Pulaski High School 1968

Keeping Walnut Hill Park in Bloom

2011-08-15T12:58:00.006-04:00

If you live in New Britain you may have seen our classmate Danny doing his best to keep Walnut Hill Park Beautiful. This picture was recently post on August 10th in The New Britain Hearld.

Classmates visit Long Island June 11, 2011

2011-06-13T07:52:00.005-04:00

Nancy L and Nancy R visit Patty D The weather might not have been perfect but the company certainly was. The Bridgeport ferry to Port Jefferson was a long day but a much easier way to visit Long Island. We took a tour of Long Island that included Robert Moses beach, Jones Beach, Bethpage Golf Course and of course the Amityville Horror house. We returned to a nice lunch that my daughter and husband had ready for us. It was a wonderful day for me. I only hope that Nancy L. and Nancy R. felt the same way even if my driving made them doubtful. It certainly brought back memories of 1968.

Just in case the sun came out, Nancy was ready. A toast to friendship.

Mini Reunion gathering April 15, 2011

2011-04-16T11:03:00.008-04:00

Another successful get together, if you were there I know you had a great time. If you couldn't make it or choose not to you certainly missed a great time. We hope to do it again in October and we welcome all classmates. This was our largest turn out for a mini reunion. A few classmates had to leave before the group picture. After the last picture look for the names of those that attended. Hope to see you all at the next one.

Pulaski class of 1968 enjoying each others company.

Those classmates that attended are: Rocco, Jim, Paula, Marilyn, Bruce, Nancy M. Linda, Judi, Patti, Greg, Mike, Sue D. Lisa, Tina, Susan W. Randy, Chuckie, Jean, Janet, Cliff, Nancy R. Justine, Jane B. and Artie. We also had the pleasure of socializing with a few spouses and Jo, from NBHS.

Thanks Jo, for taking care of reserving our date and taking pictures.

1366 miles from New Britain .....

2011-04-03T19:10:00.006-04:00

It's Saturday and time for a leisurely breakfast - so what's a little 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hour drive to meet an old Holy Cross/Pulaski friend? Cat S. and Elizabeth G. coerced their respective "Steves" to make the trip and an enjoyable meal was shared at The Oasis in beautiful downtown Ft. Myers despite GPS malfunctions and misdirections.

Steve C. and Steve D. used the time to get acquainted - after all, it's only 2 years and 2 months to the 45th Reunion and now they can say they too know somebody at the Reunion (besides us girls!)

Unfortunately the Florida mini-reunion was a little short, but we're all looking forward to the Official 45th in 2013. Go UConn!

Las Vegas Bound!

2011-02-25T08:29:00.001-05:00

Gretchen Shaffer and I will be in Las Vegas from March 13 thru the 16th. If any one from our graduating class of 1968 might be in Las Vegas at the same time, we could have a mini-reunion. Contact me via the Class website if you'll be in the area! Looking forward to seeing you....

Regards,
Marsha Neumeister

Elizabeth & Steve - Another Happy Couple!

2011-02-22T13:51:00.001-05:00

39 Years & Counting!

We spent 2 weeks cruising France, Germany and The Netherlands experiencing the German Christmas Markets and it was fabulous!! This June we will be celebrating our 40th Anniversary.

A Most Happy Day !!!

2011-01-11T08:34:00.000-05:00

Donald and I celebrated 40 year of marriage on November 6th, 2010! Like the song by Orleans...He Is Still The One! The attached Photos were taken 11/6/1970 and 11/6/2010. Also found out in December that I am to be a grandmother again in July 2011.

Special Thoughts and prayers for Linda Sylvia who took quite a fall down her basement stairs. She broke her foot in a few places and had to have surgery. It took some rods and screws to put her back to right. She truly had a rough go of it for several weeks.

A special day for another Classmate

2010-10-23T12:39:00.004-04:00

I wanted to share this very happy occasion. Kristy, my daughter and Al were married in a beautiful evening ceremony on July 23 2010 at the Riverview in Simsbury. It was a small gathering of close friends and family. My husband and I happily welcomed Al into our family and are eagerly waiting for more grandchildren!!!!!

Linda B

Two classmates celebrating a milestone in Italy

2010-10-03T12:31:00.033-04:00

Sue D and Candy B At the Coliseum with our Pulaski sign

Shrine in Almafi

The Isle of Capri

View of the Pantheom from our room

Rome's Trevi Fountain

Famous Sorrento lemons

Pasitano and the Amalfi Coast

In 2005, Sue D and I (Candy B) decided to celebrate our birthdays by going on an adventure. We chose Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon for our first trip. We had such a great time we decided to make it a tradition -- every 5 years to mark our milestone birthdays, we'd go somewhere we'd never been. This year it was Italy. We spent a week in Rome and a week in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast. It was absolutely amazing - history around every corner in Rome, and paradise in Sorrento. Now we have to figure out how to top this in 2015

SHARING A SPECIAL DAY

2010-09-12T12:20:00.021-04:00

The day has finally arrived. Tina and Me

Uncle Jim, Tina's Godfather

Mr. & Mrs.

A very happy day for all. We had a beautiful day that was shared with a little over 100 guests. All the planning was well worth it and the weather could not have been better. A wonderful time for everyone.

South Florida Fun .... Dodging the BP Bullet

2010-08-02T13:45:00.008-04:00

The Florida Keys ... fresh air, beautiful breezes, sunny and warm - if only it'll continue that way. Head south for salt water fishing, boating, paragliding, snorkeling, kayaking, sunset cruises and some of the absolute best seafood on the east coast.

Water-view of the schooner. Crystal clear diving on the reef. And no, we didn't see JAWS...

Madame "Head Concierge" for the DoubleTree in Key West, Debbie B. was again a fabulous hostess, a fount of Keysie knowledge, trip arranger extraordinaire, and just plain fun to hang with. Call Deb and she'll make your vacation planning to Key West effortless...

Cat, Deb and Steve enjoy a laugh at the Tiki Hut. The DoubleTree Tiki Hut bartender was from Connecticut too! Small world!

Cat snags the first of her "baby" bass at Lake Okeechobee.

Steve got the "Big One" ... check out how calm Lake Okeechobee's water is...can you believe we ran out of bait? Talk about active fishing ... and it was in the high 90's.

And a trip to Florida would not be complete without a trip or two to the baseball park to see the Marlins play. Next time we're headed to St. Pete to see the Rays play in airconditioned comfort.

2010-07-13T07:53:00.017-04:00

I never thought I'd become a grandmother but I now have 2 beautiful granddaughters by my daughter Tara. Brynn was born Dec 2007 and is named after my son Bryan who passed away from Leukemia on December 24th 2005. She looks like Bryan and even knows Bryan when she sees his picture. She calls him Bubba, (a name only his friends use to call him) so we were surprised she knew that name at all. Camryn was born November 2009 and is the complete opposite of Brynn, petite with the longest fingers. Our Piano player. I have started babysitting for both of them. HELP!!!! I may be 60 years old and not the chick I was 30 or 40 years ago but I am looking forward to this new adventure. Anyone else out there have grandchildren? Would love to see pictures and here all about them.
Best Regards, Marcia Sharasheff Ahern

45 Years Ago ...

2010-05-20T12:47:00.009-04:00

1965 was the year - and these are the Graduates of St. Mary's (submitted to Pat by Nancy R).

