Mystery Classmate 065

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

Mystery Classmate 044

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

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."