. 1 in the state,'' Sopak said.

When asked how he feels about having two champs in the same Chautauqua County neighborhood - nearby Maple Grove crushed Moriah, 55-7, for the Class D crown - Sopak smiled.

''It's a huge deal for Chautauqua County,'' he said. ''We both had great teams this year and we could have great teams next year, too.''

NOTES: Croton-Harmon's lone touchdown came when Mainiero hit Joe Tralli for a 48-yard touchdown pass with 4:30 remaining in the game. ... Other award winners were Bursch and Mainiero, sportsmanship; Southwestern's Drew Merchant, most valuable offensive lineman; Buzzetto, most valuable defensive lineman; and Moriah's Tom Moore, most valuable defensive back.

LaScala restaurant burns - from the Post-Journal

2008-11-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

The following story is from the Post-Journal, forwarded to me via Lee Johnson who had it forwarded to him from Sue Siecker.

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A burned La Scala

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - Had it not been for the woman who showed up Wednesday morning to clean, more than a building may have been lost in the fire that destroyed LaScala's restaurant.

That's according to Jerry Raab, the chief of Fluvanna Fire Department, who said late Wednesday afternoon it was the cleaning woman who saved the lives of the restaurant's owners.

''The woman saw smoke and woke the Seagren family up,'' Raab said. ''They were still sleeping at the time. Had she not done that, the family might not have made it out of the fire.''

Firefighters were called to LaScala's at about 8:15 a.m. Wednesday morning. When the call came in, Raab said he was just a short distance away from the restaurant. By the time he made it to the restaurant, heavy smoke was already visible from the structure.

''Once the family was woken up, Mr. Seagren found a fire extinguisher and tried to put the fire out, but he couldn't,'' Raab said. ''The family did get out - but when we were dispatched, we were told there might be people trapped inside.''

Two Fluvanna Fire Department firefighters were sent inside to look for anyone trapped, only to become trapped themselves.

''We sent two firefighters in to make sure everyone was out of the building,'' Raab said. ''After they were inside, the fire blew up from the basement and took out half of the stairwell so they couldn't get back down. I give a lot of credit to the Jamestown Fire Department for bringing in their aerial truck. They were ready to put it through an upper-story window so the firefighters inside could get out.''

The trapped firefighters were able to jump over the burned stairwell and get out, Raab said. Nobody was injured in the fire.

''All we lost was a building, and you can rebuild a building,'' he said. ''It was very intense, but we're thankful nobody was hurt. That's the biggest thing.''

Initially, firefighters laid two attack lines and tried an interior attack, Raab said. But at about 9 a.m., the fire came up into the dining room and kitchen and the floor collapsed. Firefighters were evacuated from the building and, after everyone was accounted for, Raab said firefighters regrouped for an exterior attack.

But because the first and second floors - and, later, the roof - collapsed onto the fire, Raab said it was difficult for firefighters to extinguish the blaze.

''Fresh fuel kept falling onto the fire, which kept it going,'' Raab said. ''We finally got it under control at about 3 p.m.''

Firefighters were still on scene after 5 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. A county backhoe was brought in to remove debris so investigators could have access to the structure's basement. Fluvanna firefighters were sent back to the scene at about 7:30 p.m. when hot spots rekindled.

''Now, the county fire investigator will determine the cause of the fire,'' Raab said. ''They need to start their search in the basement. Once that's finished, the owner will need to immediately demolish the building. It's a total loss.''

Responding to the blaze on Wednesday were 13 departments. They included the Fluvanna Fire Department, Jamestown Fire Department, Sinclairville Fire Department, Ashville Fire Department, Falconer Fire Department, Ellery Center Volunteer Fire Department, Chautauqua County Rescue, Gerry Volunteer Fire Department, Dewittville Fire Department, Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department, Maple Springs Fire Co., Stockton Volunteer Fire Co. and Busti Fire Department.

Also responding was WCA Services, the Salvation Army, the FAST Team, the Chautauqua County Fire Investigator's office, the New York State Police, the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department and fire police.

Raab credited firefighters with doing ''a really great job'' on the scene Wednesday.

''In this area, it's really unusual to see a fire take a big, well-known commercial structure like LaScala's,'' he said. ''The community lost an icon today, but it could have been much worse. On the whole, we were lucky.''

A Chautauqua County icon, LaScala's was known as one of the best locations in the county for fine dining.

Passing of Dave Bagley a reminder to live well

2008-11-08T08:49:00.000-08:00

VALOIS, New York, USA - The passing of winemaker and winery owner Dave Bagley, a neighbor really when I am living in Valois for the summer, is yet another reminder that living well, today (not tomorrow) is really important.

Dave Bagley obituary

And in living well, I mean enjoying what we have, loving the people around us, and not waiting until say, next summer, or next month, or next week, to make that phone call we have been putting off.

In the last year, I had two elderly acquaintances pass away who - in both cases - I knew I should check in with to see how things were with them but, well, I was too busy.

And, of course, too late, too.

In Dave Bagley's case, his heart gave out. But I'll remember him sitting right next to me at his winery on my last visit in late August, chatting about Seneca Lake and how blessed he felt to be such a success and have so many good people around him.

I'd write more, but I have a few phone calls to make, emails to write and even letters to pen.

Dave Bagley with his usual smile

Poplar Ridge wines

Antler overs the bar at Poplar Ridge

New athletic complex dedicated at SWCS

2008-09-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Ribbon cutting ceremony

Years of hard work and dedication came together for Southwestern Central School with the opening ceremony of the new athletic complex.

Thanks to the generosity of the community, and spearheaded by the Southwestern Schools Education Foundation, the taxpayer portion of the project ($590,000) was raised through a fundraising campaign that reached its goal at the end of June 2007.

''This was really an incredible effort on part of the Southwestern Schools Education Foundation, which is community members, who said when this got voted down six years ago, 'We have to do something for the school and the kids,''' said Jon Peterson, high school principal. ''They spearheaded the entire project, from the thought of it, to the fundraisers, to the designing of it and the celebration tonight.''

''It's really a great group of folks who care passionately about our school and our kids,'' Peterson said.

Included in the $2.9 million dollar facelift is an eight-lane all-weather track (which will be completed later this fall), two new sets of bleachers, a new scoreboard, new fencing around the track, a new pole vault area, a new long and triple jump pit, an asphalt driveway from the school to the field, a parking lot for 50 cars and a new girls softball field.

''This is just phenomenal. I taught here for a long time, coached even longer. This is like a dream come true,'' said Tom Priester, Southwestern Schools Education Foundation board member. ''We've got some wonderful people in this community who are supportive of our school and the things that we're trying to accomplish.''

The festivities will continue today, beginning with junior varsity and varsity midget football games at 1 p.m. The Lady Trojans will play a varsity soccer game at 5 p.m., followed by a boys varsity soccer game, any alumni who have played/performed at Lawson Field through the years are invited to assemble for a photograph. The day will be capped with a fireworks display after the soccer game.

''It's a great day for the school and the community,'' Victor Tarana, SSED board member said. ''It's very rewarding to see that something like this can be done. It's because the community, the school, the students, everybody came together and made it happen.''

Millie Carlson - Randy's mom - passes away at 85

2008-08-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

LAKEWOOD, New York, USA - I received the news a couple of days ago that another towering figure in my upbringing has passed away, Millie Carlson.

Ok, she wasn't towering in the physical sense - at least not standing next to Randy's dad, Art, or Randy.

But she was a good lady to all us kids and knew a lot more about the shenanigans we were up to than she ever, ever let my mother (or other parents) know.

She taught me how to make ice tea - not that wuss sun tea, though. She made the real deal where you throw about 20 Lipton tea bags into a pot of boiling water and let it all boil like hell for 10 minutes. Her recipe for ice tea makes Starbuck's coffee look like a sedative.

By now Millie is singing with angels and has already found Art, out on the celestial golf course. They lived good lives and will be missed.

Here is Millie's obituary from the Post-Journal:

Mildred E. Carlson, 85, of 35 Gifford Ave., Lakewood, died at 7 p.m. on Wednes-day, Aug. 27, 2008 in the WCA Hospital.

A Jamestown area resident most of her life, she was born March 28, 1923, in Brocton, N.Y., the daughter of Ernest and Eva M. Linner Erickson.

She was the widow of Arthur G. Carlson, whom she married Nov.1, 1947 and died Nov. 8, 2007.

Mrs. Carlson was a 1941 graduate of Jamestown High School, was formerly em-ployed in the U.S. Navy Office in the Resident Inspectors Office and for many years worked with her husband in their Nationwide Insurance Agency.

She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and was active in the choir and formerly was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. She was also a member of Lion's Club Auxiliary and a volunteer at the WCA Hospital.

