Plans Unveiled for 70th Birthday Celebration

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Chairperson Judi Rolley White unveiled plans for our 70th Birthday Celebration at a planning meeting held October 23 at the Shaw Library in Clearfield.

The Celebration will be held Saturday, July 30, 2011, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Clearfield beginning at 4 p.m. and lasting until we decide to close the joint. This is the same day as the Golden Bison and Alumni Association dinner. Given the different start times, it would be possible to attend portions of both events for those who wish to do so.

Some key details:

- Our 70th Birthday Celebration is free to all attending, thanks to funds in our treasury and donations from local business establishments.

- The event is informal both with regard to dress and the fact there will be no set program. No celebration booklet is planned.

- The meal will be simple - pizza from local establishments and hoagies. Soft drinks and water will be provided. Classmates who wish to bring a dish to share may do so.

- Tablecloths will be red-and-white-checked in keeping with the pizza parlor decor. Empty wine bottles will be used as candle holders.  Judi says, "Save your wine bottles!"

- We may decide to bring indoors the beanbag toss game, which was a big hit at the class picnic in August. Board games also may be offered.

- Tom O'Day and Guy Graham will organize a golf outing for those who wish to play.

- Classmates may offer additional ideas or suggestions by contacting Judi by e-mail (chiefdenny@earthlink.net) or by telephone.

- Joyce Moody Fletcher will send a "Save the Date" postcard to class members in January.

- A formal invitation will be mailed to class members in early April.

In other business, members gave permission for Judi and Joyce to shred all paperwork from the 45th class reunion, the 65th Birthday Bash held at the Shireys, and the 50th class reunion. Paperwork from the recent class picnic also has been destroyed.

Tom O'Day provided an update on what he calls the Class of '59 Shepherd Program, in which certain class members have volunteered to keep in touch with classmates residing in different regions of the country. He also picked up an additional volunteer or two at the meeting.

Attending the meeting were Judi Rolley White, Joyce Moody Fletcher, Joyce Amon Michaels, Sandy Unch Williams, Suzy and Karl Nagle, Wil and Karen Shirey, and Dennis Mollura.

Our thanks to Judi and Joyce for all their fine work on behalf of our class and to the ever-reliable Karl Nagle, official photographer and former President of the Class of "59 Auxiliary, a position now held by Tom O'Day's wife, Dawn. Unfortunately, Dawn was unable to attend due to a prior commitment.
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Karl Nagle Photos from the Oct. 23 Meeting

Small World Department

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Note from Dennis Mollura:
The day after our CHS Class of '59 70th Birthday Celebration planning meeting on Oct. 23, brother Dan and I went on an elk viewing expedition at the Winslow Hill viewing site north of Benezette in (where else?) Elk County.

We didn't see any elk but enjoyed a far better experience.

On the way home we stopped for some delicious homemade apple pie and coffee at the Benezette Store and Restaurant on Rt. 555.  Whom did we meet?  Classmates Ed Carns and wife Barbara Read Carns.  Ed and Barbara, who have a camp in that area, had just attended church in Penfield and decided to drive north for some good eats.  Barb and Ed looked great and we had a nice chat.

So there you have it, a class member from Phoenixville, PA meets up with classmates from Augusta, GA in the self-proclaimed "God's Country," virtually in the middle of nowhere.

Life is good!
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Important Meeting This Saturday at Shaw Library

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All members of the CAHS Class of '59 are invited to attend an important meeting this Saturday, Oct. 23, at 1:00 p.m. at the Shaw Library in Clearfield to help plan our 70th Birthday Celebration next summer.

Head Party Planner Judi Rolley White has prepared a full agenda. Knowing Judi and our other stalwarts among our planning group, you can be sure of both a productive meeting and lots of fun and frivolity.

Please plan to attend if you are in the neighborhood.  Even if you're not, it's worth the trip.
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Diana Rumery Greene doing well following surgery

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Penny Hile McCracken reports some good news regarding her cousin and our classmate Diana Rumery Greene. 

Diana underwent surgery recently. Penny says Diana is doing well and is  pleased with the cards she has received from her friends and classmates.

Those who wish to send a card or note to Diana may do so to the following address:

Diana Rumery Greene
10228 All Seasons Street
Las Vegas, NV 89131

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Scenes from the Class of '59 Picnic on Aug 28

Our ever-reliable photographer Karl Nagle and his trusty Olympus DSLR camera have once again come up with some great photos - this time from the Class Picnic on Aug. 28 at the Knights of Columbus picnic grounds and pavilion in Clearfield.

