Mystery Classmate 054

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...