HERE COMES...2010!

Hello boys and girls, If you were at the reunion this past July, then you know how it went. If you were NOT there.......news flash - you have no idea what happened, now do you? But, you can still get a glimpse of the greatness, by requesting the DVD - which you do by contacting Eric at: e_court@email.msn.com . I'm pretty sure he still has a few left (or can probably burn one). There was some talk of a 60th Birthday Party (granted, this was after some cocktails) but, if this is something YOU might be interested in, I suggest you drop a line to Melody at: megreene50@hotmail.com to let her know - since she is the one who first suggested it (although she'll deny it). This would be something very informal, a cookout, say at Joe's barn (I'm pretty sure he said that was fine - but that too may have been cocktail chatter :) but, if we can't go there, we'll find someplace. Oh, and we will keep the blog as long as anyone uses it. So, take advantage of the space to keep in touch classmates. Have a Happy New Year, and don't been a stranger! Sally

The Class of 1969 40th Reunion...New DVD Release!

Well, the DVDs are all done! They will go out in the snail mail this week. If you ordered the DVD you will receive two discs. One, you can play through a DVD player and enjoy on your TV; one can be played on a computer. Tom Riddle, Eric Courtney, Barrie Stambaugh Forner, Patti Mazzola Buchanan came over Friday night and we worked like little elves! I must say, we (and I mean Patti) had a little trouble sticking to our tasks, because we (ditto) kept stopping to watch the "show!" Tom Riddle gets a BIG thumbs up for the music he selected to accompany the photos. Oh, I almost forgot...a much belated THANK-YOU Student Director Tom, for making sure we actually HAD a senior variety show :) Both Tom and Eric went on a self guided tour of the empty school building, and have included those photos as well - it's memory jogging to visually walk through RHS again! Another Thank-you to Cheryl Summers Creech, for taking photos through out the weekend. Her contributions to the DVD are excellent; all the candids taken Friday and Saturday night, as well as the individual photos of each classmate Saturday night. I saw a couple of people in the Friday night pictures that I had missed, so it was good to at least see them! Both Tom and Eric deserve a "GOOD JOB" as the DVD was no small undertaking (!) but the result is wonderful, and I think you will enjoy their efforts. Of course, a Big THANK-YOU to Pam Summers Lee. While, the boat may have rocked a few times, you didn't let it go over completely, you kept us on course and we made it to our final destination... A wonderful 40th Reunion of the Class of 1969! Sally Kyle Lentz

40th Reunion Discs....

As this is being written, Eric Courtney and Tom Riddle are grinding away to complete our 40th Reunion photo DVD's and CD's. If all goes well, the local committee members will get together this Friday, Sept. 11 to get these ready to be mailed on Saturday, Sept. 12. If you haven't ordered your discs, it's not too late. Please contact Eric at 330-524-0155 or at courtney.e@att.net to order yours today!

Tony Munoz

Tony Munoz sent this photo of himself and his wife, Kelly. Tony was registered to attend our reunion last month, but was unable to be there due to a family emergency.

Tony and Kelly live in Downers Grove, IL and are expecting their first grandchild in January 2010.

OOPS!

For a nano second the "Last Call for photos" was up with an unsupported "link" to the email addresses for Eric and Tom. Apparantley, the blog site can not link to email addresses (which I didn't realize until I "published"). You will need to copy/paste to use them. My bad. Sally

LAST CHANCE to add your photos to DVD!

Eric Courtney and Tom Riddle are finishing up the DVD of the Reunion. Eric has ask that we post the following: “We keep adding more features to the DVDs as we go along. If you have any pictures of yourself, your family, friends, or whatever, either from back in the day or from recent times, and would like to share them with other classmates who bought the DVD set, we could include them on the PC volume of the set. All you have to do is get them to us as soon as possible, preferably through email. If you do choose to send printed pictures, please send copies, as prints will NOT be returned. However, the preferred method is JPG. Just scan or convert the images into "jpg" format and then email them as attachments. Email them to either: Eric Courtney at: e_court@msn.com or Tom Riddle at: Tomriddle@att.net If you have actual photos/reprints (again,these will not be returned) you can snail mail them to Eric Courtney at 3351 Lovers Lane, Ravenna, OH 44266. Which ever method you use, photos MUST BE RECEIVED by September 5, 2009, to be included on the DVD."

OUR NEW CHORUS LINE.....BETTER THAN EVER!!

Being silly and enjoying our 40th reunion on Saturday, August 8, 2009 are Patti Mazzola Buchanan, Nancy Roen Dunlap, Melody Drugan Greene, Sally Kyle Lentz and Barrie Stambaugh Forner.

If you haven't had an opportunity to purchase a Photo DVD of our reunion festivities, now is the time! The DVD will include the reunion Power Point presentation Eric Courtney and Tom Riddle put together and displayed throughout the reunion at the Elk's Lodge, as well as all photos that were taken Friday night at the English Pub, Saturday morning golf, and Saturday evening's events at the Elk's. Contact Eric Courtney at courtney.e@att.net or call him at 330-524-0155 to place your order as soon as possible.

(Photo taken by Cheryl Summers Creech)

GIVE US A 'P'?

