July 13 - the SWCS 60s-70s reunion will be in full swing

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - The organizers say this will be a party and reunion to remember.

What happens in Jamestown stays in Jamestown.  Right?

Hmm... That won't work for the many SWCS alums who live there!

Still, it sure sounds like a party to go to.

Below is the information for the reunion. It is from a notice that was published a few months ago on this page.

Obviously, the date of May 1 to send in a check has past. Obviously.

BUT... If you are planning on coming and haven't let the organizers know, contact Ron Ducat or Brad Zimmer (phone numbers at the bottom).

See you at the reunion.

Michael Fitzgerald

SWCS Class of '66

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Classmates,

Please join us for a SWCS Blast From The Past, Shake, Rattle and Roll 60’s Colossal Class Reunion on Saturday, July 13^th, 2013. All the alumni from the classes of 1960 to 1970 are Invited to party at the American Legion Herman Kent Post 777 located at 26 Jackson Avenue in West Ellicott. The festivities will commence at 6:00 pm for cocktails and appetizers, followed by a buffet dinner starting at 7:00 pm.

Throughout the evening visit with your former classmates and dance to the music of the 60’sprovided by the sound-sations of DJ’s Unlimited.  An evening full of yesteryears, memories and old friends. Trojans make your plans--UGOT2BHERE--or be square!

The good news is the per person price is only $20.00 which includes dinner and a party packed evening of enjoyment. Please send your checks with your year of graduation to:

SWCS 60’s Class Reunion

35 Gifford Avenue

Lakewood, NY 14750 

For the committee to better prepare to entertain you, please send your check prior to May 1^st, 2013. To help us make sure we did not miss any classmates you can help by calling former Alumni to inform them of this special event.

                                                     MEET YOU AT THE REUNION

                                                     Ronald Ducat - (716)763-8142

                                                     Brad Zimmer - (716)488-9396

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Norman Wolisky, SWCS grad dies

FROM THE JAMESTOWN POST JOURNAL

Norman S. Wolinsky, 63, of 222 S. Aurora St., Ithaca, N.Y., formerly of Jamestown, died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, at Hospicare & Palliative Services in Ithaca.

He was born in Jamestown on Sept. 25, 1949, a son of the late Dr. Irving R. and Frances Goldinger Wolinsky, and graduated from Southwestern Central School.

Norman had been employed in Jamestown by Fancher Chair for a number of years. He had lived in Ithaca for the past eight years.

He is survived by a son, Brandon Butler of Lakewood; a daughter, Natalie Wolinsky of Eau Clair, Wis.; two sisters: Sara J. (Dave) Reale of Jamestown, and Helene D. Wolinsky of Burbank, Calif; and two brothers: James A. Wolinsky of The Villages, Fla., and Steven B. Wolinsky of Sarasota, Fla.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Lind Funeral Home. Joseph D. Gerstel will officiate. Burial will be in Beth-El Cemetery in Jamestown.

The family will receive friends for two hours prior to the service in the funeral home Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ithaca Community Recovery, 518 W. Second St., Ithaca, NY 14850; or to Hospicare, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

SWCS Class Reunion(s) set for July 13, 2013, really!

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - A 1960s SWCS' reunion date for next summer has been set.

If this is old news to you, that's because Randy Carlson sent me a notice weeks ago, just as I was leaving for Boogie Board Heaven, er, I mean Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

My wife and I have a condo here this winter so, theoretically, I can get some writing projects completed.

And drink margaritas, too...

Below is the information about the reunion as passed along to me...

Also, if you want to know more, contact these SWCS guys: -->

Ronald Ducat - (716)763-8142

Brad Zimmer - (716)488-9396

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

Another SWCS Class of '66 teacher sighting

LAKEWOOD, New York - Classmate Jim Nelson was in Jamestown recently and ran into former SWCS teacher Mr. Dominey.


Like most of our teachers, none of these people ever seemed to have first names (unlike Dalton Berringer). I think his first name is Gordon, but I wouldn't bet my retirement checks on it.


Here's part of Jim's report on his close encounter:

---------------------------
I was with my mother waiting for my wife to conclude some shopping at the Chautauqua Mall when an elderly gentleman and his wife came out of the store.  My mom recognized this guy as an old golf league partner and neighbor.  She asked me if I knew who this gentleman was.  The man looked familiar, but I couldn't quite place him.  

It turned out to be Mr. Dominey from 8th grade Social Studies who is now 90 years old and living in a retirement home in Gerry, NY.  He looked great considering that I took his class 50 years ago.  After talking about the class, he recounted how he kept students in line with a pinch on the shoulder (similar to the Vulcan nerve pinch utilized by Mr. Spock) and, at some point, was told that he could not do that anymore by the powers that be.  After hearing that, he then told the administration that he would be retiring in two years.  

For the record, I never was on the receiving end of the Dominey nerve pinch and always thought Mr. Dominey was a great teacher.

