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

***********************************************

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

***********************************************

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

Jim Walther Checks In

Dennis: Great to hear from you!

I have had a very busy life since I left Clearfield--but I still remember how great it was to grow up in Clearfield. Recently I was talking with a member of our United Way Steering committee about the opportunity to explore the mountains and streams around Clearfield.

Since I departed Clearfield I have completed a 21 year career in the US Army and a 25year career with the University of Texas at Arlington. I am married, have four daughters and 11 grandkids--that all live outside of Texas.

I wanted something to keep me off the streets when I retired from the University, so I started a foundation that is the propenent for Americas Promise in Arlington Texas. I am still working 60 hour weeks --but no paycheck. I could use some guidance.

How are you doing? I know you have been active in keeping our CHS class informed and saw your name come up a couple of times. BTW: Jerriann Jury Nielson, my cousin, just found me on Facebook. ...Also Amos Hixon who lives in Keller --about 20 miles from here--came on my Facebook.

Look forward to your reply, Jim.

Editor's Note - Jim sure is looking great, isn't he? Wonderful to hear from him after all these years.

A Magical Christmas Moment

This picture was taken when Christmas was 'magical' to me and Mom and Dad were like 'movie stars' in my eyes.

My mother's name was Dorothy and my dad's George. (He went by Geo.) They were going to the Dimeling Hotel for a Christmas Ball. Maybe the Charity Ball or the Junior Board of Trade. It must have been around 1950 but there is no date on the picture.

The newspapers on the foot stool were The Progress and The Harrisburg Evening News. We received both newspapers each day.

I just love to look at old photos and enjoy the wonderful memories of Christmas as a child.

Merry Christmas and May God bless each and every one of you and your families.

- Linda Smith Dale

Snoopy's Christmas Watch

My memory is a like a brick wall. Battered a bit now and then but strong and mostly intact. The mortar is in great shape. Still holding the pieces together. But some of the bricks are missing. Just gone. And no warning. Random open areas where the bricks used to be. No pattern at all. The memories that remain are clear and accurate. The ones missing are not going to return. Not ever. Frustrating.

I was eleven. I suppose most eleven year olds nowadays want a cell phone for Christmas. That is, if they don’t already have one. A great feature is a clock that is accurate and illuminates. Very handy indeed.

We didn’t have cell phones when I was eleven. Most of us were still astonished by this miracle called “TV.” Some of us were lucky enough to have one, complete with the ever-present red, blue, green and brown film over the screen that made ours a deluxe model.

My wish list that year was short. Very short. In fact, I wanted just one item. A watch! I knew that the chances were slim. My usual gifts were a doll from Santa, flannel pj’s from my grandparents, and a stocking…small by todays standards…filled with tangerines and nuts. And I knew that watches were more expensive than tangerines and nuts.

I don’t recall how the tree got to our house. Did Daddy tie it to the top of the Willys? That brick is gone. Completely. However, my memory is clear as a bell about the placement of the tree in our family room. Always in a corner because it wouldn’t “stand up.” Leaned it against the wall in a corner between two windows. Wire was wrapped around the trunk and anchored on each side to eye screws placed in the frames of the windows.

The tree trimming, complete with “modern” bubble lights, was a family event. Well, mostly. My mother provided the finishing touch with careful placement of about a million icicles. After that, we could just look, not touch.

Back to the watch. For the first time ever, and with courage that was not at all characteristic of me, I snooped. I just had to know if I was getting the watch I so very much wanted. And I found it! Tucked under a stack of lesser gifts in my parents closet. On the right side. On the floor. Clear memory.

That Christmas is one I’ll never forget. I’m sure of it. And it was the worst ever. I don’t think my parents knew that I snooped. But I can still feel the false surprise I showed when I opened that long golden box. I’m not sure of the lesson learned that Christmas. I’ll leave that to folks who like to analyze that kind of stuff. But I still have that watch. Like me, it’s not quite as shiny or stylish as it once was. And, although it still functions, it sometimes has trouble keeping up……..just like me.

Another memory that has had a life-long impression on me occurred some years later when I was a student nurse at St Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Tucson, AZ. The hospital was founded in 1880. Although the front of the building was renovated, the back was in such poor repair that it was off-limits to patients and visitors. Student nurses were required to use the entrance as well as the ancient elevator at the back of the building. It was so scary and unreliable that even the nuns were afraid to ride in it! I am so grateful that a memory from that creaky cage all those years ago has stayed with me. It was the beginning of the holiday season. A flyer taped to the elevator announced a Xmas Arts and Crafts Fair. Someone had drawn an arrow to the word Xmas and wrote “Who took Christ out of Christmas?”

