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PROFILE UPDATES


•   Don Wirtshafter  9/22
•   Jackie Selesnick (Lopeck)  9/5
•   Ronna Spacone  8/25
•   Debbie Donelson (Donelson)  8/19
•   Roger Marks  8/17
•   Steven Friedman  8/15
•   John Durmick (Durmick)  8/11
•   James Kane  7/28
•   Richard Shaffer  7/11
•   Amy Hansen (Spies)  7/9
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW


WHERE WE LIVE


Who lives where - select from the dropdown to find out.

WELCOME TO THE SHAKER CLASS 1969  WEBSITE.

Send a message to any classmate by clicking on "Classmate Profiles" above.  Scroll down to find the name of the classmate.

 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

•

When the Birthday Announcement came out, I started to think about the years at Shaker and some of the milestones and tragedies our generation experienced that in my opinion helped shape who we are, what we have become and the contributed and collective success of our class. These are some of my thoughts; I hope we can continue the dialog on October 4th and for years to come.

We, the Class of 1969 truly define the Baby Boomer generation as most of us were born in either 1950 or 1951. Growing up in Shaker Heights during this time, Ohio provided us and our families with an opportunity to experience economic success, a strong Midwest industrial base, and of course, social, and cultural transformation that at times confused our parents and grandparents. Through the exceptional educational opportunities Shaker Heights afforded us, we learned to challenge ourselves and others to make the world a better place; sometimes extremely difficult and frustrating as a number of us saw the world differently.

The Boomer generation was not without its own drama and challenges as most of us experienced one way or another. Our country was coming out of two wars, we were on the frontline of the Civil Rights movement, and soon to experience the fears of what we learned to be the ‘cold war.’

Our Elementary school years brought us many memories; standing for the pledge of allegiance before class started, collectively sitting in a classroom watching a black and white TV as Alan Shepard and John Glenn were hurled into space, our favorite regularly practiced ‘”duck and cover” drills hiding under our wooden desks or lining up in the school hallway believing we were safe from the nuclear threat, being part of the first generation of television, the Christmas Pageants at the school and the joy it brought to all, and the freedom we had to play outside after school and on the weekends without any fears.

As we got a bit older and we graduated to Junior High School, it was a much different environment and we were finally cool! What we were about to learn was that we were a generation who would face some very big national stories that quickly help take our innocence away. Our musical tastes were changing, and we ‘met’ the Beatles, and wow, did that forever change the music scene for a lot of us. So many new groups, new sounds, and live concert experience became part of our culture. Many of us took up instruments other than those for school band and orchestra, formed ‘garage’ bands and formed new kinships over shared musical tastes. A few of us have continued on that path; some very successfully. However, we were faced with the reality of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Thirteen days in October…we’ve seen the movie, read the books, etc. In hindsight, I’m sure we did not grasp the magnitude of this, but we remember the worry and fear that gripped our parents. Our teachers openly discussing the crisis with us and I remember my mother telling me we were given some type of civil defense pamphlets to bring home to share with the family and neighbors. And that terrible weekend in November, we were all excited about the fall dance and then on Thursday, November 22, 1963, over the PA system, we heard the news…President John F. Kennedy was shot; everyone, students, teachers, parents were in shock and we all cried and mourned together, whether in our homes, at school and the world seemed to stop on that weekend. Many of experienced our first experience with school integration, something at the time we probably didn’t know much about and seem pretty confusing. We learned that Black children born on 1950-1951were going to be bussed to all-white junior and elementary schools, Cleveland being one of the first cities to begin the process. I’m not sure I, nor we remember how it affected each of us personally, as a community, but we remember the horrible scenes on TV with communities who were experiencing intense riots, peaceful marches by both Black and White leaders, many of which turned violent, caused by the mandate of early, social integration. We heard our parents discuss this and we listened to our local religious leaders as we learned about what was happening around the country, both good and bad. Interestingly enough, the history of Shaker Heights with regard to certain ‘types of people’ had its own issues… many that were overcome as we came to age.

