Class of 1958

Email Newsletter September 2008

Volume 1, Issue 2

Editor: Lenora Byrd Email: Lenora1216@aol.com Brownsville High School

BHS Blog : http://www.tweety1216.typepad.com/bhs Brownsville, PA

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1
Title
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
50 Reunion
…………………………………………
50th Reunion a Great Success
… … … …th… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …
By Lenora Byrd
1-4 Classmate Messages th
This edition of our newsletter mostly contains the 50 reunion held on August 6,
th
4 Stories from Past 2008. A special “THANK YOU” to all the classmates who attended our 50
reunion. You all made it such an enjoyable time to reconnect with our friends from
5 Class Picture the good old high school days.
6-11 Ron Paglia Articles ………………………………………………………………………………………………
11-15 Classmate Story/ Everyone seemed to have such a good time and the following messages were
received from classmates:
Bios
15 Reunion Committee
Minutes
16 Committee
Members Photos
17-18 DVDs Info/Links *Just a little note to let you all know that I think you did a wonderful job. It was
impossible to talk to all who were there, so count me in on the next one and maybe
18 Daily Motivator I can get it done then. Thank you. Ron Peters
18-19 Messages from
* Just wanted to tell you that you did a terrific job on the 50th Reunion. You did a
Editor great job....THANK YOU THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Carl Cseko

“We were so blessed to
be able to gather on
August 6, 2008 and
recapture our high
school days 50 years
later.”
*Wow!!!!!! Albert, Lenora, Nancy, Paula, Kenny, Carol, Gary and all, You all did a
SUPER FANTASTIC job with our 50th and it will remembered the rest of our lives.
I think we have the best class that ever graduated from good old Brownsville High.
Everything you all did will be remembered for years to come and greatly
appreciated. I hope we have a lot of the pictures our class mates took appear on
the website. I can't wait until our 75th.........Thanks again, Philip Albert
*Hey, girlfriend, I had a blast. Got a little carried away at the end but I really was
enjoying myself. I think the last reunion I attended was in "78. I'm not sure. I only
attended two of them. Thank you and your committee for all you have done. I wish I
knew it would be that much fun or I wouldn't waited so long to attend. You all were
just great. What a job you did. Thanks, Toni Ziemba
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 2

*Lenora, Thank everyone for their hard work. It was hard recognizing everyone since it was my first '58
class reunion. Nice job by everyone but you always seem to put the icing on the cake. You are
marvelous! We would like a DVD. Thanks again. Jan (Soltis) Gregg

*Lenora, I really enjoyed the reunion. I left a little early but I’m not as young as you guys. Also I would
like to receive a newsletter. Nice seeing you again. Linda Savage.

* I am so glad I took the time to come to the 1958-50th."Yunz"guys did a great job! It was cool to see
people that I started out with at Saint Clair school. Don't wait so long to do this again. Jerry Lutian
jerry3937@netscape.net

* My sister gave me the BHS address and I have been thrilled looking up and reading all about the 'good
ole days' and classmates--I too graduated in '58--have not had the opportunity to attend a reunion, so
have appreciated all the hard work you have done in assembling the website and getting all the news--
am sure it will grow! Learned a lot at BHS that prepared me for life--and it certainly has been a thrill ride
for me--as I am sure it has been for others--would love to know the paths in life that everyone took. It
sounded like a wonderful reunion and I am sooo sorry I couldn't come. Again--thank you soo much for all
your work and you go girl!!! By the way, have ordered your book. Jeannie Arnett Revak
Rv8Je@aol.com

*Received messages by phone or in person from: Spunky and Leta Bagley, Sharon & John Walton,
Nancy Black, Bernie Linza, Bob Roderick.

* Gary (Thomas), Tell Carol Lippencott that I remember her wonderful playhouse in her backyard. It was
so much fun to play there. Also if Cloe Jackson comes say Hi for me and ask her if she is still singing. Oh
I wish I was going to be there. Cadwallader Street was the place for fun. Give people my e-mail
(rogereriksen@sbcglobal.net) I'd love to hear from them. Will be thinking of all of you. Love, Gerry Lee
Walters

*Dolores Paydo: “Sorry I cannot be there. May God bless all of you with much happiness and continued
good health.”

*The following classmates could not attend, but sent their wishes for a happy gathering: Perry
Carter, Yvonne Costello, Martha Onafrey, Louise Grafinger. Robert Bakewell, Donna Bugelli,
Richard Herman, Loretta Klamerus, Judy Piazzo and Mary Jane Pirt.

*The following teachers responded they were sorry that they could not attend: Minnie LaScala, Fred
Adams, Sr., Doris Wright and Alex Trush.

MORE CLASSMATE MESSAGES RECEIVED IN AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

*Keep me on your email list for future gatherings, I travel a bit and may be able to meet at some point.
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK. Tom Knepshield

* I think that this (3 mo social) would be a nice event. I spend my winters in Florida. We usually leave
around the middle of October and return around the first of May. The only event that I would be able to
attend would be during the summer. Please keep me posted. Thanks, Carl Cseko

* I will not be able to make social meetings every three months. I also wanted to thank you for all your
work to enliven our 50th reunion. You are a real dynamo! Cathy Peters Jones
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 3

Messages (continued):

Thanks for update. Have not been to Brownsville much. My brother and I usually hook up on a trip
or at our sons place. Keep in touch and take care. I do think about you and other friends and hope
you are doing well. Paul Ballon

