Jennifer Runyon

Thank you Julie.  I appreciate the compliment.  The picture was about 3 years after I graduated.  I tried to get something close to 1971 (although I too graduated early at the end of 11th grade and I too took evening and daytime summer classes to do it).  I took Government at BH during the day and English Lit at West Tech at night during the summer so I could graduate early.  Never attended senior year.  Believe it or not, I was anxious to get into the workforce!  Oh well, chalk it up to young and zealous without knowledge.  Oh, if I had it to do over.  Oh well, no do-overs.  It's so nice to see all of the posts.  Seems like more and more former classmates are getting into the fun of posting and I've learned a lot things about so many of you that I never knew before.  It's nice to see that most of you are doing well.  I recently took a trip to downtown Cleveland to see Playhouse Square all lit up for Christmas.  It truly is beautiful.  We have one of the largest, most successful theatre districts in the nation.  Downtown Cleveland has changed so much over the years -- much like Berea.  I was just in Berea over the weekend (go there every weekend to see mom) and I always look for the "old" markers.  Things that bring back the wonderful memories.  Believe it or not, there are still some items left.  Although I miss seeing the Berea Theatre.  The former Attic Playhouse building (upstairs) is for rent.  The former Spaffords store and beverage on the corner of West and Fair is closed again.  It's been sold and operated by various individuals over the years, but has never with success.  I thought the last owner was staring to make a go of it, but alas, it is now closed once again.  Downtown Berea is lit up nice with a multi-colored tree in the center of the triangle surrounded by smaller trees lit up with all white lights.  The quarry area is about the best improvement Berea has made.  It now dawns a long walking bridge to the island, a gazebo and pic nic area.  Who knew!  Pizza King is no longer around (they used to have such good pizza) and neither is Roehm Jr. High.  Berea Hospital, which later became Southwest General has been enlarged and has been located in Middleburg Heights for many years.  The former site, which still stands, is now an assisted living facility I believe.  They building a branch of University Hospital on the site where the former Berea Theatre used to be (set back farther from Front Street though).  Central School no longer exists, Fairwood Elementary no longer exists, but instead a new facility was built in its place.  Loomis School is no longer, but the building still stands and has become part of BW "University."  Well, enough for now.  Have a wonderful day everyone.  Jen

John Nobu Naylor (Akagi)

Aloha fellow Braves,

Jon, the lava is still coming down the mountain and is about to consume the town of Pahoa where I teach. The Dept. of Ed. just reassigned me to teach at another school. Goddess Pele is exerting her will and we are simply going with the flow. Jan, that’s hilarious that you were considered the “wild woman”. Hope it’s not because of the stuff I was writing on the bathroom wall about you. And Juliana, whatever ribbing I dished out can be traced back to one Ed Zelaski. His negative influence had a tremendous impact on my otherwise boy scout demeanor (troop 215 with J. Groza and J. Dammeron).

Talking about ribbing, I have to recount a post HS ribbing of Jodie Lott at one of the class reunions.  I think it was the one that was held at the American Legion Hall. So there we were reminiscing and traversing down memory lane as one would expect. He began to talk about the old dances where he and Betty, me and Holly, Kenny James and Lisa Heil competed in an obscure dance contest that only we would remember. He was obviously basking in this recollection because he won the competition. Now don’t ask me why, or what possessed me at the moment, because I loved Jodie in HS.  Always a stand up guy who never gauged the popularity winds for guidance in who was worthy to talk to. But I blurted out, "Hey Jodie, you didn’t win that dance contest, I did.” Then an argument of sorts ensued where he desperately tried to jog my memory for an accurate accounting of this important event. He even asked some one randomly, maybe it was Kevin McCarthy…I forget, and Jodie asks if he recalled that infamous dance competition. Unbeknownst to Jodie, I was standing behind him winking and pointing to myself. “ah ya, I remember that..didn’t you win that Nobu?” And I mustered my best expression of pity and said,”Jodie, you truly believe you won that thing don’t you?” So years later I was talking to Mark Bedford and he asked me how the last reunion went.  I recounted this Jodie Lott episode, and he said Jodie was one of his dental patients. Of course Mark wants in the fun so a plan was hatched that the next time Jodie had an appointment, he was going to carefully bring me up in the small talk, and nonchalantly say something like, “That Nobu was some kind of a dancer”, setting Jodie up for his obvious agitation and question about who won. We envisioned Jodie just getting up out of the dental chair and walking out of the office with cotton balls still stuck in his mouth.  Well that appointment never came because Jodie passed away suddenly. It was fun “ribbing “ you Jodie, and if you are checking out this forum from up above, I hope you still have a sense of humor.