Surviving are two sons: Randall A. Carlson of Lakewood and Gary W. Carlson of Denver, Colo.; a daughter, Janice M. (Rob) Crovo of Harwinton, Conn.; two grandchildren: Jonathan Crovo and Katie Crovo, both of Harwinton; a sister, Betty J. Thomas of James-town; and a brother, Herbert Erickson of Jamestown.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters: Gladys Sandwick and Florence Barnes; and three brothers: Walter, Edward and Arthur Erickson.

The funeral service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sa-turday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Timothy J. Hoyer, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, will offici-ate. Burial will be in the Lake View Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday in the funeral home.

The family suggests that memorials be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 35 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY, 14750

Get those passports warmed up for the 2001 reunion

2008-08-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

VALOIS, New York, USA (August 10, 2008) - Somehow summer of 2008 got away from me and it went from June-to-July-to-August practically before I could grab a cold Molson out of my cooler.

Maybe I grabbed a few too many cold Molson's and that's why my memory is getting soft.

Where was I?

In looking at the calendar, I'm not sure I'm going to be able to make a sojourn to Jamestown before I head back to California August 30, though with the Admiral leaving in a few days for Mexico, I might be able to slip out of town, house chores nonwithstanding.

I know that Shirley Adams is in the area, as well as all of the Class of '66 who still hangs their hats there most of the year: Randy Carlson, Sue Guertin, Jim Lindell and too many others for me to list here. (I hear a Molson rustling in the cooler on the porch and must hurry...)

Earlier today though, I received an email from Cathy Lindstrom saying that she had her passport in hand, which means of course that she is free to travel internationally in just a couple of years for the 45th reunion of the Class of '66 of SWCS.

Cathy at our 40th reunion

Wahoo! Now I know we will have a class reunion of at least two of us in Mexico.

When I get back to the Costa Alegre in Mexico in December, I'll start posting information about the place (beaches, etc) and maybe we can start making real plans for some kind of February 2011 soiree.

In the meantime, if you don't have a passport, considering spending the money and get one. They are handy to have and get you through most airports a lot faster.

Hitting a dreaded birthday and counting summers

2008-07-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

VALOIS, New York, USA - A lot of the Class of '66 may have already hit the big 6-0. For me, it comes in just a few days (July 10) and while I haven't ever made much of a fuss about my birthdays, this one seems, well, more significant.

I remember moving to Lakewood when my grandmother was in her mid-60s and wow was she old - rickety, crotchety, cranky, white-haired old.

Does it hurt anybody else to look in the mirror some days?

When I turned 40, I remember thinking, whoa! Same thing for 50. But 60? This birthday might take a little getting used to. How many summers more can I look forward to?

(Do I dare eat a peach? Remember having to read T.S. Eliot in English class?)

All of these kind of thoughts were banging around in my brain Saturday when I went to the Watkins Glen Race Track and marveled at the youthfulness and energy of the crowd. It probably didn't help that I had a world-class hangover from the July 4th activities.

But as I was walking around I spotted a green 1965 Triumph Spitfire, a twin to the first car I ever owned. In fact, who knows, it could be the first car I ever owned, just restored. I can't imagine there are too many of those in circulation.

Like all first loves, I remember the car quite fondly, even though it spent quite a bit of time in a shop down on Washington Street in Jamestown being fixed, draining away the money I was earning as a lifeguard at Lakewood Beach.

Maybe for a 60th birthday present I should go shopping for another one. I think the Admiral would like it a lot better than any of the motorcycles I've been looking at buying.

Zoooooooommmmm.

1965 Triumph Spitfire

Summer 2008 - time for a 'mini-reunion?'

2008-06-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

LAKEWOOD, New York, USA - The Admiral and I just finished up putting on a wedding in Valois for our son (and new daughter-in-law) and are making plans for a sojourn to the Jamestown environs for later this summer.

Later? Good grief, it's almost July 4th weekend, which keeps me anchored here at Seneca Lake until right after that. Family, fireworks - all of that...

Anyone have a suggestion for a good weekend in July or August for a Class of '66 mini-reunion? Maybe at the new and improved Surf Club or back at the SeeZurh House (that was a fun evening two summers ago).

And does anyone know if the SWCS Class of '68 is holding a soiree this summer? We could tag along.

Well, maybe, they are forever sophomores to our being seniors, right?

In the meantime, I'll practice my waterskiing and dream of surfing.

Surf's up at Chautauqua Lake this summer

Photos of the progress at SWCS stadium

2008-05-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - I received the photos below from Tom Priester, forwarded from someone else, of what I believe is the upgraded, updated, and upscaled stadium at SWCS.

I'm emailing Tom this morning to see if I can get him to give me a brief written update on what's going on, which I will post right away.

In the meantime, the Costa Alegre in Mexico is looking pretty good for our next Class of '66 reunion in 2011.

Here's the pix:

Grandstand photo

Another grandstand photo

Scoreboard

Barra de Navidad - one place to visit at reunion

2008-03-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

BARRA DE NAVIDAD, Jalisco, Mexico - Out scouting for Class of '66 reunion spots (ok, I was having lunch with some amigos), it occurred to me that one place we should definitely spend some time is Barra de Navidad, about 10 miles from my home base in La Manzanilla.

It has a lot of the tourist-town aura about it, but for any classmates who will want to shop for souvenirs of any kind, it's the place.

I almost bought another hammock yesterday myself - and I have several!

Admiral Fox says it is the place to purchase silver jewelry (and she has plenty to prove it) and it's where I purchased my straw hat - my patron hat.

Here's two pix from Barra:

Burros on parade during a fiesta

View from deck of Sea Master's restaurant in Barra de Navidad

Guidance counselor Royce Mallory passes away

2008-02-27T18:59:00.000-08:00

LAKEWOOD, New York, USA - I received news today from Bob Swanson that former SWCS guidance counselor Royce Mallory has died.

I didn't know Royce very well, though I saw him around the guidance office plenty. I needed lots of guidance.

Interestingly, his next door neighbor in Lakewood was a fellow named Bud Storms, who told me (when I worked with Bud at a downtown Jamestown dental lab) that Royce was ruined by going to graduate school and learning to play the guitar.

I say interestingly because music and guitar playing became his passion. So much for the wisdom of Bud Storms.

Rest in peace Royce. Sing a duet with Joe Rushin for all of us.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Royce McKay Mallory

2/24/2008 - Royce McKay Mallory, 74, passed away Thursday, February 21, 2008 at Select Specialty Hospital in Erie, Pa. He was born in Erie on September 18, 1933, to the late Royce Ryan and Nancy McKay Mallory.

He grew up in Edinboro, Pa., where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and golf for Edinboro High School. He was an all-state football selection his senior year in high school as part of an undefeated team. After high school he attended Edinboro State Teachers College where he again excelled as a four-year letterman for their football team on his way to graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history. He continued his education receiving his master’s degree in education from Columbia University in New York City, where he made many lifelong friends and memories while living a full year at International House in 1968.

Royce married the love of his life, Jane Ellen Offensend, in June 1954. Together, they raised two boys, Sean Mallory of Edinboro, Pa. and Brian Mallory of New Fairfield, Conn. He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters-in-law, Terri and Patti, and five grandchildren that he loved dearly: Connor, Cailin, Ian, Garrett and Shane.

As all that knew him would attest, he had a true passion for people. After starting his career as a history teacher, he soon found his calling in helping highschool students prepare for their future. He and his family moved to Lakewood, N.Y., in 1964 when he secured a position in the Southwestern Central School District as the guidance director. After two years as the principal of the SWCS High School in the early 1970s, Royce assumed the role of Director of Student Services for the balance of his career. He retired in 1988.

In addition to his family and profession, Royce loved music and the great outdoors. He was an accomplished guitarist that was always ready to play for his church, a retirement home or a friendly neighborhood party. With his family and friends he traveled to every state on the U.S. main land and also drove to Alaska four times. His four- to six-week “summer journeys” were opportunities to spend time with those closest to him, meet interesting people in campsites across our wonderful country and fly fishing in some of the greatest streams in North America. Royce loved nothing more than getting young people excited about traveling and fishing. He and Jane spent the month of September fishing and hiking in Montana each of the last ten years.

He was a member of the Lakewood United Methodist Church where he led the music portion of the early morning service for many years. He now joins his family and friends that have passed before him into the hands of the Lord. Those closest to him will think of him often particularly when they are on his beloved lake Chautauqua or on any fishing stream that in his words “brings us closest to God”. We love him dearly.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Lakewood United Methodist Church, 164 Shadyside Ave., Lakewood, N.Y.

Friends may gather at the Glunt Funeral Home, 210 Erie St., Edinboro, on Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m.

Burial will be in Edinboro Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 3524 West 26th Street, Erie, PA 16506; or the Mallory Run Project c/o Sparky Jorton, 12069 Lay Road, Edinboro, PA 16412, or the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Athletic Department, McComb Fieldhouse, 455 Scotland Road, Edinboro, PA 16444-0001. To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.