Hi, Just wanted to thank the reunion committee for all the hard work that you did in organizing and
making the reunion a success. We had a good time at the reunion. It was nice to see and talk to
classmates that you may have forgotten. I think it is a good idea to get together for dinner
occasionally. Not sure that I could make it to every dinner. Keep me informed and I will try to
participate. Thanks again for making the night a success. Marge Laughery McGinley

Hi Guys, Since I live in Virginia I probably won't make all of the gatherings but I would like to be
notified just in case I can make it. I still have family in your area and we visit a few times a year. I
received my copy of our class picture from the reunion. I can identify Carmen DeFranks, Joe
Cesarone, and Larry Doolittle. I think I see Paula Funk but I'm not sure. I also see Woody
Nicholson. (without looking at the pictures that Lenora put together) who are the rest of these
people?? I also love the Newsletter idea. You guys rock. Ed Rossell

Hi girlfriend, Sorry, at this time I will not be able to do the every 3 mo. get-to-gether. Maybe in the
summer next year. Thanks, Toni Ziemba

I'm not going to be able to make any of the social gatherings. I will attend every 5 years if you go
back to that. I like it a lot better when its just our class. Linda Savage

What a great idea (social gathering) for those who live locally!! God willing, I will be attending the
reunion in 5 years. I know it will probably have to be a daylight affair as most of us will be unable to
drive at night!! Ha Ha. I remember when Joe Verbanic (Republic) had his 75th class reunion it was
at 12:00 Noon with violin and piano music at the Holiday Inn. I remember thinking at the time why
would they have it at Noon; now I know!! Dolores Paydo Zihar

Hey Lenora-I had way too much fun at the reunion! I'm damned if I didn’t get back to Florida on
Monday and went down on Weds on the golf course! Happy to report I was in the care of a
formidable surgeon who placed a stent in my artery that was 95 % blocked. Looks like I will be good
to go for the next get together--Best, Jerry Lutian

I had a great time at the reunion. Thanks again to all who made it possible. The photo is from this
past winter. I am aboard Ghost Rider III, a 38 foot catamaran that I sailed and lived aboard for two
weeks while cruising throughout the British Virgin Islands. Jim Hollis
My email address is: jameslouishollis@aol.com
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 4

Tom and I celebrated our 44th anniversary July 3. We just came back from a
three-week drive trip across the country from Branson, to the Mall of America,
to all the sites in South Dakota, to the national parks in Utah, to San Diego to
visit two daughters there, and to Yuma, Arizona, where our grandson who is in
the Marines just had our first great-grandson. Then a four-day drive back to
Tampa. Had a wonderful time. This getting old isn't always a bad thing!
Marge Paydo

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By Gary Thomas

Had a surprising and pleasant visit several weeks ago from Gerry Lee Walters, who
along with her family, moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1956. She would have graduated
from Brownsville in 1958. The family lived several doors down from my family's
home on Cadwallader Street. She fondly remembers her elementary schooling at
Prospect School and Brownsville Junior High School. I believe it was in the 70s that
Gerry Lee first returned "home" and stopped in the offices of the Brownsville
Telegraph to visit me while I was working there. At the time she was living in Washington state
with her own family. She currently resides in sunny California. And, just for the record, we had
lunch at Fiddle's and her parting words were "to tell the old Prospect School gang I said Hi and all
the best of health on our 50th reunion."

Gerry: I moved away in '56 but always called Brownsville my home. Graduated from Arizona
State University and moved to Tacoma, Wash., with my then husband and son. My daughter
Janet was born there and I taught school there for 20 years. In 1983 my son died, at age 17, from
an asthma attack that caused his heart to stop. This was very hard on all of us and after 26 years
my marriage ended. I met and married Roger Eriksen in 1994 and my daughter and her family
moved here to Simi, Calif., six years ago. Then I discovered I had a very rare form of cancer and
in November of this year I will be a five-year survivor. Now for fond memories of home. I
remember when everyone used to sit on the wall in front of our home and we played truth or dare.
Oh what fun. We also solved all the problems of our little world on that wall. We spent a lot of time
playing Canasta on my front porch as well.

I remember the big snow we had in '54 and you and I made a huge snowball and couldn't roll it
out onto the street. Going to the Bison on Saturday and watching cowboy movies or Frankenstein
was fun to. Remember going to Hambone's (Ambrose Laverdi) store and buying stuff and also at
Mrs. Laura Randolph's store next to Alex Chronis' home. Do you remember going to Brown’s
Drug Store after junior high and having cherry cokes? That was so fun and my sister worked
there in the evenings and used to give us free sundaes. I also remember when Claybaughs Shoe
store had a machine that x-rayed your foot before you bought shoes. No one in town ever saw
anything like that and we were all going there just to try on shoes. The girls will remember going
to the great sales at Karts Department Store. That was the place to shop.I was also thinking
about the time the bridge collapsed that used to go across to the Plaza from Bank Street, but I
can’t remember why. I think we had a bad storm with high winds and it caused it.

Give people my e-mail (rogereriksen@sbcglobal.net). I'd love to hear from them. Those were the
days. Brownsville was a great place and my Dad always talked about his days at Lunden's. Take
care and have lots of fun for me. Love, Gerry Lee Walters
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 5
CLASS PICTURE
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 6

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The Big 5-0 adds up for Brownsville grads.

