Golfing 10/7/06 & Picnic

More Fri pics

Friday Night Happies and Poker

Here are some pics from last night. In attendance: Matt, Dave, Steve, Kim, Mary, Judy, Michelle H. and hubby, Ray, Robb, Randy...hope I got everyone. Played poker upstairs during karaoke (none of us sang though). Poker winner was...ahem...Scott Shander, class of 88. Robb gave him a run for his money. Very fun night.

Matt and I walked a few holes with the golfers this morning, Randy, Robb, Ray, Sandsy and Lew. The women didn't show! Had a few laughs at the expense of some interesting swings. I'll get pics later, I left my camera in Randy's golf cart.

Belly up to the bar...

It's 3:47 a.m. here in the U.K., so it's 10:47 p.m. at the Blue Monkey, where there's probably an impromptu reunion happening in anticipation of the golf, which is in anticipation of the picnic which, of course, is in anticipation of the main event tomorrow night. I am awake because I have no life, and also because Chris woke up in the middle of the night for a bottle and now I can't get back to sleep.

I'm crying in my drink over missing this reunion. It's been great to catch up with everyone, and I hope the blog doesn't die a death after the reunion is over and everyone has gone home.

I will visit Catty at some point before the next reunion in 2011, and I hope I'll see some of you the next time I'm in town. Otherwise, see you in five, when we're all over 40!

The Bar w/ No name (post reunion)

fyi, the bar that is out by the Hampton Hotel has a dress code. basically no ripped jeans, no t-shirts, no Timberland Boots. weird i know. not sure how many people were planning on heading out that way, but for those who are, i thought you would want to know.

Tonight -- Blue Monkey

Are people still planning on going to the Blue Monkey this evening? If so, what time will the party begin?

Hi from Tracy (Hicks) Kenney in SC!

I can't believe it has been twenty years! and i can't believe anyone found me, I have moved so much. The flyer in the mail was a shock, but not as big a shock as Dave Paukovitz showing up on my front door the other day. Can you believe we live about three miles from each other in South Carolina?

Well, here goes my past twenty years....went to Juniata College in PA after graduation and lost touch with almost everyone (saw Wendy and Sonny a few times early on and ran into Julie K. once on break). Was planning on Medical school or graduate school when i was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in my senior year. I still graduated with a bs in biology, but then was on my back in and out of the hospital for a year and a half. Once that was under control i went back and got a BS in nursing and started working in small hospital operating rooms. Moved to Columbia SC and worked in Trauma, Pediatric and Neurosurgery at Richland Hospital. Lost my mother to cancer about a year after that.

My husband Michael and I have been together about nine years and we have two beautiful children, Matthew (age 4) and Ashlynn (age 2 1/2).we are currently trying for number three. We moved to Fort mill, SC three and a half years ago from Charlotte, NC, but I miss it up north and would love to move back to Catty one day. We will not make the reunion, but i am planning on coming up for thanksgiving to visit my aunts. So if anyone will be around, let me know....i would love to see how everyone is doing...

Dave, take plenty of pictures and bring them by the house when you get back!! Hope everyone has a great time.

Games for Picnic

I do not have children so I was wondering if anyone can bring some games / activities for all the kids to share in?

Does anyone have anything that we could hang (some type of banner) for people to find us easier?

Thanks to everyone who is assisting with the picnic. Please feel free to still sign-up OR show up for the picnic on Saturday from 12 - 3 at the Catty Playground!!! It is the new pavilion by the tennis courts and the sand volleyball courts.

Better late than never.

Graduating class of 1986

Thank you Matt (and friends) for putting this virtual community together, and thank you class officers for making this class reunion a reality. I also wanted to thank everyone who has posted on this site and for allowing the rest of us to find out what you have been up to and for a place we can use to re-start old friendships. I believe that this web site must be as addictive as Crack, because I can’t seem to ever read enough of it.

Because of this web site I have started emailing and talking with good friends that I have not seen or communicated with in over fifteen years. There are still many others that I can’t wait to see or talk with soon.

