Marguerite Comella (Tench)

Torchy:

Does this  ZOOM mean that I have to get out of my nightgown, comb my hair, put in my contacts, and use make-up?  And use my brain to think instead of pick out TV shows?  And see some other human faces besides my husband?  Wow !!! What a concept.

Joan Borod

Dear Shaker Classmates,

I am shocked and very, very sad to hear that Connie Zucker has passed away.

We were very good firiends during elementary school (i.e., Sussex) and lived across the street from each other on Tolland Road.  Ileen Kurlander, who lived around the corner on Scottsdale, was also very close to Connie and me.

I don't know what to say as I am too upset to generate more text.

In sincere sympathy to Connie's family and friends, Joani Borod 

Edward Torchy Smith

We had a great response for our future ZOOM REUNION.  In fact, I can only add a few more classmates as it could get chaotic.  So if you are interested this time you must act now and email me.  I will close off our first ZOOM experience for our class by Monday. 

TORCHY 

Carol Friedman (Bargar)

I’m in! Especially since I never made it to the 50th. Can we all stay in our jammies?

Edward Torchy Smith

CAROL...I need you to send me an email with the email address you want me to use for contact.  When you are on camera with Zoom you can be in your birthday suit. It really does not matter.  It's up to you where the camera is pointed.  Most people will just show their head I think. 

TORCHY

Barbara Rosenberg

coMe, too!

Barbara Rosenberg

bikebarbara@gmail.com

Edward Torchy Smith

This is from Jerry Keller

Torchy - If you could post this for Connie Zucker’s page, I’d appreciate it.

There could not have been another female classmate whose demise would have had as much of a shock as hearing about Connie’s passing. My memory is of her warm and tender heart, shining face, and magnetic personality. We went out to many functions over the matter of our years in high school,, and whenever she accepted my date offer, it always felt the world was right again. 

      I played Saxophone in the Sunliners with Ronnie Carren and 

Howie Weiner, and whenever we played the song Misty, for some reason I would think of her. After quite a hiatus, I picked up the Sax again, and whenever Misty is requested, it still gives me flashbacks to memories of Connie. 

  I am sure knowing that Connie is gone, playing Misty will not just pull on the strings of my heart, but will also create a tear in my eye.  

Edward Torchy Smith

We have reached the limit now for our first ZOOM meeting.  If you were included, you would have received a confirmation.  The date and time will be emailed to you with instructions.  Most likely those  will be sent tomorrow the 31^st with the meet up date set for Friday.  Also, a list of those attending will be attached.  This will be a large Zoom group so, I will list an agenda as to not have this party get too chaotic.  There is no dress code and it’s really a “come as you are party.”  Prescription drugs and alcohol are permitted. However, anyone who gets overly loud or obnoxious will be asked to leave and their children will be notified. 

TORCHY

Bennett Tramer

Great that you're doing this and if i'm too late for the first one please sign me up for the second one.

Best to all my classmates,

Bennett

Sande Gerth (Chernett)

Torchy, thanks so much for a great Zoom chat today  it was great to see our fellow classmates and hear how everyone is coping with our new reality today  I'm in for the next one!

Helen Kronenberg (Rubel)

Torchy, thanks for arranging the Zoom gathering. It was refreshing to see so many friends we used to see daily. Count me in for another gathering. -Helen Kronenberg Rubel

Mimi Becker

Hi All,

Yesterday's ZOOM REUNION was great fun.  Torchy did a great job as our fearless leader.  It was really fun to see everyone.....I hope there are many more!

Betsy Slobody (Whitaker)

Torchy you are truly amazing!!  You do such an incredible job of keeping us in touch AND you are a wealth of information.  The zoom get together was a great way to reconnect. Unfortunately I didn't get to spend much time with most of you so learning about where you are and your impressive accomplishments has been uplifting.  I was only at Shaker 3 years, my dad died the first year there so I was pretty much a Zombie, then in 12th grade Coach Whitaker caught my eye and the rest is history!  We will be celebrating 54 years this year and are still madly in love with each other.  Count me in on the next Zoom meeting.  Stay well and God bless all of you.

Jonathon Wise

Torchy, thank you so much for host our class Zoom call. It was great fun connecting with so many people I haven't seen for so long. I look forward to doing it again. 

Jon Wise

Sallie Reider

Thank you so much Torchy - really fun- lets do it again!

Eileen Shenker

I remember Connie well.  She was always warm with a bright smile and shining eyes.  And so full of kindness.  I am so sorry to hear of her passing.  I'm sure everyone who loved her will miss her terribly.

Stuart Gross

Thank you Torchy. Enjoyed seeing everyone and look forward to the next one.

Nancy Mervis (Fromson)

Thanks, Torchy, it was great. Much fun to see everyone and catch up a bit. I'd love to do this again.

Jeffrey Pollock (Pollock)

Thank you Torchy.   I believe that I was priviledged to be at Shaker with the most engaging, informed, loving people imaginable.  It hopefully will be give me the opportunity to reestablish friendships, some of which go back to 4th grade at Lomond.  This sense of community is so important in these terrifying times.

Jeff Pollock

Andrew Mellman (Mellman)

Thanks Torchy for orchestrating this - it was fun!  Have a happy and healthy hibernation!

Andy Mellman

Edward Torchy Smith

IN MEMORY:

CAROL AARON BORTZ

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/cleveland-heights-oh/carol-bortz-9110252

passed away April 4th, 2020

Rennie Crane

Thanks Torchy!  What a great idea!  I think it was fantastic and you should do it again!  Sign MB and me up for the second one!  
Anyone that missed it should try it!  

Ellen Kaufman

Torchy, you are really something! What a great way to get grounded during this totally ungrounded time.  Thanks so much for getting the idea and for bringing it to fruition.  When the day comes to look back and share my memories of Corona-19 isolation, our reunion will be one of the high points of this unique experience.

Gerald Keller

It was invigorating to see our collective selves, 55 years after the vim and vigor of our eager young personas were ready to hit the world with gusto.  And now, we are the elder statespersons.  But still pretty fully intact (!), and able to look back on this over half a century of experiences.

I’d be intrigued to know who/what was a driving factor/mentor/challenge that molded our lives over those years.  Was there a person, an idea, or circumstance, that made us tick, and pursue the light which is guiding us currently.  

It would be illuminating to write these, and all of us be able to share in each other’s lives that way.  Maybe we would come up with something that created us Boomers as unique.  Which I know we all are.

Cookie Chesler (O'Neill)

To answer Gerry Keller's question...one of the people who most influenced me (outside of friends, parents, grandparents, etc.), is someone you all might remember...Joe Swazja...our wonderful AP history teacher.  An influence I will never forget.  And ditto what you have all been saying.  The mini reunion was so much fun.  So good to see you all and to know that you are doing well.