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11/23/19 12:17 PM	#103
Sandra Darrall Please have the next mini in warmer weather especially for us Southerners Anything below is cold. Thanks Sandy

11/23/19 02:12 PM

#104

Yvonne Pelino (Pelino)

Well, heads up everyone! We are planning another mini reunion (possibly same place...VFW Lower Burrell) in the April/May time frame. Hopefully outside in the picnic grove so we can accommodate wheel chairs and other special needs. Be looking for emails in March sometime. I'm heading to Florida for 3 months (while still working), back around March 1st. Happy Thanksgiving to all and blessed Christmas/Hannukah.

Yvonne

04/12/20 06:26 PM

#105

Bill Baker

Hello all !

Is this stay at home situation doing the same to youz guys as it is to me ?

I have finished going thru all of the closets and drawers, and donating at lot to charity. Went thru the workshop and finished all of those many projects that I have been procrastinating about. Came across my highschool stuff, year books, prom and graduation pictures. Also, all of the class reunion pictures and memorabilia. I still have the prize I won for being the first to register to attend the first reunion (small transister radio).

All of this brought me back to the great memories with a lot of wonderful friends and experiences. Looking back I realize how important those years were to our develoment. There was a lot going on during those years, we were developing our ethics, morals, personalities and ultimitly our characters. At the same time we were dealing with raging hormons and first loves and sometimes second.

We were very fortunate to have grown up when we did, the wonderful 50s and 60s. We were raised by the "Greatest Generation " and had unlimited oppurtunities, if we chose to take advantage of them.

Now at our age, I feel very fortunate to have had the children, career, military experience, loves and friends that I have enjoyed.

Thanks for the oppurtunity to ramble and reflect.

Hope we all make it thru our current challenge safe.

Bill Baker

04/13/20 11:43 AM

#106

Roger Loughran

Well said and well written my Ridge Avenue JH and HS friend. I could not agree more. Thanks for writing and reminding me of how blessed our lives have been. Stay healthy and well. Same for all our Ken High 63 classmates. Roger Loughran

04/13/20 06:36 PM

#107

Chris Dominik (Cross)

Bill - I've heard stories of people going through closets and drawers but I thought they were make-believe - now I have to believe it. 😉 I'm impressed! I wish I were one of those people. Good for you! I'm going to read your posting again and maybe I'll get inspired. 😊 Stay well! Chris<>>

04/13/20 10:45 PM

#108

Yvonne Pelino (Pelino)

Hi everyone. Hope you are stayng home and are safe. I have lost two friends to this wretched virus so far. Plus, my mail has gotten totally screwed up for the past few weeks. But it could be worse. Fortunately, I am able to work from home since I am in the advertising business and people are still reading digital copies of our magazines and advertisers want to go digital, even doing virtual tours of homes and senior assisted living facilities. So I"m far from being bored.

On another note, I posted on Facebook that I would be happy to put together a "VIRTUAL MINI CLASS REUNION" via ZOOM or Google hangouts. If anyone is interested, please respond here or send me an email at ypelino@gmail.com. Then I will send out a mass email to all the classmates to see who wants to participate. Let's be creative! Would be nice to see everyone's smiling faces, especially since you are all a captive audience! God Bless, be safe and hang in there, we will get through this. As my grandma used to say

THIS TOO SHALL PASS!

Virtual Hugs, Yvonne Pelino

04/14/20 10:06 AM

#109

Frances Massi (Haradzin)

Good morning classmates,

It is heartwarming to hear from some of you! Thank you for sharing your experiences and positive outlooks on fighting the "Virus." During this quiet time, while being homeboud, has given Ron and me an even greater appreciation of everything in this remarkable life. We are cherishing simplicity more than we have for many years. Thankfully, it sounds as though things are looking a little brighter and that we are getting stronger in our fight with the "Virus."

