Wayne Schuricht

Here's wishing that all the class of 63 and their loved ones have a safe and happy 4th of July.  It is certainly one of the most significant days in our history.  Millions of immigrants came to our shores looking for a better life.  My father was one of those, and he revered this day and the freedom it gives us.  Once again, Happy 4th and I hope all, or at least many of you, will be able to attend our 60th reunion on Sept 15 at the VFW in Lower Burrell.

Here is a list in no particular order of people who have indicated they will attend

Jim Antoniono, Jinky Sapinsky, Bob Kautzman, Karen Lahr, John Sopko,Pete Rowe, Bill Baker, Fran Massi Haradzin, Marsha Knull Dasch, Mike and Gertie Capsambellis, Skip Baker, John Dudkowski (golf), Jennifer Esmore Swierczewski, Reggie Woods (golf), Marie Sprumont Claypool, Russell Baranowski, Richard Prinkey, Barbara Dudek Yauch, Connie Allworth Hamilton, David Karol, Donald Bierhals, Donald Cooper, Gary Cunningham, Gary Voyten,Geraldine Krause Gier, Gretchen Howser McKelvey, Judy Aftanas Lecoco, Lilly Bakewell Bosak,Rebecca Adam's Seirup, Robert Lasher, Ruth Hereda, Virginia Ameres Johnson, Harry Woloson (golf), Tom Orszulak (golf), Fred Grau, Jackie Anderson Donley, Yvonne Pelino, and me(golf)

If your name is not on the list and you plan to attend, please let Yvonne Pelino or me know, and like wise if your name is on the list and you do not plan to attend let us know.  Yvonne might also have other names that I don't know about.

Please spread the word to any one you know.  Also any friends from adjacent classes are also invited and welcome.  There is more info throughout this message forum.  Cheers!

Chris Dominik (Cross)

Wyane - Sixty years! How can that be?!?! I'm so sorry that I am not able make this reunion. Thank you and Yvonne for the work you have done in planning this.
Love and greetings to the class of '63!!! 
Chris

Tom Orszulak (Tom Orszulak)

Chris

I will be driving to New Ken for the reunion and could give you a ride but will not be heading back for several weeks. Let me know if that helps  

Tom

Chris Dominik (Cross)

Thanks so much for the offer, Tom, but I'm going to have to pass. Have a great time!

Wayne Schuricht

Greetings all 63er'''s.  Just a quick reminder it is now only 59 days until our reunion on Sept 15 at the VFW in Lower Burrell starting at 5:00 PM (1700 for you military types).  So far ther are about 45 attendees, but we would love more.  So please notify me at wesdo77@aol.com or call or text me at 817-689-8640.  Also we are planning a golf outing/scramble for that morning.  So if you are interested in that PLEASE notify me as we have to arrange Tee times.  So far I know Tom Orszulak, Harry Woloson, Reggie Woods, John Dudkowski and me have signed up for golf.  And you can also notify Yvonne Pelino of your intentions.  Hope fully it will be a little cooler in Sept.  That's all for now!  Cheers!  Wayne

Wayne Schuricht

46 Day Countdown!!!!!  That's right only 46 days until PARTY TIME.  For those of you sitting on the fence, come on down!!!  We are all pushing 80, so don't procrastinate until it's too late!  Sept 15 at the VFW in Lower Burrell, starting at 5:00.  Spread the word, (no not thunderbird) to any classmates you might know!  Hope to see 'YOU' there!!!!!

Wayne Schuricht

OK 63er's, One, Uno,Eins, Month till "PARTY TIME"!!!  Be there or be square!!! (I can't believe I remembered that").  If you are still sitting on the fence, time to saddle up and mosey on down to the VFW in Lower Burrell on Sept 15 2023(that's this year) starting  at 5:00PM (1700) for you military types.  It's free, casual, and full of memories and friendship.  I hope to see you there!  Wayne

Wayne Schuricht

2 weeks and counting!!!  That's right only 14 days until we get together for our 60th party.  So if you are still on the fence, do your self a favor and get off the fence, saddle up and mosey, no run, on down to the VFW on Sept15 in Lower Burrell for a memorable, fun evening of laughs and memories.  Hope to see your there!

