Mystery Classmate 107

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mystery Classmate 099

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

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

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

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