Coach - and teacher - Joe Rushin dies at 85

2008-02-27T06:40:00.000-08:00

PORT SAINT LUCIE, Florida, USA - I received word today from Sue Siecker and also from my sister Evelyn that Joe Rushin has passed away.

Last year I wrote a piece about Joe, and how he had influenced my life - in good part by giving me a verbal boot in the ass on numerous occasions when I was slacking. And I was slacking. And his boot was pretty gentle, actually, all things considered. He knew my father had died and provided some of that stuff that dads do - like tell their sons maybe trying a little harder is not such a bad idea.

Joe Rushin in the early 1960s

I knew him mostly as coach of the track team, arguably the only sport at which I had much success in high school. He wanted me to do everything and once insisted that I try the pole vault. He neglected to check out my biceps which were not up to the task of lifting my scrawny body over anything that high. So then he decided I was a hurdler. That didn't work that well either, but eventually he realized I could run like hell - for a short distance - and so I did the 100-yard dash and the 220 for four years.

I still have the ribbons I won.

Joe always brought his young son Randy to practices - he was just a little kid when we were in high school - and looking back, it was a measure of how good a dad Joe was.

After his first wife died, he married SWCS librarian, Beverly Brownrigg, who I note from his obituary had been with him every day since.

Miss Brownrigg, later Mrs. Rushin

I wrote to Joe last year at his Port Saint Lucie address but never heard back. I'll bet though, that he remembered me, he was that kind of guy.

In our yearbook, there is a picture of Vern Ahlgren and Mark Swanson racing, with Vern's legs churning out yards against Mark's determination. I was standing nearby the day that photo was taken and can still hear Joe Rushin's voice urging both of them to beat the other, just as I can hear him hollering at me all the way across the football field, enunciating each syllable of my name: Fitz-Ger-AAAAALLLLLLLDDDD faster!

Rest in peace Joe.

Racing to the finish - for Joe Rushin

OBITUARY FOR JOE RUSHIN

Joseph Eugene Rushin

2/27/2008 - Joseph Eugene Rushin, 85, formerly of Lakewood, N.Y., died in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, where he has resided since 1982. He was born August 18, 1922, in Nanticoke, Pa., the son of Andrew and Francis Maksus Rushin.

A veteran of World War II, he served as an officer in the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific Theater and was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal with three stars, and the Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars.

He attended the East Stroudsburg Teachers College in East Stroudsburg, Pa., and received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He received his master of science degree from Rutgers University. He retired in 1982 as principal of Southwestern Central High School, after a 36-year career in education. He was a member of Saint Lucie Catholic Church in Port Saint Lucie, and was an avid wood carver.

Surviving are his wife of 39 years, Beverly Rushin; two daughters: Christine Hessler of Bethel Park, Pa.; Carol Rushin of Golden, Colo.; a son, Randall Rushin of East Hampton, Conn.; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Lillian Rushin in 1967.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the Saint Lucie Catholic Church.

A graveside service will be held at Sunset Hill Cemetery at a time to be announced by the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Region Community Foundation c/o Southwestern School Education Foundation, PO Box 103, Lakewood, NY 14750.

Out scouting sites for next Class of '66 reunion

2008-02-22T06:59:00.000-08:00

TENACATITA, Jalisco, Mexico - For the past couple of weeks, I've been scouting some places for activities for the proposed SWCS Class of '66 reunion in 2011 here in Mexico.

I've kind of ruled out Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo and think that something right around this part of Mexico would work best. We have great airport access (40 minutes from my driveway), low prices at restaurants and bars (many of us are pensioners, after all) and plenty to keep us occupied.

My connection in a local real estate office tells me we could rent several beach houses - all right in a row - and use them as a base of operations for whatever wild and crazy things a bunch of 60+ years old people would likely be doing.

We can do ATV races on the beach right in front of the houses. Ok, maybe not that.

But how about a coconut golf tournament?

Below are a couple of photos from Tenacatita Beach, where I have a beach lot that may or may not have a house on it in the next few years. House or not, we are on good terms with the restaurant owners along the beach, which features a great snorkeling spot call the Aquarium.

One beach to check out for Class of '66 reunion

Coming back from snorkeling at the Aquarium

It looks like Mexico in 2011 for some folks

2008-02-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

LA MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico - The poll closed early this morning (early for me, anyway) that I posted about the idea of having an SWCS Class of '66 reunion here in Mexico.

And it seems like for at least 20 members of the class, it's a swinging idea.

Here's the results:

Polls results

The colors are a little hard to read, but 19 people said 'Si,' a lot of people want to do it where I live here on Costa Alegre (fine with me, and can this town throw a party!). Only two folks said 'no.' Que lastima.

Free tequila seemed like an incentive, too, and given that we have a distillery very nearby, well, lots of things are possible.

That 45th reunion is three years away - but given how time has speeded up recently, I'll started talking with the queen of all class reunions (Cathy Lindstrom Prince) about how to get this thing off the ground. Or is on the ground?

Hasta luego, amigos.

Time to vote on the next reunion

2008-02-01T06:26:00.001-08:00

LA MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico - Amigos, I posted a poll at the left for people to indicate their preferences for a 45th class reunion.

The poll will be open for 24 hours.

You can vote for more than one category, so please vote early, vote often.

Time to plan for the 45th reunion - in Mexico?

2008-01-31T08:33:00.001-08:00

LA MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico - Blame it on the Mexican sun, the tequila, the warm salt water or perhaps the 60-cent tacos I eat for dinner most nights (two of which make a meal...), but Cathy Lindstrom-Prince and I are concocting a plan to hold the 45th reunion of the Class of '66 south of the border.

Oh-my-God, you might be thinking.

Look at it this way: Instead of waiting for June or July, perhaps have a reunion in, say, February - arguably the ugliest, coldest, least-hospitable month in the northeast.

Think about it: In February of 2011, you could be in the top photo, or watching the waves (and for whales in the bay) in the bottom photo, sipping a special Fitz-blended margarita on my deck.

Shoveling out, again

View from the rooftop of Tenacatita Bay

I know where I'll be. (At least I hope so...)

True, it could be construed as a wacky idea. But think about this: Most of the members of the SWCS Class of '66 will be 63 or 64 years old that year. Social Security (if it's still pumping out dollars) will be going into most of our pockets. And how long do you wait to treat yourself to a nice winter vacation in a warm climate?

Lots of details to work out, of course, but given that we are talking three years from now, I don't think anything is insurmountable.

Hell, I might even have a bar & restaurant & small hotel up and running by that time out in Arroyo Seco. My son the financier has thrown in with us and wants to invest so he has a bar to go to in Mexico that he can call his own.

Good grief.

If it sounds interesting, email me - and/or Cathy, who says she's ready to get somewhere warm right now (and she lives in Georgia).

Hasta luego, amigos...

Gunny Anderson, great coach and science teacher, has died

2007-12-12T21:54:00.000-08:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - I received word Wednesday from Tom Priester that Gunny Anderson has died.

His obituary is below.

I took some kind of general science from Mr. Anderson in the 8th grade and was terrified of the guy.

Later, at Lakewood Beach when I was safely graduated from high school and a Village of Lakewood lifeguard, I was able to call him 'Gunny,' just like Doss Johnson did. It was hard to do, but he liked his nickname - provided you weren't one of his students anymore.

He was the real deal and liked his students, as hard as he could be sometimes. We listened to live news accounts one of the first space flights over the radio in class - maybe the public address system at SWCS Junior High - and I can still hear him saying 'You're hearing history today. Remember it.'

Aye-aye, Gunny, requiescat in pace.

Gunnard P. ‘‘Gunny’’ Anderson

12/13/2007 - Gunnard P. ’’Gunny” Anderson, 73, of Jamestown, died at 5:15 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 12, 2007) in WCA Hospital.

A lifelong area resident, he was born Oct. 10, 1934, in Jamestown, a son of the late Carl O. and Eleanor M. Wilcox Anderson.

He was a 1953 graduate of the former Bemus Point High School and earned his bachelors degree from Michigan State University in 1957. In the following years, he attended St. Bonaventure University, where he earned his master’s degree in education.

He began his career at Southwestern Central School in 1958 as a science teacher in the middle school, where he also began coaching the eighth grade basketball team. He then moved to the High School, where he was a health teacher and a psychology teacher and also served as athletic director for several years. While at the high school, he also served as varsity baseball and basketball coach for many years, where his 1973-1974 varsity basketball team won the Section 6 championship. He retired from Southwestern Central School in 1992.

