elhspage2.html

Our May dinner/trip/sleepover to Ohio's Holmes County was GREAT!!! Fourteen brave souls met at Simply Smuckers near Orrville before venturing out to a couple of cheese factories, a GIANT flea market, a couple of wineries, a dinner of Austrian cuisine then finally a sleepover at winderful mitel in the heart of Berlin Ohio.

Check the left hand column for our upcoming dinner dates. They are a lot of fun!!!

I still stand ready to join you in Reno. If I drive up, there would be room in my car for 1 couple (we could switch off, etc) to drive down the coast. Keep me updated. If nothing changes, we would join you. Jan and I just did the coast trip up to Monterey (and then up to Oakland for a wedding) last June, and it was great.

The trip Van is referring to is the ELHS 65 2009 Road Trip which may be viewed at the Road Trip website. Look under "Major" in the "2009" column.(js)

Twenty-six folks including classmates and some spouses met last night for our monthly dinner. The food was very good, but as always the company was wonderful. We had several hours of sharing family updates, retelling old stories, remembering classmates and friends who have passed on, and/or who we have not seen much these days. Most of all there was much laughter among good friends, old friends and new friends.

If you have the chance, please join us. In the two years we have been having these get-togethers and occasional road trips, each get-together has been better than the last!

Our March 15th get-together will be a slight departure from the norm. Having heard folks from home talk about a restaurant in Niles coupled with our next dinner date - the "Ides of March", and since we are in the midst of politicking which is reflective of Brutus & Caesar, it seemed a perfect opportunity to visit an Italian restaurant. Some of the "girls" from our class took this opportunity to remind me that there is an "awesome (??)" mall - just down the street.

Given how everything just seemed to fall together, those folks who are interested will meet at 3:00 PM at the Food Court. The girls will devise "gathering" opportunities, while the men guard the portals of the mall - - - and do what men do. We will meet at 5:45 PM at Alberinis Restaurant - - which is "just down the road". There is a map, menus, prices and more information at the Alberinis' web site. The following link will take you to the Eastwood Mall Web site. Once there, please locate the Food Court area next to Macy's. Mall map - - - Mall Web site

I'm using the jimpurton@yahoo.com e-mail address all the time now. The old one still works, but it forwards everything to the yahoo address.

Just returned from 8 week trip in the RV to Florida. It was a great trip this year, although we cut it shorter than normal so we could go to NYC for the great Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which was fabulous. My favorite breed, the beagle, won, as you may have heard.

We rode the Amtrak train to NYC from Virginia - it's a great way to avoid the hassles of driving & paying the high parking fees in the city. Plus, you don't really need a car in New York, the subway is fantastic.

We're getting settled at home again & enjoying the early signs of spring - Robins in the yard, longer daylight & warmer temperatures. It won't be long till the leaves begin to show up on the trees.

Terry Calhoon has created an ELHS site. He has invited all of us, as well as anyone who has ever attended ELHS to visit and join the site.

The address is http://elhsgrads.ning.com – Terry has offered me the opportunity to co-administer the site with him.

. . . this is new social networking functionality, think of it as a "Niche" Facebook or MySpace. I love it! It's a real step forward for user-generated sharing and connecting. I have created some family sites with it, and also a couple of commercial sites, the most active of which is http://www.discgolfersR.us, which has nearly 1,200 users in less than 2 weeks.

It would let the folks you register for it (free) share wall posts, messages, photos, videos, blog posts, and a whole lot more. I think it would be a real boost to the ELHS alumni community. I have already created a group within it for '65 grads.

Registration takes about 5 minutes. I have already registered. The site holds real potential to allow each of us to post items, blog, talk on line.

Please take a look at the site. If you have the time let’s all register and give it a test drive.

Many thanks to Terry for including us.

See you soon,

John

From Jeff Reed (December 28, 2007)

Hi John

Looks like a fun trip ('08 Road Trips). I don't know if Kathy and I will make that one but we are retiring June 27th. We have great hopes of joining you on some of your trips. As soon as we can sell our house we will be moving to Hot Springs, Arkansas so we won't be too far away. 116 more working days but whose counting.....

Jeff

Jeff's e-mail

From Greg Talbott (August 27, 2007)

We have been gone most of the summer with little trips here and there and now we're be home for awhile. Lynne (Goodman) goes back to school Wednesday. She works for food service in the Westerville schools. Only until Dec. 31st and then she will retire then. I been retired now almost five years. So that means next year we will probably be on the road a whole lot more. Lot of place we want to see and things to do.

Thanks again.

Greg

Greg & Lynne's e-mail

From Jeff Pletcherr (August 27, 2007) (I asked jeff what they had been doing recently. js)
John,

We are still living in Colorado, Denver suburbs. Two kids, only one married and no grandkids. I took early retirement and am busier than I was when I was working.

A couple weeks ago, we were in the Virginia tidewater area, and visited with Charlie Jones from our class, and his wife Cathy (Stanley), class of '67. Charlie and I grew up together on Ogden Street. Cathy took a picture, I think they were going to email it to you.

Thanks for all you do in keeping everyone connected!

