Mystery Classmate 021

Congratulations to Ron Ways, Brian "S.D." Stevenson, Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes, Paul Rodgers, and Joe Caprara, all of whom correctly identified Lauren Hoener ('84) as Mystery Classmate 021 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Lauren Hoener Nace is the Assistant to the Pastor of Gettysburg United Methodist Church and frequently serves as Liturgist. She and her husband Carl also serve as Coordinators of the Parish's Youth Ministries, and Carl chairs the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. Her husband is not a fireman. Lauren and Carl have three children -- Austin, Connor and Allyson.

Milton Koutavas guessed Margaret Fleming. Bill Stout guessed Bettina Myers.

Mystery Classmate 020

Congratulations to Bob Smith, Milton Koutavas, Mike Williams, Rich Reschoff, Scott Silverman, Brian "S.D." Silverman, Barbara Bender Pietro, Mary Bender Knight, Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes, and Paul Rodgers, all of whom correctly identified Craig Harris ('87) as Mystery Classmate 020 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Craig is busy running the family lampshade business, J. Harris & Sons, and filling his basement and garage with toys including a Harley and Ford T-Bird. Craig and wife Lynne are the proud parents of daughter Paige, age 9 months.

While Craig may have been easy for some of you to identify, the person on the right was less familiar to most. Paul Rodgers was one of many who thought it was Craig's daughter Paige. Brian "S.D." Stevenson thought it was Craig's lunch.

Paul Rodgers later corrected his reply, adding, "Didn't look close enough at the picture. Jonathan Silverman (Scott's son) and I'm not sure who the fat guy is. The mystery classmate himself, sitting next to me, corrected me."

Craig then pushed Paul away from the computer and typed, "Since I cannot vote for myself, I just wanted to say for the record, that I am not fat but pleasantly plump. (Signed,) The Mystery Classmate at Paul's Labor Day party. Leave it to a postman to make the mistake."

Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes added, "Craig, keep doing what you're doing, man. You look great and your little one is beautiful, too. All the best, my man!" Mike Williams wrote that "Moose always was good with kids -- he must think on their level." Rich Reschoff noted that "he lived on my street, Henley Drive. He looks the same as in 1985!"

Dan Talbert guessed Jay Leno.

Mystery Classmate 019

Congratulations to Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Carrie Schadle, Coleman Brennan, Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes, Joe Caprara, Scott Silverman, Mary Bender Knight, Jack Horner, Barbara Bender Pietro, Milty Koutavas, and Kristin Burgard, all of whom correctly identified Adam Karsten ('86) as Mystery Classmate 019 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Adam is an established actor and performer, whose lengthy resume includes a production of Miss Saigon in Germany; a national tour with the Washington, DC-based Capitol Steps; Jesus Christ Superstar at the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, IL (as Jesus); and most recently, a role in a Manhattan presentation of Owl Creek, a new musical based on a Civil War-era Ambrose Bierce short story.

Thanks to those of you who shared your memories of Adam.

Kristin Burgard wrote, "I recognize the shifty eyes. This was the same look he had on his face when he threw an M&M down my shirt in German Class."

Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes wrote, "Fantastic singer and actor, big time Triumph/Rik Emmet fan, a very cool guy and someone who can bring the party back to life if it loses steam."

Paula (Recchio) Joseph guessed Mike Horowitz, whom she remembered from sixth grade, and then later changed her guess to Adam Karsten. Rich Reschoff also guessed Mike Horowitz, and then changed his guess to Adam but confessed to getting a hint from Coleman Brennan.

Steve Landay wrote, "Man I suck at this. It is becoming frighteningly clear that I not only failed to pay attention in class, but also to my classmates." Steve added, "It ain't Bill Blake."

Ann Broadberry was too busy to guess, but somehow found time to submit the following letter to last week's Post-Gazette Sports Mailbag:

Kordell Stewart was never given a fair shake in Pittsburgh. He might have been inconsistent at times, but show me one quarterback who hasn't been in his career. There was so much doubt and negativity placed on him, it's amazing he performed as well as he did.