I have taken the article and separated it into separate blog excerpts on the various
classmates Ron covered in the newspaper (each deserves his/her own notation).
The following are other excerpts from the article:

While the graduates at the reunion reveled in recounting their youth and lives over the past 50
years, Albert Dascenzo and committee member, Brenda
Mitchell Vail conducted a solemn ceremony in honor and
memory of 58 deceased classmates. "We'll mourn their
passing but we celebrate their lives, the joy and love they
brought to so many others," Dascenzo, who also served as
treasurer of the reunion committee, said. As Dascenzo read
the names of the deceased, Vail lit a candle for each. A lone
chair was in place at the table holding the candles.

"There is only one chair but it symbolizes all who are no longer with us and is a reminder that
they will always will be with us," Dascenzo said. "The table is small but is emphasizes that there
is room for everyone. The white tablecloth is a symbol of the purity of their spirit."

Dascenzo served as co-chair of the Class '58 reunion with Kenny and Carol Caputo Lippencott.
Other members of the planning committee were secretary Edith Stiles Fudala, P. Gary Thomas,
Lenora Byrd, Leslie Faulk, Nancy Shaffer Cwialkala, Paula Funk Drake, Ed "Woody" Nicholson
and Connie Franks McClelland. Richard Majernik, a longtime teacher at Brownsville High School
who is now retired, spoke briefly, and Keith Vail pronounced invocation. Dancing to the music of
disc jockey Paul McGrady capped the nostalgic evening.

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Dolores Mastowski Kocis, a '58 graduate now living in Connellsville, didn't travel as far as
Thomas or the DiColas - less than 25 miles via Routes 119
and 40, but she arrived in style in a 1958 Chevrolet Impala
convertible. "We bought (the car) in 1965 and completely
restored it," Kocis said of her late husband, John Kocis, a
Connellsville High School graduate, as the Impala drew
compliments galore from classmates.

"It's like we've turned back time," a neighbor of the area said
as she admired the vintage automobile."There used to be a lot of '58 Chevys, and other cars,
parked in front (of the Sons of Italy) when (disc jockey) Leon Sykes ran the record hops here.
Those were such great times."
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 7
Ron Peters made a rather short trip for the reunion. He lives in Bethel Park. “This is the first class
reunion I've attended," Peters said. "There was always something else going on with work or the
family. I haven't seen some of these people since we graduated and
I'm really glad to be here." Peters is a U.S. Air Force veteran who
served four years in counter-intelligence in such foreign posts as Libya,
Greece and Germany."I had a feeling I was going to be drafted, so I
enlisted,"

Peters, who finished his military service at Strategic Air Command

headquarters in Omaha, Neb., said. "It was a great
experience." He worked for Western Union before taking a job with
Allegheny Airlines. He continued in that profession with US Airways and
worked as a shipping specialist before retiring with 49 years of service. His
passion for flying continues today as a licensed sport pilot and owner of a
plane based at Finleyville Airport. "It's so much fun being up there," Peters
said of flying. "I come up this way a lot and love to fly over the area,
remembering what it looked like years ago." Peters, who also
has experience as a commercial pilot, also returns to Brownsville by car on a regular basis to visit
his mother, Violet Peters, and his sister, Pat Peters.

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Another BHS Class of '58 graduate with ties to the high school band is Bob Thomas, who lives in
Palm Springs, CA. "That's me," Thomas, an exceptionally gregarious man, said as he pointed to
one of several pictures of the Brownsville band on a display board at the reunion.

Thomas was the band's drum major. "Wow, that was a lot of fun," he
said. "I loved music, going to football games and sock hops, so (being
the drum major) was a natural outlet for me." He also taught baton
twirling at Ernie Ruggiero's dance school. Thomas, who has lived in
Palm Springs since 2002, left Brownsville in 1960 "with no regrets." "I
wouldn't say I was a party animal, but I enjoyed having a good time,"
he said with a knowing smile. "They closed the streets here very early
and there wasn't a lot to do. So I said, 'I'm out of here.' I had a '52
Chevy and $150 in my pocket and hit the road." Thomas worked for a
freight company in California for 32 years before retiring. He now
enjoys traveling and is looking forward to a trip to Brazil later this
year.

We had to find out if Bob could still "strut his stuff" as a drum major 50 years later and the dude
managed to pull if off (we had to administer a little oxygen after the
fact)!
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 8

It isn't often that someone can celebrate a 50th anniversary three times
within one year. Emilio R. (Junior) and Marlene DiCola are exceptions.
"This is the first one," DiCola said at the 50-year reunion of the Brownsville
High School Class of 1958 at Frank Ricco Lodge 731 Sons of Italy. "Next
year will be (Marlene's) turn and also our 50th wedding anniversary. So,
yes, 50 is a special number for us." The DiColas were a were among the
nearly 150 classmates and guests savoring the festive mood of the Class of
'58 gathering. While Junior graduated with that group, his wife, the former
Marlene Marshall of Allison, graduated in 1959. They now live in Fairfax
Station, Va. "We've been (in Virginia) since 1962, but we always look
forward to coming back home," DiCola, a retired profes-sional firefighter, said. "It's great seeing
longtime friends and recalling the proverbial good old days. We have so many fond memories of
(Brownsville)."