From Left to Right, the grads are:
1st Row, 2nd Person - Bruce W.
1st Row, last Person - Danny C.
3rd Row, 1st Person - Shirley G.
3rd Row, 2nd Person - Nancy R.
3rd Row, last Person - Susan B.
5th Row, 3rd Person - James D.
6th Row, 3rd Person - Jane B.
6th Row, 4th Person - Eva B.
7th Row, 2nd Person - Artie T.

Did we miss anyone? Let us know! Holy Cross also immortalized their 9th grade grads - if anyone can resurrect that photo for the Blog from their personal archives, please let us know!

Another get together April 23, 3010

2010-04-25T11:00:00.017-04:00

Twenty plus classmates attended our mini reunion. It's always nice getting together and talking about the 60's. Thanks to all that attended. Together Again Sue and Janet Williams Brothers Randy and Nancy Art and Pat Lisa, Bob, Pat, Janet, Sue and Paula Marie, Janet, Bob, Paula Bob and Judy

Judy, Pat, Linda and Ken

Marie, Nancy, Dennis, Paula's husband

Lisa, Nancy, Marie and Nancy

Jim and Judy

Linda, Jim and Ken

Bruce, Lisa, Justine

Nancy, Bruce, Pat, Lisa,Marie, Lou and Nancy

Pat and Art

Janet and Lou

Art and Judy

Pat, Paula and Sue

Linda and Art

Nancy, Sal and Justine

Sal, Justine and Ken

Ken and Pat

Bob, Pat, Sue, Sal

Paula, Janet, Marie, Sue, Jim

Justine, Lou, Sue, Jim, Bruce, Judi and Nancy

Linda, Lisa, Pat, Nancy

Bruce and Judi

Marie, Janet, Nancy

Once again, sadly ...

2010-03-04T08:56:00.003-05:00

Sandra SKARZYNSKI Death Notice: Sandra SKARZYNSKI’s Obituary by the Hartford Courant.: SKARZYNSKI, Sandra Ruth Sandra Ruth (Sobolewski) Skarzynski, 60, passed from this earth on February 25, 2010, at St. Francis Hospital after a prolonged illness, in the presence of her daughter, Gretchen Aubuchon and niece, Brandy (Skarzynski) Arrowsmith. A native and longtime resident of New Britain, Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Skarzynski. Surviving are her daughter and son in law, Gretchen and Roger Aubuchon and grandsons, Koby and Kaleb, all of Dallas, GA. Her aunt, Dorothy Sak of Berlin and her uncle and his wife, Matthew and Joan C. Kokoszka of Oceanside, CA. and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held Monday March 1st. at 7 p.m. at The Berlin Memorial Funeral Home, 96 Main Street Kensington, CT.. Private burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Britain. Donations may be made in Sandra's name to Kimberly Hall South, recreation Department, 1 Emerson Drive, Windsor, CT. 06095 Published in Hartford Courant on February 28, 2010"

Classmates meet in Paradise

2010-01-26T07:53:00.012-05:00

Nancy L. and Debbie B. catching up on old times in the Keys.

Recently my Mom and I were fortunate to visit Debbie B in Key West in early December. Yes, Debbie does live in "Paradise". We had a great time especially the Sunset Cruise that Debbie so kindly took us on. We also had a hilarious night at the Aqua while attending a drag queen show. We stayed at the Doubletree Inn where Debbie works. It was absolutely gorgeous. Everyone should visit The Keys at least once in their lifetime, and don't forget to stop in to visit Debbie. In front of the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Enjoying the beautiful weather Once again at a bar enjoying drinks with my mom

Mini Reunion and GUESS WHO 11-7-09

2009-11-08T10:07:00.035-05:00

WHO ARE WE????? Classmates Revealed Jan 1, 2010

Sheila Sulinski, Wayne Miller and Rocco Nesta.

Scroll down to view the last surprise classmates name. These 3 classmates (along with a 3rd person in a picture below) were not able to attend any of our reunions, however they made it to our mini reunion this past Saturday, Nov 7 2009. Does anyone want to take a guess at who they are? I will post there names in my November newsletter, but for now, try guessing and send me an email and I will let you know if you are correct. Pictures that are posted below contain a question mark instead of their names. If you have lived around the New Britain area 2 of the 3 you have probably bumped into. A special thanks to our invited guest Jo Perra-Moreno NBHS class of 1968 for taking all of these pictures. Thanks Jo, we all enjoyed having you. We had a great time and once again the 3 hours that I was there went by much to fast. Hoping we can have a few more of these at least once a year until 2013 for our 45th.

A lot of the Gang is here Pulaski 1968

Meet and greet

Judi, Cliff and Pat First to arrive

Judi and Sandie

Lisa D. and Justine Beach (3rd lady a guest of Justine)

Marie G, Nancy, Judi, Sue, Nancy R,

Paula, Sandie and Bob

Marilyn B, Nancy L and Sue W

Nancy R, Nancy L, Marilyn B and Sandie M

Pat D and Wayne M

Sheila S. and Judi

Sheila and Wayne and Bob P and Rocco

SueAnn T. Paula H. Pat D. guess Sheila S and Judi M

Paula H and Bob P Were we so happy to have Bob P join us. He was in New Britain from Alaska for personal reasons. Thanks Bob for making time to spend with us.

Grandma Sally

2009-11-03T08:42:00.004-05:00

I am with my new granddaughter Sofia, born in late October. 9 1/2 lbs 21 inches long. Her mother KC is awesome. Did the whole thing sans drugs with natural childbirth. She was so awesome we are calling her the "zen master of labor." Sofia is beautiful and seems to look like Daddy a bit, but who knows. A bit of dark hair and sweet, sweet , sweet.

Lest we forget

2009-10-29T07:42:00.008-04:00

Recently one of our classmates, Claire Calcinari Reed, sent Pat a clipping from the "In Memoriam" section of the New Britain Herald from a couple of weeks ago. The clipping was a photo of one of our classmates, Richie Stolarun. It was then that I realized that October 12th, 2009, was the 40th anniversary of Richie's death. The above picture and tribute was sent to the Herald by Richie's brother, Alan, and his 91year old father. It was printed in the Herald that day. After some trepidation, I decided to call Alan, who lives in the same house that Richie grew up in. I introduced myself as part of Richie's graduating class and one of his good friends (we were both into CB radio at the time). I asked if he could send me a digital copy of Richie's picture for our sites. Alan was kind enough to do so which enabled me to replace the black and white photo of Richie as seen in the Herald with this colored copy. He also has given us permission to use the photo on our site. I ask that you all please take a few moments and reflect on our freedom. That freedom is a direct result of the brave men and women who serve or have served our country in the armed forces, and of those who paid the ultimate price. Richie was the only one of our class who paid that price -please remember him.

Cliff Cayer, October 2009

CLASSMATES REUNITE

2009-09-28T15:14:00.004-04:00

Paula, Sue-Ann, Nancy, Nancy, Sue and Karen enjoying each others company at the Olive Garden in August. They try to get together every few months. Everyone is welcome to join them. The next get together is scheduled for a Saturday Nov 7th at 3 PM. A Saturday so I can attend. I have been so jealous posting all of their pictures and I could not be in any of them. All the information regarding Nov 7rd was recently sent in the September newsletter. Should you need additional information please let us know. Hope to see you in November.