Surviving are his wife, the former Joan Otten, whom he married Feb. 22, 1958; three daughters: Kelly L. (Jim) Lesinski of Williamsville, Kathy J. (Bill) Tucker of Jamestown and Susan K. (Scott) Walsh of Pensacola, Fla.; a son, David Gunnard (Tammy) Anderson of Jamestown; six grandchildren: Taylor A. Lesinski and Alexandra N. Lesinski, both of Williamsville, Robert W. Tucker, Jonathan P. Tucker and Kate I. Tucker, all of Jamestown and John P. Walsh of Pensacola; and a brother, Carl A. ’’Charlie” Anderson of Jamestown.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Bethel Lutheran Church. The Rev. Norman R. Gauch, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 4 to7 p.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Bethel Lutheran Church, 904 West Third St., Jamestown, NY, 14701

Lee Anderson's mom has passed away

2007-11-29T11:01:00.001-08:00

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK, USA - I received word today from Sue Siecker that Lee Anderson's mom has passed away.

Mrs. Anderson was another classmate's parent I don't think met.

Our condolences, Lee.

Below is the obituary from the Post Journal.

=====

Nannie P. Anderson

Nannie P. Anderson
11/29/2007 - Nannie P. Anderson, 92, formerly of Loyalton of Lakewood, 220 Southwestern Dr., Lakewood, N.Y., and Orlando, Fla., died at 6:50 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 27, 2007) in the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born May 17, 1915, in Campbelltown, Pa., a daughter of Charles and Emily Carlson Paulson.

She had attended school in the Mt. Jewett, Pa. School System and during the late 1930’s and 1940’s had worked in the Lutheran Children’s Home.

She was a charter member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Lakewood and was a life member of the Ingjald Lodge 65 Independent Order of the Vikings.

Surviving are two daughters: Carin (Jim) Smalley of Leesburg, Fla. and Lynn (Dan) LeRoy of Jamestown, N.Y.; a son, Lee (Marge) Anderson of Harrodsburg, Ky; 12 grandchildren: Camron (Michelle) Johnson, Dawn Grant, Lori (Fred) Joyce, Cathy Evanson, Jimmy (Sarah) Smalley, Tammy (Mark) LaPalme, Thad (Anabel) Anderson, Todd (Vickie) LeRoy, Eric LeRoy, Scott (Judy) LeRoy, Tammy (Mike) Tomlinson; 20 great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard F. Anderson, whom she married June 28, 1941 in the First Lutheran Church; and several brothers and sisters.

The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Donald Carlson, will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service on Saturday in the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 1208, Fortson, GA, 31808-1208 or to Hospice Chautauqua County, 4840 West Lake Road, Mayville, NY, 14757.

Another classmate loses a parent

2007-11-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

JAMESTOWN, NY, USA - I received the news (via Cathy Prince) about the death of Bud Couchenour over the weekend.

I didn't know him personally, but I suspect many of you did.

His obituary is below:

==========================

Albert H. ’’Bud” Couchenour, Jr.

Albert H. ’’Bud” Couchenour, Jr.
11/26/2007 - Albert H. ‘‘Bud’’ Couchenour, Jr., 80, of 142 Marion St., died at 6:25 p.m. Saturday November 24, 2007 in WCA Hospital.

He was born December 25, 1926, in McKeesport, Pa., a son of Albert and Cora Baker Couchenour, Sr.

He was a US Navy veteran of WWII.

Until 1959 he worked with his parents, who owned and operated Benders Pancake Shop and Motel. He was later employed by Quality Markets, Lakewood Super Duper as store manager and Stateside Motors as a salesman.

He loved traveling, cooking, crossword puzzles, trout fishing and spending time with his family.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, the former Margaret Jean Steele, whom he married January 19, 1944; four children: Richard (Diane) Couchenour of Jamestown, Terence Couchenour of Busti, Patricia (David) Boardman of Frewsburg and Beth (Pete) Jones of Suwannee, Ga; nine grandchildren: Richard C. Couchenour of Charlotte, N.C., Terence Couchenour II of Jamestown, Christian Couchenour of Ashville, Mark Boardman of Frewsburg, Michelle McNeal of Jamestown, Dawn Strother of Lakewood, Debra Herbstsomer of Mt Airey, Md., Megan and Hannah Jones, both of Suwannee, Ga.; 10 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Evelyn Northrup of Jamestown.

He was preceded in death by a son, Craig R. Couchenour, and great grandchildren Corrina and Cassidy Boardman.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will not be observed.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Chautauqua County, 4840 West Lake Rd., Mayville, 14757.

Arrangements are by the Lind Funeral Home.

A video to make you laugh on Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T08:11:00.000-08:00

SACRAMENTO, Calif., USA - This video came my way from a former professional colleague of some years back who hit 60 this year.

It kind of says it all, fellow baby boomers.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Born to be Wild

Randy Carlson's Dad, Art has passed away

2007-11-10T09:40:00.001-08:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - I learned today that Randy Carlson's dad, Art, has died. Lee Anderson passed along word from Sue Siecker. Art's obituary is listed at the end of this.

Art was a great guy and pivotal in my growing up, much like Sue Guertin's father, Chuck.

My father died when I was nine-years-old, which was why I moved to Lakewood from Brooklyn. My mother and sister and I had family around. And my mother knew Lakewood would be a good place for us to grow up.

Art was one of the reasons it was a good place. I remember lots of great Art stories, perhaps the funniest when he launched his air boat at Gifford Avenue - one of those things like you see in the Everglades with a huge propellor mounted on the back. He took off and lost control of it, smashing into a cabin cruiser moored over near Craig Fransen's house, a boat owned by someone we called Pike.

I can still see Art reaching into his wallet and giving Pike some cash as compensation for the damage to Pike's boat.

An airboat in Florida

Art was always keeping an eye on us when we were kids - but without begin obtrusive. I last saw him about 10 years ago and he was still quite alert and remembered me - and, ever the insurance man, he even asked me the same the question that he had asked me many, many, years before:

Who was really behind the wheel of John Rupp's Mustang when it went off the curve east of Snug Harbor that summer night in 1968? Rupp or me?

Rest in peace, Art. All your questions have answers now.

Art Carlson, Randy's Dad

Guidance counselor Gene Munson passes on

2007-08-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - Sue Siecker sent along the obituary today for Gene Munson, A.K.A. Mr. Munson, a guidance counselor to many of us in high school.

He was my guidance counselor and in my early junior high school years intervened with an English teacher who chewed my ass daily for not working hard enough (she was right, I didn't work much, but still...). Later, he got me transferred out of a Math 11 class taught by Milton Harp and into one taught by Ethel Goller.

I still failed Math 11, but I got to sit next to Shelley Kales all year, though I never got up the courage to ask her on a date.

I recounted in a posting last year how it was Gene Munson helped launched my professional career.

When I was doing poorly in a variety of classes, my mother came in for an appointment and had Gene tell her that "the world needs truck drivers, too."

Good God, did my mother make me crack the books after that! She had a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees and wasn't about to let me (also the son of a attorney and linguist) not graduate from college.

To his credit, Gene Munson helped me sneak my way into Villanova and always had a good word for me when I stopped by the office - usually without an appointment. When I dropped out of Villanova, he greased the skids for me to get into JCC without any problems, too, though it was past the deadline.

Rest in peace, Gene, and whack a few golf balls around heaven while you are at it...

Gene Munson

FROM THE JAMESTOWN POST-JOURNAL

8/26/2007 - E. Eugene Munson, 92, of the Frewsburg Rest Home, formerly of 124 Aldren Ave., died unexpectedly at 3 p.m. Friday (Aug. 24, 2007) at his residence.

An area resident since 1950 he was born Dec. 31, 1914, in Sheffield, Pa., the son of John and Theresa Dennison Munson.

He was a 1932 graduate of Sheffield Area high School and after a short stint in the working industry he returned to school at Gannon University in Erie, Pa. where he received his bachelor’s degree and in later years received his master’s degree in education from St. Bonaventure University.

He began his teaching career working for one year in Sagertown, Pa. before coming to the Jamestown area in 1950 where he taught at Southwestern Central High School from 1950 to 1980.

Everyone who knew Gene knew that sports were his passion. In earlier years he played independent baseball for several teams in the Erie, Pa. area. He was recruited by the Philadelphia Phillies, only to be injured and unable to play professional baseball. He also played basketball at Gannon University and also for various teams in the Erie area. He did play one year of semi-pro basketball in Erie. Gene was also a well known basketball official in New York and Pennsylvania where he had served as president of the PIAAS Board in PA. and was also the rules interpreter.

He was the basketball coach at Southwestern from 1950 to 1958 and the assistant football coach from 1950-1954. He also had a great love for the game of golf. He was the golf coach at Southwestern from 1957 to 1975. He thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of his coaching career, but his proudest moment was when the Southwestern Golf Team won the New York State Championship in 1975.

He was a charter member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Lakewood and was a past president of the local chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons. He was also a past member of the Lakewood Golden Agers, and a member of the New York State Retired Teachers Association.