As we graduated and went to high school, Shaker Heights High School, we believed we were really cool! Some of us came from Byron, the new Junior High School (with a pool!), and many came from Woodbury, and we all then experienced an entirely new group of peers, many of us meeting for the first time. I personally do not remember much interaction between the two schools other than athletic contests. As we learned the halls (and rules) of high school, sometimes being cool turned into being intimidated. I remember the advent of ‘elevator passes,’ where we could sit at lunch, who was cool; who was not, and on and on; an eye-opening experience for many. High School football game, dances, weekend parties, and getting our drivers licenses helped form our new culture. The 1960’s were upon us and the world was rapidly changing; the age of innocence in our rearview mirrors. Some of us had cars, coveted spaces to park on the oval, and cruising the oval with others meant you were in. However, the 60’s brought its own issues and challenges that were to face as we were now young adults. The war in Vietnam divided us as a nation. We saw the terrible reality of war brought to our homes on the nightly news; the newsreels, the body counts, the marches, the rise of student activists, Kent State, just up the road, and the effect on the children thousands of miles away. We did not know their names, but we saw their faces. We were not much older than any of them, the far away tragedy dominated much of school life, but we were in a safe place…Shaker Heights. Then we were faced with the draft. The boys in our class knew that when we graduated and/or turned 18 we would be eligible for the draft (December 1, 1969…Hapy Holidays!) , a truly frightening thought. Do you remember your number? Just as traumatic memory of President Kennedy’s assassination, we would witness and experienced other political assassinations, e.g., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy (and others). As most of us were preparing to go off to college, the military, or a personal journey after graduation, campus protests about the war, ROTC on campus, and other social issues across the country almost became the norm. Colleges many of us were dreaming about, Berkley, the home of the Free Speech Movement, Harvard, Columbias, Cornell, etc., and in June of our graduation year, the ‘Stonewall Riots’ in New York giving the Gay Rights activists a platform as well of as a voice that helped shape the culture of the 60’s. The riots and trial of the Chicago 7 that the 1968 Chicago Democratic Nation Convention was televised on live TV and we all watched perhaps not truly understanding its future impact to politics.

On the lighter side, Cleveland became truly famous when on June 22, 1969, as we were just graduating, the Cuyahoga River caught on fire and burned for a couple of weeks. Perhaps this event helped fuel (no pun intended) the beginning of environmental awareness and the movements that followed. We witnessed the death of three astronauts when a flash fire killed them during a simulation launch as we raced to towards the moon, the incredible Apollo 11 Moon Landing, the Woodstock Festival, the ARPANET which was the origination of the foundation of today’s most cherished tool, the internet, and the final live Beatles concert. We were the generation of the muscle cars…the oohs and aahs as the Chevelle’s Camaro Z28’s, and Olds 442’s cruised the oval, rides many of us wanted to be on.

It has been a great ride…and although many are no longer here to continue the ride, we will celebrate everyone on October 4th as we started the journey together and continue to share our memories, the good times, sad times, and hard times…but our continued communication and sense of community is what makes us, the Shaker Heights High School Class of 1969 unique.

Ted Kulber said it so graciously…
“This one feels so different. There are some attendees I really need to see,” – Ted Kulber

Ted, we all need to see you, and each other as well….
Thank you for indulging me.
Robert Siegel

•

ATTENTION SHAKER CLASS OF 1969!

THIS IS IT!!

The One-Night Only event for the Shaker Class of 1969 is all set!

Please join us to celebrate our 75th birthdays with some of our “oldest friends”!  

Many of you have already indicated that you are likely to attend (see list below). 

NOW IS THE TIME TO SAY FOR SURE!

HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR THE SHAKER CLASS OF 1969

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026, 6:00 PM– 11:00 PM

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

WHERE:  LANDERHAVEN (Mayfield Hts)

COST: $79/person

(If you’d like to assist with subsidizing other classmates’ attendance, add whatever amount you choose.)

Buffet, cash bar, and a raffle with a chance to win up to $1000!

Attire: Be comfortable!

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR RSVP BY JULY 24th TO: SHAKERCLASS69@GMAIL.COM, 

(On the RSVP, be sure to note how many are in your party.)

To pay, please use Venmo(@Deborah-Melnyk)

Or mail a check made out to either:

 Ron Leikin (38750 Mentor Ave, Willoughby, OH 44094) or 

Debbie Melnyk (26143 Rose Road, Westlake, OH 44145).

Ron and Debbie are on the bank account that was set up for our 50th reunion. Your Venmo or check will be deposited into that account for event bills. If you prefer another way to pay, please email Debbie (debnadzam@gmail.com) or Ronnie (ron.leikin@leikinmotor.com).

These same details will also be posted on the Shaker 1969 website.

Please tell other classmates who may not check the website or do not have a current email on the website. 

Thanks to everyone and happy birthday to us! 

Hope to see you there!

•

Hello again classmates,

To quote a classmate’s reply:

 “This one feels so different. There are some attendees I really need to see,” – Ted Kulber

Please see below for an updated list of classmates who have indicated they are attending the October 3rd 75th birthday party for the Shaker Class of 1969.  As with the last update, a separate list includes classmates who have indicated they are a ‘maybe’ (scroll down to see both lists). Remember, all classmates for whom we have email addresses are receiving this email, even if they have already RSVP’d.  If you know of someone who did not get the email, it may be because we had an outdated email.  You can forward this email to them and also tell them to email Amy with a correction (amyida51@gmail.com).

It’s not too late to say you’re attending, or to convince others to attend! We will need to give Landerhaven a firm count by mid-September and then will have very limited capability to accommodate later RSVP’s or walk-ins.