EAST MEETS NORTH WEST

2009-09-18T08:25:00.005-04:00

On a recent trip to Alaska, Ursula Nadolny was able to meet Bob Piorkowski on his turf in Alaska this summer. Enjoying some quiet time on Bob's porch, while Sylvia, Bob's wife is taking a kayak ride. Summer of 2009

A WORD TO THE WISE

2009-08-20T07:43:00.003-04:00

LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, I TOOK MY LIFE FOR GRANTED. HOWEVER, I AM NOT CARELESS WHEN IT COMES TO MY HEALTH. EVERY YEAR I GET A PHYSICAL WITH ALL TESTS, INCLUDING A MAMOGRAM. MID JULY, A SHADOW APPEARED. A NEEDLE BIOPSY CONFIRMED BREAST CANCER. WITHIN A MONTH, A LUMPECTOMY WAS DONE. LAB TESTS SHOWED NO INDICATION OF SPREADING. RADIATION TREATMENTS WILL SOON FOLLOW WHICH MEANS REMISSION. IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE MAMOGRAM, THE CANCER WOULD HAVE SNUCK UP ON ME, NOT TO BE DETECTED UNTIL TOO LATE. PLEASE, PLAY IT SMART AND GET A MAMOGRAM. THERE IS NO EXCUSE NOT TO. IF YOU ARE UNINSURED, CHECK OUT YOUR COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES FOR A FREE OR LOW COST MAMOGRAM. IT SAVED MY LIFE. IT COULD SAVE YOURS. GOOD HEALTH AND LONG LIFE TO YOU ALL, PAULA HONEYMAN

Pulaski Fishing Buddies at it again May 2009

2009-08-06T17:15:00.004-04:00

A couple of pictures from our annual fishing trip in May at my cabin in Maine. Martin Johnson and myself in front of the wood burning stove. Couldn't forget the traveling Pulaksi sign.

Dave Randolph with the fish that I caught and let him hold since he is fishing challenged. In the past we have always had a good crew including Henry Loveland and Ralph Nordgren from our class. Other new Britainites who have joined us in the past Joe Perez PHS 69, Fred Monsees, NBHS 68 Bob Scarlett NBHS 68, Chris "Rusty" Shea NBHS 69. We have also had Rick "Swanee" Swanson a few times in the past but he is no longer welcome since we only allow people who can actually catch fish. Sorry Swanee...... We had a great time and look forward to next year with more friends, fish and pictures.

In June I attend a reunion in San Antonio with the outfit I served with while in Vietnam. Met up with some of the old timers that I was with back in 1969 and 1970. We had not seen each other for over 40 years a real nice rush and time for all who attended.

Chuck Searle

August 2009

QUESS WHO?????

2009-07-16T12:03:00.006-04:00

It took 41 years plus 3 weeks to reunite these classmates. A planned couple of hour visit in Florida turned into a nearly 8 hour mini-marathon reunion. It was great to spend time with each other and rehash our high school years including the many high/low points. Rich Cook was not able to attend our 40th reunion last June however we certainly hope that will change for 2013. Thanks for sharing and having our traveling sign turn up once again. Cat Smulski 7-14-09

IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS

2009-06-21T09:12:00.003-04:00

MACKIEWICZ, Barbara A. (Szczepanik) Barbara A. (Szczepanik) Mackiewicz, formerly of New Britain, passed away on June 13, 2009 after a long illness surrounded by her loving family and friends.

A crafts man amongst us

2009-06-02T07:21:00.014-04:00

Some unique rattles made with more LOVE than wood by our classmate Lou. You can see pictured below how easy they are for babies to hold and enjoy. Also below is Lou with his grandchild.

Me and my rattle

Grandpa and me

what a tight grip Peyton has

I recently asked Lou if he could make rolling pins. The one with the red handle is for my daughter's birthday and the large one is for my son's birthday. I had previously ordered a pasta board for my son from Lou. Lou does beautiful work that in my opinion can not be purchased elsewhere. Below are some other items that he also makes. Please visit his web site turnzwood2.com or feel free to email him with any special request you may have. I also had my children's name and dates put onto the rolling pins and pasta board. They certainly make a great useful keepsake (if your into cooking) that my children will have for many years and hopefully hand down to the grandchildren that I may never see. Below are also some other items that Lou makes, please take a minute and see how talented our classmate is.

Rolling Pins

Pasta board and rolling pins

Pen's that were a special order for another classmate

train set

acorn boxes

Classmate's reunite in Maine May 2009

2009-05-25T08:48:00.003-04:00

Dennis and I went on our yearly long weekend to Maine. It was extra special this year because we were able to stop by Diane Larkin (Joseph) and her husband Larry's beautiful summer place there. Please classmates consider sending a picture to share with us, it is always so great to be able to see each other on line. Thanks Diane and Janet for sharing your time with us all.

1968 classmate reunites with a 1967 classmate

2009-05-11T12:50:00.004-04:00

Karen Tatum and her husband spent a week recently in Palm Coast Florida visiting Paula Smith and her husband. Karen and Paula are old friends that go back to Nathan Hale Days. Paula's Mom had the Pulaski license plate from her days working at Pulaski High School. What a great momentum for Paula to have saved. Thanks for sharing with us. May 2009

Our traveling sign makes it to Florida with another classmate. Paula Smith and Karen Tatum together again. May 2009

Entrance to the famous Daytona Beach flea market. April 2009

Renewed Friendship

2009-05-02T19:56:00.004-04:00

Janet (Weed) Boutin and Diane (Larkin) along with their husbands recently spent time together. Janet and Diane had not seen each other for over 30 years. They were childhood friends who are so very happy that our 40th reunion reunited them. It's great to see pictures and realize that our reunion almost 1 year ago continues every time classmates spend time together.

Finally Together Again April 2009

2009-04-17T12:21:00.008-04:00

Pam Sutak and me in Ormond Beach Florida Enjoying the sun and each other

So happy to hold OUR CLASS SIGN TOGETHER

Pam with my husband Dave

Pam, Me, Dave, my brother Jim and sister in law Kathy Bergin (NBHS 1972) having dinner in Ormond Beach Florida.

What a great Easter week Dave and I had visiting Florida to spend Easter with my brother, sister in law and also being able to spend time with Pam. The weather was great, the company even better. Dave was able to fish while I enjoyed the beach. I had not seen my brother in almost 2 1/2 years and Pam in over 4 years. Now it's their turn to come up north to visit me. I thought our class would enjoy seeing Pam since she was not able to make the reunion. Many do not know that Pam took our original class list from the 25th reunion and researched everyone sending me the phone numbers that she was able to find. I in turn made the calls and the new class list was formed. If it was not for Pam's help from day one, I fear that we would not have been as successful as we were. Since then my helpers (deputies) have grown and we all continue to look for the remaining 10 missing classmates. Without them all we would not be where we are today, I am grateful for all of their help and continued support. Our Class Spirit lives on.

We're not cooking

2009-03-29T10:10:00.004-04:00

How nice it is when some of us can get together for dinner and great conversation. Our dining classmates welcome others to join them for future dinners.

Nancy Roy, Nancy Lamb, Marcia Sharasheff, Sandie Mazur, Jane Baxer and Sue Willet recently enjoyed each others company at a local restaurant. How clever were they to take the picture in front of a New Britain sign that just happen to be hanging in the back ground. Thanks for sending in this picture and sharing your evening with your class.