They also remember their wedding as if it were yesterday."It was Aug. 6, 1959," DiCola smiled
while emphasizing the significance of the date to the BHS reunion, which was held on Aug. 6. "So
we're celebrating our 49th anniversary here."DiCola and his bride-to-be, the daughter of the late
Cloyd "Bucky" and Rosella Burnell Marshall of Allison, eloped on that warm summer day 49 years
ago."It was Kennywood Day for Brownsville and the surrounding communities, so everyone in
town was headed for the traditional picnic at the park - everyone except us," DiCola recalled
poignantly. "We went the opposite direction, taking Route 40 to Cumberland, Md., where we were
married at Saints Peter and Paul Monestary." The DiColas were high school sweethearts, and
Junior took advantage of his skills as a drummer with the BHS band to spend more time with
Marlene. She and her twin sister, Dr. Darlene McNulty of Iowa City, Iowa, were majorettes.
"Marlene and I saw each other in school, of course, and anytime the band was performing,"
DiCola said. "But the majorettes often had special practices for their marching routines and they
always needed a drummer. Guess who volunteered?" The DiColas initially lived in Alexandria
when they moved to Virginia in 1962. Junior took a job as a meat cutter in a super market.

"I had worked as a meat cutter at Kotcella's for a few years before we left," DiCola said in
reference to the former Brownsville food store. "In fact, Albert (Dascenzo) and I both worked
there. Marlene and I felt we needed to move for better job opportunities, so we headed for
Virginia." DiCola later worked 25 years as a city firefighter in Fairfax Station and also owned and
operated a Dairy Queen in that area. His wife, a registered nurse, worked in the health care
profession for some 15 years and also owned and operated two businesses for 25 years.
DiCola's brother, the late Albert DiCola, also was a longtime firefighter, and his son and son-in-
law are following in those footsteps as a professional firefighter. The DiColas have four children,
15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren."They keep us busy, that's for sure, but it's
wonderful," DiCola said of the children.Their ties to the area are solidified by Junior's sister, Lena
Shashura of Hiller, and Marlene's cousins, Barbara Sassano and her husband, Tony, of Allison
and Starr Smalley and her husband, George, of Scenery Hill. Marlene's brother, Barry Marshall,
and his wife, Pam, live in Perrysburg, Ohio.

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Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 9
August 25, 2008: Richard Kara Feature By Ron Paglia, For the Herald-
Standard: 08/25/2008

Faith, courage guide Hiller man in challenge of his lifetime

He's been a law enforcement officer, a lay minister and a marathon runner. But
it's Richard (Rich) Kara's firm faith, positive attitude and spirit that set him apart
from many.

"My (religious) beliefs and confidence in my ability to do the job, whatever it

might be, have always guided me," Kara, a lifelong resident of Hiller, said. "I
have always had faith in God to get me through whatever comes my
way."Those qualities, and others, continue to guide Kara, 68, as he confronts the greatest
challenge of his life - the uncertain prognosis of the pancreatic cancer, which threatens his very
existence. "No, it's not very good," Kara said of the outlook. "What can you say when you have a
disease that claims, within one year, 75 percent of those who are hit with it? You try to be
optimistic and think you are going to be in the other 25 percent - those who survive for maybe two
years - but you also have to face reality."

Despite the harsh turnaround in his life over the past four months, Kara remains more upbeat
than anyone can completely understand."I have no fear (of death)," he said. "I am totally
comfortable with where I am and what might lie ahead. I don't ask, 'Why me?' I have accepted
(the fate) God has chosen for me."Kara, a state police officer for 33 years and a member of the
Washington County Drug Task Force for 10 years after retiring from the state police, was
diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer in May."We thought it was just indigestion," Kara
said of the discomfort that struck not long before he and his wife Marlene prepared to leave for
vacation in Florida.Medication prescribed by his family physician, Dr. I. Prakorb, alleviated the
problem but only temporarily. Upon his return home, Kara underwent further testing including an
endoscopy. The outcome was a mandate to "immediately" see a specialist, Dr. Kenneth Lee, at
UPMC Presbyterian Pancreas and Billary Center in Pittsburgh.

The downward spiral continued."They did a biopsy and discovered the cancer had spread to my
lungs," Kara, a 1958 graduate of Brownsville High School, said. That diagnosis sent Kara to
the Dr. Nathan Bahary at Hillman Cancer Center, the flagship treatment and research center of
the UPMC Cancer Centers Network. He's now undergoing and enduring chemotherapy (eight
hours of treatment once a week) and is one of only 150 people in the United States involved in
clinical trials to study new drugs for treatment of pancreatic cancer. According to the Web site
www.MedicineNet.com, researchers across the country are studying pancreatic cancer. They are,
the site says, "trying to learn what causes this disease and how to prevent ... looking for better
ways to diagnose and treat it." "If my part (in the research) is meaningful, if what I'm doing can
help find a breakthrough, that's fine," Kara said. "I'm fully aware of the ACS (American Cancer
Society) statistics and my chances (of surviving). I've told the doctors to tell me what to do and I'll
do it. I don't have false hopes, I'm realistic about everything. But I'm not giving up." That
determination stems from Kara's faith and trust in God, and his avocation of nearly 25 years as a
lay minister. In that latter role, he said, he has always tried to treat people with compassion and
understanding."I don't try to convert anyone," he told writer Gary Thomas in a 2002 interview.

"I just want to get them to start thinking and talking about religion, make religion a part of their
lives."
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 10

Kara, one of seven sons and two daughters born to the late John G. and Rose Kara, said he had
the "best of both worlds" in being raised as a Protestant in a Hungarian Presbyterian Church but
also being schooled in the teachings of the Catholic Church."My father was Protestant and my
mother Catholic," he said. "There's an old Hungarian saying that 'Boys follow the father and girls
follow the mother.' I was fortunate to learn both (religions). I attended Calvin United Presbyterian
Church in Brownsville. In catechism as well as everything else I learned, it was reinforced twice
with two languages. I learned everything in English and then again in Hungarian. In fact, I could
speak Hungarian before I could speak English."