From left to right: Rick Pinter, Ken Porcase, Shirley Powell Pennington, Denver Lovejoy, Paul Stukovsky, Rochelle Penrod, Jerry Webb, Kevin Pyles, Ruth Potisuk Ludwick and Bob DeSimio. I believe this was suppose to be a photo of our classmates whose last name started with a 'P'......How did Denver, Jerry, Bob and Paul qualify?....No clue! Perhaps Paul thought he qualified since his first name started with a 'P'? There is still time for classmates to order Photo DVD's of the Power Point Presentation that we viewed during our reunion, along with photos from Friday night at the Pub, and photos that were taken Saturday night of our reunion at the Elk's Lodge. Contact Eric Courtney at courtney.e@att.net, or at 330-524-0155 to order one today. (Friday, August 7, 2009 at the English Pub, Ravenna, OH; Photo compliments of Cheryl Summers Cheech)

THE ENGLISH PUB

To kick off our 40th Reunion weekend, F.O.G. Band graced us with their wonderful musical talents Friday night, August 7 at the English Pub in Ravenna.

Filling in as drummer is our very own Dominic Tortorella in the photo below. GREAT music Guys and thanks to those who put this together!

40th REUNION GOLF

Saturday morning, August 8

brought cloudy skies and drizzle here and there. This didn't stop us 'die hard' golfers.

Winners ~ Losers? Score wise (bottom photo) Pam Summers Lee, Mark Bowen, Melody Drugan Greene and Sam Shipley beat the tar out of (top photo) Nancie Roen Dunlap, Charlie Bailey, Patti Mazzola Buchanan and Sally Kyle Lentz.

Way too much fun and laughing was going on to bother anyone's game. Those of you who skipped out on us, and those who didn't sign up.....You missed a GREAT time! We hope we will have more participants for future golf outings.

(Photos compliments of Melody Drugan Greene)

THE CLASS OF 1969 on AUGUST 8, 2009

Those of us who attended our 40th class reunion, had a BLAST!

F.O.G. band graciously played for a huge crowd Friday night at the English Pub. The music was great, the company of all who attended was superb!

Classmates who were able to attend are: Sue Akers McCarrell, Linda Allen Fosnight, Charlie & Julie Bailey, Clarice Bew Scott, Mark Bowen, JoAnn Brode McEwen, Karen Campbell Frankland, Jim Canterbury, Becky Cochran, Eric Courtney, Bob DeSimio, Barb DeYoung Drabic, Peggy DiaPaola, Melody Drugan Greene, Nancy Drugan Koehler, Mark Drumheller, Patty Ferrara Cartwright, Jim & Heather McEwen Fleming, Nancy Forgus Scoma, Steve Gilly, Dale Hamilton, Alan Harlan, Nancie Heisler Torrence, Kris Hostetler Hampsey, Cindy Huston Ross, Scott & Jayce Rutan Hutchinson, Debi Johnston, Don Kainrad, Bill Kernen, Dale Kirkhart, Jane Kleinsmith Roop, Sally Kyle Lentz, Betty Litsinger, Gary Livengood, Denver Lovejoy, Rich Lyon, Mark Marini, Mike Marquis, Bruce Marvin, Corky (Art) Mauck, Patti Mazzola Buchanan, Steve McDaniel, Chris McVay, Dan & Betsy Vojtkofsky Michelli, Doug Moore, Ruth Potisuk Ludwick, Shirley Powell Pennington, Glenda Prisby Bronner, Kevin Pyles, Mike Reynolds, Tom Riddle, Jim Rigby, Rance Robenstein, Nancy Roen Dunlap, Joe Salamon, Sam Shipley, Bill Shorts, Louise Spagnuolo, Barrie Stambaugh Forner, Paul Stukovsky, Pam Summers Lee, Will Ticknor, Melverta Townend Turek, Jerry Webb, Kim Werle Griffith, Norm Wise and Susan Yarolin Carlton......Oh and 'Randy Raven'! How many names can put with faces in this photo? Not pictured.....Our special guests Mr. Art Fesemyer, Mr. Ed & Mrs. Eleanor Marini, Mr. Gene Roliff and Mrs. JoAnn Tondigila Smith (class of 1968).

Mrs. Cheryl Summers Creech (Class of 1971) volunteered to make our table centerpieces, as well as take photos of our entire weekend events. Susan Yarolin Carlton give a very beautiful, tender convocation. Clarice Bew Scott showed us she still had beautiful, strong 'pipes' by singing acapella 'Impossible Dream'.

If you haven't had an opportunity to purchase RHS Class of 1969 mugs, we still have a few left. It is also not too late to order a photo DVD & CD, which will include the wonderful Power Point Presentation Eric Courtney and Tom Riddle put together for our reunion. There will be two (2) disks sent to each classmate who have ordered and pre-paid.....the DVD can be played on a DVD player. The CD can be played on a computer, so if you don't have computer access, you will be able to view the entire reunion weekend through a DVD player on your TV screen. The final product will also include photos from Friday night's casual gathering at the English Pub, as well as photos from our reunion Saturday evening. Eric and Tom anticipate having these finished and ready to mail about 30 days after the reunion. So, DVD's & CD's should be mailed around September 10th or so. Please contact Eric Courtney for Mug and DVD & CD orders at courtney.e@att.net or at 330-524-0155.

Our reunion golf outing was a success. Eight of us braved the cool, cloudy weather with a few sprinkles of rain here and there. The team of Sam Shipley, Mark Bowen, Melody Drugan Greene and Pam Summers Lee, kicked butt against Charlie Bailey, Sally Kyle Lentz, Patti Mazzola Buchanan and Nancy Roen Dunlap. They were 2 over....we were 3 UNDER.....We be the champs, thank you very much! If you guys want a re-match, we're in! A few photos were taken of this event, which will also be on the reunion DVD/CD.

It was a GREAT weekend! Classmates who could not attend, got a lot more sleep and didn't end of hoarse like most of us. Poor Sam Shipley's voice was totally gone by Saturday night. You all were greatly missed, so we hope you will be able to attend the next class gathering!