Proud Parents

2009-03-19T07:49:00.006-04:00

My daughter, G.I. Jan sent this picture to me along with the posting below. I found it a little poignant and wanted to share. A little back ground first, Jan decided to enlist in the reserves last summer at the age of 37. Jan said she wanted to show my wife and I that she could make something of herself. A modern day running off to join the Foreign Legion? When she reported to her unit after Basic Training, she received deployment orders. She will be going to Iraq in mid-April. Here is what she recently sent to me along with this photo. PFC Donovan, Janet M. 652nd Engineer Co. Attached to the 401st "Engineers lead the way!" Making of an American Soldier 1/2 boy, 1/2 man - 1/2 girl/woman !!If you read this, you WILL forward it on. You just won't be able to stop yourself. The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society ashalf man, half boy.. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer,but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work andhe would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.. He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to bewaiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll orhip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a M2 50mm machine gun. He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he isworking or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has troublespelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a riflein 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to youthe nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either oneeffectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march. He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spiritor individual dignity. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps hiscanteens full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He cancook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry,his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battlewhen you run low. He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were hishands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and stillfind ironic humor in it all.. He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat andis unashamed. He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while atrigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away 'those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stoptalking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right tobe disrespectful. Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying theprice for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the AmericanFighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years. He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with hisblood. And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in thistradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so. As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot. . A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets. Prayer wheel for our military... please don't break it Please send this onafter a short prayer. Prayer Wheel'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protectus. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in ourtime of need. Amen.' When you read this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for all of our military personnel. There is nothing attached... This can be very powerful... Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Coastguardsman, Marine,or Airman, prayer is the very best one. Thanks for reading, Lou Z for my daughter Jan

Found at Last

2009-03-01T14:25:00.010-05:00

I wanted to thank everyone for not giving up on finding me. It certainly has been a wonderful surprise to reconnect with high school classmates. I wanted to share some pictures of my family. Pictured are my husband Larry, step daughter and 2 of our 3 grandchildren. We love being grandparents and enjoy every minute with them. I also wanted to share a picture of our adopted abused elderly pups. Sadly they passed recently however we gave them the best last years of their lives. We now have two more under the same circumstances, they are usually left to die. Larry and I could not let that happen. I think of you all often, God Bless you all and thanks again.

Anne Gadzik Riggs

South Carolina

A bittersweet return to Vietnam

2009-02-24T08:19:00.008-05:00

A picture of me in "dogpatch" in Da Nang this past summer of 2008. This was off limits when I was in Vietnam. Sex, drugs and rock and roll, not to mention death and destruction all a part of the Vietnam days. The other picture is of me and Dennis Taricani, (PHS 67), He and I were actually there at the same time, and in the same battalion. Picture taken in the Que Son valley, and the mountain area. The monument we are standing in front of, is being erected to honor the many Vietnamese Killed here during the war. This place was called LZ Ross when we were there and was very primitive, so much so that if I saw a dinosaur back then I would not have been surprised. Rich Williams, Randy's brother, also was with us. He was a Seabee over there. This is also the area I was in when I found out Richie Stolarun lost his life. How far we have come that I am able to share our now and then experiences with each other.

Chuck Searle 2-22-09

Some like it COLD

2009-02-10T08:20:00.009-05:00

This is cabin fever relief for me. Some people think that fishing and other outdoor activities stop in the winter especially ice fishing. In 1967 along with Bob Piorkowski and Joe Karwoski with our team leader Mr.Dimugno the PHS Sportsmen's Club were certified in weapons safety and we set out to get our hunting and fishing licenses. I have been ice fishing with my nephew who is fourteen for the past four years. We fish for trout and salmon at West Hill Pond in New Hartford. CT DEP assists in stocking that pond amply with 135 surplus brood stock which means when their hatchery time as a producer is up; they are liberated to a lake to spend the rest of their days free. This brown trout was 6 3/4 lbs and was 23". Although not the biggest trout stocked in length it was the heaviest that I have seen caught for its size. It fought for about five minutes and was iced with the help of my nephew who brought it through the ice hole with me. This trout places me in a local contest in second place in the state. My nephew finished third in last year's contest. Thanks CT DEP for stocking those beautiful trout and salmon in the CT ponds.--- Phil Bruzas Sr.

40 years together and counting

2009-01-26T10:49:00.006-05:00

I received this email and picture from Kas and Bart after sending my January newsletter. With their permission I am happy to share it. Thought you'd like to know that Kas and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary on December 28th! It was a special occasion for ourfamily as we met in Orlando at Pop Century for three nights and took the kids to The Magic Kingdom. Here's a picture of us on Main StreetUSA. In addition to my sister, Marilyn, coming in from Kauai Hawaii,my brother, Gary, came in from Connecticut with his son and my niece April came in from Connecticut with her daughter to make it a grandtotal of 20 of us around the dinner tables at the restaurants.Unforgettable for all of us. We have come such a long, long way. Just goes to show you how "Love will keep us together"!

TRAVELING SIGN MEETS BIG ELVIS

2009-01-13T08:01:00.009-05:00

Nancy and Tom enjoying Vegas with our Pulaski Traveling sign

The famous Vegas Welcome Sign meets our Pulaski traveling sign.

Relaxing and enjoying a big burger in Vegas

Big Elvis who appears daily for free on the Vegas Strip. A must see show, close your eyes and you would think it was Elvis himself. Big Elvis, (Pete) has lost over 200 pounds in the last few years. It is a show that we always make time to see when in Vegas. He appears in Bill's Saloon (formerly Barbary Coast)across the street from Caesar's Palace next to the Flamingo. I hope you all are enjoying our traveling sign pictures. This is the last one that I have to post, that is until I am fortunate enough to take a vacation or see something interesting. Anyone that would like a sign just let me know. I would be more than happy to post pictures from other classmates with or without the sign. Trying to keep our SPIRIT ALIVE, one way is by keeping the blog as up to date as we can, I need your help in order to do that. Thanks Nancy for sending the pictures. Ro, please HELP fix this posting. THANKS

A great gift

2009-01-05T08:09:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Lou Z, I was able to present my son with a pasta board for Christmas. Perry had wanted the one I have that belonged to my Mom. Since I was not ready to part with it I asked Lou if it was something he would attempt to make for me. Not only did it turned out to be more than we expected Lou was also able to burn Perry's name on the back of the board as a remembrance. I know my son will have this special gift for a long time. He has already used it and has been quite happy with the results. Who would think that 40 years later a classmate would be making a pasta board for another classmate. Anyone who did not attend the reunion may not be aware of the many talents that Lou has with wood. Please be sure to check out his website if you are interested, or do as I did, just ask if he can make a special order and I am sure you will be happy with the results. http://www.turnzwood2.com/ Thanks again Lou for helping me to find a gift that my son really wanted. Next up, an extra long rolling pin to go with the board.

Happy New Year Everyone.

Pat Dezi Altadonna

Notes from the land of the WEEPING BIRCHES

2008-12-20T18:18:00.001-05:00

Within the last couple of weeks, the local TV station had the viewers vote on the worst weather event to hit the state. They selected the ice storm of 1998. A little premature? If you haven't seen the news lately, there was a small ice storm here in New Hampsha [sic]. Only about 400,000 customers without power. Considering the human population only recently exceeded the bovine population here, that is pretty wide spread. Cliff better be working hard to get them back on line. Birches grow here like weeds. And they are about a strong. A drive down the road is a slalom course. The trees on the right bend over and block the lane. You go by and the left lane is block, then the right, then the left, etc. Every thing ice covered looked beautiful, but... We were mostly lucky. We were out only about a day and a half. All those weekends as a kid up at Kemo gave me the skills to keep the fire in the fireplace going. At least I didn't have a chimney fire this time. Unfortunately I had to dip in to my wood stack for woodturning for fuel. Our only source of power was a small generator. Small to the point of only having a gas tank large enough run an hour. And I filled it, every hour until it froze up from the cold at 3 AM. About this time I thought of Bob Piorkowski and his subsistence living in Alaska. I figure he would have been walking around here in shorts, sandals, and a windbreaker saying "What's the problem?" We did have a real generator, propane powered. Unfortunately it wasn't working. My daughter, son-in-law, and 15 month old grandson made a humanitarian trip from CT to help. I helped my son-in-law for the better part of the day in the cold wind trying to get the generator running. No luck but just as we threw in the towel and my daughter came out and said the power was back on. At this writing there are still a lot of homes without power. What makes it bad for some is that your neighbor, or a block over, may have power but you are still out. Welcome to northern New England.. Lou Z

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

2008-12-17T19:36:00.008-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS from my family to yours. May we all have good health in the coming years. Let us all continue staying in touch and the Spirit of our Class will stay alive. You can always count on me to do my part in keeping our class informed and up to date.