Like many others from our class I have not sat still for very long. After graduating from Catty High I lived and served a two year Christian Mission in Chile, S.A. When I got back to PA, I packed my things and moved out West. I got married in California and I went to school and graduated from Brigham Young University. After BYU I moved to Oklahoma and graduated from the University Of Oklahoma College Of Law. After being in the work force for a few years, my company transferred my wife and I to Atlanta, Georgia. In 2002 I opened a transactional law firm specializing in Real Estate and Immigration law. My wife’s name is Tara and we have three beautiful children; Olivia 4 ¾, Diego 3 and Leo who is almost a year old.

Catasauqua was a great town to grow up in, I’m glad I had that opportunity.

Christopher Nogales

-- (Judy, I had no idea you were sick but I am glad to know that you are feeling much better now.)

-- (Dan, you still owe me 3 dollars (plus interest) from that time at McDonalds; nice try with that cut and paste picture of you in the pool.)

-- (Per Randy’s lead, sorry to those that I may have offended or hurt while in school (what a dumb kid I was!) and to the rest of you ‘Settle dawn naw!’)

Isn't Lew's birthday soon?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Lewis J's birthday coming up SOON?

Weather Outlook

So what is the weather supposed to be like in Catty this weekend? Weather in Kansas City is completely screwed up, it's the 2nd of October and it's going to reach 90 degrees today. Last year I rode my motorcycle to work on January 2nd, 75 degrees......The world is coming to an end!

Is the dress code at the golf course more then "yes you have to wear clothes"?

Sign-up for the Picnic

These are my estimated counts as of Wednesday evening:
Definites: 40
Call me back: 14
Haven't talked to yet: 4 classmates

Here is a list of ideas that I have for people to bring to the picnic.

Main Food:
Hotdogs / Rolls
Sonya Curcio,Carol Schleicher, Sheila Longenhagen
Hamburgers / Rolls
Jeff Perdick, Sheila Longenhagen, Robert Lahue
Condiments
Ray Naciewicz
Charcoal / Lighter Fluid
David Paukovitz
Hoagie Tray
Steve Freeman

Side Dishes:
Pasta Salad
Potato Salad
Chuck McGlade
Macaroni Salad
Mac & Cheese
Laurie Matchette

Chips
Chuck McGlade
Pretzels
Jeff Perdick
Chex Mix
Arlana Bennicoff

Desserts:
Brownies
Carol Schleicher
Cookies
Tastycakes
Todd Long
Fruit

Patty Newhart

Paper Products:
Plates / Forks / Napkins
Randy Gillespie
Cups
Arlana Bennicoff

Drinks:
Soda
Matt H, Chuck McGlade, Jeff Perdick
Juice
Laurie Matchette
Water
Sonya Curcio
Ice
Matt H

Please post what you would like to sign up for OR what you want me to add to the list. Dave, please feel free to update also if I get behind.

Picnic ON!

Thanks to all of you feverishly making phone calls. Patty got the small pavilion at the Catty Playground (A few phone calls and one conference call - that was so cool - I never did that before). Now we need to work on the food. We need to work quickly and efficiently.
The pavilion has electricity, grills, and water, so go for it folks. Let the organizing begin. I will get checks to Patty ASAP (have to secure it by Thursday), and we will work on the rest of the organizing NOW.

o.k. so i'm a girl

hey everyone. i have been sporadically blogging (yes, a far cry from my early days when it was my favorite obsession). however, i'm sure i've missed out on some important topics, such as reunion fashion, so i thought i'd do a last minute huddle.

alright ladies:

topic: dress code. what are you wearing? i'm thinking jeans friday, and um, jeans saturday, but you know, all sassed up. i wasn't sure if the thing on saturday was "formal" or was a cocktail dress-type deal. just trying to get my outfit game plan in order (boys, mock if you must, but it's true).


also, what do i need to golf? do i need cleets of some sort? i can't see hauling them with me.

anyway...i'm so excited to see all of you. i can't wait. i seriously had a dream with mare, kim and randy in it last night.

Running race, Sat. morning, Oct. 7

Any runners, joggers, baby stroller'ers out there interested in a road race Sat. morning? Just gauging interest. The race I'm considering and trying to get more info is listed here.

Friday Distraction

For those of you who feel that there just hasn't been enough new blog content lately on which to waste your precious time, I offer The Official 86Class Blog Trivia Quiz

after you've taken the quiz, here are the answers (i think)

??? PICNIC CANCELLED ??? (Discussion in progress)

I sent Carol an email asking about the picnic and she informed me that she cancelled the picnic.