(A few more photos of our reunion weekend will be posted here and there over the next several weeks, so stay tuned.)

ANOTHER FAMOUS CLASSMATE

Barrie Stambaugh Forner gave this card to me over our reunion weekend. How fun is this? I absolutely LOVE IT!

RAUSCH ELEMENTARY

For those of us who went to Ravenna Township School (Rausch), you might enjoy this photo. Even if you didn't go to Rausch, you all should see some familiar faces in Mrs. Cowan's 1st grade class (1957-1958). I guess by the time the photographer got to our school, they must have run out of money 'cause the few photos we have of Rausch, we weren't lucky enough to get the little marquee' telling us the year, grade level or who the teacher was. Look at the little guy in the top row, second from the left. He looks like an ornery little tyke! (Photo donated by Betty Litsinger Craig)

REUNION WEEKEND TIMES

There has been some confusion as to the times for the reunion festivities on August 7th and 8th. So, here is everything we know in hopes it will help everyone plan for the weekend..... Friday, August 7, is our pre-reunion gathering. This will take place at the English Pub, 320 E. Main Street, #108, Ravenna. Gathering time is between 6:30 and 7:00 PM, or whenever you can make it. The F.O.G. Band comprised of RHS graduates will be providing live music for our enjoyment. Other than food and/or beverages you consume, this free and is open to the public. We hope everyone can make it. Saturday, August 8 is our reunion at the new Elk's Club, 776 N. Freedom Street, Ravenna. 6:00 PM - Doors open 7:00 PM - Buffet dinner will begin 8:30 PM - Class picture taken Cheryl Summers Creech (RHS Class of 1971) has volunteered to take our photos for the evening, which will be included on our Reunion Photo DVD. Cheryl will have an area set up for individual classmates photos, with or without spouse/significant other/guest, so please be sure to have these pictures taken sometime during the evening. If you are not pre-registered for the reunion but are now able to attend.....Great! Walk-ins are welcome! Dinner for classmate is $30.00; $50.00 per couple.....CASH BAR. We will be selling 50/50 tickets....$1.00 each or 6/$5.00.....You must be present to win. Mugs are still available to purchase at $12.00 each, and of course, our Reunion Photo DVD's can still be pre-ordered for $10.00 each. If there are additional questions or concerns about the reunion, please feel free to contact me at palsummers@sbcglobal.net, or call my home: 317-255-4380, or my cell: 317-341-0266. We are looking forward to seeing you all August 7th and 8th!

ARE YOU SERIOUS? IS SHE SERIOUS?

While I was typing out the "looking for a fourth" entry, I started thinking. Maybe golf just isn't the sport of choice for a lot of classmates. That's when I had a great idea! Maybe we can get a group together and go do a little midnight bowling Saturday night? (What the Hell, we're gonna be sore and achy from golf anyway!) Even if you don't want to actually bowl. . . you might as well come with us, 'cause we're definitely gonna need a scorekeeper. Besides, how many opportunities do you get to pay for the privilege of wearing someone else's shoes?

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A FOURTH...

One of our classmates, who signed up to golf, has pulled up lame. So, it would be nice if we had one more golfer to even out our group. Actually, it would be GREAT if we had more golfers - period! So, if you're thinking, "Gee, I wish I would have signed up to golf," you STILL can. Our first Tee Time is 10:10 a.m. at Sugarbush Golf Course in Garrettsville, Ohio. We will be playing 18, the cost is: $25.50 (includes cart) So come on, you know you WANT to join us! Just email sal-lentz@neo.rr.com, no later than Thursday, August 6th, so I can get additional Tee Time(s) if necessary. Thanks, Sally Kyle Lentz

IF YOU WANT TO EAT...

I don't have any more pictures to post; I'm not coming up with any more blog entries in an effort to persuade classmates to get their registrations in. I'm not going to ask you to share your pictures, or your comments or your lunch money. I'm done. We know there are going to be a handful of classmates who will just show up on Saturday, just so you know, you're gonna have to eat with the "lunch ladies!" If you are one of of those last minute people (and you know who you are!) - this is your ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY LAST CHANCE to get your money and information to Patti Buchanan. PLEASE do us a favor - at least drop her an email pbuchanan@homesavingsbnk.com NOW, so we can finish up and have an accurate food count! Oh, and here are a few more classmates who will be attending: Glenda Prisby Bonner;Kim Werle Griffith; Karen Campbell Frankland; Linda Allen Fostnight and Shirley Powell. I haven't listed everyone who has registered - but a little "preview" of familiar names! So, that's that - and that's it. See you August 7 and/or August 8th! Sally Kyle Lentz

Ladies & Gentlemen of the Jury...

Another one from Eric via Peggy... Okay, when the Judge and the guy in handcuffs - come back in, I want you all to stand up - and on my count... Give me a G Give me a U Give me an I Give me a L Give me a T Give me a Y !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why? Because all this government stuff is giving me a headache, and that's what I have written in my notes.

Before the internet -

This is from Eric Courtney - who got it from Peggy DiPaola. People actually looked at pictures printed on paper! Of course, we were probably supposed to be doing something else. But, what ever we were looking at - it had our attention!

It HAD to be "Government" day...Tort in a suit!

Eric Courtney sent this along. Here's Dominic "Tort" Tortorella doing his best to look "official." Sorry, but I don't remember who he was standing in for that day. Mayor? If you (or Tort, you should remember) why not show off your memory skills :) - post it here at the blog!

LAST PHOTOS OF OUR 8th GRADE CLASS

While looking through the photos of our 8th grade class, I see so many familiar faces who did not graduate with us for one reason or the other. I often wonder why they didn't spend their high school years with us, where they are today and what they are up to.

