Mystery Classmate 112

Mystery Classmate #112 proved a little too difficult for anyone to identify. He is Anker West (’81).

In case you were wondering, Anker received a BFA in Sculpture from Philadelphia College of Art in 1985, and studied architecture in the graduate program at New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1993 and 1994.

While with Sustainable Design Associates, he was awarded first prize in the Southside Broad Street design competition for Providence RI, 1998. In the spring of 2002, his work was exhibited at the Sumei Multidisciplinary Arts Center in Newark and at the Rhode Island Foundation Gallery.

Anker is currently an instructor at the Arts Guild of Rahway and works as a ceramics instructor with the Studioworks After School Program, Communities in Schools of NJ. He is Associate designer and project manager with Troy West, Architect in Newark. Anker also is involved with Art Reach through Newark's City Without Walls Gallery, acting as a mentor to high school students interested in becoming artists.

Gary Lehman guessed Acty Rindt. Colleen O’Connor Casey guessed Bill Blake. Karen Campbell Ricci guessed Bill Taxay. Jerry Koutavas guessed Bill Stout.

Laura Fleming Schulte wrote, “Well, normally I would have given up at at my first guess, Mr. Kotter, but because Dave Kotler looked so much like himself in last week's picture, I figure I have to try harder. So, if I take away some hair, the beard, and trade the button down for a t-shirt, it sort of looks like Stuart Cohen contemplating a block-by-block world takeover. How did I do?”

Celesta Bjornson Van Sickel guessed John Kracsun, adding, “It’s that hair! I am pretty darn sure that is John. You would think I would know for sure since I dated him for about two years after high school!”

Leslie Rush Cuda didn’t guess, but complained that Anker was too far away. Linda Wolff also declined to guess, but praised the photo, noting, “He’s an artistic fellow!”

Some classmates got a little silly with their guessing. Stu Cohen guessed Gabe Kaplan, or the Unabomber. Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Gene Shalit. Ted Showers guessed Steven Spielberg. Milton Koutavas guessed Rupert from Survivor. Greg Markantone guessed Charles Manson. Brian “S.D.” Stevenson guessed Mr. Lloyd.

Mystery Classmate 111

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan, who correctly identified David Kotler (’86) as Mystery Classmate #111 (well, not really, but more on that later).

In case you were wondering, it was originally believed that David is an attorney with Dechert LLP, based in Princeton, New Jersey. He was thought to be a partner in Dechert's financial services and securities litigation group, advising and representing clients in a wide range of complex corporate and commercial litigation matters involving the financial markets, contracts and business torts. It was claimed that he represented a number of clients in class actions arising from the purchase/sale of securities and in derivative actions.

David was thought to be a member of the Bars of New York and New Jersey and admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the District of New Jersey and the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Second, Third, and Federal Circuits; and the Supreme Court of the United States. He was believed to be a member of the American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Trial Evidence Subcommittee (Case Columnist).

Finally, it was believed that David holds a B.S. from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations and a J.D. from the New York University School of Law, where he was Staff Editor of the Annual Survey of American Law.

Coleman Brennan considered Bob Bender before deciding on David Kotler. Greg Markantone guessed Stanley Kuznicki. Bill Stout guessed Ken Shriber.

Paul Rodgers guessed Len Rinchiuso. Scott Silverman guessed Alan Checca. Debbie Faskow Feller guessed Ed Roeder.

Amy Gongaware Senkow guessed Brad Drago. Donna Andreas Copley guessed Ken “Mr. 300” Fetsick. Jerry Koutavas could not decide between Craig “Faygo” Prentice, Scott Rosenfeld, Ross “Ducky” Finestone, and Jim Davliakos, whom Jerry noted is of Greek descent.

Dave Weidenhamer considered Monte Moreschi, and then decided it was Rosario Colucci. Finally, after several mojitos, Dave amended his guess to Hank Azaria.

One week later, after the identity of Mystery Classmate #111 was revealed, Steve Landay wrote, “Who told you this was Dave Kotler? Were there TWO David Kotlers in our school? Because the ONLY one I knew sat right in front of me in Home Room and I'm still friends with him today. Who the HELL is this guy??? HAHAHAHAHA”

I sent Steve a link to the website where I found the David Kotler pictured, and added, “You might have been able to convince me that it's not Kotler, except that Coleman guessed him, and as I remember that is what he looked like. At least the David Kotler I knew. Maybe there are two? In hopes of resolving this I am ccing Coleman AND David Kotler on this email. Why not forward to the other Kotler, if there is one, and we all can debate it.”

We never heard back from Coleman, or from the attorney David Kotler, but after a few more rounds of email, I received the following:

“Hi everyone, this is (David) Kotler, Churchill Class of '85. I have two sister Kotlers who also went to Churchill ('83 and '81), but as far as I know, I am the one and only David A. Kotler who went there. (The originally pictured) Kotler, the successful attorney from New Jersey, is obviously taking advantage of our name, similar good looks, and age to make people believe he is me. This is quite understandable given my current part-time employment status as operations manager for the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh!

”Coleman, I'm flattered you attributed such success to me, but...