My very best to you all.

Happy New Year. Patty

12-17-08

SEEMS LIKE JUST YESTERDAY.....

2008-12-09T17:11:00.011-05:00

ONCE A LADIES' MAN ALWAYS A LADIES' MAN

2008-12-09T16:47:00.003-05:00

An early Christmas Gift

2008-11-22T17:57:00.004-05:00

Lou Z recently writes, "Here is a picture of "dziadek i wnuczka". (If it is not obvious, Ursala can translate.)

Lou's 38 year old daughter recently presented him with his less than a week old granddaughter Peyton. What a full head of hair for Peyton more hair than her proud grandpa...... Congratulations to all...keep the pictures coming.

Traveling Sign shows up again

2008-11-15T13:46:00.004-05:00

The giant red wood trees in Muir Woods near San Francisco.

Hope this winter our traveling class sign will enjoy some warm weather with some of our southern or western classmates. Our sign is available to all, just let me know and I will be happy to send one your way.

Cat Lovers Please help

2008-11-08T14:53:00.004-05:00

Sammy, my newly adopted cat.

I wanted to post this for our class of 1968. I'm sure there are animal lovers out there and hope that some are cat lovers. I know of a mama cat named Destiny and her 2 Siamese kittens kala and kona. They were rescued from a hoarder in Canada who had 7 cats. The mom gave birth to six kittens 4 of whom found a home. However three have not. They really do not want to separate the 3 and I know that's a lot of cat to care for, but they need a home. If anyone is interested please contact me Mike Pina at bct51@msn.com or call me at(860) 223-3998. If you would like to take a look at the cats please go to slinkykatz.com. They are in a shelter in New Hartford, Ct. that only rescues Siamese. They really are a wonderful breed. I was going to adopt them but another cat by the name of Sam came through first. If I could take all three cats I would but it's too soon for Sammy, he is still getting adjusted to being with me. I hope that someone out there will find it in their heart to adopt these cars. There are so many homeless animals out there looking for a home. Help! Help! Help! Thanks Michael Pina.

DINNER TOGETHER ONCE AGAIN

2008-10-25T21:26:00.024-04:00

Jane, Karen, Nancy and Sue met at Ruby Tuesdays for their October dinner. Our "Where are you class of 1968" sign was too tired to attend. Although you cannot see it, that is what was written on the napkin that Karen and Nancy are holding. Nancy Lamb had to leave early and was not available for the picture. We thank her for arranging our local dinners and hope more classmates will join us for the next one. Stay tuned for when and where we will next meet. These mini gatherings are not only fun but they help in keeping our class together. Was this also a birthday celebration? Happy Birthday to Nancy R. and Sue W.

Six ladies and a night out

2008-10-19T08:37:00.004-04:00

Lisa, Jean, Judi, Sue, Pat and Marilyn enjoying each others company for dinner. We were fortunate to be able to get together with such short notice. Little gatherings keeps the CLASS OF 1968 together and the memories alive. Thanks ladies for making my trip home special.

Traveling sign heads WEST

2008-10-15T16:26:00.005-04:00

Our Traveling Class Sign resting with friends after a few busy weeks. Next up ??? Please return often to see where it will next turn up.

Alaskan Stop N Shop!!!!!!

2008-10-02T17:40:00.019-04:00

Beautiful Alaska

Gathering food is certainly different in Alaska.

Bob Piorkowski and friend taking their catch home to share.

Salmon drying.

Subsistence hunting and gathering opportunities remain an important part of my Alaskan lifestyle. The moose and Salmon were shared with many families. It certainly is a lot different from my life in New Britain. I hope some of my classmates will have the opportunity to visit this beautiful state. Bob Piorkowski

Another Mother and Daughter Lunch

2008-09-29T17:45:00.006-04:00

Jane Baxer, her Mom (who will be 91 this November) and best childhood friend Sue Willet had the pleasure of having lunch together recently. Mrs. Baxer was like a 2nd Mom to Sue, yelling at her as much as she did Jane. Mrs. Baxer still drives and recently completed a special Drivers Ed course to receive an extra 5% off of her car insurance. We should all be that lucky when we reach her age. How nice for Mrs. Baxer to hold our traveling class sign. The class of 1968 is certainly getting around. We hope to see more classmates enjoying each others company.

Our Traveling Class Sign

2008-09-22T19:01:00.009-04:00

In trying to keep our site fun and interesting I will be posting pictures of our traveling class sign. I hope you will be able to indentify the places we have traveled to. Signs are available for those that would like to contribute to the blog and share their travels or special place. Just let me know and I will be happy to mail you one. I hope you will visit our blog often to see where our class has been. Comments are welcome and appreciated. If you are having trouble posting just let us know, we are here to help. I am running out of ideas, your help is needed to keep our blog entertaining.

Daughters & Mom's How lucky we are!!!!!

2008-09-13T18:36:00.005-04:00

Judi says... We had such a good time, our Mothers really enjoyed themselves, they would like to have a monthly dinner night out. Marilyn with her Mom Ann Bindas, Susan with her Mom Stella Woja, Me with Mrs Mags. If there is anyone out there who graduated with us and still has their Mom they are more than welcome to join us, just drop me a line and I'll let you know when and where.

Ladies night out

2008-09-13T18:16:00.003-04:00

Jane Baxer, Nancy Lamb, Nancy Roy, Sandi Mazur, Sue Willet and Marilyn Bindas enjoying time and dinner together. We are planning to get together each month, please consider joining us for our next dinner. October 23th at 5 PM, contact any of us for the location. It is so nice to spend time with each other, especially since a few of us didn't really know each other in high school. Let's keep the mini reunions going until the 45th is here. Come on ladies, join us in October.

And the mini reunions continue

2008-09-07T11:43:00.009-04:00

Who would have thought that I would have found 2 drinking buddies at the VFW in New Britain on Sept 6th, 2008. Ok you can all stop laughing now. How nice it was to spend some time with and have a drink with Chuck and Randy, two classmates that I have known since Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. I was fortunate to spend time with them and some other New Britain friends while Judi and I attended the 10th Annual Club Reunion. My good friend Bobby Ruel came in from California, he was an ADS member. How could I not drive in from NY even with hurricane Hanna following me when he came all that way. My brother Jim who lives in Florida along with Judi's brother Jimmy Maglio who lives in California were both members of the Earls. Judi and I wanted to attend since our brothers could not. Today our clubs would have been known as gangs, however I remember good clean fun (well not always clean) and trying to raising enough money to hold dances so we could spend a week in the summer at the beach. Storm Hanna wasn't going to keep Judi and I away, however Judi had to leave before I was able to gather up these guys for the picture. Although we may look in the mirror and see that we have aged, the guys at this reunion didn't show any signs of slowing down. Some of us continued on until closing at the Amber Club. I was in more bars this weekend than I have been in since I moved to Long Island in 1971. I will admit I had a great time. When I left that last bar I thought for a moment my 1968 rust colored Javelin would be sitting outside waiting for me, then the rain and wind from Hanna covered my face and I remembered it was 2008, not 1968

Sadness

2008-08-21T08:21:00.006-04:00

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to another of our classmates. Barbara Vallario Messina left this earth on August 17, 2008. Barbara was one of the neighborhood kids, with whom I played and went to school, during most of my early life. We had many connections during our early years and we were inseparable during our grade school summers, including the year she lost her mom so suddenly. Later in life, her older brother worked for my dad and we corresponded a few years ago via classmates. I stopped hearing from her over a year ago and never knew she was ill.