GO BUCKEYES!!

Jon Bittinger

Nobu: I think Jodie and Madam PELE are dancing, hand-in-hand, down your mountainside...maybe a little payback.

BTW, I can attest that Lisa Heil was a good dancer. In 7th Grade Dance Class, she and I and two other couples were selected by Miss York to make the rounds of private schools...to demonstrate the box-step, waltz and the flavor-of-the-month "Fast Dance" (Frug, Swim, Monkey...) our first taste of Marketing. Lisa was so energetic and likable. Long time ago...didn't she run with Mari..?

Call me Scott...I never went by my first name, Jon. Long story.

Cheers All

Delores Brown (Gardner )

Having so much fun reading these memories.  Even though we didn't always think so at the time, our high school years were so much fun and so many adventures...

A Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a wonderful New Year to all of you!

Someone asked about a 45th.  I haven't heard anything yet, but I'll find out...  45 years since we graduated.  Geez Louise....

dj

Jan Thompson (McCumbers )

How funny Scott- Miss York and dance class- obviously something else I didn't excell at!  Gosh I hated those sessions- did you really enjoy that?  But, in hindsight, it surely wasnt as bad as I thought it was at the time.  Must have been my insecurities!

John Nobu Naylor (Akagi)

Scott

You are right, Lisa was a good dancer. She contacted me several years ago and I tried to convince her to go to the reunion, but she cited a busy work schedule as an obstacle. I sent her photos however.  Did you know that she went on to become a medical doctor?

So you and the "wild woman" were ballroom dancers? I can see you guys cutting up the rug. My wife and I belong to the Big Island Dance Club. A few of us who play softball together decided to join the club and they roped us into a dance exhibition at U. of Hawaii. Check out the video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ4h9MybsuY

Jon Bittinger

Jan:

I don't remember not liking the classes per se. Miss York was a big lady and I took orders well...so things worked out. Lisa picked me as a partner a lot so we got "in-sinc" as a dance couple. I was still a pretty shy guy and being new to Roehm, being placed in "Honors Classes" and thrust in with many kids that were socially more mature/advanced (for our time)...the Dance Class was one of the two events that I look back on that gave me some confidence and encouragement that I'd eventually be Okay...find some friends that I could relate to. Being from the Parknoll area...we were sort of removed from Berea proper...although I wouldn't describe that area as rural, it certainly wasn't a hub-bug of any action. I spent most of my time down by the Falls...and in the train bridges; they sure shook when one rumbled over... That area is all fenced-in now...no fun to be had..!

I digress...the other event that year was Jim Tressel & John Summa pulling me aside after a gym class. They were scouting for baseball "talent" to be ready for the next year (8th Grade). I went out that weekend and bight a 1st baseman's glove...JT took one look at that big new glove and stuck me at 1st...where I remained all through our summer & Roehm seasons...and pretty much on any other team I played for later in life. (Bob Anderson & I quit to play tennis once we moved on to BHS) A side note: Bill Haynum had one of the best arms, throwing from Centerfield.

Also, so you know, I thought you were nice. ("Nice" is still a big deal with me) You had a lot of energy for sure, with your short hairdo and wide blue eyes...sort of a gangly stride...a 'package' that Mr. Skalski took for wildness, I still think was darn cool. I enjoyed talking with you at our 20th...Mart Hutt pointed you out with his typical subtle intro of "guess who that is..?" That was a good Reunion.

Best and have a Merry Christmas,

Scott

Jon Bittinger

Nobu: I must be on Island Time... Well, crap...my wife wishes I kept it up...but no. When we take a Cruise, we find a Dance Band and, well, maybe don't "cut a rug" so much as kick a few folds in it..! But we enjoy it... I do want to take some classes to learn more sequences... We met some younger folks from Greece and Italy on a Cruise this past Thanksgiving...now they were wild...but brought us out of our shell a bit, which was energizing. I'll keep you informed on our progress...

Yes, I heard that Lisa became an M.D. as you confirm it, I'm both surprised and not... I bet she does a great job of it... Where'd she go to Undergrad/Grad school(s)..? I ask because my first Kent State roomie ended up a Doctor...he was an Aerospace major as my roommate. We'd drive to Dayton Ohio to visit his Mom, she had her own dialysis machine but was slowly dying of kidney failure. I know this was influential on his change of career paths. That year, however, was my introduction rabblerousing, not unlike the St. Adalberts boy's antics as I've read above.