I really was looking forward to the event and I'm sure alot of others were too. Can we do a quick headcount and does someone in the area want to see if the pavilion is still available if there is interest?

(Everyone, let's continue to discuss the picnic in this post and make a decision asap....added by Dave post-Sonya posting)

THE REQUEST LINES ARE NOW....CLOSED!!

We have compiled enough songs (71) for approx. 291 minutes of music, plenty for our four hour reunion.
Thanks to all who participated.

WE NEED MORE MUSIC!!!!!

We only have 33 songs reqested so far. I think we are going to need about 80-90 songs to get through a four hour evening. So, if you have not reqested your songs, please do so now and for those of you who have, lets have a few more. Thanks for your help.

Class of 86 at 86 (and counting)!

Unless someone makes a last second call (610-882-9027)/email (stfreeman@rcn.com) to me, this looks like the list of people coming to the reunion (I am making this list solely from the spreadsheet of people paid/said they are sending money).

Judy Almazan(Garland)
Lena Azar(Merkel)
Arlana Bennicoff(Corrocher)
Kristen Bond(Bloszinsky)
Michelle Churetta
Tim Cunningham
Sonya Curcio
Steve Freeman
Randy Gillespie
Lisa Harrigle(Strohl)
Michelle Heist(Edwards)
Matt Hollenbach
John Hunsberger
Joe Jackson
Maryjo Jones(Miller)
Kim Kerstetter(Felix)
Julie Kollar(Sodl)
Dan Lacy
Deanna Layton(Milositz)
Todd Long
Shelia Longenhagen(Sobeski)
Colleen McEntee(Abronski)
Chuck McGlade
Rock McGonigle
Denise Miller(Hanzarick)
Rusty Molchan
Mike Muller
Ray Nagiewicz
Patty Newhart(Snyder)
Chris Nogales
Jeff Perdick
Lisa Piller
Robb Piotrowski
Mary Kelly Plata(Cohick)
Frank Reightler
Lisa Rosenblatt(Vecchioli)
John Sands
Carol Schleicher(Good)
Greg Schubert
Debbie Shannon(Kleppinger)
Michael Shuey
Donna Silvius
Donna Skarbo(Sensor)
Jeff Spengler
Lori Stein(Melendez)
Lew Walker

Reunion Status

Can someone please give us an update on where the activities stand for the weekend?

I am curious which events are still on and which have been cancelled (if any). Where and when are they happening?

Thanks!!!!!!

Willowbrook Golf Sign Up

This will be the final time to sign up for golfing on Saturday October 7, 2006. Our tee time is set for 9:00 AM.

To sign up please just leave your full name in the comments area.

The format will be "Best Ball Team Score".

Please also indicate if you play on a regular basis or if you are just trying it out so we can try and keep the teams somewhat competitive.

This is nothing more than to have F U N and catch up on things from the last 20 years and to talk about the "good old days".

Reunion Dreams

I rarely dream at night...or if I do, I don't remember when I wake up. But my pregnancy hormones must be raging because I dream every single night...and it is always about the reunion or someone from our class.

Most pregnant women dream about their babies and here I am dreaming about the Class of '86.

It must be because I usually end up reading blogs at night before I go to bed. Maybe I need to cut back on my blog viewing.

The dreams have been either really funny or down right disturbing. Lets just hope none of them are premonitions or the reunion could be a scary event.

I wish I was able to make the trip up, but I look forward to reading about it here and hopefully seeing some photos too.

Reunion Fashion

I have noticed that a few people have been blogging about the attire for the reunion.
I think all of the pictures below should be represented in some way.


I am personally going to get my red/black jacket, my Jheri curl, my tight black pants, and my one glitter glove. I have been practicing the "Moonwalk" too.

I can't wait.

The MS 150 Ride is Done!

158 Miles, 10 hours, 7600 calories burned.

There were over 7,000 cyclist who raised a record 4 million dollars.

Saturday September 16, 2006
We were on the road by 6:45 AM in a down pour of rain for over 1 and half hours.....not fun at all! The weather became overcast and then sunny as we were getting into Ocean City New Jersey at 12:05 PM.

