Now that was a party! More than 200 classmates and their guests enjoyed our 40th Reunion, held at Bonnet Shores Beach Club in Narragansett on June 10. For many, this was their first reunion ever or their first one in a long time, and they picked a good one to attend. The setting was – no other word will do – perfect, under a kind of pavilion, open at the sides but protected by the surrounding buildings of the club, and only 50 feet from the beach! Mad props to Dan Barry for scoring this location. The food was great. The DJ lured people to dance, not that we require a lot of luring. Name tags were definitely necessary: I recognized a lot of people who hadn’t changed much from high school, but there was a lot of “Ohmygosh, is that you?” As often happens with a class of 720, you can’t know everybody, and I got to meet and talk to many classmates for the first time, as well as reconnect with long-time friends. I walked around in a kind of happy daze, just enjoying seeing all these people reconnecting. Our class is a fun bunch of nice people, and definitely the kind to party with. More than once, I heard people say, “We should do this every year!” Sounds good to me! It was great seeing everyone!
Photos from the bash are all over Facebook, especially on our class’s page:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
and the Event page:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
As I talked to people at the Reunion, I noticed, as I have so many times in the past, how many of our classmates make helping others a part of their life, whether it’s through their work, their family, or their pastimes. As a class, we have funded the Ruth P. Roseman Award since 1976 to provide small scholarships to CHSE students. The “profit” from the Reunion goes to fund this Award. We didn’t make as much profit this time around as we had hoped. If you would like to contribute a little something towards this Award, please send your tax-deductible donation to:
Pat Giarrusso
11 Bow and Arrow Trail South
Wakefield, RI 02879
Thank you!
BTW, if you’re looking for a DJ, the one from the reunion was very good (after we asked him to turn the volume down a little – sheesh, I felt like my grandfather!). You can reach Caswell Cooke at caswellcookejr@yahoo.com.
I haven’t had a chance to go through all the returned slips that people mailed in with their checks, so I haven’t updated the class database yet. What a slug, right? So, no change in the numbers from last month. We still believe we know the whereabouts of about 649 classmates, quite a feat after 40 years.
Condolences to Christine Carlevale McAllister, whose father died only a few days ago.
Once again this year, Jon Foster will be riding in the PanMass Challenge to raise money to help the Dana Farber Cancer Institute conquer cancer. This is personal for Jon: his brother, Harris, just found out his cancer has returned. If you’d like to make a donation, or read more about this event, Jon’s page for this ride is at:
http://www.pmc.org/profile/JF0179
or you can mail donations directly to him at:
Jon Foster
149 Dexter Lane
North Scituate, RI 02857
Best of luck, Jon!
Teddy deCaro brags that her nephew, Jonathan Feiler, is the new Director of Wine Education and Head Sommelier at the Ocean House in Westerly/Watch Hill, RI. “If classmates are in the area, they should stop in and ask for him and say they graduated from Cranston East! They can enjoy wine with a delicious meal! He will explain the different wines and how it will pair with their meal. They also have Friday night clambakes.”
Twist my arm!
A great article about classmate Bill Dubé and his wife Eva Håkansson (whom we met at the Reunion) and their fascination with electric motorcycles:
http://www.westword.com/2011-06-09/news/killacycle-cordless-drill-on-wheels/
A number of classmates stayed at Nancy and Tom Iacono's Bed and Breakfast in Narragansett for the Reunion. You can too! Contact them at (401) 792-8264 or tomiac1@verizon.net.
As foreshadowed in earlier messages, my company did in fact sell the division I worked for and I did in fact lose my job as a technical writer early in June. With some other high school classes, this would keep a person from attending a reunion out of embarrassment that they weren’t a golden financial success. Luckily, ours has never been that kind of “my yacht is bigger than your yacht” class. When I mentioned to folks at the Reunion that I’d been laid off, everyone offered their sympathy and encouragement, and some handed me their card and said, “Call me.” That’s the kind of class we have. By the way, I’m working as a contractor while I continue with my job search. We’ve all been there, right? It will work out.
We have lots of ways to keep in touch online now. For example, we have a web site:
www.chse1971.com
user name: chse
password: kutnetski (yes, I know it’s misspelled)
(thanks to Ernie Sutcliffe for starting and maintaining)
and wiki:
https://chse1971.wikispaces.com/
(also thanks to Ernie)
and Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
and a Facebook event for the Reunion:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
Our Facebook group is large, growing, and active. Dip a toe into the 21st century and check it out!
That’s it for me. How are things with you?
Yay, Bruins! Go Sox!
Ed DeJesus
exdejesus@gmail.com
Friday, July 15, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
2011 June newsletter
I’ve never played golf before, except the miniature kind with the little windmill and loop-the-loop. But I go by this driving range in my town all the time, and I’ve always been curious about what it’s like. This past week, my wife and daughter were traveling in California, and I found myself with some time on my hands, so I went to the driving range to try it out. For a small fee, they gave me a bucket of balls and a 7-iron, which I have no idea what the significance is. For a while, I watched other people hitting balls, which looked straightforward enough. They would put one of the balls on the square of green carpet, squint off into the distance, bend their knees, stare at the ball intently, lift the club as far as they could, then whack the ball. Easy. I did exactly as they did and totally missed the ball. But I persevered and finally did hit it. I also eventually got the ball to not ricochet off the little fence that protects the next player from my shots. I felt a real sense of accomplishment when one of my shots actually went up into the air, sailing almost to the 50-yard pole. After working my way through the bucket, I managed to get a few nearly to the 100-yard pole. I also gained a new respect for the golfers you see on TV. Golf is hard work. I can’t imagine playing an actual game: it would probably take me days to complete an entire course. Still, I tried something new, and that’s a good thing to do at any age.
The Numbers: As near as we can tell, we now know the whereabouts of 649 of our classmates, a new record! This is especially amazing, considering that we just did a gigantic mailing and had to admit that a lot of the addresses we had were wrong. Yay us!
Yes, there is still time to send your check in for the Reunion. Make it out for $50 per person, payable to “CHSE”, and send it to:
Pat Giarrusso
11 Bow and Arrow Trail South
Wakefield, RI 02879
I’m attaching a list of the nearly 150 people who have already sent in their checks, as of about a week ago. This is not everybody who’s going! Every day, I get emails from people telling me they just sent their money in. My guess is we’ll have about 200 classmates partying on the beach in Narragansett. Let’s get this party started!
The details, once again:
Friday, June 10, 2011
Bonnet Shores Beach Club
175 Bonnet Point Road
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Cocktails 6:30 ~ Buffet Dinner 7:30
Music ~ Cash Bar ~ Casual Attire
$50 per person attending
Facebook event:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
Q: Can I pay at the door? I may be able to come, but I’m still not sure.
A: Yes, but let Pat, Dan, or myself know beforehand if you’re thinking of coming.
Q: What should I bring?
A: A smile. A good attitude. A willingness to speak to at least one person you don’t know. Yearbook. Camera. Photos of your kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Or cats, grandcats, and great-grandcats.
Q: Shorts? Really?
A: Sunset in June in Narragansett: that could mean shorts. I’ll also bring long pants and a jacket. You never know.
Joe Ricci’s daughter Lizz recently won a MUSE Award, from the American Association of Museums, for a video she helped make about the Textile Museum. I happened to see this video and was very impressed by it. Congratulations!
Here’s a link to Lizz’s group’s video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhRiByHAtKI
Don Aquilante tells us that he and his wife just celebrated their 36th anniversary. They have one son and one daughter, who just finished her sophomore year at Johnson & Wales.
I received a real genuine letter on real genuine paper from Donald Thacker the other day. He regrets that he won’t be able to attend the reunion, but wishes everyone good health and happiness. Donald lives in Valatie, New York with his wife of 30 years, Shirley. They have two sons, Donald 3rd (26) and Bryan (23). Donald works for Amtrak, and Shirley is a teaching assistant for children with learning disabilities. He expects to retire in two years. It was great hearing from him.
We have lots of ways to keep in touch online now. For example, we have a web site:
www.chse1971.com
(thanks to Ernie Sutcliffe for starting and maintaining)
and wiki:
https://chse1971.wikispaces.com/
(also thanks to Ernie)
and Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
and a Facebook event for the Reunion:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
Check out one or more of these easy ways to see what people are up to.
