mystery classmate

Mystery Classmate #132

2009-06-30T11:36:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to Kelly Sauer Mazon, Donna Andreas Copley, and Nancy Ondick Hahn, who correctly identified Mystery Classmate #132, Marc Schanfarber, and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Marc writes, “This was shot at Baldface, a cat skiing operation in British Columbia, in March 2005 after a big dump of about 16" of snow. I've been a skiing addict since high school, an instructor since the 1992-93 season, and a faithful devotee of freshly fallen powder wherever it may be. Thoughts of high school skiing go out to Kelly Sauer Mazon, Phil Pretter, Sue Coyne Glover, Eric Caplan, Erin Keeley Shorthouse, Doug Mackay, Angela Painter Radigan, and many others that were part of the ski club that went to Seven Springs week after week for a few months each year. I know there are more, but I can't think of them at the moment. It's 28 degrees here in Germantown, Maryland tonight, and I'm certainly thinking of snow that is on the way.”

Several classmates had fond memories of Marc. Kelly Sauer Mazon wrote, “He tried to teach me to ski! One time and that was it. I guess I was a lost cause. Marc is a great guy! We missed him at the reunion!”

Nancy Ondick Hahn added, “Marc was one of the many 1984 graduates that went to Penn State University. I wonder if he remembers drinking the whiskey and Cokes in his dorm during many of our underage drinking happy hours??? I also recall one of his best Halloween costumes. Marc always reminded me of Dustin Hoffman and boy did he pull off an amazing Tootsie look-alike for one of the Halloween parties. I really should try to find that picture… it's truly a classic! He soon joined a fraternity and I would only get to see him here or there around the campus. He looks great in the photo and I bet that's not a shot from the slopes of PSU! Oh, and of course, go LIONS!!!”

Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Matt McKeever. Joe Caprara guessed Mike Cenna. Karen Campbell Ricci guessed Todd Hochlinski.

Coleman Brennan guessed Jack Horner. Milton Koutavas guessed Franz Klamer. Paul Rodgers guessed Alberto Tomba.

Dan Talbert guessed Simon Schiffman, and added, “I know he went to Colorado to become a ski bum in the early 90's and this picture is exactly how I picture him spending his days. Bastard. Somewhere though, I've got a good one of him wiping out during a St. John Fisher ski retreat to Blue Knob. Looks like he's improved a bit.”

Pam Pristas Dwyer, Damon Johncour, and John Plack guessed Kirk Rapport. Damon wrote, “I remember the brown tricked out pick-up and the hill climbs up the hill in front of CHS.” John added that Kirk was “a skiing MADMAN.”

Mystery Classmate #131

2009-06-30T11:17:00.005-04:00

Mystery Classmate #131 proved a little too difficult for anyone to identify. He is B.T. Fullerton (’82), on the left.

In case you were wondering, B.T. received the Faithful Servant Award at the 2005 Tommy Maddox Foundation Comeback Kid Awards gala, and is pictured with the Steeler quarterback. The gala website provides the following write-up:

“This year's Faithful Servant Award goes to William T. Fullerton, a District Attorney in Butler County. Known as ‘BT’ to all of his friends, but don't let the snappy lawyer nickname fool you. BT is a caring individual who works tirelessly to prosecute many of the cases brought in by the Butler County Investigators. Many of the investigators consider BT one of their closest friends and strongest resources.

“Often, he can be found at the courthouse working late nights and on the weekends, preparing for trials or other court actions. BT often takes the time to interview the victims personally, showing his compassion for protecting our kids. His guidance and leadership to police officers is second to none. BT lets no question go unanswered and never throws in the towel. BT takes all that you give him, tells you how and where you may get more and gives the officer all the credit when the conviction is complete. Just when everyone is patting themselves on the back for successfully prosecuting a sexual abuser, BT is there preparing the file for the Megan's Law report ensuring the abusers will ALWAYS have to report their residence to the State Police.

“BT wrote and organized a countywide protocol for the response and prosecution of child abuse cases, which joined all Police Departments, the District Attorney's Office and Children and Youth Workers in a united effort. He tirelessly works on cases and often finds the minute details that keep the abusers in prison. BT belongs to a number of local organizations and works for the Butler County Historical Society.

“BT Fullerton rarely gets praise outside of the Police Departments or the District Attorney's Office. His cases aren't pretty. Most involve the most terrible situations one can think of. BT works through that to ensure the child victims are treated with dignity and respect. He does this work for one reason; to protect our children by ensuring that no other child will be hurt by their abuser again. These cases are the hardest to prosecute and often the most frustrating to investigate. BT Fullerton always carries a smile, and gives hope to those who want our community to be a safer place for our children.”

Amy Petrina Tarantini guessed Steve Callas. Karen Campbell Ricci guessed Keith Kennedy. Greg Markantone guessed Cleveland Furby.

Paul Rodgers guessed Doug Flutie.

Mystery Classmate Blog wins an Award

2009-06-29T21:21:00.004-04:00

The Mystery Classmate blog won its first-ever award - the Tawwdy. Fittingly enough, it was won last year and I am just finding out about it now. Thanks to Classmate Brian Behler (link at right) for the nomination. And thanks to all the little people - yes, Bill Stout, I'm looking at you - for making it all possible.

Mystery Classmate #130

2009-01-25T14:41:00.007-05:00

Mystery Classmate #130 proved a little too difficult for anyone to identify, and the Halloween costume could not have helped. He is Chris Copetas ('87).

In case you were wondering, Chris writes, “After graduating from Churchill, I attended Penn State. After five enjoyable years I was forced to graduate and I took my Liberal Arts degree to the only place I thought I could get a job, Washington, DC. After stops at The Congressional Research Service (a division of the Library of Congress) and a few private sector jobs along the way, I landed back at the Library of Congress where I work as a digital conversion project manager. My wife Kaare and I live in a quirky old house on Capitol Hill. Our small family includes one cat that we discovered under the front porch shortly after buying the house. I imagine we'll take in another small refugee this winter.

"My passion (read obsession) is playing a manic amount of softball in the spring and summer and coaching the Library of Congress softball team. The rest of my time is spent trying to teach my wife about the fascinating world of sports, doin' a bit of traveling and the endless task of keeping our house and garden from falling into a state of disrepair.

"I make it back to Pittsburgh at least once a month to visit my mom who still lives in Blackridge and to attend the occasional Steeler game with my brother Ted (’90) who lives in Cincinnati, OH with his wife and their three kids. I'm a firm believer that DC is a large extended suburb of Pittsburgh. Lots of transplants down here. There's a great Pittsburgh bar (PA Avenue Pourhouse) a short walk from my house. If you find yourself in DC and you just can't find a place to watch a Steeler or Pens game, feel free to drop me a note...

"Unfortunately I have precious few memories of Churchill High as I daydreamed my way through those three years. Must've been a residual effect of spending my freshman year at Central Catholic or the numerous blunt head traumas I received during my seasons as a tackling dummy on the football team... I don't have a website or blog but we do keep a photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/christoc/."

Kelly O'Connor guessed Jimmy Anweiler. Jerry Koutavas guessed Brad Drago, Bob Burt, Kevin Borellis or Johnny Hickey and added that Kaare must be Mary Brandenstein.

Donna Andreas Copley did not guess, but wondered just how young Chris's wife is. Joe Caprara thought that Chris looks like fellow rocker Bryan Adams.

Ted Smith wrote, “It is former principal Paul Englert and this was an exhibit at his trial.”

After the reveal, Beth “TGIF” Chufo Nichols wrote, “Wow, I would have never guessed him! I remember Chris and his brother, Teddy, were the ‘little kids’ in our neighborhood (although my sister was in his class!) and on the Blackridge summer swim team. They always had a street hockey game set up at the far end of Jamestown and we would watch them from my girlfriend, Amy Phillips (Penn Hills '89) house, scurry when the PAT bus would zoom down the street towards them. Sometimes we would LET them play Sharks and Minnows or Blindman's Bluff in the deep end of the pool, because we were so COOL!”

Justin Falgione, 1965-2008

2009-01-25T13:57:00.003-05:00

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Justin J. Falgione, 43, on October 29, 2008. Justin was a devoted son and brother, a loyal friend to many, a committed husband, and most of all a loving father to his eight-year-old daughter, Jennie. Justin grew up on Burlington Road in Forest Hills and graduated from Churchill High School in 1983. Family and friends hope to celebrate Justin's life by endowing a scholarship at Westminster College in his name. If you would like more information on how you can help, contact Bernie Taylor and Peter Goslin at falgionescholarship@gmail.com.

Mystery Classmate 129

2008-11-05T13:56:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan, Pam Van Cara Collis, Pam Pristas Dwyer, Deb Faskow Feller, Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson, Lisa Smith, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Leslie Rush Cuda, Stephanie Papazis Neuschwander, Michele Sherer Ancheta, Linda Wolff, Beth Chufo Nichols, Staci Blagovich Dunbar, Kira Bartlett Kenyherz, and Chad Calabria, all of whom correctly identified Tony Seko ('84) as Mystery Classmate #129 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

Several classmates shared fond memories of Tony. Pam Van Cara Collis, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Michele Sherer Ancheta, Linda Wolff, and Chad Calabria saw Tony at this summer's Class of '84 reunion and thought that he looks great and/or exactly the same, and is very funny and nice besides. Michele added that Tony was her prom date.

Beth Chufo noted that “Tony's girlfriend was cool and a real trooper to hang out with all of us after the reunion at the old Sand Trap.”

Lisa Smith wrote, “Tony is the friend that I've known the longest and, fortunately, get to see every 10 years or so! I think that most will agree that he is as sweet and kind as he was when we were in kindergarten together at Chalfant Elementary 35 years ago!”

In case you were wondering, Tony lives in North Carolina and works for Time Warner Cable. Thanks to Damon Johncour for the picture.

Amy Chufo Prezelski guessed Steve Sanok. Jerry Koutavas guessed Carl “Skip” Adametz.

Mystery Classmate 128

2008-06-07T20:03:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Jerry Koutavas, who correctly identified Scott Rosenfeld (’83) as Mystery Classmate #128.

In case you were wondering, Scott obtained his bachelors of Arts from The University of Pittsburgh in 1992 and his massage therapy training from Career Training Academy's 600 hour Therapeutic Massage Program in 1999. Upon graduation he has continued his education in the specialty of On-Site or Seated Massage, which allows him the diversity to give massages in such locations as corporate offices, stores, schools, hospitals, wellness fairs, parks and other locations.

Since joining The Bright Yoga and Healing Arts Center's team Scott has already brought his massage chair to various locations around town and invites you to contact us to schedule his appearance at your place of work or worship or play.

Joe Caprara guessed David Kotler. Greg Markantone guessed Kevin Cervi. Bill Stout guessed Chris Marshall.

Milton Koutavas guessed Andy Gass. Amy Petrina Tarantini guessed “a Stamera or Jay Constable.” Donna Andreas Copley considered John Flaherty, Tim Williams, and her brother John Andreas, but didn’t commit to any of the three.

Megan Mahoney really worked her brain. She wrote, “My first thought was that #128 looked a little "Rich Reschoff-y" but too thin, especially across the shoulders. After some thought, I am pretty sure that is not Rich, and lean a little to Joe Zezza, but still have my doubts, recalling that his shoulders were a little broader too. Maybe I should think on it some more. He does look familiar, but can't place him for sure.”

Many respondents complained about the poor photo quality. This would be a good time to remind everyone that you are invited to send a picture – of yourself or someone else – for future guessing.

Mystery Classmate 127

2008-06-07T14:06:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Milton Koutavas, Ria Callas Kartsonas, Kimberly Hall, Megan Mahoney, Greg Markantone, Stephanie Papazis Neuschwander, Karen Campbell Ricci, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Melissa Mahoney Kortyna, Jerry Koutavas, and Amy Chufo Prezelski, all of whom correctly identified Mike Zanic (’82) as Mystery Classmate #127 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

Several classmates shared fond memories of Mike. Milton Koutavas wrote, “Mike has always been a good person and a leader. Our families have had a lot of good times with one another over the years. I will never forget some of those Pitt - Penn State games at the Zanics’ house back in the day or basketball practice with the church.”

Milton’s brother Jerry Koutavas noted that Mike is of Greek descent, and added, “What was great about visiting Mike's family was the opportunity to learn boxing trivia by visiting Mike's neighbor, the notorious saxophonist and boxing trivia guru Lenny Rinchiuso ('85).”

Megan Mahoney remembered that Mike was smart and that he played soccer. Her sister Melissa Mahoney Kortyna added that Mike was “one of the most intelligent people I have known. He was a wonderful friend and scholastic rival (he always won) from first grade at Woodside on up through our high school graduation.”

Ria Callas Kartsonas wrote, “What a stud!”

In case you were wondering, Mike is an attorney with Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP, in Pittsburgh. He has concentrated his practice in the area of complex, commercial litigation with emphasis in insurance coverage litigation, toxic tort-related bankruptcies, and environmental litigation, including representation of the debtors in the largest asbestos and silica-related pre-packaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed in the United States.

Mike joined Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham in 1989 and became a partner in 1997. He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America and was selected by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2004 as a "Fast Tracker," an award that recognizes business professionals under the age of 45 who are making a difference in Pittsburgh and the surrounding community. In 2004 and 2005, Mike was designated as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer® in the field of insurance coverage by Law and Politics magazine.

Leslie Rush Cuda guessed Ken Fetsick. Susan Marchl Young guessed Maneck Kapadia. Andrew “Bearsy” Plack guessed Lloyd Tucker.

Mike Kuzy guessed a Davliakos – but didn’t specify George, John, Connie or Jim. David Kotler guessed Bob Vila. Keith Shipley guessed Steve, Al Bundy's neighbor from Married with Children.

Sharon Dollard Cannella guessed Adam Karsten, and shared a funny story. She wrote, “I didn't know Adam well in school, but I remember going to Europe with him (and you as well). The memory of him that stands out the most took place at a Beer Garden in Germany. Mr. Blangero told us we could each have one "mass" (liter) of beer, and left us alone while he sat at a table with other chaperones. I don't know if you remember, but our parents signed forms saying we were allowed to have one, and only one, beer on the entire trip. In the meantime, Adam drank a second liter and ordered a third. When Mr. Blangero returned to ask Adam if he was drinking a second beer, the waitress brought over his third beer. Adam knew he had been caught and paid the waitress. Then Mr. Blangero took Adam's beer and chugged the whole thing. We were all very impressed!”

Mystery Classmate 126

2008-04-22T21:18:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Lauren Hoener Nace and Brian “S.D.” Stevenson, both of whom sort-of correctly identified Dave Weidenhamer (’84) as Mystery Classmate #126, and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

However, once again there was a controversy over the photo.

Dave Weidenhamer wrote, “Well, this is a most interesting photograph. This was the first job I had when I moved to Gettysburg over two years ago. A few months after I started, and much to my amazement, Lauren Hoener Nace came on board. It took me a few minutes to convince her
I had gone to elementary school with her and her sister, Kim.

“However, I don't see Lauren or myself in this picture. You can't dispute that is a male from the clothing. So that rules out Lauren, who's not that tall anyway, and my face isn't that angelic anymore! I do believe this is an old photo as the fellow on the far left has been dead for almost four years. (Editor’s Note: Well, duh, it’s a Ghost Tour! Finally some truth in advertising!) It could be that they have a new guy that sort of looks like him, and this is a new guy, but then other details in the picture would be different. Katie, the little girl would be taller, the company name would be on the sign, the background would be different. So, if it's not supposed to be me - and it's not - then I don't know who it is. And I can't imagine that a third Churchill grad would have worked for this company and no one would've brought it up before.”

Later, Dave added, “Sorry, it's not me. I just showed the photo to my co-worker, and he informs me the picture is at least five years old, and the two kids in the back were Gettysburg High School students.”

Lauren concurred with at least part of the story. She wrote, “Dave and I actually did the ghostwalks together in Gettysburg, but we have both since retired from the business. He is a newlywed and I still see him and Terah around town every now and then. He is a sweetheart!”

So, that wasn’t him. Kudos to Lauren and S.D. for guessing correctly anyway. In the interest of accuracy, a photo of the real Dave “Sweetheart” Weidenhamer is posted as well. He’s the one on the boat.

And, in case you were wondering, Dave writes, “My wife Terah and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary at the end of September while moving into our new home near Waynesboro, PA, about 25 miles from Gettysburg. No kids - yet. I work as an Instructor for the Training Division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (yes, FEMA). I work in a reservist capacity, so when I'm not developing materials or traveling to disasters, I put in some hours at a history book store and at a "wet-plate" photography studio in Gettysburg.”

Ted Showers guessed Ron Ways. Karen Campbell Ricci guessed Clay Aiken. Kira Kenyherz Bartlett guessed Adam Karsten.

Jerry Koutavas guessed Kevin Cervi. Paul Rodgers guessed Daniel Boone. Mike Kuzy guessed Brian Talbert, or his brother Dan Talbert.

A note to all Adelphia email clients...

2008-03-27T23:54:00.001-04:00

Your ISP is blocking me! If you would like to continue to receive Mystery Classmate by email, please contact me with an alternate address. Thanks!

Mystery Classmates 125

2008-03-27T23:21:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Debbie Faskow Feller, Kelly O’Connor, Coleman Brennan, Lori Haas Baccari, Staci Blagovich Dunbar, Pam Van Cara Collis, Leslie Rush Cuda, Kirsten Bonvalot Schwoegl, Milton Koutavas, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Lisa Smith, Laura Murton O’Hara, Caren Bloom, Damon Johncour, Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson, Karen Campbell Ricci, Kira Kenyherz Bartlett, Cheryl Mehalic, Linda Wolff, Jean Ward Dunnivan, and Michele Sherer Ancheta, all of whom correctly identified David Barclay and Chris Kennedy (’84) as Mystery Classmates #125 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In addition, Maria Wojtaszek Hughes, Karen Bonvalot Torres, Joanna Patterson, Nancy Ondick Hahn, Rich Reschoff, Erin Burgard DiPerna, Lynn Abt LeBlanc, Tracey Lucchino McDonough, and Pam Pristas Dwyer identified only Dave. John Plack, and Amy Gongaware Senkow identified only Chris. They receive half credit.

In case you were wondering, Dave and Chris both reside in the Pittsburgh area. Dave is employed at Shuman Juvenile Detention Center, and he and his wife Pam have a son Braden, age 5. Chris is running the family plumbing business and likes to ride his Harley. The photo was taken at May’s Class of ’84 reunion picnic.

Many classmates shared fond memories of Dave and Chris.

Coleman Brennan, John Plack, Milton Koutavas, and Caren Bloom remembered that Chris’ nickname was Kringle, Crinkle, Krinkles, or Crink. Maria Wojtaszek Hughes noted that Dave lives near her and she has seen him several times recently. Lori Haas Baccari opined that “age is their best friend. They look good.”

Caren Bloom recalled that Chris’ older brother Keith used to date her older sister Riki (’83). Damon Johncour remembered that Dave and Chris were good guys and great teammates. Lynn Abt LeBlanc went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania with Dave.

Ted Showers didn’t guess, but admired Chris’ mustache and noted that I took the time to erase Dave’s nametag in the picture. Kira Kenyherz Bartlett wrote, “I’ve known Dave since elementary school! He’s still as upbeat and happy friendly as I always remembered. He always had that mischievous twinkle in his eye!”

Michele Sherer Ancheta got to spend some time with Dave, his wife and son at the reunion picnic, but Chris was roaring off on his Harley when she arrived. She added, “He still looks the same - just an older version of his high school self! (Aren't we all?!?)” Lisa Smith enjoyed seeing the guys at the picnic and noted that “Dave's son, in some ways, is a ‘chip off the old block!’ In all seriousness, Dave and his wife have done a great job!!!”

Cheryl Mehalic told a funny story. “David cheated off of me in English since 5th grade!! See his name begins with B (in one row) and mine with M (in the next row) so we sat next to each other in English class, almost every year. In fact, one year he even had his class changed so he could be in the same class as I was so he could copy off of me!! The bad part is one year he actually got a better grade than I did (do to his capabilities at kissing butt). Oh well we laughed a lot!!”

The Burgard family is related to everyone. Erin Burgard DiPerna wrote, “I believe that the guy on the left is my cousin David "Cuddy" Barclay--the sunglasses are throwing me a bit. If that is David, I can't even begin to describe the ways he would terrorize my sisters, cousins and I when we were little. Cuddy can still belt out those Christmas carols at our family gathering on Christmas Eve night. I have fond memories of when David was a security guard at Monroeville Mall...decked out in his police gear. I think that David and Damon Johncour hold the ‘longest reception’ record at Churchill -- 99 yards? The Barclay family is still on Barclay Avenue and they are still hilarious.”

Milton Koutavas wrote, “David Barclay looks the same as if he were back in high school. Dave was friends with my older brothers Jerry and Denny and a good all-around athlete. I remember Dave and his older brother Danny coming by to shoot hoops when we lived on Barclay Avenue. I also remember when Chris played catcher on my brothers’ little league team. He led the team in hitting and being ejected the most. Good memories!!!!”

Donna Andreas Copley took the photo. She wrote, “I enjoyed catching up with Dave at the reunion... it was fun to remember back to seventh grade and the ole obstacle course challenge. It was amazing what a big deal that was in the school with bets and all..... One of those fun memories from the only year I got to go to Forest Hills Junior High! It sounds like Dave is doing well and getting some coaching in too! All I remember about Chris was that all the girls loved him in junior high...”

Nancy Ondick Hahn wins the prize. She wrote, “I have to say that I'd recognize that smile any day! Dave was one of my first crushes at Shaffer Elementary! I know that smile because I certainly stared at him enough through those years! I always hoped he'd pick me to be on his kickball team and as much as I hoped he'd throw the ball at me while playing desk ball, I also prayed that the force of the throw wouldn't knock me down to the floor! I actually got to roller skate with him once at the Forest Hills Roller Rink... a dream come true at the time! However, as we skated around, he was only digging for info about the girl he really wanted to skate with - Chrissy Perello! Such is life! I sure hope Dave enjoyed reading this baring of my soul!”

Amy Petrina Tarantini guessed that Chris was Keith Evers. Pam Pristas Dwyer guessed that Chris was Mike Damico. Erin Burgard DiPerna guessed that Chris was Geraldo Rivera.