Sunday September 17, 2006
We were back on the road again by 6:45 AM under a beautiful sunrise and had great weather for the ride back to Cherry Hill New Jersey. We arrived back at 11:35 AM. It was a little tough getting back on the bike and getting started but once we started rolling things got better.

It just amazes me the number of people with MS who show up to support the riders and personally thank them as they cross each finish line. A stranger will just walk up to you, shake your hand and just say "Thanks for all you have done to help". So many of them in wheel chairs and walking with canes. It is one of the best feelings in the world to know that we are helping to make a difference.

One little funny thing happened on the ride. I purchased a good quality cycling bib/shorts just for this ride. At our last rest stop on Saturday (25 miles away from Ocean City) my teamates thought it would be best if they informed me that my bike shorts tore at the seam in the rear and that my ass was showing for the last 40 to 50 miles. They all thought it was funny and had a good time at my expense. I just told them to "say no to crack". I also explained to them that I was pedaling so hard that my shorts just couldn't take all the pressure. I would just like to know how many of the 7,000 cyclist on the road got to see my ass hanging out that day. Needless to say I had to purchase another set of shorts for the ride back. I do have a picture of this but will not be posting it.

I am already registered for next years event. I am looking into doing a breast cancer ride from New York City to Hershey PA next summer which will be 4 days on the bike.

I want to say thanks to all of the classmates who sponsored me!

Updated list of who's coming

It is coming down to the wire and these are the people I have money from.
I hope others slide in late (get me an email (at stfreeman@rcn.com), so I don't give the Blue Monkey a low number ASAP).

These are the people who have given me money (or emailed/called and said they are sending money).

Judy Almazan(Garland)
Lena Azar(Merkel)
Arlana Bennicoff(Corrocher)
Kristen Bond(Bloszinsky)
Michelle Churetta
Tim Cunningham
Sonya Curcio
Steve Freeman
Randy Gillespie
Lisa Harrigle(Strohl)
Michelle Heist(Edwards)
Matt Hollenbach
John Hunsberger
Maryjo Jones(Miller)
Kim Kerstetter(Felix)
Julie Kollar(Sodl)
Dan Lacy
Deanna Layton(Milositz)
Todd Long
Shelia Longenhagen(Sobeski)
Colleen McEntee(Abronski)
Chuck McGlade
Rock McGonigle
Denise Miller(Hanzarick)
Rusty Molchan
Mike Muller
Ray Nagiewicz
Patty Newhart(Snyder)
Jeff Perdick
Lisa Piller
Mary Kelly Plata(Cohick)
Frank Reightler
Carol Schleicher(Good)
Debbie Shannon(Kleppinger)
Donna Silvius
Donna Skarbo(Sensor)
Jeff Spengler
Lori Stein(Melendez)
Lew Walker

Other ideas for reunion night......

Any other things planned for the actual reunion. I thought it would be really cool if people brought old photos and yearbooks. Do you think there could be an area set up for us to display some of this stuff.

Anyone else have any other ideas to make the night more fun???

Southern California

More vacation photo's......I am sure some of you heard me mention that we were going to California. We are back and we had a great time. The pictures are from Sequoia National Park which was amazing, what a beautiful place. The 2nd is me on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood next to one of my favorite actors spots at the Chinese Theatre and the 3rd is from LaJolla Beach in San Diego. The trip was a blast we did so much fun stuff. The kids loved legoland and the San Diego Zoo was awesome!!! The weather was wonderful, always sunny and nice and warm.

The Request Lines are OPEN!!!

Attention members of the Class of 86 its time to select the music for the reunion. Each class member can request 2 songs (it doesnt matter if you are attending the reunion or not, send in your request), that should give us enough music for the evening. If not, we can have a 2nd round of requests.
Please include the artist, song title, album or any other info that will make it easy to find.

Pass the word to those not "blogging" everyday or those with no computer access and take their request.

Are you coming to the reunion?

If you are planning on attending the reunion and your name is not listed below, you need to send a check to me ASAP. I still have some time, but my deadline for a number is about 2 weeks away, and I want to finalize stuff with the Blue Monkey. If Below is the list of people who have sent me checks (there are others who have emailed me and let me know they have sent a check, but many still have not).