Kara's path to religion and eventually becoming a lay minister was directed with great influence
from the Rev. Victor Bodnar, pastor of Calvin United Presbyterian Church, and the Rev. Kalvin
Nemeth, pastor of the former Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church of Brownsville."Father
Nemeth escaped Hungary during the 1956 revolution there and went to Canada," Kara said. "He
later came to Brownsville. I was 10 years old when I met him because my mother was a member
of Sacred Heard. He couldn't speak English and was surprised and happy to learn I could speak
Hungarian. So I became his translator."Kara said one of his fondest memories of Father Nemeth
is that "he was very open minded" in his approach to religion."He never said you should be a
Catholic or anything else," Kara said. "His philosophy was, 'We all worship the same God ... we
just use different approaches.' I've never forgotten those words and have tried to follow his advice
anytime I'm at the pulpit."

Kara began his service as a minister as an elder at Calvin United Presbyterian Church. He was
asked to deliver occasional sermons in the absence of the Rev. Alexander Jalso. Subsequently,
he became an elder at First Presbyterian Church in California and was chosen for similar "fill-in"
duties by the late Rev. John R. Rankin, the highly respected area clergyman who died earlier this
year after more than 50 years in the ministry."Rev. Rankin asked me to sub for him at Sunday
worship because he was going out of town," Kara recalled. "He knew I had done sermons a few
times at other churches in the area and that I had public speaking experience with the state
police. He said he was confident I could handle the job. I wasn't so sure, it seemed so daunting.
But (Rankin) gave me spiritual guidance, told me to tell the people what I believe. It worked and I
feel totally comfortable, truly at peace behind the pulpit."Kara and Rankin also became "very
close" friends over the years."He was my confidant, I could talk with him about anything," Kara
said. "He was a gentleman and a gentle man." Kara, who performs full worship services, bases
his sermons on life experiences; that is, his work in law enforcement and his personal life."People
were leery of me at first, I guess," he said. "They knew I was a police officer and probably
wondered, 'What the heck is this guy doing behind the pulpit?' "But I speak from the heart and try
to use thoughts and themes to which the congregation can relate."

Kara's wife of 42 years, the former Marlene Johnson of Allison, said her husband has had a
"significant impact" on many lives. To emphasize that point, she poignantly points to Robert Kelly
of Greensboro, a close-knit community of about 300 in southern Greene County."(Rich) was filling
in at the church there when he met Bob," Mrs. Kara said. "Bob never went to church, although his
wife was a member of the congregation. She and their friends tried to convince him to 'go to hear
Mr. Kara ... he will change your life.' He insisted he would never set foot in church, but he finally
relented and did a complete turnaround. He became a deacon and an elder of the church and
tells everyone that Rich 'Brought me to Jesus.' He regularly calls to check on (Rich) and sends
the most beautiful cards."
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 11
Rich and Marlene are the parents of two daughters, Heather Filoni (Aldo) of Fairfax, Va. and Holly
Segie (Ron) of Canonsburg. They have three grandchildren, Jordan Kara, 18, Miranda Segie, 14,
and Samuel Segie, 9.Mrs. Kara said the family was "devastated" by the news of her husband's
cancer."We were in shock," she said. "But we know this is in God's hands. He will direct us and
we are prepared to accept His decision. The best outcome would be to beat (cancer) and keep it
in remission. "Whatever happens, we see this experience as God's way of using Rich as an
example (of courage and faith) to the many people whose lives he has touched. I firmly believe
he's not done."

As a patient at Hillman Cancer Center, Kara is being treated by the same oncology professionals
who cared for Dr. Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon University computer science professor
who died July 25 after battling pancreatic cancer for nearly two years. Pausch became an
inspiration to millions with his positive attitude and a video and book based on his final lecture at
CMU."Dr. Pausch was truly an inspiration," Kara said. "I read his book ("The Last Lecture") and it
has helped me in so many ways. His impact on the lives of cancer patients and others is
immeasurable."Those who know Kara say he is having a similar effect on them."He's an
inspiration in every sense of the word," Lenora Byrd of LaBelle, one of Kara's classmates, said
recently at the 50-year reunion of the Brownsville High School Class of 1958. "His courage and
strength gives hope to all who love and respect him."

Treatment of pancreatic cancer is very strong and side effects, which vary among patients, can
be ravaging to the body and mind. Kara, for instance, has lost 60 pounds since May (when he
weighed 230)."I've also lost my taste buds," he said."That's a real Catch-22 situation, isn't it? I
know I have to have food and nourishment but I have no desire to eat."As of Aug. 14 Kara had
undergone seven successive weeks of chemotherapy. Depending on the outcome of further
tests, he may be facing several more weeks of treatment. "It's comforting to know that I'm in the
hands of the best doctors, nurses and staff at Hillman," Kara said. "They do everything there - the
MRI, the blood work, etc. - in a professional and caring way. I appreciate their straightforward
approach, their honesty. They pull no punches in letting you know where you stand."Kara is
resigned to his fate and reaffirms his acceptance of "whatever God chooses for me.""You know
the old saying, 'Only time will tell,'" he said. And the clock is ticking.

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BROWNSVILLE - Saturday, July 19th has been declared Woody Nicholson Day in
Brownsville in recognition of the service Nicholson has provided to the community,
including 44 years with the South Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department. The South
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 12
Brownsville fire company is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and is hosting this year's
Fayette County Firemen's Association Convention, which closes Saturday.

