Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Mystery Classmate Store Now Open!

Just in time for the holidays, the Official Mystery Classmate Store is open for business!

The store features unique and exciting items that reflect the Churchill High School and Mystery Classmate experience.

Loaded with great gifts and offering special deals on shipping, the Mystery Classmate Store is the one-stop solution for all of your holiday giving needs.

Visit the Mystery Classmate Store now at www.cafepress.com/mysteryclass.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Mystery Classmate 100

Congratulations to Helene Bour Palmer, Karen LaFace, Laura Murton O’Hara, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Lisa Callender Mitchell, Leslie Rush Cuda, Michele Sherer Ancheta, and Lynn Abt LeBlanc, all of whom correctly identified Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson (’84) as Mystery Classmate #100, and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Celesta sent a brief bio to me, but I misplaced it, so instead here’s what some of her classmates had to share.

Karen LaFace: “Celesta ran her first marathon last year (sub 4 hours) and is into triathlons. She is an interior designer and has 3 rugrats (kids).”

It may have been someone else's, but this quote was attributed to Laura Murton O'Hara: “Celesta and I both live in Seattle and did a triathalon together a couple of summers ago. I'm pretty sure that's her running a marathon in the picture. Celesta, you've come a long way from running down Greensburg Pike in your flimsy canvas Tretorn tennis shoes!”

Michele Sherer Ancheta: “This is Celesta running the marathon! Look at those arm muscles and that form! Celesta and I are still close and are meeting in Pittsburgh for the reunion! She's got three adorable kids that are clones of her, especially the two girls.”

Ted Showers and Paul Rodgers guessed Lisa Smith. Scott Silverman guessed Vicki Falvo. Judith Kwiecinski Fisher guessed Amy Adams. Jerry Koutavas guessed Heather Bruwelheide.

Mystery Classmate 099

Congratulations to Jerry Koutavas, who correctly identified Mary Cvetan (’83) as Mystery Classmate #99. In addition, Jerry wishes a happy Greek Independence Day to all of his fellow Classmates of Greek descent.

In case you were wondering, Mary Cvetan is principal of Cvetan Communications, a Pittsburgh-based marketing, public relations and writing firm. Mary lives in Penn Hills with her rabbits Zsa-Zsa and Bradley, and is an advocate for rabbit adoption. She recently created an awareness poster for the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society featuring Mr. Ed, a spotted bunny who became homeless after being purchased for a child who stopped taking care of him.

Mary would like all of us to know that rabbits generally aren't good pets for most children, who would prefer a companion they can hold, carry and cuddle, according to a news release from the House Rabbit Society. Rabbits, however, are ground-loving creatures who may quickly learn to nip and scratch when they are carried around by kids. Additionally, rabbits are easily frightened by loud noises. It is unreasonable to expect a small child to make a 10-year commitment to taking care of a rabbit. All too often, the child loses interest, and the rabbit ends up neglected or abandoned.

Lisa Smith guessed Tracey Filler. Mike Williams guessed Rebecca Emtage. Bill Stout guessed Sharon Dollard. Donna Andreas Copley thought it might have been herself, except thinner.

Mystery Classmate 098

Congratulations to Colleen O’Connor Casey, Chad Calabria, and Stu Cohen, all of whom correctly identified Drew Topping (’86) as Mystery Classmate #98, and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Drew is happily married to his wife Jennifer (pictured), and their daughter Nicollette is almost 2. Drew devotes whatever free time he has to his bar and restaurant, Piper’s Pub, which he opened six years ago at 1828 East Carson Street on the Southside.

Chad Calabria, who tends bar at Piper’s, reports that Drew is still a gearhead and loves his old style automobiles, especially the fixer-uppers.

Dave Holmes guessed Tim Pease. Donna Andreas Copley guessed Danny Kun. Jerry Koutavas guessed Joe Strednak, accompanied by Kelly Wilson. Paul Rodgers guessed John Plack, or Denis Leary.

Ted Showers guessed Steve Watson, host of the Discovery Channel’s “Monster House.” Ted’s TV viewing habits have taken a real hit with the NHL lockout.