If you let me know by email (stfreeman@rcn.com) or posting it on the blog or a phone call (610-882-9027), that will suffice. I know many of you just forgot the deadline and have all intentions of coming. If by chance you sent a check and your name is not listed below, check with your bank to see if it cleared. Sonya already called and said we had not cashed it (because I never got it).

the address is Steve Freeman, 433 16th Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18018-4603 and the check should be written out to the CHS Boosters of 1986


Arlana Bennicoff(Corrocher)
Kristen Bond(Bloszinsky)
Steve Freeman
Randy Gillespie
Lisa Harrigle(Strohl)
Matt Hollenbach
Michelle Heist(Edwards)
John Hunsberger
Kim Kerstetter(Felix)
Dan Lacy
Shelia Longenhagen(Sobeski)
Colleen McEntee(Abronski)
Chuck McGlade
Rock McGonigle
Denise Miller(Hanzarick)
Rusty Molchan
Mike Muller
Ray Nagiewicz
Jeff Perdick
Lisa Piller
Mary Kelly Plata(Cohick)
Frank Reightler
Carol Schleicher(Good)
Debbie Shannon(Kleppinger)
Donna Silvius
Donna Skarbo(Sensor)
Jeff Spengler
Lori Stein(Melendez)

Accomodations

Randy asked that i post the link and phone number in case there is still any confusion.

click here for the Hampton Inn's web site

and their info:

Hampton Inn & Suites Bethlehem 200 Gateway Drive, Routes 22 & 512, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States 18017
Tel: +1-610-868-2442 Fax: +1-610-867-0136

also, if you already made reservations at the Best Western, don't sweat it. they are hip to our blunder, they let me cancel with no charge and even transfered my call to the Hampton. also LongE tells me that the BW is where the bar is anyway, so for $10 more, you will save yourself a walk.

i'll add a link to this post to the right sidebar if you need to find this info later.

it's all good.

Hotel Information

The flyer that was sent out has INCORRECT information on it. (I merely used what was on the blog and placed it on the flyer). If you are in need of a room, continue reading

As per Randy Gillespie:

People are calling a toll free number that takes them to Best Western. Our contract is with Hampton Inn next to the Best Western. All of our records are on file at Hampton Inn with our special rate of $109.00. I believe people are calling the wrong place. The Hampton Inn does not have a toll free number. The number to call is 610 868-2442 and ask for the Catty Class of 1986 Rate.

Sorry for the inconvenience and please call the number above to get a room.

I've had enough

These are for all you stinkin' Stiller fans.

'Nuff Said.

Some other Lost Birds

Sonya - this is no disrespect to you. Sorry to hear about your bird.

I just had to do this to get in some digs and get some people fired up for football season!

Here are some other lost birds who can't find their way home.

GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Know Someone Can Relate!

You may have to click on the pics to actually read the comic...

This must be a series this week to celebrate "back to school"! When I read yesterdays comic (top) I had to laugh & share it because it is SO TRUE in this house. I actually do dance and sing, especially when the boys are bad...they hate to hear "7 more days 'til school starts"...They (including Brad) know I am secretly, and sometimes not so secretly overjoyed when it's time to go back to school! Then, this morning, reality set in when I read the next one (I changed the names of course). It was scary...I actually think someone must be watching us! How could this author know my little one is definitely typhoon-like?! I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

FOOTBALL

Eagles fans get your jerseys now!

Thanks to all who have sponsored me!

A BIG thanks to all of you who have pledged me for the MS 150 City to Shore Ride. The big ride is September 16 & 17. Thanks again to all who have made donations.

Golfing
Saturday October 7. We have a tee time of 9:00 AM at Willowbrook. I am just looking to get a partial head count down. Willowbrook has clubs to rent for those of you who would like to play and can't get your clubs here or for those of you who are just willing to give it a go and have some fun. If you are interested in playing please leave your name in the comment. Thanks.


Link to MS 150 page -
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/PAE/personal/default.asp?pa=52646757&pd=PAE0EMS120060916CTS

Football season is Here!