That’s it for me. Remember: get your checks in for the Reunion. I hope to see you there!
Ed DeJesus
exdejesus@gmail.com
PS
Here are the people who had already sent in their money for the Reunion as of about a week ago. Many are bringing spouses or significant others:
Richard DiGennaro
Monika Szynkarski Curnett
William Holmes
Sandra Yattaw Hoyt
Helen Dittleman-Dolan
Arthur Toegemann
Susan Moretti Buontempo
Monty Gold
Dezi Halmi
Dennis Eckloff
Thomas Iacono, Nancy Goldis
Wayne Wallace
Roberta Martellucci
Donald Aquilante
Steve Wasser
Bonnie Kennedy Lynn
Roberta Henry
Gail Fowler Mohanty
Ernie Rheaume
Trudy Saccoccia Cipriano
Jennifer Jutras Chace
Bill Donovan
Beverly Caldarola McFarland
Robert Wilson
Corinne Kilpeck
Gene Blair
Mark Hall
Anthony Limberakis
Carol Myron
Dan Squillante
Kevin Dailey
Franne Donovan
Barbara Abbott Tuttle
Jean Conneely Smith
Joyce Singer Lee
Ed Dejesus
Bill Dube
Jane Garland Bartholomew
Debra Feldman DeAlmo
Anna Ambrosino
Linda Carcieri
Louis SanAntonio
Karen Kahn Rubin
Dan Deery
Catherine Burgess Dibiase, Thomas Burgess
Linda Gronneberg Gaulin
Ron Carn
Robert Avakian, Carine Avakian
Larry Gibson
Pamela Pinskey
David Deverell
Paul Sciaraffa
Susan Rotella
Terri Gliottone Iannotti
Cosima Fallon
Walter Horridge, Kathy Horridge
Frank Koslow, Kathy Canavan
Candace Williams Gauvin
Marilyn Wexler, Steve Kingsbury
Paul Varadian
John Callahan
Wayne Kezerian
Lynne FreedmanTurkus
Ed Ianni, Rena Ianni
Mary Caldarola Smith
Janice Moretti
Carol Madonna Sears
Susan Beach Dyl
Paula Pasquale
Gerald Renza
Pat Giarrusso
Debi Zannella Iacono, Dennis Fontaine
Pat Dewey Giarrusso
Tony Grossi
Michael Mizer
Richard White
Brian McMahon, Diane McMahon
Lauren Goding Johnson
Donna Stubbs Procaccianti
Diane Fusco
Patti Nulman Simpson, Noel Simpson
Rhonda Rinaldi Pomeroy, John Pomeroy
John Scanlon
Judy Baker Danho, Gabriel Danho
Claudia Sugerman Akerstein
Ernie Shaghalian Jr.
Donna Lepizzera Caldamone
Anna Dias Laughren
Ruth Carlevale McAllister, Mike McAllister
Barbara Buckler Shapiro
Brenda Pandozzi D’Aguanno, Steven D’Aguanno
Donald Baker, Mary Baker
Todd Moody, Connie Moody
Sharon Simone Girard
Alison Barrie
Jean Colaneri, Richard McGovern
Joel Levine
Donna Schultz Hudson, James Hudson
The Numbers: As near as we can tell, we now know the whereabouts of 649 of our classmates, a new record! This is especially amazing, considering that we just did a gigantic mailing and had to admit that a lot of the addresses we had were wrong. Yay us!
Yes, there is still time to send your check in for the Reunion. Make it out for $50 per person, payable to “CHSE”, and send it to:
Pat Giarrusso
11 Bow and Arrow Trail South
Wakefield, RI 02879
I’m attaching a list of the nearly 150 people who have already sent in their checks, as of about a week ago. This is not everybody who’s going! Every day, I get emails from people telling me they just sent their money in. My guess is we’ll have about 200 classmates partying on the beach in Narragansett. Let’s get this party started!
The details, once again:
Friday, June 10, 2011
Bonnet Shores Beach Club
175 Bonnet Point Road
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Cocktails 6:30 ~ Buffet Dinner 7:30
Music ~ Cash Bar ~ Casual Attire
$50 per person attending
Facebook event:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
Q: Can I pay at the door? I may be able to come, but I’m still not sure.
A: Yes, but let Pat, Dan, or myself know beforehand if you’re thinking of coming.
Q: What should I bring?
A: A smile. A good attitude. A willingness to speak to at least one person you don’t know. Yearbook. Camera. Photos of your kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Or cats, grandcats, and great-grandcats.
Q: Shorts? Really?
A: Sunset in June in Narragansett: that could mean shorts. I’ll also bring long pants and a jacket. You never know.
Joe Ricci’s daughter Lizz recently won a MUSE Award, from the American Association of Museums, for a video she helped make about the Textile Museum. I happened to see this video and was very impressed by it. Congratulations!
Here’s a link to Lizz’s group’s video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhRiByHAtKI
Don Aquilante tells us that he and his wife just celebrated their 36th anniversary. They have one son and one daughter, who just finished her sophomore year at Johnson & Wales.
I received a real genuine letter on real genuine paper from Donald Thacker the other day. He regrets that he won’t be able to attend the reunion, but wishes everyone good health and happiness. Donald lives in Valatie, New York with his wife of 30 years, Shirley. They have two sons, Donald 3rd (26) and Bryan (23). Donald works for Amtrak, and Shirley is a teaching assistant for children with learning disabilities. He expects to retire in two years. It was great hearing from him.
We have lots of ways to keep in touch online now. For example, we have a web site:
www.chse1971.com
(thanks to Ernie Sutcliffe for starting and maintaining)
and wiki:
https://chse1971.wikispaces.com/
(also thanks to Ernie)
and Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
and a Facebook event for the Reunion:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
Check out one or more of these easy ways to see what people are up to.
That’s it for me. Remember: get your checks in for the Reunion. I hope to see you there!
Ed DeJesus
exdejesus@gmail.com
PS
Here are the people who had already sent in their money for the Reunion as of about a week ago. Many are bringing spouses or significant others:
Richard DiGennaro
Monika Szynkarski Curnett
William Holmes
Sandra Yattaw Hoyt
Helen Dittleman-Dolan
Arthur Toegemann
Susan Moretti Buontempo
Monty Gold
Dezi Halmi
Dennis Eckloff
Thomas Iacono, Nancy Goldis
Wayne Wallace
Roberta Martellucci
Donald Aquilante
Steve Wasser
Bonnie Kennedy Lynn
Roberta Henry
Gail Fowler Mohanty
Ernie Rheaume
Trudy Saccoccia Cipriano
Jennifer Jutras Chace
Bill Donovan
Beverly Caldarola McFarland
Robert Wilson
Corinne Kilpeck
Gene Blair
Mark Hall
Anthony Limberakis
Carol Myron
Dan Squillante
Kevin Dailey
Franne Donovan
Barbara Abbott Tuttle
Jean Conneely Smith
Joyce Singer Lee
Ed Dejesus
Bill Dube
Jane Garland Bartholomew
Debra Feldman DeAlmo
Anna Ambrosino
Linda Carcieri
Louis SanAntonio
Karen Kahn Rubin
Dan Deery
Catherine Burgess Dibiase, Thomas Burgess
Linda Gronneberg Gaulin
Ron Carn
Robert Avakian, Carine Avakian
Larry Gibson
Pamela Pinskey
David Deverell
Paul Sciaraffa
Susan Rotella
Terri Gliottone Iannotti
Cosima Fallon
Walter Horridge, Kathy Horridge
Frank Koslow, Kathy Canavan
Candace Williams Gauvin
Marilyn Wexler, Steve Kingsbury
Paul Varadian
John Callahan
Wayne Kezerian
Lynne FreedmanTurkus
Ed Ianni, Rena Ianni
Mary Caldarola Smith
Janice Moretti
Carol Madonna Sears
Susan Beach Dyl
Paula Pasquale
Gerald Renza
Pat Giarrusso
Debi Zannella Iacono, Dennis Fontaine
Pat Dewey Giarrusso
Tony Grossi
Michael Mizer
Richard White
Brian McMahon, Diane McMahon
Lauren Goding Johnson
Donna Stubbs Procaccianti
Diane Fusco
Patti Nulman Simpson, Noel Simpson
Rhonda Rinaldi Pomeroy, John Pomeroy
John Scanlon
Judy Baker Danho, Gabriel Danho
Claudia Sugerman Akerstein
Ernie Shaghalian Jr.
