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03/05/20 01:41 PM #334    

Sharon Abraham (Rowe)

When I put dimes in my shiny new penney loafers, someone stole them during gym class. Broke my heart! Not the shoes, the dimes.

03/05/20 04:07 PM #335    

 

Jimmy Goson

That's where Gary got his!


03/06/20 08:58 AM #336    

 

Gary Diefendorff

Jim, I sure you handed them to me after I saw you walking out of the girls locker/shower room. 


03/06/20 05:43 PM #337    

 

Jimmy Goson

You mean it wasn't co-ed?


03/06/20 07:39 PM #338    

Sharon Abraham (Rowe)

You're all comedians! Let's see...20 cents plus interest over 54 years is....

03/06/20 11:01 PM #339    

David Slabaugh

Debbie, Jimmy,

Even now, at our age you don't need to settle for "fake chocolate milk".  Fairlife Chocolate milk is low carb, and lactose free.  I love it!  I refer to it as "old man's chocolate milk" because even at my age & status in life (with what I have going on with my health) I can enjoy drinking it.  It tastes awesome!

But, one of my favorite food memories from public school days is Sloppy Joes.  To this day I still enjoy eating these sandwiches. 


05/18/20 01:59 AM #340    

Richard Perrine

I didn't come to the 50th reunion, primarily because I have COPD and have been on oxygen for the last 3 years. I just couldn't see dragging a tank around with me and trying to walk the distances everywhere. 

The weekend it was over I did catch up with m best bud, Jim Goson, and talked  with him about the whole weekend events and what everyone was doing. The interesting thing that Jimmy told me was that he was somewhat dissappointed with the school tour. He was looking for more stuff that would remind him of the times spent there.  So I wondered what was missing.

I  waited for the 50th photos to be posted and take a look at the school shots and of course everyone attanding. When they did get posted....there were things I didn't remember...like the glaze color on the hallway tiles.  Areas in the High School I remembered but most memories are with the old building. I was surprised that the Library was still there....as the old 3 story part of the school had been torn down years before. 

It was here that I started thinking...what Jimmy missed, I was probabluy the only one in the whole school who actually did get to go back and take the full tour.....  I had a friend who did auctions and bought stuff out of the school before it was torn down ....and he asked me to help him remove and load up everything he bought.  So that trip to help him removed the fixtures he bought probably makes me the only one to visit the entire school as we knew it. Going back let me remember all kinds things that I forgot from those years. As I walked through all the now empy halls and rooms, I got to stop and reflect those things I hadn't thought about in years.  My trip and rememberances are what follows. 

It was a cold day as I drove down Schoolcraft ...the same route the buses took each morning as they arrived, pulling up and parking next to the  school and football field.  I followed this and parked where my bus would have all those years ago. The first dissappointing thing was that they had cut down the Maple trees surrounding the football field.  As I road the bus past the corner tree in 4th grade ....it looked like a good climber to me.  It was there I unknowingly invented the" bucket list"....a resolve to climb it some day.  That day came the last week of High School meny years later.....when we were becoming to rowdy  that week and could go anywhere as long a we didn't leave the grounds.  It was here I checked it off the list ....climbing the tree and sitting in it for an hour or so enjoying the breeze, clouds and bright blue sky (to the amazement of a few of my friends who couldn't understand it).  I had always climbed the big Maples around my house and was once up in one about 50ft when the branch broke....I grabbed the next branch on the way down.  It held...but no climbing other trees for a long time after that. The play ground had swings monkey bar and tetter todders on it.  They were down at the south end of the school in the area where the there was just grass growing.  In 5th and 6th grade they shipped me to Fort Island.....then I was back for 7th grade and all the paly graound equipment was gone.

The same door was open to enter as it was when I was in school .... so up the set of steps and inside.  The building was without heat and it seemed much colder inside. Nothing cleaned....a blanket of dust covered everything. I walked up to the Junor high Office.....this is where I bought the last copy of the 7th grade "Indianial"... our paperback yearbook. I skipped buying lunch for days to save up the $3.00 for it. No other memories for the office except Mr Peterson's paddle with the holes in it....that stings!!! In the 4th grade , Terry Eastridge kept bulling me on the playground......so I got fed-up and the last time he did it ..... I sucker punched him.  Mr. Peterson let us both become acquainted with his paddle.