"We made a declaration that July 19 would be Woody Nicholson Day in honor of all his service to
the fire department," said Mayor Lewis Hosler. "I knew Woody growing up. We lived half a block
apart. He tried to steer us kids in the right direction."Council President Jack Lawver said the
declaration was well deserved. "Woody's a dedicated fireman and dedicated to the community of
Brownsville. He's our go-to guy when we want something done," said Jack Lawver, the Brownville
Borough Council president.Edward "Woody" Nicholson has served as chief of the fire department
for more than 37 years. He said he really hadn't planned to become a firefighter, but his co-
workers at the former Hillman Barge Co. talked him into becoming a firefighter. "I got out of the
army and had no desire to join the fire company, but they talked me into it," Nicholson said. It
was a year before there was a vacancy in the department, but eventually Nicholson became a
member at the age of 25."Some of the older guys said to me, 'You're going to be chief of this
company some day.' I said no way; I wanted to be fighting the fires. Then Tuck Rohrer got injured
and I was his assistant, and that was that. I'll have been chief 38 years at the end of this year,"
Nicholson said. Congratulations to our classmate of 1958.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

CLASSMATE BIOS

FULL NAME: Carl E. CSEKO

WHERE DID YOU LIVE DURING HIGH SCHOOL? Hiller

WHAT DID YOU DO AFTER YOU LEFT HIGH SCHOOL? Worked as a meat cutter in
Cleveland, Ohio and Beaver Falls, PA

WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW? Bedford, PA in the summer and Ft Myers, FL in the
winter.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? Been retired for 15 years after serving 31 years in the PA State
Police

WHO IS YOUR SPOUSE? Trudy who was born and raised in Bedford, PA
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MARRIED? 44 years

HOW MANY CHILDREN, GRANDKIDS, DO YOU HAVE? Have one daughter who has a boy
and a girl. Have a son who has two girls.

OTHER COMMENTS. I actually graduated from a Cleveland, Ohio High School after moving from
Brownsville after my Junior year. I appreciate being included in the BHS Class of 58. Sure did
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enjoy the 50 reunion.
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 13

Dolores (Dee)Paydo Zihar

Where I Lived During High School: Melrose

After high school I went to Pittsburgh where I worked for the H. J. Heinz Company.

I now live in Palm Harbor, FL.

I currently work for Pinellas County Utilities for the Director of Utilities Finance. I can see the
world famous Clearwater Beach from my office.

I married David Zihar my childhood sweetheart in 1963. We were married for 44 years until David
passed away on September 12, 2007. We have no children.

I really enjoyed the videos you sent of the 50th Class Reunion. Although I wasn't able to make it, I
felt like I was there after watching the videos. Thanks, Lenora. You did an excellent job!!

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

After BHS went to nursing school in WVA--after graduation worked 2 years at

Brownsville--then came to Erie--worked at a local hospital then went to work for the
government--spent 41 years there--loved every minute of it--served in many, many
positions--staff nurse/head nurse/superv/eeucation/AO to Chiefs of medicine and
surgery. Did utilization review/started the first Wound /Ostomy clinic at the VA and
wrote a book on Pressure Ulcers for the VISN. Retired in 06 and went back in 07and
left again after working on a special project for infection control. Do a lot of volunteer
work, especially for the cancer society.

Live at 597 Benson Rd Waterford, Pa. 16441. Married for 44 years--no children 2 cats/1 dog who
doesn't realize she is one. Learning to quilt/cross stitch--and having a ball--hopefully in the future
use this as a business adventure. Concern with nutrition/exercise--and trying to do right by my
fellow man--simple spiritual life. God Bless. Jeannie Arnett Revak Rv8Je@aol.com

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I lived in Brownsville during my high school years. Don't ask me the street address, it’s
not there anymore. After graduation I went into the Marine Corps. I came back home
after my first four years was up. I found out there was no need for trained killers in the
Brownsville area, no one kept in step, and the price of cigarettes was too high so I
reenlisted and went back in. I spent most of my 29 years on the east coast. I served in
New Castle, PA.; Worcester, MA.; Little Creek, VA.; Camp Lejeune, NC.; Cherry Point,
NC.; and Beaufort, SC. I served a tour in Okinawa and a tour in Vietnam. I did a lot
of traveling in the far east. My last tour of duty was in Quantico, VA where I spent my last six
years and where I retired from in 1987. I was offered a good deal working with the Federal
Government, so I went to work for the Federal Maritime Commission as soon as I left the Corps.
I worked there for about 17 years and retired from there in 2005.

Right now we live in Stafford, VA which is about 10 miles from Quantico, VA. Since my complete
retirement in 2005 I do nothing, and I mean nothing. In 1961 I married Patricia Martina, a 1959
graduate of California High. We went together during our high school years but waited until 61 to
get married. We have been married for 47 years. We have one son, one daughter and one
grandson. I viewed the DVD and really enjoyed it. See you all the next time. Ed Rossell
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 14