Roger Loughran

Hi Wayne, Jackie and Yvonne,

I really wish I could make the reunion and tried to figure every way to do so.  I will be in Colorado that weekend and then have two important VA appointments on Monday the 17th back in South Carolina. The thought of our classmates getting together has weighed heavily on my mind.  I wish I could be there for our most likely last opportunity to gather together and share memories. 

Along with this have been the many memories of the times we lived through.  We grew up and matured experiencing the struggles of living though the most turbulent times in our nation's history I would argue.  I remember exactly where I was when John Kennedy was assassinated.  Likewise where I was driving to Fort Riley in 1968 when I heard the news about Martin Luther King, the Tet Offensive and Bobby Kennedy being assassinated.  I recall fallen classmates and my last visit to New Kensington in 2015 where I went exploring. 

The VFW is the old Wild Life Lodge.  My dad would take us there on Saturdays and to community picnics.  I remember the Saturday Dick Ames and I ice skated from Parnassus on Puckety Creek to just short of the Wild Life Lodge and cooked lunch and his mother then picked us up.  I also remember how I felt when I found these amazing tributes to our times pictured below.   

Wayne I am putting a check in the mail to you tomorrow to help defray some of the expense.  I have one request though.  It was a tradition in WWII and during our times in Vietnam, that Brothers In Arms would remember the fallen by setting up a table with the chairs tops tipped leaning on the table with a table setting and a drink.  Usually a beer in a glass.  Would you please set up a table for my two friends I knew well on the Wall and pictured.  Harry Hendricks and Chipper Oliver. Harry and his brother Ray were good friends on Craigdell living next door to Sandra Meanor and Chipper was in the band trumpet section and on the golf team with me.   I would really appreciate it and if other’s know the other names from New Ken on the list, please include them at the table with a moment of silence and remembrance.  I don’t want to put a damper on the evening but feel it important our times of turbulence are remembered in some way,  It wasn’t all Happy Days. 

I wish I could be there and appreciate yours, Jackies and Yvonne's efforts in putting this reunion together.  Send me pictures of the gathering please.

Love you all and bless you all,

Roger Loughran
Red Raider 1963

Wayne Schuricht

I suspect I am sounding like a broken record, but there are only 10 days left before our reunion on Sept. 15, so still time to show up.  This message forum is full of all the particulars so I won't repeat all that info

However, for the golfers,  plan to meet at Buffalo golf course, near Freeport High School at 0730.  So far I know of 7 golfers, Gary Cunningham, Reggie Woods, John Dudkowski, Jim Antoniono, Tom Orszulak, Harry Woloson, and me.  Our tee times are 0804  and 0812.  We have room for one more if interested, so please notify me ASAP.  I anticipate we will play a shamble or scramble.  I know this is early, but we obviously need to be done early enough for the evening festivities.  Besides it allows enough time for a few cold ones after the round.  Again my number is 817-689-8640 of needed.  See you soon.

Wayne Schuricht

Howdy Yinz All,  Well it is now 5 days PR (Post Reunion) and Joann and I are safely ensconced home in Texas after nearly 3000 miles of driving.  And it was worth every mile!!!  By all accounts, the Reunion was quite successful.  And we had quite a few participants from surrounding classes.  The VFW did an outstanding job with the hall and food buffet!  No one had to wait for food or drinks.  A big shout out to Fred Grau who coordinated with the VFW!  And also another big shout out to Jeff Stayer who did his thing - spinning the platters of our favorite music!  And another one to Yvonne Pelino who spent a lot of hours planning the event.  And finally a special thanks to Jim Antoniono, Karen Lohr Petrarca, Roger Loughren, Tom Hart, Barb and Steve Widmer, Harry (Buzzy) Woloson, Tom (no longer Porky) Orszulak, and Fred Grau for their generous financial support.

We regrettably did not take any formal pictures, but there are a lot of them on Facebook in Ken Hi of the 1960's, and personal pages, like Yvonne Pelion"s and other classmates.