Here’s the RSVP email address:  SHAKERCLASS69@GMAIL.COM

If you want to see the party details again and how to pay, please scroll down past the list of classmates attending.

If you want to attend but need some support to do so, please email or phone Debbie (440-785-9657) or Ronnie (216-470-0666) for a confidential conversation.  Due to the generosity of some classmates, we already have some funds to help.  “Tickets” using these funds will be given out to deserving classmates on a first come/first serve basis, after talking with Debbie or Ronnie.

If you have indicated you are attending, please pay as soon as you can, since there are scheduled payments due to Landerhaven in August and September.  Scroll down in the party invitation to see payment methods.

We are looking forward to seeing you!

CLASSMATES ATTENDING (or maybe attending)

Attending (some with partners):

Aarons (McColm), Julie

Barber (Keane), Ann

Bedol (Tucker), Elly

Behrens, Richard

Bruck (Bruck-SEGAL), Barbara

Bryant, Marge

Caminati (Engel), Laura

Caplan, Judy

Casanova, Tony

Chapman, Laura

Crowder, Lydia

Elliot, Robert

Fleck, Rick

Fonoroff, Ellen

Francl, Jim

Friedman, Steve

Glassman (Lyons), Harriet

Green, Casey

Hansen (Spies), Amy

Hillis, Edmund

Hoffman, Gary/Jackie Goler’70

Hoffmann (Barton), Evelyne

Hurley, Mike

Icove, Ed

Jacques (Maguire), Monique

Katz, Dale

Kirschenbaum (Johnson), Amy

Kleinman (Miller), Lindsay

Knoblauch, Michael

Kohn, Norman

Koosed, Lawrence

Kulber, Ted

Kyman (Stark) Peggy

Lane (Brennan), Beth

Lebby, Robert

Lee, Angela

Leikin, Ronald

Levenson, Freda

Levin, Jeremey

Lewis (Whalen), Sally

Lych (Schwartz) Marcy

Margrett, Grant

Miller, Doug

Miller, Richard

Morgan, Rudolph

Morris (Melnyk), Debbie

Papp, Dennis

Peck, Lanny

Pevarof, Ellen

Putnam (GUIDA), Sandy

Ratner, Ellen

Rich (Liff), Debbie

Robbins, Kenneth

Roberts, Jerry

Rowland, Ann

Royal, Kathy

Schneider, Kent

Schrader, Bradley

Seifert (Schefft), Valerie

Siegel, Robert

Smith, Hudson

Spero, David

Stein, Sandy

Stokes (Stokes-Hammond), Shelley

Stone, Greg

Sulzer, Louis (Buddy)

Taylor (PRIEBE), Pamela

Traub, Ron

Treister, Bill

Walker, Brian

Wirtshafter, Don

Wolf, Clifford

 

May be attending:

Bruml (Simon) Susan

Carroll, Bobby

Dittman (Unwin) Margie

Driscoll (Wainder), Janet

Felder, Michael

Frankel, Larry

Metz (Lundblad), Marilyn

Rudolph, Robert

Satola (Koller) Peggy

Schloss, Lee

Skylar (Mastro), Claudia

 

PARTY DETAILS:

ATTENTION SHAKER CLASS OF 1969!

THIS IS IT!!

The One-Night Only event for the Shaker Class of 1969 is all set!

Please join us to celebrate our 75th birthdays with some of our “oldest friends”!  

Many of you have already indicated that you are likely to attend (see list below).

NOW IS THE TIME TO SAY FOR SURE!

HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR THE SHAKER CLASS OF 1969

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026, 6:00 PM– 11:00 PM

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

WHERE:  LANDERHAVEN (Mayfield Hts)

COST: $79/person

(If you’d like to assist with subsidizing other classmates’ attendance, add whatever amount you choose.)

Buffet, cash bar, and a raffle with a chance to win up to $1000!

Attire: Be comfortable!

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR RSVP BY ASAP TO: SHAKERCLASS69@GMAIL.COM,

(On the RSVP, be sure to note how many are in your party.)

To pay, please use Venmo(@Deborah-Melnyk)

Or mail a check made out to either:

 Ron Leikin (38750 Mentor Ave, Willoughby, OH 44094) or

Debbie Melnyk (26143 Rose Road, Westlake, OH 44145).

Ron and Debbie are on the bank account that was set up for our 50th reunion. Your Venmo or check will be deposited into that account for event bills. If you prefer another way to pay, please email Debbie (debnadzam@gmail.com) or Ronnie (ron.leikin@leikinmotor.com).

These same details will also be posted on the Shaker 1969 website.

Please tell other classmates who may not check the website or do not have a current email on the website. 

Thanks to everyone and happy birthday to us! 

Hope to see you there!

 

See you soon!