Our reunion is rapidly approaching. Those who aren't able to join us due to other commitments, we wish you a wonderful summer. Those who are attending the reunion....we are looking forward to catching up with your lives.

OK- WHO DROVE ONE OF THESE ? post your guess

Some one emailed this "test" to me. At first I thought, geez - this is for old people - then reading through the "test" I was stunned, it's offical (groan) I'm "Older than Dirt!" But, I guess the up side (besides still breathing) would be - if I remember this stuff, that means you all remember them and there ya go...we'll something to talk about at the reunion! See ya there - I'll be the one wearing my P.F. Flyers, chewin'crackin'& snappin' a stick of Teaberry gum, drinking a coke out of a glass bottle, with my roller skate key hanging on a shoelace around my neck! Older Than Dirt Quiz : Count all the ones that you remember not the ones you were told about. Ratings at the bottom. 1. Blackjack chewing gum & Teaberry also (my favs) 2. Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water 3. Candy cigarettes 4. Soda pop machines that dispensed glass bottles 5. Coffee shops or diners with tableside juke boxes 6. Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers 7. Party lines on the telephone 8. Newsreels before the movie 9. P.F. Flyers 10. Butch wax 11. TV test patterns that came on at night after the last show and were there until TV shows started again in the morning. (there were only 3 channels [if you were fortunate]) 12. Peashooters 13. Howdy Doody 14. 45 RPM records 15. S& H greenstamps 16. Hi-fi's 17. Metal ice trays with lever 18. Mimeograph paper 19. Blue flashbulb 20. Packards 21. Roller skate keys 22. Cork popguns 23. Drive-ins 24. Studebaker s 25. Wash tub wringers If you remembered 0-5 = You're still young If you remembered 6-10 = You are getting older If you remembered 11-15 = Don't tell your age, If you remembered 16-25 = You're older than dirt! I might be older than dirt but those memories are some of the best parts of my life.

You just don't ignor a call from "Chic" !!!

"I don't like making these calls, but you've left me no choice. You haven't sent in your registration and payment for the Reunion. So, here's the deal. If you send your Registration along with your payment RIGHT NOW, you can still attend Saturday night (August 8). Of course, you'll be marked as Tardy without a good excuse, which will require a stop by the office to pick up your "late pass!"" Other wise, you'll miss seeing these additional classmates: Barb DeYoung; Joe Salamon; Bruce Marvin; Bill Shorts; Melody Drugan; Pam Summers and Mark Bowen.

BROWN MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASS PHOTOS

Here are more of our classmates from our 1965 Falcon Yearbook. Take a peek to see how much everyone has changed since then. (The remaining class photos will be posted soon.)

8th GRADE (1965) CLASS PICTURES (Akers through Dan Hartung)

Throughout these pages, some of our classmates have a "check mark" next to their name. Please keep in mind this belongs to Bill Shorts. Perhaps this means he was "sweet" on these particular people throughout our 8th grade year. Oh wait!....Most are girls, but there are a couple of guys with checks next to their names, including Bill's so I'm thinking this isn't the reason they are there.

The size of these pages limit me to posting only two per session. Please check back next week and often for more.....

You still have time...

The boys are (will be) back in town! . . . Matt Cristino; Mark Marini; "Corky" Mauck; Joe Salamon come on guys, get those reservations in!

ME AND MY PREACHER MAN by Clarice Bew Scott

Hello Class, I’m a little embarrassed, but my registration is finally on the way. Just charge it to “old timers” whatever! I just perused the Blogspot and I’m sitting at my desk trying to keep the #111 Black Mod Lashes on (yes, I’m still glamorous), because it brought tears to my eyes. Tears of joy and laughter, so-o-o- many memories were brought back from Highland, Rausch, Brown Jr. and Ravenna High. Thanks for the pics. …I remember my first crush in kindergarten on “the Doctors son”, (guess who) I remember @ Highland when Glen Holmes chased me down Washington St. with a worm and Mark Marini and Joe Bailey thought it was funny and when Susie Brown and I had a semi-fight in Jr. High (I wonder if they remember). I’m thinking about being the Volleyball champs in 8th grade (last time I did anything athletic)! I’m remembering chorus Mr. Maske, the plays, Mrs. Dickerson, FBLA, the Senior Variety Show (“To Dream the Impossible Dream), and that “fine” history teacher, Mr. Palcho and my favorite principal, Mr. Fesemeyer. I could go on, but then I’d have nothing to reminisce about at the reunion. Here’s a brief history of my last 40 years: Married a Pastor, Larryissac Scott in 1980 (my friend Paul Jones performed the ceremony), moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 1990, raised 2 sons, one Navy Man and one Rapper, had 1 daughter whose currently a junior @ Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, She’s a pageant queen and a sweet young lady, I have 7 grands, currently work for Gov. Charlie Crist in Tallahassee as a Management Analyst, write and produce plays locally, still sing, love the Lord and still have that “queenly” size, so I don’t need a name tag, I’ll be easy to recognizeJ. Thank you committee for all the planning and I’m praying save journey for all attendees. I’m so excited! God Bless & See Ya Soon, Clarice (Bew) Scott

Oh I feel like "Miss Barbara!" When I look at the list, I can see: Susie Akers; Jim Caterbury; Rance Robestine; Betty Litsinger; Christine McVay and Melody Drugan . . . will be at the reunion. Don't forget boys and girls, get your RESERVATION in by June 15, so you can see these classmates in person! Check the blog to see who else will be there.

1965 8th GRADE AUDIO-VISUAL and OFFICE ASSISTANTS

To view a larger version of these photos, right click on the group photo of your choice.

