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.

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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.

Mystery Classmate 098

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

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

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

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

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.