I was in my same seat I have always been in since the "Linc" has opened. I expected to see a good game between the Eagles and the Steelers, and I did.
I saw some good stuff from the Eagles' defense, and since our starting running back (#36 - Brian Westbrook) is not going to play until the regular season, seeing #28 (Correll Buckhalter) running like old times was a refreshing sight. #5 (Donovan McNabb) was crisp and no one got hurt from the 1st teams, so that is always a positive.


#90 (Darren Howard) from the Eagles looked impressive as he sacked #7 (Ben Roethlisberger) (yes, I know how to spell his name). I have stated this though, Pittsburgh really needs to rethink their kicking situation. Their kicker, Jeff Reed is really struggling and maybe they should make a move to bring in someone else. If not to replace him, at least someone to push him (scare him a bit).

bandwagon

so i'm jumping on it and posting a pict of me and my man jeff (a.k.a. jefé or señor stuhmer, as i sometimes like to call him) at a wedding 2 weeks ago. i'm smiling really, really, really hard. must have been thinking about the reunion.

My Summer

I love all the posts that have been going up, but I went an entire summer (again) and went no where. I saw three movies at the theater (Cars, Monster House, and Barnyard). I cleaned the pool 86 times and went swimming 5 times (though my boys used the pool a lot, especially during the heat wave). I went to Chuckie Cheese 3 times, and Kid's Castle 2 times (when it rained or was too hot to swim). I went to the Catty Playground with the boys on 4 occasions (but never made it into the Catty Pool, though we did plan to and it rained - go figure). I washed my Explorer 8 times (yesterday being the 8th and as I type this, it is RAINING)(slow summer - it sat mostly), and went to 1 Eagles' preseason game (Steelers tomorrow). I played numerous hours of video games, read the blog daily and usually many times a day (slow summer - like I like it). I finished 3 more graduate courses (online - easy stuff - Flash animation, Intro. to Windows XP, and Photoshop Elements)to take my level to MS + 45 credits (only 15 more to hit the max.).
Now, I have to go back to work. This morning is the beginning of my 17th year of teaching, and after 72 days off (yes, 72 days without work, but the checks come every other Wednesday), I have to begin again (as I have 16 times before and will for at least 17 more). I have to sit through the "welcome back" speeches, the "this is what is new this year - changes in the Student Handbook, I get to go out for lunch with adults, and then go back for a 36 points of light faculty meeting. I can't wait for the students, Inservice days BLOW.

Sturgis 06

What a beautiful site, here is a shot down Main Street in Sturgis. More bikes then could ever imagine. It is amazing some of the ideals and imagination some people have and they express them in their bikes. Pretty cool stuff! Dispite all the very cool custom bikes here, I was surprised at how well my bike was received. So I guess I did it right. I rode up to Sturgis on the beast with a group of 8 other guys and we stayed the entire 10 days. We stayed a campground the entire time which is really the way to go. The campgrounds are a lot of fun and offer all types of entertainment, ranging from on site bars, concerts and other things I won't mention here because they are, well lets just say family friendly.



This picture to the left is me and the beast parked on Main Street. Surprisingly enough, you can usually find a parking spot. We actually only went into Sturgis 2 days of the 10 days we were there. We spent every morning and early afternoon riding. We had mapped out routes to many different towns and scenic attractions. One of my favorites towns was Deadwood, of course had to spend sometime in Saloon #10. This is the saloon that Wild Bill Hickock was shot and killed in. Although the town does really hold any of the original wild west feel anymore due to numorous fires and mudslides it is still a very interesting and historic place to see. We rode to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, Custer National Forest (where the filmed most of Dances With Wolves), Spearfish Canyon, The Badlands, The Black Hills national Forest, The Needles and Iron Mountain. Some very incredible riding and beautiful country.





This last picture here is just to show that I actually did ride my bike all the way there, it is hard to see in the background but that is the Welcome to South Dakota sign. Don't know if I would ride all the way up there again. Although my bike may look cool, it was not made for the long haul. Might have to be a trailer queen next time. But I did it once and that is all that matters in my book. All 9 of us made it up there and back with no casualties and major bike problems so that right there made it a very successful trip. Plus all the fun we had, well, that we can remember and for the good times we can't, well that's what the pictures are for. Guys, the stories I have for ya, I'll fill you in at the reunion, might even bring some pictures. I haven't stop smiling since I got home and I think it is going to stay that way for awhile.

Ride On!!!!