Kathleen Gregg (Beckman)

I will be at the Labor Day Oktoberfest to see my favorite polka band, Donauschwabische Blaskepelle (DSB) on Monday, September 5 from12:00 (noon) to 2:30 PM in the main tent.  My husband plays tuba with this German brass band from the Donauschwaben German American Club (Lenau Park) on Columbia Road in Olmsted Falls.  As I have no musical talent, I am a groupie, roadie, beer wench, photographer, vender of CDs and cookbooks, and general all around gofer.  Here is their website so you can check for future gigs: 

http://www.donauschwabencleveland.com/resource/blaskapelle-2 

Prost!

Kathy Gregg Beckman  BHS Class of 1966

Bruce A Langner

That's great, Kathy.  Since Alex doesn't play till late afternoon Monday, we'll check out DSB with you that afternoon, assuming it's not unbelievably hot like it was last year.  I see the DSB strollers are playing Saturday and Sunday so we'll check that out too.

Bruce A Langner

I just received this from Ray Martin concerning Rick Gibbons. Please keep Rick in your thoughts and prayers.

Hey Bruce I wanted to let you know that Rick is in the Critical Care Unit at Southwest General Hospital. He went in last Friday with what he thought was pneumonia but he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It doesn't look good for him. Shirley Wiest has been with him daily. If you could post something on our website to let people know to keep him in their thoughts it would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ray

Jim Stepancik

Hello All,

After 40 some odd years, I finally hung up my badge and gun and retired last March.  Lost my password and catching up.

So sad to see a number of names I know who have passed away.

Rick Gibbons:  Today on my FB page a fellow classmate, Pat Flarety posted she had heard he has passed away.  I am unable at this time to confirm this.

Connie Menchhofer:  I am still sadden by her passing.  We dated some back in high school and grew-up together at St. Paul's where her dad was my pastor.  From another FB friend who grew-up with us at St. Paul's relayed to my what she knew about Connie's passing.  All I can say is, much too soon.

That is about it.  Keep in touch.

Jim

Lisa A Farnsworth

Hi Jim....Welcome! Where are you now? Where did you work?

Bruce A Langner

Yes, Jim, Rick Gibbons passed away on Saturday afternoon from cancer at Southwest Hospital.  No services will be held per his wish. That's all I know at this point.

Jim Stepancik

Sad to hear about Rick Gibbons passing.  Thanks for the update Bruce.

Jim Stepancik

MIKE MARTIN  

It is with sad news I just learned that a alumni of Berea Class of 1968, U. S. Navy Seal Vietnam veteran and patroit, Mike Martin has passed away in Washinton D.C..  

Here is the post his sister, Patty Martin, left on Mike's FB page about 2 hours ago.:

"Wednesday night my brother Mike Martin made it in from his travels from San Diego to Washington DC on his Harley Davidson. He rides to the Wall every Memorial Day weekend to pay his respects. He was a retired Navy Seal , Master Chief, Belonged to Frogman Motorcycle Club. Tattoo artist. President of the Tattoo Alliance(something like that). I can't think. I can go on and on. He was a very respected man. He died unexpectedly Thursday morning. He did die peacefully. We are still in shock. Happy he was here visiting when this happened and not riding back to California. It could have happened anywhere. I will miss him and i loved him very much. Mike, I wish you would have written a book on your life. Mike Martin you will be missed by so many people. I love you brother. I can't believe this is so."

Jim Stepancik

Class of '67

Michael T. (Mike) Vanderwyst

RIP, Mike Martin, fellow veteran and patriot.

J. Gerry Moss

Beck, 

I would come next summer /fall to your western/southern get together....I am having a pickle ball get together for my 70th on Wed this week....I will send you a few pics....would love to have been safe enough to come to visit this fall.  You  have great ideas for getting together.  Thanks.  

Cheers from Ontario, Canada

Ger

Cynthia Robbins (Safarik)

Thanks, Becky, for putting some thought into a future reunion/party. Are you Becky Manley, Norris, other? I think planning for 2021 is too soon. We may have a lot to catch up on next year, and it is too uncertain. I like the idea of a gathering out West, for an "anytime, all occasion, no occasion" party. I would show up in Colorado, California, or Arizona. They all have wonderful times of the year for few crowds, open spaces, good weather. We dont have to be indoors, either. We could get a nice pavillion in a park and be very safe.

Our next Milestone year is 2023 for the 55th BHS graduation anniversary. I vote for a reunion in 2023, which makes it 5 years since our last one. I think it should be in Ohio. The vast majority of classmates live in ohio and in the Eastern half of the country. Plus it is a nostalgic event and being by our home towns is important for that. I really enjoyed the Lolly Trolley Tour of Cleveland and going to the Historical Museum in Berea. Visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame some years ago was excellent also - fun to do with classmates.

If we can't get it together for 2023, then the 75th birthday year is the next logical milestone. I dont think we should wait that long.