Mystery Classmate 124

2008-01-21T10:53:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Kelly Sauer Mazon, John Lees, Kira Kenyherz Bartlett, and Colleen O’Connor Casey, all of whom correctly identified John Kun (’82) as Mystery Classmate #124 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Dr. John Kokai-Kun is Director of Microbiology at Biosynexus, Inc., in Gaithersburg, MD. Biosynexus is a biopharmaceutical company that is commercializing a portfolio of products for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. The company has focused its initial efforts on developing products for the prevention and treatment of hospital acquired – nosocomial – staphylococcal infections.

John Lees shared fond memories of John. He wrote, “I wanna say this is John Kun ('82), but it has been 20 years! I think it's the smile and the eyes. If it is him, I need to talk to that guy!! He kind of disappeared from my life after college! I remember the many, many laughs in high school, starting a band, practicing in his house with his mom critiquing the musicianship. The parties, OH! The parties!! I need to chat with this boy!”

Mike Kuzy guessed Lloyd Richard, or maybe John Smozski’s uncle.

Mystery Classmate 123

2008-01-21T10:46:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Carrie Schadle, Beth “TGIF” Chufo Nichols, Milton Koutavas, Jack Horner, Marc Schanfarber, Tracey Lucchino McDonough, Maria Wojtaszek Hughes, Brian “S.D.” Stevenson, Tabitha Husted Riggio, Paul Rodgers, Bill Stout, Dave Holmes, Pam Matthews, Andy Moss, Robin Carey Seddon, and Rebecca Canobbio Abel, all of whom correctly identified Aarti Gurnani (’85) as Mystery Classmate #123 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Aarti Gurnani Krentz and her husband Jeff Krentz live in Rowayton, CT. They have a handsome little son named Bennett. Aarti works for Cisco Systems, Inc. as a Consulting Principal for their Internet Business Solutions Group in the Cable Practice Area and in July moderated a discussion at the Customer Care Committee Forum in Philadelphia on self care systems, including specific recommendations and best practices for improving service through customer friendly automation.

Several classmates shared fond memories of Aarti. Tabitha Husted Riggio remembered that she was a nice girl. Robin Carey Seddon called her a “color guard extraordinaire.” Dave Holmes and Pam Matthews spelled Aarti’s name correctly and added, “She was such a burnout.”

Bill Stout wrote, “In physics, Mr. Nagy made Aarti sit next to me. We laughed some, but I mostly just dragged her down. To this day the only vector that I understand is a straight line to the fridge for another cheap beer!”

Marc Schanfarber remembered Aarti from computer science class. Andy Moss corroborated this, noting, “She was a good friend through the Churchill years. Probably one of the brightest, sweetest people I knew. We had good times on Rifle team but I also remember working with her on computer programming (Fortran 77) with Marc Schanfarber.”

Amy Petrina Tarantini and Paula Recchio Joseph guessed Shernaaz Kapadia, who previously appeared as Mystery Classmate #41. It’s probably not a coincidence that when Shernaaz was pictured no fewer than five contestants guessed Aarti. It must be the “double A’S” in their first names that has gotten some classmates confused.

Wendy Silverman Calfe guessed Anthea Papazis. Keith Shipley guessed Ria Callas. Jim Davliakos guessed Risa Glick.

Mystery Classmate 122

2007-12-07T14:48:00.001-05:00

Mystery Classmate #122 proved a little too difficult for anyone to identify, and for good reason. I thought it was John Smozski (’84) - but as I later learned, the gentleman pictured is actually John's dad!

Mark Blotzer tipped me to this, writing, “That bio of John Smozski on the Herrmann Printing and Litho web site is his father! I should know -- we were neighbors and grew up together. I believe John is working for Forest Hills Storage and Transfer on Ardmore Blvd. He has worked there since high school.”

In case you were wondering, John Sr. is a driver with Herrmann Printing and Litho in Pittsburgh. They seem to like him a lot! His aforementioned bio on the Herrmann web site reads, “John has been with our company for over 15 years. He knows all the routes and all the short cuts to get your projects delivered on time. He is a great part of our team, and will always manage to put a smile on your face. We're proud to have John!”

Beth “TGIF” Chufo Nichols wrote, “This is a VERY wild guess... Marc Schanfarber? It looks like an expression he would make. If it is, we used to sit in the back of French 2 class our senior year and totally get Kim Kost and Kris Kefalogiannis, then freshmen, in trouble. It was so bad one time, that Kim was sent to sit at the front of the class. I still remember her looking back at us, totally busted! Already corrupting minors!”

Some guessers were influenced by John’s cap. Milton Koutavas guessed Scott Glunt. Paul Rodgers guessed former Penguin center Orest Kindrachuk.

Donna Andreas Copley and Becky Gongaware Hannon felt that John’s photo made him look too experienced to be a 1980s graduate. Donna added, “I got carded at the beach a few weeks ago!”

Karen Campbell Ricci wrote, “Could it be Mr. Yeager, our Woodside School custodian? I can't quite remember his face but I'm guessing the age might be about right.” I remembered that Mr. Yeager used to draw pictures of trucks for us first-graders.

Stu Cohen wrote, “I think it's Emil, our old janitor from Atlantic Avenue Elementary. I have no idea.” Later, Jennifer Taylor Brandeis wrote, “An update on Emil, the janitor from Atlantic Avenue, would be nice. He was really great and his glass eye is one of my most vivid childhood memories. I took a metal door from the basement of the school when it was being demolished but haven't found a good use for it yet.”

Bill Stout wrote, “This week’s MC looks too old for my class. Could that possibly be a teacher? How about good ol' Les Neihl.”

Steve Landay guessed Dabney Coleman.

Mystery Classmate 121

2007-12-07T14:43:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to John Lees, who correctly identified Neil Slifkin (’82) as Mystery Classmate #121.

In case you were wondering, Neil is a member of the New York law firm Harris Beach and leader of their Intellectual Property Practice Group. He regularly litigates all types of intellectual property actions including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade dress infringement actions.

Mr. Slifkin also serves as local counsel in numerous intellectual property actions pending in the United States District Courts for the Western and Northern Districts of New York. In addition to representing clients in litigation, Neil represents technology companies in negotiating and documenting intellectual property transactions, including product development projects and intellectual property purchases, sales and licensing.

Neil also prepares and prosecutes patent applications in a wide variety of technologies including medical devices, complex mechanical systems, optical technologies, sporting goods, electrical components, lighting components, and others. He has also prosecuted patent appeals before the Patent Board of Appeals and Interferences. Neil maintains an active trademark practice, prosecuting trademark applications and handling interparty proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and maintains the international trademark portfolios of numerous clients engaged in global commerce.

John Lees adds, “Neil was a good friend in high school, college and for many years thereafter. I have since lost touch with him, his wife and children.”

John Plack and Donna Andreas Copley guessed Keith Magel. Coleman Brennan guessed Mike Mroz. Adam Neilly guessed Joe Calabria.

Scott Silverman guessed Chuck Zimmerman. Jim Davliakos guessed Kevin Finnerty.

Mystery Classmate 120

2007-09-28T13:15:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Milton Koutavas, Mary Brandenstein Curran, Greg Markantone, Christine Trinchero Haddad, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Stu Cohen, Amy Chufo Prezelski, Michele McClelland, Doug Kull, and Rich Reschoff, all of whom correctly identified Eric Kostic (’85) as Mystery Classmate #118 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Eric is about to begin his first season as head football coach at Saltsburg Middle/High School, where he is also the school principal. Eric previously served as head football coach for 10 years at McDonough High School in Charles County, Md., before moving to Greater Latrobe High School, where he filled the role of defensive coordinator from 1999 to 2001.

"At McDonough, we developed a pretty good program," he said. "It was an exciting time," including repeat conference titles and a trip to the state finals at the end of one season. He said a highlight of his time on the Latrobe staff was the team's trip to the WPIAL playoffs for the first time in nearly two decades.

Eric also taught in the Latrobe school system and worked as a school administrator in Maryland, before most recently serving as assistant principal at North Hills Junior-Senior High School.

After his Churchill career as a fullback and linebacker, Eric played defensive end at Mercyhurst College. "To me, playing sports is a release," Kostic said. "It's something that's fun to do, and it's something the players should enjoy."

He added, "There is an equation that works: hard work equals success. The kids here have an opportunity to do well, if they are willing to put the effort into it."

Kostic declined to reveal any strategies from his previous teams that he may adapt for the Trojans. He said, "The only goal I've ever had as a coach is for my team to be well-prepared and fundamentally sound. We need to block, tackle and avoid turnovers."

Several classmates had fond memories of Eric. Christine Trinchero Haddad and Stu Cohen felt that Eric still looks the same as he did in high school.

Amy Chufo Prezelski elaborated, “He has that same lopsided smile that just lights up his face (he looks way too serious without it)! He was always nice to me in spite of me being a lowly friend of his sister, Sue. He looks great!”

Milton Koutavas remembered the yearbook photo that earned Eric the nickname of "Walnuts".

Rich Reschoff announced, “Eric Kostic #54 your starting middle linebacker for your Churchill Chargers!!”

Lynn Abt LeBlanc guessed Barry Schwartz. Jim Davliakos guessed Bruce Babich. Mike Mroz guessed Tony Soprano.

Mystery Classmate 119

2007-09-28T13:09:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Lori Haas Baccari, Marc Schanfarber, Pam Van Cara Collis, Donna Andreas Copley, Dave Weidenhammer, Nancy Ondick Hahn, Ted Smith, Andy Moss, Lisa Smith, Doug Mackay, Jean Ward Dunnivan, Rhonda Gigliotti Fiore, Kelly Mazon Sauer, Greg Markantone, Karen Campbell Ricci, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Michele Sherer Ancheta, Cheryl Mehalic, Sharon Wasko Skoff, Kira Kenyherz Bartlett, Beth Chufo Nichols, Linda Wolff, Chad Calabria, Lynn Abt LeBlanc, and John Plack, who correctly identified Doug Battaglia (’84) as Mystery Classmate #119 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Doug lives in Columbus, Ohio, and works for Honda Motor Company. Rhonda Gigliotti Fiore, whose husband went to Pitt with Doug, reports that his family just grew on July 7 when his second daughter Angelina was born. Congratulations Doug!

Many classmates had nice things to say about Doug. Pam Van Cara Collis remembered that she grew up just down the street from Doug.

Ted Smith wrote, “Who can forget that Plymouth Barracuda? The unreliability of which surely made him look for work at Toyota.”

Andy Moss wrote, “I recall playing soccer with Doug, seems that he was usually sharing defensive duties with Craig Davis, catching all the charges that I let go through the midfield.”

Chad Calabria remembered that Doug was a nice guy and super funny.

Lynn Abt LeBlanc remembered that Doug always had a nice smile and a great sense of humor.

Donna Andreas Copley reported that her first kiss was with Doug’s brother Frank.

The picture was taken at the Class of ’84 reunion picnic and several classmates remembered seeing him there, where he was a big hit with the kiddies. Michele Sherer Ancheta reported, “The kids had a blast chasing him and getting him wet with water balloons. Also, my daughter, Ella found his cellphone in the grass and won the grand prize of $1. She couldn't stop talking about it!”

Linda Wolff added, “My daughter, age 10, said that he is really cool. A note to Doug.. You turned out to be a real nice guy.”

Lori Haas Baccari thought he looked cute with his baby bottle.

Doug Mackay noted that “it looks like he is still trying to figure out if beer or formula is better for his soccer game.”

Those who hadn’t attended the picnic thought that Doug looked exactly the same.

Andrew “Bearsy” Plack came close, guessing Frank Battaglia. Brian “S.D.” Stevenson, Paul Rodgers, and Stu Cohen guessed Gregg Bobick. Dave Weidenhamer also considered Greg Bobick before guessing correctly.

Karen Campbell Ricci considered Chris “Crinkle” Kennedy before guessing correctly. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli took a wild guess and selected Tim Henry, although she didn’t think the hair was right. Ellen Lin guessed Stu Cohen. Dave Holmes guessed the actor Paul Rudd.

Mystery Classmate 118

2007-09-28T13:07:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Mark Koutavas, who correctly identified Omar Lateef (’82) as Mystery Classmate #118.

In case you were wondering, Omar is a Scion Certified Salesperson at Fred Anderson Toyota and Fred Anderson Scion in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Anderson Automotive Group is a world class retailer dedicated to excellence in automotive sales and service, whose mission is to improve the lives of our employees, customers, business partners, and communities by providing automotive service with the highest level of quality, convenience and customer satisfaction.

Rich Reschoff, Michelle Osterholm, and Stu Cohen guessed Melvin Coburn, Jr. Stu added that “he sat behind me my senior year and was one of the funniest human beings I ever met.”

Jerry Koutavas guessed Cleveland Furby, adding, “Cleveland showed me early on that I had no ability to rap and for that matter carry a beat and to stick to piano lessons.”

Donna Andreas Copley thought that Omar looks “like a black Vince Oddo.” Karen Campbell Ricci agreed.

Mystery Classmate 117

2007-09-28T12:53:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Marc Schanfarber, Dave Holmes, Pam Matthews, Tabitha Husted Riggio, and Jeff Buchanan, all of whom correctly identified Ed Pogozelski (’84) as Mystery Classmate #117 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Ed is a physics professor at the State University of New York – Geneseo, where he is known as Dr. Pogo. After completing his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon in 1988, Ed was employed at Westinghouse Electric Corp. for two years, where he worked on the design and manufacture of U.S. Navy nuclear refueling equipment. In 1990, he left Westinghouse for graduate school and earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University in 1996. Before coming full time to SUNY-Geneseo, Ed taught at several colleges in the Rochester area, including SUNY-Geneseo, RIT, and Houghton College. While not teaching, Ed has done consulting work with Delphi Automotive and HydroAcoustics, Inc., both in Henrietta, New York. You can find more information and another picture on his web page at http://www.geneseo.edu/%7Epogo/.

Several classmates shared fond and unique memories of Ed. Jeff Buchanan and Marc Schanfarber both pointed out that Ed finished out his high school time at Turtle Creek, after the Woodland Hills merger sent Eastmont and other Wilkins Township residents to the Crick.

Dave Holmes and Pam Matthews remembered that Ed was Pam’s prom date, and offered to share a picture of Ed with a rubber chicken on his head and his hand between two pillows, but only if Ed agrees.

Tabitha Husted Riggio also remembered Ed and the rubber chicken, and bowling. We need details, people!

Later, Tabitha elaborated, “The four of us went to the prom together, Dave (Holmes), Pam (Matthews), Ed, and me. After the prom we went bowling and up to my cottage in Ligonier (God rest its soul). We were so tired from staying up so long that absolutely everything was hysterically funny. (Just for the record, there were no sex, drugs, or alcohol involved.) I remember someone throwing a deck of cards in the air and thinking it was the funniest thing in the world. Pam had probably brought the rubber chicken and that too seemed very funny at the time - and somehow still does! Some of the best memories I have are from high school...wonderful friends and wonderful times...”

Amy Petrina guessed Matt Myers. Steve Falvo guessed Greg Germ. Dave Weidenhamer guessed either Kevin Germ, Charlie (David) Kotler, or Ben Williams.

Donna Andreas Copley and Karen Campbell Ricci agreed that Mystery Classmate #117 looked like Jeff Spaeder, but it couldn’t have been Jeff Spaeder, because Karen saw Jeff in church and he looked nothing like that today. Anyway, he went to Central Catholic. His younger brother Tim is a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins.

On a related note, Jennifer Taylor Brandeis considered guessing Tim Spaeder but decided not to. Jerry Koutavas guessed Mike Zanic, noting that he is of Greek descent.

Mystery Classmate 116

2007-08-24T15:07:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Colleen O’Connor Casey and Ken Van Cara, both of whom correctly identified Tina Schadle (’87) as Mystery Classmate #116 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Tina writes:“Hey. That’s me. Tina Schadle Dover '87. I assume my sister is to thank for submitting that fabulous shot of me and my daughter Sophie.

“I guess it would now be appropriate for me to give you a brief update. I graduated from Boston University in 1991 and moved to Philadelphia, where I spent several years working as a waitress before stumbling into insurance.

"I made my way back to Boston in 1997 and worked for a regional insurance company specializing in Healthcare Liability until July, 2002 when my daughter was born. I returned briefly to Pittsburgh from July 2002 until December of this past year. I currently live with my husband Roman and three-year-old daughter Sophia (pictured) in Newton, Massachusetts and work for AIG in Boston as a Healthcare Professional Liability Underwriter. (It's not nearly as boring as it sounds, but I won't expand on it any further).”

Carrie Schadle added some interesting trivia. “My sister was in Churchill's last graduating class, and my dad was in the first (whatever year that was--i forget--'65 maybe?).”

Ken Van Cara shared a fond memory of Tina. “Tina was a very very cool person--we had a lot of fun senior year,whether we were just driving around in Chris Petrauskas' car, kidnapping Rebecca Canobbio, neglecting to kidnap Pam Rodgers or disturbing Paul Shapera's neighbors while he was attempting to have a clandestine party while his mother was out of town. Paul, hope the statute of limitations has passed on that old feud.

“I think Tina stayed in Boston after college. Very interested to know what she's doing...she was a very smart person and has probably been developing a new DNA transplant therapy or something equally impressive.”

Jamie Kracsun McBride guessed Carrie Schadle. Rich Reschoff guessed Carrie Schadle, or Beth “TGIF” Chufo.

Pam Matthews and Dave Holmes guessed Beth Wilson. Donna Andreas Copley guessed Leann Impavido. Deb Faskow Feller guessed Laura Urbanic.

Paula Recchio Joseph guessed Gretchen Grindle. Jerry Koutavas guessed Brigid McDermott.

Mystery Classmate 115

2007-08-24T15:04:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Lisa Smith and Lynn Abt LeBlanc, both of whom correctly identified Ted Smith (’84) as Mystery Classmate #115 (despite the poor resolution of the photo) and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Ted currently lives in Louisville, KY with his wife Jane and sons Andrew (age 5) and Christian (age 2). Ted is SVP and General Manager of the Business Publishing division of CNET Networks. According to Ted, he discovered Mystery Classmate when Jerry Koutavas, also in the computer industry, called on Ted’s company for a partnership. Ted left high school for Allegheny College, then on to grad school at Miami University of Ohio where he received a Masters and Ph.D. in Cognitive Science. Then off to MIT for a two-year post-doc. Ted spent his grad and post-grad years working on space life sciences. His research was ultimately selected to fly on the space shuttle Columbia in 1998 where several astronauts proved that wearing a head mounted display in microgravity makes you feel downright sick. Ted left MIT to run an R&D group at Accenture in Chicago; then was off to run a start-up company in Minneapolis when that was fashionable in 1998, which led him to the CNET division in Louisville in 2000. Through all of this, Ted has stayed in regular contact with Craig Davis - a friendship forged with ice cold Genesee Cream Ale which he is sure is no longer part of the 8th grade experience.

Fellow classmates shared fond memories of Ted.

Lisa Smith wrote, "No, we're not related, but we had a heck of a lot of homeroom classes together! Good guy!"

Lynn Abt LeBlanc wrote, "I had his name tag at the reunion and we walked in at the same time! I never did get a chance to talk to him after that. I hope I am right!"

Nancy Ondick Hahn buzzed in late and wrote, "When I viewed photo #115, my first thought was that it was Ted Smith. Then, I thought it wasn't because Ted was our diligent yearbook photographer and he would have sent in a different (ie. better quality) sort of head shot or something! Although we have lost touch through the years, I have MANY fond memories of our friendship throughout high school. We covered a ton of miles in his brown Pinto! I also recall a few of those Genesee Cream Ale gatherings on the Edgewood Country Club Golf Course! I'm so happy to hear how well he's doing and I'm sorry I missed seeing him at our latest reunion."

Greg Markantone guessed Jerry Koutavas. Jerry Koutavas guessed Danny Kun.

Andrew "Bearsy" Plack wrote, "That looks like my brother-in-law, but since he's never even been to Pittsburgh, my second guess is Joe Delanko. "

Lori Haas Baccari guessed Ted Showers. Ted Showers and Paul Rodgers both guessed Max Headroom.

Beth "TGIF" Chufo wrote, "No guesses... Looks like one of those modern "pictures" at the Carnegie Art Museum."

Mystery Classmate 114

2007-08-24T14:59:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Ann Broadberry Johnson, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Ted Showers, Steve Landay, Ken Van Cara, Paul Rodgers, Rebecca Canobbio Abel, and Dave Weidenhamer, all of whom correctly identified Steve Falvo and Mike Snyder (’88) as Mystery Classmates #114 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

Half credit to Joe Caprara and Brian “S.D.” Stevenson, each of whom identified Mike Snyder.

In case you were wondering, Donna Andreas Copley provided the following rundown:

“Hey, I know those guys (maybe because I sent in the photo from my sister)! That's my nephew Sleeven Falvo and Mike Snyder - 1988! I have no clue what Mike Snyder is up to - ask Sleeve! Sleeve is doing well these days, but don't ask me what he does... I think he's going back in the military again soon. He served in the 1st Gulf War in the army. I met his girl friend Mary when I was home over reunion weekend (I did "family reunion" instead of the Saturday '84 reunion dinner). She was very nice and so was her daughter - she has to be super nice to put up with Steve! I know Steve likes to sky dive - he sent me some videos of him in the sky. Steve has not procreated yet - maybe that's a good thing??!! At least my sister Stef ('67) has two other grandkids from Vikki ('86).”

Steve Falvo later checked in with the following:

“Mike is married to Laura and living in NJ and working as a computer guru with Dow Jones. They have a dog named Murph that likes to attack Steve.

”Steve is living in a cardboard box under an undisclosed bridge in Pittsburgh and is currently waiting on military orders. I'll be leaving for training in the fall or at the beginning of 2006.

”I'm not sure where the photo was taken. I usually don't remember too much when I'm with Mike. It was probably at the ‘Spring Fling’ in 2004.”

Several classmates shared fond memories of Mike and Steve.

Ann Broadberry Johnson remembered that they were both “such nice, great guys.” Maribeth Mahoney Misitis recalled that they were “two really, really nice guys. They made a cappella choir fun! Glad to see they are still great friends.”

Steve Landay wrote, “I'm glad to see that Falvo is no longer wearing camouflage pants!” Brian “S.D.” Stevenson noted that Snyder is still drinking "fruity beer." Dave Weidenhamer found it odd that there's only one beer in the picture.