I went down to the lower level looked into the room where I was for Kindergarden where I met Dick Hinnman, Diane Mazolla, Bob Dreese, and played duck duck goose with all of them and Diane Docus.  Also on the lower level , I stopped off at Mr Docus's boiler room.....remembering when he let all the guys sneak in there and smoke a cigarette later in High School. Next it was into my 7th grade math class....I looked at the place tha I sat....the PA speaker still on the wall above the blackboard. It looked the same as it did Nov22, 1963.....when Mr Peterson came over the Pa and announced that Kenney had been killed in Dallas. I remembered the sadness I felt that a greater part of America's future had been cut short with his assination.

I looked in the big studyhall roomjust down the hall from there.....just remembering how cold it was in winter and hot in the spring and summertime. I  remembered taking in my FCC Radio License into school ...when I got it and just stairing at there in the study hall. I had talked my mom into taking me to Detroit and had signed up for the FCC Test. when they saw me they went to their rule books for about an hour and then couldn't come up with a regulation that said a 13 year old kid couldn't take the test. So I took it.  I passed. They issued me a license. I couldn't drive....was too young at 13 to work a job.....but I could run WAKR's radio transmitter and adjust it for keeping "legal broadcasts". I later used it at WCUE in 1970-71 when I worked there. 

Bob had bought the curtin tracks from the stages in the 2 auditoriums.... so we had those to take down. The big old auditorium is where we did "laps" for Mr Mclain, our marine/coach....running up and down the steps.  I had one other memory there too.....in second grade....my first acting experience in a play.....they had to get eveyone in doing something....so I played a tree.  First experience being type cast ....and also method acting (Think about that....trees don't move).  The other auditorium in the new section was where they ran movies during lunch period.... I was there a lot.

Up on the 3rd floor was Mr Greewoods band room.  I was in there playing drums and I don't know how I got interested in them, but I took lessons and then went for Band that year.....at least until he said we would march on the field. Jazz /dance band ...yes.  Marching band... No.   So I was then shifted to Mrs Fenner's home room.  Then acouple of weeks later it happened.  The bell rang and I started the run to the other side of the scholl to my first period class.  I grabbed another notbook from my locker just outside Mrs Fenner's home room ....where my locker was and headed down the hall.  I turned the corner and stopped dead in my tracks.....when I saw her.  Dark curling hair...and longsleeve white blouse, gray skirt with a little red pinstripe in it and dark black nylons.  A bit dressy and slightly out of place for 7th grade . Another girl came over to talk to her and she turned to talk .....that's when I saw the biggest set of dark eyes and she smile when she talked. Just her eyes and that smile took my breath away. Where I stood that day was special. I stood there again and look down a empty dusty hallway...then some 30 years later. 

The cafateria was on the lower floor for lunch....I had to run from the other end of the school to get there....usually there was at least 100 kids in front of me..... so seldom did I get the Chocolate milk or Ice Cream as it was all gone.  When I was little , my mom dropped me off at one parent or another while she went shopping....a few times she dropped me at May Wallack's house.  May was our cook at the school....her husband was supposedly disabled....but the only disability I saw that he had was a beer can welded to his right hand. It must have been on a week end....May took me in to the school while she prepped some food for the coming week. Opening a lot of 2 gallon cans.for the next meal. I got to see the big stoves,ovens and big commercial refrigerator.... everything you would need for dinning for 300.  This time I walked back to the kitchen and remembered that day.  I have to thank May and all the other ladies for all the Apple Crisp and Peach Cobbler that they made. They are more of my favorites.

In parting, as Bob and I finished removing his auction purchases, I did finally hit the boy's room.  I'll note here that I have never seen urinals so small in any other buildings.

Search your memory when you have the time for all the things you did while growing up. What you learned has become second nature....what you experienced is stored in an out of the way place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


05/18/20 02:20 PM #341    

 

Jimmy Goson

It was fun to catch up with Richard Perrine and discuss old times, after the reunion.  Stay well ol' pal.  The tour of our old high school was fun, and being with our fellow classmates and I appreciate the hard work of the committee to make it happen.  The disappointment to me was that the elementary school was gone and replaced with a new building that didn't matter to us.  I'm glad he was able to go see it before it's demise.  Having been away for so many years, I was unaware of the so called progress.   C'est la vie!


05/19/20 03:21 PM #342    

Richard Perrine

At least Jimmy knows why I sit in a tree.

And a thanks for saying well written....it brings to mind my english term papers.  I wrote one they wanted (of course in blue ink) handed it in....and got it back with more "red ink" corrections than I had written in "blue". I thiink it was E. E. Comings (SP?) who did free form writing....trailing around the page with flowery lines etc.... my next paper emulated his style.  As I wrote my post above ....I wondered if I had yet to perfect the run-on sentence.