We never, ever wanted to see one of the Office Assistants come in to our classroom....it usually meant we were in big trouble for something.

FOURTH GRADE ICS

How fun is this class picture? I recognize a few familiar faces, but there are many I don't. How many do you all remember?

There's a Paul Bunyan Burger just waiting for YOU...

As promised, here are a few classmates who have sent in their information, to let us know that they WILL be coming in August. In no particular order: Bob DeSimio; Jerry Webb; Jim Rigby; Susan Yarolin; Deborah Lacy; Kris Hostetler In an effort to raise the number of classmates attending the Reunion, and also to get more classmates posting comments to the blog, additional names will be added at random (up to the registration deadline). Tricky huh? So, if you want to see if whatsherhisname is going to be at the Reunion...you'll just have to come back and check!

REUNION REMINDER

Emails went out today to all classmates we have email addresses for. In hopes of covering all our bases in hopes of reaching those who for some reason might not have received the email but visit our blog often. So, below is the email that was sent out.....Additional photos of our 8th grade year at Brown Jr. High will be posted soon. Dear Classmates: You all should have received (by regular U.S. mail) your 40th class reunion information packets by now. If you haven’t received yours, please let me know and I will send you all information via email. If you have returned the requested sheets and payment to Patti Mazzola Buchanan, THANK YOU! Even if you are not able to attend the reunion, please complete both sides of page 3 and return it to Patti, so our information is up to date. If you are not attending the reunion, but will, or have ordered the coffee mug, Eric Courtney will send the mug(s) to you as the orders arrive and are processed. Those attending, who have ordered mugs, can pick them up Saturday night when they “sign-in” for the reunion. Whether you are or are not attending, Address Books/and or Photo disk will be mailed to all who ordered soon AFTER the reunion. ******************** Ok, here is the core of the message… With only 11 days (!) to the required deadline (June 15th) in all honesty - we (the committee) are a bit concerned. Returned reservations are low. As of right now, we have less than 40 class members who have indicated they will be attending. Simply put…that’s just pathetic! While we realize that many of you may be waiting until the last minute, to determine if you will be able to attend…it is important that we have an accurate count by June 15, in order to proceed with the preparations. So, this is it…this is the last minute! If you ARE going to attend… please take a few minutes right now, fill out the reservation/information (Checks made payable to “RAVENNA HIGH CLASS OF 69), and drop it in the mail TODAY! Send To: RHS 1969 40th Reunion Patti Mazzola Buchanan 1305 Woodbend Road Ravenna, OH 44266 We have added a few new things to our Reunion blog http://ravennahs1969.blogspot.com/ so please check it out. We will be posting photos from 1965, our 8th grade year at Brown Junior High. Also, posted will be the names of classmates who have sent in their reservation and will be attending the reunion. We urge you to keep checking the blog, http://ravennahs1969.blogspot.com/ as new information and pictures will be added between now and the reunion. Of course, your comments and postings are always welcome and encouraged! If you have any questions at all, you can contact: Pam Summers Lee mailto:pjjammers@sbcglobal.net Home: 317-255-4380 - Cell: 317-341-0266, Or Eric Courtney at courtney.e@att.net Cell: 330-524-0155. Thanks and we are looking forward to seeing you all the weekend of August 7th and 8th!

8th GRADE GIRLS' VOLLEY BALL CHAMPIONS

This photo is one of many photos out of our"1965 Falcon" yearbook from Brown Junior High. We will be posting various photos from this this period of our lives in the next several weeks, so please check this site out often. Our thanks go to Bill Shorts for loaning me his edition of "The Falcon" Yes Bill.....As promised, I have guarded this book with my life!

TO ALL OF US WHO SURVIVED....

As we prepare for our upcoming reunion, I tend to reflect on the past and look at all the wonderful things that happened through my many years on this earth. I feel nostalgia is the best remedy for almost anything that ails me these days! As I have seen and gotten together with a few old school friends, old neighborhood bullies and visits with aging parents of friends this past year, I reflect on the "good old days". Not every part of my life has been all peaches and cream, but it's wonderful to get together to bring back memories of those days, see those friends I haven't seen in 40 years, have a good laugh about something someone did, or even shed a tear about a sad moment we remembered....

I received the below email, which I feel is pretty appropriate timing for our upcoming reunion. I hope each and every one of you will make every effort to attend our 40th reunion on August 8 so we can catch up with each others lives, reflect on the past and look to the future..... perhaps cry a little, but most certainly laugh a lot!....Laughter is good for the heart and soul, so I try to do it as often as possible!

New Jr. High photos will be coming soon, so please check back in a few days. I am looking forward to seeing you all in a couple months!

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE 1930's, 40's AND 50's First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets, and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.

As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air-bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes.

Riding in the back of a pick-up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose, not from a bottle.We shared one soft drink with four friends from one bottle and no one actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight.

WHY?

Because we were always outside playing....that's why!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the street lights came on, or when we were called to come in because it was too dark outside.

No one was able to reach us all day...And, we were OK.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Play Stations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no internet and no chat rooms.

We had friends and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We made mud pies from dirt, we ate worms and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door, rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment....Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever.

Those 30 years were an explosion of innovation and new ideas……AHHH!!!....The good old days!

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

WE ARE the lucky ones and we made it! CONGRATULATIONS!

Have YOU registered for the Reunion? It only takes a minute and a stamp- so what are you waiting for? Get your information and payment to Patti!

Is this how some of us are starting to feel?

"I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor's permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over."

READ WHAT WE'VE BEEN HEARING...