I lived in Hiller during high school and often walked to school with Yvonne Costello or
Donna Bugelli. I left after graduation to enter nursing school at Johns Hopkins Hospital in
Baltimore, Maryland. I loved Baltimore and right before graduation they offered me a job in
the Emergency Ward, I was happy to take it. I worked for 2 years and was offered the
head nurse postion on the 3-12 shift which I accepted. One evening as I was surveying the
patients I would have for the evening I met a medical student who was having a
neurological exam in the overnight ward. We later dated for awhile and I resigned my job and
went to Arkansas to be the school nurse at Harding College and to also take some classes.
Needless to say my phone bill was quite large. I spent one year there and Bob and I were
married in June of 65. Bob matched at Duke University for his residency and so we moved
immediately to Durham. I worked at the VA Hospital for a year. Bob was drafted after his first
year and we were sent to Shephard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Our two daughters
were born there not a year apart, Julie is an attorney and she and her husband live in Crawford,
Texas. Her husband Ryan is on the Baylor University faculty in Environmental Science. They
have two children, Dylan 7 and Andrew 5. Our second daughter Natalie has a Masters in Health
Care Administration and lives in Durham with her husband John who is on the Duke Psychiatry
faculty. They have 3 children Adam 13, Luke 11 and Elizabeth 8. We returned to Duke after the
Air Force and had our third child David who also lives in Durham. He is a physcial therapist on
staff at Duke and has primary custody of his son Carson who is 5.

I spent most of my time being a stay at home Mom while Bob did his residency in Cardio-
Thoracic Surgery. He is on the Duke faculty and has done surgery, teaching and research. I
returned to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed a BA in Psychology. I
have worked some doing research studies and worked with the Red Cross for awhile. Most
recently I have been involved helping David with his son. We have been blessed to have
opportunity to travel extensively internationally with Bob's research. He is currently the Principal
Investigator for an NIH 30 million dollar trial that involves 27 countries. We are both very active in
our church where he serves as an elder and I have done some lay counseling and am involved
with our senior ministry. We have been married for 43 years. We also have a guest room so
Y'all come visit. I have turned a bit southern too! Catherine Ann Peters Jones
………………………………………………………………………………………………

Lived in Isabella during school. Still live in Isabella. Retired in 1996. Married
Richard Gehron, BHS class of 1959 and married for 48 years. Worked as a Home
health aide , then worked in a personal care home. We have four children (one
deceased) and six grandchildren (Five grandsons and One granddaughter).
Rose Marie Hiles Gehron

NEED MORE CLASSMATES TO SEND IN THEIR BIOS FOR THE NEXT NEWSLETTER ISSUE
SO CLASSMATES KNOW WHAT YOU’VE BEEN DOING SINCE HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUTATION 50 YEARS AGO! FOLLOW THE BIO GUIDELINES LISTED BELOW AND
EMAIL SUCH TO ME AT Lenora1216@aol.com. ALSO NEED CLASSMATES TO SEND ME
“UPDATED” PICTURES OF YOURSELF FOR UPCOMING NEWSLETTERS.
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 15

Send in your Bio & Updated Photo

BIO: Your name; where did you live during HS; where do you live now; what did you do after HS; what are
you doing now; who did you marry & how did you meet; how long have you been married; how many
children/grandchildren; what is the thing you remember the most about your days at Brownsville High
School; and any other comments. SEND YOUR PHOTO so we know what you look like now. Email info
to: Lenora1216@aol.com

Minutes of Brownsville High School Class of ’58

Reunion Committee Meeting: August 16, 2008

The meeting convened at Fiddles at 11 a.m. August 16, 2008. Those in

attendance were: Albert Dascenzo, Nancy Shaffer Cwiakala, Connie
Franks McClelland, Ken Lippencott, Carolee Lippencott, Brenda Mitchell
Vail, Gary Thomas Lenora Bryd and Edie Stiles Fudala. Meeting was called
to order by President Al Dascenzo. Albert distributed a breakdown of
expenses and explained all columns. Current balance after all expenses is
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$982.11. Motion by Connie, 2 by Nancy to accept the financial report as presented. All in favor.
The reunion was a tremendous success and enjoyed by all. Emails are coming in stating what a
great job was done by the committee and others that helped. Half the Take was won by Pauline
Duda’s husband.

Discussion was held regarding the balance in the account. Albert thinks we should keep some
nd
money in the account for the startup of the next reunion. Motion by Carol, 2 by Nancy to award
$100.00 scholarships to a deserving high school senior for the next five (5) years. All in favor.
Edie will contact the Guidance Officer at the high school for details. The student receiving the
$100.00 each year will be the student next in line after all other scholarships have been awarded.
The $100.00 will be given to the high school separately in May of each year.

Albert sent pictures to those who paid but were unable to attend. The class picture will be in the
newspaper. Decorator Linda Evon reported to Albert that she enjoyed working with the group.
Discussion on when to have the next reunion. It was decided to have the reunion every five (5)
years during the week of Kennywood (Wednesday) The reunion will consist of dinner and
socialization. Discussion of having get-togethers every three (3) months beginning on October 30,
2008 at Hugo’s at 1 p.m. All classmates are invited to attend and will be informed by word of
mouth and the monthly newsletter. Lenora conducted interviews of committee members for the
DVD. Minutes submitted by, Edie Stiles Fudala
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 16

Photos of Committee Members

Albert Dascenzo/Carol Caputo

Ken Lippencott Nancy Shaffer Connie Franks

Brenda Mitchell Edie Stiles Gary Thomas Leslie Faulk

Paula Funk Woody Nicholson Lenora Byrd

Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 17

DVDs: The movie I made of our reunion was finalized on September 6 and copies
mailed out to classmates who requested it. I did not have enough time to interview
everyone, but if I missed video taping you, simply send in your bio entry to be
included in the next newsletter. If you want the 2 DVDs of the reunion, simply send
me a check for $15 at Lenora Byrd, PO Box 35, LaBelle, PA 15450.

