Edward Torchy Smith

Beth and others...I tried calling his agent at Leapfrog Entertainment.  I got ahold of him but he was not the most friendly person on earth.  He said he still gets requests for him to perform but has no idea where he is.  He also had no relative on file who would be next of kin.  I will try the YoYo hall of fame. 

Marc Brenner

Torchy,Ironically I have a close friend named Perry Prine who is a master yo yo entertainer and is in the Guiness Book of World Records.  He has heard of Dan Volk but knows nothing about him.   He says  Dan wants nothing to do with todays yo yo folks.  He refered me to another yo yo master named Steve Brown who says he knows Dan Volk well.  He would be happy to talk with you if you contact him at 1-440 305 3496.  Steve has worked in several movies in regards to yo yo's and has taught it as well. At any rate feel free to contact him as he is expecting a call, but mention the name Perry Prine.   On a side note, I came accross the 1963-64 edition of the Shaker Heights High School Handbook, Volume  XV.  Want it ?  Want reprints for everyone ? Let me know. Marc

David Burke

Girls Need Not Apply! Its Shaker "Boys" League, not Shaker "Little" League.  Don't think there was ever a Shaker "Girls" League, and coed organized sports were not yet a thing....  

 I am sure this orignal patch is very valuable in the sports memorabilia world!

Diane Sholander (Sjolander (Orig Swedish))

Inside Shaker High at the 40th reunion, in one of the hallways on the first floor, was a mural of Tupac Shakur and his words:  I know it seems hard sometimes but remember one thing, through every dark night, There's a bright day after that.  So no matter how hard it gets, keep your chest out, keep your head up and handle it. 

Thomas Torda

To Helmut von Loewe, Bennett Tramer, Gwyn (Susan) Gillis (from the 1985 reunion), and the few others who might remember me, you can see (in the brand-new photo below, taken at the Reston-Herndon Challenger Little League awards ceremony) that I am doing my best to take care of my 24-year-old son Joseph, who has Down syndrome, and has now aged out of the school system. Along with my wife Susan, I am a paid part-time residential care provider for Joe, along with my full-time Chinese military translations for SAIC/Leidos. Sorry I will not be able to attend the reunion due to ongoing responsibilities for my son's care.

Bennett Tramer

I remember you very well, Tom, not just from Shaker High but from Woodbury too.  Six years in homeroom together, and I think only Victor Tomarro came between us, at least alphabetically.  For some reason, I have a memory of rooting for you at a Shaker High track meet, or maybe it was cross country.  You were pretty wiped out, I think it was a hot day or something, but you made it across the finish line to plaudits and a hug from the coach, whoever it was.  Sorry you'll miss the reunion, though as of now I won't be there myself.  Maybe someone else can tell us what people say about us behind our backs, if anything.  And congratulations on your son's award!  It sounds like he has two very devoted and loving parents. 

Best regards,
Bennett
P..S. All those years I wasted taking Larin!  I should have learned Chinese and made a living from it, like you.,

David Burke

Combined Byron/Woodbury orchestras, taken before a concert at Byron in 9th grade, I think. This is nearly a 70 piece orchestra - how many school districts could do this today!  Are you in this picture?  Are you still at it, do you still play any music?  I am very curious if the time, effort and money spent on lessons stuck with us in the long run!!  I still pull out my same fiddle from time to time and play 'old-timey' mountain style music - how about you?  Add comment here or go to my profile page to see close ups and respnd there.  BAND MEMBERS ALSO WELCOME TO RESPOND.   

Thomas Torda

Bennett, your memory is very good. I remember that day well as I almost collapsed at the end of a half-mile race in the heat--except that it was at Woodbury, not Shaker, since I gave up all traditional sports in high school to concentrate on chess. Even attended (although did not play in) the Bobby Fischer simultaneous exhibition in Cleveland in 1964 (obviously part of the SHHS years) as part of his nationwide tour that year. Only two of the strongest local players could get draws with him, and he won every other game (no losses). I understand you will not be involved in any more "Saved By the Bell" reboots, but that deserved piece of your history and accomplishments will always be there.

Judith Baron (Khaner)

Hope 2015 is going well for everyone.  Thank you to those of you who saw the message about my being chosen as one of five finalists in the 2015 Heritage Ohio Preservation Photography Contest and voted for my Cleveland Arcade photo.  I won the contestI  My photograph will be featured on a future Revitalize Ohio Magazine.

I fondly remember my daily walks through the Arcade as I worked downtown one summer in the late '60's.  I revisted and photographed the majestic site a few months ago during a field trip with my camera club.  I had photographed the magnificent Arcade long ago in my mind; now I took an actual photograph to share with over 3500 people online!      