Amy, Ronnie, Debbie, Ann, Brian, Lo and Buddy

 

 

•

Hello again classmates,

To quote a classmate’s reply:

 “This one feels so different. There are some attendees I really need to see,” – Ted Kulber

Please see below for an updated list of classmates who have indicated they are attending the October 3rd 75th birthday party for the Shaker Class of 1969.  As with the last update, a separate list includes classmates who have indicated they are a ‘maybe’ (scroll down to see both lists). Remember, all classmates for whom we have email addresses are receiving this email, even if they have already RSVP’d.  If you know of someone who did not get the email, it may be because we had an outdated email.  You can forward this email to them and also tell them to email Amy with a correction (amyida51@gmail.com).

It’s not too late to say you’re attending, or to convince others to attend! We will need to give Landerhaven a firm count by mid-September and then will have very limited capability to accommodate later RSVP’s or walk-ins.

Here’s the RSVP email address:  SHAKERCLASS69@GMAIL.COM

If you want to see the party details again and how to pay, please scroll down past the list of classmates attending.

If you want to attend but need some support to do so, please email or phone Debbie (440-785-9657) or Ronnie (216-470-0666) for a confidential conversation.  Due to the generosity of some classmates, we already have some funds to help.  “Tickets” using these funds will be given out to deserving classmates on a first come/first serve basis, after talking with Debbie or Ronnie.

If you have indicated you are attending, please pay as soon as you can, since there are scheduled payments due to Landerhaven in August and September.  Scroll down in the party invitation to see payment methods.

We are looking forward to seeing you!

CLASSMATES ATTENDING (or maybe attending)

Attending (some with partners):

Aarons (McColm), Julie

Barber (Keane), Ann

Bedol (Tucker), Elly

Behrens, Richard

Bruck (Bruck-SEGAL), Barbara

Bryant, Marge

Caminati (Engel), Laura

Caplan, Judy

Casanova, Tony

Chapman, Laura

Crowder, Lydia

Elliot, Robert

Fleck, Rick

Fonoroff, Ellen

Francl, Jim

Friedman, Steve

Glassman (Lyons), Harriet

Green, Casey

Hansen (Spies), Amy

Hillis, Edmund

Hoffman, Gary/Jackie Goler’70

Hoffmann (Barton), Evelyne

Hurley, Mike

Icove, Ed

Jacques (Maguire), Monique

Katz, Dale

Kirschenbaum (Johnson), Amy

Kleinman (Miller), Lindsay

Knoblauch, Michael

Kohn, Norman

Koosed, Lawrence

Kulber, Ted

Kyman (Stark) Peggy

Lane (Brennan), Beth

Lebby, Robert

Lee, Angela

Leikin, Ronald

Levenson, Freda

Lewis (Whalen), Sally

Lych (Schwartz) Marcy

Margrett, Grant

Miller, Doug

Miller, Richard

Morgan, Rudolph

Morris (Melnyk), Debbie

Papp, Dennis

Peck, Lanny

Pevarof, Ellen

Putnam (GUIDA), Sandy

Ratner, Ellen

Rich (Liff), Debbie

Robbins, Kenneth

Roberts, Jerry

Rowland, Ann

Royal, Kathy

Schneider, Kent

Schrader, Bradley

Seifert (Schefft), Valerie

Siegel, Robert

Smith, Hudson

Spero, David

Stein, Sandy

Stokes (Stokes-Hammond), Shelley

Stone, Greg

Sulzer, Louis (Buddy)

Taylor (PRIEBE), Pamela

Traub, Ron

Treister, Bill

Walker, Brian

Wirtshafter, Don

Wolf, Clifford

 

May be attending:

Bruml (Simon) Susan

Carroll, Bobby

Dittman (Unwin) Margie

Driscoll (Wainder), Janet

Felder, Michael

Frankel, Larry

Metz (Lundblad), Marilyn

Rudolph, Robert

Satola (Koller) Peggy

Schloss, Lee

Skylar (Mastro), Claudia

 

PARTY DETAILS:

ATTENTION SHAKER CLASS OF 1969!

THIS IS IT!!

The One-Night Only event for the Shaker Class of 1969 is all set!

Please join us to celebrate our 75th birthdays with some of our “oldest friends”!  

Many of you have already indicated that you are likely to attend (see list below).

NOW IS THE TIME TO SAY FOR SURE!

HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR THE SHAKER CLASS OF 1969

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026, 6:00 PM– 11:00 PM

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

WHERE:  LANDERHAVEN (Mayfield Hts)

COST: $79/person

(If you’d like to assist with subsidizing other classmates’ attendance, add whatever amount you choose.)

Buffet, cash bar, and a raffle with a chance to win up to $1000!

Attire: Be comfortable!

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR RSVP BY ASAP TO: SHAKERCLASS69@GMAIL.COM,

(On the RSVP, be sure to note how many are in your party.)