TOP 10½ REASONS EXCUSES FOR NOT WANTING TO ATTEND (and my responses) ****************************************************************** 1. “I never liked any of those people when I was in school, why would I want to see them now.” Really? There was not one single person in our class that you liked? Not even a little bit? There's not one single person you never thought of, never wondered what happened to him/her? Really. 2. “I’m old.” Guess what? We’re all older…on the outside. It would be kind of creepy if we all showed up and still looked like teenagers, don’t you think? 3. “I’m fatter than I was in high school.” Who aint?! Honestly, there’s no plan to hold an official weigh-in. 4. “I’m bald.” It’s only hair. Besides, do you think you will be the ONLY guy sporting the Isaac Hayes look? If it really bothers you that much – tell everyone it’s a choice, that you shave your head! 5.“The last time I talked with him/her we had a fight, and I don’t want to revisit that.” Please. Do you really think…after 40 years… that person will care? Or even remember? 6. “I haven’t done anything remarkable with/in my life.” The dictionary defines remarkable as “worthy of notice, worth noticing or commenting on.” In my opinion, this pretty much applies to everything - anyone has ever done! Including, but certainly not limited to, loving your spouse and your children - going to work - taking out the garbage – patting your dog - caring for your parents/siblings…everything! However, if your definition is…being President of the United States- inventing the microchip- having a line of tennis shoes, that cost $400 a pair, named for you- rolling over in bed and (depending on your preference) rubbing noses with Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie… then might I suggest a revised dictionary. 7. “I’m busy.” Everyone is busy. We live in a busy world. You’re not committing to a life long adventure. It’s one day (two maybe). The universe will not crumble, time will not re-set, stars will not realign if you take a day to visit with some old friends. 8. “I don’t have anything in common with any of them any more; I’ll have nothing to talk about, I’ll be bored.” When you use the word “I” three times, in one excuse…I have three words for you - Get over yourself. 9. “Every reunion - the same “clicks” that made me feel uncomfortable when I was in high school, make me feel uncomfortable and will make me feel that way this time.” I’m no shrink, but I think, after 40 years, maybe it’s time that everyone put on your big girl/ big boy pants, take a deep calming, breath and… let this whole “click” thing go! 10. “I can’t afford the trip.” Ok, this one could get a little touchy, but I’ll give it a shot. If you need to fly: I understand and can sympathize, if you need to travel any distance to attend. Especially given the fact you might have to consider selling an organ to procure airfare, but - let’s get a little creative. Do you have any frequent flyer miles you can use? Is there a family member with miles, who you can ask if they would be willing to transfer enough needed miles to you? Is there some legitimate business you can conduct while you’re in town (or close) so that you can write off the ticket? While it can be a time consuming, frustrating “crap shoot” Standby is still an option with most airlines. If you choose to drive: If your spouse or your kid or your neighbor’s car is a beat-up, but reliable, old heap that gets a gazillion miles to the gallon and your car is a shiny new behemoth that gets 2 miles to the gallon…borrow the heap! Nobody cares. There will not be a bunch of people standing out in the parking lot, assessing and scoring you, by the car you arrive in! Again, if it’s really going to bother you, park a couple of blocks away and walk – tell anyone who notices you strolling down the sidewalk, that you are very health conscious and just needed to get in your daily exercise. If you know there’s a classmate in your town, or close by (even if you infrequently or never talk to him/her) pick up the phone and call him/her, and propose… ROAD TRIP! Grab up your CD collection of “oldies but goodies”, toss your money into a gas kitty, and…head out on the highway! There was a movie (a while ago) about a guy who drove his riding mower (across at least one state, if I remember correctly) to see his critically ill brother. Now, I’m not saying that attending a high school reunion is even close to that, in importance, but rather as an example, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Where to stay: Discount lodging has been arranged in Streetsboro, see details here on the blog at REUNION UPDATE. The keyword here is discount. While it’s not free, it’s a good deal and less than booking on your own at area motels. Here’s another idea. Let’s say you haven’t talked with your grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, cousin, any relative, who still lives in this area, since the funeral for your third cousin, once removed, 12 years ago – you’re still family! Write or call them and ask if you can stay there for one or two nights. If you don’t have any family still around here, but your fellow “Road Warrior” does - hey, two can mooch as easily as one! Besides, if their relative is really, really old - just introduce yourself as cousin so-and-so…who knows, they could go so far as to pinch your cheek and tell you how you haven’t changed a bit! 10 ½ “I want to come, but…this is embarrassing, I just don’t have the 30 bucks.” No smart ass answer. Bottom line, everybody needs a little help now and then. Email me: sal-lentz@neo.rr.com I’ll figure something out. No one will be the wiser. Well, there you have it, the Top 10 ½ Reasons Excuses For NOT Wanting To Attend. I should tell you, while writing out this list, I started thinking- what is it about a High School Class reunion that is cause for what is often taken as apathy and sometimes perceived as outright animosity? In truth, I think, IT is actually - fear. If that is the cause, then maybe this will help: “The first and great commandment is: Don't let them scare you.” Elmer Davis It might also be helpful to remember – you grew up with these people, some going back as far as kindergarten - you rode the same stinky buses, ate the same crappy food, shared secrets, formed friendships, attained milestones, suffered disappointments, sought truths, fought injustices, felt slighted, felt elated, hated everyone, and loved everyone. You cried together, laughed together, and rode out the 60’s together. You’d think after surviving all that together, surely you can survive one night (ok- again, two maybe) together!

WEST MAIN 4th GRADE (Mrs. Long)

Awww! Look at these cuties! Patti Mazzola looks like she really wants to bust out laughing and trying really hard not to.

How many of classmates you can recognize?