ANN BROADBERRY

Charlotte, N.C.

Mystery Classmate 018

Congratulations to Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, who correctly identified Michael Hissrich ('83) as Mystery Classmate 018.

In case you were wondering, Mike is the Emmy Award-winning producer of The West Wing, and has also served as Associate Producer of ER; Producer of Presidio Med; and Co-Producer of Trinity and Third Watch. He also worked on From Dusk Til Dawn with Quentin Tarantino.

He just might be married to or dating an actress by the name of Jessica Pennington, who has appeared as a guest on The West Wing, Frasier, and Ed, and provided the voice of Claire in the 1986 TV movie Fluppy Dogs.

Mike is a member of IATSE Local 871, the union of professional stagehands, motion picture technicians, and allied crafts.

Joe Caprara guessed Bill Blake.

Mystery Classmate 017

Congratulations to Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes, Joe Caprara, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, and Rich Reschoff, all of whom correctly identified Nick DiBattiste ('85) as Mystery Classmate 017 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Nick is a member of the musical group After Dark, a band formed from some of Pittsburgh's finest veteran musicians. After Dark performs music of your favorite artists from the '40s to the '90s for your listening and dancing enjoyment. They feature songs by The Beatles, Smashmouth, Billy Joel, Elton John, Celine Dion, Van Morrison, Whitney Houston, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Frank Sinatra, Bonnie Raitt, Sam and Dave, The Eagles and Aretha Franklin to name but a few. Nick's recent CD "Killing Time" featured many of his original compositions and received regional airplay and sales as well as rave reviews in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and In Pittsburgh.

You can book After Dark for your event or learn more at http://www.3riversentertainment.com/default.htm.

Ann Broadberry wrote, "This guy reminds me a little of Chris Petrauskas in the face, but his hair is not wavy and too dark. Plus Chris is not Irish, I don't believe, not enough for a lovely green guitar like that. Oh well, he's my guess."

Paula Recchio Joseph wrote, "I am clueless. Did I go to Churchill?"

Brian "S.D." Stevenson guessed Tony Battaglia.

Mystery Classmate 016

Congratulations to Jerry Koutavas, Scott Silverman, Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes, Barbara Bender Pietro, Mike Williams, Brian "S.D." Stevenson, Mary Bender Knight, and Steve Landay, all of whom correctly identified Paul Rodgers ('87) as Mystery Classmate 016 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Paul is getting married this November. He lives on Homestead-Duquesne Boulevard.

Milton Koutavas initially guessed Paul Rodgers, but then switched his guess to Craig "Faygo" Prentice.

Ted Showers also initially guessed Paul Rodgers, and then switched his guess to Bill Blake.

Kristin Burgard wrote, "I am not sure who this is but it looks like he had a rough night." Bill Stout said that Paul "looks vaguely familiar, but I just can't place the face. I don't know who he is, but I have definitely felt the way he looks."

Mystery Classmate 015

Congratulations to Jerry Koutavas, who correctly identified Greg Markantone ('84) as Mystery Classmate 015. Jerry noted that Greg is of Greek descent.

In case you were wondering, Greg is a doctor of podiatric medicine, affiliated with Forbes Regional Hospital. He shares an office with his brother Steve, also a podiatrist, in Latrobe. (Mike Markantone has a catering business and Luke runs the family painting company.) Greg is a graduate of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at St. Francis Hospital in 1995.

Jerry wasn't the only person to guess that our Mystery Classmate was of Greek descent. Scott Silverman guessed Milton Koutavas. Joe Caprara guessed Dennis Koutavas.

Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes guessed Greg Bobick, then switched his guess to Bill Blake. Milton Koutavas guessed Eric "Ricky" Caplan. Brian "S.D." Stevenson guessed Kevin Smith. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Kevin Finnerty.