To pay, please use Venmo(@Deborah-Melnyk)

Or mail a check made out to either:

 Ron Leikin (38750 Mentor Ave, Willoughby, OH 44094) or

Debbie Melnyk (26143 Rose Road, Westlake, OH 44145).

Ron and Debbie are on the bank account that was set up for our 50th reunion. Your Venmo or check will be deposited into that account for event bills. If you prefer another way to pay, please email Debbie (debnadzam@gmail.com) or Ronnie (ron.leikin@leikinmotor.com).

These same details will also be posted on the Shaker 1969 website.

Please tell other classmates who may not check the website or do not have a current email on the website. 

Thanks to everyone and happy birthday to us! 

Hope to see you there!

 

See you soon!

Amy, Ronnie, Debbie, Ann, Brian, Lo and Buddy
 
 

•

_______Hello again Shaker classmates,

’69 was mighty fine!  And so is the growing list of party attendees! You can still add your name!

But first, a note of sadness.  Just since starting this party planning, we have lost 2 more classmates: Susie Jubell (July 9th) and Mike Exline (August 21st).  Our thoughts are with their families and all classmates who were close to them.

Please see below for an updated list of classmates who have indicated they are attending the October 3rd 75th birthday party for the Shaker Class of 1969.  As with the last update, a separate list includes classmates who have indicated they are a ‘maybe’ (scroll down to see both lists).

A new list is included as an attachment to this email: classmates whose emails keep bouncing back or for whom we have no email address.  Maybe you know of current contact information for some of them? Please help us find them. You can reply to this email with a correct email address or phone number or forward this email to them and tell them to email Amy with a correction (amyida51@gmail.com).

Party details are again included in this email; scroll way down past the list of attending classmates.

It’s not too late to say you’re attending, or to convince others to attend! We will need to give Landerhaven a firm count by mid-September, after which we will have very limited capability to accommodate later RSVP’s or walk-ins.

Here’s the RSVP email address:  SHAKERCLASS69@GMAIL.COM

NOTE: If you want to attend but need some support to do so, please email or phone Debbie (440-785-9657) or Ronnie (216-470-0666) for a confidential conversation.  Due to the generosity of some classmates, we already have some funds to help.  “Tickets” using these funds will be given out to deserving classmates on a first come/first serve basis, after talking with Debbie or Ronnie.

If you have indicated you are attending and have not yet paid, please pay as soon as you can, since there are scheduled payments due to Landerhaven in August and September.  Scroll down in the party invitation to see payment methods. (Venmo to Debbie-440-785-9657; or a check to Debbie or Ronnie-addresses below.)

Do you have special dietary needs?  The dinner will be a buffet with pre-selected menu items. Please let us know if you have special dietary needs and would like us to order a  special plate for you. Just reply to this email and we will arrange your request with Landerhaven.

Don’t forget to look at the attachment for classmates whose emails have been bouncing back, or for whom we have no email address (PDF version is attached).  Please let us know if you have current contact information for any of them (and feel free to forward this email).

CLASSMATES ATTENDING (or maybe attending)

Attending (some with partners):

Aarons (McColm), Julie

Barber (Keane), Ann

Bedol (Tucker), Elly

Behrens, Richard

Bruck (Bruck-SEGAL), Barbara

Bryant, Marge

Caminati (Engel), Laura

Caplan, Judy

Carroll, Bobby

Casanova, Tony

Chapman, Laura

Crowder, Lydia

Donelson, Debbie

Durmick, John

Elliot, Robert

Fisher, Lee

Fleck, Rick

Fonoroff, Ellen

Francl, Jim

Frankel, Larry

Freeman, George

Glassman (Lyons), Harriet

Green, Casey

Hansen (Spies), Amy

Hillis, Edmund

Hoffman, Gary/Jackie Goler’70

Hoffmann (Barton), Evelyne

Hurley, Mike

Icove, Ed

Jacques (Maguire), Monique

Johnston, Robert

Katz, Dale

Kirschenbaum (Johnson), Amy

Kirschenbaum (Davidson), Nancy

Kleinman (Miller), Lindsay

Knoblauch, Michael

Kohn, Norman

Koosed, Lawrence

Kramer, Roger

Kulber, Ted

Kyman (Stark) Peggy

Lane (Brennan), Beth

Lebby, Robert

Lee, Angela

Leikin, Ronald

Levenson, Freda

Levin, Jeremey

Lewis (Whalen), Sally

Lych (Schwartz) Marcy

Margrett, Grant

Miller (Strong), Debbie

Miller, Doug

Miller, Richard

Miller, Tom

Morgan, Rudolph

Morris (Melnyk), Debbie

Orlean, David

Papp, Dennis

Peck, Lanny

Pevaroff (Weiner), Ellen

Putnam (Guida), Sandy

Ratner, Ellen

Rich (Liff), Debbie

Robbins, Kenneth

Roberts, Jerry

Rowland, Ann

Royal, Kathy

Schefft (Hartmann), Barbara

Schloss (Kessler), Linda

Schneider, Kent

Schrader, Bradley

Seifert (Schefft), Valerie

Siegel, Robert

Sinks, Ted

Smith, Hudson

Spacone, Ronna

Spero, David

Stein, Sandy

Stokes (Stokes-Hammond), Shelley

Stone, Greg

Sulzer, Louis (Buddy)