It was a gorgeous day made even more memorable by the 57 class members and guest who shared great conversation, food and fellowship. Here's a selection of the photos.  Others will follow in subsequent blog postings.

Classmates Joyce Moody Fletcher and Judi Rolley White prepare the meal settings while Classmate Herb Maney studiously inspects their work.

Denny White, husband of Judi, grills the hot dogs to perfection.

Judi makes some announcements prior to the meal while Herb stands by to give the blessing.

Classmate Blaine Bloom and guest Maxine Woodring

Classmate Kirk High and wife Mickey

Classmate Peggy Borst Bloom and husband Lloyd

Peggy Jo Knepp Thompson and husband Bob:  Dan Mollura, brother of classmate Dennis; Carl Undercofler and wife, classmate Joyce Shugarts Undercofler; Linda Smith Dale.

Watch this website for future photo postings.

Once again, our thanks to Karl Nagle for these fine photos.

Class Picnic attracts 57 attendees - 35 classmates and 22 guests

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You couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day:

Sunny mid-eighties weather, blue skies, a lovely setting at the Knights of Columbus Picnic Grounds and Pavilion, great conversation, plenty of laughs and fond memories, the knocks and clanking of horseshoes, bean bag toss, and other lawn games, and - best of all - a group of classmates and guests who enjoy each other's company.

A special thanks to Judi Rolley White and Joyce Moody Fletcher, who planned and spearheaded the entire event; to Denny White and Ed Kitchen, who did the heavy lifting both before, during and after the event; again to Denny White, who manned the grill; to Karl Nagle, our ever-reliable official photographer and chair of the spouse's auxiliary;  to Joyce Shugarts Undercofler, who provided songs and other music from our high school days; to those who brought baked beans, salads, watermelon, cookies, donuts and other food and desserts to share; to Joanne Shimel Magnuson and husband, Bill, who provided lovely tablecloths to brighten the picnic tables and protect us from splinters; to those who made a financial contribution; and to all others who helped make this a very special  occasion.

For those who couldn't attend, especially those who are ill, we thought about you, missed you and wished you could have been with us.

Please continue to visit this website.  We're certain Karl Nagle will have many fine photos to share.

List of attendees:

Joyce (Amon) Michaels and husband, Dave


Anne (Bartley) Aughenbaugh and husband, George

Blaine Bloom and guest, Maxine Woodring

Gary Bolton

Peggy (Borst) Bloom and husband, Lloyd

Sonia (Borst) Anderson

Alton "Butch" Davis

Don Fontenoy and wife, Dottie and their grandson, Lynn Bloom

Nancy (Godin) Ordonez

Guy Graham

Bonnie (Henchbarger) Powell and husband, Ed

A. Kirk High and wife, Althea

Penny (Hile) McCracken and husband, Earl

Wilda (Homman) Williams

Ron Kennedy

Ed Kitchen

Becky (Kline) Gill and husband, Tom

Peggy Jo (Knepp) Thompson and husband, Bob

Merlyn "Herb" Maney and wife, JoAnn

Dave Maurer and guest, Carol Briskar

Chauncey Miller

Dennis Mollura and guest, brother Dan

Joyce (Moody) Fletcher and guest, Mickey Hoover

Tom O'Day

Judi (Rolley) White and husband, Denny

Sue (Sherkel) Nagle and husband, Karl

Joanne (Shimel) Magnuson and husband, Bill

Wesley Shimmel and guest, Joyce Anderson

Wil Shirey and wife, Karen

Joyce (Shugarts) Undercofler and husband, Carl

Linda (Smith) Dale

Sandy (Unch) Williams and husband, Fred

Sue (Weisshaus) Speicher

Lois (Wisor) Buck and husband, Larry

Saturday is the Day!

CAHS Class of 1959 Picnic

Saturday, August 28

1 P.M. until we close the joint 
Knights of Columbus

S. 6th St. & Arnold Ave

Picnic Pavilion

Everything is free!

Come join us !!!!

Hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, desserts, coffee, tea, bottled water and soft drinks and table service are on the menu and being provided by the class and local donations. Other drinks of your choice are welcome. Bring a dish to share and lawn chairs if possible. For entertainment, we'll have music and bocce (Italian lawn bowling), horseshoes, ladder ball and a bean bag toss game. Or, we can just sit and chill and visit !!

Joyce (Shugarts) Undercofler will play the memorable ‘50s music she prepared for our 50th-Year Reunion but was never played at that event. Well, it’s going to be played Saturday.

Weather forecast for Saturday: "Very pleasant" with a high of 78. No rain in sight, but, if that should happen, Judi (Rolley) White couple of tarps that we can hang at the one end of the pavilion to keep out the rain. No problem.