Mystery Classmate 014

Congratulations to Jack Horner, Milton Koutavas, Barbara Bender Pietro, Beth Chufo Nichols, Jamie Kracsun McBride, Paula Recchio Joseph, Coleman Brennan, Scott Silverman, Rich Reschoff, Brian "S.D." Stevenson, Lisa Bizon, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, and Paul Rodgers, all of whom correctly identified Emily DePaul ('86) as Mystery Classmate 014 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Emily DePaul Gil is the music teacher at Slate Hill Elementary School in Worthington, Ohio, and in January 2003 was named the Music Educator of the Year by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Emily has been the music teacher at Slate Hill for the past 12 years, where over 90 percent of intermediate students forgo recess to participate in music performance groups.

Under Emily's guidance, Slate Hill choirs consistently earn superior ratings at competition. The school's music ensembles have performed at a variety of outside venues, including a performance for Governor Taft at the Ohio School Board Association Convention in 1999. Emily earned her BME from Otterbein College and received her MA in Elementary Music Education from Ohio State in 2002.

Chuck Zimmerman guessed Kari Moon.

Mystery Classmate 013

Congratulations to Jim Davliakos, who correctly identified Mike Breitkreutz ('86) as
Mystery Classmate 013.

In case you were wondering, Mike is a software programmer with the game company Firaxis. Mike first entered the game industry six years ago at DreamForge Intertainment, where he worked on several titles, including Ravenloft: Stone Prophet, Chronomaster, 101 Dalmatians: Escape from DeVil Manor, and Sanitarium. When he's not sipping a cold beer or playing video games, Mike fancies himself a guitar and bass player. He is also a collector of fine music and has a collection of odd, sometimes frightening, CDs by the likes of William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and even the Partridge Family. Mike has a degree in Computer Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

Paula Recchio Joseph guessed Tom Rahaw. Jamie Kracsun McBride guessed Brad Drago and added, "I'm really bad at this."

Ted Showers guessed Robert Hanssen, the FBI agent that spied for the Russians. Joe Caprara and Bill Stout guessed Bill Blake.

Mystery Classmate 012

Congratulations to Paula Recchio Joseph, Milton Koutavas, Beth Chufo Nichols, and Jeff Buchanan, all of whom correctly identified Bill Stout ('85) as Mystery Classmate 012 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Bill and his wife Janet live in Pocatello, Idaho, where Bill is a geologist with the US Bureau of Land Management's Upper Snake River Pocatello Field Office. They are the proud parents of Joshua Wilson Stout IV.

Coleman Brennan and Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Stuart Cohen. Brian "S.D." Stevenson guessed Burris Esplen. Jack Horner guessed Kevin Borellis, "because I think he has some kind of outdoorsy job." Paul Rodgers wrote: "I have no idea but I'll bet a few people say 'Paul Rodgers'." Sorry Paul.

Mystery Classmate 011

Congratulations to Mary Bender Knight, Dan Talbert, Kristin Burgard, and Paul Rodgers, all of whom correctly identified Lisa Germ ('87) as Mystery Classmate 011 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Lisa is a New York City-based actor and recently appeared in a staged reading of of the new play PORT ST. JOE, by Tim Douglas Jensen. The reading was directed by Joe Calarco and produced by the Double Helix Theatre Company at Theatre Row's Jose Quintero Theatre.

Lisa is a 2002 MFA graduate of the Actors Studio Drama School, and a member of the Actors' Collective of New York City's DAP Ensemble, whose mission is to provide a supportive and educational environment for Directors, Actors and Playwrights within an atmosphere of professionalism.

Scott Silverman guessed Claudia Recchio. Jack Horner guessed June Whittaker. Coleman Brennan guessed Mary Comtois.

Mystery Classmate 010

Mystery Classmate 010 was just too tough for anyone to guess. He is Jimmy Faiella ('84), who went to Forest Hills Junior High before moving back to his hometown of Aliquippa.