Taylor (Andrews), Debbie

Taylor (Priebe), Pamela

Treister, Bill

Walker, Brian

Wirtshafter, Don

Wolf, Clifford

 

May be attending:

Beechler, Marty

Bruml (Simon) Susan

Dittman (Unwin) Margie

Driscoll (Waidner), Janet

Falkner, Bob

Felder, Michael

Lampl, Jib

Lodish, Alvin

Rudolph, Robert

Schloss, Lee

Skylar (Mastro), Claudia

Tucker, Robert

Weiner (Kaplan) Cathy

 

PARTY DETAILS:

ATTENTION SHAKER CLASS OF 1969!

THIS IS IT!!

The One-Night Only event for the Shaker Class of 1969 is all set!

Please join us to celebrate our 75th birthdays with some of our “oldest friends”!  

Many of you have already indicated that you are likely to attend (see list below).

NOW IS THE TIME TO SAY FOR SURE!

HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR THE SHAKER CLASS OF 1969

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026, 5:45 PM– 11:00 PM (details in next email)

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

WHERE:  LANDERHAVEN (Mayfield Hts)

COST: $79/person

(If you’d like to assist with subsidizing other classmates’ attendance, add whatever amount you choose.)

Buffet, cash bar, and a raffle with a chance to win up to $1000!

Attire: Be comfortable!

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR RSVP BY ASAP TO: SHAKERCLASS69@GMAIL.COM,

(On the RSVP, be sure to note how many are in your party.)

To pay, please use Venmo(@Deborah-Melnyk)

Or mail a check made out to either:

 Ron Leikin (38750 Mentor Ave, Willoughby, OH 44094) or

Debbie Melnyk (26143 Rose Road, Westlake, OH 44145).

Ron and Debbie are on the bank account that was set up for our 50th reunion. Your Venmo or check will be deposited into that account for event bills. If you prefer another way to pay, please email Debbie (debnadzam@gmail.com) or Ronnie (ron.leikin@leikinmotor.com).

These same details will also be posted on the Shaker 1969 website.

Please tell other classmates who may not check the website or do not have a current email on the website. 

Thanks to everyone and happy birthday to us! 

Hope to see you there!

 

See you soon!

Amy, Ronnie, Debbie, Ann, Brian, Lo and Buddy

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

•

HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR THE CLASS OF 1969

UPDATE

Thank you to those who have expressed interest in coming to the 75th Birthday Party.

For those who have not yet responded, please reply by email to shakerclass69@gmail.com 

by June 30.

When we have a solid count of attendees, we can then set the cost and begin working on the details.

Although the birthday party is only one night, you can enjoy the weekend with friends and family.

P.S. To clear up any confusion, you may have heard of another event for the classes of the 1950s and 1960s  hosted by the Shaker Foundation.  This "reunion social" is on June 25 while  our Happy 75th Birthday Party for the Class of 1969 is on October 3.  

 

•

ATTENTION CLASS OF 1969

PLEASE HOLD THE DATE for a 

HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR THE CLASS OF 1969

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

WHERE:  LANDERHAVEN

COST:  Around $75/person

  (depending on the number of attendees)

WHAT IS THE LIKELIHOOD THAT YOU WILL ATTEND?

ALONE, OR WITH A SPOUSE/PARTNER?

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR RESPONSE TO: SHAKERCLASS69@GMAIL.COM

A formal invitation with more details will be 

emailed from the Shaker 1969 website.

Please tell other classmates who may not check the

website or do not have a current email on the website.

 

Thanks to everyone and happy birthday to us!

 

•

As I look back 55 years ago, we were finished with high school, proud graduates of Shaker Heights High School, and most of us off to college, military, peace corps, or other form of service. We were living in an era that was truly enlightening to us, our country and the world, probably never to be the same as we moved on to the 1970's.

This past weekend was also the 55th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival, and by a bit of curiosity (and stroke of luck luck) I was fortunate enough to attend. It was a weekend that really opened my eyes to a vast community of individuality and comradery outside our secure microcosm of Shaker Heights. I also learned a lot more about music, much of which was not being played on our local radio stations, e.g., WHK Johnny Holiday's "Stairway to the Stars," until stations, like WMMS came on the scene. Many of us were musicians, orchestra and band, garage bands, choirs, etc. Some fared very well (Bob Elliott, Catesby Jones, Ted Kulber, etc. [apologies to those I missed]). I was fortunate to have played guitar with both Bob and Ted during high school and college and still carry those fond memories with me when I pull my guitar out to strum a little.