I wish each of you a joyful holiday season and a new year richly blessed with love, good health, and a full load of bricks.

- Sandi Howland Archer

Giving Thanks…..

By Sandi Howland Archer

I do most of my thinking in the middle of the night. Too often I find myself wide awake at about 2 a.m. and that’s when the random thoughts bounce around. I know, I know…there are pills for that. But I rather like having that peaceful time to process what might be otherwise lost in the hustle and bustle of a busy day. And so it was again last night. Wide awake and thinking about all that I have to be genuinely thankful for. No surprise that my thoughts quickly brought me back to my childhood in Clearfield.

Brutally cold mornings in an old house with no insulation. Heated with coal that was delivered by Ryan Bros Coal Company thru a shoot directly into the coal bin. The flue ran through the bathroom (not 1¾ baths!) that was most definitely the coziest spot in the house. Always thankful for my turn.

For the most part, we were respectful to our teachers. Didn’t really have much choice if we had any smarts at all. Disregard for authority would result in a well placed paddle at school followed by a whooping at home. I’m thankful for an early lesson that has made it easy for me to show respect for others. Always. Even when it’s not the easy route.

We didn’t have a list of rules taped to the fridge at home. Ours were implied and we took them seriously. After our homework and chores were finished, we were allowed to play outside. Had to be home for dinner or by dark, whichever came first. Played in the woods behind the playground. Skated in the middle of Daisy Street. Swam in the “six-footer.” I’m thankful for a time long gone when children felt safe.

We weren’t the first folks in town to get a TV. In about 1950 or 52 my family had our house shingled. Supposed to look like red brick. Failed miserably. I don’t recall the name of the hardware store where the shingles were purchased but I do recall that we were given one raffle ticket for each dollar spent. The grand prize was a television.

I recall vividly sitting at the kitchen table with the rest of the family filling out the stubs of all those tickets. I also recall that when the big day came for the drawing, we went to the hardware store and I pulled the winning ticket from a bathtub filled nearly to the top. My sister, Carole, has an equally vivid memory of her pulling the winner. Life changed after that small, snowy TV came into our home. Am I thankful that we finally got a television? Not a chance! I’m most thankful for the wonderful conversations, the fun of playing pick-up-sticks, and the joy of solving a Nancy Drew mystery that were never the same after the monster came into our home.

Goldie. She…or he?...was my first pet. I learned to feed her just the right amount of flaked food. Quickly learned, with some help from my mother, that it’s not OK to clean the fish bowl with the same sponge used for cleaning pots and pans. Thankful that I learned how to love a pet until the very end. Buried her in a pink and white plastic box that once contained a Christmas gift (wallet) for my mother. Buried her under the bush with the huge white flowers. Used popsicle sticks for a cross. 1311 Daisy Street.

Our society has become a transient one. “The grass is greener…” has most definitely hooked us as we move about looking for the perfect house, perfect job, perfect mate, etc. Certainly makes it challenging to maintain friendships as some of us chase that elusive pasture. I’m so very, very thankful for the childhood friends who never gave up on me. I love the flood of warm memories each time I open an email from Bea, Merlyn, Mary, Anna Marie, Rosalie, etc., etc., etc.

This year has been filled with numerous reminders of how very blessed I am. Being able to attend the 50th class reunion is high on my list. That wouldn’t have been possible without the exceptional skills of the emergency responders when I had a stroke. I’m thankful for their immediate response and treatment. I’m thankful for my loving family who will gather for a feast next week followed by board games and hanging Christmas lights (the guys don’t know about hanging the lights). I’m thankful for the continued opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the seriously mentally ill. I’m most thankful for finding Lexxi when I lost her in the Denver airport…. but that’s another story!

An abundance of love and blessings to you and yours,

Sandi

Chairman Herb Maney reports on Oct. 31 Class of '59 reunion committee meeting

- Photos by Karl Nagle

From left, Bonnie Powell, Herb Maney, Joanne Magnuson

In attendance:

Chairman Herb Maney

Joyce Moody Fletcher
Joyce Amon Michaels
Bonnie Henchbarger Powell and Ed Powell

Sue and Karl Nagle
Wil and Karen Shirey
Peggy Jo Knepp Thompson
Joanne Shimel Magnuson
Linda Smith Dale
Judi Rolley White
Tom O’Day
Sam Lansberry
Chuck Nelson

The meeting was opened by the Chair with the first order of business being an open forum on the "Fabulous Fifty Reunion " and comments were passed about by everyone in attendance relating to the good comments all persons had received from other classmates, their partners, and even people not associated with the class who had heard of the reunion and its success.