I think of each one of you often and wish you God's blessings, good health, and peace. Much love from Ron and Fran Haradzin

04/14/20 12:35 PM

#110

Chris Dominik (Cross)

Yvonne - I'd be game to participate in a zoom reunion. 👍😊

04/15/20 09:58 AM

#111

James R. Antoniono

Thanks Bill for expressing what a lot of us feel about growing up in the 50's and early 60's, especially in New Kensington, more especially at Ken Hi, and most importantly as a part of the Class of '63.
Any time I meet with a new client about my age who grew up in the Valley we remonice about Henry's, the Terena, Buck a Car Night at the Sunset (?-near Freeport), Sunday night dance at the fire hall in Natrona Heights, St. Joe's and Clark Race, Bob Laverio' Saturday morning oldies on the radio.....
Thank you all for helping to make these great memories.
Bar Assoc groups around the state are organizations Zoom Happy Hours, we can do the same for whomever wants to join, assuming I gave an liquor left, I will join in. Our state stores are closed.
Be Safe!

04/15/20 12:26 PM

#112

Wayne Schuricht

Greetings younz’all. Well apparently this current situation with this “schrecklich” virus, (Mr. Babalis would be proud of my German - which means horrible) has given many of us time to sit at our computers and peruse all sorts of social media, such as this web site. I for one enjoy looking at classmate profiles and especially pictures. I think a lot of people do not know how to upload a picture on their profile page, so I will try to help out. Obviously you need a digital source, smartphone, pad, computor etc on which you have loaded some pictures. Access this web site and go to your profile page. Click on the “edit your profile” square, and then click on the picture space. A screen will magically appear with simple instructions to upload a picture. It is really quite simple. So please give it a try. Also, Yvonne has voiced her willingness to coordinate a virtual class reunion. Please let her know if you are interested as she will need your contact info etc. Please take care, keep safe, and pray that this crisis will soon be over. Wayne

04/18/20 07:37 PM

#113

Scott Hunter

Hey, gang, as I begin to write this, I'm back in Latin class with Miss Hood with all my friends around. Memories are so good (some of them). I'm going through a lot of stuff. Life coaching with a psychotherapist at the moment. He has given me language to process my emotions. He says I'm an emotionally healthy 20-year old. I think he's right. I'm finally taking control of my life, almost 75, and I want to be the main character for the next few years, however many I have left. And now comes the plug for my book, And the Monkey Lets Go: Memoirs through Illusion and Doubt. It was released nationally on April 7th, so even though bookstores are closed you can order it on Barnes & Nobles and Amazons websites and from your local bookstore (curbside pickup. LOL). Amazon's cut is 10% more than all the others, so order it through Amazon if you must, but I make a little more from B&N and other places. If you want to know more about ATMLG, go to scottjhunter.com and read all about it. Barbara Loburr's read it and recommended it to Tom Watt and others. Wayne Schuricht read an early draft. If anyone buys it and reads it, I would love to get feedback and message. Isolation is eerie. Be safe. Scott

04/18/20 09:06 PM

#114

Wayne Schuricht

Howdy again 63er’s. I would just like to say a few words about Scott Hunter’s book, “And the Monkey Let’s Go.” I was one of Scott’s buddies all thru our school years, Greenwald Elementary, Valley Heights, Ridge Ave. Jr. High and Ken Hi. Reading his book was a real treat! Recapping our school years, but more so learning about the unusual journey thru life that Scott has “lived”. I can honestly say it was a journey that I am sure NONE of us experienced. His personal battles with religion, family, and especially alcohol and drug addiction, and his RECOVERY, are a very entertaining and rewarding read. Please consider reading his book - you will enjoy it, I sure did!

04/19/20 02:58 PM

#115

Barbara Vestrand (Shema)

Congratulations, Scott! Wishing you much success with your book, and best wishes through this difficult time of isolation.

07/14/20 01:35 PM

#116

Wayne Schuricht

Howdy Fellow 63er’s! I hope this little note gets some reads as it seems that we have all been consumed with the Covid 19 pandemic. We are living through a very difficult time, obviously. Needless to say, our generation was lucky we grew up when we did and where we did. I wonder what kind of world our kids, and especially our grandkids will find. We must all do our best to make it the best future possible for them, so please be safe, practice safe, and give them a fighting chance. Hopefully medical science will soon come up with a vaccine and efficacious treatment modalities to help treat and prevent such horrendous outbreaks in the future. The lesson to learn here is that we must now and in the future be very vigilant and proactive before the worst happens. I hope you and yours are all well and look forward to a time when we can safely meet again. Wayne

07/15/20 01:05 PM

#117

Chris Dominik (Cross)

Thanks, Wayne - you take care, as well.