Best Wishes,

Cindy Robbins Safarik

Donald L Wietzke

Becky - Has a virtual 70th been considered via Zoom?  Our grandkids can guide us now that they are all Zooming for school.   Don Wietzke

Alexandra B Bonds

Hi, Becky and all,

I think a vitual reunion/70th birthday would be great. The advantage is that anyone with internet can come. We might consider doing it in stages, as 20-25 is about the maximum for a Zoom gathering. That might occur naturally with the time differences and availability. Anyone want to take on this project?

Best, Sandy

Bruce A Langner

I would be more than happy to participate in a 70th Birthday Zoom meeting.  I would also love to go out west somewhere during the next 1-2 years for a reunion.  We have over $4,000 invested in airline credits due to trips that were cancelled this year so we are looking for places to fly to.  (I know, BHS English teachers taught me that a preposition was something I should not end a sentence with.  Oh well.)

David Berkey

I'm in for a 70th get together and I have places in Southern California near enough to the airport to house people at camps (beds in cabins with indoor plumbing) if there is interest.  I also love the mid-coast wine country - nice weather, much fun.  Then there is this COVID thing...

Bruce A Langner

Happy 2021 everyone!  Hopefully we get out of this mess in this new year. I guess the idea for a 70th Birthday Party got cancelled last year.  If anybody wants to host a belated get-together in 2021 or 2022, that would be terrific.  If you are not already a member of the Facebook page, "You're probably from Berea if", you really ought to check it out.  Lots of great posts, pictures, and memories on there. I drove past the new high school last week and it really looks nice.  Much more 21st century than the old one, although I know we all miss that old building and those memories. Stay healthy this year and hope we can all see each other sooner than later.

Bruce

David Berkey

Hey, all, I've moved to the State Up North near Lansing and available for a get together in the Berea area this year which would be awsome, masks or no masks.  Outdoors preferable!   David Berkey

Bruce A Langner

We are having a class of '68 70th (actualy 72nd) Birthday Dinner on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Matteo's Italian Restaurant in downtown Olmsted Falls.  This is the day after the All-Class Reunion. I have emailed everyone on here (I think) and posted it on Classmates.com and on our Facebook page as well.  The cost will be about $30 per person for a private buffet in their private dining room.  If you are interested in attending, and haven't let me know yet, please do so by May 31st, if possible.  I need to give the restaurant manager a preliminary count as he is looking for a minimum of 25 people.  Let me know if it will just be you or you and a plus-1.  I am also trying to arrange a tour of the new high school for that afternoon.  You can email me at balangner@columbus.rr.com or text me at (614) 558-2212, or just send me a message on this page.

Bruce

Bruce K Roche

Hello everyone. This is Bruce Roche'. First time posting. Always sad to hear about a clessmates passing. Our numbers will continue to fall. Such is life. Which brings me to my point. My wife that I met in Mrs. Aho's english class in 12th grade passed away in April of 2019. Married 48 years. That would be Carol Novick. 

Bruce A Langner

75th Birthday Get-Together

Donna Fife and I are exploring the idea of a 75th Birthday luncheon or dinner on Saturday, July 19th.  That would be the same weekend as the All-Class Reunion which is on Friday night, July 19th.  No need to commit right now, but please respond here or on Facebook or both and let us know if you would be interested. We need some sort of preliminary count to see how big a crowd we would need to plan for. Thanks.

Bruce and Donna

David G Hudak

Bruce, I will be out of town - Denver, Colo - our daughter is due on July 18th actually. 🤨. Sorry to miss everyone!

Cynthia Robbins (Safarik)

Very interested in the Birthday party! I will be there.

Lorraine L Rohlik

I would like to attend the birthday party in July.  If it's a definite go, I'll arrange to be in town that weekend.

Joyce A Nicholson (Gruss)

I would like to attend the 75th birthday bash on Saturday, July 19th.  I have another birthday celebration on a Tiki Boat downtown that day, but can be available in the evening. Thanks for planning this Bruce and Donna!

Bruce A Langner

Hi Everyone –

After much consideration, we have decided to gather for an informal luncheon at 1:00 p.m. on July 19, 2025 at JoJo Carloni’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria – 627 West Bagley in Berea.

[https://jojocarlonis.com/lunch-menu/](https://jojocarlonis.com/lunch-menu/)

They will reserve tables for up to 30 (open dining, no room charge), we will be able to order off the menu, and no stairs to navigate (options not offered elsewhere). Their only availability was lunchtime. For anyone who is not able to join us at lunch, perhaps we can organize an informal gathering at dinnertime for those who are still in town.

Based on the number of classmates who responded, seating for 30 should be adequate. Please let Bruce or Donna know if you (and your plus-one?) plan to attend so we can keep track of the number – hopefully we won’t have to limit attendance.

Hope to see you at the All-Class Reunion Friday evening at Polish Village, too. There is also a concert Friday evening at the Coe Lake Gazebo from 8-10 (Kiss Cover Band), with food trucks available if anyone would like to meet up there.

Hope to see you soon!!!

Bruce and Donna