The consensus was that this was the "Reunion of Reunions."

The Chair formally thanked all members for their splendid efforts and cooperation in making this the great "Reunion of Reunions" and conceded that this was the best committee, in terms of cooperation and work completed to the end, that he had ever worked with throughout his career.

The treasurer, Joyce Moody Fletcher, supplied a copy of her final cost analysis report showing a cost for the reunion of $5,136.25, not including the many supplies and functions supplied by classmates and committee members out of their own pockets and concerned generosity. The treasury balance is now $3,617.21 and is in the checking account at Northwest Bank in Curwensville, PA.

(Note from Suzy Nagle: "I have a note on my own copy of the report that $3000.00 - $3500.00 was/were received as "donations", without which we would now have a very small balance - probably not enough even to pay postage for future mailings.")

A discussion was made of the funds and what to do with the balance. It was unanimously decided to let the funds in the checking account at the bank for further use by the committee with Joyce Fletcher agreeing to remain on as treasurer and statistician, a fact agreed to by all. Joyce will order additional checks from a discount supplier as the bank wanted $25.00 for 200 checks and the supplier will be much cheaper. There are only 5 checks left from the ones supplied by the bank when the account was opened.

A 70th birthday party plan was discussed with the result that future discussion and meetings will further pursue that endeavor and if that takes place, a discussion and plans for a 55th reunion will follow. Judi Rolley White will chair the event. Suzy Nagle volunteered to help with composition/make-up of future newsletters, mailings, etc., for the 70th birthday party/parties - basically to try to emulate the super job that Wil Shirey did for the 65th Birthday Bash and the "reunion of reunions."

Tom O'Day then introduced a plan, including spreadsheets, he has developed for regionalization of the nation into segments with the classmates residing in each region listed within that region and a coordinator person chosen to act as a liaison between the main body of classmates, the Clearfield region, and all other regions, thus making contact and communication much easier and faster.

This might also continue to perpetuate the "friendly bond" created by the Fabulous 50 Reunion by giving persons, who live near each other, a reason to communicate and possibly meet to continue the bond. An example of which would be a 70th birthday party centrally located in each region which would eliminate costly travel for classmates to come to Clearfield for the party. They can have a party in their own region and communicate with the Clearfield region for continuation of the bond. The spreadsheet needs correction on addresses, etc. so Judi White and Peggy Jo Knepp Thompson will work with Tom to make those corrections and revisions.

Joyce advised that Linda Dale Smith will enter all names into the "Golden Bison" registry and we will become members of that group receiving our first invitation some time next spring.

Discussion for a 55th reunion included the possibility that our class participate in the "Golden Bison" main event dinner so to preclude all the planning and work necessary to have our own dinner meeting. We would then be free to plan Friday and Saturday/Sunday fun events for the benefit of all without being tied to finding a suitable hall, caterer, etc. etc. for a main event dinner.

Karl and Sue Nagle informed the group that the price for the three high quality photos Karl made would be $15.00 for the set. Sales were lively!!

Karl also took photos of the meeting, in his usual professional and inclusive style, and will supply them to Denny for the blog.

The time really flew by and it was 4:00 P.M., time for dismissal until next time. No date was set for a next meeting because of the winter weather and change of chair.

All in all, it was another great meeting with Chuck Nelson stating he is really sorry he didn't get involved earlier because he now sees what he missed by not being in attendance at all the meetings. A climactic comment for our reunion committee!

- Merlyn (Herb) Maney

Suzy's notes on the meeting

Suzy Nagle and Chuck Nelson

It's my understanding that Judi and Iwere volunteering only for the 70th Birthday Bash, which was a definite "GO"; and that we'd be meeting again in the spring to decide on holding further all-inclusive five-year reunions, having regional get-togethers (as Tom O'Day has proposed) or merging with the Golden Bisons. Or all of the above. Please correct me if I'm mistaken.

Chuck Nelson handed out some copies of the book 1959: The Year Everything Changed by Fred Kaplan, which was published by Chuck's son's company. Those of us who got a copy are to share with someone who didn't, or wasn't at the meeting - I'm to give mine to Joyce Undercofler.

Judi also wants us to let other classes and/or "fifties" groups know that she/we have "props" and decorations that can be borrowed/lent (for a fee???).

- Suzy Nagle