Other than picking well-coordinated street fights (I was the exclusive 'Driver', staying sober & judging when to "Git the boys rounded up & out of Dodge" before the police showed up OR some really got hurt bad... We did a routine pass down "Drill Hill". Basically, we'd have all the guys in the car at the top of the (Drill) hill. One guy was left at the bottom to be ready to wave us off in case traffic became an issue. Then, motor off, out of gear...we'd plummet down the hill, screaming all the way...the point...uh, supposedly to hit some new ultimate speed record.  I just know I was scared because with the frakus going on in the car, I knew no one was really paying much attention to our downhill scout. Youth......

Give my regards to Lisa...tell her "well done".

Scott

Jon Bittinger

Nobu: great Video...I especially like the rolling bows at the end...

I met my wife during our last year of college (timing is everything)...we both enrolled in a Formal Dance class AND a Ballet class...enjoyed both but I ended-up dropping both to take a drafting job...still a sore subject around here. I sorely needed the dough...and she got a few meals at the Groud Round out of my new found wealth...hah...

Later, Scott

John Farner

Steve Van Wye, we are in Palm Bay - about a two hour motorcycle ride south of Daytona Beach. If you are a snowbird, you must be retired.  That's great!  I'm still working developing software.  It's fun, but retirement will be a lot funner:)

Stephen VAN Wye

John Farner - hmm a software developer - a pretty interesting job i think! Do you have any work connection to large companies such as Google or Bing?  We almost moved to that specific area in Florida back in the latter 80's but instead - moved to and lived in Bradenton for 2 years, where our youngest daughter was born. We've been back in Ohio since 1990- but enjoy Feb/March at Pensacola Beach, FL.  I had posted a previous message (meant to be a private message) asking you if you remembered  a driving adventure way back - did you get a chance to read it before I deleted it?  It was a close call for 6-7 of us teens riding in a car sw of Berea - you pulled out a great save for us even though the car lost total brake control - I deleted that message because I realized the possible sensitivity of it - for those who may have had a worse driving experience/result in the past.

And Nobu: That youtube dance video made my day!  Awesome job!

Take care -steve

John Farner

Steve,

Yeah, my first car was a real interesting machine - came equipped with ABS before anybody even knew what it was.  I think it was used as a body double in the Stephen King movie "Christine."  '61 Dodge Phoenix with a push button transmission and the mirror mounted on the dash.  I put a big crease in the side of Ruthie's Thunderbird in the parking lot when we worked at Pick n Pay.  She took it well, but it took me a long time to pay for the damage at $2.10 an hour :(

I work for Harris Corp. (HRS).  We weathered the recession pretty well.  The cycle in IT is young hotshot programmer, analyst, manager, and finally wise old guy.  That's the stage I'm in now and it's great!  Most of the time.  Speaking of which - gotta go there now.

Stephen VAN Wye

John: hilarious - I just did an image search for the 61 Dodge Phoenix - and that brings back memories for sure! It's great to see that you got a job that you enjoy - and getting paid more that 2.10 an hour. The way you pulled that "save" for us with the Dodge Phoenix when the brakes gave out - showed me that you were "wise" -even back then.  In my memory, I can still see the expression on your face when you continued driving... safely down the country road... in a 61 Dodge Phoenix, with no brakes.

Arthur Rohlik

Oh my yes, Scott, I do have fun, and it has nothing to do with the now legalized Washington Weed Herbal Fun Factor. I undid that habit a few decades ago. I gave it a good ride, but...  no more.

My somewhat maudlin mention of the details of time's passing were just that. Observations and not really an expression of regret. As much fun as it is to recall and to be reminded of what has passed us by, I am one who leans toward a darker vision and it is that which often drives my writing and performing. I still smile when I realized that I was often labled "bluesy" and I didn't know that! I had to be told. "Well, yeah, Doc, you find the prettiest, saddest songs and give 'em heart" and I'll be dammned, I do that; I certainly do. Plow through my notebooks of Froon's Tunes" and lo! Dark hearts, loss, lamentations, regrets and missed opportunities greet one who dares to look. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCynI3-VTFs

Just for fun, this is a dance video. Me? Nope. My eldest sister, Lorraine, BHS Grad '68. Holy smokes. Two years ago and I still get all warm and skwushy watching my sister dance.    She started competetive dancing in the ballroom circuit and as this video shows, she does a much more contemporary step now!   