Donna Lepizzera Caldamone
Anna Dias Laughren
Ruth Carlevale McAllister, Mike McAllister
Barbara Buckler Shapiro
Brenda Pandozzi D’Aguanno, Steven D’Aguanno
Donald Baker, Mary Baker
Todd Moody, Connie Moody
Sharon Simone Girard
Alison Barrie
Jean Colaneri, Richard McGovern
Joel Levine
Donna Schultz Hudson, James Hudson
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
CHSE 1971 Reunion FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the upcoming Reunion.
Q: When and where is the Reunion?
A: Friday, June 10, 2011
Bonnet Shores Beach Club
175 Bonnet Point Road
Narragansett, RI 02882
6:30 - ?
Q: Is that like right on the water, with a fantastic sunset view of
Narragansett Bay?
A: Yes!
Q: Sweet! How much is this going to cost me?
A: A mere $50 per person
Q: Not bad! What does that include?
A: Fantastic and memorable setting for a reunion
Terrific buffet-style dinner
DJ playing tunes that we’ve actually heard of
Friends you haven’t seen in a LONG time: Priceless!
Q: How about, you know?
A: Yes, there’s a cash bar.
Q: Is this on the magnificent sandy beach, with the surf pounding, and
the waves hissing right up onto the sand?
A: That’s the one.
Q: Do I have to get all dressed up for this?
A: Nope. Casual attire.
Q: Do I need to lose 50 pounds before June 10th?
A: No. We want you to look like the rest of us.
Q: What if I don’t want to drive home afterwards?
A: Try these hotels for special rates:
Nancy and Tom Iacono's Bed and Breakfast (401) 792-8264 tomiac1@verizon.net
Holiday Inn, South Kingstown 401-789-1051 877-805-9008
The Village Inn at Narragansett Pier 401-783-6767
Pearls, 41 Pelham Street, Newport 401-848-0061
Q: So, who’s going?
A: You know that kid from your homeroom? Yeah, he’s going. And that
girl with the hair? Her, too. And that kid who – I wish they’d taken a
picture of that for the yearbook! He’ll be there.
Q: Sounds awesome! Am I too late to sign up?
A: Not at all.
Q: So where should I send my check?
A: Pat Giarrusso
11 Bow and Arrow Trail South
Wakefield, RI 02879
Please make the check out to CHSE
Q: Is there a Facebook page where I can find classmates before the Reunion?
A. Yup. This one’s for the Reunion itself:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
And this one’s for the class of 1971 in general:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
Q: Thanks!
A: Anytime. See you there!
Q: When and where is the Reunion?
A: Friday, June 10, 2011
Bonnet Shores Beach Club
175 Bonnet Point Road
Narragansett, RI 02882
6:30 - ?
Q: Is that like right on the water, with a fantastic sunset view of
Narragansett Bay?
A: Yes!
Q: Sweet! How much is this going to cost me?
A: A mere $50 per person
Q: Not bad! What does that include?
A: Fantastic and memorable setting for a reunion
Terrific buffet-style dinner
DJ playing tunes that we’ve actually heard of
Friends you haven’t seen in a LONG time: Priceless!
Q: How about, you know?
A: Yes, there’s a cash bar.
Q: Is this on the magnificent sandy beach, with the surf pounding, and
the waves hissing right up onto the sand?
A: That’s the one.
Q: Do I have to get all dressed up for this?
A: Nope. Casual attire.
Q: Do I need to lose 50 pounds before June 10th?
A: No. We want you to look like the rest of us.
Q: What if I don’t want to drive home afterwards?
A: Try these hotels for special rates:
Nancy and Tom Iacono's Bed and Breakfast (401) 792-8264 tomiac1@verizon.net
Holiday Inn, South Kingstown 401-789-1051 877-805-9008
The Village Inn at Narragansett Pier 401-783-6767
Pearls, 41 Pelham Street, Newport 401-848-0061
Q: So, who’s going?
A: You know that kid from your homeroom? Yeah, he’s going. And that
girl with the hair? Her, too. And that kid who – I wish they’d taken a
picture of that for the yearbook! He’ll be there.
Q: Sounds awesome! Am I too late to sign up?
A: Not at all.
Q: So where should I send my check?
A: Pat Giarrusso
11 Bow and Arrow Trail South
Wakefield, RI 02879
Please make the check out to CHSE
Q: Is there a Facebook page where I can find classmates before the Reunion?
A. Yup. This one’s for the Reunion itself:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
And this one’s for the class of 1971 in general:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
Q: Thanks!
A: Anytime. See you there!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
2011 May newsletter
My company, Iron Mountain, is trying to sell the division that I work in, Digital, to an as-yet-unknown buyer. Agita! I’m kind of hoping we get bought by Disney, or maybe Hershey’s. Anyway, this is not the ideal scenario when you have two kids in college and your wife is out of work. I’ll let you know what happens.
Last month, I mailed out more than 700 invitations to the Reunion. Boy, is my tongue tired! What’s even more astonishing than the number sent out is that only 77 have come back from the Post Office marked as Return To Sender, Unable To Forward, or Kidnapped By Space Aliens. Compare this to the last time I sent out a mailing like this 5 years ago, when we mailed out about 500 invitations and about 200 were returned. Part of the difference this time around is because online people-search is so much better now: when I did a diligent search for missing classmates, I actually found them. But most of the credit goes to everyone who made phone calls for me, rounding up stray classmates. Thanks to all of you for making this so successful!
Oh, right, the numbers. As near as we can tell, we now know the whereabouts of 646 of our classmates, a new record! Compare that to 7 years ago, when I first started keeping track of this, when we only had 400 or so. Yay!
If you haven’t sent in your check for the Reunion, do it right now. I’ll wait. Make it out for $50 per person, payable to “CHSE”, and send it to:
Pat Giarrusso
11 Bow and Arrow Trail South
Wakefield, RI 02879
This is going to be a great party! We have a beautiful location, at Bonnet Shores Beach Club, which should be fantastic at sunset. We’re arranging delicious food, fun music, and a cash bar. I, personally, have reserved a room at a local hotel so I don’t have to drive home afterwards. Classmates are flying in from all over the country – and from out of the country! You DON’T want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime event. See you there!
Speaking of which, Tom and Nancy Iacono may still have room at their bed and breakfast. You can contact them at tomiac1@verizon.net or 401-792-8264.
As I’ve mentioned before, there is a down side of trying to contact classmates. We’ve just learned that classmate Susan Wylie died about two years ago, of cancer. She was a Special Education teacher. She taught and lived in many places, including California and London. Her father reports that she lived a life of dedication and commitment. She didn’t marry, and had no children. Our condolences to Susan’s family and friends.
Dale (Waterman) Bonanno shared memories of our classmate Dave Stewart. “When we were in Park View, Dave, Karen Robinson, and I used to go to the old Park Cinema and meet there. We’d tell those old jokes about books with silly titles and authors. We really had some great laughs together. I am glad I have those memories about him, he was a great guy. That memory about him never fades.”
Thanks for sharing, Dale. It’s good to remember our classmates like this.
If you’ve been following his blogs, you know that Dave Fowler did successfully run the Boston Marathon yet again. I’ve lost count of how many times this is. You can read about it here:
http://speakerscorner-dave.blogspot.com/
You can still make donations to the foundation that Dave set up in memory of his son, Nick, here:
www.helpinthenickoftime.org
or here:
https://www.donation-net.net/public/essex/donation/donation1.cfm?dn=1236&source=8&CFID=11708021&CFTOKEN=57378858
Congratulations to Dave!
Dave Lanni reports that he recently had the opportunity to personally meet Michelle Obama and Jill Biden at a special military event held at Sears Holdings Distribution Center in Columbus, Ohio. This event kicked off the Military Recognition Campaign called "Joining Forces". “Both Michelle and Jill were very impressive with their presentations as well as this initiative, which is truly patriotic in recognizing the employment needs of our service men and women.” Dave has a new position as Vice President of Human Resources for the Arden Companies, a Midwest manufacturer of outdoor furniture and accessories. Best wishes on the new job!