Judi and Joyce Moody Fletcher are planning to go “power wash" the pavilion Thursday evening to get everything in good order. They plan  to "feed the flock" by 1:30 p.m. Thank you, Judi and Joyce! You have done so much to make this event a great success. Your classmates truly appreciate all your planning, work and dedication to this event.

Picnic Reservations as of Wednesday, August 25

Joyce (Amon) Michaels - 2

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Anne (Bartley) Aughenbaugh - 2

Blaine Bloom - 2 (Said he'll try - he and his lady friend just may have to work!)

Peggy (Borst) Bloom - 2

Sara Brown - 1

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Irv Curley - 2 (Said he's going to make an effort to come.)

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Alton "Butch" Davis - 1

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Don Fontenoy - 2 – Maybe

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Kathryn (Hahn) Caldwell - 2

Bonnie (Henchbarger) Powell - 2

A. Kirk High - 2

Jim Hile - 2 -- Maybe

Penny (Hile) McCracken - 2

Wilda (Homman) Williams - 1

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Patricia (Kinkead) Cutler - 2

Edwin Kitchen - 1

Peggy Jo (Knepp) Thompson - 2

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Sam Lansberry - 2

Joyce (Leigey) Miller - 2

Mel Lingle - 1

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Herb Maney - 2

Dave Maurer - 2

Dennis Mollura - 2

Joyce (Moody) Fletcher - 2

Glenn Myers - 1

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Tom O'Day - 1

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Judi (Rolley) White - 2

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Suzi (Sherkel) Nagle - 2

Joanne (Shimel) Magnuson - 2

Wesley Shimmel - 2

Wil Shirey - 2

Joyce (Shugarts) Undercofler - 2

Eugene Smith - 2

Linda (Smith) Dale - 1

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Cathy Tarner - 1

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Sandy (Unch) Williams - 2

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Sue (Weisshaus) Speicher - 1

Lois (Wisor) Buck - 2

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Watch for this flyer and mark the date!

Judi Rolley White Reports on March 27 Meeting

- Photo by Karl Nagle

Clock-wise from center: Linda Smith Dale, Joyce
Moody Fletcher, Bonnie Henchbarger Powell, Orvis Kline,
Kirk High, Herb Maney, Judi Rolley White, Sam Lansberry,
Suzanne Sherkel Nagle, Chuck Nelson, Dennis Mollura, Joyce
Shugarts Undercofler, Tom O'Day and Joanne Shimel Magnuson

Synopsis of Class of '59 Meeting
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Shaw Library, Clearfield

Our meeting at the Shaw Library on March 27 started at 1:00 p.m. with 14 classmates in attendance. Kirk High has joined our 70th Birthday Celebration Planning Committee, and I thank him for his participation and his ideas. You can see all the participants in Karl Nagle's photo above this report.

I am pleased to tell you that the next meeting will be a Class of '59 picnic on Saturday, August 28 at 1:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus picnic grove in Clearfield. Please come and enjoy the fun, food and frivolity. There will be lots of good food and drinks, and everything will free!

A brief 70th Birthday Celebration planning meeting will be held immediately prior to the picnic.

Our 70th Birthday Celebration will take place little more than a year from now, on July 30, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Clearfield. AGAIN our gathering will be very informal (shorts, tee shirts, etc. OH! No bikinis). Our menu is pizza, subs, salad, cake, soda, H2O and whatever else we come up with.

On the Friday night before the celebration, we are all invited to Sam Lansberry’s home in Egypt (the directions will come later) at 5:00 p.m. for food, conversation and merriment.

At the March 27 planning meeting, all of the committee chairmen gave their reports. The decision was made to make the Birthday Celebration free to our classmates and to pay all expenses from the remaining money in our treasury. Donations certainly will be accepted and put to good use.

As always, get to a computer and log onto our blog. Denny Mollura does a great job of posting info about our class on it!

In the past, only graduates who have celebrated their 50th Class Reunion were invited to Golden Bison/Alumni functions. Now, all graduates from CAHS and anyone who attended CAHS are invited to attend the dinner on July 31, 2010 at the K of C in Clearfield. You’ll be receiving a flyer on it soon.

In recent weeks, we have lost our dear classmates David Boyce, Sally Witherow Fink, Mary Jane Hand Gillingham, and Lewis Marrara. We should plan see each other as often as we can while we are still able.

I hope that you all had a nice Easter holiday. Call me if you have any questions or just to say hello. That would be nice.

We’ll be in touch as information comes in.