Jeff

Jeff''s e-mail

Great people, lots of rain, weenie roast & potato salad (May 29, 2007)

Hey y’all,

Hope your Memorial Day went well. No matter our position on war, we must always honor and support those who, no matter the reason, put their lives on the line for each of us.

This past Saturday some of us got together for a weenie roast at our campsite at the Lock 30 Campground. We had a great time sharing stories of grandkids, kids, the “ole” days, and immediate futures. One of the best parts was the when were all driven indoors by a torrential down (sideways) storm. It was like we were all 10 years old packed in to a “club house” - - - of course folks from the “other” gender were with us. That would have never happened then, but it was great!!! We will schedule another one soon.

Our July 14th dinner will be held at Beaver Creek State Park . It is a scheduled as a BYOE Family Picnic + something to share. Start time is 2:00 PM. I will get there early to find the best suitable place for us. Any and all family members are welcome - -see you then.

As you know there is ELHS ‘65 Roadtrip departing on June 24 ( https://www.angelfire.com/wv/joyrde/gettysburg/gettysburgroadtrip.html ). I will be making final reservations in the next day or two. If you would like to join us, please let me know right away.

I have been thinking of a 2008 Roadtrip. In a nutshell, we are having such a great time on our monthly winery trips that I am thinking of a late-June 2008 Roadtrip which would take us from winery to winery. I am thinking 200 - 250 miles a day. Stay at lodgings close to a local winery, where we will eat dinner each evening. Here’s first look ( http://www.wineweb.com/map_NY.html ). Given the price of gas - - and I have noticed a couple of us have either a van, SUV or larger vehicle, I thought we could car/van pool.

More information

Great people, old cars, awesome wine and a wonderful time (May 19, 2007)

Hey y’all,

Yesterday, Saturday May 19, was another GREAT time with the traveling ELHS 65 dinner folks. Many of us explored the Hartville area - - flea markets, old hardware stores, candy stores - - - some of us even saw a “Caber Toss”, guys in kilts, girls ,dancing a “jig” and listened bagpipe music. Be sure and ask Butch what his favorite activity was :)

We met at the winery at 5:00 PM where we recounted a lot of great stories of the day, had some really good sandwiches and some awesome wine. My personal favorite was the Redneck Red!!!

Our next get-together is on June 16th at the Mastropietro Winery in Berlin Center at 4:30. For the menu, wine selections, map and directions, please visit - Mastropietro Winery .

If you have not joined us please consider doing so. These get togethers are very laid back, mellow friendly and most of all there is a loving/nurturing atmosphere which seems to have emerged.

I will be asking for conformations later in the month.

On July 14th we will have a family picnic at Beaver Creek State Park (Beaver Creek) I will try to get there early to “stake out” an area close to the attractions and creek. This picnic is open to all of your parents, kids, grand kids, etc. it is also a BYOE (everything) and something to share. I would assume that alcoholic beverages are not permitted????

Our August 18th get-together is a picnic at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Given the distance we will meet at 2:00 PM at the park on the north side of town (specifics to follow). This event was well attended last year and was a really GREAT time. Since this winery is 90 miles from my house, Eileen and I will be staying over (same as last year). Marianne took us to a great family restaurant for breakfast!!! We are going to try to get reservations at - - King Arthur’s Court. Take a few minutes to visit this link Geneva-on-the-Lake info .

GREAT NEWS ?!?!?!? - there is a flea market and craft show that day!!!

There are 6 wineries with 30 – 40 minutes of Geneva-on-the Lake.

Hope to see you soon,

John

More information

From Kathy Jones (Kathy's home page
. . . .Wolfman Jack and a Prom (GREAT IDEA!!! ) (May 13, 2007)

Hey John,

Have not heard from ya for a while. How are ya. All is well here.

. . . . I thought about something. For the next reunion, why don't we have a prom (or a sock hop??? js). I could put together so many songs from that era and even take requests and get them off napster if they are available. I could record the dedication ahead of the songs that the class asks for and we

I was listening to Wolfie yestrday and he played Sandy by Ronnie and the Daytonas. They sound a whole lot like the Beach Boys and this was a favorite song so I got it off Napster subscription. Then I listened to a bunch of others and ran across Those Teenage Years. This would be a great song to put on the website. It brought tears to my eyes and memories of the dances at the Memorial Auditorium.

Enjoy

Kathy's e-mail

Sprague defeats Woomer for EL City Auditor (May 4, 2007)

By REBEKAH POTTER (rpotter@reviewonline.com)

EAST LIVERPOOL — In yesterday’s Democratic primary, challenger Terry Sprague defeated incumbent Kim Woomer (Bob's wife) 319 to 295, a margin of only 24 votes, according to unofficial results.

Sprague said she plans to make changes in how the city’s auditing is done by doing more than merely accounting. “I think that when the accounting is taken care of and in place there’ll be time to do other things to benefit the city,” she said.

When asked what she would like to see changed about the auditor’s office, she said, “It’s hard for me to answer that, because I’m not on the inside looking out, I’m on the outside looking in,” but added, “I’d like to see a spirit of cooperation.”