(Nice bow tie Mr. Shorts!)

Melody Drugan Greene, found/sends this one.

See - I bet you too have something to share, keep digging through those boxes!

Who knows what we were doing there -but whatever it was, I can guarantee we should have been in a classroom somewhere!

REUNION UPDATE

While http://ravennahs1969.blogspot.com may not be YouTube – it’s entertaining none the less! In addition, it’s a great way to take a little trip down memory lane, or get a sneak preview of classmates (so you can recognize them in August!) and what they’ve been up to for the last (really?) 40 years! We’d like to encourage everyone to “check out” the blog frequently, since (we hope) more classmates will begin contributing. What kind of contribution can you make? The fun – FREE kind of contribution! You can put in personal information - an update on what you’ve been up to- worldly observations, or bits of “boomer” wisdom. While you’re there, why not post a current photo of you and/or your family! Everyone would love to see any of those “Kodak” moments you have stashed in boxes - Prom pictures, candid shots of when you were young and wild, or group pictures that prove you did more than just hang out at Guido’s (or prove that you did!). Let’s get the blog party rolling! The reunion plans are coming along nicely. Reunion details and Reservation Form will be snail mailed by May 10th . . . so please be on the lookout for this information. Friday, August 7 will be a casual gathering at the English Pub in Ravenna starting at 6:30 PM. Each individual is responsible for their own food and beverages. If there is enough interest, we will have a 2 person team (in 4-somes and pay for your own) golf scramble on Saturday morning, August 8. Information regarding this event will be decided and firmed up once we get responses back from classmates. Our REUNION is set for Saturday, August 8 at the new Elks Lodge, 776 N. Freedom Street, Ravenna. Doors open at 6:00 PM. A buffet dinner will begin at 7:00 PM, with a class picture taken at 8:30 PM. (This portion of the reunion must be paid for in advance, via your Reservation Form.) A cash bar will be available all evening for soft drinks, beer, wine and mixed drinks. We will have a class address book available free (one per classmate) to all classmates attending the reunion. Those who are not able to attend may order one on the Reservation Form and include the required $5.00 fee (which covers envelopes and postage) with their form. We have found many of our classmates, but we are still looking for: Gloria Jean Bergdorf; Susan (Brown) Hutchinson; Anita June Burba; Catherine Rose (Delong) Smith; Wayne Given; Patrick Griffith; Joseph Lawrence Hemrick; Jr.; Kenny Bruce Jones; Dale Kirkhart; Vickie Lynn (Long) Sady; Richard Alan Marshall; Irene (Monson) Steele; Dianne “Loretta” Moss; Richard Putnam; Patricia Ann (Richeson) Stewart; Sherri Ann Robinson; Edwin Albert Ruggles; Jr.; Juanita (Simpson) Kanode; Kenneth William Starek; Marsha Stephens; Sally Stone and Sharon Ann Ulm. If anyone has information on any of the above classmates, please contact Pam Summers at palsummers@sbcglobal.net. A 12 oz. coffee mug (pictured above) has been created specifically for the RHS Class of 1969. Even if you don’t drink coffee or tea, this mug is a wonderful way to remember ole’ RHS. A new high school which is being built, will house all students beginning with the 2010/2011 school year. It is unknown what will happen to the RHS building we all know and love (or - maybe not) but this is your chance to have a keepsake of your alma mater! Preferred method to obtain this… one of a kind; highly collectable mug, is to check the appropriate section on the Reservation Form and include the payment with your form. Some Mugs will also be available for purchase Saturday night at the Reunion. PLEASE NOTE: Only cash or check will be accepted for purchase. While we understand that these tough economic times may play a part in your decision to attend, we sincerely hope each and every one of you recognize that your presence is an integral part of a successful weekend; that you are an important member of -The 1969 Class of Ravenna High School! We look forward to seeing you all on August 7th and 8th! RHS 1969 40th Reunion Committee

Freshman Football Team

The 1965 Brown Middle School football team had a season full of success. The team finished the season with a 5-1 overall record, and the team included: (Front row from left to right) Bob Underwood, Jerry Webb, Kevin Pyles, Rick Phillips, Bob Murphy, Terry Kane, Chris Fogle, Norma Wise, Bill Underwood, Charles Caples. (Second row from left to right) Head Coach Leon Muster, Willie Mims, Harry Bryan, Lee Havre, Lee Loftin, Jim Sisley, Gary Wilson, Mark Marini, George Madgett, Assistant Jim Culler. (Third row from left to right) Jack Overby, Denver Lovejoy, Dennis Hainey, Joe Salamon, Allen Haven, Mark Bowen, Dan Barber, Jim Caterbury, Ken Pridemore. (Fourth row from left to right) Gill Winkelman, Ken Powell, Frank Hairston, Gary Reedy, Scott Riddle, Steve Bailey, Mike Heisler. (Fifth row from left to right) Jim Ritenour, Rick Gembar, Jim Woodruff, Cody Roosa, Dan Taylor, Tony Latimer, Tom Rummel, David Duffy, Monty Miller, Ken Lewis. In the rear are team managers Harry Deacon and Larry McCollough.

Jim Canterbury's Prom Photo

And the winner of the Buddy Holly look alike contest is..... This was senior year prom and the my date is Sarah Fitzgerald, Ed's sister. Jim C

Encore - Encore!

Jim Canterbury sent me what may be the only published media picture known (or saved!) from that wonderful theatrical performance. The play was ???? (put it on the blog if you know). And the budding thespians are?

Looks like that just left drugs and rock & roll !

My Prom Picture

Well, I had to dig deep in the archives (lots of boxes),but I found my prom picture. OMG! Look at that do of mine.....YIKES! Wish I still looked that young and trim, but it's not happening again in this lifetime.