Will we have another??????  65 is in the future and unfortunately some of us reading this message will not be around.  So only time will tell.  Our web site KenHi63.org is good thru that time, so that will be the main source of info.  I personally would love to have one and will continue to work to that end.  Maybe in 2 years, fall of 2025 we will plan for another mini reunion - hopefully.

Please stay safe and work to stay healthy.  I am proud to be a member of the Ken Hi Class of 1963!  All the best, Wayne

Yvonne Pelino (Pelino)

Thanks Wayne! Since not everyone is on the Kenhi63.org website, I will send out an email to all the people I have on my spreadhseet with an update and recap and maybe some pics!  It really was a labor of love and we all enjoyed seeing and interacting with each other as well as many members of the classes from 64, 65 and 66. those young whiper snappers:-).  The cupcake cake was a big hit!  Someone took one out of the corner before I could take the picture...lol.  If anyone reading this has any pictures that you took last Friday, please send them to me at ypelino@gmail.com or upload them to the facebook page for Ken High of the 1960's.  If you are not sure whether or not we have your email address and current phone number, etc., please send it to me via email, ypelino@gmail.com or text it to me at 561 307 4177.  

BTW, I'm thinking we should have another "mini" next year just to party, eat food and listen to music played by Jeff Stayer, but we will charge an entry fee this time just to help cover expenses, or...we can have a POT LUCK..just kidding, I don't Cook!  

God Bless and keep you healthy and strong and your days long.  Love and hugs, 

Yvonne Pelino

Wayne Schuricht

Howdy Yinz'all.  Just a quick note to fill you on the "agony and the ecstasy " of TKR or Total Knee Replacement.  And I know many of you can say been there - done that.  I have had a bum knee for several years after tearing the meniscus in my left knee while playing tennis.  Several years of PT, injections, braces, sleeves have ultimately had their chance.  The past few months have been a continuous story or intractable  worsening pain.  So after the reunion it was time to bite the bullet.  So the ecstasy was finally gettin'er'done!  The agony is NOW.  I am now 5 days post op and can say I think I have turned a corner.  It is to put it mildly, pretty miserable.  Thank God for a wonderful spouse, Joann, who is there for all my needs, as trivial as they seem.  Just routine toilet process almost seems impossible.  I am obviously hopefull the the end result will be worth the trouble.  So that is all for now, time to go do those damn exercises!!!

Angela Redding (Reiter Hill)

So sorry to hear about the discomfort with your knee.    It is good that you had this surgery now, not in the future.  I am hoping that the pain will subside and comfort will take its place.  Take care and listen to your wife.  I am sure she is able to diagnose how you are feeling.  Prayers for a speedy recovery.

Sharon Heister (Presken)

My sympathies Wayne!  I had both of my knees done, at the same time, when I was 60. A year and a half later, I had my right hip replaced and 6 months after that I had my left hip replaced. The hips were easy----the knees were horrible!   Eighteen years later, they are all loosening up a little but still letting me get around and I hope that continues!  The pain lasted awile with the knees. The hips only put me out of commision for a month and then I could do everything. I have no pain at all now, but I have slowed down  and watch how I move. Fortunately, you made it this long and you should be good to go for quite awhile. Hang in there and follow orders with your exercise.  It will really help!

Mina Stewart (Toole)

Betty Horvath (Byrne)

The good news is the surgery is behind you.  I hear the painful exercises are the most important part of the recovery.  Wishing you all the best for a speedy, and complete recovery!  Prayers and healing angels being sent your way!  

Frances Massi (Haradzin)

Dear Wayne,

Wishing you the greatest success in your healing from knee surgery!  I have had both of my knees replaced and it was definitely worth the pain and discomfort which you are feeling at the pesent time.  Your PT is of the utmost importance and knowing you, you will move forward as a warrior would and come out of this period of time victoriously.  You are in my mind, heart, and many prayers for wellness and feeling good once again.  Please keep us posted as to your progress.

Many blessings and shalom...to both you and your wonderful caregiver (your beautiful wife).