06/11/20 09:30 AM #343    

 

Deborah Diefendorff (Boies)

Richard, thank you for sharing your experience and your memories.  Sitting here in COVID self isolation for three months it was wonderful to read.  I do not remember much of my school years since I was very ill our senior year and spent 5 months in the hospital.  A large part of my memory is just a shadow and you helped to draw some of them into shape for me.  I do remember several things like special teachers, friends that were close to me, school plays, recess, football games, track, girls softball (go Duck and Linda), the supply room, peanut butter bars,  just odds and ends.  Oh and of course Mr. Peterson's paddle though he was our neighbor and I got to see another side of him besides the paddling side, LOL.

For the majority of our school life we lived in the house that my Dad and his brothers built on Schoolcraft right across from the baseball fields.  Many nights when I was too young to go to the football games we would climb the big elm tree in our yard and watch from there.  We have tree climbing in common!  I am happy that you were able to save some things from our school.  I wanted a brick from the building but I moved away from the area in 1985 so missed the opportunity.  Thanks again for the memories!  Debi


07/01/20 04:41 PM #344    

Richard Perrine

 Quite often, my wife hears from our Librarian Diane Winnen.  Patti was the manager of Akron CivicTheater and Diane  volunteered some thines down there. While my earlier post detailed my memories of my last trip through the old school before it was torn down, I actually had no idea that the Library was still standing. I probably would have gotten in touch with Diane and ask if she could be at the Library during th tour.

Diane tells the story I had forgotten about....

One day while driving home from her job at the school, a group of guys came up behind her in thier car.  They decided to pull around as if to pass her .... but didn't.  One of the guys dropped his drawers and MOONED her.  What the guys didn't notice was the third car.... travelling behind them. It was our local Copley COPS.....who pulled them over. Any of the guys can confess here and now.

 

 


07/01/20 04:46 PM #345    

Richard Perrine

I hope we could find a place  for George Verlaney's Obit. It reads so well as a life well spent.


07/02/20 10:35 AM #346    

Janet Shady (Winemiller)

George N. Verlaney

April 22, 1934 ~ June 23, 2020 (age 86)

Obituary

George N. Verlaney, loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather, died peacefully at his home on June 23, 2020, with his family present.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joan; his parents Nathaniel and Orania Verlaney; his sisters Faye Kinder and Laura Preisse; his parents-in-law William and Joan Henry; his brothers-in-law Harold Kinder, Gene Preisse, John Henry and Eric Lang; and his sister-in-law Jay Henry.

George is survived by his children Georgia L. Verlaney and David N. (Gina A.) Verlaney; his grandchildren Xander Verlaney and Brooklynne Verlaney; and many dear relatives and friends.

George was born in Akron and lived most of his adult life in Copley. He graduated from Buchtel High School where he was voted most popular and was vice president of his senior class. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education from The University of Akron.

While at Akron University, George participated in ROTC and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After college, he became a captain with the United States Army.

George was a consummate educator, first as a teacher at the former West Junior High School, and then as an assistant principal and principal in the Copley-Fairlawn School System. He was a past president of the Summit County Association of Assistant Principals.

One of George’s favorite accomplishments as a principal of the Copley-Fairlawn Middle School was his introducing the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot races, which have become a tradition at the school.

George had an ease with students and teachers, and he knew how to inject humor to mitigate a difficult situation. He had a winsome personality, which led to his having many life-long friends and acquaintances.

George had a wide range of interests. He participated in various sports over the years, including football, volleyball, softball, bowling and golf. He was an avid reader, particularly about history and government as well as current affairs. George also appreciated the arts. He enjoyed plays, musicals and concerts, and he loved to sing, especially songs of the famed Nelson Eddy. George and his wife Joan were lovely dancers, and when they danced the jitterbug people stopped to watch. George also had a natural talent for drawing, which first became apparent when he was caught as a child drawing Superman on his sister Laura’s stationery. George was an excellent cook too. His specialties were soups, stews and chilis.

George had tremendous pride in his Albanian heritage and was a long-time member and past president of the American-Albanian Club. His parents, who immigrated to the United States from Albania, worked hard and stressed education for their children, which influenced George and his sisters Faye and Laura’s devoting their professional careers to education.