07/15/20 01:39 PM

#118

Jeffrey Stayer

Thanks, Wayne.....well said. You're a guiding light.

07/15/20 03:03 PM

#119

Jackie Anderson (Donley)

Thanks Wayne, we need to support each other during these times. I find these days very difficult as I'm following the safety guidelines. I miss the simple things, hugging my friends, sharing a meal at a restaurant, or going to a movie.

07/15/20 04:07 PM

#120

Frances Massi (Haradzin)

Hi Wayne,

Thank you for thinking of everyone and sharing your thoughts and well wishes at this very unique time in all of our lives. During this time of the virus, I have thought about each one of you. I have prayed for everyone's good health, for your safety, and for a vaccine that will help everyone on this beautiful earth. Love and blessings from Fran Haradzin

07/15/20 04:36 PM

#121

Yvonne Pelino (Pelino)

Hi Wayne: Yes, I have been thinking about all the classmates and thought perhaps by August/Sept, we would be able to have a picnic or something, but everything is still changing from day to day. I would still love to have a ZOOM Class reunion, have just been too busy to figure it all and to get an email sent to everyone, but I will work on it this weekend. Fortunately (or unfortunately), I have been extremely busy still working selling advertising for our senior magazine here in Cleveland...www.northeastohioboomer.com. I have also been a little too brave in venturing out to various places, some out door restaurants and family get togethers. Guess I have always been a risk taker:-). I'm just taking the necessary precautions with masks and gloves and social distancing when able, and also keeping my immune system built up with the recommended doses of Vit C, Vit D and Zinc (which I have always taken), so hoping to remain in good health. Would be nice to hear your honest perspective on this virus and potential treatments from you Wayne, since you were an ER Doctor! Let us know your professional thoughts on all of this. Well, everyone stay safe and pray for a quick cure and an end to this Pandemic Madness! God Bless and keep us all.

Yvonne

07/15/20 04:47 PM	#122
Sandra Darrall A friend that I had breakfast with less than 2 weeks ago just tested positive. So, off to get tested. Now I have to wait 4-5days. It sucks, virus is terrible in South Florida. Its crazy with people not wearing masks. Oh well wish me luck.

07/15/20 05:32 PM

#123

Roger Loughran

Thanks for the inspiration in dealing with all of this. As Jeff says, you are the class of 63 Guiding Light. You are the Grand Poopa of the Red Raiders.

07/15/20 06:07 PM

#124

Darlene Farkas (Sprowls)

Who would have EVER thought we would be in this pandemic situation? We grew up in idyllic times, indeed. I hope y'all are staying safe, being safe and being kind to everyone. I am living in Mount Dora Florida and although Florida is a Covid hotspot, my neighborhood and city have done an excellent job of promoting social distancing, mask wearing, etc. I feel for our kids and their kids trying to navigate through this mess. Online school, brick and mortar school, home school? All present pro and con reasons for their choice. I pray daily for an effective vaccine soon. Stay well, '63ers.

07/16/20 07:23 AM	#125
James R. Antoniono I can host a ZOOM event through our office ZOOM account. It would be as simple as sending out a link. Thanks for the suggestion Yvonne. There would be no limit on how many could join in. It would be a BYOB event.