Surviving is a daughter, Sally Benish (Tim) of Lakewood; his grandson, Kyle Benish of Ellicottville; a brother, Lawrence Munson of Emporium, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, the former Virginia Carlson Munson, who died Oct. 30, 2006; and four sisters: Florence Munson, Charlotte Hibbard, Marian Schmidlen and Maxine Kosinski.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Lakewood. The Rev. Timothy J. Hoyer, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Building Fund, 35 West Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.

More photos from the SWCS 10-year soiree

2007-07-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

LAKEWOOD, New York, USA - As promised here's the balance of the photos I received from the SWCS 10-year reunion held July 7.

These photos were all taken by Randy Carlson. (Thanks Randy!)

You might want to check with Randy about who is who in these... I started to write captions and then realized I was about to make some blunders.

Larger versions of these can be viewed by clicking on the photos which will take you to the photo page (flickr.com) where I posted them... You can make them larger for viewing on your screen.

If anyone else has photos they would like to see posted here, please send them to me at: mikefitz@csus.edu.

If you do send photos, PLEASE make them smaller than 1MB... about a third of that is plenty for good viewing...

Photos from the 10-year SWCS reunion

2007-07-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

LAKEWOOD, New York, USA - The following photos and captions were passed along to me by Patricia (pbm@madbbs.com) from the 10-year SWCS reunion held last week.

As soon as possible, I will post some other photos sent by Randy Carlson...

1. MarilynMoore Sundeen, Polly Carlson Halfkenny and Mary Flynn Gokey

2. Mona Carlson Laughlin and Nella Logan

3. Polly Carlson Halfkenny & Mary Flynn Gokey

4. Mona Carlson Laughlin & Nella Logan

5. Sharon Erickson_______?, Janice Peterson Giltinan & Marilyn Moore Sundeen

6. John Sundeen, Lyle Jensen, Tom Pike & Richard Logan

7. Jim Laughlin & Mr. Giltinan

8. Eileen Groves__________?

Classmate Jesse Doud has passed away at age 60

2007-06-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

CLASSMATES:

The following was sent to me by Lee and Marge Anderson. I believe it was published in the Jamestown Post-Journal.

==========

6/21/2007 - GREECE, N.Y. — Jesse M. Doud, died suddenly, Monday, June 18, 2007, at age 60.

Jesse is survived by his loving wife, Joan Doud; sons: Jacob (Robin) Doud and Adam Doud; daughters: Peggy (James) Menard and Sarah Soud; brothers: Niles (Phyllis) Doud, the Rev. Richard (Donna) Doud, Calvin (Marilyn) Doud and James ‘‘Archie’’ (Jennifer) Doud; grandchildren: Jessica, LaChelle, Veronica and Austin; sister -in-law, Roberta Doud; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Wilbur Doud.

Jesse was a truck driver for Waste Management, an avid hunter and enjoyed time at his camp in Ellington with his Boy Scout troop.

Friends may call Friday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Vay-Schliech & Meeson Funeral Home, 1075 Long Pond Road. His funeral service will be held Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at Valley View Cemetery in Ellington. (Please meet the family at the entrance of the cemetery.) In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make contributions to Good News Community Church, 4797 Ridge Road West, Spencerport, NY, 14559 or Boys Scout of America Troop 173, 1924 Maiden Lane, Rochester, NY, 14626 in his memory.

For more information or to sign Jesse’s online guestbook, please visit www. Meeson Family.com

Jesse enjoying himself at last year's 40th reunion

The reunion of reunions coming in July

2007-06-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

LAKEWOOD, New York, USA - I'm still struggling with my other life committments to attend the July 7, 2007 reunion of the SWCS classes from 1960 to 1970.

Right now, I'm not sure about getting out of Mexico to even get back to Seneca Lake for the summer.

But Randy Carlson reports that the reunion is on track and that people who want to try to jam in at the last moment should contact Brad Zimmer or Ron Ducat...

I hope you make it.

Here's the flyer for the event...

Reunion notice

Obituary - Keith D. Flanders, 1969 SWCS grad

2007-03-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

JAMESTOWN, N. Y. - I received a note today that Keith Flanders, Class of '69, died last Friday.

His obituary from the Jamestown Post Journal is reprinted below.

===============================

3/20/2007 - Keith D. Flanders (‘‘Flan”), 55, of 58 School St., Panama, passed away at 11:30 p.m. Friday (March 16, 2007) in the M.C.V. Hospital in Richmond, Va. He was born July 5, 1951, in Jamestown, the son of the late Lewis W. Flanders and Carol S. Ecker. He was a 1969 graduate of Southwestern Central High School and had also attended Jamestown Community College.

Keith was employed by Hagemeyer as a store coordinator and also by the Town of Busti as a court officer. He was previously employed by Quality Markets for many years. Keith was a volunteer fireman for the Village of Lakewood for more than 11 years, answering close to 2,000 alarms. He was also an EMT for seven years and a dispatcher for the Lakewood Police Department. A devoted husband and father, Keith loved to travel and was an avid outdoorsman. His son and his love of the outdoors led him to be an active Boy Scout Leader. He had fond memories of his hike in the Alps with his daughter and also part of the Appalachian Trail. In earlier years he had toured the country camping at most of the major National Parks in the Rockies and western states. Keith loved watching the Bills games with his family and was a devoted Minnesota Twins fan.

Keith was a resident fixture at Erickson’s Restaurant where he spent much of his time chatting with the regulars or just enjoying quiet time over a cup of coffee. Keith loved a wide variety of music, his most recent favorite being that of Big Leg Emma.

Keith’s compassionate, caring ways were a comfort to countless people. He showed others an unconditional love that literally changed their lives. He will always be remembered for his ready smile, open arms and kind heart.

Surviving are his wife Candy, whom he married Nov. 25, 1976; his son, Sean Bernhardt of Jamestown; his daughter, Keylyn Flanders of New Bern, N.C.; two brothers: Jeff (Patti) Flanders and Neil Flanders, all of Jamestown; three sisters: Shelley (Fred) Sundheimer of Canton, Ohio, Laura (Jimmy) Smith of Lakewood and Denise (Pete) Eyler of Sugar Grove, Pa.; his grandmother, Martha Carlson of Lakewood; his a stepfather, Norm Ecker Sr. of Sugar Grove, three stepbrothers; a stepsister; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Lakewood United Methodist Church. The Rev. Violet A. Davidson, pastor of the church, will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Ashville.

Friends will be received by the family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Falconer Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department 2 Packard Way, Lakewood, NY, 14750, or to the Lakewood Memorial Library 12 W. Summit Ave., Lakewood, NY, 14750.

Diane Delancy's email and a photo of the Ruppies

2007-03-02T14:43:00.000-08:00

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - My email contained this brief missive yesterday:

Diane DeLancey Nolly
e-mail and street address:

Streamside2000@aol.com

Diane Nolly

8525 White Rabbit Trail

Littleton, CO

80127

So we can guess it's the same Diane Delancy we knew from the Class of '66, who signed my yearbook "I hope we will always be good friends and drinking buddies."

Considering that I haven't talked to her since 1966 - or shared a beverage (that I remember) - it's safe to say that I didn't keep up my end of the bargain.

Diane! Come to California, the drinks are on me...

While I was rummaging around in the yearbook, grabbing a copy of Diane's photo, I also kept getting frames of Linda Davidson (isn't that a great shot of her?), so I'm including her photo from the yearbook, too. Linda was at the reunion last summer and I have lots of photos of her dancing up a storm...with the rest of us.

In other class-related news, I'm happy to report that John Rupp's wife Paula and their daughter Noelani are safely ensconsced in a new condo in Vermont. Paula sent along the shot below of the two of them, titled The Ruppies.

Paula said that she and Lani will be visiting Mexico at the end of April - Puerto Vallarta of all places! I will miss them by about a month, but it's nice to know they have passports and we can time the visits together in the future.

Oh-my-God! This just gave me a great idea for a class reunion.

How about holding a reunion in Mexico? The food is cheap, the margaritas intoxicating and the weather gorgeous, nearly year round. And I bet I can find hotels a lot cheaper than Webb's Resort to stay in. For the price of a weekend stay at Webb's, I think I can find you a beachfront palapa for a week or more, complete with a guy who brings you cold beer and cooks any fish you catch.

Of course, there is the small matter of airfares, I suppose.

Details, details...Don't bother with details. Let's start planning una fiesta right now.

Paula and Lani - The Ruppies

The reunion this summer will be exactly when?

2007-02-18T15:37:00.000-08:00

JAMESTOWN, New York - So it's February and in the East - from reading the weather reports out here in California - it's unlikely dreams of summer have started yet.

Wait, let's think about that. Maybe dreams of summer are all that anyone is thinking about.

Whatever...

But by all accounts the July 7, 2007, 10-years-worth-of-SWCS graduating classes is still on.