Ken Van Cara expounded at length. “Oh, the stories I could tell about Mr. Falvo --some of which involve band, choir, and those sorts of wholesome activities, but many more of which involve drinking beer, and running from the police. In particular, there was an incident at Lions Park in which poor Mr. (Dave) Grejda was captured by Johnny Law. I also remember the day that Steve, Mike and I formed a short lived garage band in Mike Snyder's garage, called "The Jimmy Kwiecinski Has No Friends Band." Sorry, Jim, not sure who came up with it, but it seemed hysterical at the time. Falvo on drums, Snyder and Van Cara on guitar, and, I think, Joe Dallas on bass. Also remember many years of Turkey Bowl football games at Koch Park. In particular I remember Steve coming back after his first stint in the Army--he was approximately a foot and a half taller than when he left and he was hell bent on 'kicking some commie butt.' All in all, Steve was an awfully nice guy and a good friend and he's probably softened his stance on "commies" a good bit. Although, who knows? 1988 was a long time ago...”

Linda Wolff didn’t guess, but noted correctly that the fellows are younger than us. Jerry Koutavas guessed Brian Behler and Kevin Kurpecky.

Mystery Classmate 113

2007-08-10T09:20:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Pam Van Cara Collis, John Plack, Cheryl Mehalic, Kelly Mazon Sauer, Mary Bender Knight, Pam Pristas Dwyer, Lisa Smith, Michele Sherer Ancheta, Linda Wolff, Beth Chufo Nichols, Chad Calabria, Monica Keane Sauk, and Duke Johncour, all of whom correctly identified Damon Johncour (’84) as Mystery Classmate #113 (in the red visor) and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Damon attended Geneva College after graduation and played football for one year. Over the next several years he attended a number of other schools including Waynesburg College and Harmarville Training Institute for orthotics and prosthetics. In 1988 Damon moved to Dayton, Ohio to take a position with Fidelity Orthotics and Prosthetics as a technician. He worked there for three years and decided it was time to move up the ladder.

Over the next year and a half Damon took full time classes at Sinclair Community College and worked waiting tables and bartending. He met his wife Cindy McManes, from Xenia, OH, and they were married in 1993. Damon moved to Dallas, Texas (the state where he was born) to finish school, and in 1995 earned his bachelor of science in Kinesiology, with a minor in Business and Public Relations at the University of Texas at Tyler. Two weeks after graduation Damon started classes at Northwestern Medical School in Chicago for the certificate program in Orthotics & Prosthetics. He completed his studies and a residency program specializing in Pediatrics in 1998.

Damon provided the following helpful definitions: Orthotics - The bracing of limb anomalies and correction of diseased and broken limbs. Halo application, scoliosis bracing correction, bracing for Cerebral Palsy, Mylo Mengioseal, CVA (strokes) etc. Prosthetics - The evaluation, measurements and fitting of artificial limbs, upper extremity and lower extremity, for geriatric, traumatic and pediatric patients. Damon and Cindy, with their first son Donald Payton, moved to Raleigh, NC. Damon worked for Professional Orthotics and Prosthetics from 1998 to 2002. Damon then started his own O&P practice in 2003, North Carolina Orthotics & Prosthetics. He now has two offices, in Raleigh and Henderson, NC.

Along the way Garrett Gregory (GG) was born in 2000. And on June 30, Damon and Cindy had their third child, Alania Paige. Damon still enjoys many hobbies, most of all golf. He currently holds a 3.2 handicap at Henderson Country Club. Damon also enjoys coaching his two sons in football and baseball and loves taking his boys golfing.

Several classmates shared fond memories of Damon.Both Linda Wolff and Chad Calabria remarked that it was nice to see Damon at the class reunion. Other classmates intimated that it would have been difficult to recognize Damon, had they not seen him a month ago at the reunion. Duke Johncour noted that “It looks to be the one they used to call ‘Mo-Mi’ -- or Damon Johncour - not a real tough one for me this week.”

Scott Silverman and Brian “S.D.” Stevenson guessed Dave “Wedge” Grejda. Keith Shipley guessed Mark Shanahan. Amy Petrina Tarantini guessed Sue Kostic.

Paula Recchio Joseph guessed Mike Cenna. Jerry Koutavas guessed Bruce Babich.

Donna Andreas Copley complained about the photo resolution and wrote, “Anyhow, the second from the left looks like a runner I used to know (he died a few years ago from a heart attack - yikes!), the guy on the right looks like a guy named Danny Smith that works at Dupont in Richmond, and the girl on the left kinda looks like Tricia Mielo - remember West Side Story?”

Mystery Classmate 112

2007-08-10T09:15:00.001-04:00

Mystery Classmate #112 proved a little too difficult for anyone to identify. He is Anker West (’81).

In case you were wondering, Anker received a BFA in Sculpture from Philadelphia College of Art in 1985, and studied architecture in the graduate program at New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1993 and 1994.

While with Sustainable Design Associates, he was awarded first prize in the Southside Broad Street design competition for Providence RI, 1998. In the spring of 2002, his work was exhibited at the Sumei Multidisciplinary Arts Center in Newark and at the Rhode Island Foundation Gallery.

Anker is currently an instructor at the Arts Guild of Rahway and works as a ceramics instructor with the Studioworks After School Program, Communities in Schools of NJ. He is Associate designer and project manager with Troy West, Architect in Newark. Anker also is involved with Art Reach through Newark's City Without Walls Gallery, acting as a mentor to high school students interested in becoming artists.

Gary Lehman guessed Acty Rindt. Colleen O’Connor Casey guessed Bill Blake. Karen Campbell Ricci guessed Bill Taxay. Jerry Koutavas guessed Bill Stout.

Laura Fleming Schulte wrote, “Well, normally I would have given up at at my first guess, Mr. Kotter, but because Dave Kotler looked so much like himself in last week's picture, I figure I have to try harder. So, if I take away some hair, the beard, and trade the button down for a t-shirt, it sort of looks like Stuart Cohen contemplating a block-by-block world takeover. How did I do?”

Celesta Bjornson Van Sickel guessed John Kracsun, adding, “It’s that hair! I am pretty darn sure that is John. You would think I would know for sure since I dated him for about two years after high school!”

Leslie Rush Cuda didn’t guess, but complained that Anker was too far away. Linda Wolff also declined to guess, but praised the photo, noting, “He’s an artistic fellow!”

Some classmates got a little silly with their guessing. Stu Cohen guessed Gabe Kaplan, or the Unabomber. Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Gene Shalit. Ted Showers guessed Steven Spielberg. Milton Koutavas guessed Rupert from Survivor. Greg Markantone guessed Charles Manson. Brian “S.D.” Stevenson guessed Mr. Lloyd.

Mystery Classmate 111

2007-07-27T09:36:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan, who correctly identified David Kotler (’86) as Mystery Classmate #111 (well, not really, but more on that later).

In case you were wondering, it was originally believed that David is an attorney with Dechert LLP, based in Princeton, New Jersey. He was thought to be a partner in Dechert's financial services and securities litigation group, advising and representing clients in a wide range of complex corporate and commercial litigation matters involving the financial markets, contracts and business torts. It was claimed that he represented a number of clients in class actions arising from the purchase/sale of securities and in derivative actions.

David was thought to be a member of the Bars of New York and New Jersey and admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the District of New Jersey and the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Second, Third, and Federal Circuits; and the Supreme Court of the United States. He was believed to be a member of the American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Trial Evidence Subcommittee (Case Columnist).

Finally, it was believed that David holds a B.S. from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations and a J.D. from the New York University School of Law, where he was Staff Editor of the Annual Survey of American Law.

Coleman Brennan considered Bob Bender before deciding on David Kotler. Greg Markantone guessed Stanley Kuznicki. Bill Stout guessed Ken Shriber.

Paul Rodgers guessed Len Rinchiuso. Scott Silverman guessed Alan Checca. Debbie Faskow Feller guessed Ed Roeder.

Amy Gongaware Senkow guessed Brad Drago. Donna Andreas Copley guessed Ken “Mr. 300” Fetsick. Jerry Koutavas could not decide between Craig “Faygo” Prentice, Scott Rosenfeld, Ross “Ducky” Finestone, and Jim Davliakos, whom Jerry noted is of Greek descent.

Dave Weidenhamer considered Monte Moreschi, and then decided it was Rosario Colucci. Finally, after several mojitos, Dave amended his guess to Hank Azaria.

One week later, after the identity of Mystery Classmate #111 was revealed, Steve Landay wrote, “Who told you this was Dave Kotler? Were there TWO David Kotlers in our school? Because the ONLY one I knew sat right in front of me in Home Room and I'm still friends with him today. Who the HELL is this guy??? HAHAHAHAHA”

I sent Steve a link to the website where I found the David Kotler pictured, and added, “You might have been able to convince me that it's not Kotler, except that Coleman guessed him, and as I remember that is what he looked like. At least the David Kotler I knew. Maybe there are two? In hopes of resolving this I am ccing Coleman AND David Kotler on this email. Why not forward to the other Kotler, if there is one, and we all can debate it.”

We never heard back from Coleman, or from the attorney David Kotler, but after a few more rounds of email, I received the following:

“Hi everyone, this is (David) Kotler, Churchill Class of '85. I have two sister Kotlers who also went to Churchill ('83 and '81), but as far as I know, I am the one and only David A. Kotler who went there. (The originally pictured) Kotler, the successful attorney from New Jersey, is obviously taking advantage of our name, similar good looks, and age to make people believe he is me. This is quite understandable given my current part-time employment status as operations manager for the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh!

”Coleman, I'm flattered you attributed such success to me, but...

”I will send a recent picture soon to show the resemblance (despite my current long hair and goatee)!”

The second photo is the real Kotler.

In a related development, Tabitha Husted Riggio wrote, “David Kotler was a very nice guy - from my bus stop. It is nice to see that he is successful.”

Mystery Classmate 110

2007-07-27T09:31:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Joel Borellis, Bob Smith, Amy Chufo Prezelski, Milton Koutavas, Jim Thompson, Tina Schadle Dover, Scott Silverman, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Erin Burgard DiPerna, Mary Bender Knight, Megan Mahoney, Betsy Raible Ford, Ann Broadberry Johnson, Karen Campbell Ricci, Rebecca Canobbio Abel, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, and Bill Stout, all of whom correctly identified Kristin Burgard (’87) as Mystery Classmate #110 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Barbara Bender Pietro sent the photograph along with this report:

“Kristin is still as hilarious and driven as she has always been, and is a brilliant conversationalist who looks the same as the day she graduated from high school. She has a precious two-year-old daughter named Katie, for Kristin's mom, who is the sweetest little girl. Katie is also verbally gifted and keeps us in stitches with her comments about things. Kristin's husband, Paul Mayer, is a great guy, and he and Kristin seem to have a lot of fun together. They live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Kristin works part time for Wayne State University, as a grant-funded consultant to small business owners in the area. She helps entrepreneurs to connect to the resources they need in order to grow their respective businesses. Kristin is one of the most genuine and wonderful people I know!”

Other classmates had nice things to say about Kristin. Megan Mahoney added, “Besides the fact that she is looking very much like she did in high school, she is an easy pick because she's now my step-sister-in-law. It has been a blast this past year getting re-acquainted with Kristin, Erin and Kara, and meeting their spouses and children. My children are thrilled to have gained their first cousins on the Thompson-side. At recent holiday gatherings I have been enjoying Kristin's sense of humor and ability to laugh at herself - an important life-skill in my book!”

Amy Chufo Prezelski wrote, “We took computers together with Ms. Ritts. I would’ve never survived without her!! We also got to swim together and experience Coach Bass.” Ann Broadberry Johnson remembered, “Kristin and I were homeroom buddies, and we always laughed our rears off together. She prefers to go by the name Sanguita.”

Milton Koutavas called Kristin a fantastic person and a great athlete. Bill Stout recalled that Kristin was a cross-country standout. Jim Thompson added that she is a wonderful stepsister.

Colleen O’Connor Casey noted that Kristin’s daughter “is the image of the Burgard girls that I remember well.”

Kelly O’Connor guessed Kara Burgard. Maribeth Mahoney Misitis wrote, “I am going to guess one of the Burgard sisters, not quite sure which one!”

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Clara Carretta. Jerry Koutavas guessed Tracey Barbarino.

Beth Chufo Nichols did not guess, but thought that Kristin looked familiar.

Later, Bill Stout wrote, “I recall going to the prom with Jennifer Taylor and double dating with last week’s mystery classmate, Kristin Burgard and Lenny Rinchiuso. I think we rode in Lenny's dad's car. I remember, well, being very, very nervous most of the evening.”

Editor's Note: Len's dad Vince smoked these very smelly black cigars, and left the remains in the car ashtray. I think the cigars were Sicilian. Len used to get in trouble for throwing the butts away, and also for changing the radio station.

Donna Andreas Copley wrote, “While I failed to guess correctly, doesn't Kristin look a little like Clara (Carretta)? Yes, I do agree that she does look like herself too and maybe I should have studied the photo a little more before guessing! Anyhow, I knew her from cross country and she was great......she made my last year much more enjoyable. I remember her mom being so nice to all of us and sooooper supportive. Hey Kristin, drop me a line sometime!”

Mystery Classmate 109

2007-06-29T13:00:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Leslie Rush Cuda, Rich Reschoff, Donna Andreas Copley, Beth Chufo Nichols, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Nancy Ondick Hahn, Andy Moss, Marc Schanfarber, Tracy Schneider Rogers, Drew Horvath, Joe Caprara, Christine Trinchero Haddad, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Staci Blagovich, Linda Wolff, Lori Haas Baccari, Cheryl Mehalic, Amy Gongaware Senkow, Greg Markantone, Lisa Smith, Amy Baer Davie, Duke Johncour, Pam Van Cara Collis, Lynn Abt LeBlanc, Kelly O’Connor, and Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, all of whom correctly identified Stephanie Papazis (’84) as Mystery Classmate #109 (far right) and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Stephanie Papazis Neuschander writes, “After graduating from Penn State University, I substituted at various school districts for two years. Then I taught sixth grade at Woodland Hills for eleven years. Now I am at home with my children, Paulina (7) and Nicholas (16 months). I volunteer at my daughter's school in the Franklin Regional School District and enjoy teaching the children in their centers and aiding in the library.

"The photo was from when I co-chaired the first annual Forbes Hospital Harmony Ball. It was a great success with over 650 guests. I continue to participate in the Forbes Health Foundation, this being the third year. The fundraising goes towards the renovation of the emergency room. Please consider supporting this terrific event.”I enjoy cooking, golfing, and exercising. My husband, David, and I have also developed our interests in fine food, wine, and travel. It's a good thing I have a fast metabolism!”

Stephanie added that last weekend’s Class of ’84 reunion was great fun and she hopes to see more classmates at our 25th – or 26th!

Several classmates had nice things to say about Stephanie. Karen Campbell Ricci wrote, “She is still as beautiful as ever and has two beautiful children to match. I am so happy; I finally can acknowledge someone of Greek descent!”

Rich Reschoff and Ellen Broadberry Gallagher agreed that Stephanie looks great and even prettier than before. Duke Johncour remembered that Stephanie was a friend of his sister Heather.

Later, Rick Mallik wrote, “My initial instinct was that the dark-haired girl on the end looked a lot like Stephanie Papazis. I went to school with Stephanie from grade school to high school. Also, my mother did day care in Pittsburgh and actually watched Stephanie's baby Paulina for a short period of time a several years ago. As is recommended on tests, always go with your initial gut answer!”

Karen LaFace added, “Stephanie looks awesome!”

Several classmates noted that they had no trouble recognizing Stephanie from her picture after seeing her last weekend at the class reunion. Of these, only Stephanie’s cousin Greg Markantone called her “Strooper.”

Bill Stout guessed Zoe Kun. Donna Andreas Copley considered Julie Contich before guessing correctly.

Paula Recchio Joseph had no clue. Jim Kwiecinski wrote, “Looks like Natalie, a gal I worked with at Southern Wines and Spirits.” John Plack had no idea but guessed that the blonde to Stephanie’s right was Nancy Ondick.

Later, regarding John Plack’s comment that the blonde next to Stephanie looked like Nancy Ondick, Nancy replied, “Thank you, John, for making my day after I returned home from the hospital. All I can say is, ‘If only!!’ My husband said he saw a slight resemblance too.” Nancy was at the hospital for the birth of her daughter, and added, “Morgan Louise Hahn was born on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 12:27 AM. She weighed in at 4 lbs. 10 oz. and was 18 inches long. She is our little Thumbelina. We're all home and doing well!”

Mystery Classmate 108

2007-06-29T12:46:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Andy Moss, who correctly identified himself ('84) as Mystery Classmate #108 (left, in the group photo, and by himself in the other photo, which he sent later).

In case you were wondering, Andy is a partner with the Denver-based architecture firm Semple Brown Design, and moved back to Pittsburgh about a year and a half ago to open a local office and begin design work on East Liberty Square.

Andy plans a town square concept, with the historic East Liberty Presbyterian Church as its focal point. In a 2004 Post-Gazette article, Andy said, "The doors to the sanctuary are locked during the day, while in Europe the doors are open all day. And the bell tower would be a tourist attraction," offering views of town and country. And while the church contributes to the spiritual and social life of the community, "retail likes to have stores on either side of the street."

The square, perhaps demarcated with special paving, would extend from the church to the facades of the buildings that surround it, with parking on both sides of the street, an improvement. Curbs might be replaced with bollards. Moss also envisions a plaza along Penn Avenue in front of the church, with seating, sculpture and a fountain.

"It really is important that the entire four blocks around the church be the public space," he said. "One of the main challenges is to have all of these property owners manage to develop and improve their properties with some sense of cohesiveness and quality."

Andy adds, "I finally can get one right… that’s me!

"Not sure where you got the photo, but that is me with my staff (Sarah and Heather) at our new architectural office in East Liberty. We moved into our new Liberty Bank Building digs about nine months ago. I travel back to Denver about once a month. My projects range from single family homes, offices, restaurants, to theatres and urban design. I’m thrilled to be back in the ‘burgh and living in Point Breeze."

Classmate Ted Smith sent me the photo and information, and had nice things to say about Andy. Somehow I have misplaced the email that Ted sent me. However, I do remember that Ted asked me to be sure to credit fellow classmate and former Mini-Charter editor Craig Davis for sending the information to Ted.

Later, Leslie Rush Cuda wrote, “I have a funny memory of Andy Moss. All I'll say is, it was me, Laura Murton, Katie Brown, Andy, another friend of his we didn't know, and a campground somewhere near Moraine State Park. That's all I'm sayin’...!!!"

Bill Stout wrote, “He lived right up the street and yet I would have never guessed Andy Moss. Now that I know, he looks a little like his older brother.”

Karen Campbell Ricci wrote, “I never would have guessed Andy Moss from the picture but I remember him from cross country. Strangely, I remember him as being the only right handed person I ever saw that hooked his hand when writing, like a left handed person typically does. He was a nice guy and very smart.”

Laurie Young Theademan guessed Stan Kuznicki. Donna Andreas Copley guessed Greg Rudcki. Milton Koutavas guessed Warren Swigart. Rick Mallik guessed Dave Crawford. Pam Pristas Dwyer guessed Jeff Zukerman.

Jerry Koutavas identified those pictured as the Seattle-based rock band Sleater-Kinney and noted that their new cd, "The Woods", is their best album since 1997's "Dig Me Out".

Mystery Classmate 107

2007-05-01T12:17:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Colleen O’Connor Casey, Lori Haas Baccari, Tracy Schneider Rogers, Rick Mallik, Helene Bour Palmer, Christine Trinchero Haddad, Laurie Young Theademan, Deb Faskow Feller, Lisa Tarshis Galante, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Chad Calabria, and Linda Wolff, all of whom correctly identified Cheryl Mehalic (’84) as Mystery Classmate #107 (far left) and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Cheryl reports that she recently got engaged in New York City, and the attached photo was taken at that event.

She adds, “I have a set of twins that are 17, and my daughter is the third from the left in the picture. My son is not in the photo, but for anyone that knows my brother, he looks just like him. They will graduate in 2006.

“My fiancé, Keith Wynn, graduated in 1984 from Turtle Creek High School. He has two children, 13 and 11, and works at Bechtel Bettis as a Mechanical Designer. We live in Monroeville, so anyone in the area just may run into us.

“As everyone that knew me in high school knows, I was a cosmetologist for many years. After I worked as a Princess's personal stylist, but got bored with it and started in Social Science Research traveling the country studying what drugs people did. That proved to be very interesting but I wanted to be able to start a 401(k), so I started working for the City Of Pittsburgh as a property manager at the Housing Authority. Now THAT was interesting, never a dull moment.

“However, you have to live in the City to work for the City, and I moved back to Churchill when my father passed away. So now I am now working with a real estate redevelopment corporation out of DC. We specialize on Redevelopment with Tax Credits. I am a property manager for a large project in the East Hills and Helene Bour Palmer's husband's company, Repal Construction, is the General Contractor on the job. Funny how the world is such a small place.”

Several classmates had nice things to say about Cheryl. Lori Haas Baccari, Tracy Schneider Rogers, and Laurie Young Theademan thought that Cheryl looks great and/or just the same and/or has not aged. Helene Bour Palmer noted that it was probably unfair for her to guess, since Cheryl is one of her closest friends.

Rick Mallik scored bonus points by also identifying Cheryl’s mom, on the left side of the photo behind Cheryl.

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Jody Teets. Ann Broadberry Johnson guessed “Jodi something.” Jean Ward Dunnivan guessed Nancy O’Conner.

Jeff Suher wrote, cryptically, “I don’t remember him.”

Jerry Koutavas identified those pictured as, left to right, Timmie Boyle, Liz Fiano, Timmie Boyle’s sister, the Fabulous Moolah, and Mark Madden.

Mystery Classmate 106

2007-05-01T12:10:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Lori Haas Baccari, Helene Palmer Bour, Donna Andreas Copley, Marc Schanfarber, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Leslie Rush Cuda, Greg Markantone, Lauren Hoener Nace, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Lisa Callender Mitchell, Amy Baer Davie, and Chad Calabria, all of whom correctly identified Drew Horvath (’84) as Mystery Classmate #106 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Drew joined the Army in January 1985 after he got tired of delivering (and eating) Domino's pizza. He joined in the hopes of continuing his education, and subsequently accessed the Army College Fund and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Drew has been all over the world, to places he cannot spell, visiting people whose names he cannot pronounce, but says it’s been great fun and he has enjoyed almost every minute of it.