As I look back and reminisce on a life well lived, I am also very fortunate to have gone to school with so many wonderful individuals who have gone on to make a difference locally, nationally and globally; not something many people can brag about. We have lost many of our classmates, most way too young, yet we remember the stories, memories, and time spent with them, so they remain part of our special community.

And a special community we are, were and continue to be. Many of us are happily retired, volunteers, or still contributing to causes important to us. In 1969 we graduated, we moved on, we became successful, and many of us succeeded in making a difference. We were fortunate to be at the beginning of a time when society began to change; some good, some bad, but most importantly, the opening of a passage to new ideas, movements, and experiences. As Aldous Huxley wrote in "Brave New World," Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you."

I think many of us have lived that 'advice,' and for that, I thank you. Be well, be happy and continue to do good things. I believe that is still our mission.

Robert Siegel

•

Hi Classmates,

I’ve read with great sadness and respect the memorials about some of our recently deceased classmates.

I was talking with my good friend Robert Lebby and we were discussing how sad it is that some of the wonderful memories and sentiments were not able to be heard by the individual. Robert called because he knew of my professional work creating memorial videos as family heirlooms. He asked if I had any method to allow input from multiple folks about individual classmates. I do not. However, we talked about whether it would be possible to create a place where we could express our sentiments about classmates before it is a memorial statement.

It’s not in my wheelhouse to create such a place but our class is so talented that I’m sure someone out there has the skills.

I’m just presenting the idea and Robert and I would be willing to help if someone in the class has the interest in pursuing or discussing the concept. Or, if you like, take it as a challenge and do it yourself…. Just let us know where we can say nice things about you.

Your friend and classmate,

Bob "Bert" Elliott

•

I was saddened to hear of Howard Dunn's passing. As our class gets smaller, it makes me think back of the wonderful years I had in Shaker and all of the lives that crossed, whether it was in class, football games, parties, AZA meetings, Flossie's, Manners, etc. As we get older, and we read about our friends, realty sinks in that we, as a class are getting older, smaller. and more distant from each other. We all face day-to-day challenges, some more challenging than others, but in the end, the memories, friendships and kinships remain.

We may not all be in touch with other, but this wonderful site affords us all the opportunity to be a small part in everyone's life...thank you for that.

For some, death can be personal and intimate; for others, death is not only deeply individual but can be public and communal. We as a community should respond, as we should cherish life and be thankful for what we have, the experiences we have shared, the friends we have lost, and the impact we have made on our communities.

Rest in peace, Howie...you were always one of the good guys!

Zikhronah livrakha...may his memory be a blessing.

•

I just read an announcement regarding the lack of responses to the deceased 1969 graduates....I do not visit this site often as I don't know many students, only attending 2 years but, I must say I agree with the opinion. I saw numerous deceased students who I knew well enough for my heart to sink. I am soooo sorry I was not aware and did not post a comment. Thanks for the notice, I will try to take notice and be responsive in real time. And if possible, I will leave comments for those I knew well but was unaware of their passing. Thank you again for the call out.

•

I moved to Shaker Heights at the beginning of 10th grade. My parents sold their little $12,000 home in South Euclid and barely were able to pay the 49,950 for our new home on Brighton. My mother, a past Shaker graduate, wanted my brother and myself to be graduated from Shaker and go forth with what she referred to as "The Shaker Way". We were to learn, in her eyes, the proper way to walk through life. In keeping with that philosophy, I want to propose a challenge to our classmates.
I was amazed when I entered Shaker High how many people knew each other since Kindergarten. Many people knew friends nearly their whole lives. I only mention this because, I think with all the good that great class of 69 did...we may have failed in one area.
I find it hard to believe that our "IN MEMORY" section has so many past classmates with no comments from any of us. I know my friend Joe Roberts, also a transplant, has one comment from me. I think we can each find a comment for the many people who have almost been forgotten.
My challenge to this great class of 69 is this. We should set a goal that no classmate should be forgotten. I know each of us can find someone we know, knew or miss and can have a memory, a story a humorous moment. We should as that hippie...want to make the world better...and set a better standard for those who follow, should go now and honor a fallen classmate. We should show the other classes what my mother would call, "The Shaker Way" of remembering and honoring those who shared our teen years at school.
Thank you for letting me ramble ........ Mike Felder SHHS 69

•

https://www.prlog.org/12879239-national-black-distance-running-hall-of-fame-to-induct-michele-tiff-hill.html

 

National Black Marathoners Association Logo

National Black Distance Running Hall of Fame to Induct Michele Tiff-Hill

Michele Tiff-Hill, the first African-American woman to run in the US Olympic Marathon Trials and with a marathon best of 2:50:19, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

By: 

 

Michele Hill

Michele Hill

TUCSON, Ariz. - July 29, 2021 - PRLog -- The National Black Marathoners Association is pleased to announce the induction of Michele Tiff-Hill into the National Black Distance Running Hall of Fame. The induction banquet and ceremony will be held during the National Black Marathoners Association's Annual Summit at Cincinnati's Fly Pig Marathon Weekend on Saturday, April 30, 2022.