My plans are still in flux (Where is flux, anyway?) for the summer with job stuff, Mexico stuff, Seneca Lake stuff and, well, just stuff...

Whatever...

But I hope we get a good Class of '66 turnout at the July 7 soiree. If other people have some dates in mind in addition, let me know and I'll post it here. (Even if you are simply going to be in the area, give a shout, si?)

The July 7 date looks unlikely for me to be in Lakewood - at least at this moment - but everything that far out from today's date is certainly subject to change.

In case you forgot how much fun last summer's party was, here's a few photos to remind you.

Later amigos.

Dance fever

See Zurh House scene

Lee Johnson

Dan Flanagan, class president and First Lady

The skating crowd

A special announcement about the next reunion

2007-01-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

JAMESTOWN, New York - Here's the latest announcement for this summer's July 7 class reunion for the 1960-1970 grads.

If you can't read it in this format, click on the notice itself.

==================

Obituary for Roger Seiberg

2007-01-24T07:48:00.000-08:00

JAMESTOWN, New York - I received this email this morning from Gayla Swartzman, sister of Dana Bolles and the late Rhonda Bolles.

Roger's obituary from the Post Journal follows her missive.

=====================

Hi mike, this is Danas sister Gayla Swartzman. Wanted to let you know that Roger Seiberg passed away on sunday 1/21/2007. He was 55 yrs. old and graduated with my sister Rhonda. He was living in North Tonawanda. His obituary is in the post journal, tuesday 1/23/2007. If you need more information, please let me know. Thanks.

=====================

Roger Seiberg's obituary from the Post Journal

The Class of '66 is still looking for classmates

2007-01-22T15:56:00.000-08:00

JAMESTOWN, New York - Randy Carlson sent along the following list of folks who the class just hasn't been able to locate yet. Have you see these people or have any idea where they might be?

Bob Fulcher

I was in touch with Bob Fulcher's sister Terrie a few years ago, but her email suddenly went out of service and so that was that. She was living in Florida.

I had photos of these two classmates close on hand from the list.

Debbie Stabler

Tom Wrinn

Here's the entire list:

HELP NEEDED WITH UNFOUND CLASSMATES 2007

Mailed and returned or no current address Last known address

Kathy Bowman Scott
Diane Delancey Nolly Newport News
Linda Foster Cross
Bob Fulcher Cabot, Ak
Cubby Gleason Cortland NY
Linda Hetrick Gill
Ellen Hurt never had address
Pamela Sue Johnson
John Limberg
Roberta Lindbeck Knight Aurora, Co
Denise Norell never had address
Doug Pillsbury Hasbrouck Hts, N.J.
Melanie Robertson Reynolds
Debbie Stabler Melec Essexville, Mi
Ann Sivi Johnson
Diane Thorpe Hackett
Thomas Wrinn never had address

Please send email addresses to Mike F. mikefitz@csus.edu
Street addresses should go to Randy C. carlscus@netsync.net

Bob Swanson sends full lyrics for that drinking song

2006-12-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

JAMESTOWN, New York - Classmate Bob Swanson has sent along the full chorus & lyrics to the drinking song I referenced yesterday. Thanks Bob!

Here you go:

Cheers, Cheers, to Southwestern High
You bring the whiskey, I'll bring the rye
Send the freshmen out for gin
And don't let a sober sophomore in
Juniors never stagger
Seniors never fall
They sober up on wood alcohol
While the royal faculty
Lies drunk on the bar room floor.

Also, Bob noted that Gunnie Nelson, owner/operator of the Pastime Restaurant in Lakewood (across the canal from the Rod & Gun Club) has passed away.

I spent many hours and many dollars at the Pastime, which had pretty good bands back in those days. I actually met my first wife there, now that I think about it. I'll leave all that for another day.

The seven graduations were looong, but good

2006-12-27T07:17:00.000-08:00

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The seven graduations - even lugging the university 'mace' went as well as such things can, with only a few goofs in the program and more than a few students whose exuberance was fueled by alcohol.

If I had been a student (and not sitting up on the platform) and had any advance warning about how dull some of the speeches would be, I might have dosed myself with a little Grey Goose before the ceremony.

Interestingly, one group that graduated at 8 a.m. probably had the highest percentage of smashed students marching up to get their diplomas.

What was that song we used to sing?

Seniors never stagger,
Juniors never fall,
They sober up on wood alcohol,
And the loyal faculty,
lies drunk on the bar room floor.

Or something like that.

I only muffed my lines one, stumbling over the pronounciation of Dean Sanjay Varshney.

Oh sure, it looks easy from where you are sitting right now. Try saying that name in front of 2,000 people while your goofy hat is falling off your head.

Standing post with the university mace

Christmas greetings from Dianne Hagglund

2006-12-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

JAMESTOWN, New York - The following Christmas missive goes out to all classmates from Dianne Hagglund, to whom I apologize if I misspelled her last name - I'm in San Francisco on my way to Mexico to celebrate Christmas on a surfboard with a margarita in my hand.

Here's Dianne's note:

I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.You talk of the cold and the frozen lake.Not this year ! It has been very mild ,the lake isn't frozen and today the temperature is about 44.

I was also thinking how different the holidays are now from 40 years ago.Then we wanted that new sweater or shirt, money or any other gadget we thought out friends might be envious of.Today we all want about the same thing.We want health,happiness for our children and granchildren.We also want health for ourselves so we can enjoy the time we spend with them.So that is what i wish to all of you this Christmas season, health and happiness!

I had earlier this year suggested we all write in Mike's blog. Since i didn't get to talk to everyone at the reunion, maybe you could write and tell us a few of the things you have done since we walked tha halls of SWCS.

We know what Mike is up to and Alan,and a few others.

Another time i will let you in on my 40 years after SWCS.

Take care everyone, stay safe this holiday season and enjoy your family to the fullest. Until we meet again in the summer of 2007,

Dianne(also known as Hag)

Diane and her three amigas last summer at Bemus Point

So, would you like to sit through 7 graduations?

2006-12-21T10:22:00.000-08:00

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The end of the semester is a magical time for most people who teach college, largely because there will be no more term papers to read, no more lectures to prepare and no more campus politics to get your blood boiling.

But it also means graduation for many universities, even in December.

And at California State University, Sacramento, it means seven graduations: one for each college.

As chair of our faculty senate, I'm the designated chief marshal, which means I get to attend all seven and at each lead in the procession of faculty and students and say important things like: Please stand for the national anthem.

I'll probably be able to say that quite well by the fifth or sixth time I utter in front of several thousand people. (I wonder how many times you can listen to Pomp & Circumstance before you go completely mad?)

I remember our high school graduation only faintly. We were all lined up and had to walk across the stage in the auditorium to get the little folder that would eventually house our diploma. I don't think we actually were given the diploma that afternoon/evening. I think that arrived later, but I could be wrong.

What I do remember is a wild night of carousing afterwards and driving home at dawn from Lake Erie with the sun rising and the song "Red Rubber Ball" playing on the radio.

More than 40 years ago and I can still hear that song and still see how red the sun was coming up that morning as I came down West Summit Avenue, hoping to make it home before my mother, grandmother and sister rolled out, at which time they would have realized I hadn't been home.

Not that I didn't stay out all night many, many evenings long before graduation - they just never knew. Thank God for that downstairs window.

College graduation is different, of course, because for most of the grads it means going to work at whatever they have studied. I shake a lot of hands at graduation. Parents are usually so proud they are bursting. It could also be relief over not paying tuition and room and board any more.

So, I'll do my duty, starting tonight with one college, then four on Friday and then two on Saturday.

Please stand for the national anthem.

There, I've got my lines down cold.

Bemus point ferry is probably frozen solid

2006-12-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

BEMUS POINT, New York - As I was griping about the cold and rain here (it's close to 60 degrees and drizzling) I ran across this shot of the Bemus Point Ferry, a reminder of summer and the reunion.

I regret that I didn't take a ferry ride last summer for nostalgia purposes, even if I had just ridden it sans auto. The ferry was a big part of my growing up and also it was a great target to buzz when we would bring our boats up from Lakewood.

On more than one occasion, we would roar up in the dark with our lights off and at the last second, turn them on, scaring the crap out of the ferry operator and anyone in their cars watching.

During the day, we were ever-so-polite as we didn't want the sheriff to nail our butts.

That narrows area of the lake is likely frozen solid by now, with ice skaters considering a run across from Bemus to Stow.

Ice skating. Now that brings back memories (however cold...)

Bemus Ferry crossing

Downtown Jamestown and the holiday season

2006-12-10T10:42:00.000-08:00

JAMESTOWN, New York - Earlier this morning I wrote a long Christmas blog about growing up in Jamestown and walking the streets, snow crunching underfoot.

In those days, we didn't have to deal with failing computer technology, like I did earlier.

The entire missive disappeared into cyberspace, but the photos were saved, one of the recent Christmas parade downtown, the second of a snowstorm, , both are posted below.