- Judi Rolley White, Chair, 70th Birthday Party Celebration

Addendum to the Meeting Synopsis:

Let the minutes reflect that Dawn O'Day was unanimously "railroaded" as the new Spouses' Auxiliary President. Welcome to the party, Dawn!

Following the meeting, many of the committee (and Spouses' Auxiliary) members got together for dinner at Hedges.

- Suzi Sherkel Nagle

Classmate Lew Marrara Passes Away

Lewis A. "Lew" Marrara, 68 of Frenchville and formerly of Port Matilda and State College, died on Monday, April 26, 2010 at Clearfield Hospital.

He was born on January 8, 1942 in Clearfield, a son of the late Tony and Rose(Mollica) Marrara.

Mr. Marrara owned and operated Marrara's Cleaners of State College, Bellefonte and Philipsburg from 1963 until 2005. He was past president and current vice president of the Mosquito Creek Sportsman's Club and a member of the Monte Grappa Hunting Club, both of Frenchville, the Mt. Acres Hunting Club of Potters Mills, the Bald Eagle Sportsman's Club, the Sinnemahoning Sportsman's Club and the Old Town Sportsman's Club.

Mr. Marrara also was a member of the National Rifle Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Tyrone Elks, the Clarence American Legion, the Frenchville Veteran of Foreign Wars Leigey Renaud Post #8386 and the Clearfield Son's of Italy Lodge #189.

He served in the US Navy from 1959 until 1962.

He is survived by three children, Denise 'Dee' Marrara and partner Jill Hollingsworth of Alexandria, VA, Anthony 'Tony' Marrara of Port Matilda and Lewis 'Chip' Marrara and wife Nancy of Lewisburg; three grandchildren, MaKenna Marrara of Port Matilda and John and Peter Marrara of Lewisburg; his former wife of 44 years Cynthia (LaDage) Marrara of State College; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Marrara of Wilmington, NC; a nephew, Carl A. Marrara and wife Kelly of Mechanicsburg; and his companion, Cathy Tarner of Frenchville and her children Devon Tarner, Jack (Denise) Curley, Catrina Kubala and grandchildren Coleman and Zach Kubala and Logan and Fox Curley.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Carl J. Marrara.

Mass of Christian Burial was said at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, Clearfield on Friday, April 30, with Fr. John Chaplin as celebrant. Interment followed in the Calvary Cemetery, Clearfield.

Military honors will were accorded at the cemetery by the members of the Clearfield American Legion and VFW Post Honor Guard.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Mosquito Creek Sportsman's Association, P.O. Box 218, Frenchville, PA 16836.

Classmate Sally Witherow Fink Passes on March 26

We are deeply saddened to report the death of our friend and classmate Sally Witherow Fink on March 26. Below is her obituary notice as published on the GantDaily website:

Sally D. Fink

Sally D. Fink, 68, of Clearfield and formerly of Tyrone, died Friday, March 26, at the Altoona Regional Health System.

Born on June 11, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Wayne and Sara Witherow. She was a homemaker and a 1959 graduate of the Clearfield Area High School.

She married Robert L. Fink, who survives her, on Nov. 17, 1962. She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Barbara Rowles, and an infant brother, David Witherow.

She is survived by two sons, Michael S. Fink and his wife, Carol, of Manheim, and Robert S. Fink, of Tyrone; a sister, Cindy K. Cassick, of Clearfield; and a brother, Wayne Witherow and his wife, Patricia, of Glen Richey.

She is also survived by five grandchildren, Alicia Fink, Lindsey Fink, Sara Fink, Weston Fink and Daniel Fink.

The Heath Funeral Home, Osceola Mills, is serving the family. A funeral will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be at the Thompson Cemetery, Glen Richey.
No public visitation will be held.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the SPCA, 541 Graham Station Road, Philipsburg, PA 16866.

Reminder: 70th Birthday Meeting Set for Saturday

Our first 70th Birthday Bash meeting will be held on Saturday, March 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Shaw Library in Clearfield. We are hoping for a large turnout, much as we had when planning our 50th-Year Reunion the past several years.

The 70th get-together will be on Saturday July 30, 2011, at a place to be determined.

We have in place people to handle the food, decorations, written communications, the blog, music, contact program, and, of course, the always dependable, ever-present gate keeper, Joyce Moody-Fletcher, without whom we couldn't begin to do this as well.

We are in need of someone to take charge of compiling the 70th booklet, a birthday gift(?), and the additional activities for Saturday a.m. or whenever. Also, let's think about breakfast at the Elk's club Sunday morning. That was nice the last time.

If you have an idea or choose to chair or be part of any committee, please contact me and I will direct you to the right person or persons.