While stationed in Alaska Drew met and married the lovely (and lively) Tiffany Dalby of Palmer, Alaska. In November 2002, Drew was promoted to Major at a big party in Pittsburgh with a bunch of family and classmates including Kelly Sauer Mazon, Chad Calabria, Lisa Callender Mitchell, Mike Topping, Mike Husak, Joe Strednak and Terri Priatko. Drew is currently stationed in Korea at Camp Casey but will rejoin his wife Tiffany, daughter Taylor (10) and son Anthony (1) in July to serve a tour in Anchorage, Alaska. Drew laments that the Army will keep him away from the Class of ‘84’s 20th reunion, but with a little luck, hopes to be around for the 30th!

Several classmates relied on unorthodox guessing strategies to identify Drew. Helene Palmer Bour thought Drew was difficult to recognize without hair, but based her guess on his eyes. Linda Wolff wrote, “I am only guessing because it looks like his lips. I never kissed them, but they look like his.” Leslie Rush Cuda had to look closely.

Kelly Sauer Mazon will miss Drew and Tiffany at the Class of ’84 reunion in two weeks. Lisa Callender Mitchell wrote that Drew is a great guy and Tiffany is so nice. Amy Baer Davie added that Drew looks great and Tiffany is beautiful! Chad Calabria wrote that Tiffany is lovely.

Milton Koutavas guessed Coleman Brennan. So did Jim Kwiecinski. Paul Rodgers guessed Danny Buerger. Jerry Koutavas guessed Jennifer Lescisin and Maneck Kapadia.

Mystery Classmate 105

2007-02-23T06:48:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Marc Schanfarber and Chad Calabria, both of whom correctly identified Ron Lippock (’84) as Mystery Classmate #105 and who are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Ron lives in Washington DC and works at Congressional Quarterly, where he is Director of Publishing for their Government/Professional Division. He is married to Alexandra Todd-Lippock, who works at the US Agency for International Development, and with whom Ron is pictured, along with their 15 month girl Emily. Their dog Bella unfortunately was cropped from the picture.

Milton Koutavas guessed Randy Vegely. Mike Williams guessed Fred Summers. Maria Wojtaszek Hughes guessed Lenny Linsenbigler.

Donna Andreas Copley wrote, “That other guy looks like someone I remember a year or two older – maybe. I'll remember to check my yearbook on his name...”

Jerry Koutavas guessed Ron Levick, or David Pollack. Jerry also guessed that Ron’s wife Alexandra was Pam Pristas, or Pam Hershorin. He added that their baby looks like David Gleba, but younger.

Mystery Classmate 104

2007-02-23T06:42:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Milton Koutavas, Donna Andreas Copley, Tina Schadle Dover, and Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, all of whom correctly identified Jennifer Taylor (’87) as Mystery Classmate #104 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Jennifer Taylor Brandeis attended the University of Pittsburgh and sold liquor ads in the Pitt News (which she now denies). She went to Georgetown Medical School and completed her residency at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Department of Emergency Medicine in 2003.

Several classmates shared fond memories of Jennifer, albeit after her identity was revealed. Scott Silverman wrote, “She was my lab partner in ninth grade biology (or was it tenth grade?). Anyway, she drew blood from my finger as part of an assignment. As I recall, she was very gentle, so I'm assuming that she's a good doctor.”

Donna Andreas Copley wrote, “Jennifer was the first one that I thought of when I saw the photo, but I still wasn't sure! Anyhow, Jennifer was one of our star cross country athletes - she was a freshman when I was a senior. Is that her baby in the photo? I wonder how her brother Dan is doing?”

Donna Andreas Copley guessed correctly, but not without first considering Stephanie Siuda. Jerry Koutavas guessed Lori Popies. Colleen O’Connor Casey guessed Ellen something.

Monica Keane Sauk guessed Rebecca Emtage. Sandy Sokolowski guessed Erin Keeley. Mark Koutavas guessed Tracie Pyles.

Carrie Schadle wrote, “Is it Barb someone? She looks like someone who my sister was friends with maybe. There hasn't been anyone I know in a dog's age.”

Mystery Classmate 103

2007-02-23T06:34:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Leslie Rush Cuda, John Plack, Lynn Abt LeBlanc, Linda Wolff, and Lisa Smith, all of whom correctly identified Laurie Young (’84) as Mystery Classmate #103.

In case you were wondering, Laurie Young Theademan writes, “I am currently living down here in Corpus Christi, Texas. I am a Navy Wife, and have SIX children. FIVE boys and the last ONE finally was my GIRL! TWO grandchildren. NO, I have not been that "busy"... His, Mine, and Ours! It took me a while after graduation to decide to go to college and do something with my life, but eventually I went to college. Shocking to many I am sure! I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, and my Associates Degree in accounting. I currently work for the Government, Department of Defense at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. I make and review financial contracts for purchases by the Government.

“I'm not back home often, However I still keep in close contact with my best friend Barbara Gallagher Byers. If too many years go by, I fly her to wherever we are stationed, so we can catch up. I was just up in Pittsburgh on April 1 for the first time in eight years. Although I still plan on making another trip in May for the reunion. I can't wait to see people that I haven't seen in years! I am looking forward to it!”

John Plack had a nice memory of Laurie. He wrote, “I'm going to go with the wild guess of Laurie "Spaz" Young. If indeed that is her, my fond memory of her is that she gave me my "extreme" haircut just before I went into Boot camp back in '87. She looks great too!”

Donna Andreas Copley remembered Laurie, but just couldn’t remember her name. Jerry Koutavas guessed Brigid McDermott.

Mystery Classmate 102

2007-02-23T06:29:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Lori Haas Baccari, Pam Van Cara Collis, Jerry Koutavas, Marc Schanfarber, Lisa Smith, Beth Chufo Nichols, Kelly O’Connor, Lynn Abt LeBlanc, Lisa Callender Mitchell, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Drew Horvath, Amy Baer Davie, Debbie Faskow Feller, Bill Stout, Donna Andreas Copley, Leslie Rush Cuda, Amy Gongaware Senkow, Rick “Kitch” Senkow, Maria Wojtaszek Hughes, Sandy Sokolowski, Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson, Gary Campbell, Milton Koutavas, Tracy Schneider Rogers, and Chad Calabria, all of whom correctly identified Ed Knapp (’84) as Mystery Classmate #102.

In case you were wondering, Ed has a great life in Florida with his wife and kid, flying Lear jets for a living. I should have more information, but Ed didn’t send me anything and I forgot to ask. He is reading the 2002 schedule for Motordrome, the Pennsylvania Motor Speedway.

Many classmates had interesting things to say about Ed.

Donna Andreas Copley wrote, “I remember when Eddie used to dunk me at the Forest Hills pool and I'd freak out and cry or something. I think he enjoyed that a little too much!”

Lynn Abt LeBlanc remembered that Ed used to tease her in junior high school. Bill Stout remembered that Ed was a star of the soccer team. Chad Calabria remembered that Ed was a nice guy.

Beth Chufo Nichols wrote, “Hey, that's my senior prom date - Ed Knapp! I have a great prom picture of us... Me, with my 80's Prince-do, and he, with his tux tie around his bare neck, instead of his shirt collar.”

Jerry Koutavas supposed that Ed is drinking heavily, since the hockey season has been shelved.

Lisa Smith, Lisa Callender Mitchell, and Donna Andreas Copley wrote that Ed looks just the same as he did 20 years ago.

Mary Cvetan guessed Tom Cook. Mike Williams guessed Ronnie Thompson. Greg Markantone guessed Acty Rindt. Mark Koutavas guessed Robert “Slick” Semethy.

Paul Rodgers guessed (Howard Stern sidekick) Artie Lange or (former NFL player and current media personality) Mike Golic. Jim Kwiecinski expounded further, writing, “I think this is Mike Golic's lost little brother. That longing look at the menu is a dead give away to membership in the Golic clan. Really I don't know, but I bet he is from the Class of 1984.”

Mystery Classmate 101

2007-02-23T06:12:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Mark Koutavas, who correctly identified James Brown (’89) as Mystery Classmate #101.

In case you were wondering, James joined the U.S. Army after high school and served in the Persian Gulf War. He then became a Military Police Officer and served in Operation Uphold Democracy in the Republic of Haiti.

James completed his degree in Criminal Justice at Pitt, worked with the Allegheny County Probation Office for over a year, and then moved to Virginia, where he has been employed for the past four years as Federal Probation Officer for the Eastern District of Virginia. James also works part-time as a Substance Abuse Counselor. He married a beautiful local Hawaiian woman from Ewa Beach, and has two beautiful daughters, Nadia, 8, and Desma, 1.

Lisa Callender Mitchell guessed Gregg Bobick, or Greg Markantone. Debbie Faskow also guessed Greg Markantone.

Steve Landay guessed Billy Cvetan, or Billy Cvetan’s twin brother. Paul Rodgers guessed Dave Kacinko. Keith Shipley guessed Bill Blake.

Mystery Classmate Store Now Open!

2006-12-06T14:38:00.000-05:00

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.

Mystery Classmate 100

2006-12-05T21:55:00.001-05:00

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

2006-12-05T21:49:00.001-05:00

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

2006-12-05T21:45:00.001-05:00

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.

Mystery Classmate 097

2006-11-10T10:16:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Helene Palmer Bour, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Pam Van Cara Collis, Donna Andreas Copley, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Mike Bernstein, Karen Bonvalot Torres, Tracy Schneider Rogers, Greg Markantone, Leslie Rush Cuda, Linda Wolff, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson, Karen Maderas Turner, Joann Kassalen Reisch, Amy Baer Davie, Melissa Blagovich Miller, Ellen Lin, Karen Campbell Ricci, Lori Haas Baccari, John Plack, Katherine Burkett Curry, and Lynn Abt LeBlanc, all of whom correctly identified Michele Sherer (’84) as Mystery Classmate #97 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Michele Sherer Ancheta moved to Los Angeles following graduation from the University of Michigan in 1988. After working in television production and development for six years, she went to Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Michele is a union-side labor law attorney who is currently playing the role of stay-at-home mom to her two children, Ella, 5 and Jeremy, 2. She has been married for 10 years to Bernie Ancheta (also pictured), a television writer, and lives in Pasadena, California.

Several classmates had fond memories of Michele. No fewer than 15 of you remarked that she looks exactly the same and/or great. Pam Van Cara Collis admired Michele’s dress, while Lynn Abt LeBlanc remembered that Michele always had a great smile.

Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson wrote, “I probably should not be allowed to guess this one since Michele is a close friend, but I can not believe how little she has changed since high school!”

Linda Wolff added, “I really like Michele and her family. Her kids are really beautiful. I hope to see Michele and her family soon.”

Amy Baer Davie says “hi!”

Leann Impavido Mendenhall was tempted to guess Sue Coyne, but then decided that she (Michele) must be from a younger class.

Some classmates couldn’t resist the temptation to guess on Michele’s husband. Donna Andreas Copley thought he looked like her brother’s brother-in-law, Howard Shear. Paul Rodgers guessed Greg Gumbel. Mark Koutavas guessed Donnie Iris.

Mystery Classmate 096

2006-11-10T10:12:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Donna Andreas Copley, Greg Markantone, Amy Gongaware Senkow, and Karen Campbell Ricci, all of whom correctly identified Rick “Kitch” Senkow (’81) as Mystery Classmate #96 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Rick and his wife and Classmate Amy Gongaware Senkow are the parents of three children - Matt 9, Julie 6, and Tim 2 1/2. Two summers ago the Senkows moved to Penn Trafford to live with Amy's aunt on the family homestead on Gongaware Road. Wife Amy reports that Rick “has been the best Mr. Mom, which is now his full time job. He is clearing the land to build a house - a dream of his.

“He still likes to hunt and fish, but complains about how much it costs. He hangs out at Tugboats from time to time or the BH fire hall. Other than that, he is still cheap, eats only pizza and plain McDonald's hamburgers, and gives everyone a hard time.”

Karen Campbell Ricci added, “Rick can fix just about anything. As you know he is kind of indescribable to anyone that doesn't know him. I could go on for hours - I will just leave it that he is a wonderful guy!”

Rick is pictured with Jerry Copley, husband of Donna Andreas Copley. The truck is Jerry’s and although several Classmates have inquired it is not for sale.

Linda Wolff didn’t guess, but wondered why it is so easy for guys to stay thin. Linda, it's easy - we eat nothing but pizza and McDonald's hamburgers.

Gary Lehman guessed Dennis “Goose” Antonisio. Ted Smith guessed Craig Davis. Milton Koutavas guessed Eric “Walnuts” Kostic.

Scott Silverman guessed Michael Bachman. Mark Koutavas guessed John Bosak and Marty Miller.

Mystery Classmate 095

2006-11-10T10:05:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Milton Koutavas, Paula Recchio Joseph, Mike Williams, Amy Petrina Tarantini, Beth Chufo Nichols, Erin Burgard DiPerna, Amy Chufo Prezelski, Ann Broadberry Johnson, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Scott Silverman, Greg Markantone, Paul Rodgers, Tommy West, Bill Stout, Betsy Raible Ford, Jim Thompson, Megan Mahoney, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Karen “Scottie” Campbell Ricci, and Jeff Buchanan, all of whom correctly identified Barbara Bender (’87) as Mystery Classmate #95 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Barbara Bender Pietro lives in Columbus, Ohio and has been married to her husband Joe for seven years. She holds a Ph.D. from Ohio University, was previously Director of the Teaching and Learning Center at Franklin University (Home of the Fightin’ Clock Towers), left that post to have her twin sons Nick (l) and Alex (r), and is now an adjunct professor at Franklin teaching Global Cultures.

Thanks to Mary Bender Knight for taking the photo.

Many classmates had fond memories and nice comments about Barbara.

Amy Petrina Tarantini wrote that Barbara is very nice and her babies are cute. Lori Haas Baccari didn’t recognize Barbara but thought that the babies were absolutely beautiful. Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Ann Broadberry Johnson, and Karen “Scottie” Campbell Ricci all agreed that her twins are adorable.

Mike Williams disagreed, writing, “Wow! Those boys are Benders through and through.”

Amy Chufo Prezelski wrote, “I loved getting Barbara to laugh (which was usually very easy to do) and she would often get to the point of tears!! That was hysterical.”

Jim Thompson remembered that Barbara always used to wear her cardigan sweaters backwards. Jim added, “She probably doesn't do that anymore.”

Ann Broadberry Johnson wrote, “Barbara was one of my very first friends -- we grew up just a few streets away and our moms were in the Bryn Mawr Mothers’ Club together. When we were about 9, I brought her a souvenir bracelet back from a beach vacation engraved with her name. The engraver was probably a hungover college student. Much to my dismay, it looked like it read "Barfra." I gave it to her anyway, after all, it's the thought that counts. I don't believe she ever wore it.”

Megan Mahoney shared a poignant story: “When we were still at Woodside Barbara’s mom and mine were our Brownie Troop leaders. We went to an overnight camp somewhere and it was my very first time sleeping anywhere but at home. I was very frightened and began to cry lying there in the dark. Barb, who was in the cot directly across from mine, heard me so she went and got her mom. She came and sat on the edge of my bed and stroked my back and talked to me until I fell asleep. It was mortifying and comforting at the same time. Nobody said anything to me about it the next morning as I recall, and I was so relieved. Now almost 30 years later I'm not sure if I ever thanked Mrs. Bender, but still count it as one of my most vivid Woodside School memories. So, be sure to forward this to her with my very belated thank you!”

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Karen Bonvalot. Jennifer Buchanan Machovec guessed Mary Comtois. Mark Koutavas guessed Stephanie Kartsonas, noting that she is of Greek descent.

Stu Cohen didn’t remember Barbara, nor did he remember Suhail Baloch for that matter, and isn’t sure where he went to high school.

Mystery Classmate 094

2006-11-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Karen Campbell Ricci and Lisa Smith, both of whom correctly identified Suhail Baloch (’83) as Mystery Classmate #94 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Suhail is the Technology Coordinator for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and/or Thomas Jefferson High School, he used to work at Winchester Thurston School, and coached cross-country at Sewickley Academy. He an avid member of the Three Rivers Paddling Club and has an interesting sense of humor.

Lisa Smith noted, “I know Suhail as a fellow whitewater kayaker, not as a Churchill graduate. He and I have paddled on the lower Yough together. Suhail is a great paddler and loves to dance...the girls love to watch him on the dance floor!!!”

Scott Silverman complained about water on the lens and guessed Dennis Koutavas. Donna “Spaz” Andreas Copley guessed John Minnaji, whom she knows from St. Maurice Church. Leann Impavido Mendenhall guessed Greg Markantone. Mark Koutavas guessed George Kountouris, noting that he looks of Greek descent.

Mystery Classmate 093

2006-11-10T09:36:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Beth Chufo Nichols, Leann Impavido Mendenhall, and Tabitha Husted Riggio, all of whom correctly identified John Hsu (’84) as Mystery Classmate #93 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, John is the Managing Partner, Technical Direction, Product Management for SurfMerchants, a Boston-based company which develops custom web systems for independent businesses. John’s bio on the SurfMerchants website reveals a few of his attributes, which include:

Super Powers: Product Strategy, PHP/MySQL database programming, Interface Design, and the ability to communicate telepathically with my pug dogs (all they ever say is "Daddy, you RULE!!").

Dark Secret: While attending medical school, I dissected a human cadaver and can attest to the fact that NOTHING in there looks anything like what you saw in your high school bio books.

A Few of My Favorite Things: Edward Scissorhands, Blade Runner, Prince, Lyle Lovett, Pedro Martinez, creme brulee, Slate.com, seeing corporate weasels go to the slammer and watching my baby daughter Neva play guitar (with her feet, mostly).Official

Motto: "Our life is our art" - John Lennon

Several classmates had fond memories of John. Tabitha Husted Riggio thought that John was an easy guess, noting that “I have albums of pictures of him. He is my first love, pen pal, and best friend.”

Beth Chufo Nichols remembered that John “was in all my Academic classes and he was really smart.”

Leann Impavido Mendenhall exclaimed, “That's also who was missing from Tabitha (Husted)'s party (as pictured in Mystery Classmate #92) - he attended last year with his wife and baby, Geneva!” Leann added, “Thank you IMMENSELY to Colleen O'Connor Casey for the guess of me being Georgette Reisch! I found some recent pictures of her and think she's just gorgeous! Bill Stout - you can certainly BORROW my kids if you ain't up to claiming them!”

Greg Markantone guessed Chad Scott. Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Kai Lin. Mark Koutavas guessed Wayne Wu, or Alan Seid.

Paul Rodgers guessed ring announcer Michael Buffer.

Mystery Classmates 092

2006-08-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Paula Recchio Joseph, Pam Van Cara Collis, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Beth Chufo Nichols, Jesse Milton, Staci Blagovich Dunbar, Megan Mahoney, Sharon Wasko Skoff, Tracey Schneider McDonough, Bill Stout, Donna Andreas Copley, Greg Markantone, Amy Baer Davie, Maria Wojtaszek Hughes, Kimberly Hall, Steph Siuda Dickens, Lisa Smith, Amy Gongaware Senkow, and Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, all of whom correctly identified one or more Mystery Classmates #92 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

The Mystery Classmates, clockwise from from back left:

Leann Impavido ('84), identified by Pam, Sharon, Donna, Amy B., Maria, Lisa, and Ellen;

Dave Holmes ('85), identified by Colleen, Jesse, Tracey, and Maria;

Cornell Owesny ('84), identified by Paula, Pam, Beth, and Staci;

Tabitha Husted ('85), identified by Paula, Pam, Colleen, Jesse, Megan, Tracey, Bill, Greg, Maria, Steph, Amy G., and Ellen;

Monica Keane ('83), identified by Kimberly, and;

Pam Matthews ('85), identified by Paula, Colleen, Jesse, Tracey, Maria, and Amy G.

In case you were wondering, Leann Impavido Mendenhall works in occupational therapy sometimes, but mostly in retail. She enjoys keeping VERY busy with her three kids' activities! Even though she resides in Ohio, her heart still belongs in Da ‘Burgh (and that's where her hubby's from, too)!

Dave and Pam married (each other) in 1992, as prophesized by Mr. Nelson. Both are encumbered by degrees in library science, one of them (Dave's) brand new. They are living outside of Akron, Ohio and enjoying the wonderful benefits of snow belt living.

Cornell graduated with an MA in Classics from Fordham University in 1992. He is currently residing in New York City, completing his dissertation for his PhD in Classics at Fordham University, and developing curriculum for Kaplan Test Prep. He also tutors Latin and Greek to the stars (well, the wife of one star--Charles Osgood of CBS Sunday Morning; it's every bit as glamorous as it sounds).

Tabitha Husted Riggio graduated from Duquesne University with a BS in chemistry and an MBA. She works part-time at Bayer Material Science in sales support. She resides in Murrysville with her husband and two daughters.

Monica Keane Sauk graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with an MSW. She is currently a stay-at-home mom. She resides in Murrysville with her husband, daughter, and two sons.

The photo was taken at the group's annual holiday gathering, which was also attended by classmate Heather Karsten.

Several classmates had nice things to say about our group.

Beth Chufo Nichols wrote, “I definitely recognize Cornell 'Corny' Owesny from CCD class at St. John Fisher and family camping trips at Pymatuning with the Sylvan Canoe Club with his family and the (Todd and Beth) Schryers.”

Donna “Spaz” Andreas Copley wrote, “I remember when Leann, Sharon Wasko,and myself all got the Women's Club award... just what is Leann up to these days!!!”

Maria Wojtaszek Hughes wrote, “Don't know how many remember this but David was my husband most of our high school years!”

Jesse Milton wrote that Dave, Pam and Tabitha haven’t changed a bit. Lisa Smith wrote that Leann hasn’t changed a bit. Steph Siuda Dickens couldn’t believe that some of the Classmates looked so young.

Colleen O’Connor Casey wrote, “Hello to Pam Matthews. Hope you are doing well.”

Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Pam Rodgers instead of Pam Matthews. Colleen O’Connor Casey guessed Georgette Reisch instead of Leann Impavido and another Pam instead of Monica Keane. Mark Koutavas guessed Christina Noggle, Tommy Alioto, David Crisanti, Cindy Kodman, Dana Mariani, and Tracey Swackhammer.