So the short version, for today:

Ho-Ho and Merry Christmas, y'all.

Some classmates located by Det. R. Carlson

2006-11-21T19:32:00.000-08:00

Jack & Linda Nobbs - 25th reunion
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

JAMESTOWN, New York - Randy Carlson, aka, Det. R. Carlson, reports that after relentless work and burning up some shoe leather, he has tracked down classmates Jack Nobbs and Dave Jones.

OK. Maybe he didn't exactly track them down, per se, but Jack stopped by to see Larry Nelson and reports that he now lives in Washington state. It's still good detective work, right?

Here's Jack's contact info:

Email: JAnobbs@aol.com

Address: 1924 W 10th Ave Kennewick, Wa 99336

I was too lazy to pull out the yearbook and snap a shot to show Jack in 1966, but I had this shot of he and his wife Linda from 15 years ago. (By the way Jack, I borrowed $5 from you at The Main Event bar that reunion. I figure with interest, I owe you, well, let's call it square, shall we?)

Det. Carlson didn't let on how he found the contact information for Dave Jones (trade secrets, no doubt) but here's Dave's info:

Dave Jones
42 Turnberry Ln
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601-1100.

OH! And if you lost Ken Sonne's email, here it is:

ksonne@rochester.rr.com.

I can't tell you how nice it is to post some happy news.

Here's a shot of Det. R. Carlson and Larry Nelson from this summer while they were on a case outside the SeeZurh House:

Classmates: Sue Pratt has passed away

2006-11-19T18:18:00.000-08:00

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota -- I received word from Dan Beckstrom and also Bob Swanson over the weekend that our classmate, Sue Pratt, has died.

Her obituary from the Jamestown Post-Journal is reprinted - without permission, thank you very much - below.

I looked up Sue in my yearbook and noted that she didn't sign it, though I do remember her. She wasn't very tall and I remember she always seemed to be moving really fast when classes were passing. I also remember her with a smile most of the time.

It's pretty sad how many of our classmates are passing away. We are not that old, people!

Here's Sue's notice:

Dave Carlson tells his tale of retirement

2006-11-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

Dave Carlson
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

By Dave Carlson

At the risk of turning some of you green with envy (who cares),
let me tell you I'm already retired! I left IBM at 55 with a tidy
investment and a modest pension.

How did I do it? The Swedish way: My wife and I had good jobs with IBM, we lived beneath our means, saved a lot, and invested it. Oh, and a little luck in the stock market, too.

All is not entirely roses, however as my ex-wife ran off with her college sweetheart (maybe that's a plus). But we had already accumulated enough to comfortably split our assets w.o. letting divorce lawyers taking half!

I'm now looking for someone to explore the world with and am "interviewing" lots of interesting ladies (one at a time, line forms to the left, please, and puh-lease, I'm kidding, maybe...). I'm not living large, that's not my style, but I get on the water most weeks and take a couple of interesting vacations every year (planning to kayak in British Columbia or Belize, next year, and Africa is on the near horizon). And that trip this summer paddling down the Colorado River was a hoot!

MIke, I like your idea of living on a boat. No room for inlaws. LOL!

But how do you take a dog for a constitutional in the middle of the ocean? My Akita is too big to be a deckhand! I’m not buying any coastal property, either, cause I don't want to leave it to a marine sanctuary in my will!

I've got a "happy" job, now, as a literacy instructor in grade school to keep me busy and to repay the community for the blessings I've received. Pay is great, more high fives and gap-toothed smiles than you can count! The hours are great and no hassles, either.

And now that I'm retired, what would I change? Well, I wish this rich nation would make health care available to all and would stop killing so many innocent people. How does anyone expect the world to love us when we're bombing the crap out of them??? BTW, what have the rest of you done to help fulfill JFK's, RFK's, and MLK's dreams? Your accomplishments and endeavors would be a wonderful topic for another day/blog!

Peace, y'all,

Dave Carlson
Holly Springs, NC

Allan Winger has joined the blogosphere...

2006-11-06T11:58:00.000-08:00

Allan Winger, 1966
Originally uploaded by Brite Lights photos.

CYBERSPACE - Allan Winger joined the ranks of those of us who labor (this is labor?) in the blogsphere with his new blog, announced to most you via email in the last day or so.

This blogging is contagious, no doubt about it.

I listed Allan's blog on my list of links, so you don't even need to bookmark the url - but I still would advise it.

The more hits he gets from people reading, the more likely he will keep writing. It's a vicious, and fun, circle.

I'm sitting at my keyboard, alternately working, answering emails and then jumping back on the blogging bandwagon just for fun.

In my electronic travels through cyberspace, I ran across this poster, with which I can realllly relate.

Tom Priester at Class of '66 40th reunion

2006-11-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Tom Priester at Class of '66 40th reunion
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

MAYVILLE, New York - Tom Priester responded to my call right away, for stories about people from the Class of '66 era who have retired.

I saw Tom a month or so before our reunion and, just like at the reunion in Mayville, he was tan, fit and rested. We had him over to our house in Sacramento for lunch and my wife, ever curious, asked Tom what I was like when I was in high school.

He told her, too. I think he used the phrase 'a little squirrelly,' several times in the conversation.

He still gets to wear a whistle a lot in retirement, officiating at track meets, et al. Here's what he passed along...

====================

Tom in 1966

Dear Class of 66

Retirement is AWESOME! You get to play with grandchildren, do some traveling, and especially VOLUNTEERING TO HELP OTHERS. That is very gratifying. You can even visit class reunions like I do.
Give it some thought, first. Be sure you have enough $$$$ for health insurance. It is VERY EXPENSIVE.
Whatever you decide, have FUN doing it. We only live once.
Tom

=====================

So, as a natural leader, Tom Priester went first with his retirement story.

Send me yours, with or without a photo, and I'll post it here...

Cheers, amigos

Fitz

When you know that it's time for retirement

2006-11-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

Arecibo beach
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

A SANDY BEACH, Earth - The shorter days seem to leave me time for reflection about what the next years will bring. Or it could be the case of wine I started working on this weekend.

Will there be more work? More stress? Less money (due to inflation)?

I try not to dwell on that stuff and instead to look at pictures like the one with this blog. Click on it. Please click on it. Good Gawd. Is that a real place?

Yup.

I've been to beaches like that. In fact I have anchored my sailboat in front of little resorts like that, gone in and had a couple of drinks - the kind they stick a little umbrella in. (NOTE TO TOURISTS: If you actually do get a drink with a little umbrella in it, well, chances are you are paying way too much for it. Move down the beach to the saloon that's short on umbrellas but has bigger glasses with more rum or tequila.)

When I started out as a journalist, the farthest thing from my mind was ever leaving that profession and when I started teaching - nearly 25 years ago - same deal. Retire? Never.

And in way, that's kind of true.

What I look forward to doing is having the time to do rockumentaries, finish book projects, learn the play the guitar better (provided the tendinitis is cured) and sit in the sun. OK, because my dermatologist now reads this blog, what I really meant to say, was sit in the shade with sun all around me.

When I hear the word retire used in the same sentence as my name, I always wince a little, because I expect to be even more busy, retired from the university than I am now, working fullltime+ with teaching and writing for three outfits.

There was certainly a lot of conversation at our class reunion about retirement. I know at least a dozen of our Class of '66 classmates said they are retired - or about to be.

Maybe a fun thing for this blog would be for people to let us know what it's like to be 'retired.' And, if it's not too much self-disclosure, to let the rest of the class know how you swung it in your 50s. Land investments,? Wealthy spouses? Patents? Ponzi schemes?

I know some of the folks I talked with at the reunion were talking about working until the very day they dropped in their tracks; others were buying coastal vacation homes.

I'm not buying a coastal home, mine floats.

But what kind of retirement plans do you have? Enquiring Class of '66 minds would like to know...

SWCS reunion at the Silver Gate Yacht Club

2006-11-01T18:01:00.000-08:00

Michael & Cheryl at Silver Gate YC
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - There was a mini-reunion (very mini) over the past weekend in San Diego between the Class of '66 (represented by me) and the Class of '69 (with delegate Cheryl Aitken-Thompson).

Cheryl is a teacher in San Diego and joined the Admiral and I at the Silver Gate Yacht Club for dinner and glass of wine last weekend. OK, we had more than one glass of wine. OK, we had more than two glasses of wine. Enough questions.

Cheryl has been a Californian for more than 25 years and, like a good Californian, lives in a beautiful condo near La Jolla and has a great swimming pool, where she says she hangs out a lot. She has the tan to prove, too.

She's hoping to attend to the SWCS 10-years-worth-of-classes reunion July 7, but might not be able to make it. That July 7 date is early in the summer for a lot of people, so we might have to have another reunion later in July or even August for all of us SWCS-Jamestown area expatriates.