- Judi Rolley White

Another Memorable Photo From Linda Smith Dale

This is from the Progress, I suppose 1942. I am the baby being held by my cousin Becky in the front row. My mother told me that the whole family rode the train down Third Street on Grandpa's final trip. Note the banners on the train. (Click on photo for a larger view.)

- Linda Smith Dale

Bonnie and Ed Powell Celebrate 50th Anniversary

Clearfield Area High School Class of 1959 marked another milestone this past week when Ed and Bonnie Henchbarger Powell celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 11.

This photo was taken in 1968. Aren't they the handsome couple? Nice tan, Ed!

Bonnie and Ed were stalwarts in the planning for our 50th-year class reunion last year. We appreciate their loyalty to our class and its ongoing activities. Past 50 years together and still going strong!

70th Birthday Bash Meeting Set for March 27

Message from Judi Rolley White:

Our first 70th Birthday Bash meeting will be held on Saturday, March 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Shaw Library in Clearfield.

The 70th get-together will be on Saturday July 30, 2011, at a place to be determined. We do know that Sam and Sandy Lansberry once again have volunteered their home for a meet and greet the Friday evening of July 29th. Last year's event at the Lansberry country home was wonderful, and we thank them once again.

As many of you know, Tom O'Day is working on a plan to keep all of our class members in an informational loop. Thanks to you, Tom

We have in place people to handle the food, decorations, written communications, the blog, music, contact program, and, of course, the always dependable, ever present gate keeper, Joyce Moody-Fletcher, without whom we couldn't begin to do this as well.

We are in need of someone to take charge of compiling the 70th booklet, a birthday gift(?), and the additional activities for Saturday a.m. or whenever. Also, let's think about breakfast at the Elk's club Sunday morning. That was nice the last time.

If you have an idea or choose to chair or be part of any committee, please contact me and I will direct you to the right person or persons.

Please bring ideas for a gag gift or such. We can't offend those who don't handle reaching 70 easily, and we need something that will fit men and women. Bring your ideas with you or e-mail them to me to present to those in attendance. Let me know if I need to add anything special to the agenda.

Wouldn't it be nice if all of our class members who attended the reunion PLUS those who couldn't make it, would come to the 70th party! Our efforts to reach out and include everyone could do it. Let's give it our best shot!

Classmate David R. Boyce Passes Away

A recent note from Wilbur Shirey:

I'm sad to tell you that Dave Boyce passed away on Friday, February 19, 2010. He was on my call list as he lived in Harrisburg and we had a long talk.

In fact we talked until he said he had to quit because he was literally out of breath. He had emphasema and said last Spring that he would not be able to attend the reunion because of his health.

He was in the Navy for 30 years and had headed the Navy Recruiting Office in Clearfield. In fact he recruited Suzy and Karl's son into the Navy. I remember him as a character who was lots of fun to be around.

Obituary from the Harrisburg Patriot-News Website:

David R. Boyce 69, of Harrisburg, died Friday, February 19, 2010, at his home.

Mr. Boyce was born in Clearfield, Pa., and was the son of the late John P. and Mary C. Freeman Boyce. He was retired from the U.S. Navy, after 30 years of service. During his Naval career, he spent most of his time at sea. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a life member of the Clearfield V.F.W., Disabled American Veterans and the Robert H. Hoke American Legion, Post 272, of Linglestown.

Mr. Boyce was predeceased by his grandson, Charles David Biretz, who died in 2007.

Mr. Boyce is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara Boyce; two daughters, Sandra Lee Weibley of Carlisle and Rebecca Lynn Biretz of Duncannon; one son, David Allan Boyce of Maryland; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Margaret Jean Porter of Clearfield, Carol L. Dixon and Mary Lou Tayler, both of N.Y.; five brothers, John W. Boyce, Kenneth M. Boyce, Robert Boyce, Rodney D. Boyce, all of Clearfield, Pa., and Randy Boyce of N.Y.

Funeral Services were held on Thursday, February 25, at the Hoover Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Harrisburg, with the Rev. Vernon Bosserman, officiating. Burial was in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

Great Display & Photos on the Bison Statue

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Tom O'Day calls our attention to an impressive, in-depth display featuring many color photos and clippings from The Progress on the history of the Golden Bison statue which stands on the site of the "Old High School" along the river in downtown Clearfield.

The Golden Bison statue is a gift of the Class of '62.

The display is featured on the Clearfield Reunions website, conceived, designed and directed by by Paul Dietzel ('64). Great job, Paul!

Click on the web address below and enjoy the fun.

http://www.clearfieldreunions.com/BisonWall.html