Susan Long (Morrison )

Hi All- been fun reading your conversations. Hate to put a damper on the season, but did you hear that Norman Ives died last week? Betsy Snow posted a message on Facebook, but I know some of you guys aren't on it. He was vacationing in Mexico w Betsy & Peter Snow and also the Ted Macosko family. I guess there was no warning. He had walked on the beach and baked something. Then took a nap on lounge out on deck. When they tried to wake him up, he didn't come to. Said they did CPR for over an hour but to no avail. His mom is 100 yrs old and lives in Berea at the assisted living place by the library. She doesn't have much of a support network, so if you'd like to send card, her address is: 

4 Berea CommonsBerea Ohio 44017

I wrote a remembrance I had of Norm in marching band and I sent her a pic of Norm from our last reunion.

Keep up the conversations - I'm enjoying. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Stephen VAN Wye

Susan - so very sorry to hear that!  Wow, we just got back from Mexico (Playa Del Carmen) last week  This is extremely sad. I hope his mom gets the support and comfort needed. -steve.

Arthur Rohlik

Damn. Just last week I was in the REMEMBRANCE page and noted that there were no reported fatalities in 2014.

Norman was -I think- a band member, coronet/trumpet?

Jon Bittinger

Art & All:

Norman played the Tuba/Sousaphone...converted from cornet early on, like a lot of mid to low-brass players.

He was one of my best friends, especially in Jr. High.

Thanks for informing us Susan...remember him spinning on the icy (Mentor High?) field at halftime...and falling mid-song..? More later on dear Norman...those that knew him know he was a loving and lovable character...his parents, especially his Mother, were sweet to us kids.

Scott

Arthur Rohlik

Hokie Schmokes. Right you are. I too was a Sousaphone re-assignment coronetist. Norman and I sat side by side on the upper tier in the band practice room.

Norman, RIP. I sat beside you and I find that I don't really know you at all. I hope that your life was full of joy and full of friendships and filled with love. I look forward to reading more about you. Doc

Michael Burley

Sue - thanks for posting the message about Norman.  Scott Bittinger and I have been remembering Norman and all of the good times we had with him.  I didn't have much contact with him after college, but I will say that during high school he was a true friend.......a good man.

Susan Long (Morrison )

I remember that Mentor performance and that's exactly the memory I wrote to his mom. I remember trying to play my clarinet but laughing so hard could barely stand up! Doc, I completely forgot you were in the band. Maybe because you were sitting behind the clarinet section. I sure remember Bonnie on oboe. She was good.

Karen Schmidt (Cundiff)

I am sorry to hear about Norman, but what a way to go!  He was such a warm, friendly guy.  Even though I moved to Ga. after my soph year, I still feel attached to the BHS Class of 71 and have enjoyed reading these posts.  I am a reading specialist in lovely Blacksburg, VA. (Go HOKIES!  Sorry OSU)  Best wishes to all.  Karen Schmidt Cundiff  

Jon Bittinger

Sue and all: when my Dad passed in 2011...my youngest brother found the photos Dad took before our Prom. Mrs. Ives and my folks had a Pre-Prom party at the Ives' house...and Dad took 15 PICs, more or less, of the couples there... I'll post all of them shortly. A few have been posted with my classmate description for several months...but I'll post many others to follow, O.K..? They're all both cute...and a Hoot..! Merry Christmas All.

Susan Long (Morrison )

Can't wait to see those pics. I flew to Berea the other day to be w mom and bros and sis in law. I was all ready to go to the mall to complete my Xmas shopping when mom informed me that she needed car all afternoon. Now I'm stranded. This is just like HS having to ask for car and letting mom know where I'll b going and when I'll be back. Actually I'm very blessed to have a mom who still drives. Guess I'll wrap gifts I have while I'm waiting. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

John Nobu Naylor (Akagi)

I knew Norman since the 2nd grade at Fairwood elementary. He was always his own person, always with a happy disposition. Condolensces to all who shared a close relationship with him. I thought it was interesting that he worked for Kewpie mayonnaise and was in charge of the North American market. It is the chef's choice and I bet if you tried it, you will never go back. Give it a try in Norman's memory.

Doc, I bet your sis can dance up a storm but  couldn't get your youtube site beyond the first frame.

Mele Kalikimaka and go Bucks! Santa, I want...OSU to play like they played against WIsky and and I know they won't have any problems putting SEC/ Alabama in their place!