Anna (Dias) Laughren and her family have lived just outside of Washington, DC in Rockville MD since 1984. She is a nurse manager at a small hospital in Montgomery County, MD. Her husband is a Division Director for the FDA. Her oldest daughter, Kelly, is finishing her degree in visual arts at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus. Younger daughter, Emily, is attending Boston University (Anna’s alma mater for grad school) and is a computer science major. Emily lives near Fenway and it’s always fun to go and visit her. Anna and her family are planning a trip to Sand Hill Cove this year. “We went back last year for the first time in about 10 years. Reconnected with some old friends including Kathy Stamp. We had a blast!!! RI will always be home!!! What can you say about a place where the beach is only 40 minutes away at the most!!!”
We have lots of ways to keep in touch online now. For example, we have a web site:
www.chse1971.com
(thanks to Ernie Sutcliffe for starting and maintaining)
and wiki:
https://chse1971.wikispaces.com/
(also thanks to Ernie)
and Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
and a Facebook event for the Reunion:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
Check out one or more of these easy ways to see what people are up to.
That’s it for me. Remember: get your checks in for the Reunion. You don’t want to miss out!
Have a \s/uper day!
Ed DeJesus
exdejesus@gmail.com
Last month, I mailed out more than 700 invitations to the Reunion. Boy, is my tongue tired! What’s even more astonishing than the number sent out is that only 77 have come back from the Post Office marked as Return To Sender, Unable To Forward, or Kidnapped By Space Aliens. Compare this to the last time I sent out a mailing like this 5 years ago, when we mailed out about 500 invitations and about 200 were returned. Part of the difference this time around is because online people-search is so much better now: when I did a diligent search for missing classmates, I actually found them. But most of the credit goes to everyone who made phone calls for me, rounding up stray classmates. Thanks to all of you for making this so successful!
Oh, right, the numbers. As near as we can tell, we now know the whereabouts of 646 of our classmates, a new record! Compare that to 7 years ago, when I first started keeping track of this, when we only had 400 or so. Yay!
If you haven’t sent in your check for the Reunion, do it right now. I’ll wait. Make it out for $50 per person, payable to “CHSE”, and send it to:
Pat Giarrusso
11 Bow and Arrow Trail South
Wakefield, RI 02879
This is going to be a great party! We have a beautiful location, at Bonnet Shores Beach Club, which should be fantastic at sunset. We’re arranging delicious food, fun music, and a cash bar. I, personally, have reserved a room at a local hotel so I don’t have to drive home afterwards. Classmates are flying in from all over the country – and from out of the country! You DON’T want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime event. See you there!
Speaking of which, Tom and Nancy Iacono may still have room at their bed and breakfast. You can contact them at tomiac1@verizon.net or 401-792-8264.
As I’ve mentioned before, there is a down side of trying to contact classmates. We’ve just learned that classmate Susan Wylie died about two years ago, of cancer. She was a Special Education teacher. She taught and lived in many places, including California and London. Her father reports that she lived a life of dedication and commitment. She didn’t marry, and had no children. Our condolences to Susan’s family and friends.
Dale (Waterman) Bonanno shared memories of our classmate Dave Stewart. “When we were in Park View, Dave, Karen Robinson, and I used to go to the old Park Cinema and meet there. We’d tell those old jokes about books with silly titles and authors. We really had some great laughs together. I am glad I have those memories about him, he was a great guy. That memory about him never fades.”
Thanks for sharing, Dale. It’s good to remember our classmates like this.
If you’ve been following his blogs, you know that Dave Fowler did successfully run the Boston Marathon yet again. I’ve lost count of how many times this is. You can read about it here:
http://speakerscorner-dave.blogspot.com/
You can still make donations to the foundation that Dave set up in memory of his son, Nick, here:
www.helpinthenickoftime.org
or here:
https://www.donation-net.net/public/essex/donation/donation1.cfm?dn=1236&source=8&CFID=11708021&CFTOKEN=57378858
Congratulations to Dave!
Dave Lanni reports that he recently had the opportunity to personally meet Michelle Obama and Jill Biden at a special military event held at Sears Holdings Distribution Center in Columbus, Ohio. This event kicked off the Military Recognition Campaign called "Joining Forces". “Both Michelle and Jill were very impressive with their presentations as well as this initiative, which is truly patriotic in recognizing the employment needs of our service men and women.” Dave has a new position as Vice President of Human Resources for the Arden Companies, a Midwest manufacturer of outdoor furniture and accessories. Best wishes on the new job!
Anna (Dias) Laughren and her family have lived just outside of Washington, DC in Rockville MD since 1984. She is a nurse manager at a small hospital in Montgomery County, MD. Her husband is a Division Director for the FDA. Her oldest daughter, Kelly, is finishing her degree in visual arts at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus. Younger daughter, Emily, is attending Boston University (Anna’s alma mater for grad school) and is a computer science major. Emily lives near Fenway and it’s always fun to go and visit her. Anna and her family are planning a trip to Sand Hill Cove this year. “We went back last year for the first time in about 10 years. Reconnected with some old friends including Kathy Stamp. We had a blast!!! RI will always be home!!! What can you say about a place where the beach is only 40 minutes away at the most!!!”
We have lots of ways to keep in touch online now. For example, we have a web site:
www.chse1971.com
(thanks to Ernie Sutcliffe for starting and maintaining)
and wiki:
https://chse1971.wikispaces.com/
(also thanks to Ernie)
and Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
and a Facebook event for the Reunion:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
Check out one or more of these easy ways to see what people are up to.
That’s it for me. Remember: get your checks in for the Reunion. You don’t want to miss out!
Have a \s/uper day!
Ed DeJesus
exdejesus@gmail.com
Monday, April 11, 2011
2011 April newsletter
Well, we all survived spring break, with my son and daughter both back from college for a week. The biggest issue was about cars. I need to take my car to work each day, and my wife was driving a rental (long story involving recalls) that neither kid was old enough to drive. I think I’m going to have to buy them some kind of car to use for the summer. When I was in college, I owned a series of crappy cars, which were all I could afford. The last one was a sort of mongrel Buick that was the size of an aircraft carrier and had fenders from four different cars on it. Other drivers would literally swerve out of my way when they saw that car coming, naturally assuming that anyone driving a POS like that must be either a lunatic or a demolition derby trainee. It cost me $50 at the time. It was the car I owned when I started my first job out of college at IBM. While I was out of town on a training class, this car was impounded by the police and I never saw it again. I’m looking for something like that for my kids. Now, though, I may go as high as $51.
As you can imagine, with the Reunion coming up, we’ve been putting a lot of extra effort into finding missing classmates. The results have been dramatic. We’ve “found” more than 50 fellow classmates in just the last month. This brings the total of those whose whereabouts we think we know to 585, an all-time high. I’d like to thank everyone who has been helping with new information about classmates, but especially Franne Donovan, Cosima Fallon, George Alford, Lauren Goding Johnson, Ernie Rheaume, Dan Deery, Jon Foster, Pat Dewey Giarrusso, Alison Barrie, and Gene Blair. I hate making phone calls, and these people saved me from that task. Thank you!
I also have to give special thanks to Ernie Sutcliffe for setting up our wonderful online yearbook. I’ve been using this fantastic resource A LOT to track down classmates to send invitations to. Thank you!
Dan Barry has a few items about the Reunion to share:
* The committee is working on getting either a 60s type band or a DJ to provide music throughout the event. It will be a fun night at the beach.
* If you want to help out with preparations, or at the Reunion itself, contact Dan or myself.
* As we have done in previous years, any profit from the Reunion will help to fund the 2012-2016 Ruth P. Roseman Award that our class gives to the student or teacher who did the most for the graduating class. We have been doing this most years since 1976.
* Please reach out to any classmates you are in contact with to let them know about the Reunion and encourage them to attend.
* Get your reservation to Pat Giarrusso at 11 Bow and Arrow Trail South, Wakefield, RI 02879.
If you’re looking for a place to stay before, during, or after the Reunion, please keep in mind Nancy and Tom Iacono's Best Kept Secret Bed and Breakfast in Narragansett (401-792-8264. Only $75 for classmates, breakfast included! (Usually $150.)
Everyone should be receiving a paper invitation within the next few days. We mailed out 700! If you don’t receive one, please let me know. We may not have your correct mailing address.