Bill Stout guessed Marie Aquino, but I don’t know for whom. He added that none of the children are his!

Mystery Classmate 091

2006-08-04T10:33:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Ted Showers, Bob Smith, Scott Silverman, Mike Williams, Dave Weidenhamer, Jim Thompson, Brian “S.D” Stevenson, Jim “Kwee” Kwiecinski, and Paul Rodgers, all of whom correctly identified Tom Mezyk ('87) as Mystery Classmate #91 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Tom and his wife Carol live in Houston, Texas with their kids Ashley and Mitchell. They are restoring a 1967 Firebird convertible, but as of June 2004 were not finished. Tom works in IT support and uses his Blackberry to access valuable resources.

Several classmates had fond memories of Tom.

Dave Weidenhamer called him a “fun-loving role model.”

Mike Williams attested, “Tom was the guy that always got you to do things you ordinarily wouldn't - like steal a case of Genny Cream Ale from the football team at (Ray) Yun's party, go roof surfing, or driving the family jalopy underage. For the record,Tom's parents now know that I wrecked the Volare, even though it was Craig Harris' fault! Although Craig got his when Tom walked to Showcase and waited inside Craig's car waiting (to scare) us after (we had seen the movie) Friday the 13th. Nice one Tom!”

Jim Kwiecinski added, “I remember Tom being one of the hardest working, big hearted people I have ever met. I remember the Volare going from parts to whole in no time. I saw him and his family a couple of years ago dawn the Sousside 'nat. I am glad to see he is doing well, but sad to see another great person from Pgh living elsewhere. Where is a Caligiuri when we need one to make this place enticing again?”

Amy Chufo Prezelski guessed Mike Bernstein. Amy Petrina Tarantini complained about the picture quality and guessed Tony Briggs. Donna Andreas Copley also complained about the picture quality, but did not guess.

Dave Holmes guessed himself, but didn’t remember posing for the picture. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Mark Koutavas. Mark Koutavas guessed Suhail Baloch.

Tom Mezyk wrote, “It has to be one of the Koutavases but due to the grainy picture I just can not tell which one.”

Mystery Classmate 090

2006-04-27T23:27:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Laura Murton O’Hara, Beth Chufo Nichols, Mike Williams, Amy Chufo Prezelski, John Plack, Karen Bonvalot Torres, Becky Gongaware Hannon, Leann Impavido Mendenhall, Nancy Ondick Hahn, Leslie Rush Cuda, Sharon Wasko Skoff, Tracy Schneider Rogers, Lauren Hoener Nace, Amy Baer Davie, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Amy Gongaware Senkow, Linda Wolff, Bill Stout, Kimberly Hall, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson, Stephanie Siuda Dickens, and Karen Campbell Ricci, all of whom correctly identified Donna Andreas ('84) as Mystery Classmate #90 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Donna Andreas Copley is an engineer at Dupont in Richmond, Virginia. Karen Campbell Ricci reports that Donna and her husband Jerry just built a huge house and she begs Karen and friends to visit every time Donna communicates with any one of the ole gang. The Newport Road chums had a great time on their group vacation last August. Donna has two kids, Christopher and Kirsten, and they are very active with baseball, cheerleading, etc. Donna also helps coach a running team in the Richmond area. Karen adds, “She is just the same old goofy Donna...”

Several classmates had nice things to say about Donna. Laura Murton, Nancy Ondick Hahn, and Ellen Broadberry Gallagher thought that Donna looks exactly the same. Leslie Rush Cuda thought that Donna looks exactly the same, but with longer hair.

Becky Gongaware Hannon called Donna a spaz. Her sister Amy Gongaware Senkow added that Donna is “otherwise known as Spaz and Heavage. Truly one of my oldest, dearest, best friends. She can make a mean pepperoni bread. She always was good for making us food and then going out for a five mile run, leaving us alone at her house. Love ya Donna.”

Amy Chufo Prezelski remembered, “Donna was such a great mentor for me as a freshman swimmer. She always kept me up and positive.” Bill Stout remembered Donna from cross-country.

Sharon Wasko Skoff reported, “Donna and I go way back to 7th grade science, Ms. Leibert's class. The best thing is that we live near each other in Virginia.”

Milton Koutavas guessed Holly Kothmann. Mark Koutavas guessed Charla Tate.

Mystery Classmate 089

2006-04-27T23:25:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Amy Chufo Prezelski, Bob Silverman, Megan Mahoney, Michele McClelland, Mike Williams, Tom West, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Amy Petrina Tarantini, Rebecca Canobbio Abel, Barbara Bender Pietro, Dave Weidenhamer, Ken Van Cara, and Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, all of whom correctly identified Monte Moreschi ('87) as Mystery Classmate #89 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Monte is a Project Engineer for Koontz-Bryant, P.C., based in Richmond, VA and Greensboro, NC. Monte recently became a LEED ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL. Developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a national consensus-based, market-driven building rating system designed to accelerate the development and implementation of green building practices. In short, it is a leading-edge system for designing, constructing and certifying the world’s greenest and best buildings.

Several classmates had nice things to say about Monte.

Amy Chufo Prezelski wrote, “How I loved hanging with him and going to parties. He kept a smile on my face with his goofy antics along with Eric Nicholas and Nick Krusinski. I remember reuniting and going to Kennywood with him, Shannon Boyle and Kim Kost once we were all off to college. Definitely a very memorable occasion! Looks exactly the same - god bless him! My sister loved his dad as a teacher.”

Amy Petrina Tarantini wrote, “He is a great guy. We had lots of fun walking to school together.”

Tom West noted, “That kid doesn’t age!”

Barbara Bender Pietro had fond memories of waiting for the bus with Monte. Both Maribeth Mahoney Misitis and Megan Mahoney remembered that Monte used to frequent the Forest Hills pool. Dave Weidenhamer noted that Monte’s school spirit was absolutely indefatigable.

Dave Holmes is good at this. He wrote, “Is that Joe Spadaro? Mike Spadaro? A Spadaro? How tall is he?”

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Evan Zanic. Paul Rodgers guessed Scotty Rosenfeld. Mark Koutavas guessed Bill Flucker.

Mystery Classmate 088

2006-04-27T23:18:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Colleen O’Connor Casey, Paula Recchio Joseph, Karen Campbell Ricci, and Becky Gongaware Hannon, all of whom correctly identified Eric “Dilo” DiLucente ('83) as Mystery Classmate #88 (right), and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Eric lives in the Pittsburgh area and works in the film industry. He recently co-produced the independent film Speilburgh, which also featured John “Spiney” Williams (Mystery Classmate #75).

"Our movie is about a 30-year-old movie usher who never got to make his movie," said Dilo in an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "He's got a bad job; his girlfriend wants to leave him; his co-workers are completely inept. Then a case of drugs ends up at his doorstep and he has to try and figure out what's going on. Before he knows it, his boss is dead, the mob wants their money and his girlfriend is kidnapped."

Eric’s other film credits include work on Dogma, Night of the Living Dead, Passed Away, and many television productions.

Several classmates had nice things to say about Eric.

Karen Campbell Ricci thought Eric looked like Quentin Tarantino and is glad he is doing well. Becky Gongaware Hannon liked his glasses.

Colleen O’Connor Casey noted, “Funny, I just ran into him at our hairdresser’s last night. I have not seen him for years. The tattoo also gives him away. Fun guy. love ya Dilo.”

Mary Bender Knight guessed Mike Steranko, or Bono. Dave Weidenhamer also guessed Bono. Tom Mezyk guessed Paul Rodgers, or Disco Stu.

Paul Rodgers guessed Tommy West. Mark Koutavas guessed Bill Blake, Bob Burt, or Brian Behler.

Mystery Classmate 087

2006-04-27T23:16:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Laura Fleming Schulte, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Jamie Kracsun McBride, Pam Van Cara Collis, Paula Recchio Joseph, Rich Reschoff, Monica Keane Sauk, Kim Hall, Tabitha Husted Riggio, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Keith Shipley, Tracey Lucchino McDonough, and Jack McDonough, all of whom correctly identified Brigitte Lorin ('85) as Mystery Classmate #87 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Brigitte is Director, International Strategy for the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative. She runs the Global Network Development Program, the mission of which is to facilitate the advancement of all tissue engineering and regenerative medicine therapies through the creation and utilization of an active network of international institutes, agencies, and companies in Asia, Europe and the U.S. She completed the 1999 Bayer In-Line Skate 15K in 52 minutes and 52 seconds.

Several classmates had fond memories of Brigitte.

Paula Recchio Joseph wrote, “We had so much fun in band and on the rifle team! She
was a hoot!”

Laura Fleming Schulte wrote, “I remember one day in Ms. Fisher's French Class we were all discussing what we wanted to be later in life. Brigitte told us her life goal was to be incredibly famous. I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I never considered aiming for that.’ I keep looking for her name in lights and wonder from time to time about what she is doing now. Brigitte was always full of fun!”

Rich Reschoff drank six Red Bulls and wrote, “it has to be brigitte lorin! she looks better everytime i see her, which has been quite a while! wasn't she a head cheerleader & does she still play the french horn? or shoot a rifle? looking good bra-geeete! have a happy christmas davey!”

Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson guessed Tracey Filler. Mark Koutavas guessed Lynne Jonnet.

Ann Broadberry Johnson guessed Bridget Killen. Ann wrote, “I'd have recognized her even if she wasn't one of my sister Ellen's good friends -- she hasn't changed a bit! One of the sweetest people you'll ever meet.”

Mystery Classmate 086

2006-04-27T23:00:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan, Joe Caprara, Greg Markantone, Karen Bonvalot-Torres, Leslie Rush Cuda, Michele Sherer Ancheta, and Leann Impavido Mendenhall, all of whom correctly identified Staci Blagovich ('84) as Mystery Classmate #86.

In case you were wondering, Staci writes, “For the last five years I have been living in New York City, and now happily in Brooklyn with my fiancé, Morgan. How I spend most of my time is planning my June wedding... but I am finding that doesn’t pay very well! So, I make my livelihood as a Producer/Director and just recently decided to launch my own production company, Eden Creative.” Staci’s credits include work on the films Silence of the Lambs, Houseguest, Boys on the Side, and, most recently, the television series “Dubai Duty Free Presents: Real Life on the WTA Tour.”

Several classmates had nice things to say about Staci. Karen Bonvalot-Torres wrote, “She looks exactly the same as she did in high school (lucky her).”

Leslie Rush Cuda made me laugh. She wrote, “Although I'm probably wrong, she kind of looks like Staci Blagocich (the letter on my keypad between the c and the b doesn't work, so I had to use a "c" where the proper letter should be in Stacy's last name --- pretty sad, I know. I spilled water on my keyboard the other night)." Thanks Leslie!

Colleen O’Connor Casey guessed Maria Grieco. Milton Koutavas guessed one of the Burgard sisters. Gary Lehman guessed Zoe Kun. Mark Koutavas guessed Gena Pickle, or Maura Gerken.

Mystery Classmate 085

2006-03-31T09:20:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Mark Koutavas, who correctly identified Keith Shipley ('85) as Mystery Classmate #85.

In case you were wondering, Keith writes, “After graduation in ’85 I moved to Las Vegas to begin a career in road construction. I’ve learned it from the ground up and now I’m an estimator for Sunland Asphalt and Sealcoating Inc. For what we do, we are the seventh biggest company in the United States, branching out into five states.

"I’m married for the second time and have two daughters, 17 and 11. Ashley (17) lives in Pittsburgh with my ex, and Kayla (11) lives with me. If I could find a job like this one in Pittsburgh I’d move in a heartbeat. I’ve been to a lot of cities and Pittsburgh is still the best! (Editor’s Note: Take that, Sasha Polozoff!)

"Other than that, I live a quiet life. I shoot pool two nights a week and the rest of the time is spent at home with my family."

Milton Koutavas guessed Marty Miller. Donna Andreas Copley guessed Ed Knapp, although Keith reminded her of Vince Oddo, but she knew it wasn’t Vince.

Scott Silverman guessed Dave “Wedge” Grejda. Dave Weidenhamer guessed Ed Litman, because of the mustache.

Mike Williams guessed Mr. Gailey.

Mystery Classmate 084

2006-03-31T09:15:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Amy Prezelski Chufo, Ron Levick, Gary Cervi, Stu Cohen, Megan Mahoney, Margaret Fleming Rintamaa, Amy Baer Davie, Michael Bernstein, Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson, Rich Reschoff, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Joel Borellis, and Laura Murton, all of whom correctly identified Alec Neilly ('86) as Mystery Classmate #84 (left) and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Alec was recently married, and is pictured with his new wife Christi on their honeymoon in South Africa. Thanks to Adam Neilly for sending the pic.

Several classmates had fond memories of Alec.

Celesta Van Sickel used to babysit Alec’s next door neighbor and best friend, Randy Russell. She reports, “Alec would always come over while I was there. “

Laura Murton remembered both Alec and Adam from many summer days at Edgewood Country Club. Amy Baer Davie recognized Alec’s smile.

Megan Mahoney wrote, “Alec is one of the very many people who went to the prom with my younger sister Maribeth. I was gracious enough to stand in front of the pine tree in our backyard with them for pictures and not feel crappy because my younger sister was going to my senior prom. Love you Maribeth!

”I also make a little game for myself of watching for tractor trailers with his family's canvas covers on them our on the interstate. Always fun to see how far from Pittsburgh they travel.”

Maribeth corroborated the story, writing, “We dated his senior year and went to the prom together. Two things I remember about him; his smile and those blue eyes! He was such a nice guy. Seems like every time I am on the highway, I see "Neilly Canvas Co." on the top of an 18 wheeler!”

Rich Reschoff wrote, “I miss playing deck hockey with him! What a winger he was! He could put the puck in the net!!”

Gary Cervi and Joel Borellis remembered that Alec’s nickname is “AL-PAL.”

Scott Silverman later wrote, “I can't believe I didn't recognize Alec Neilly! I have no excuse for not correctly guessing any '86 grads. Moreover, I was on the not-so-championship Churchill Golf Team with him two or three years. We have plenty of memories of our wacky coach (and also music teacher), Eugene Pupilli."

Jerry Koutavas identified those pictured as John Pristas, Heidi Stout, Ray Palmerine, and Sandy Wolff.

Leann Impavido Mendenhall wrote, “I don't know WHO they are but I am very jealous grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!”

Mystery Classmate 083

2006-03-17T11:39:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Jim Pietrzyk, Lori Haas Baccari, Bob Silverman, Colleen O'Connor Casey, Jack Horner, Karen Bonvalot Torres, Mike Bernstein, Leslie Rush Cuda, Gary Cervi, Tracey Lucchino McDonough, Jack McDonough, Rich Reschoff, and Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, all of whom correctly identified Kenny Shriber ('85) as Mystery Classmate #83 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Ken is a principal and co-founder, with his brother Steve Shriber, of Ditto Document Solutions in Pittsburgh. Their company provides imaging and technology services, legal reprographics, digital printing on demand, and facilities management services.Ken graduated from IUP and began his career with Franklin Interiors, a contract office furniture company, before becoming a corporate account manager for a large national litigation reprographics firm. He used this expertise to start his own company in 1997, and with Steve has twice been named a finalist for the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Many classmates had fond memories of Ken. Jim Pietrzyk wrote, "Kenny looks exactly the same, but without the hair. I actually see both he and his brother Steve quite a bit. Many good times of ping-pong and festivities at the house on Marbury."

Leslie Rush Cuda grew up with both brothers and remembers "a ton of great memories of them."

Bob Silverman added that Ken is an "all-around good guy.”

Gary Cervi remembered that Ken's nickname was Kenbar. Rich Reschoff noted that Ken is Coleman Brennan's boss. Karen Bonvalot Torres had lunch with the Shriber brothers and Pam Van Cara Collis last week.

Pam Van Cara Collis came very close, guessing Steve Shriber. Some of Steve's extremities appear at the right side of the photo.

Donna Andreas Copley put her thumb over Kenny's head and guessed Mike Williams. Paul Rodgers guessed Burris Esplen. Jim Davliakos guessed Dean Kartsonas, noting that he is of Greek descent.

Bill Stout guessed Mike Lesnak and added, "I used to love the way he would throw up a pack of those orange cheese crackers after every track meet!"

Mystery Classmate 082

2006-03-17T11:26:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Pam Van Cara Collis, Linda Wolff, Donna Andreas Copley, Kelly Sauer Mazon, and Carolyn Wasko, all of whom correctly identified Mike Skoff ('84) as Mystery Classmate #82 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Mike has been living in Chester, VA (near Richmond) for the past four years and has been married to Sharon Wasko ('84) for fifteen years. Their children are Melissa, 10 and Nicholas, 8 (the two children shown closest to Mike in the picture). He currently works at DuPont as a senior electrical engineer in the process control group. Mike has moved around since college to Eastern PA; Richmond, VA; Waynesboro, VA; Twinsburg, Ohio and then to Chester. Mike spends a lot of his free time coaching the kids playing fastpitch softball and baseball.

Several classmates had fond memories of Mike.

Linda Wolff remembered that Mike always seemed a bit nervous. She added, “The very best thing about Mike is his wife, Sharon Wasko. She is a good person and great mother.”

Neighbor Donna Andreas Copley reported that Mike and Sharon haven’t changed a bit, noting that “they both look like they just jumped from '84 to '04 with barely a wrinkle! Mike and I (and Sharon used to) both work for DuPont. Mike is still a super brain and can probably outprogram or troubleshoot most of the other engineers around here, but he doesn't get credit because his BS factor isn't high enough in front of the managers.”

Karen Campbell Ricci guessed John Stanton. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Tom Murphy. Brian Talbert guessed Danny Kun.

Leann Impavido Mendenhall didn’t guess, but accused the Mystery Classmate of kidnapping Dewey from Malcolm In The Middle.

Mystery Classmate 081

2006-03-17T00:19:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Jeff Hoener, Karen Campbell Ricci, and Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, all of whom correctly identified David Kortyna ('82) as Mystery Classmate #81 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, David spent 14 years on active duty with the US Air Force. He is a pilot and during his active duty career flew the C-12, C-21 and C-141 airplanes, flying all over the world and serving in the Gulf War. In 2000 he left the Air Force to return to the Pittsburgh area, and was hired by American Airlines as a MD80 pilot and by the Pennsylvania Air National Guard to fly the KC-135. Today, David spends most of his time at the ANG where he is a Lieutenant Colonel. His unit was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and David flew missions over there for about eight weeks during the time of major combat operations.

Thanks to Jim Thompson for sending the pic, and to Melissa Mahoney Kortyna for the biographical information.

Several classmates had fond memories of David. Jeff Hoener opined that David looks just like he did in high school, adding, “Many good swim team memories w/ Dave –EMULSIFY!!!!!!!! (all swimmers will remember that cheer).”

Jim Thompson noted that David has been a great friend and role model to him. Jim adds, “I am sure that you will hear much about his brilliant military service, his terrific family, and his fondness for Rum and Coke.” Maribeth Mahoney Misitis identified David as “the other one crawling, most likely to a rum and coke.” Melissa Mahoney Kortyna wrote, “He is a great guy, a terrific father, and I’m very proud of him.”

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Dan Campbell. Brian “S.D.” Stevenson wrote, “I don’t recognize the guy, but the kid owes me $20.” Fellow ’82 classmate Angharad Grimes Stock will be chagrined to have written, “No idea but cute baby.”

Mystery Classmate 080

2006-03-10T09:22:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Paula Recchio Joseph, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Jack Horner, Rich Reschoff, Mary Brandenstein Curran, Jamie Kracsun McBride, Chuck Mazon, Amy Gongaware Senkow, Carrie Schadle, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Linda Wolff, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, and Amy Baer Davie, all of whom correctly identified Lynn Banaszak ('85) as Mystery Classmate #80 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Lynn is Director of Marketing for the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse. Her objective is to effectively communicate the goals and mission of the PLSG through collateral branding, specialized conferences and events, strategic planning and media relations.

Prior to joining the PLSG, Lynn was the Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications at the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative (PTEI) where she oversaw program development, sponsorships and technical conferences and expositions. She utilized new technology to create non-traditional marketing efforts and formulated long-term strategic business plans.

Before PTEI, she held management positions at companies including, RiverPoint TradeShows, SAE International and Universal Technical Institute. Lynn has a B.S. degree in marketing and education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Several classmates had fond memories of Lynn. Paula Recchio Joseph noted that Lynn was her elementary school buddy and neighbor. Linda Wolff remembered Lynn’s face from cheerleading and that Lynn liked to laugh.

Amy Chufo Prezelski guessed Lori Banaszak. Ellen Broadberry Gallagher almost guessed Lori Banaszak. Ted Showers guessed “A Banaszak.”

Keith Shipley guessed Beth Drango. Brian Talbert guessed Julie Contich.

Mystery Classmate 079

2006-03-10T09:19:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Beth Chufo Nichols, Coleman Brennan, and Karen Campbell Ricci, all of whom correctly identified Mike Topping ('84) as Mystery Classmate #79 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Mike earned a BS in Welding Engineering from Ohio State University, where he was a classmate of Steve Shaver and Karen LaFace. He then returned to Pittsburgh where he worked for the Elliott Company in Jeannette, and received his Master’s in Metallurgical Engineering from Pitt.

With his brother Drew, Mike then became half-owner of Piper’s Pub on East Carson Street, where Chad Calabria can often be found behind the bar. He confesses that his Master’s degree didn’t really have much use in the restaurant business. Mike has since left that venture to return to metallurgy.

Beth Chufo Nichols had fond memories of Mike, noting that “he is without the Afro he had in high school. I had a hard time seeing around it when I sat behind him in Mr. Nagy's physics class. He was a good lab partner, though.”

Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Frank Battaglia. Bill Stout guessed Lars Brinkmann. Amy Chufo Prezelski guessed Mark Liggett, although she knew she was wrong. Stef Andreas Falvo (’67) looked over Donna Andreas Copley’s shoulder and said that Mike looks like a Snyder.

Barbara Bender Pietro didn’t recognize Mike, but thought he looked like a nice guy.