You can read Barb's obit by clicking here.

Rest in Peace Barbara,

Rosi

LOOK AT THOSE SMILES

2008-07-27T08:37:00.004-04:00

I'm going to write this with a straight face. Ready? I received this photo from John & Lisa. John said something about being in town for a family reunion...... I didn't know he and Lisa were related, did you?

By the way guys, you look even better than you did at the reunion. What's your secret? Inquiring minds want to know;)

pssst, Patti, I think you were right........call me later.

Caveat: (Warning, for those of you who didn't have Mrs. Henriques for Latin) Never send Rosann a photo and tell her that the blog needs something to increase interest, then tell her that the caption is up to her, unless you really really mean it.

WHERE ARE YOU GUYS?

2008-07-23T08:39:00.009-04:00

.........................................

Too many of you were camera shy. I need more candid shots. Please, please share. If you're not sure how to send them via email, let me help you. If you need my snail mail address, let me know.

I want to thank Cliff, Judi, and Pat for their generosity and speedy delivery of their pictures. All of them used a photo sharing site on line and I know they would be happy to share that knowledge with you.

LAST CALL FOR EMAILS

2008-07-23T08:28:00.005-04:00

I have been working on the class email directory and should finish it this week. Trying to make sure that it's complete. Many of you have sent your info to Pat or directly to me and I have the list from the reunion. Don't want to leave anyone out, so if you'd like to share your email address with class members and receive a list, please let me know.

This list will not be posted anywhere on the net.

It's easy to set up a yahoo or gmail address if you prefer not to use your main email address, so consider that option if you're still on the fence.

Ro

WHO'S WHO? THEN AND NOW

2008-07-20T16:55:00.005-04:00

Ok, which one of these couples were childhood sweethearts?

Which one of these girls was a member of the Colorguard? What did the other 4 girls have in common?

TIME STANDS STILL.......FOR SOME

2008-07-20T15:24:00.008-04:00

Former Rockettes, or Majorettes? Now girls, on three, left leg first..........

Either Ken has a Time Machine.......or....... damn, he looks good!

Now Patti was always cute, but Cliff...what can I say? Some men improve with age.

Betsey is NOT AMUSED, Deanie is DEFINITELY AMUSED, and Kathy is ALMOST AMUSED

Susan, Chris, Jane, Sharon, Jeanie, and Dolores are all TERRIBLY AMUSED

Now this is my favorite photo. Nancy still looks 18, ok .....maybe 20, and Mr. Dabkowski just got better looking

A NOTE FROM CLIFF

2008-07-14T14:43:00.002-04:00

Folks,

The final package of “essays” that many of you filled out was emailed out on the Tuesday before the reunion. I have heard that some of you who filled out page 2 did not receive your copy of everyone’s stories. If you are one of those who didn’t get the “finals” and did fill out page 2, please email me at k1iff@snet.net and I will send you your copy ASAP.

Thanks,

Cliff Cayer

Cliff just shared his photos of the reunion. I'm hoping to post some new faces, as soon as I figure out who they are! Great Photos, Cliff.

SPEAKING OF PEOPLE WHO LOOK FAR TOO GOOD

2008-07-12T12:23:00.006-04:00

I'm sorry girls, but you must have the wrong reunion, either that or you were 10 when you graduated.

Seems to me I've seen this couple before......hmmmm when was that? Forty years ago, you say? In the halls of PHS? Can't be, they look much too young.

Now here's another handsome couple... of classmates, that is.

Rumor has it that these two '67 alums crashed the party with Janet Weed and Marcia Sharasheff. Whaddaya drinkin there, boys?

SNEAK PEEK

2008-07-11T10:09:00.011-04:00

These are just a few of the photos that I have received from Pat, Judi, and others. Cliff has promised to send me some and I hope the rest of you with photos will share. One thing I want to say is that some of you have absolutely no right to look as great as you do! I must say that I feel like a '55 chevy that needs new tires, some body work, and a new paint job when I look at some of you, and you know who you are! Seriously, this has been a joy for me to see all of you in photos. Pat wrote about the prize winners and she kindly sent me some lovely mementos of the day, but the photos are the absolute best prize she sent.

I am still getting more additions to the email directory, so I think I will give it one more week and then distribute the list to all of you who contributed.

Look for more photos, next week. Some with interesting stories.

Don't forget to visit our complementary info website. Pat's deputies are growing in number and have discovered a great site to keep all of our statistics in order. Please check it out. It's easy to use and a great resource for keeping track of our class. Thanks to Cat Smulski for finding it, but it's up to the rest of us to fill it up, so click on the link and keep yourself in the loop.

WINNERS WINNERS WINNERS

2008-07-07T18:45:00.004-04:00

I am sure we all feel like we are winners being in PULASKI HIGH SCHOOL CLASS of 1968. For those that were not able to attend the reunion I thought you would like to read the names of those that won our raffles. We were fortunate to be able to raffle off 20 cash prizes along with 24 gift bags. The winners of our cash prizes were: Betsy Rental, Pat Czarnaty, Nancy Matascik, Susan Woja, Jimmy Mitchell, Diane Larkin, Stephen Carey, Madonna Byett, Michael Osga, Marsha Neumeister, Linda Sylvia, Tom Gzyl, Warren Burton, Michael Pina, Jane Baxer, Jean Bonafonte, Pat Wearne, Sandie Mazur, Jimmy Williams, and Karen Rivenberg. The winners of our gift bags were: Peter Zagorsky, Donald Azarigian, Victoria Miklos, Gary Youmans, Joe Piatek, Bob Piorkowski, Susan Willet, Donna Filipek, Nancy Roy, Shirley Gugel, Laura Unguire and Larry Anderson. Our questionnaire winners, without mentioning which category they won for are: (Sorry you had to be there to find out what they won for). Jane Bentley, Delores Koff, Janet Weed, Tom Bocompani, John Vento, Sandie Mazur, Bob Piorkowski, Debbie Bayram, Gary Youmans, Madonna Byett, Karen Rivenberg and Shirley Gugal How come only one committee member (Linda Sylvia) was able to win? Something didn't go as planned. Hope all our winners were pleased with their gifts, we certainly had a great time handing them out, even if Nancy Lamb and I didn't win.

DO PATTI & CO. KNOW HOW TO THROW A PARTY, OR WHAT?

2008-07-06T15:21:00.004-04:00

I didn't think that anything would keep me from attending the reunion. But as John Lennon said: "life is what happens while you're making other plans". My family has suffered a terrible loss and I was where I needed to be. Patti called me today and gave me a sneak peek of her photos. Hey, when did you guys get so old? (wink, wink) I thought I was the only one. Actually all of you look so well preserved, I'm feeling a little insecure. It has been a true joy to help with this blog and I hope to keep it going until the next real life meeting, and the next, and the next...... Please share your photos and news, whether you were at the reunion or not. One thing I learned this past week, for the umpteenth time, is that life is indeed shorter than any of us thinks and you need all the friends and family you can muster, to enjoy the good times and survive the bad. So I'm inviting you to continue this uncertain journey together through these pages.