In case you were wondering, Jimmy (far right, and now known as Egidio) is an American-Italian mandolinista. Inspired in early 1996 by a homemade recording of his grandfather playing his mandolino and acoustic guitar, Egidio began to seriously play the mandolin in 1996. He says, "I've literally recorded and produced MANY different styles of music throughout my life and I can honestly say that NOTHING remotely compares to the feelings I experience when I play my mandolin... I close my eyes and feel like a little boy again all over again... It's the GREATEST feeling!" Egidio is available to entertain at weddings, festivals, parties, and wherever traditional Italian music is heard. You can book him, or find out where he is playing next at his website, www.realgoombattas.com.

Milton Koutavas guessed Sam Iovino. Joe Caprara couldn't decide between Rosario Colucci and Bill Flucker. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli also guessed Rosario Colucci. Scott Silverman guessed Brian Talbert.

Mystery Classmate 009

Congratulations to Scott Silverman, Milton Koutavas, Joe Caprara, Paula Recchio Joseph, Barbara Bender Pietro, Dan Talbert, Bill Stout, Mary Bender Knight, Kristin Burgard, Steve Landay, Ted Showers, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, and Paul Rodgers, all of whom correctly identified Bettina Myers ('87) as Mystery Classmate 009 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Bettina is a Peace Corps member currently serving in the Republic of Georgia. Previously, Bettina was the Supervisor of the Language, Learning, and Technology Center at Georgetown University and specialized in providing blackboard support to foreign language faculty. While in Washington, she was active in the Trash Force litter collecting club and also drove the Old Town Trolley tour bus.

Several classmates had fond memories of Bettina, but they have been lost to the winds of time. Feel free to post to comments if you wish.

Mystery Classmate 008

Congratulations to Joe Caprara and Paula Recchio Joseph, both of whom correctly identified Mary Comtois ('85) as Mystery Classmate 008 and are listed in the order that their responses were received. Thanks to Jack Horner for finding her photo.

In case you were wondering, Mary Alice Comtois is a pianist, recording artist, educator, lecturer/workshop facilitator, and sound healing practitioner based in New York City. In addition to her solo playing, Mary has extensive experience playing chamber music and choral music. She has played with many opera singers, including several singers from the Met and NYC Opera. In 1995, she founded Comtois Recording Company and created a recording studio. She released her first solo piano CD, Prelude, in 1996. Her second solo piano CD, Sweet Dreams, was released in 2001. Currently, Mary is working on her third solo piano CD, which will be available in late 2003. In addition, she has just released her first Sound For Well Being CD, with two more in the series to follow.

Milton Koutavas guessed Tracy Barbarino. Bill Stout would have guessed Caroline Cimino, but was out of town.

Mystery Classmate 007

Congratulations to Mary Bender Knight and Jerry Koutavas, both of whom correctly identified Paul Findlay ('84) as Mystery Classmate 007 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Paul (bottom right) reports, "Got my BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington at Seattle in 1989; worked for IBM and then HP in San Jose, CA; returned to school to get my MBA from the University of California at Berkeley in 1996; then worked for Tektronix and now am a Product Line Manager for Panasonic Avionics in Lake Forest, California.

"In addition, I am director of marketing for Men Alive - The Orange County Gay Men's Chorus, which I helped found almost five years ago. We currently have more than 100 singers and are the third largest gay chorus in California. I sing Bass. And, on the personal side, I got married last year to my partner of five years, Doug Ward. "

Milton Koutavas guessed Ken Spokane. Bill Stout guessed Jack Horner, and then changed his guess to Dennis Koutavas. Jack Horner guessed Burris Esplen.

Mystery Classmate 006

Congratulations to Mary Bender Knight, Jack Horner, and Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, all of whom correctly identified Colleen Dunn ('85) as Mystery Classmate 006 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Colleen is the lead dancer in the Broadway musical "Contact," which won the 2000 Tony Award for Best Musical and is now on tour. TorontoStage.com reviews her performance thusly:

She never breathes a word but as The Girl in the Yellow Dress, Colleen Dunn radiates a post orgasmic aura and in doing so raises the testosterone level in the room ten fold.