Mystery Classmate 078

2006-03-10T09:02:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Mike Williams, Karen Campbell Ricci, Becky Gongaware Hannon, and Amy Gongaware Senkow, all of whom correctly identified Vikki Falvo ('86) as Mystery Classmate #78 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Vikki… well, I will let her cousin Donna Andreas Copley tell you. Donna wrote,
“I got e-yelled at for sending the "beach" hair photo - Oh well, I thought it looked good! Even though Vikki is my niece, I haven't seen her in a few years since she lives in Chicago and I'm in Richmond. Hopefully we'll meet back home in the 'burgh one day soon! I told her, "I hope I get to see those kids before they graduate!" (Their existence makes me the "Great Aunt", so I must be REALLY OLD!)

"Vikki's husband Chris is really nice too - another PSU graduate like Vikki and me. They do a better job of supporting the football team than I do, but I'm not sure it's working - Will JoePa ever retire? Anyhow, I hope she enjoys Mystery Classmate!”

Becky Gongaware Hannon warned me not to accept any more pictures from Donna, insisting, “She is evil!”

Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Paula Recchio. Milton Koutavas guessed Esther Pellegrini. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Robin Carey.

Beth Chufo Nichols guessed Kira Kenyherz, and wrote:

“Kira was one of the first people who befriended me when I came to Churchill in 11th grade. One of my favorite memories is the hotel room we shared at the Edison Hotel in Times Square for our senior trip to NYC with Mr. Rubino and crew for St. John Fisher's CYO. It was CRAZY!

"Originally it was Kira, her cousin, me, Amy Phillips, and Cissy Kabbert. Then Tim Williams migrated over from next door because he couldn't deal with Dan Kun and his friend, "Maggot" - some guy from Central. And before we knew it Dan and Maggot were over with us, too. We left the place such a mess! But had a great time. Never slept. Still have the pictures. “

Mystery Classmate 077

2006-03-10T08:58:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Jerry Koutavas, who correctly identified John Lees ('82) as Mystery Classmate #76.

In case you were wondering, John been the Chief Meteorologist and Manager with Carnegie Science Center Weather service for 10 years. Before that, he was a Meteorologist in Arizona and New Mexico with the United States Customs Service, forecasting aviation weather for the Low Altitude surveillance systems (blimps with radars to detect illegal aliens) for four years.

John writes, “I graduated from Penn State in 1987 with a B.S. in, what else, Meteorology. I married Natalie (in the pic with me) in 1988 and we have two sons: Zak, 10 and Ben, almost 5. I run a small forecasting business on the side doing weather forecasting for ski resorts and other clients like the Pirates, Steelers, utility and construction companies and now live in the Pittsburgh area again.”

Keith Shipley guessed Eric Lehman. Milton Koutavas guessed Chris Petrauskas. Paul Rodgers guessed Tommy Cenna. Karen Campbell Ricci guessed Mike Cenna.

Mystery Classmate 076

2006-03-10T08:51:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Paula Recchio Joseph, Scott Silverman, Milton Koutavas, Jim Thompson, Pam Van Cara Collis, Ann Broadberry Johnson, Erin Burgard DiPerna, John Bender (my dad), Mary Bender Knight, Tina Schadle Dover, Leann Impavido Mendenhall, Ted Showers, Mike Williams, Megan Mahoney, Barbara Bender Pietro, Jeff Hoener, and Rebecca Canobbio Abel, all of whom correctly identified Brian “S.D.” Stevenson ('87) as Mystery Classmate #76 (back row, center) and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, S.D. has been living in Lancaster, PA for 11 years and has been married to his wife, Diane for eight. Their son Reed is two years old. S.D. is the scrub nurse on the open heart surgery team; group leader at a camp for ventilator-dependent children; a member of the Lancaster rugby club (he has been playing since college); coaches the local high school rugby team; and has completed five Olympic-distance triathlons.

Most recently, S.D. has been traveling to Ann Arbor, Michigan, every chance he gets to see his youngest brother, Steve Breaston, who stars at wide receiver for the Michigan Wolverines. He adds, “Wishing all classmates well!”

By the way, Brian received his nickname in ninth grade, after the pro wrestler Special Delivery “S.D.” Jones. A bunch of other kids had wrestling nicknames too, but only Matt “The Hawaiian Hammer” Husak comes to mind.

Many classmates had fond memories of S.D. Bob Smith wrote, “He's a great guy and can always make you laugh. Brian was the best man in my wedding and I was in his wedding too. I'm just surprised that the beer bottle in the picture isn't in his hand.”

Ted Showers wrote, “He is one of my favorite people ever. Through high school and our failed first attempt at college together, it was always good to know he was my friend.”

Jim Thompson wrote, “Marching band just wouldn't have been the same without S.D. -- and not just because we were lacking tuba players.” Erin Burgard DiPerna added, “I can remember how HIGH he used to throw the drum major's baton in the air. Most of the time he caught it...but if he didn't, the band stopped and the crowd looked on for S.D to try it again.”

Jeff Hoener remembered that S.D. was a friend of his sister Kim. Leann Impavido Mendenhall thanked S.D. for letting her cut in front of him in the cafeteria line.

Karen Campbell Ricci guessed Owen Faulkner, whom she remembered smiling all the time. She added that the guy in the front row center looks like Scott Satkoske.

Jerry Koutavas identified the men in the photo as follows:

Front row: Danny Buerger, Jim Thompson, Ted Showers

Back row: John Adkins, Harry Brown AKA The Human Beatbox, Mark Koutavas

Mystery Classmate 075

2006-03-02T13:01:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan and Colleen O’Connor Casey, both of whom correctly identified John “Spiney” Williams ('84) as Mystery Classmate #75 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Spiney is a Los Angeles-based standup comedian who recently had a supporting role in the independent comedy film Speilburgh, which was produced by fellow classmate Eric “DiLo” DiLucente (’83).

The film is the story of Stephen Speilburgh, (played by Grant Bhyron), no relation to the big time director, who is a wannabe filmmaker and the head usher of a local cineplex that opens only at night, because the owner's too cheap to show matinees. Steve lets his politeness get the best of him as he puts up with a slave-driving boss and inept employees that mess things up more than help out. Little does he know that his boss is secretly involved in a mob-organized operation of smuggling drugs, hidden in candy boxes, into the theatre. Steve and his best friend/co-worker Matt (Spiney) get shoved directly in the center when things go terribly awry.

Donna Andreas guessed Coleman Brennan. Bill Stout guessed Dave Gleba, after Dave’s parents caught him peeing in the living room. Paul Rodgers guessed Alan Checca. Jerry Koutavas guessed Billy Hirschman.

Milton Koutavas guessed Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots.

Donna Andreas Copley shared a fond memory of Mystery Classmate #74, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli. She wrote, “I wonder if Maria remembers when we had a swim-off to see who got into the Highland relays for backstroke. I just barely won, but they put her in because she had more experience... then she got DQ'd in the meet. That was the beginning of my swimming career and that always stuck in my mind - she was already a vet and probably forgot. I was a completive little brat and thought it was soooo funny back then. Summer swim team - back when things used to be so much fun! What's really funny is that neither of my kids can swim worth a pooooh.”

Mystery Classmate 074

2006-03-02T12:46:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Carrie Schadle, Jack Horner, Coleman Brennan, Jamie Kracsun McBride, Tina Schadle Dover, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Beth Chufo Nichols, Amy Gongaware Senkow, Donna Andreas Copley, Karen Campbell Ricci, Jeff Hoener, Megan Mahoney, and Paula Recchio Joseph, all of whom correctly identified Maria Wojtaszek ('85) as Mystery Classmate #74 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli lives in Penn Hills with her boyfriend Terry and her daughters Nicole, 11, and Samantha, 10. After a career as a Paramedic, Maria began working as an emergency dispatcher in 1993. In 1997 she was hired by the then newly-formed 911 center that serves the 23 eastern communities of Allegheny County. Maria has been a supervisor there for three years. She spends most of her leisure time doing home remodeling projects, running the kids around, and skiing.

Many classmates had fond memories of Maria. Beth Chufo Nichols recognized Maria’s profile from looking down the bench at swim practice, while Jeff Hoener remembered Maria from the Forest Hills pool. Carrie Schadle wrote, “I have many memories of Maria, but I would have to say that my favorites all have to do with her parents going to card parties. Enough said.”

Amy Gongaware Senkow complimented Maria’s spelling.

Jeff Hoener also noted that Maria occasionally babysat his son Adam in the fall of 2000. Maria’s sister-in-law Debbie (Tim’s wife) watched Adam on most days but when Debbie had a conflict Maria filled in.

Jack Horner encountered Maria unexpectedly one day. He wrote, “Once when shady characters were outside our office building, I called the police -- and halfway through (the call) the voice said, "JACK, it's MARIA!?" We started catching up, and I almost forgot why I called.”

Several classmates complained that this week’s contest was too difficult because it showed Maria in semi-profile. To you, Karen Campbell Ricci writes, “I'm glad the picture is not straight on, because she is looks exactly like she did in high school and it would be a total giveaway. I see Maria occasionally at St. Maurice functions -- her daughter goes to CCD with my daughter. She is still as friendly as she was, back in the day.”

Milton Koutavas guessed Sue Kostic. Jerry Koutavas guessed Christina Noggle.

Mystery Classmate 073

2006-03-02T12:34:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Leslie Rush Cuda, Staci Blagovich, Coleman Brennan, Adam Neilly, Maureen Mahoney, Amy Baer Davie, Kelly O’Connor, Angharad Grimes Stock, Ron Ways, and Chad Calabria, all of whom correctly identified Mike Killen ('82) as Mystery Classmate #73 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Mike is the co-founder of Animal, a Pittsburgh-based creative agency specializing in broadcast post-production, visual effects, editing, and talking animals. After graduating from Carnegie Mellon, Mike moved to New York and became Design Director for the MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour. A fellowship with the American Film Institute took Mike to Hollywood, where he spent several years as a designer and animator, developing a diverse portfolio of visual effects that appeared in commercials, film, and television. Mike’s most widely seen work to date is the memorable Taco Bell talking Chihuahua, voted by TV Guide readers as one of the top ten commercials of all time.

Many classmates had fond memories of Mike. Ron Ways had a particularly nice story. Ron wrote, “His family and mine were best of friends on Sharon Drive when he was young. A quick Mike story.... When he was young, he hit his head very hard on a Jeep door and split his head open. Instead of complaining of pain, he slicked back his hair with his blood and said "Look!......I'm David Bowie" His dad was not impressed and Mike spent the next two hours in the hospital getting stitches. Great guy, great family. Tremendous burper.”

Maureen Mahoney noted that Mike seems to appear in the local papers almost as often as Burton Morris.

Greg Markantone guessed Brian Killen. Leslie Rush Cuda couldn’t decide between Mike and Ray Killen, but I cut her a break.

John Lees guessed Jimmy “Wrong Way” Fossick. Leann Impavido Mendenhall guessed Jack Bender. Donna Andreas guessed Craig Davis.

Milton Koutavas guessed Ronald Lippock. Jerry Koutavas guessed Frank Comunale.

Carrie Schadle wrote, “i have no idea who that is (as usual), but i found it interesting that last week's mystery classmate (i do remember kevin, but joel not so much) lives in austin and works at oracle, as i live in austin, and my best friend's boyfriend (now that sounds like high school) works at oracle here. i guess it is not that interesting, but it has been so long since i knew anyone, i thought i'd better get my two cents in, plus i have a question directed at my friends from high school (you know who you are) who might remember if we decided to define a passel as a number divisible by five, or if there is some actual authority for that somewhere. i have been arguing with some friends down here (they use words like passel with a straight face here in texas) and can't find anything that actually says a passel has to be divisible by five.”

Mystery Classmate 072

2006-03-02T12:27:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Amy Chufo Prezelski, Beth Chufo Nichols, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Gary Cervi, Barbara Bender Pietro, Brian “S.D.” Stevenson, Erin Burgard DiPerna, Margaret Fleming Rintamaa, Mike Williams, Bob Silverman, Michael Bernstein, Ted Showers, Amy Baer Davie, Ron Levick, Stu Cohen, Paul Rodgers, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Adam Neilly, Milton Koutavas, Megan Mahoney, and Rebecca Canobbio Abel, all of whom correctly identified Joel Borellis ('87) as Mystery Classmate #72 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Joel is a technology director for Oracle Corporation, and recently moved with his wife, Dawn, from Sausalito, California to Austin, Texas to handle the engineering engagements between Oracle Corporation and Dell Inc. Joel reports, “No kids yet, but the pressure is mounting!” Joel sent the photo below of himself with Dawn, taken at a Brazilian Carnival Festival.

Many classmates had fond memories of Joel.

Amy Chufo Prezelski wrote, “I grew up with Joel in Blackridge and swam in all the same clubs. I fondly remember all the early morning haunts of the Blackridge neighborhood as the parents believed we were “camping”. Joel’s older brother, Kevin, my sister Beth, the Sauers, Bob Burt, Geoff Camphire, and a whole mess of other kids that lived in Blackridge but went to other schools did the camping thing often, usually ending with a “dip” at Blackridge Pool. Fun stuff.”

Amy’s sister Beth added, “Part of our Blackridge Crew. He always acted like he thought he was just a little bit better than us... especially when the big brothers and sisters were up to no good... but we usually set him straight! He and his brother were always our superstar breaststrokers (NPI) on summer swim team.”

Bob Silverman opined that Joel’s face has “changed a little since I first knew him in kindergarten, but not much since high school. Joel is an all-around good guy who I would love to catch up with.” Stu Cohen called Joel a “great kid.”

Amy Baer Davie noted that “Joel was one of the sweetest of my brother Michael's friends!” Ron Levick also remembered Joel and Mike’s friendship. Ron wrote, “Too bad Baer!! Another one you lost.”

Gary Cervi and Adam Neilly referred to the Mystery Classmate as “Joel Boy.”

Colleen O’Connor Casey guessed Joel’s brother, Kevin Borellis.

Donna Andreas Copley swung three times and missed. She wrote, “Could it be Kevin Borellis, Bobby Burt or Charlie Burt? If not, I give up!”

Pam Van Cara hedged her guess, writing, “Looks like Tony Seko - but I doubt it because last time I saw him he was a banker with Parkvale Savings, and the goatee thing probably wouldn't fly.”

Frank Battaglia guessed Jimmy Fossick. Jerry Koutavas guessed Keith Fridel. Gary Lehman guessed Scott “Tubby” Hutsenpiller.

Lisa Smith regretted not having guessed Mystery Classmate #71. Lisa wrote, “I am so embarrassed that I didn't recognize Vince (Oddo)! He was my prom date! How could I???? Glad to hear that he is still as sweet as ever.”

Mystery Classmate 071

2006-03-02T12:23:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Pam Van Cara Collis, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Gary Lehman, Coleman Brennan, Becky Gongaware Hannon, Milton Koutavas, Jerry Koutavas, Jim Pietrzyk, Lauren Hoener Nace, Greg Markantone, Larry McAfoos, Karen Campbell Ricci, Amy Gongaware Senkow, and Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, all of whom correctly identified Vince Oddo ('84) as Mystery Classmate #71 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Vince and his wife Kathy live in North Huntingdon with their two-and-a-half year old son, also named Vince. He works for Mele Contracting and runs the excavating/landscaping division.

Many classmates had fond memories of Vince. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli and Greg Markantone remembered Vince from Woodside School. Milton Koutavas noted that Vince was his brother Jerry's t-ball teammates on the Cubs. Jerry Koutavas added that Vince had an unusual batting swing and should be an avid golfer.

Lauren Hoener Nace wrote, “I was in love with Vince in fifth grade. I used to write Lauren Oddo in all of my notebooks.”

Becky Gongaware Hannon called Vince “one of my best buddies ever.” Amy Gongaware Senkow noted that Vince is one of her best friends of 32 years. Karen Campbell Ricci stated that Vince “is one of my favorite people. He can always make you laugh, he is so funny! We've been friends since we were infants. When each of us (Karen, the Gongaware sisters, and Donna Andreas Copley) was pregnant, he tried to get us to name a boy Vince. We all declined the offer. I guess his wife is more sympathetic than the rest of us.

Donna Andreas Copley sent the picture and later confessed, “Yes, my first kiss was with Vincey P. Oddo (age 5 - first day of kindergarten at Churchill Elementary with Miss Zeka). I'll always remember the time I ripped his shirt and he pulled my shorts down (a few years later). Now Vincey has a really nice wife (Kathy - who actually does a nice job keeping him in line) and little Vincey is the cutest!”

Leann Impavido Mendenhall guessed Dave Spielvogel. Brian “S.D.” Stevenson guessed Dave Grejda. Paul Rodgers guessed Bob Seger.

Mystery Classmate 070

2006-02-16T23:06:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Margaret Fleming Rintamaa, Melissa Mahoney Kortyna, Ron Levick, Amy Baer Davie, and Rich Reschoff, all of whom correctly identified Maribeth Mahoney ('87) as Mystery Classmate #70 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis lives in Butler, PA, and has been married to her husband John for nine years. They have three children – Zachary (7), Paige (4), and Ty (2) – and Maribeth expects a fourth on September 28. She contends, “As for the photo that my favorite brother-in-law sent in, no, that is not what I look like while dancing . . . ok, maybe a little. (My husband does compare my dancing skills to those of Elaine from Seinfeld.) Regardless, that was taken during a competitive game of Guesstures with my family. I was giving the clue ‘horseback riding’.”

Many classmates had fond memories of Maribeth. Her sister Melissa noted that Maribeth “is still the same sweet person she always was and would do absolutely anything for me. We are both at-home moms and live within 15 minutes of each other, so I call on that sweet nature for help all the time.” Perhaps to assuage a guilty conscience, Jim Thompson noted that Maribeth is “lovely and talented.” Jim, thanks for submitting the photo.

Rich Reschoff got a little excited. He wrote, “i took her to the Prom! she is looking real good! what was i thinking when we stop hanging together!! wow! too bad she is married & has like 4 kids! great to see her again! looking good Maribeth oooootalatka Maribeth!!!”

Rich may not be the only one who messed up. Ron Levick wrote, “TOO BAD BAER!!!! MB looks great!!”

Karen Campbell Ricci guessed Maureen Mahoney, but not before noting that “the face kind of looks like Donna Andreas Copley, but I don't believe she has ever had her hair styled that way, and she doesn't dance like that either...”

Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Carrie Schadle, adding “hard to see the face with the dance pose.” Leann Impavido Mendenhall guessed Natalie Marshall, and remembered how Natalie “used to JINGLE through the halls.” Jerry Koutavas guessed Stephanie Papazis, noting that Stephanie is of Greek descent.

Scott Silverman guessed Cheryl Tiegs. Ted Showers guessed Charo.

Mystery Classmate 069

2006-02-16T23:04:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Greg Markantone, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Donna Andreas Copley, Amy Gongaware Senkow, Karen Campbell Ricci, and Becky Gongaware Hannon, all of whom correctly identified Bill Lagnese ('82) as Mystery Classmate #69 (back row, center) and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Bill is the manager of Plum's 12A softball tournament team, the ASA Southwest PA Champions, who competed in the BeaverCreek Dayton, OH tournament. Bill writes, "We were seeded in the gold division after winning (2) on Saturday. On Sunday morning we beat the USSSA Ohio State Champs and hometown team from Beavercreek, Ohio. We then lost to a Greencastle, PA a team that Twist had beaten and we beat Twist in McKeesport. We ended up 4th out of 14. Twist won the tournament. The girls had a blast! The tournament was well run with 61 teams participating." Bill's daughter Kristy is in front of him.

Several of you had nice things to say about Bill. Karen Campbell Ricci wrote, "He's a great guy, and still one of my best friends. He's also a great shortstop." The Gongaware sisters added that Bill is a good friend and that they see him often. Greg Markantone exulted, "Wohoooo I got one!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Tina Schadle Dover fished for a clue (sorry, no hints) and complained about all the other people in the picture. Bill Stout guessed John Flaherty, noting that "he sort of has the stiff posture I remember from John." Stu Cohen guessed Adam Karsten. Jerry Koutavas guessed Dave Barclay.

Regarding Mystery Classmate #68, Karen Campbell Ricci writes, "I checked the last one too late...I probably would have been able to identify Ken Van Cara. I went on vacation with my husband and his friend's family about 13 years ago. It was a large group that happened to include Ken and Pam Van Cara. I have great memories of Ken playing his guitar."

Mystery Classmate 068

2006-02-16T23:02:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Scott Silverman, Coleman Brennan, Barbara Bender Pietro, Jim Thompson, Jesse Milton, Brian “S.D.” Stevenson, Tina Schadle Dover, Paul Rodgers, and Rebecca Cannobio Abel, all of whom correctly identified Ken Van Cara ('87) as Mystery Classmate #68 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Ken and his wife Heather live in Hartford, Connecticut with their Bernese Mountain Dog, Hunter. Ken works at United Health Care. He recently disbanded his Grateful Dead band, Liberty Bus, but still plays guitar in and around Hartford as a guest of other bands. Ken is pictured at Kennywood Park on Memorial day 2004 with his niece, Mia Collis, age 3. Thanks to Pam Van Cara Collis for sending the photo.

Many of you had nice things to say about Ken. Barbara Bender Pietro opined that he is “looking very cute.”

Jim Thompson noted, “While Scott Silverman may not approve, Ken is a fellow Penn Stater. As Ken mentioned a couple weeks ago, we did have some fun times in band (particularly aggravating Mr. Stevens), in the musicals, and on the cross country team (after we both decided that soccer wasn't our sport). I'll never forget, though, the band trip (in 1984, I think) to Holland, MI, with a stop for a parade at Cedar Point (it rained the entire time) and a stop at the Kellogg's cereal plant. Of course, it might not be Ken, and I will just have to save these memories for another time.”

Mary Bender Knight identified the third individual in the photograph. She wrote, “That's Wish Bear! I already know a lot about him for your paragraph next week. Caring Mission: Helps wishes come true. Symbol: Wish Bear's shooting star with a rainbow tail reminds us to believe in our dreams. Personality: Quiet and shy. Character Quirk: Can sometimes "magically" make the wishes come true—but not always, and sometimes the wishes come true in funny ways. Color: Aqua. Best Friend: Cheer Bear. Relationship Challenge: Sometimes Good Luck Bear teases her into arguments about who is luckier. Motto: Your wish is my wish!”

Carolyn Wasko guessed Dave Crawford. Jerry Koutavas guessed Matt “The Hawaiian Hammer” Husak.

Donna Andreas Copley griped that there was “too much ‘hidden’ with the hat and glasses! Looks like someone I work with now who isn't from Pennsylvania, but I have no clue who from our high school!”