Sprague wished to thank Delores Satow, Leah and Marilyn Bosco, Ron Simmons, Paula Davenport, and Cliff Taylor for helping her and contributing to her success. “It’s nice to know that people believe in you that strongly,” she said.

Kim Woomer said she was “very disappointed.” She commented on the election results, “Well, I guess the voters just spoke ... they have an unexperienced auditor rather than and experienced auditor, but I wish her the best of luck,” she said.

Terry's e-mail

From John "Beulah" Stephens (April 22, 2007)

Hey y’all,

As many of you know, our ELHS 65 page has not been updated much over the past 3 years. Good news (???) – the time has come for the position I held at school to be turned over to the next Teacher Leader. I will be going back to the classroom full-time (American & World History)

I should be able to spend more time on our website - - so please send me your news, digital pictures, etc.

If you are on my class e-mailing you know of the monthly get-togethers we have been having. The most recent was yesterday near Roscoe Village. We visited a couple of wineries, had a great lunch and an awesome dinner!!!

Our next scheduled get-together should be simply amaizing!!! Please join us at the Maize Winery in Hartville, Ohio. To checkout the details, please click on “ELHS 65 Dinner Dates '06-'07” in the link column on the left of this page. If you think you may join us, please let me know so I can give the winery a guesstimation head count.

There was a conversation this past weekend about visiting Amish Country (Holmes County) as a group sometime in the coming months. Watch for information about this ELHS 65 happening. If this interests you, please send me some dates, which work for you.

These monthly get-togethers are very loosely structured and informal. Although there is a core group of folks who can attend most of the dates, we always have classmates join us as time and other commitments permits. Please consider joining us. They are truly GREAT times!!!

See you soon,

John

Beulah's e-mail

From Charlie Jones (February 4, 2007)

Good morning John,

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you.

I don't have an ELO address. My brother Bill still lives in ELO. I'm sure you know him. He's a big supporter of the Elks. Cathy (Stanley) '67 and I were married in 1967 and have lived away from ELO since. I retired from the US Navy as a Chief Storekeeper in 1987.

Cathy followed me for 20 years and now I follow her as she's transferred. Cathy is presently the manager of the Fort Eustis Post Exchange in Newport News, Virginia. She works for the Army & Air Force Exchange System. Last year Cathy spent 7 months in Iraq as General Manager of the Bagdad area exchanges. She had 7 exchanges she flew around too in a Black Hawk helicopter. Cathy said caring for the troops there was the highlight of her career. Really proud of her volunteering to go. I work for Oceaneering International, a government contractor, at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. We have two sons; both RN's.

We just moved Cathy's father from Chester to live with us in August. Cathy's mother died 15 years ago today and her stepmother passed away in March of '06. Ralph was having a difficult time by himself. I think the hardest part for him is adjusting to a new area and making new friends. He really misses his friends from ELO/Chester. Anyway, Cathy and I are planning to retire in 2009 and move back to ELO area then.

Let me know how you've been John. Hope to see you soon.

Charlie & Cathy Jones
Hampton, Va.

Charlie's e-mail

From Kristie Whitaker (February 3, 2007)

(I asked her what she has been up to and that I knew enough German to order beer and ice cream. js)

Well, I'm retired from the state of Ohio.

I work two part time jobs. One, I work for a psychologist doing IQ and memory testing and the second I am an intermittent(fill in for sick and vacation time) at the Ohio Department of Health.

My son is stationed in Germany, when they don't have him in Iraq. So, I have been to Germany a couple of times recently. I can get coffee and cake also. I can manage the train system without too many mistakes. Fortunately, they mostly speak English so getting around is pretty easy. I can tell some of what I am getting on menus--I might know I am getting potatoes or apples--it's just a surprise as to how they are done.

The international language of pointing works well, also.

Et tu?

Kristie's e-mail

From Jeff Reed (February 3, 2007)

Things are pretty good. The boat is great. Kathy ('66) is good. We're looking to retire and move to Hot Springs, Arkansas by the summer of 2008. Maybe when we're closer we'll get to make one of the reunions. How's things your way?
Jeff

Jeff's e-mail Kathy's e-mail

From Melissa Dunbar - Larry Siderich's daughter (December 31, 2006)

Editor's note - I am sure it will touch each of you as it has me.

Hello . . . I am Larry's daughter Melissa . . . I think this website is beautiful!

My dad meant the world to me I was Daddy's little girl! My brother Scott,and I didn't hurt for anything, we would say thank-you,and he would say don't say thank-you that is my job, so at his funeral they played That's my job by Conway Twitty and it just fit him. My dad's song to me was "Never be One" by Alabama,he used to sing it to me all the time,we grew up with a jukebox in our house! I can't even hear the song because it really upsets me.

I recently got married and knew he was there watching over me. My brother walked me down the aisle, he said well dad isn't physically here to do his duties so it is my job to do my best! He really did do what a father should do!

My email I read is melissadebnar@yahoo.com please email me back I would love to hear from you, I will also sometime send a picture of my brother to you,he is the spitting image of my dad,I hug him and it feels like I am hugging my daddy!

Thank you,
Melissa Debnar

Melissa's e-mail