"We're looking forward to inducting this Cleveland native and current Tucson resident into the Hall of Fame," says NBMA Executive Director Tony Reed. This 1969 Shaker Heights High School graduate earned her Bachelor of Music in piano from Curtis Institute of Music (1974), and was subsequently awarded a Master of Fine Arts in Harpsichord Studies (1989) and a PhD, Summa cum laude, in Historical Musicology (2001), both from UCLA.

She started running at the age of 29 in 1980. She comes from a family of athletes. Her father, Benjamin Tiff, was in the same high school sprint-relay team as Jesse Owens. He was also an accomplished tennis player who was team captain at his alma mater, Wilberforce University. Her brother, Milan Tiff, was world-record holder in the triple jump and also held US records at high-school, college and national levels. He won the triple jump at the inaugural World Cup in 1977. Her sister, Margot Tiff, was a gifted tennis player who played on the professional circuit, and was the first black woman to play in World Team Tennis. She was also part of the Cal State sprint-relay team that won the NCAA championship.

Michele ran her first sub three-hour marathon in Dec, 1982 at the Fiesta Bowl (2:57:14) in Scottsdale, AZ. Shortly afterwards, she met Eino Rompannen, sculptor and running coach. He helped her to realize her goal of achieving the qualifying time for the first US Women's Olympic Marathon Trials. In the process, she became the first African-American women to qualify for and compete in this historic event. She would go on to run several marathons under three hours until the age of 41.  The Sri Chinmoy Marathon in Foster City, California would remain her personal best at 2:50:19. Master's Track and Field News gave her a No. 1 U.S. ranking (5k) in the 35-39 age group. Later, she was cited in Running Times, March 2008, for honorable mention in the 55-59 age group for leading U.S. Masters runners of 2007. Along with her husband, Dave Hill, she started the Tucson (AZ) Grinders running group in 2004.

Michele says, "It is such an honor to be recognized by the national running community and I am indeed humbled by the gesture.  To be in such esteemed company warms my heart and makes me very proud to have been chosen."

Previously announced inductees include Ingrid Walters, Michele Bush-Cuke, and Shawanna White. Additional inductees will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

About the National Black Marathoners Association

The National Black Marathoners' Association (NBMA) is the largest and oldest nonprofit organization in the U.S. dedicated to encouraging African Americans and others to pursue a healthy lifestyle through distance running and walking, as well as awarding college scholarships to deserving high school distance runners. It is open to everyone, regardless of his or her athletic ability, ethnic background, or previous marathon experience. The NBMA hosts an annual multi-race summit. Previous races and locations have been Lewis & Clark (St. Charles, MO), New Jersey (Long Branch, NJ), Cleveland (OH), Lost Dutchman (Apache Junction, AZ), Cowtown (Fort Worth, TX), Georgia (Atlanta), Bermuda International Race Weekend, Deadwood-Michelson (Deadwood, SD), Madison (WI), Richmond (VA), Windermere (Spokane, WA), Dallas, Columbus (OH), and the Go! St. Louis, Baltimore Running Festival, and Little Rock Marathons.

For more information, visit www.BlackMarathoners.org.

•

The donation to the Cleveland Food Bank is wonderful! Thank you for putting the $ to help the many who need it.

•

I am sad to say that Fred Richards has died. His obituary was on Cleveland.com a couple of days ago.

https://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?n=frederick-berkeley-richards&pid=197889815

He was a good friend while at Shaker and I met him again 30 years ago or so, unfortunately lost contact.

•

 Dear friends,

I have recorded and am releasing a JAZZ EP!

It's called "Have We Met?"

I love these songs and I hope you will too!



ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE

Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II

GRANDMA'S HANDS

Bill Withers

NIGHT AND DAY

Cole Porter

WHERE OR WHEN

Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart

WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME

Carole King & Gerry Goffin



I am very excited for you to hear it!

It's available now. I hope you'll buy it or stream it, and you could even request it on JAZZFM.91 or CBC!

If you can share it on your social media that would be wonderful - here's the link:

b.link/havewemet

•

The 50th Reunion was a great success.  

Check out the photo gallery. 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

• Norman Kohn  9/26
• David Meyer  9/27
• Sandy Stein  9/27
• Sheila Bauman  10/1
• Scott Finley  10/4
• James Kane  10/7
• Barbara Levine  10/8
• Dale Katz  10/19
• Wilna Thomas (Derr)  10/20
• Richard Shaffer  10/24
• Tom Sinks  10/24
• Janet Gokay  10/26
• Dennis Papp  10/27