Some things to look for: .......a photo essay of the reunion ........an email directory coming soon to your email box of choice(you must share your address to be on the receiving end of this mailing) .........news of smaller gatherings planned every so often in different locations

Best Reunion Ever????????

2008-07-06T12:36:00.003-04:00

After reading everyones' comments, I have come to the conclusion that either we had the greatest reunion in the history of high school reunions or,............we really need to get out more! (Personally I'm sticking with the first choice, although , for me the second is probobly also quite accurate.) In any event..... Our lives have certainly gone in many varied directions. Some have literally been around the world, (amazing). Others have happily lived close to home. We have earned our 'smile' lines and (OK wrinkles), worn out our joints, may be hard to recognize ( sorry Gary), but come on it's been 40 years, but the truly important things have not changed. We still have this underlying lifelong connection. I felt a sense of peaceful friendship. It was amazingly easy to talk to and reconnect with good friends from a very different time and place in our lives. As I go forward on this adventure of life, I look forward to keeping in touch with rekindled friendships. Jean I'll call you next week. I still can't believe we live within walking distance ( well if we were ambitious). Personally I hope we don't wait 5 years to get together in some way. Christmas party?? Meet for drinks??? I'm up for most anything. After all we have definately established the fact that we are a casual (and fun) bunch!! Take care, and enjoy the special moments in each day. Lisa (Dowling) salamon

Sally Way Out West

2008-07-02T22:43:00.004-04:00

To the Gang of 68: Wow! The reunion was all I hoped for and more. To see so many familiar faces and realize what a great class we had was so much fun. I can't thank Pat Dezi, Judi Meese, Rosann Faiola, Cliff Cayer and Lou and Phil for all the hard work that went into making that a success. The food was great, the gifts were great, but most of all the Class of 68 was great. I am so proud to have been a part of a group of people that accomplished so much. And do you believe we all talked for 8 hours straight? When I got there I was scared to death thinking I was too this or too that and all that foolishness fell away as soon as I saw all those faces that were near and dear to me. You all looked 18 again to me and were as fun as I remembered you way back when. My buds, Gretchen S(I haven't laughed so hard in years) Marsha N (a mile wide smile as usual) and Lisa D (email me and come to New Mexico to see me-I still want to talk to you about the flower stuff.) Sweet, sweet Cheryl Griffin always with a kind word, Chuckie Searle we just wanted to be your "posse" all over again, Nancy Matascik "you go girl!" Jeannie Bonafonte no wonder you were homecoming queen, Bruce Kraskowsky thanks for the words of encouragement and take good care of Nancy. Steve Carey a surprise kiss on the cheek,and a generous compliment- I wish we could have talked more. Vicky Micklos, keep the faith and email me, I have been on that road you are traveling. Bob Piorkowski, you may have been quiet in PHS, but it was our loss, I wish I had known you better. Kathy Samek, smart and beautiful, we needed talk time. Lou Z, what a woodworker! Keep it going. Patti Dezi, I wish I had known you better in high school. I owe you a great tour someday. Everyone, next reunion lets make more time to catch up. Keep in touch and when we do this again in 5 years, how about making it a destination reunion? Jackson Hole, Santa Fe, Yellowstone, Glacier, Phoenix, Tucson, Colorado Springs anyone? Let's get some ideas going. Fond Memories of the Class of 68 "The Spirit is What We've Got!" Sally (Hornkohl) Bell

Thoughts from Ursula

2008-07-01T16:45:00.001-04:00

Hi, PHS classmates - I've found myself thinking about all those I was able to see at the reunion, as well as others who were not able to make it. It has surprised me how much I have gone over and over in my mind how you all are now, what you are doing, what we remember from way back then. Even though four decades have gone by, it hardly felt like being among strangers and, even, like we knew we still had similar views and values (-- there's that overused word again). It was great to see you all, and hope that I can catch up with others some time. I also want to sincerely thank all those who were involved in contacting, organizing, coordinating, engraving, making name tags, buying raffle gifts, compiling bios, sharing desserts, etc. etc. etc. It sure was a lot of work. Your efforts, far above and beyond the call of "duty", made it happen and made the get-together such a fun, memorable experience. Thank you. I put my email address on the list, hope to see you if you're passing through or near southeastern VT. This is a great area for outdoor stuff all year round; and plenty of good coffee shops, tiny theaters, and space to just sit. What a class we were, huh? Take care. Ursula

The Party is Over

2008-06-30T20:14:00.002-04:00

Hi, The party might be over but the new memories of the day will linger for quite awhile. I will first appoligize to my friend Patti for giving her such a hard time with working on this reunion, I can honestly say now that all the effort and work we did for 5 months was worth it all! Saturday surpassed all my expectations and from the feedback I received all day everyone love the picnic idea and the casual atmosphere that it generated. The socializing and mingling that I observed all day proved that our class was truly connected back in 1968 and we never lost that feeling for each other. Our lives went in different directions but our years apart melted away on Saturday because of who we were and who we've all become. It was my pleasure working on the committee and I hope to be around to work on the 45th and so on for many years to come. I hope everyone will use this blog to stay in touch and keep our "pit bull patti and her deputies cliff and phil" informed of any email or address changes. Thanks again for all of you that made the day such a success and I hope the ones that could not make it will be able to enjoy the messages and pictures and look forward to our 45th. Judi (Mags) Maglio Meese

40th is over 45th is right around the corner

2008-06-29T15:55:00.006-04:00

What a great time had by all. We could not have asked for a better turn out. 105 classmates, 4 teachers and many spouses and guest for a total of over 150 attending. Seeing all your smiling faces, listening to all your wonderful comments let us know how much you all appreciated the hard work and effort that went into our 40th reunion. We were pleased that everyone was happy with the decision to have a PICNIC. Hearing many of you say you prefer a picnic over a more formal event really pleased us. We know we can not please everyone, however I feel we came close to succeeding with this event. I was concerned that an event lasting 8 hours would have some classmates getting bored and leave early, just the opposite happened. We needed more time, I did not get to talk to everyone as I had hoped but I made a great effort trying. The last 20 or so of us didn't want to leave, next time we will have to continue the party elsewhere. We'll leave that thought for another time.

How about those desserts, what a great idea Judi had to have take home containers for everyone. I was able to munch on my way home to Long Island, rethinking the event with every bite as more calories entered my body. Oh well, the diet will start tomorrow.

How about all of our classmates that traveled so far to attend including Alaska, New Mexico, California, Florida, Arizona and Kansas to name a few. If that doesn't say PULASKI'S SPIRIT OF 68 LIVES ON, nothing does. I applaud all of you.

I want to thank Judi, Nancy, and Linda for their part in getting this off the ground. I may have had contact with most of you, however I could not have done it without their help. We are a team that will continue as long as our classmates continue to respond and attend our future events. Now I may need your help to convince the 3 of them to do it all over again in 5 years.

I also would not have had the success in finding as many classmates as we did without the help from many of you, especially my deputies, Cliff and Phil. As long as I continue as their CHIEF we will not rest until the 13 missing have been found.

Lisa Dowling a big Thank You for your flower donations, it added just what the picnic tables needed. CLASS from the Class of 68.

Lastly, a big thank you to Ro Faiola for her continued work on the blog. We all missed you more than you can imagine.