It’s always a thrill to locate a classmate who we’ve lost track of for a while. Sadly, there’s another side to that picture, namely, that when we start looking for classmates, we find that some of them have died. We believe that the following classmates have died:
* Betty Ann McElroy in 1999
* David B. Stewart in 2010 (online article here
http://www.cranstononline.com/view/full_story_obits/10754074/article-DAVID-B--STEWART-III?instance=obituaries_special_coverage_right_column)
* Jacalyn Ann Chartier Pico in 2002 (online article here
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sunsentinel/obituary-preview.aspx?n=jacalyn-pico&pid=528596)
* Barry Lindia, in 2010 (online article here
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/providence/obituary-preview.aspx?n=barry-lindia&pid=146313465&referrer=519). Classmate Kathleen Stamp writes that she worked with Barry at the Providence Journal and everyone there loved him.
If anyone would like to contribute a remembrance of any of these classmates, please send them to me.
As many of you know, classmate Dean Bengtson is a missionary in Sendai, Japan, in the middle of the area that has been devastated by a massive earthquake, tsunami, and radioactivity from the nearby nuclear reactor. Dean is making a tremendous effort to help people get the necessities of life as they try to put their lives back together. If any classmates would like to support this project, please visit Samaritan's Purse (Japan Relief) at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/pray_for_japan/.
Dave Fowler continues his preparations for participating in this year’s Boston Marathon, in memory of his son, Nick. You can read all about his struggles here:
http://speakerscorner-dave.blogspot.com/
Dan Deery sent me a beautiful photo from his son’s wedding last year at Clemson University. Young Daniel and his new wife are both civil engineers and work for the same company in Greenville, SC. Dan’s oldest daughter Sarah is in her 3rd year at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine in Nashville. Dan’s youngest daughter Rebecca is a junior at Clemson majoring in biological sciences and secondary education. Dan’s wife Robyn works for Georgia Pacific as a Plant Controller. They’ve been married for 25 years. Dan says, “I’m retired now for the 3rd time and looking for the next big opportunity. I've been awfully blessed with bright, healthy and hard-working kids with really good heads on their shoulders.”
Dan Barry’s daughter, Meghan Barry, is vice president and co-founder of the animal rescue group Help Save One. Read more about their work here: www.helpsaveone.org
Marilyn Wexler Kingsbury writes that her older son is a senior at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania (where coincidentally classmate Alan Mittleman's wife runs the Hillel). He’s been accepted at Tufts Graduate School, within commuting distance of where Marilyn and her husband live. Her younger son is a sophomore at William and Mary in Williamsburg Virginia. Marilyn says, “I find it a little strange that they text message each other in the house, but I know that is a generational phenomenon.”
We have lots of ways to keep in touch online, now. For example, we have a web site:
www.chse1971.com
(thanks to Ernie Sutcliffe for starting and maintaining)
and wiki:
https://chse1971.wikispaces.com/
(also thanks to Ernie)
and Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
and a Facebook event for the Reunion:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
Check out one or more of these easy ways to see what people are up to.
That’s all from me. What are you up to these days? We’d all be interested to hear.
Have a super day!
Ed DeJesus
exdejesus@gmail.com
As you can imagine, with the Reunion coming up, we’ve been putting a lot of extra effort into finding missing classmates. The results have been dramatic. We’ve “found” more than 50 fellow classmates in just the last month. This brings the total of those whose whereabouts we think we know to 585, an all-time high. I’d like to thank everyone who has been helping with new information about classmates, but especially Franne Donovan, Cosima Fallon, George Alford, Lauren Goding Johnson, Ernie Rheaume, Dan Deery, Jon Foster, Pat Dewey Giarrusso, Alison Barrie, and Gene Blair. I hate making phone calls, and these people saved me from that task. Thank you!
I also have to give special thanks to Ernie Sutcliffe for setting up our wonderful online yearbook. I’ve been using this fantastic resource A LOT to track down classmates to send invitations to. Thank you!
Dan Barry has a few items about the Reunion to share:
* The committee is working on getting either a 60s type band or a DJ to provide music throughout the event. It will be a fun night at the beach.
* If you want to help out with preparations, or at the Reunion itself, contact Dan or myself.
* As we have done in previous years, any profit from the Reunion will help to fund the 2012-2016 Ruth P. Roseman Award that our class gives to the student or teacher who did the most for the graduating class. We have been doing this most years since 1976.
* Please reach out to any classmates you are in contact with to let them know about the Reunion and encourage them to attend.
* Get your reservation to Pat Giarrusso at 11 Bow and Arrow Trail South, Wakefield, RI 02879.
If you’re looking for a place to stay before, during, or after the Reunion, please keep in mind Nancy and Tom Iacono's Best Kept Secret Bed and Breakfast in Narragansett (401-792-8264. Only $75 for classmates, breakfast included! (Usually $150.)
Everyone should be receiving a paper invitation within the next few days. We mailed out 700! If you don’t receive one, please let me know. We may not have your correct mailing address.
It’s always a thrill to locate a classmate who we’ve lost track of for a while. Sadly, there’s another side to that picture, namely, that when we start looking for classmates, we find that some of them have died. We believe that the following classmates have died:
* Betty Ann McElroy in 1999
* David B. Stewart in 2010 (online article here
http://www.cranstononline.com/view/full_story_obits/10754074/article-DAVID-B--STEWART-III?instance=obituaries_special_coverage_right_column)
* Jacalyn Ann Chartier Pico in 2002 (online article here
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sunsentinel/obituary-preview.aspx?n=jacalyn-pico&pid=528596)
* Barry Lindia, in 2010 (online article here
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/providence/obituary-preview.aspx?n=barry-lindia&pid=146313465&referrer=519). Classmate Kathleen Stamp writes that she worked with Barry at the Providence Journal and everyone there loved him.
If anyone would like to contribute a remembrance of any of these classmates, please send them to me.
As many of you know, classmate Dean Bengtson is a missionary in Sendai, Japan, in the middle of the area that has been devastated by a massive earthquake, tsunami, and radioactivity from the nearby nuclear reactor. Dean is making a tremendous effort to help people get the necessities of life as they try to put their lives back together. If any classmates would like to support this project, please visit Samaritan's Purse (Japan Relief) at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/pray_for_japan/.
Dave Fowler continues his preparations for participating in this year’s Boston Marathon, in memory of his son, Nick. You can read all about his struggles here:
http://speakerscorner-dave.blogspot.com/
Dan Deery sent me a beautiful photo from his son’s wedding last year at Clemson University. Young Daniel and his new wife are both civil engineers and work for the same company in Greenville, SC. Dan’s oldest daughter Sarah is in her 3rd year at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine in Nashville. Dan’s youngest daughter Rebecca is a junior at Clemson majoring in biological sciences and secondary education. Dan’s wife Robyn works for Georgia Pacific as a Plant Controller. They’ve been married for 25 years. Dan says, “I’m retired now for the 3rd time and looking for the next big opportunity. I've been awfully blessed with bright, healthy and hard-working kids with really good heads on their shoulders.”
Dan Barry’s daughter, Meghan Barry, is vice president and co-founder of the animal rescue group Help Save One. Read more about their work here: www.helpsaveone.org
Marilyn Wexler Kingsbury writes that her older son is a senior at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania (where coincidentally classmate Alan Mittleman's wife runs the Hillel). He’s been accepted at Tufts Graduate School, within commuting distance of where Marilyn and her husband live. Her younger son is a sophomore at William and Mary in Williamsburg Virginia. Marilyn says, “I find it a little strange that they text message each other in the house, but I know that is a generational phenomenon.”
We have lots of ways to keep in touch online, now. For example, we have a web site:
www.chse1971.com
(thanks to Ernie Sutcliffe for starting and maintaining)
and wiki:
https://chse1971.wikispaces.com/
(also thanks to Ernie)
and Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
and a Facebook event for the Reunion:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
Check out one or more of these easy ways to see what people are up to.
That’s all from me. What are you up to these days? We’d all be interested to hear.
Have a super day!