Lisa Smith wrote, “Not sure who the person is, but the location appears to be the "diamond" in Ligonier, PA which is the town where I do my shopping...our farm is located just about 8 miles south.”

Mystery Classmate 067

2006-02-16T22:59:00.000-05:00

Mystery Classmate #67 may have been the most challenging to identify in the history of this exercise, although I was hoping that one of our Woodside School first grade classmates of 1972-73 – Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Jeff Buchanan, Dave Crawford, Keith Fridel, Greg Markantone, or Vince Oddo – might have, somehow, recognized Yvette Max.

In case you were wondering, Yvette Max Pintar is a 1988 graduate of the Education for Public Inquiry and International Citizenship (EPIIC) program at Tufts University, and a 1989 graduate of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies Bologna Center. Yvette is married with three lovely children, one of whom is pictured, and lives in Detroit. She has a great recipe for Sesame Garlic Flowers, which follows:

I n g r e d i e n t s
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 tbsp. sesame oil
12 oz. garlic flowers, trimmed
2 tbsp. lightly toasted sesame seeds
salt and pepper

C o o k i n g I n s t r u c t i o n s
Blanch garlic scapes in boiling salted water until crisp tender, 2-3 minutes. Drain.
Heat oil in a pan on med. heat. Add garlic flowers and sauté for 7-10 min., until they start to brown and soften.
Add salt and pepper to taste as well as sesame seeds. Serve.

Note: This recipe could also be adapted very well to roasting the garlic flowers, tossed with the oils, in a 400 degree oven for a while (probably at least 30 minutes), then seasoned with salt and pepper and tossed with the toasted sesame seeds.

Bill Stout and Emily DePaul Gil guessed Bettina Myers. Jerry Koutavas guessed Laura Fleming. Lori Haas Baccari had no idea, but thought that the picture was priceless. Joe Caprara wondered how he was supposed to guess from someone’s kindergarten picture. Funny Joe!

Mystery Classmate 066

2006-02-12T00:02:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Paula Recchio Joseph, Milton Koutavas, Ken Van Cara, Bob Smith, Ted Showers, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Tom Mezyk, Brian “S.D.” Stevenson, Brandon “Brandon B” Holmes, Scott Silverman, Paul Rodgers, Tina Schadle Dover, Ron Levick, Barbara Bender Pietro, Melissa Mahoney Kortyna, Margaret Fleming Rintamaa, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Pam Van Cara Collis, Emily DePaul Gil, Rebecca Canobbio Abel, and Ann Broadberry, all of whom correctly identified Jim Thompson ('86) as Mystery Classmate #66 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Jim writes: “I currently live in Raleigh, NC, where I am an assistant professor in the Department of Soil Science at North Carolina State University, teaching and conducting research in the area of natural resource management and land use planning. After graduating from Penn State in 1990 I married Megan Mahoney (’86), and this week we celebrate our fourteenth wedding anniversary. Since leaving Pittsburgh as newlyweds we have lived in Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Next month, though, we move again, coming almost full circle as we head back north, to Morgantown, WV, where I will be working at West Virginia University. Megan and I have two children, Nolan (8) and Lucy (3).

“Aside from instructing 150+ students a year in the finer points of soil science and trying to add to my list of research articles and book chapters, I have enjoyed being a den leader in Nolan’s Cub Scout pack and volunteering as a mentor to five at-risk English as a Second Language (ESL) first grade students at our neighborhood elementary school. We all enjoy getting back to Pittsburgh ("The Big City" as Nolan and Lucy like to call it) to visit with the many Mahoneys (Melissa, Maureen, Maribeth, Bud) and Thompsons (Bob, Ron, Jennifer), who all still live in the area. My family circle of potential future Mystery Classmates will be growing later this year when the Burgard sisters (Kristin, Erin, Kara) become my stepsisters.”

Many of you had fond and detailed memories of Jim.

Ken Van Cara felt that Jim looks remarkably the same and remembered a lot of fun times in the musicals, band, and cross country. Jim’s sister-in-law Maribeth said that “when I was at the beach with him last week, he had less hair. He is known by my family as ‘Dr. Dirt’.” Tom Mezyk noted that Jim "looks like he dropped some weight. Just when most of us are packing it on he goes and blows the whole damn thing.”

Brandon “Brandon B” Holmes wrote, “I grew up with the Thompson crew, played baseball with them from our days at Chalfant Elementary and I can tell you this: Bob, Jim, Ron and Jennifer are awesome!!! Some of the friendliest people you'd ever want to meet. I'm glad to know them.” Paula Recchio Joseph remembered Jim as a really terrific guy. Bob Smith noted that Jim and his brother Ron were really nice guys, and Tina Schadle Dover added that they were both really great and talented.

Emily DePaul Gil wrote of Jim and Megan, “I can't remember two more wonderful people from CHS! Kind, caring, wonderful people.” Melissa Mahoney Kortyna sent the picture of Jim “at work” during their recent family vacation at Kiawah Island.

Scott Silverman may be attempting to start a flame war by writing, “I recall Jim explaining to Ms. Panetta (10th or 11th grade English class) that he wanted to go to Penn State because they had a good football team. Not quite sure why I have this memory - maybe because (being a Pitt grad) I find it hard to believe that anyone would want to go to Penn State for any reason.”

Megan Mahoney wins the prize. She wrote, “Since I am only the Queen of Comedy, I leave it to others to make amusing comments, namely siblings, friends and the King of Comedy himself. This week we celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary, and I'll just say that nothing feels quite as lovely to me as holding that man's hand and I'm grateful to be sharing my life's journey with him.”

Kirsten Bonvalot Schwoegl guessed Jimmy “Little Bo” Petrick. Ron Levick still insists that Mystery Classmate #66 (Mary Bender) was Jamie Fagen.

Mystery Classmate 065

2005-10-22T23:57:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan, Scott Silverman, Ted Showers, Barbara Bender Pietro, Karen Campbell Ricci, and Ann Broadberry, all of whom correctly identified Mary Bender ('90) as Mystery Classmate #65 (center) and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Mary Bender Knight lives in Columbus, Ohio, where she enjoys a successful career as a behavior modification therapist, specializing in treating children with autistic spectrum disorders. On May 29, 2004, Mary wed Harry Knight, and the two of them are pictured here on their honeymoon, accompanied by popular Las Vegas entertainer Big Elvis. On their cross country drive, Mary and Harry saw many other amazing sights along the way. Congratulations, Mary!

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Sonya Welesko. Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Sonya Welesko. Leann Impavido Mendenhall guessed Sonya Welesko, and added a guess that the gentleman on the left was Sonya’s husband and classmate David Buerger.

Colleen O’Connor Casey guessed Barb Neches. Ron Levick guessed Jamie Fagen.

Kimberly Hall guessed Carolyn Wasko. Ellen Broadberry Gallagher guessed either Carolyn or Anita Wasko.

Carrie Schadle wrote, “As usual, I have no idea who that is, but the guy to her left looks like some guy I went to college with, whom we used to call Zippy for some long-forgotten (like his real name) reason.”

Ted Showers supposed that the gentleman pictured on the right was me, and complimented me on the shirt. Ted, I wish I looked that good!

Mystery Classmate 064

2005-10-22T23:56:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Steve Landay, who correctly identified Dave Zafris ('82) as Mystery Classmate #64.

In case you were wondering, Dave is a reporter for WJAC-TV, the NBC affiliate in Johnstown. In his bio on the station website, Dave writes, “After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English Writing, I began my career as a newswriter for KQV Radio and went on to several other stations, including WYDD-FM and WNRJ-FM, doing news and sports. From there I moved into newspaper reporting, first for Gateway Publications in Monroeville and then as a reporter at the Butler Eagle in Butler County. I also worked as a freelance writer for several publications, including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“I went back to get my masters degree at Point Park College in Pittsburgh, because I wanted to attempt to get into television news. Halfway through the program, I applied for an opening at WJAC, and have worked here as a general assignment reporter covering Blair County, and most recently, Clearfield County. I live in Dubois, with my dog Bear, and have a girlfriend and cat in Pittsburgh. I love hockey, football, and pizza, not necessarily in that order.”Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Steve Landay. Brian “S.D.” Stevenson didn’t guess, but noted that the Mystery Classmate was positioned in front of an NBC logo.
Laura Fleming Schulte wrote, “My guess with Burris (Esplen) has made me bold.” (You go, Laura!) “Could that be a picture of Andy Katzen? It doesn't look like him, but the person people identified as Andy at our 10-year reunion didn't look like him either.”

Jerry Koutavas guessed Peter Leventopoulos, noting that Peter (like Dave Zafris) is of Greek descent.

Mystery Classmate 063

2005-10-22T23:30:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Jack Horner, Jamie Kracsun McBride, Coleman Brennan, Bob Smith, Brian “S.D.” Stevenson, Laura Fleming Schulte, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, and Megan Mahoney, all of whom correctly identified Burris Esplen ('85) as Mystery Classmate #63 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Burris and his wife Ashlee live in Churchill, where Burris is a member of the Volunteer Fire Department. He also serves as Membership Chairman of the Pittsburgh East Chapter of the American Wine Society.

Burris reports, “I enjoy sweet, vinifera wines; however, I also enjoy dry whites and reds. I prefer vinifera but there are good French-American hybrids out there. I like the obscure whites like Semillon and Viognier. My favorite vineyards are in Napa Valley--an awesome experience!”

Some classmates had curious things to say about Burris. Laura Fleming Schulte noted his resemblance to the the American spy who sold secrets to the Russians.

Jack Horner wrote, “I love saying his name. Burris.”

Linda Wolff guessed Dave Crawford. Donna Andreas Copley guessed Dave Buerger. Bill Stout guessed Bill Blake, or Ernie Knoche. Jerry Koutavas incorrectly identified the three gentlemen pictured as Scott Rosenfeld, Fred Grejda, and either Gary Krawczewicz or Ed Knapp.

Mystery Classmate 062

2005-10-22T23:23:00.000-04:00

Mystery Classmate #62 may have been a little too difficult for anyone to identify. He is Alexandre “Sasha” Polozoff (’82).

In case you were wondering, Sasha works for IBM and lives in Chicago with his wife Sandra and children Stephen and Kristie. He hates Pittsburgh! You can read his life story on his website, to which you can find a link in the right hand column of this page.

Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Rosario Collucci. Jerry Koutavas guessed Ron “Spanky” Kirkpatrick. Mary Bender Knight guessed Sam Kinison.

Mystery Classmate 061

2005-10-22T23:20:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Stu Cohen, Gary Cervi, Rich Reschoff, Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes, and Lori Haas Baccari, all of whom correctly identified Michael Bernstein ('85) as Mystery Classmate #61 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Mike lives in Pittsburgh, has been married to wife Amy for 10 years, and has three kids plus another on the way in November. Mike just returned from Japan where he spent four days with Douglas Schafer (who would've been class of '85 if he hadn't switched to Sewickley Academy) and Doug's family, along with Mike's oldest son Max. Mike says, "Hello to all of my old classmates and would love to hear from anybody who is willing to contact me, at mbernstein@leedsworld.com." Mike also noted that Jack Horner is a dead man.

Several classmates shared fond recollections of Mike. Stu Cohen noted that "Mike was one of the coolest guys in our class. Creative, smart and just fun to be around."

Gary Cervi noted that Mike "is the CEO of Leed's (the company I work for). And for that reason, I will not make any smart remarks!

Brian "S.D." Stevenson guessed Ron Levick. Jack McDonough and Tracey Lucchino McDonough collaborated to guess Rich Mich. Chad Calabria guessed Ron Lippock.

Mystery Classmate 060

2005-10-22T23:18:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan, Lauren Hoener Nace, Leslie Rush Cuda, Jack Horner, Donna Andreas Copley, and Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, all of whom correctly identified Lori Haas ('84) as Mystery Classmate #60 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Lori Haas Baccari has for the past few years been the senior administrative assistant at Jack Horner Communications (Jack is Class of '85). Their office is located in the former Westinghouse Communications Center in Forest Hills across from WTAE.

Lori is married to a computer whiz at UPMC (Dale) and is pictured with her son, Lucca (2 1/2). Lori lives in Gilmore Acres and spends her leisure time collecting Thomas the Tank characters for Lucca, house-hunting for her next mansion, and trading in her car every 11 months due to Cheerios and Kool-Aid Jammers depreciation.

Ellen Broadberry Gallagher shared her fond recollections of Lori, noting that “she worked in my building at my former job and went to Robert Morris University as well as myself. Lori was always a very nice person to talk to.”

Mike Williams guessed Ann Broadberry.

Mystery Classmate 059

2005-10-22T23:08:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan, Chuck Zimmerman, Beth Chufo Nichols, Ken Van Cara, Sharon Wasko Skoff, Carrie Schadle, Pam Van Cara Collis, Jennifer Machovec Buchanan, Bill Stout, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, and Stu Cohen, all of whom correctly identified Alice Lin ('85) as Mystery Classmate #59 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Dr. Alice Lin Welch is a 2000 graduate of the cellular and molecular physiology program of the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts University and is now completing her postdoctoral fellowship at the American Red Cross in Bethesda, MD.

Many of you had fond recollections of Alice. Stu Cohen remembered Alice as a leader and a great musician. Bill Stout remarked that Alice was so talented that she and Bill didn't have any classes together. Pam Van Cara Collis wrote that she never knew anyone nicer than the Lin sisters. Chuck Zimmerman reported that the Lins moved to Barton Drive in 1982.

Others weren't done talking about Mystery Classmate #58, Dan Talbert. Amy Chufo Prezelski said that Dan and Johnny Shoop used to chase her during recess in elementary school, when they weren't playing kickball or Star Wars. Beth Chufo Nichols denied that she and Dan ever worked together, but surmised that Dan was visiting her office for academic advising.

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Alice's sister Ellen, or Alice herself, but couldn't remember Alice's name. Although she knew it was wrong, Karen Campbell Ricci guessed Cissy Kabbert.

Mystery Classmate 058

2005-10-22T23:01:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Beth Chufo Nichols, Jim Esplen, Ted Showers, Paul Rodgers, and Tom Mezyk, all of whom correctly identified Dan Talbert ('87) as Mystery Classmate #58 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Dan is the Head Coach of the University of Pittsburgh rugby team and also serves as College Coordinator of the Allegheny Rugby Union. He is a founder of the Pitt Rugby Alumni Association and is the recruiting coordinator and a player for the Pittsburgh Rugby Football Club. He also has a place for rent, for $500 per month.

Joe Caprara guessed Ron Levick. Donna Andreas Copley guessed Bobby Scott, and wondered where Bob is today.

Mystery Classmate 057

2005-10-22T22:54:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Frank Battaglia, Paula Recchio Joseph, Matt McKeever, Melissa Mahoney Kortyna, and Joanna Patterson, all of whom correctly identified Dean Novotny ('82) as Mystery Classmate #57 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Dean Novotny was an original member of the Black Lips Performance Cult in New York City's East Village, appearing in productions of The Transvestite's Twelve Stations of the Cross, The Candy Darling Story (about the late Warhol superstar), The Ascension of Marsh P. Johnson (about the transvestite that threw the first brick at the Stonewall riots), and The Birth of Anne Frank.

The character of Sissy Fit, as whom Dean appears here, was born from his experimentation with gender roles and perceptions in the traditional theater genre. "It was fun. It behooved me to have that splashy name," Dean says. "But I am a serious actor, not a drag queen. I decided it was time to start losing the circusy name. I wanted to be taken seriously."

Since his return to Pittsburgh six years ago, Dean has produced numerous performance art pieces along similar lines, and has enjoyed a two-year cabaret run in the East End. His adaptation of the Tennessee Williams novella, The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone, was performed in December 1999 at The Lester Hamburg Studio Theatre at City Theatre, with Dean in the title role originated on the silver screen by Vivien Leigh.

Dean returned to City Theatre in 2001 with his original musical, The Balladof Captain Star Hollow and the Rings of Freedom, about a once handsome and dangerous corporate fleet captain who chucks a promising corporate career to sell illegal beauty products to the oppressed transgendered peoples of the galaxy.

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Brad Drago. Carrie Schadle (whom Bill Stout guessed last week) asserted that she does not look anything like Mystery Classmate #56 Karen Bonvalot, and guessed Bill Stout.

Mystery Classmate 056

2005-09-01T22:55:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Pam Van Cara Collis and Lauren Hoener Nace, both of whom correctly identified Karen Bonvalot ('84) as Mystery Classmate 056 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Karen Bonvalot Torres, Esq., works with the litigation practice group at Klett Rooney Lieber & Schorling in Pittsburgh. She graduated magna cum laude from Pitt and magna cum laude from Duquesne University School of Law. Karen was recognized as a National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Law Graduate and is included in Strathmore's Who's Who. In addition to her practice, Karen serves as a Hearing Committee Member of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and for two years has coached the mock trial team at Woodland Hills High School, working with Rich Stanczak.

Bill Stout wrote, "It's almost like I didn't go to school with any of these people. This week I'm guessing Carrie Schadle. Sorry, no clever anecdotes, because it's likely not even her."

Joe Caprara guessed Laura Urbanic. Jim Davliakos guessed Traci Kavo.

Mystery Classmate 055

2005-09-01T22:44:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Milton Koutavas, who correctly identified John Davliakos ('81) as Mystery Classmate 055.

In case you were wondering, John Davliakos, DMD is one of implant dentistry's most respected practitioners. With a broad base of expertise in both the surgical and prosthetic aspects of dental implants, he maintains an active private practice in Annapolis, MD.

John also serves as Staff Prosthodontist at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, and is an Assistant Professor in Prosthodontics at the University of Maryland. He lectures internationally on all aspects of implants and is a knowledgeable resource for new doctors entering the field.

John also helps coach the Under-9 KIYSL Krushers of the Mid-Atlantic Soccer League.

Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli came very close in guessing Jim Davliakos. Jerry Koutavas guessed George Tsudis, and noted that George is of Greek descent.

Joe Caprara guessed Bill Blake, or Ken Van Cara.

Mystery Classmate 054

2005-08-01T00:36:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli and Joe Caprara, who correctly identified Karla Isenberg ('83) as Mystery Classmate 054 and are listed in the order that their responses were received. Karla appears in the center in the photo below.

In case you were wondering, Karla Isenberg-Bothe is a member of the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble, which will perform at this weekend's commencement ceremonies in the Carrier Dome. The Brass Ensemble is composed of 38 members of the Syracuse University faculty and staff, the SUNY-Upstate Medical University faculty and staff, and accomplished musicians from surrounding communities. The ensemble is a year-round organization which presents approximately 10 performances yearly including recitals on the Syracuse University Campus and several performances in the surrounding communities. The repertoire of the ensemble includes music from all major musical periods. For additional information and to purchase recordings, check out www.subrass.com.

Bob Smith, Paul Rodgers and Jennifer Buchanan Machovec guessed Rebecca Canobbio. Joe Caprara considered Beth Shaffer before settling on Karla.

Jim Davliakos guessed Maureen Mahoney, and incorrectly identified the gentlemen pictured as (left to right) Burris Esplen, Matt "The Hawaiian Hammer" Husak, Tom Busa and Jack Glunt.

Mystery Classmate 053

2005-08-01T00:23:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Carrie Schadle, Stu Cohen, Amy Chufo Prezelski, Paula Recchio Joseph, Mike Bernstein, Jamie Kracsun McBride, Jennifer Buchanan Machovec, Pam Van Cara Collis, Beth Chufo Nichols, Megan Mahoney, Bill Stout, Ron Levick, Laura Fleming Schulte, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, and Colleen O'Connor Casey, all of whom correctly identified Jack Horner ('85) as Mystery Classmate #053 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Jack is the founder and president of Forest Hills-based Jack Horner Communications, which develops and implements marketing strategies and media relations programs for clients representing a wide range of issues, products and services. He was a 2002 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist and was named the 1999 Public Relations Agency Executive of the Year by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Business Marketing Association. Jack is a Penn State graduate who previously was an account executive with Ketchum and a PR assistant for Chambers Development Company. He and his wife Meg are the proud parents of Fergus, 5, and Griffin, 4.

Paul Rodgers guessed Brian Mack. Jim Davliakos guessed Denny Boyle. Ted Showers guessed Conan O'Brien.

Mystery Classmate 052

2005-05-16T21:19:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Angharad Grimes Stock, Rich Reschoff, Kelly O'Connor, and Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, who correctly identified Tim Artz ('82) as Mystery Classmate 052 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Tim enlisted in the US Marine Corps after high school, and while serving in the reserves auditioned for the drama department at Point Park College, where he received a B.A. in theater. From there Tim attended Rutgers University and graduated with an M.F.A. in acting and a minor in writing.

Now based in New York, Tim has appeared in numerous stage, television and film productions and also works as a writer and producer. Tim's stage credits include Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire; Salome; Noises Off; King of the Moon; The Misanthrope and Love's Labor's Lost. His TV credits include "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Law & Order," "New York Undercover," "One Life to Live" and "Guiding Light."

Tim appeared in the films Stonewall and Borough of Kings and most recently in the Jonathan Demme remake of The Manchurian Candidate with Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, BeBe Winans, and Robyn Hitchcock.

Dan Talbert guessed Jeff Miller. Frank Battaglia thought that Tim "looks like (he belongs on) a record album cover," and guessed Vince Palermo or Steve Kovacs. Paul Rodgers guessed Gregg Bobick.

Joe Caprara guessed Ken Van Cara, or one of the members of Bon Jovi. Lori Haas Baccari thought that Tim "looks like a movie star," and guessed Eric "Ricky" Caplan. Jim Davliakos guessed Richie Vitaro.

Mystery Classmate 051

2005-05-16T21:09:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Ron Levick, who correctly identified Van Zanic ('88) as Mystery Classmate 051 and remembered Van for his wicked left foot on the soccer field.

In case you were wondering, Van is the head softball coach at Geneva College, and took the Golden Tornadoes to new heights in 2003 in his first year at the post. Geneva finished last season at 42-12, and Van received Coach of the Year honors for both the American Mideast Conference and NAIA Region 9.

Van previously served as an assistant softball coach at Woodland Hills High School for three years under his father, head coach George Zanic. Van holds a bachelor's degree in broadcast communications from Geneva and took over as the school's full-time sports information director in 1998. A four-year starter for the Golden Tornadoes baseball team, Van enjoyed four winning seasons during his playing career, which ended in 1992. Van and his wife, Rebecca, a 1993 Geneva graduate, reside in Beaver Falls with their three-year-old son Zachary.