I noticed riding in Cheryl's car, that when she comes to a curve, instead of stepping the brake, she punches the gas pedal a little, a trick she says she learned from Bud Hooper who always told her to 'power through the curves.'

In her sporty Toyota, we powered quite nicely around the hills of Point Loma. Maybe Bud Hooper should have taught Driver's Education. Hmm... Let's not go there right now.

In other reunion news, Randy Carlson reports that the 10-years-worth-of-classes reunion July 7 will be at American Legion Post No. 777 and that the street address for the place is actually 26 Jackson Avenue in Celeron. His earlier reports might have had those numbers switched around.

Not a big problem Randy. How many American Legion Posts could there possibly be in Celeron anyway?

Uh-oh, I can hear the veterans marching my way right now.

Sound the retreat, amigos...

July 7 Class Reunion or maybe run with the bulls

2006-10-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

Running with the bulls
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

PAMPLONA, Spain - The weekend of the proposed SWCS Class Reunion (for classes from 1960-1970) conflicts with the annual running with the bulls in Spain.

Carumba!

So, I suppose, those of you who annually head over for this celebration - to risk getting gored by a raging bull - will miss the fete in Celeron.

But for everyone else considering coming back to the Jamestown area next summer, here's an update from Class of '66 Special Correspondent Randy Carlson:

===============

The 1960-1970 SWCS reunion is off and running. It will be held 7/7/07 Saturday night at the Herman Kent Post American Legion Lodge at 777 Jackson Avenue Celoron (too many 7's not to be lucky).

Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 6:00 and a buffet starting at 7:00. Music, use of the lodge, outside pavilion, outside tents and access to relatively cheap drinks (additional cost) is included. They set a cost of $25.00 per person and due to the capacity of the facility, it will be limited to 500 people.

In order to reserve a spot, checks made out to SWCS 60's Reunion for $25.00 and sent to Ron Ducat at 118 Elizabeth Street, Lakewood, N.Y. 14750 will do it if you are in the first 500 people to respond.

Our class is in a good position as we are the relative few to have this advance notice, only the class of "67", which was to have their 40th next year, is up and running and should have a large representation based on what Andy Robinson related regarding their last gathering.

I'm sure other events during that weekend will be planned, suggestions welcome.

Randy

==================

It seems like an event of 500 people, might be, well, an event of 500 people. I went to one of those a couple of weeks ago and although it was fun, it was hard to really get around and talk to many folks.

Really BIG name tags will be a requirement, I think.

Perhaps in honor of the day, we could have our own Class of '66 running of bulls, or at least go out cow-tipping that night after cocktails.

In any event, in case you wonder about what other holidays & events you might miss out on July 7, here's a partial list:

The 2007 reunion for classes from 1960-1970

2006-10-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

Meeting notice for 2007 reunion
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

JAMESTOWN, New York - Randy Carlson forwarded me this notice about the meeting of the group putting together the 1960-1970 reunion next summer.

The date has been now tentatively (?) set for July 7 - a little early in the summer for me to sojourn to Jamestown, but not impossible.

Randy said he will attend the meeting to defend our class honor and will no doubt have more details after that. Ten years of SWCS grads. Good grief. If you think you had trouble recognizing classmates you graduated with, how about people from other classes?

I would be pretty good at recognizing people from the Class of '65 and Class of '67, but beyond that, I'm not so sure. It would be fun to run into Jim Burk and Dan Harp again (Class of '64) or perhaps Sandy Carlson (Class of '67).

I haven't had too much time lately to write about our class and last summer's reunion. I was reminded today that I still have an hour or so of video to edit and put music to for the stuff I shot, mostly of us dancing like we were 18 again.

HOT HOT HOT, everyone. Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole.

In the meantime, we'll wait for word from Randy to see if this duck is really going to lift off the lake.

Halloween looms with memories of old 'tricks'

2006-10-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

Trick or treat
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The air has gotten cold here in Sacramento, but the stores are full of Halloween candy -- all those boxes of chocolate and now virtually indigestible stuff that we soooo craved when we wandered around Halloween night as teenagers.

What I remember most about the Halloween season though, were the sometimes funny, sometimes not-so-funny, tricks that we played for the week or two before (and sometimes the week or two after).

The easy one was soaping windows of houses and even screens. For some reason I don't remember soaping windows on any cars. I'm sure we did. If you were feeling mean, using a candle to 'wax' a window did pretty much the same thing, except getting wax out of a screen was real pain and getting wax off windows sometime required scraping.

More than a few people found their tires pretty flat when they left for work in the morning. Some cars wouldn't start because of the potatoes stuffed up their tailpipes.

One Halloween season we borrowed a stop sign and placed it in various people's front lawns. We would lurk in the bushes and watch people coming to a screeching halt right in the middle of West Summit Avenue where a stop sign had so mysteriously appeared.

People driving by never seemed to take much notice of three or four teenage miscreants carrying a stop sign down the street on a wooden pole.

We moved more than a few cars around, too, though on at least on occasion I remember moving a car on a hill, pushing it, and had it get away from us, nearly landing in a creek.

Another favorite was borrowing the flashing yellow lights that the public works department put on top of those metal sawhorses at construction sites.

Anyone ever filled a paper bag with dog crap, put in on a front porch and then lit it on fire?

And toilet papering a house! Gawd that fun, especially the looks you got earlier at Super Duper, buying a six pack of toilet paper and a dozen eggs for the evening's activities.

Of course, had any of my four children done any of this stuff, I would have locked them in the house a heartbeat.

Halloween is pretty tame here in California, trick-wise, anyway. I think more adults get dressed up and get crazy than kids, especially around the university. All the bars have competitions for the best costumes and it seems that the raunchier they are, the better.

I already did my dressing up two weeks ago in a tuxedo, doing a passable imitiation of a waiter at a restaurant. I think this year I'll sit home with a basket of candy (small Chunky candy bars) for the half-dozen or so neighborhood kids who will come by early, then wait for the toilet papering after dark.

Dancing lessons to physical therapy to ?

2006-10-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

The group ABBA
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The past six weeks have been marked by two or three sessions per week with a physical therapist, followed by at-home stretching exercises that make me want to scream.

Still there's some improvement on the tendinitis in my right shoulder that has kept me from playing the guitar at all.

I may have to take up the bongo drums.

But today Shelley Kales sent along a list of songs, the titles of which have been updated to reflect our aging baby-boomer physical conditions.

OK, my physical condition.

Here' s Shelley's list:

NEW SONGS FOR BABY BOOMERS

Herman's Hermits --
Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Walker

The Bee Gees --
How Can You Mend a Broken Hip

Bobby Darin --
Splish, Splash, I Was Havin' a Flash

Ringo Starr --
I Get By With a Little Help From Depends

Roberta Flack --
The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face

Johnny Nash --
I Can't See Clearly Now

Paul Simon --
Fifty Ways to Lose Your Liver

The Commodores --
Once, Twice, Three Times to the Bathroom

Marvin Gaye --
Heard It Through the Grape Nuts

Leo Sayer --
You Make Me Feel Like Napping

The Temptations --
Papa's Got a Kidney Stone

Abba --
Denture Queen

Tony Orlando --
Knock 3 Times On The Ceiling If You Hear Me Fall

Helen Reddy --
I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore

Willie Nelson --
On the Commode Again

A Class Reunion on Bastille Day next summer?

2006-09-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Bastille
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

JAMESTOWN, New York - Randy Carlson reports that the group putting together the class reunion for next summer - the one to which SWCS grads from 1960-1970 will be invited - looks like it might be held July 14, 2007.

Here's Randy's email to me:

"The first meeting was held last night. Not all of the classes were represented, but the results seemed to be good, and a follow up meeting will be held on 10/23 at 7:00.

This is all tenative, but it looks like Sat, 7/14/07 will be the date of the event, held at the Herman Kent American Legion Post in Celoron. The use of the hall, which holds about 300 people, the new outdoors covered pavilion and tents and the band (we would have a choice) would be free of charge. The club would be open for spirits purchase (cheap) and they could do a buffet for about $12.00 to $15.00 depending on choices."

So for those of us who suffered through (excuse me, sat through and studied sooooo many) French classes, you know that July 14th is Bastille Day. It is also my ex-father-in-law's birthday, but that's another story.

I just watched a great PBS special on Marie Antoinette, which featured the Bastille. And, by the way, she never said, "Let them eat cake."

That was put out by her political opponents, the descendants of whom probably work for Fox News now.

Anyway, I know we all celebrate Bastille Day in our way, but this year, it could be that we will all be together at a reunion, singing La Marseillaise and swilling French wine. (Well, maybe some Uncle Homer's Red anyway.)

Perhaps we should practice our French phrases, too, in honor of Jon Giacco, about whom Tom Priester can tell us "the rest of the story," when we next get together.

Mon dieu! Mon dieu!