Ed DeJesus
exdejesus@gmail.com
Thursday, March 10, 2011
March 2011 Update
My son and daughter, who are both in college, are coming home for Spring Break next week. I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I love having them around and getting to have actual conversations with them, instead of the disjointed text message exchanges we usually have. I’ll get to hear about what they’re studying, who they’re hanging out with, and what music I’ve never heard of they’re listening to. On the other hand, Ellie and I are starting to get used to a semi-empty nest. We kind of like having the whole house just to ourselves. We’re becoming accustomed to only having each other to consult about what to eat for dinner and how to spend our evenings. And we’re actually getting to spend time together as a couple, which we’d almost forgotten how to do. So, having the house the way it used to be will be a change and take a little adjustment. But this is one of those good problems to have: at least my kids are coming home, and they have a home to come home to.
With the Reunion approaching fast, we are making a dedicated effort to find as many missing classmates as possible, and to verify the contact information of the ones we already have. As a result, we now thing we know the whereabouts of 528 classmates, which is a new all-time record! Many people have been passing along contact info, including Gene Blair and Ernie Rheaume. I have to give a special thank you to Franne Donovan and Cosima Fallon, who have been making many many phone calls to contact classmates. If you are in contact with any classmates, please let me know whatever info you have.
Condolences to Anthony Limberakis, whose father, John A. Limberakis, died in June. His father was a priest in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for more than 60 years, including 15 years at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cranston. Here’s a memorial site to Father Limberakis:
http://www.archons.org/news/detail.asp?id=398
George Alford was involved in a serious rollover car accident in February. Despite significant injuries, George is on the mend. He says, “I could say I was just lucky, and that I wear a seatbelt all the time, and that is what saved me, but I know better than that. God holds all the cards, all of them. We are under his law, and love.” You can contact George at tsgtalford@gmail.com.
As many of you know, David Fowler makes a practice of running in the Boston Marathon each year as a fundraiser in memory of his son, Nick. This year, Dave is starting a foundation called “Help in the Nick of Time” to carry on Nick’s caring spirit. You can read all about it on Dave’s blog:
http://speakerscorner-dave.blogspot.com/
I recommend reading the blog just to enjoy Dave’s writing. If you think you can contribute or help out, so much the better.
Several people let me know that Florence Cardogno Voccola was recently interviewed on the local RI news at her F Bianco women’s boutique. Here’s a link to that interview:
http://www2.turnto10.com/news/2011/feb/16/ri-lawmaker-proposes-taxing-high-priced-clothing-ar-398425/
Let’s see, what is that I’m forgetting? Oh, yes! We’re having our 40th-year Reunion on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the beautiful Bonnet Shores Beach Club in Narragansett, RI. Cocktails will be available at a cash bar at 6:30 PM, followed by a buffet dinner at 7:30. That should allow plenty of time for circulating and conversing. Casual dress. Tickets are $50 per person. Please mail checks made out to “CHSE” to:
Pat Giarrusso
11 Bow and Arrow Trail South
Wakefield, RI 02879
Thank you to Pat for handling the money once again!
After seeing some of what goes on behind the scenes of an event like the Reunion, I want to express my thanks to class president Dan Barry for all that he does. There are, no exaggeration, a thousand details that must be taken care of, and Dan consistently steps up to volunteer his time – and money – to make sure that everything goes well. Let me tell you that not all alumni classes are as lucky as we are. My sister’s class, also from CHSE, has a president who is AWOL, not even attending the reunions, never mind planning and managing them. Please take the time, at some point, to thank Dan for all he is doing for us.
By the way, there is lots to be done already, and we can use your help. We are trying to contact all classmates either with a mailed invitation, an email message, or a phone call. We need people to call classmates and verify addresses. If you can dial 10 digits, you can help. Please contact me and I’ll give you some numbers to call. As we get closer to the time, there will be other tasks to be done.
At the bottom, you’ll see the names of some of the classmates we’re still looking for. Please let me know if you have any clues for any of them.
We have lots of ways to keep in touch online, now. For example, we have a web site:
www.chse1971.com
(thanks to Ernie Sutcliffe for starting and maintaining)
and wiki:
https://chse1971.wikispaces.com/
(also thanks to Ernie)
and Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
and a Facebook event for the Reunion:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
Check out one or more of these easy ways to see what people are up to.
Baseball season’s starting soon! Go Sox!
Have a super day!
Ed DeJesus
exdejesus@gmail.com
Here are the people we’re looking for. Please let me know if you have any clues:
James F. Adams
Alice A. Allard Greenard
Joyce Amato
Anna Ambrosino
April Amiot Howell
Phillip M. Arons
George F. Bagley
Linda Baris
Rebecca E. Barnes
Susan E. Beach Dyl
Doris A. Benson
Paula Boffa Taylor
Janet Bonner DelBonis
Bruce Bookbinder
Susan J. Bottomley
Linda A. Bouchard
Robert W. Boyd
Susan Brill
Shelley L. Brough Mingus
Linda Arlene Brousseau Gormley
Charles Brown
Curtis Brown
Dorothy Buchanan Rocchio
Janet Buckley Flynn
Joseph Cacchiotti
Elaine Cantagallo Mailhot
Mona T. Carron
Joseph F. Carter
Claire M. Cassiere
Donald Castrignano
Gail Cedar Heymsfield
Stephen Champagne
Christine Champane Babbidge
Susan R. Charboneau
Jacalyn Chartier Pico
Paul Ciccone
David E. Cohen
Harvey Cohen
Janet P. Cohen
Marcia C. Cohen
William Collinson
John Collinson
John Conaty
Jean Conneely Chiello
Maureen Conway Hallam
Steven H. Cook
Michael Creta
Donna Croner Pytka
Timothy J. Cunningham
Michaela Daley Pilloni
Theresa Danella Tanner
Russell A. DeConti
Susana Del Carpio
Jane M. Delbonis Angelini
Steven Delponte
Joanne M. Desimone
Lucille M. Desimone
Ronald J. Desimone
Vincent DiBattista
Anthony R. Difillipo
Joseph DiFusco
Joan DiMeglio
Ray J. Eisenstadt Immerman
Karen C. Erickson
Edward A. Faiola
Elyse Feldman
Stephen C. Feragne
Robert Fitzgerald
Paula J. Frye
Joyce Fusco
David Galoski
Cynthia M. Geremia Fox
Clifford Goodhue
Stephanie Grant Dutra
Barbara Green Darowski
Marlene Greenberg
Marc Greenfield
Milton Greenhalgh
James Grimshaw
Sandra G. Grossi Howie
Demetrio Guerriero
Mary Haggstrom Ostrowski
John F. Hanley
Timothy J. Harrington
Craig Hart
Linda Harwood
Frederick D. Hoyle
Colleen Hughes Kraft
Susan Hunter Lee
Frank Iacabbo
Donna A. Jamgochian
Diane L. Jamgochian
Kathleen Johnston Morrison
Michael Jones
Julie A. Kasmicski
Mark Kemble
Barbara A. Lake
Edward Lawrence
Barry J. Levin
Robin Faith Levy
Robert Long
Jeffrey C. Lucas
Sharlene Lundy
Jennifer R. Lyles
Louis Macaruso
David MacNeill
Michael E. Mailhot
Gary Manchester
Louise Marchetti
Richard A. Marrocco
Paul K. Martin
Joanne Martini
Audrey Mastrostefano
Jo-Anne Mattera Andreoli
David W. Maynard
Frederick J. McCaughey
Joseph P. McDonald
Betty Ann McElroy
Linda Meglio
Charles E. Melino
Walter R. Mendillo
Richard C. Merlino
Robert Merluzzo
John Miller
Robert E. Mills
Michael F. Mizer
Stephen F. Moran
Jessica G. Morris
Joanne V. Murphy Cady
James E. Nerney
Joseph J. Nevola
Francesca Notti McDonald
Ellen O'Neil Capaldi
Robert J. Paliotta
Richard Parenteau
Marie S. Pasquazzi Lawton
Kenneth Pastore
Randy Perry
Michael Pomfret
Roxane Poulin
Joyce Prignano
Lynn D. Proctor Cameron
Debra Quattrucci
Marianne V. Quinn
Alajander Rekrut
Steven Renzi
Lynn M. Reuter
Jo-An Ricci
Catherine Ricci Chenes
Mary E. Robbins
Karen A. Robinson
Paul G. Roiff
Wayne R. Russo
Anna M. Ryan
Antonio Sabella
Trudy Saccoccia Cipriano
Beverly Samson Goyer
Sebastian Santoro
Steven Santurri
Linda S. Schietromo
Donna J. Sciarra
Shirley Senecal Klug
Rhonda L. Shapiro
Susan L. Sheehan
James Sheridan
Louis Shore
Carol Silk
Dennis Silvia
Robert M. Sivo
Sharon A. Soderlund Cormier
William J. Sousa
Anthony J. Sousa
Eileen R. Spelman
Stephen J. Spera
Daniel Squillante
Kathleen M. Stamp
David B. Stewart
Paula Tagliaferri Morretti
Frances Terranova
Donald E. Thacker
Cheryl Thomas
John J. Tobin
Claudia M. Tocco
Paul R. Tracy
Michael J. Tremblay
Debra L. Urbano Domenico
Diane Vanasse
Francis J. Vincent
Richard M. Volpe
Dennis Wahl
Laura Waite Sullivan
Donna Waldron
Sharon A. Walker
James Wall
Lawrence Werchadlo
Richard J. White
Pamela Wholey Gelfuso
Thomas J. Wiggins
Maureen Willette
Jacqueline T. Zanca
With the Reunion approaching fast, we are making a dedicated effort to find as many missing classmates as possible, and to verify the contact information of the ones we already have. As a result, we now thing we know the whereabouts of 528 classmates, which is a new all-time record! Many people have been passing along contact info, including Gene Blair and Ernie Rheaume. I have to give a special thank you to Franne Donovan and Cosima Fallon, who have been making many many phone calls to contact classmates. If you are in contact with any classmates, please let me know whatever info you have.