”I will send a recent picture soon to show the resemblance (despite my current long hair and goatee)!”

The second photo is the real Kotler.

In a related development, Tabitha Husted Riggio wrote, “David Kotler was a very nice guy - from my bus stop. It is nice to see that he is successful.”

Mystery Classmate 110

Congratulations to Joel Borellis, Bob Smith, Amy Chufo Prezelski, Milton Koutavas, Jim Thompson, Tina Schadle Dover, Scott Silverman, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Erin Burgard DiPerna, Mary Bender Knight, Megan Mahoney, Betsy Raible Ford, Ann Broadberry Johnson, Karen Campbell Ricci, Rebecca Canobbio Abel, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, and Bill Stout, all of whom correctly identified Kristin Burgard (’87) as Mystery Classmate #110 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Barbara Bender Pietro sent the photograph along with this report:

“Kristin is still as hilarious and driven as she has always been, and is a brilliant conversationalist who looks the same as the day she graduated from high school. She has a precious two-year-old daughter named Katie, for Kristin's mom, who is the sweetest little girl. Katie is also verbally gifted and keeps us in stitches with her comments about things. Kristin's husband, Paul Mayer, is a great guy, and he and Kristin seem to have a lot of fun together. They live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Kristin works part time for Wayne State University, as a grant-funded consultant to small business owners in the area. She helps entrepreneurs to connect to the resources they need in order to grow their respective businesses. Kristin is one of the most genuine and wonderful people I know!”

Other classmates had nice things to say about Kristin. Megan Mahoney added, “Besides the fact that she is looking very much like she did in high school, she is an easy pick because she's now my step-sister-in-law. It has been a blast this past year getting re-acquainted with Kristin, Erin and Kara, and meeting their spouses and children. My children are thrilled to have gained their first cousins on the Thompson-side. At recent holiday gatherings I have been enjoying Kristin's sense of humor and ability to laugh at herself - an important life-skill in my book!”

Amy Chufo Prezelski wrote, “We took computers together with Ms. Ritts. I would’ve never survived without her!! We also got to swim together and experience Coach Bass.” Ann Broadberry Johnson remembered, “Kristin and I were homeroom buddies, and we always laughed our rears off together. She prefers to go by the name Sanguita.”

Milton Koutavas called Kristin a fantastic person and a great athlete. Bill Stout recalled that Kristin was a cross-country standout. Jim Thompson added that she is a wonderful stepsister.

Colleen O’Connor Casey noted that Kristin’s daughter “is the image of the Burgard girls that I remember well.”

Kelly O’Connor guessed Kara Burgard. Maribeth Mahoney Misitis wrote, “I am going to guess one of the Burgard sisters, not quite sure which one!”

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Clara Carretta. Jerry Koutavas guessed Tracey Barbarino.

Beth Chufo Nichols did not guess, but thought that Kristin looked familiar.

Later, Bill Stout wrote, “I recall going to the prom with Jennifer Taylor and double dating with last week’s mystery classmate, Kristin Burgard and Lenny Rinchiuso. I think we rode in Lenny's dad's car. I remember, well, being very, very nervous most of the evening.”

Editor's Note: Len's dad Vince smoked these very smelly black cigars, and left the remains in the car ashtray. I think the cigars were Sicilian. Len used to get in trouble for throwing the butts away, and also for changing the radio station.

Donna Andreas Copley wrote, “While I failed to guess correctly, doesn't Kristin look a little like Clara (Carretta)? Yes, I do agree that she does look like herself too and maybe I should have studied the photo a little more before guessing! Anyhow, I knew her from cross country and she was great......she made my last year much more enjoyable. I remember her mom being so nice to all of us and sooooper supportive. Hey Kristin, drop me a line sometime!”

Mystery Classmate 109

Congratulations to Leslie Rush Cuda, Rich Reschoff, Donna Andreas Copley, Beth Chufo Nichols, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Nancy Ondick Hahn, Andy Moss, Marc Schanfarber, Tracy Schneider Rogers, Drew Horvath, Joe Caprara, Christine Trinchero Haddad, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Staci Blagovich, Linda Wolff, Lori Haas Baccari, Cheryl Mehalic, Amy Gongaware Senkow, Greg Markantone, Lisa Smith, Amy Baer Davie, Duke Johncour, Pam Van Cara Collis, Lynn Abt LeBlanc, Kelly O’Connor, and Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, all of whom correctly identified Stephanie Papazis (’84) as Mystery Classmate #109 (far right) and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Stephanie Papazis Neuschander writes, “After graduating from Penn State University, I substituted at various school districts for two years. Then I taught sixth grade at Woodland Hills for eleven years. Now I am at home with my children, Paulina (7) and Nicholas (16 months). I volunteer at my daughter's school in the Franklin Regional School District and enjoy teaching the children in their centers and aiding in the library.

"The photo was from when I co-chaired the first annual Forbes Hospital Harmony Ball. It was a great success with over 650 guests. I continue to participate in the Forbes Health Foundation, this being the third year. The fundraising goes towards the renovation of the emergency room. Please consider supporting this terrific event.”I enjoy cooking, golfing, and exercising. My husband, David, and I have also developed our interests in fine food, wine, and travel. It's a good thing I have a fast metabolism!”