A girl scout is...

... always willing to have her picture taken! Ed Fitzgerald shares this one of Judy Dohse Fitzgerald. Judi added, "I'm top row, fourth from the left in the "West Main PM Kindergarten" pic." Anyone else want to share their own "smile for the camera" pictures?

Tappan.....Grade 1 1957-1958

(Photo compliments of Tom Riddle)

I recognize the obvious...Denny Haney, Angie Petty, Kenna Pridemore, Tom Riddle, Jeff Edwards, and not sure about the others....the faces look familiar but the names just don't pop up into this old brain as fast as they use to.

Rausch.....3rd grade 1959-1960

How many faces to you guys recognize in this photo? Lots of pretty cute faces here and everywhere! (Photo compliments of Joe Salamon) When posting a comment, please sign your name so we know who all participants are. Thanks!

West Main 2nd Grade (also from Jim Caterbury)

Oh I feel just like Ms. Barbara...

I can see Norman Wise and Linda Strickling- Patti Mazzola [missed the wear white socks memo :) ] and Billy Shorts - Oh and I can see... Susie Brown and Marky Bowen!

Come on guys, tell us who you/they are!

For the record, I guessed Mrs. McGill (OK, so her name is on the sign, but I guessed before I saw that!)

Bill Shorts sent me/added the following:

Diane Telaferro and Danny Machelli in the 1st row,

Leann Proctor and Danny Hysell 2nd row,

Rick Phillips 3rd row,

Jim Canterbury and Dennis Danes in the top row.

I think 2/3's of the class was taller than Mrs. McGee by then.

- I KNOW he meant Mrs. McGill ;)

We've got the north and the west...where's Rausch, Tappan and IC?

West Main PM Kindergarten

Jim Canterbury sent this to have posted. Sorry, I was a Highland Pirate, so can't contribute names.

West Main-ers? Just think of it as a long term memory check - and add as many names as you can!

Fast forward to 1962

Found another one! Seriously, doesn't anyone else have some pictures?!

Ok, this is Highland sixth grade. I even have most of the names (only first names for a couple) So here they are: (from the bottom up) ROW 1. Mrs. Krebs; M. Marini; H. McEwen; R. Ziska; S. Akers; S. Banks; J. Kemerer; K. Busher; G. Wilson; L. Wilkie; Mr. McClure ROW 2. J. Carnes; M. Balazs(sp?); B. Sowinski; Marilyn; G. Davis; L. Edwards; C. Laubert; J. Jacoby ROW 3. J. Dickey; J. Barnhart; E. Courtney; N. Bell; B. Cannon; J. Edwards; J. Long ROW 4. G. Holmes; K. Werle; C. Thompson; D. Pursley; B. Schaer;J. Frank; A. Harlan; Jule Proctor ROW 5. C. McVay; Mary; C. Bew; M. Cooper; B. DiSimio; J. Rigby; D. Joyner; J. Bailey; S. Kyle

It's SHOW & TELL time!

Visiting the past is exhausting! But, it's kind of fun to see how young (and thin) we all were.

I can't be the only one with old pictures!

With the reunion coming up, dig out that box and find stuff from High School and earlier, and share it with your fellow 69 ers!

P.S. If you happen to come across any prom pictures with me in them

-please - post them so I can see what I wore...and who I went with! Thanks!

Caught Ya! (Patti will kill me)

Ok, you're wondering why the picture of Patti at a Christmas tree?

It's nice, but why should the rest of the class care?

Well, it's (I'm almost positive the statute of limitations has run out) evidence

of her visit(s) to a certain (GASP) single male teacher's apartment!

Oh wait, I took the picture ...must mean I was a frequent visitor too = :-0

Come on girls, you know who you are - who else hung out there?

Girls Gone Wild...(not THAT kind)

Slumber party - wild!

I still haven't found prom pics (did I go to the prom?) but, I did find this one!

Remember these? Kim's basement. Patti's front porch. Making prom "poppies" at Barrie's. Anyone else have pictures from high school - GET 'EM OUT - er onto the blog!

Melody's the only one who didn't bring her teeth.

Glee Club -"A group organized for singing songs."

Truth... a time to hang out with your friends AND get you out of 6th period! 3/7 Sally added: Ok, ok, here are the names - geez! Nancy Roen; Susie Banks; Dawn Clark; Barrie Stambaugh; Marsha Hostetler; Jeff Edwards; Mike Bakes; Jim McColloch

March Maddness (the early years)

The picture quality leaves a lot to be desired, but it is what it is.

Can you say s-k-i-n-n-y ? They look like an "after" poster for nutri-system!

How about it guys - do you have any B-Ball memories to share?

Eric sent me/added the following:

First row: Coach ? (c'mon guys, who was the coach?) G. Livengood; L.Jennings; C.Bailey; M.Marini; (Sally added) S.Eichelberger; P. Jones; Second Row: J.Carnes; T. Ludick; J.Sisley; R.Phillips; G. Jones; B.Sowinski; A.Harlan; Third Row: R.Pyles; J. Rigby; B. DiSimio; N.Wise

Only their hairdresser knows for sure...

Not only was our hair "teased" it was tormented! Haven't found any prom pics yet, but turned up this lovely pose - I think, leaving for a Junior High dance. Joyce - do you remember?

Highland Elementary

The good thing is they added the sign so we can now remember when/what/where it was taken! This is Mrs. Shafer's afternoon kindergarten class, of 1956 (!!) Are we not the cutest kids you have ever seen? Ok, fellow Pirates, who's (front row, right) "bow tie guy?"