Jim Nelson 

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

Also for the record, I never got one of those pinches, but I did recall them years later when I had my children. My daughter was an angel (of course!!!) and my three boys were well-behaved. But there were a few times when I used a little gentle Dominey pressure on the back of their necks to keep them under control. (Usually from whacking each other.)


Here's Jim's photo:

A close encounter with former SWCS teacher Harold Burgard

LAKEWOOD, New York, USA - This past weekend included a one-day, fast turnaround trip to Lakewood - and the former Green Farm on Chautauqua Avenue - for a celebration of life for my late cousin-in-law, Jerry Mattison.

His wife Barbara is my cousin. And her brother (and also my cousin, of course) is Gordon Puls - better known as Mr. Puls at SWCS back when we were in high school and he was teaching math there.

The celebration was very nice and it was quite the family reunion, too, with all my cousins there, including the entire McAvoy clan: Robert, Nancy and Kathleen (all SWCS grads). Kathleen McAvoy worked at Lakewood Beach in the mid 1960s as a lifeguard and swimming instructor.
My sister Evelyn (an SWCS grad) made it in, too, from her Lowell, Mass. environs.

Harold Burgard's grip is still like a vise

I also ran into Class of '66 amigo Bud Hooper who knew the Mattison family well.


But out of all the people there, the one I was really surprised to see was former SWCS history teacher Harold Burgard. He was (and is) good friends with the Puls family and knew the late Jerry Mattison well.

If you had Harold Burgard for a class, you are probably already reciting one of the many phrases he made us memorize so that we would remember our history - and get through the NY State Regents exam. 

I think I can smell the mimeograph fluid as I write this.

He's in good health, as sharp as ever and said he would be quite willing to attend at future Class of '66 reunions.

We should invite him. What a kick it would be, even if he quizzes us on world history.

Mark Swanson's obituary from the Post-Journal

JAMESTOWN, New York - Below is Mark Swanson's obituary as printed in the Jamestown Post Journal.


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


   Mark T. Swanson, 64, of 3732 Lakeland Road, Stow, N.Y., died Thursday, May 3, 2012, in WCA Hospital.
   A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., he was born May 2, 1948, a son of David W. Swanson and Nancy Tornebohm Blears.
   He had been employed for many years by Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant as a factory worker.
   He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having served the church in various leadership roles.
   Mark loved the lake, skiing and fishing. Sports played an important part throughout his life, and he shared a very competitive spirit. Mark truly enjoyed music and harmony, and loved his family. He always enjoyed a good laugh.
   Surviving besides his mother of Lakewood are his wife the former Jo Anne Harp, whom he married Dec. 31, 1966; five children: Mark David (Zahra) Swanson of Midvale, Utah, Lisa (Trulan) Preece of American Fork, Utah, Luke (Joy) Swanson of Jamestown, Benjamin (Mindy) Swanson of Spring, Texas, and Katherin Swanson of Akron, N.Y.; 15 grandchildren: Mark J. and Kiersten Swanson of Midvale, Utah, Coray, Dallin, Quinn, Shadrach, Travis and Tyran Preece of American Fork, Utah, Faidrian, Alexis and Greta Swanson of Jamestown, and Hailey, Hunter, Taylor and Tanner Swanson of Spring, Texas; two brothers: Matthew (Diane) Swanson of Winnsboro, S.C., and Charles (Diane) Swanson of Pulaski, Va.; and Trudy Dublin of Pittsford, whom he considered a sister.
   He was preceded in death by his father.
   The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 851 Forest Ave., Jamestown.
   Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.
   Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the Lind Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service Monday in the church.
   Memorials may be made to the Humanitarian Services, c/o LDS Philanthropies, Joseph Smith Memorial Building, 15 E. South Temple St., 2E, Salt Lake City, UT 84150.

Class of ' 66 classmate Mark Swanson dies at 64

STOW, New York - The Jamestown Post-Journal reported this morning that classmate Mark Swanson died this morning.
LINK: Story in PJ about Mark
-----------------------------------------------
Here is the story, too:

  STOW - A Stow man was killed when his car drove off Stow Ferry Road nearly 40 feet into Chautauqua Lake at 5:43 a.m. Thursday.
Sheriff's deputies report Mark T. Swanson, 64, of Stow may have suffered a medical condition before the accident. He was driving east on Stow Ferry Road when he drove through a barrier onto the Stow Ferry and then 40 feet into the lake. The car was submerged in about 4 feet of water when rescue crews arrived.
  Ashville and Bemus Point volunteer firefighters responded to the scene with the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department dive team.
  They got Swanson out of the vehicle and took him to WCA Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
------------------------------------------------------


    I have not had any communications with Mark in many years, but remember him well. He was good guy when we were struggling our way through high school. And in retrospect, a very kind individual, too.
    I pulled the photos below from our SWCS Class of 1966 yearbook... There are lots of other photos in there of Mark, too. The one of Mark racing against Vern Ahlgren is a classic.
    When services for Mark are announced, I will post them there. 

SWCS classmate Jim Widrig has passed away at 65

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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.

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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

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

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.

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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.