Condolences to Anthony Limberakis, whose father, John A. Limberakis, died in June. His father was a priest in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for more than 60 years, including 15 years at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cranston. Here’s a memorial site to Father Limberakis:
http://www.archons.org/news/detail.asp?id=398
George Alford was involved in a serious rollover car accident in February. Despite significant injuries, George is on the mend. He says, “I could say I was just lucky, and that I wear a seatbelt all the time, and that is what saved me, but I know better than that. God holds all the cards, all of them. We are under his law, and love.” You can contact George at tsgtalford@gmail.com.
As many of you know, David Fowler makes a practice of running in the Boston Marathon each year as a fundraiser in memory of his son, Nick. This year, Dave is starting a foundation called “Help in the Nick of Time” to carry on Nick’s caring spirit. You can read all about it on Dave’s blog:
http://speakerscorner-dave.blogspot.com/
I recommend reading the blog just to enjoy Dave’s writing. If you think you can contribute or help out, so much the better.
Several people let me know that Florence Cardogno Voccola was recently interviewed on the local RI news at her F Bianco women’s boutique. Here’s a link to that interview:
http://www2.turnto10.com/news/2011/feb/16/ri-lawmaker-proposes-taxing-high-priced-clothing-ar-398425/
Let’s see, what is that I’m forgetting? Oh, yes! We’re having our 40th-year Reunion on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the beautiful Bonnet Shores Beach Club in Narragansett, RI. Cocktails will be available at a cash bar at 6:30 PM, followed by a buffet dinner at 7:30. That should allow plenty of time for circulating and conversing. Casual dress. Tickets are $50 per person. Please mail checks made out to “CHSE” to:
Pat Giarrusso
11 Bow and Arrow Trail South
Wakefield, RI 02879
Thank you to Pat for handling the money once again!
After seeing some of what goes on behind the scenes of an event like the Reunion, I want to express my thanks to class president Dan Barry for all that he does. There are, no exaggeration, a thousand details that must be taken care of, and Dan consistently steps up to volunteer his time – and money – to make sure that everything goes well. Let me tell you that not all alumni classes are as lucky as we are. My sister’s class, also from CHSE, has a president who is AWOL, not even attending the reunions, never mind planning and managing them. Please take the time, at some point, to thank Dan for all he is doing for us.
By the way, there is lots to be done already, and we can use your help. We are trying to contact all classmates either with a mailed invitation, an email message, or a phone call. We need people to call classmates and verify addresses. If you can dial 10 digits, you can help. Please contact me and I’ll give you some numbers to call. As we get closer to the time, there will be other tasks to be done.
At the bottom, you’ll see the names of some of the classmates we’re still looking for. Please let me know if you have any clues for any of them.
We have lots of ways to keep in touch online, now. For example, we have a web site:
www.chse1971.com
(thanks to Ernie Sutcliffe for starting and maintaining)
and wiki:
https://chse1971.wikispaces.com/
(also thanks to Ernie)
and Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
and a Facebook event for the Reunion:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192240297471327
Check out one or more of these easy ways to see what people are up to.
Baseball season’s starting soon! Go Sox!
Have a super day!
Ed DeJesus
exdejesus@gmail.com
Here are the people we’re looking for. Please let me know if you have any clues:
James F. Adams
Alice A. Allard Greenard
Joyce Amato
Anna Ambrosino
April Amiot Howell
Phillip M. Arons
George F. Bagley
Linda Baris
Rebecca E. Barnes
Susan E. Beach Dyl
Doris A. Benson
Paula Boffa Taylor
Janet Bonner DelBonis
Bruce Bookbinder
Susan J. Bottomley
Linda A. Bouchard
Robert W. Boyd
Susan Brill
Shelley L. Brough Mingus
Linda Arlene Brousseau Gormley
Charles Brown
Curtis Brown
Dorothy Buchanan Rocchio
Janet Buckley Flynn
Joseph Cacchiotti
Elaine Cantagallo Mailhot
Mona T. Carron
Joseph F. Carter
Claire M. Cassiere
Donald Castrignano
Gail Cedar Heymsfield
Stephen Champagne
Christine Champane Babbidge
Susan R. Charboneau
Jacalyn Chartier Pico
Paul Ciccone
David E. Cohen
Harvey Cohen
Janet P. Cohen
Marcia C. Cohen
William Collinson
John Collinson
John Conaty
Jean Conneely Chiello
Maureen Conway Hallam
Steven H. Cook
Michael Creta
Donna Croner Pytka
Timothy J. Cunningham
Michaela Daley Pilloni
Theresa Danella Tanner
Russell A. DeConti
Susana Del Carpio
Jane M. Delbonis Angelini
Steven Delponte
Joanne M. Desimone
Lucille M. Desimone
Ronald J. Desimone
Vincent DiBattista
Anthony R. Difillipo
Joseph DiFusco
Joan DiMeglio
Ray J. Eisenstadt Immerman
Karen C. Erickson
Edward A. Faiola
Elyse Feldman
Stephen C. Feragne
Robert Fitzgerald
Paula J. Frye
Joyce Fusco
David Galoski
Cynthia M. Geremia Fox
Clifford Goodhue
Stephanie Grant Dutra
Barbara Green Darowski
Marlene Greenberg
Marc Greenfield
Milton Greenhalgh
James Grimshaw
Sandra G. Grossi Howie
Demetrio Guerriero
Mary Haggstrom Ostrowski
John F. Hanley
Timothy J. Harrington
Craig Hart
Linda Harwood
Frederick D. Hoyle
Colleen Hughes Kraft
Susan Hunter Lee
Frank Iacabbo
Donna A. Jamgochian
Diane L. Jamgochian
Kathleen Johnston Morrison
Michael Jones
Julie A. Kasmicski
Mark Kemble
Barbara A. Lake
Edward Lawrence
Barry J. Levin
Robin Faith Levy
Robert Long
Jeffrey C. Lucas
Sharlene Lundy
Jennifer R. Lyles
Louis Macaruso
David MacNeill
Michael E. Mailhot
Gary Manchester
Louise Marchetti
Richard A. Marrocco
Paul K. Martin
Joanne Martini
Audrey Mastrostefano
Jo-Anne Mattera Andreoli
David W. Maynard
Frederick J. McCaughey
Joseph P. McDonald
Betty Ann McElroy
Linda Meglio
Charles E. Melino
Walter R. Mendillo
Richard C. Merlino
Robert Merluzzo
John Miller
Robert E. Mills
Michael F. Mizer
Stephen F. Moran
Jessica G. Morris
Joanne V. Murphy Cady
James E. Nerney
Joseph J. Nevola
Francesca Notti McDonald
Ellen O'Neil Capaldi
Robert J. Paliotta
Richard Parenteau
Marie S. Pasquazzi Lawton
Kenneth Pastore
Randy Perry
Michael Pomfret
Roxane Poulin
Joyce Prignano
Lynn D. Proctor Cameron
Debra Quattrucci
Marianne V. Quinn
Alajander Rekrut
Steven Renzi
Lynn M. Reuter
Jo-An Ricci
Catherine Ricci Chenes
Mary E. Robbins
Karen A. Robinson
Paul G. Roiff
Wayne R. Russo
Anna M. Ryan
Antonio Sabella
Trudy Saccoccia Cipriano
Beverly Samson Goyer
Sebastian Santoro
Steven Santurri
Linda S. Schietromo
Donna J. Sciarra
Shirley Senecal Klug
Rhonda L. Shapiro
Susan L. Sheehan
James Sheridan
Louis Shore
Carol Silk
Dennis Silvia
Robert M. Sivo
Sharon A. Soderlund Cormier
William J. Sousa
Anthony J. Sousa
Eileen R. Spelman
Stephen J. Spera
Daniel Squillante
Kathleen M. Stamp
David B. Stewart
Paula Tagliaferri Morretti
Frances Terranova
Donald E. Thacker
Cheryl Thomas
John J. Tobin
Claudia M. Tocco
Paul R. Tracy
Michael J. Tremblay
Debra L. Urbano Domenico
Diane Vanasse
Francis J. Vincent
Richard M. Volpe
Dennis Wahl
Laura Waite Sullivan
Donna Waldron
Sharon A. Walker
James Wall
Lawrence Werchadlo
Richard J. White
Pamela Wholey Gelfuso
Thomas J. Wiggins
Maureen Willette
Jacqueline T. Zanca
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
December, 2010
Yeah, sorry I missed November. I kept delaying sending out the November installment in the thought that we would shortly be having an announcement about where and when the 2011 Reunion would be, but that didn’t happen. Turns out it’s not easy to pick a venue like this. We need a place that has pretty good food, for not much money, that can handle a big crowd, during the summer dates that we prefer. The folks that are helping with the planning are narrowing in, though, and I’ll let you know as soon as it’s decided.