Diane Rubin (Williams)

judy, i am so happy for you.  your photos are very artistic.  happy birthday.  diane

Judith Baron (Khaner)

Thanks, Diane.  We spent a lot of time studying for tests together in our homes (World History or American History???); you always outscored me!  Anyway, I look forward to seeing you during the reunion weekend. 

Betsy Verne (Franco)

Hi, everyone,

About the reunion:  Just by coincidence, my brother is having an art show for my sons James and Tom Franco at the Verne Gallery on Saturday, July 18, 6:30 - 9:00, at 2207 Murray Hill Road. On Sunday, Tom will be giving a talk at 2:00. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Verne-Gallery/154150367931067?fref=nf

Since the Franco show/family reunion is overlapping with the high school reunion, I can't attend most events, but I'm staying at the Embassy Suites in the hopes of running into people there, especially for breakfast or brunch.  I'll be coming in late Friday and might catch anyone who is still at the party.   Betsy

Betsy Verne (Franco)

I forgot to say that everyone's invited to the Franco Brothers Art Show and Tom's talk at the Verne Gallery .  Both are free.  Obviously the Saturday event overlaps with the big reunion night, but just wanted to make sure to invite everyone anyway.

Edward Torchy Smith

BETSY....After your Gallery event on the HILL.  Bring the whole family to Beechmont.  We will all still be there.....well on second thought, at least most of us can stay up that late with no curfew imposed. 

Annellen Minkin (Simpkins)

Hello Everyone! Our son is getting married on August 9 and then I have two sets of teaching workshops the two weeks before. I think three weeks in a row of cross country travel to also attend the reunion would just be too much, and so sadly, I have decided that I won't be attending the wonderful reunion weekend. I'll be thinking of you all and wishing you a lot of fun and happy memory sharing and memory making anew!  Warm wishes, Annellen

Janet Falkenburg (Vidmar)

Greetings Class of '65.

Since I'm writing this, I am obviously not able to be a part of the gala festivities.  However, I have a deep well of fondness and memories for all of you, your parents who touched my life, and the Shaker community as a whole.  I have always been grateful that I grew up in Shaker.  The environment remains beautiful in my mind, and the quality of the teachers outstanding.  This first became apparent to me during my freshman year in college, when I realized that my depth of knowledge and research skills exceeded those of my classmates.  Who knew, as I was hardly an academic standout in Shaker.  These skills have served me well over the decades, and when I read of your achievements in life, I realize my experiences have been replicated.

Although I have never returned to Shaker Heights or remained in contact with dear friends, you are all in my heart and a part of my life.  I am deeply grieved by those who have passed, and it is difficult to read of my friends who are gone.

Enjoy the 50th reunion, and cheers to you all.

Jan

Mimi Becker

Hi Janet,

What a thoughful and lovely note from you to the Class of '65. I'm glad that life continues to treat you well... And I will miss seeing you at reunion.

Take good care of yourself,

Mimi

Marlene Mesnick (Colon)

You are so adorable ...cannot wait to see you.  Thinking to post meet  Thur evening at Corky and Lenny at 6 or 7 for the class.  Call me to say hello 678-358-8331

  Marlene

Edward Torchy Smith

Gretchen Longley (Trosper)

Hi Torchy,

Many thanks you and the rest of the reunion committee for the super excellent job you have all done in putting this reunion together.  We appreciate it very much and are looking forward to seeing you and the others.

Bob Rose

Classmates,

I was hoping to be able to attend this reunion, see faces and touch bases again. It has become apparent that I cannot make it in order to complete concurrent changes for my business. I want to wish everyone well and know you will enjoy seeing one another again when you recall some of the times of our years at Shaker and beyond. Since I cannot attend, any classmates interested in writing directly to me is welcome to do so and I will respond as quickly as I can. mailto:UrbanBlacksmith@sbcglobal.net

Thank you Torchy for being a prime motivator here. I will catch you in Tucson one day soon. I'll see rest of you in the next 50 year reunion. Like everyone of us, I would probably not be immediately recognizable if you passed me on the street either sooo...  then, .... between and .....now

Barbara Rosenberg

Hi, Rob, remember we were sequential in home room?  Would love to hear what transpired with you in between.

Best regards,

Barbara Rosenberg

Trish Rowe

Rob ~ Loved the pictures of then and now.  We will miss seeing you -- I was ready to trade horse stories ;)  That last picture.... looks like a child car seat behind you.  Grandpa??

Michael Siegel

Hi Trish.  You obviously missed an earlier posted picture of Rob with his family--including grandkids.

I haven't seen you since...bumping into you in Atlanta in 1970?

Edward Torchy Smith

On Friday night, JULY 17th, at The Embassy Suites Party we will be serving Hot Fudge Sundays at an ice cream bar with DRAEGER'S Hot Fudge.