Maribeth (Mahoney) Misitis guessed Brian "S.D." Stevenson and remembered the "huge smile" on S.D.'s face as he played tuba in the marching band.

Paul Rodgers guessed Alan Checca. Frank Battaglia guessed Chad Calabria. Jim Davliakos guessed Vincent Oddo, although Vince is not of Greek descent.

Mystery Classmate 050

2005-05-13T10:34:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan, Larry McAfoos, Paula Recchio Joseph, Heidi Stout, Lori Haas Baccari, Stu Cohen, Jack Horner, Frank Battaglia, Beth Chufo Nichols, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, and Ron Levick, who correctly identified Burton Morris ('82) as Mystery Classmate 050 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Burton Morris is an award-winning artist who has been proclaimed the leader of the "New Pop" movement. His work has appeared in the TV shows "Friends" and "Just Shoot Me"; on the labels of Perrier bottles, Pepsi cans, and Heinz food products; and on posters for the World Cup, the Olympics, and the Pittsburgh Zoo Aquarium.

Burton says, "My artwork portrays popular icons and ideas that people can relate to in everyday culture. I wanted to add a contemporary twist to traditional Pop Art by implementing my own sense of color and energy. I share Andy Warhol's vision by portraying imagery that is familiar to a large audience. I believe that by utilizing the media and new technology I can communicate my ideas on a large scale. Warhol and I differ in style and technique, yet we share a similar sense of color and impact."

Burton received a BFA in design and fine art from Carnegie Mellon University in 1986, and lives in Forest Hills with his wife Julie and their two cats Hamlet and Daisy. You can learn more at Burton's website, which is linked in the column on the right.

Many classmates had nice things to say about Burton.

Jack Horner remembered Burton "walking down the aisle of Bus 7, carrying a giant egg-beater painting comprised of millions of ink dots. It's probably worth $20 grand now that he's that famous Academy Award artist. He also designed our company logo, for which we are grateful."

Lori Haas Baccari called Burton the "local boy gone BIG," and is happy to have his rendition of Little Jack Horner in her living room.

Beth Chufo Nichols reports that she "had A DATE with him shortly after I returned home from college. Took me home to his parents house to "show me his portfolio"... of artwork, that is. Impressive."

Stu Cohen remembered Burton only through his older brother Brian, but noted that his works are "pretty big stuff," while Ron Levick noted that Burton "could become the most famous person to graduate from Churchill."

Ann Broadberry Johnson and Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes guessed Larry McAfoos. Brandon wrote, "The only thing I remember about Larry was he did the morning announcements my freshman year. He was a senior, I believe. I never had the chance to talk to him, but I would if I saw him today because he's a
fellow Irishman."

Paul Rodgers guessed Craig Davis. Milton Koutavas guessed Vince Merlino. Lauren Hoener Nace guessed Dennis Koutavas. Jim Davliakos guessed Bob Morrison. Bill Stout guessed Kevin Borellis, or Tommy Buerger.

Mystery Classmate 049

2005-05-02T22:42:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Milton Koutavas, Amy Chufo Prezelski, Jack Horner, Paula Recchio Joseph, Gregg Bobick, Coleman Brennan, Jamie Kracsun McBride, Jim Thompson, Joe Caprara, Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes, Ron Levick, Carrie Schadle, Paul Rodgers, Jerry Koutavas, Bill Stout, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Rich Reschoff, and Beth Chufo Nichols, all of whom correctly identified Stu Cohen ('85) as Mystery Classmate #49 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Stu and his wife Rachel, who is pictured, live in Upper St. Clair with their three beautiful boys, Max, Alex and Elijah. Stu runs the John V. Heineman Co., a gourmet and specialty food distributor located in Lawrenceville.

Many classmates had fond memories of Stu. Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes remembered Stu from their T-Ball team, the Bobcats, where they starred together along with Paul Rodgers and Tony Lodovico. Brandon added, "He was always a really cool guy, made time to say hi and shoot the breeze. I think he and Steve Landay are cousins!"

Interestingly, (well, not really) Paul Rodgers remembered Stu from their Pony League team, but made no mention of T-Ball.

Carrie Schadle amused me by writing, "I'm going with Stu Cohen. If it is him, we started third grade on the same day in October 1977 at Atlantic Avenue Elementary. Actually, if it isn't him, I still started third grade on the same day as Stu Cohen."

Amy Chufo Prezelski wrote, "Stu was on the swim team with me and was the only one who didn't treat me like Beth Chufo's LITTLE SISTER! What I had to endure from the others was just criminal! Cool dude."

Beth Chufo Nichols reminisced, "Brings back memories of Blackridge backyard campouts, late night hijinx on the Churchill Country Club golf course, jumping the fence at the Blackridge pool, running from Chambers through the woods back to camp, kamikazes at PHI, hanging at CMU's SAE, and drinking orange Mad Dog at the Blake/Cenna/Johnson chateau on Wilkins and Fifth. Amazing how many people we could cram around their miniscule kitchen booth. Stu always seemed to be the voice of sobriety for some reason. Miss the 'fro!"

Referring the infamous car accident (see Mystery Classmate 026, Scott Silverman), Bill Stout alleged that Stu had "the most talked-about house in the Class of '85." Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli remembered Stu as one of her "best buds," while Joe Caprara called Stu a "sweet bastard."

Frank Battaglia guessed Neil Abrams. Mike Williams guessed Fred Summers. Jim Davliakos guessed Bob Morrison.

Mystery Classmate 048

2005-04-22T08:38:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Jim Davliakos, who correctly identified Mark Blotzer ('84) as Mystery Classmate 048. Although Mark did not complete his education at Churchill or Woodland Hills, he was a classmate of many of us at Churchill Elementary and other schools.

In case you were wondering, Mark lives in Rochester, New York, where he collects antique advertising and plays golf. Mark won First Place, B Division in the 2002 Greater Rochester Deaf Golfers Association League and is pictured donning the traditional plaid jacket.

Frank Battaglia guessed Louie Countouris. Scott Silverman guessed Jeff Dargay. Jerry Koutavas guessed Ed Knapp.

Joe Caprara guessed Ken Van Cara. Bill Stout guessed Bill Blake.

Ted Showers guessed WKRP’s Herb Tarlek. Megan Mahoney guessed that the gentleman on the right is The Shield’s Michael Chiklis.

Mystery Classmate 047

2005-04-22T08:25:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Paula Recchio Joseph, Coleman Brennan, Milton Koutavas, Barbara Bender Pietro, Dan Talbert, Bob Smith, Paul Rodgers, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Tina Schadle Dover, Ted Showers, Jamie Kracsun McBride, Kristin Burgard, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Ken Van Cara, and Stu Cohen, all of whom correctly identified Amy Chufo ('87) as Mystery Classmate 047 and are listed in the order that their responses were received. Thanks to Beth Chufo Nichols for sending the pic.

In case you were wondering, Amy Chufo Prezelski is a physical education instructor and athletic coach at the prestigious Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Wheaton, Maryland. She is a 1992 graduate of Ohio University and received a master of education degree from Bowie State University in 2002. Like Jerry Koutavas, Amy resides with her family in bucolic Mt. Airy, Maryland. She is pictured with her two girls, Leya (3) and Juliana (7).

Several classmates had fond memories of Amy. Paula Recchio Joseph wrote, “I remember sweating out on the tarmac at Band Camp with Amy making me crack up…. She used to say ‘They pelted me with rocks and garbage’ but I can’t remember what it’s from!”

Coleman Brennan expects that “Everyone knows that’s Amy Chufo.” Bob Smith noted that Amy looks happy with her kids.

Mike Williams guessed Beth Chufo. Jim Thompson guessed “one of the Chufos. The younger one, but I don’t know her name.”

Megan Mahoney knew both names, but couldn’t remember which Chufo was younger, and guessed Beth.

Brandon “Brandon B” Holmes wrote, “Those eyes, that smile, she’s unforgettable. Beth Chufo, all the way! We sat next to one another in English class our senior year and she’d totally slay me with her sense of humor. She’s the best!”

Lori Haas Baccari guessed Bridget Killen. Jim Davliakos guessed Traci Kavo.

Mystery Classmate 046

2005-04-06T10:29:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan, Carrie Schadle, Mike Williams, Lauren Hoener Nace, David Kortyna, and Jamie Kracsun McBride, who correctly identified Tim Wojtaszek ('81) as Mystery Classmate 046 and are listed in the order that their responses were received. Thanks to Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli for sending the pic.

In case you were wondering, Tim lives in Penn Hills with his wife Debbie and his kids Lindsay and Matthew. He works for Liberty Check Company selling checks and checking services to credit unions in the tri-state area. Although his swimming is limited to recreation, both kids are members of the Penn Hills Dolphins and Tim helps coach the team. Tim is shown with his daughter Lindsay and cousin Amanda.

Several classmates had fond memories of Tim. David Kortyna asked, "Can you resend the picture with Tim in just a Speedo? I still have many fond memories from those days of high school swimming. EMULSIFY!"

Lauren Hoener Nace wrote, "Tim was best man in my brother Jeff's wedding a few years ago. He looks exactly like he did in high school. It's not fair that he hasn't gained an ounce or at least gotten a few gray hairs."

Carrie Schadle wrote, "For some reason we used to think Tim looked like one of those worms we cut up in biology class for the benefit of watching it grow back, but time and tide has erased the reason for that memory from my mind."

Frank Battaglia guessed Jonathan Siegel. Ellen Broadberry Gallagher guessed Larry McAfoos. Jim Davliakos guessed Greg Tomasic.

Bill Stout couldn't come up with a name, but thought that Tim was from the Class of '83 and appeared in several musicals.

Chuck Zimmerman wrote, "I'm pretty sure that's Mr. Piper's Pub himself, Mike Topping! Even if I'm wrong, Piper's has great food, and even more importantly, a great beer selection! Mike's brother Andy is an owner as well."

Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes had no idea but thought that Tim looked like Will Farrell.

Mystery Classmate 045

2005-04-02T15:27:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Paula Recchio Joseph, Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes, Mike Williams, Scott Silverman, Joe Caprara, Paul Rodgers, and Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, who correctly identified Dennis Koutavas ('85) as Mystery Classmate 045 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Denny is the Washington, DC area sales manager for Dove Data Products, a technology company headquartered in Florence, SC. He lives in scenic Frederick, MD with his wife Juliana and their menagerie of pets, and is active in recreational volleyball and in the Greek Orthodox church.

Barbara Bender Pietro, Stu Cohen, and Bruce Kothmann guessed Milton Koutavas. Steve Landay guessed Jerry Koutavas. Pam Van Cara Collis and Chuck Zimmerman guessed "A Koutavas", presumably referring to Ann Koutavas, mother of the three.

Ken Van Cara guessed Joe Caprara. Dan Talbert wrote a little story about Paul Rodgers which won't be repeated here, although Dan may post to the comments if he wishes...

Mystery Classmate 044

2005-04-02T14:56:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Melissa Mahoney Kortyna, who correctly identified Annette Merlino ('82) as Mystery Classmate 044. Annette appears with her mother in this photo.

In case you were wondering, Annette practices Gentle Family Dentistry in Leechburg and Delmont, PA. In addition, she is the school dentist for Kiski Area School District and the dentist on call at the William Penn Care Center in Export. She graduated from Geneva College ('85) with a BS in Biology, and from the University of Pittsburgh Dental School in 1988.

Annette traveled to Honduras and Belize in August 2000 with a mission team to provide physical aid and dentistry to citizens there. Since 1988 she has made mission trips to Kenya, China, Zaire, and Peru. Annette was selected for Rotary International's Young Professional Exchange and spent a month in Japan visiting businesses and speaking (in Japanese) about the Western Pennsylvania region.

Annette has served as president of the Vandergrift Kiwaniis Club and the Westmoreland County Dental Society, is a past Chairman of Missions and now works with youth at her church, and was named the Women's Business Network Woman of the Year in 2000. She lives in Delmont with her husband Thomas Felmley and her cat, Commando.

Gary Lehman guessed Marie Aquino. Ellen Broadberry Gallagher guessed Aarti Gurnani. Paula Recchio Joseph guessed someone named Marion, who worked at the radio station with her. Jim Davliakos guessed Connie Davliakos, noting that Connie is of Greek descent. Paul Rodgers guessed that Annette's mom was Janet Neely.

Mystery Classmate 043

2005-02-15T23:06:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli and Paula Recchio Joseph, who correctly identified Jennifer Buchanan ('85) as Mystery Classmate 043 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Jennifer Buchanan Machovec graduated from Grove City College in 1990 with a B.A. in political science and philosophy and earned a J.D. from Duke Law School in 1993. After state and federal judicial clerkships and a brief stint as Finance and Operations counsel for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Jennifer joined IBM as in-house counsel where she negotiated a series of divestitures of the company's hardware manufacturing operations before moving to the Software Group in May 2003. Jennifer now provedes legal support for the IBM WebSphere brand and is frequently involved in issues involving the use of open source code. She is active in golden retriever rescue, took second place this year in her fantasy football league, and travels to the Outer Banks as often as possible. Jennifer lives in Cary, NC with her two Southern dogs Delta and Honey.

Milton Koutavas guessed June Whitaker. Jack Horner guessed Amanda Radford. Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Megan Mahoney. Brian "S.D." Stevenson guessed "Mary something or other."

Mystery Classmate 042

2004-09-19T22:06:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, who correctly identified Leet Sommerfeld ('84) as Mystery Classmate 042.

In case you were wondering, Leet is a competitive tennis player in the Western Pennsylvania region. He reached the Mens 35 singles finals of both the 2002 and 2003 West Virginia Open. Leet and partner Allan Quakenbush, with whom he is pictured, won the 1999 men's open doubles title in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation tournament, and Leet also competed in the 2003 Platform Tennis Nationals doubles tournament. He resides in Verona.

Chuck Zimmerman guessed Gary Lehman. Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Jack Horner, but conceded that she might be wrong. Barbara Bender Pietro and Brian "S.D." Stevenson guessed Jimmy Kwiecinski.

Ted Showers guessed "a Lehman." Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes guessed Simon Schiffman. Milton Koutavas guessed Ted Showers.

Joe Caprara guessed Ken Van Cara. Joe wrote, "I know that it's not him, but I'm on a roll with that answer. Some day I will be vindicated!"

Paul Rodgers guessed Bob Boone. Jim Davliakos guessed Dave "Tink" Potanko.

Mystery Classmate 041

2004-09-19T21:59:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Jack Horner, Bob Smith, Ken Van Cara, Mary Bender Knight, Kristin Burgard, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Paula Recchio Joseph, Brian "S.D." Stevenson, and Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, who correctly identified Shernaaz Kapadia ('87) and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Shernaaz is the Chief Resident at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. She previously served as a physician in the United States Navy after completing her studies at Temple University. Regarding her experiences at Children's, Shernaaz notes, "The residents, attendings and teaching are great at Children's. The patient population is very large and will give you vast experience in taking care of healthy as well as critically ill children. This residency program will prepare you well if you want to become a general pediatrician or go into a fellowship."

Many classmates had fond memories of Shernaaz. Ken Van Cara reports that Shernaaz was one of the nicest, smartest people in his class. Paula Recchio Joseph remembered that Shernaaz was friends with Paula's sister Claudia. Jack Horner rode the school bus with Shernaaz and her brother Maneck.

Jerry Koutavas, Paul Rodgers, Amy Chufo Prezelski, and Bill Stout guessed Aarti Gurnani. Amy noted that Aarti was a Blackridge girl, and Bill even remembered that he and Aarti were lab partners in physics. I hope Aarti is reading this!

Beth Chufo Nichols wrote, "I know this one because she lived in Blackridge, but can't remember her name... She was always really quiet on the bus..." The judges have ruled that Beth was thinking of Aarti too, so she also gets credit for an incorrect guess this week.

Carrie Schadle guessed Marie Aquino. David Kortyna guessed Sara Gopal.

Mystery Classmate 040

2004-09-19T21:43:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Mike Mroz, Paula Recchio Joseph, Rich Reschoff, Beth Chufo Nichols, Pam Van Cara Collis, Milton Koutavas, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Mike Bernstein, Megan Mahoney, Tina Schadle Dover, Paul Rodgers, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Ted Showers, Jack Horner, Angharad Grimes Stock, Bill Stout, Duke Johncour, and Lori Haas Baccari, all of whom correctly identified Rob Cochran ('83) as Mystery Classmate 40 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Rob graduated from Carnegie Mellon in 1987 with degrees in Applied Mathematics and Industrial Management and then joined the family business, #1 Cochran, Inc., as executive vice-president. He was named President and CEO in 1992 and under Rob's guidance, the #1 Cochran Automotive chain of dealerships has expanded to include two locations representing ten franchises that together generate over $300 million in annual sales. Rob's dedication to customer service regularly earns the company recognition as "Best Car Dealership" as determined by local newspaper reader polls, and his company consistently receives "Distinguished Dealer" awards from the various manufacturers it represents.

In addition, Rob serves on the Boards of Directors of Family House and Junior Achievement of Southwest Pennsylvania. He also sits on the Pittsburgh Public Theater's Board of Trustees. Rob is a member of the Young Presidents' Organization and is active in many of Pittsburgh's civic, charitable and social organizations. Rob and his wife Christina (pictured) reside in Fox Chapel with their five children: Olivia, 7; Faith, 5; Eliza, 4; Will, 2; and Hugh who was born in April 2003.

Many classmates had fond memories of Rob. Jack Horner noted that Rob and Christina look "perfect in every photo, this one included." Megan Mahoney sent her "belated thanks to the Saturn service department of the Cochran dealerships for helping me out when I was home for a funeral and my car was acting up. They treated me better in that one visit than the Saturn dealer in Lexington, KY did in four years of regular service."

Bill Stout wrote, "I recall, barely, drinking a few mystery punches in my parents' basement with Rob and the rest of my sister's pals." Heidi Stout did not deny this allegation.

Beth Chufo Nichols noted that Rob and his new Mega Center are "regulars on the local TV and cable ads. This summer it was ridiculous!" Rich Reschoff noted that Rob's "face is everywhere." Maribeth Mahoney Misitis wrote that "even my husband guessed this one, and he isn't from Churchill."

Joe Caprara guessed Ken Van Cara. Jennifer Buchanan Machovec guessed Jack Horner. Jim Davliakos guessed Darren Goltz.

Mystery Classmate 039

2004-09-19T21:28:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Ann Broadberry Johnson, Dan Talbert, Ken Van Cara, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Ted Showers, Kristin Burgard, Amy Chufo Prezelski, and Tina Schadle Dover, all of whom correctly identified Jimmy Esplen ('87) as Mystery Classmate 039 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Jim is a Research Specialist in Dr. Marta Couce's lab in the Division of Neuropathology of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine's Department of Pathology. Major areas of research emphasis in the lab include degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (particularly Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease and AIDS), developmental disorders, neoplasia and peripheral nerve and neuromuscular disorders. Last June, Jim co-authored an article for Diabetes magazine titled, "Acute Changes in Plasma Ghrelin After Gastric Bypass Surgery."

Many classmates had fond memories of Jimmy. Amy Chufo Prezelski recalls Jim as "a very nice guy with a sarcastic, dry sense of humor," while Ken Van Cara noted that he is the "brother of Burris Esplen famed tuba player from the Churchill Marching Band."

Lori Haas Baccari guessed Joe Costello -- very plausible in my opinion. Paul Rodgers guessed Dave Kacinko. Rich Reschoff guessed David Rocco and noted that he is a "handsome lad!" Joe Caprara guessed Pete Tsudis. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Rosario Colucci. Jim Davliakos guessed David Cabot.

Bill Stout wrote, "HOLY CRAP!! That might actually be Bill Blake!"

Mystery Classmate 038

2004-09-19T21:00:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Jim Thompson, who correctly identified Matt McKeever ('83) as Mystery Classmate 038.

In case you were wondering, Matt is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA. He is a quantitative sociologist whose interests include immigration, economic sociology, and quantitative methods. Matt's courses include Survey Research and Data Analysis and the Sociology of Immigration. He holds a B.A. from Haverford College and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of California at Los Angeles, and previously taught at the University of Kentucky where he was a colleague of Jim Thompson.

Jim Davliakos guessed John Bosak. Milton Koutavas guessed Joe Caprara. Meanwhile, Joe Caprara guessed Scott Handmaker.

Maribeth Mahoney Misitis and Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Ken Van Cara, although Maribeth wasn't 100% sure. Meanwhile, Ken Van Cara guessed Richard Smith. In an unrelated development, Paul Rodgers guessed Larry Smith.

Jack Horner guessed Bob Burt, but noted that Bob's hair was about two feet longer the last time that Jack saw him.

Mystery Classmate 037

2004-09-19T20:49:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Carrie Schadle, Bob Smith, Erin Burgard DiPerna, Paul Rodgers, Barbara Bender Pietro, Joe Caprara, Mary Bender Knight, Paula Recchio Joseph, Megan Mahoney, Kristin Burgard, Ted Showers, Scott Silverman, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, and Ken Van Cara, all of whom correctly identified Ann Broadberry ('87) as Mystery Classmate 037 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Ann married Chris Johnson in August, 2004, and reports, "I'm lovin' life in Charlotte, NC. Moved here in 1999 and am the marketing director for D.R. Horton (national homebuilder). Enjoy the close proximity to both the beach and mountains and spend a lot of time outside -- cycling, inline skating, skiing, etc. Also am involved in animal rescue, particularly working with unsocialized dogs who have been abused/neglected. I've been in a few choirs and a musical since high school and gained a new appreciation for the music program at Churchill. It's easy to keep up with my roots here. There are so many people from Pittsburgh and about five Steeler bars. When I am back in the 'Burgh, I make a point to get a Vinnie pie -- there is no other pizza. Ran into Caren Bloom and Tony Battaglia there over Christmas, which was so cool."

Many classmates had fond memories of Ann. Carrie Schadle remembered Ann as her sister Tina's "wacky friend." Megan Mahoney recognized Ann's smile. Ken Van Cara wrote that Ann "can't fool us with the Pirates cap," although Ted Showers initially identified her as Rob Mackowiak. And Barbara Bender Pietro and Kristin Burgard remembered Ann by her street name, Broad Annberry.