Mystery Classmate 025

Congratulations to Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes, Rich Reschoff, Joe Caprara, Barbara Bender Pietro, Paula Recchio Joseph, and Mary Bender Knight, all of whom correctly identified Steve Landay ('85) as Mystery Classmate 025 and are listed in the order that their responses were received. As pictured, Steve is playing "Fascination" by The Human League.

In case you were wondering, Steve writes, "Working for Comcast (formerly AT&T Broadband) in the Regional Network Operations Center (RNOC) and in the Digital Telephony division for the past 4 years... Participated in the local/regional music scene since 1993, has had regional success with several groups here, PUSH, Sleeping Giants including radio play on both WDVE & WXDX, and has opened with the likes of Dave Matthews, Steely Dan, Blues Traveler, Jimmy Buffett, Violent Femmes, The Clarks, Gathering Field, etc etc etc blah blah blah....people can visit BEAM www.beaminfo.com for more music info and what I'm currently up to. Recently did a show with The Wailers, Bob Marley's band this summer! Lived in Reno NV, Santa Clara CA, and find Pgh to be most warm, friendly, and culturally diverse. Still hate the weather though. Father of Zachary who'll be turning 5 in November. Recently read the UnaBomber Manifesto and found it to be quite stimulating. But have NO PLANS whatsoever to reunite C.L.O.T. and do NOT want a Voyager reunion until I find parachute pants. No longer listen to RUSH, love sushi, hate almost everything on television (even though I work for the cable company), and recently got back into cycling on the Montour Trail. When not out gigging on the weekends, you can find me finding new ways to feed his insatiable GEAR BUYING habit online at EBAY. Or, playing Thomas the Tank Engine with Zach. Can't wait to hear all the wonderful stories, comments, and memories people will have of me from the school days."

Many of you had nice things to say about Steve.

Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes: "The Galactic Bass Monster! He's a complete maniac! Actually, he and I have been talking about rockin' the house in the studio one of these days. A possible VOYAGER reunion tour is in the works, too, with Rich Reschoff and I sharing the vocals. We may go out on a small club tour with The 1984 Chamber Choir."

Rich Reschoff: "The great bassist/song writer/founding member of Voyager!"

Paula Recchio Joseph: "Cute as ever, my high school beau, Steve Landay! :)"

Milton Koutavas guessed Robert Smith. Paul Rodgers guessed Joe Piscopo.

Mystery Classmate 024

Congratulations to Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes, Amy Chufo Prezelski, Mike Williams, Emily DePaul Gil, Joe Caprara, Erin Burgard DiPerna, Kristin Burgard, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Paul Rodgers, and Scott Silverman, all of whom correctly identified Steve and Ria Callas ('86) as Mystery Classmates 024 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Steve works for one of the Pittsburgh television stations, while Ria and her husband Alex Kartsonas are the proud parents of two-year-old Jimmy. Aunt Georgina and Uncle Jim are doing fine too.

Meanwhile, Michael Bernstein and Joe Caprara didn't guess incorrectly; but each identified only one of the Mystery Classmates.

Claudia Recchio couldn't quite pull it. Paula Recchio Joseph wrote, "Claudia said that it is a brother/sister team... she thought Maria, and an Italian last name, but that was as close as she could get. I must have had my eyes closed through most of 1981-1985."

Many of you had nice things to say about Steve and Ria.

Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes: "They've always been exceptionlly polite, pleasant and fun to talk to. Judging from the picture, they're as inseparable as ever and I admire them for that."

Amy Chufo Prezelski: "Ria and I played volleyball and softball together and Stevie was always her #1 fan! Their mom is a hoot!"

Emily DePaul Gil: "Ria was a ball of fire! She and brother Steve don't look a minute different from HS. Steve was always such a kindhearted soul, always willing to listen, and always had a smile for everyone!"

Erin Burgard DiPerna: "It's AMAZING how much Ria looks like her mom!"

Mike Williams: "Go Blue Team!"

The photo was submitted by Milton Koutavas, who noted that the Callas family is of Greek descent.

Mystery Classmate 023

Congratulations to Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Scott Silverman, Milton Koutavas, Chuck Zimmerman, Jamie Kracsun McBride, Jack Horner, Barbara Bender Pietro, Paula Recchio Joseph, Joe Caprara, Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes, Carrie Schadle, Bill Stout, Kristin Burgard, Amy Chufo Prezelski, and Paul Rodgers, all of whom correctly identified Bruce Kothmann ('85) as Mystery Classmate 023 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Bruce is an engineer with the Boeing Rotorcraft Division in Philadelphia as well as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Drexel University. He earned his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University after receiving his MS at Penn State and BS at the University of Virginia, where he served as President of the Virginia Men's Glee Club. Bruce is pictured with his son Lewis. His family also includes wife Andrea and daughter Julia.

Many of you had nice things to say about Bruce. Paula Recchio Joseph, Milton Koutavas and Bill Stout all noted that Bruce's appearance has not changed much. Scott Silverman remembered that Bruce lived on Stevendale Drive, and Paul Rodgers said that Bruce was Scott's favorite neighbor. Barbara Bender Pietro thought that Bruce's son is cute, and Brandon "Brandon B" Holmes said that by the looks of the photo, fatherhood has been good to Bruce.

Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli reminisced about their prom night together.

Jerry Koutavas guessed former Arizona governor and US Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt.

Mystery Classmate 022

Congratulations to Jim Davliakos, who correctly identified George Zanic ('85) as Mystery Classmate 022, noting that George is of Greek descent.

In case you were wondering, George Zanic is the head Baseball Coach at Juniata College. Under George's leadership, the Eagles have gone 38-35-1 over the past two seasons. (A tie in baseball?!) George, a 1989 Juniata graduate, was a four year letterman and three year starter at second base, compiling a .318 career batting average. As a senior, George captained the 1989 squad which won the Middle Atlantic Northern Division title and he was named the team's most valuable player, hitting .367 with 24 RBI. George graduated from Widener University School of Law in 1992 and is a partner in the law firm of Bierbach, McDowell, McMinn & Zanic. He lives in Huntingdon with his wife Lori and children Savannah and Nicholas.

Milton Koutavas sent the picture of George, also noting that he is of Greek descent, while pointing out the technicality that George actually graduated from Swissvale, although he played on the Churchill soccer team.

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."