07/16/20 07:28 AM

#126

Betty Horvath (Byrne)

Thanks Wayne. We value your insight. I take the virus and social distancing very serious since I lost a VERY dear and close friend to this horrific virus. He was tested negative on Thursday, after being exposed, and in the hospital the following Tuesday, coming down with symptons 3 days after negative testing. He passed 3 weeks later. Watching someone die via facetime was lifechanging for me. Not being able to help with any of the new drugs, since they were only distributed to "certain" research hospitals, was frustrating. Couldn't be with him, couldn't have a funeral - awful. Be careful, my friends! I'm working virtually only, and yes, it gets lonely since I love people, but it's what we have to do for the time being. MA is in great shape now, and for the most part everyone is being smart here, but as I see resurgenece in other states, it encourages me to ride the tide longer. My children are my angels who still deliver everything I need, plus a lot of on-line ordering. One daughter has a home in NH on a Lake, and that's been a great escape. I sure have gotten to know my neighborhood by sitting on my front porch, and taking daily walks. Enjoy the outdoors, family, and friends in different ways. I too pray for and end soon. I'm in for a Zoom call, I'm on them everyday with work. God Bless you all!

07/16/20 12:43 PM

#127

Jackie Oliver (Cohen)

Dear Wayne,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful post. We are living in a nightmarish time. My husband just lost his brother and one of my best friends lost her father, whom I had known since his grandkids and my kids were babies, to COVID. My husband and I remain vigilant. I haven't been inside a grocery store since early March; we use delivery. We see our Denver daughter and family from a distance outside. The three-year-old cries that he wants to hug his Nana. I used to pick him up from school twice a week; now I see him for maybe an hour once a week. I missed the birthdays of both Seattle grandchildren; my sole granddaughter is distraught that I can't visit; we do a lot of FaceTime. I won't even contemplate a plane ride.

I read a lot. I try not to read all the news and commentary but find myself compulsively going from one news site to another and reading all the science articles I can find. I walk twice a day to stay sane. I garden. I compulsively keep my house spotless. I'm even ironing t-shirts! There are days that I am bored beyond belief! I miss my friends and family.

When I read the stats on the increasing number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in way too many states, I grow increasingly despondent that this will be our way of life for a very long time. I fear that we have become inured to the climbing numbers, unless we personally experience the death of a loved one. Our country is losing the battle against this virulent virus. It doesn’t need to be. Other countries are faring far better than we are. “Last Sunday, Germany (population 80.2 million) had 159 new cases of covid-19; Florida (population 21.5 million) had 15,300” (Washington Post).

We need to come together as a nation and fight this together. Wearing a mask should not be a political decision. We each should wear a mask to protect others. Masks do work to stop the spread. A very recent study has shown that masks protect the wearer as well, so to wear a mask has a potential win-win outcome. We need to always socially distance, even when it is tempting to hang out with friends and family with whom we do not live. I see in my neighborhood large groups ignoring the Denver directives, usually young families, partying with no masks and everyone on top of each other.

We need to be socially responsible to protect ourselves and others. There are many who are exposed because they are on the front lines, working in our factories and processing plants, grocery stores, and of course, in our hospitals. All of these individuals literally risk their lives to serve the rest of us. We must not be cavalier about our behaviors as they who have no choice do their best to engage in safest practices. We owe it to them to take this pandemic seriously. We must practice safe and responsible behaviors. We need to respect the safety and heath of others. That includes following directives. If some states closed to us, such as New York, New Jersey, and New England, require quarantine, we need to respect that directive. I know someone who recently flew to New York City, and is completely ignoring the quarantine. Somehow, they think that they are virus-free (no test) and don’t need to quarantine. I also know a Canadian citizen who just returned to Canada from the US. He had to provide to border agents details regarding where and how he would be conducting that quarantine. Four days later he was contacted by the RCMP, checking on him, at which time he was reminded that if he did not obey the quarantine regulations, he could be subjected to a $1,000,000 fine and three years of prison! Canada is protecting their population. It’s up to us to protect our population.

We can each encourage our local, state, and national representatives to do their job to develop a plan to keep us safe, to reduce the numbers, and reverse the runaway course we are on with this virus. Write to your representatives. But ultimately, it is up to each of us to look out for not just ourselves, but for each other. Finally, as Senator (R) Mark Rubio urged, “Just wear the damn mask!”.

I pray that you, my classmates, remain safe and well. For those of you personally touched by this virus, I feel your pain and sorrow. For those of you who have dark days, I can relate. My hope is that we come out of this stronger as a nation - “one Nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”.

Respectfully,
Jackie Oliver Cohen
Denver, CO

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