Colleen's bio also includes appearances at Lincoln Center Theater: My Favorite Year (Princess Veronica). on Broadway: original casts of The Will Rogers Follies, Sunset Blvd (also L.A.), Ain't Broadway Grand and Legs Diamond; revivals of Annie (Grace Farrell/20th Anniversary Production) and Follies (Roundabout Theatre); Cats (Cassandra). Other: Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular (Rockette). Films: Everyone Says I Love You. Television: "Late Night With David Letterman," "The Dana Carvey Show," "Saturday Night Live," "All My Children" (Libby Daniels), "Another World" (Starr), "The Magic Of Music," Tony Awards '91, '95, '01 and can be seen as the faux French maid in the current Dannon Yogurt TV commercial. Colleen is fully recovered after open heart surgery to repair an aetrial septal defect and an ensuing two-year battle with pericardistis.

Joe Caprara guessed June Whitaker. Milton Koutavas guessed Kathy Begg. Jerry Koutavas guessed Katie Miles.

Mystery Classmate 005

Congratulations to Jack Horner, Jamie Kracsun McBride, and Bill Stout, all of whom correctly identified Chuck Zimmerman ('85) as Mystery Classmate 005 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Chuck is involved with some complicated information science projects at the University of Pittsburgh. His other interests include the Grateful Dead, Star Wars, cartooning, and the Beatles.

Chuck also plays the bongos, appearing with Java Joe every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Blue Note on East Carson Street. No cover!

Paul Rodgers guessed Alan Checca. Jerry Koutavas guessed Henry Rollins.

Mystery Classmate 004

It's pretty sad that no one was able to correctly identify Mystery Classmate 004. She is Beth Chufo ('84).

In case you were wondering, Beth Chufo Nichols is an academic advisor at the University of Pittsburgh's College of Arts and Sciences. She lives in Edgewood with her husband and son Aidan, who likes to ride around on the hood of Beth's car.

When she is not working or doing family stuff, there really is no way to contain Beth. Let me just say that you don't want to match drinks with her. And, for being a mom and an academic advisor, she knows a lot of musicians, bartenders, and Danny Kun.

Paula Recchio Joseph guessed Beth's sister, Amy Chufo. Milton Koutavas guessed Paula Recchio. Jim Davliakos guessed Pam Pristas.

Jack Horner guessed Jennifer Buchanan. Brian "S.D." Stevenson guessed Heather Johncour.

Mystery Classmate 003

Congratulations to Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes, Brian "S.D." Stevenson, Ann Broadberry, and Steve Landay, all of whom correctly identified Joe Caprara ('85) as Mystery Classmate 003 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Joe is the former drummer for the Breeze Kings, an Atlanta-based blues band that has appeared with Bo Diddley, the Steve Miller Band, and George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers. Joe recently played with Blues Cat at Fat Matt's Rib Shack in Atlanta and is also an instructor at Drums 101, a music store in Athens.

There were a lot of memories about how great Joe was but I don't have them any more, so please post to comments if you like. Even if you don't like.

Paula Recchio Joseph guessed Mike Cenna.

Mystery Classmate 002

Congratulations to Barbara Bender Pietro, who correctly identified Scott "Tubby" Hutsenpiller ('85) as Mystery Classmate 002.

In case you were wondering, Scott is director of advance design for Nike's All Conditions Gear Division, based in Portland, Ore. He has been with Nike since 1996. After graduating from UC Davis, Scott studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology for two years. He has also worked for Ralph Lauren's Polo line and Tommy Hilfiger Menswear in New York.

Barbara remembered Scott as "Tubby from band."

Ted Showers guessed Dan Kun. Jeff Buchanan guessed Dave Steranko.

Mystery Classmate 001

Congratulations to Paul Rodgers, Ted Showers, and Brian "S.D." Stevenson, all of whom correctly identified Mike Cenna ('85) as Mystery Classmate 001 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Mike teaches instrumental and general music in the West Jefferson Hills School District. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Trumpet Performance and Education from Carnegie Mellon University, and his Masters Degree in Music Education from Duquesne University. He has also served as a member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Education Committee and currently performs with the Allegheny Brass Band.

Scott Silverman guessed James Gandolfini.