Stephanie added that last weekend’s Class of ’84 reunion was great fun and she hopes to see more classmates at our 25th – or 26th!

Several classmates had nice things to say about Stephanie. Karen Campbell Ricci wrote, “She is still as beautiful as ever and has two beautiful children to match. I am so happy; I finally can acknowledge someone of Greek descent!”

Rich Reschoff and Ellen Broadberry Gallagher agreed that Stephanie looks great and even prettier than before. Duke Johncour remembered that Stephanie was a friend of his sister Heather.

Later, Rick Mallik wrote, “My initial instinct was that the dark-haired girl on the end looked a lot like Stephanie Papazis. I went to school with Stephanie from grade school to high school. Also, my mother did day care in Pittsburgh and actually watched Stephanie's baby Paulina for a short period of time a several years ago. As is recommended on tests, always go with your initial gut answer!”

Karen LaFace added, “Stephanie looks awesome!”

Several classmates noted that they had no trouble recognizing Stephanie from her picture after seeing her last weekend at the class reunion. Of these, only Stephanie’s cousin Greg Markantone called her “Strooper.”

Bill Stout guessed Zoe Kun. Donna Andreas Copley considered Julie Contich before guessing correctly.

Paula Recchio Joseph had no clue. Jim Kwiecinski wrote, “Looks like Natalie, a gal I worked with at Southern Wines and Spirits.” John Plack had no idea but guessed that the blonde to Stephanie’s right was Nancy Ondick.

Later, regarding John Plack’s comment that the blonde next to Stephanie looked like Nancy Ondick, Nancy replied, “Thank you, John, for making my day after I returned home from the hospital. All I can say is, ‘If only!!’ My husband said he saw a slight resemblance too.” Nancy was at the hospital for the birth of her daughter, and added, “Morgan Louise Hahn was born on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 12:27 AM. She weighed in at 4 lbs. 10 oz. and was 18 inches long. She is our little Thumbelina. We're all home and doing well!”

Mystery Classmate 108

Congratulations to Andy Moss, who correctly identified himself ('84) as Mystery Classmate #108 (left, in the group photo, and by himself in the other photo, which he sent later).

In case you were wondering, Andy is a partner with the Denver-based architecture firm Semple Brown Design, and moved back to Pittsburgh about a year and a half ago to open a local office and begin design work on East Liberty Square.

Andy plans a town square concept, with the historic East Liberty Presbyterian Church as its focal point. In a 2004 Post-Gazette article, Andy said, "The doors to the sanctuary are locked during the day, while in Europe the doors are open all day. And the bell tower would be a tourist attraction," offering views of town and country. And while the church contributes to the spiritual and social life of the community, "retail likes to have stores on either side of the street."

The square, perhaps demarcated with special paving, would extend from the church to the facades of the buildings that surround it, with parking on both sides of the street, an improvement. Curbs might be replaced with bollards. Moss also envisions a plaza along Penn Avenue in front of the church, with seating, sculpture and a fountain.

"It really is important that the entire four blocks around the church be the public space," he said. "One of the main challenges is to have all of these property owners manage to develop and improve their properties with some sense of cohesiveness and quality."

Andy adds, "I finally can get one right… that’s me!

"Not sure where you got the photo, but that is me with my staff (Sarah and Heather) at our new architectural office in East Liberty. We moved into our new Liberty Bank Building digs about nine months ago. I travel back to Denver about once a month. My projects range from single family homes, offices, restaurants, to theatres and urban design. I’m thrilled to be back in the ‘burgh and living in Point Breeze."

Classmate Ted Smith sent me the photo and information, and had nice things to say about Andy. Somehow I have misplaced the email that Ted sent me. However, I do remember that Ted asked me to be sure to credit fellow classmate and former Mini-Charter editor Craig Davis for sending the information to Ted.

Later, Leslie Rush Cuda wrote, “I have a funny memory of Andy Moss. All I'll say is, it was me, Laura Murton, Katie Brown, Andy, another friend of his we didn't know, and a campground somewhere near Moraine State Park. That's all I'm sayin’...!!!"

Bill Stout wrote, “He lived right up the street and yet I would have never guessed Andy Moss. Now that I know, he looks a little like his older brother.”

Karen Campbell Ricci wrote, “I never would have guessed Andy Moss from the picture but I remember him from cross country. Strangely, I remember him as being the only right handed person I ever saw that hooked his hand when writing, like a left handed person typically does. He was a nice guy and very smart.”

Laurie Young Theademan guessed Stan Kuznicki. Donna Andreas Copley guessed Greg Rudcki. Milton Koutavas guessed Warren Swigart. Rick Mallik guessed Dave Crawford. Pam Pristas Dwyer guessed Jeff Zukerman.

Jerry Koutavas identified those pictured as the Seattle-based rock band Sleater-Kinney and noted that their new cd, "The Woods", is their best album since 1997's "Dig Me Out".

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.