So, November. I had a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. Mainly that the election was over and I didn’t have to see any more commercials screaming at me that everyone I ever voted for is a satanic pedophile. Say what you want against ruthless dictatorships, but at least they don’t have political attack ads on TV. I also got to have both my kids home for 4 days, which hadn’t happened since the summer. In fact, I hadn’t seen James since I dropped him off at BU in August. He’s becoming more independent, which is one of those things that means we’re doing okay as parents but that still hurt. Bittersweet, that’s the word: I’m glad he’s doing well, but not so glad I’m losing my little boy. Does that make sense? We did get to spend some quality time together, which for us means him coaching me through level 16 of Portal on the Xbox.
I think taking the month off spurred y’all to contact our missing classmates. Our count of alums that we think we know the whereabouts of zoomed up to 514, a new record! Great job! A special thanks to Gene Blair, who seems to send a new name every month. Please forward any contact information you have to me.
Condolences to Franne Donovan, whose older brother died suddenly in October. Father James W. Donovan was a beloved priest in Chinatown, San Francisco.
Condolences to Bettilou Manieri LaRoche, whose father, Vincent Manieri, died in October. Bettilou also reports that her daughter is in her last year of fashion design school in Boston. “She enjoys the artistic creativity and has also landed an internship with a fashion designer in Providence.”
Got a nice email from Monika Szynkarski Curnett and Nancy Goldis Iacono during their recent vacation to the Middle East, including Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Still waiting to see the photos.
Cheryl Brodeur Combs is contemplating retirement after her job goes away with the U.S. Army at Fort McPherson. “My daughter Desiree wants me to retire, of course, since she has 3 small children (10, 7, and 6) and I can be a help to her.” Any advice for Sherry?
As mentioned last newsletter, George Alford and his wife Linda have small roles in a locally produced movie, "Gotta Find Barry." Produced by Rich Camp and Joe Agresti, both of Cranston, the movie had its premiere at the Park Cinema, which seems appropriate. We’ll be watching for the Oscar nominations.
Bill Dube, who regales us regularly with the exploits of his electric motorcycle, has come across the interesting and strange fact that electric racing in this country started in Cranston in 1896, at the Narragansett Trotting Park. Cue the Twilight Zone music.
Thanks to the folks who are helping to plan the Reunion in 2011: Pat Giarrusso, Susan W. Bond Burns, Cosima Fallon, Beverly DeFelice, Juliana Pastine Reilly, Ernie Rheaume, Don and Tina McKendall, Dan Barry, Pat Dewey Giarrusso, Donna Lepizzera Caldamone, Gail Cavanaugh Santosuosso, Domenic D'Antuono, Diane Fusco McWeeney, Lynne Turkus, and Franne Donovan. Let me know if you want to help out in some way.
We have lots of ways to keep in touch online, now. For example, we have a web site:
www.chse1971.com
(thanks to Ernie Sutcliffe for starting and maintaining)
and wiki:
https://chse1971.wikispaces.com/
(also thanks to Ernie)
and Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
Check out one or more of these easy ways to see what people are up to.
That’s about it for now. Drop me a line sometime and let me know what you’re up to.
Happy Chanukah! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
Ed DeJesus
exdejesus@gmail.com
So, November. I had a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. Mainly that the election was over and I didn’t have to see any more commercials screaming at me that everyone I ever voted for is a satanic pedophile. Say what you want against ruthless dictatorships, but at least they don’t have political attack ads on TV. I also got to have both my kids home for 4 days, which hadn’t happened since the summer. In fact, I hadn’t seen James since I dropped him off at BU in August. He’s becoming more independent, which is one of those things that means we’re doing okay as parents but that still hurt. Bittersweet, that’s the word: I’m glad he’s doing well, but not so glad I’m losing my little boy. Does that make sense? We did get to spend some quality time together, which for us means him coaching me through level 16 of Portal on the Xbox.
I think taking the month off spurred y’all to contact our missing classmates. Our count of alums that we think we know the whereabouts of zoomed up to 514, a new record! Great job! A special thanks to Gene Blair, who seems to send a new name every month. Please forward any contact information you have to me.
Condolences to Franne Donovan, whose older brother died suddenly in October. Father James W. Donovan was a beloved priest in Chinatown, San Francisco.
Condolences to Bettilou Manieri LaRoche, whose father, Vincent Manieri, died in October. Bettilou also reports that her daughter is in her last year of fashion design school in Boston. “She enjoys the artistic creativity and has also landed an internship with a fashion designer in Providence.”
Got a nice email from Monika Szynkarski Curnett and Nancy Goldis Iacono during their recent vacation to the Middle East, including Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Still waiting to see the photos.
Cheryl Brodeur Combs is contemplating retirement after her job goes away with the U.S. Army at Fort McPherson. “My daughter Desiree wants me to retire, of course, since she has 3 small children (10, 7, and 6) and I can be a help to her.” Any advice for Sherry?
As mentioned last newsletter, George Alford and his wife Linda have small roles in a locally produced movie, "Gotta Find Barry." Produced by Rich Camp and Joe Agresti, both of Cranston, the movie had its premiere at the Park Cinema, which seems appropriate. We’ll be watching for the Oscar nominations.
Bill Dube, who regales us regularly with the exploits of his electric motorcycle, has come across the interesting and strange fact that electric racing in this country started in Cranston in 1896, at the Narragansett Trotting Park. Cue the Twilight Zone music.
Thanks to the folks who are helping to plan the Reunion in 2011: Pat Giarrusso, Susan W. Bond Burns, Cosima Fallon, Beverly DeFelice, Juliana Pastine Reilly, Ernie Rheaume, Don and Tina McKendall, Dan Barry, Pat Dewey Giarrusso, Donna Lepizzera Caldamone, Gail Cavanaugh Santosuosso, Domenic D'Antuono, Diane Fusco McWeeney, Lynne Turkus, and Franne Donovan. Let me know if you want to help out in some way.
We have lots of ways to keep in touch online, now. For example, we have a web site:
www.chse1971.com
(thanks to Ernie Sutcliffe for starting and maintaining)
and wiki:
https://chse1971.wikispaces.com/
(also thanks to Ernie)
and Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=51722469479
Check out one or more of these easy ways to see what people are up to.
That’s about it for now. Drop me a line sometime and let me know what you’re up to.
Happy Chanukah! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
Ed DeJesus
exdejesus@gmail.com
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