Thanks to the following classmates who purchased the DVDs: Ken

Lippencott, Carmen DeFranks, Rose Marie Hiles, Joe Cesarone, Bob Thomas, Linda Savage,
Janet Soltis, Les Faulk, Ed Rossell, Albert Dascenzo, Nancy Shaffer, Dolores Paydo, Ron Peters,
Brenda Mitchell, Judy Young, Bob Roderick, Nancy Black, Toni Ziemba, Cathy Peters, Louise
Grafinger, Richard Herman, James Hollis, Phil Albert, Jerry Lutian.

Classmate Messages:

*Hi Lenora. I got my DVD what great work and magic you make. I sure enjoyed it, the 2nd dvd at
the end with photos and music was really enjoyable. Lenora you made our reunion so
memorable. I cannot thank you enough. Nancy Shaffer

*I really enjoyed the videos you sent of the 50th Class Reunion. Although I wasn't able to make it,
I felt like I was there after watching the videos. Thanks, Lenora. You did an excellent job!!
Dolores Paydo

*Hi Lenora: Received the dvd and book. Was so impressed with the front and back cover
of the book that I can hardly wait to read it. We sooooo enjoyed the DVD. What a great job.
Got through the whole thing and Bill wanted me to start it again. Bill quickly commented and I
agreed----the person who made it so special and memorable---wasn't interviewed---YOU!
Thanks again for all your time and hard work! It was wonderful!! Janet (Soltis) Gregg
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The following are LINKS to articles, BHS vidoes, and Blog info
about our classmates. Simply click on the links to view the topic:

YouTube Videos:
1. 1958 50 Reunion Photo Slide Show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsAY7SEhUGQ
2. Tour of Brownsville: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4WrrjLP6MY&feature=user

BHS Videos: http://www.bhsreunions.magnify.net/

Brownsville High graduates display class over the years:

http://tweety1216.typepad.com/bhs/2007/09/index.html

Lochinvars enjoyed time in music spotlight: http://tweety1216.typepad.com/bhs/2007/10/index.html .

Lenora Byrd: CUP Alumni Spotlight: http://www.tweety1216.typepad.com/lenora/

Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 18

Lenora Byrd’s book press release:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/fayette/s_521491.html

Miscellaneous Links: Info on Brownsville

Highway link: http://tweety1216.typepad.com/bhs/2008/04/index.html

Strand/Drug Sweep: http://tweety1216.typepad.com/bhs/2008/07/index.html

Hospital/Kennywood: http://tweety1216.typepad.com/bhs/2008/08/index.html

Stand Theater: http://tweety1216.typepad.com/bhs/2008/07/index.html

Music Links

Do you remember? http://tweety1216.typepad.com/bhs/2008/01/index.html

TV song quiz: http://tweety1216.typepad.com/bhs/2008/08/index.html

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

As we grow older and wiser and take a look back on

our past life, we all need inspiration to keep us going
forward. The following are links to inspirational
motivators. Enjoy!!

1. The Important Things: http://greatday.com/cgi-bin/jsenter.pl?1710w04BFmr9

2. Take Care of You: http://greatday.com/cgi-bin/jsenter.pl?1708m04BFmr9

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Messages from the Editor

Our Email Newsletter: This issue of our real first email news newsletter turned out to be
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extensive based on our 50 reunion and all the information provided by classmates. I do not
expect upcoming issues to be as in depth and have decided to send out quarterly newsletters
instead of monthly. No one has volunteered to assist me with this newsletter, so I will handle it
using my own digression. It will be based on how much info I receive from classmates to share
with others as well as info I am able to dream up that is interesting to 1958 classmates. You will
notice that I include email messages that I receive from classmates in the newsletter (if you do
not wish me to share your emails with others, please indicate such when you contact me).
Class of 1958 Newsletter Page 19

Please send me your bios, updated photos of you doing whatever, stories from the past that you
remember about the good ole school days, birthdays, wedding anniversaries or any info you wish
to share with classmates to include in the email newsletters.

BHS Web Blog: In September 2006, I created a high school blog for all classmates from the
Brownsville/Redstone era. As of this date, September 29, 2008, the site meter reads 15,167 hits
on the blog which indicates many BHS classmates are visiting this weblog to read info I have
posted and are making comments. You can view the blog at
http://www.tweety1216.typepad.com/bhs.

Ron Paglia: A special “thank you” to Ron who did a superb job on writing newspaper articles
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about our 50 reunion and classmates. I am still working with him to continue doing more articles
on 1958 classmates. We all have a story to tell and we want to read about you and the great
things that you have done in your life!

PS: I have copies of my book at home if you wish to buy one!

DAR (Dinner After Reunion)

Carol Caputo Lippencott suggested that we have social gatherings

at least every 3 months for those who are able to attend. She just
sent out this invitation to classmates:

Hope you can join us for our first DAR:

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WHEN: October 30 , 3008, Thursday

WHERE; Hugo’s Restaurant, Route 40 West

TIME: 4:00 PM Meet & Greet; 4:30 PM Dinner served

MENU: Tossed salad, Pork Chops, Potatoes/Pasta, Vegetables, Ice Cream, Coffee/tea/soft
drinks

PRICE: $14.50 includes tax and tip

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RSVP by October 20 . Call Carol Lippencott at 724-941-5622 or email Lenora at
Lenora1216@aol.com

THAT’S ALL FOLKS!