Funeral Services will be held TUESDAY June 30, 2020, at 12 p.m. at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road, with Rev. Mark Pruitt officiating. Calling hours will be held two hours prior at Billow’s. Interment following at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to One of a Kind Pet Rescue, 1929 W. Market Street Akron 44313. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George N. Verlaney, please visit our floral store.



03/20/21 08:56 AM #347    

Jeanne Dukes (Kaiser)

Thank you to all that reached out to me after the passing of my sister Carolyn & my brother Dale who both passed the same day. Hi to all my classmates.

03/21/21 08:55 AM #348    

 

Deborah Diefendorff (Boies)

Jeanne,

I am very sorry to learn of the passing of not only your sister but your brother as well.  You two "girls" were always inseparable.  Cherish the memories you created, sending prayers and hugs your way.

Debi


03/22/21 11:16 AM #349    

Janet Shady (Winemiller)

Dear Jeanne -

I was unaware that your brother also passed away. My sincere condolences to you and your family over the loss of both Carolyn and Dale.

Hugs, Janet 


03/23/21 11:07 AM #350    

Dianne Dockus (Just)

Jeanne,  My condolences also on your loss.  I did not know your brother but I knew your sweet sister.  Our hope is in Christ.  Dianne


06/12/21 04:42 PM #351    

Janet Shady (Winemiller)

Received from George Sapon...

To All Classmates,

I'm wishing all of us that have made it to our 70th birthday. With making 70 years of age, making 80 should be less harrowing for us all.
Be thankful for your accomplishments, your spouse, your children and grandchildren. Be thankful for your lot in life, and for that, that you pray to.
I truly miss our time together, but family is more important, now than ever. Be good. Love to you all.

Best,
George 


07/15/21 03:21 PM #352    

Gary Wells (Wells)

Gary, so sorry to hear that you wife had passed. What a beautiful and class action with the hospital to memorialize her life and work.


07/16/21 07:57 PM #353    

Kathleen Inama (Staats)

Gary, I'm so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. I wish you didn't have to feel the pain and sadness of losing someone so close. May God bless you with strength and comfort as you work through your tragic loss.

Kathy Inama


12/14/21 02:17 PM #354    

Janet Shady (Winemiller)

Received this from David Slabaugh :

Hi, I'm posting this announcement from Sam Riney's FB page. He just released another album of his music. I think that all of his work is now available on Spotify and YouTube Music.

Hello everyone. Please forgive this bit of self-promotion.
A previously unreleased contemporary jazz album of mine titled “Joyride” is now available to stream and download on line along with my contemporary jazz back catalogue. You can find it at all of the popular sites.
“Joyride” is mostly my original material as well as “Another Star” by Stevie Wonder and “La, La, La Means I Love You” by the Delfonics. Musicians on “Joyride” include Bubba Bryant, Bob Parr, Mychal Lotz, Stephen Boykin, Rafael Padilla, Dennis Farias, Garnett Brown, Chuck Domanico and Oscar Brashear.
On my previous contemporary jazz albums along with original songs there are songs written by many of my friends including Kurt Farquhar, Eddie Arkin, Jason Miles, Lenny White, Dave Benoit, Bob Parr, Paul Chiten, Bill Meyers and Don Grady. Musicians on these albums include Freddie Hubbard, David Benoit, Lenny Castro, Vinnie Colaiuta, Grant Geissman, Paul Jackson Jr. Daryl Jones, Michael Landau, Carlos Vega and Freddie Washington.
If you are interested give a listen and please pass this post on to anyone you think might enjoy listening to this chapter of my career. I was lucky to make cool music with very talented people. Thanks,
Sam Riney


07/19/22 09:41 AM #355    

 

Deborah Diefendorff (Boies)

 

Wishing everyone a wonderful time at the uocoming mini-reunion.   I wish I could be there and I look forward to seeing the pics. Party on!

Debi


07/19/22 06:03 PM #356    

Janet Shady (Winemiller)

Hi Debi - 

We will definately miss seeing you...

Hugs, Janet


07/20/22 11:36 AM #357    

 

Jimmy Goson

 

 

I also wish I could attend the mini reunion.  7-27 is my Mother's 98th birthday and I have a gig on 7-31.  So, have some wine for me and end with a trip to SkyWay!  Have fun. 

 

 


07/21/22 10:16 AM #358    

 

Donie Stump (Parker)

Sorry to be missing the mini runion....wish I could be there.  Plese take oictures snd post for those of us who cant be there.  I know yas willl have a GREAT time.

Donie


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