Love you from Ron and Fran

Wayne Schuricht

Howdy All,  Just a quick note on my total knee replacement surgery.  Today is 3 weeks post op and I am thankful to say I am progressing nicely.  I must credit a pre-op procedure that is evidently new on the scene.  The day before the surgery I had a cryo-therapy procedure called IOVERA.  This entailed the anesthesiologist deep freezing the superficial nerves above my knee.  It was a relatively easy and almost painless out patient procedure, lasting about 30 minutes and I went home.  This treatment proportedly will last several weeks, during which time most of the post-op pain and healing will take place.  I must say that this is apparently the case so far.  The first few days were miserable, but rather quickly subsided.  One week post op I was walking with only a cane for assistance and had essentially full range of motion.  The PT working with me was astonished - he had never seen or heard of this procedure and couldn't believe my progress after one week.  My surgeon had only one patient previously who had the procedure, but who sang its praises to him as she had had the other knee done previously with the expected pain and rehab.  Joann, my wife, who has had both knees done also, is also amazed.  Hopefully this progress will continue in the coming weeks.  I only needed strong pain meds for a few days, and that was primarily to sleep!  I am now walking essentially without assistance but carry a cane just in case.

I am sharing this with you in the hope that if any of you need or are contemplating knee surgery to please investigate this procedure "IOVERA" and ask your surgeon if it might be applicable for you.  My surgeon thinks this might be a game changer for knee surgery in the future.  I sure am glad he ordered it for me, and that so far the proof is in the pudding.  Please take care and keep in touch.  Wayne

Sharon Heister (Presken)

So very, very glad that you are doing so well !!!!  Wish they would have had that cyro therapy when I had my knees replaced when I was 60!  I went through 3 months of Hell and don't ever want to do that again!  Would they have been able to do both knees if this therapy would have been available all those years again?  I would not advise anyone to have both done at the same time. I've done fine since then....thank you God!  Continue your good progress. Prayers still coming your way!

Wayne Schuricht

Thanks for your note And good wishes, Sharon.  Needless to say, my wife, Joann who had both her knees done, one at a time however, is voicing the same sentiment and it was  evidently not in the playbook 2 years ago.  I know she was miserable for weeks also, not just a few days.  And she also cannot believe you had them done both at the same time, so many years ago.  As I said, my surgeon thinks this pro-op therapy could be a real game changer in the future for knee surgery patients, especially if the results warrant continuing the procedure.  Once again, my PT therapists are all amazed at my results and I am very pleased and grateful!  Please spread the word to at least inquire about it if you are contemplating knee surgery!

Ann Bia (Rivers)

Hi Wayne! So happy to hear you are doing better. Annie

Alberta (Jinky) Maxwell (Clements/Sapinsky)

Hi Wayne,

 Thanks for telling us about the new procedure you had done for  your knee and so glad your doing so well now  too. Its bad enough having to get an operation and then having to be laid up for so long but glad you had this type and are doing so well...Take care my  friend... Jinky

Marnie Yinger (Sandham)

I love Santa Fe, NM.  After sitting out the COVID19 years on the Narragansett Bay, Providence, RI, it's great to be back in the mountains. From 25 ft elevation to 7,000 ft.  Remember Bouquet Hill?  When I was about 7 years old, I watched a wildfire on Bouquet Hill from my bedroom through my dad's gun sight.  I also loved going to Penn State in the shadows of Mt. Nittany.  

Wayne Schuricht

Greetings from Texas.  I trust and hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends..

I want to share my post knee replacement with you.  It is now 8 weeks since my surgery and I am very happy and pleased with the results so far. I have not walked so easily and effortlessly and pain free in over 8 years.  I have not progressed to playing golf or tennis like I hope to as of yet, but just the ease with which I am now simply walking validates the procedure.  If you are contemplating knee replacement surgery please ask your surgeon about pre-op cryotherapy to help with the post-op pain and recovery.  Once again my procedure was called "IOVERA", but might have different names.  If you have any thoughts or concerns and would like to talk about it, please call me.  My number is listed on my profile page.

And now let me take this opportunity to wish younz all a very Merry, Blessed Christmas and best wishes for a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year in 2024.  Stay safe, take care of each other and this wonderful land.  Wayne!