Please post your comments on OUR blog, let's keep this going well past our 50th.

THE ESSAY PROJECT

2008-06-25T10:53:00.009-04:00

First I want to thank Cliff Cayer for his brilliant idea. The Essay Project is truly a wonderful keepsake for all of us that contributed. In fact it has proved to be so meaningful to some, that I'm hoping that we can continue the collection and add to it after the reunion. There is one small announcement that I'd like to make. Some of the essay writers did not contact Cliff in time to have their email addresses included.

I think we may want to have a voluntary classmate directory for emails , so that we don't lose the connections that Patti, Judi, Cliff, Bruce, Phil and others have worked so hard to form. There will be a sign up sheet at the reunion, so that you can enter your name and email address if you want to be included. If you can't attend the reunion, please Email me!

Now I have to tell you that I won't have the pleasure of seeing any of you in person this weekend. We have had a medical emergency here at home and if that isn't enough, one of my family members is missing in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Georgia/Tennessee border.

I expect lots of pictures and lots of details. DETAILS, I TELL YOU! This blog will go on as long as there is interest so carry on and have a drink for me, maybe more than one. AGAIN, ANY QUESTIONS, JUST ASK!

AS THE WOOD TURNS

2008-06-17T08:30:00.002-04:00

(sorry Lou, couldn't help myself)
Subject: Norm Abrams Watch Out
Okay Gang,

If you are interested in seeing what I look like now, so you can easily identify me at the reunion. Let me tell you where to go:

www.expertvillage.com, click on "Our Experts", click on "L" and scroll down to my name. There you will find a selection of instructional videos I did this spring on woodturning. A career I really should have pursued when I grew up, if I knew about it then. Sorry Cliff, no slide rule used in the making of the videos.

See you on the 28th.

lou (Zabohonski)

WHO'S SAYING WHAT

2008-06-17T08:12:00.003-04:00

"I was thinking about the hours of the reunion and it struck me; Do you realize that about the time everything starts to wind down, our classmates who came in from the left coast will still be going strong? And then we have Bob from Alaska. When the sun goes down so early, will he think its late autumn?"

"Let's hope the weather cooperates - we had a heat wave last week ( 95 - 100 degrees for 4 days), but now we've gone in the other direction and it's barely 60 and rainy with the same forecast until Friday. So who knows..."

"It is strange what one remembers, eh?"

"I'll get my pictures together this weekend so we can exchange 30 years worth of history."
"This is, and has been, quite an adventure and it's not over yet. In fact, it may just be beginning!"

OLD BIRD or SPRING CHICKEN?

2008-06-15T08:04:00.003-04:00

"I wish I had Cathy Smulski's wit and the wisdom that some of the others seemed to have gained. But alas, I'm still just Karen Tatum Arasimowicz and I have earned every wrinkle and pound that I have gained.

I remember Coach Eaton always said, "Don't panic, adjust" and I think I have adjusted well for an old bird."
Whenever a woman looked much younger than her age, my mom always described her as a "spring chicken". So I must respectfully disagree with Karen. I don't see an "old bird" in this picture, but I definitely see a lovely woman, looking far younger than her years with that twinkle of experience in her eyes.

FIRE ESCAPE TUBE????

2008-06-11T21:31:00.018-04:00

DENNIS '67 AND JANET WEED BOUTIN bring us this little bit of nostalgia. A stroll down memory lane-with photos!

45 rpm spindles

Green Stamps

Metal ice cubes trays with levers

Beanie and Cecil

Roller Skate Key

Cork pop guns

Marlin Perkins

Drive in Movies

Drive in restaurants

Car Hops

Studebakers

Topo Gigio

Washtub wringers

The Fuller Brush Man

Sky King

Reel-To-Reel tape recorders

Tinkertoys

Erector Set

Lincoln Logs

15 cent McDonald hamburgers

5 cent packs of baseball cards

Penny candy

25 cent a gallon gasoline

Jiffy Pop popcorn

5 cent stamps

Gum wrapper chains

Chatty Cathy dolls

5 cent Cokes

Speedy Alka-Seltzer

Cigarettes for Christmas

Falstaff Beer

Burma Shave signs

Brownie camera

Flash bulbs

TV Test patterns

Old Yeller

Chef Boy-AR-dee

Fire escape tubes

Timmy and Lassie

Ding Dong Avon calling

Brylcreem

Aluminum Christmas Trees

If you can remember most or all of these, then you have lived!!

LIFE ACCORDING TO CATHERINE SMULSKI WESTOVER

2008-06-09T13:57:00.003-04:00

Summary of Life

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:

1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.

2) When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.

3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person

4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.

5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.

6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.

7) Never hold a dust-buster and a cat at the same time.

8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.

9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.

10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:

1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.

2) Wrinkles don't hurt.

3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts

4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.

6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fibre, not the toy.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD

1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.

2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.

3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.

4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.

5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.

6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.

7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:

1 -- You believe in Santa Claus.

2 -- You don't believe in Santa Claus.

3 -- You are Santa Claus.

4 -- You look like Santa Claus.

SUCCESS:

At age 4 success is . . not peeing in your pants.

At age 12 success is . . having friends.

At age 17 success is . having a driver's license.

At age 35 success is . having money.

At age 50 success is .. . having money.

At age 70 success is . . having a driver license.

At age 75 success is . having friends.

At age 80 success is . . not peeing in your pants.

Try to forget the troubles that pass your way;

BUT NEVER forget the blessings that come each day.

Have a wonderful day with many smiles

THEY LIKE US, THEY REALLY LIKE US.....

2008-06-07T10:25:00.005-04:00

It seems that we have fans of our little blog. Actually it's one fan. But hey..... Paula Smith Plocharczyk, '67 let Pat Dezi know that she's following our little corner of the internet and she sent this great tidbit from her 1967 yearbook. Thanks Paula.

NO CAPTION NECESSARY

MY APOLOGIES

2008-06-07T10:03:00.006-04:00

Phil Bruzas sent this wonderful picture, taken at the New Britain Sports Hall of Fame Dinner on April 10th. Somehow I lost it among all of my clippings and files. I finally found it this morning and could not wait to share this with you.

Please enjoy the pictures of Mr MCNamara, Coach Eaton and CCSU Athletic Directer C.J. Jones and His Woman's Basketball Coach Beryl Piper. I will never miss another one of these dinners. Phil B.

WHERE WE ARE NOW

2008-05-31T16:17:00.008-04:00

Among other titles, Cliff Cayer can now claim to be Class Statistician. Cliff put together a GPS of sorts for the Class of 1968. Some of the numbers are not surprising, but some seem to be unique. Who would have thought that we would have as many alum living in New Mexico, as in New York? I say unique, not surprising, because after visiting the beautiful state of New Mexico, I can honestly say I would move there in a heartbeat. Of course, I would have to bring James in an urn, because he would never willingly leave the Mid-Atlantic. Thank you Cliff and Patti for "putting us in our place".

AK........1
AZ.........1
CA.........8
CT.....164
FL........11
GA.........4
KS.........1
MA........9
MD........2
ME........4
NC........1
NH........3
NJ.........3
NM.......4
NY........4
OH........2
PA.........3
RI..........4
SC.........2
TX.........3
VA........3
VT.........3
WV.......1

TEN MOST POPULAR CITIES THAT OUR CLASSMATES CALL HOME

NEW BRITAIN_______________37
SOUTHINGTON______________14
BERLIN______________________9
BRISTOL_____________________9
NEWINGTON_________________ 8
FARMINGTON________________6
KENSINGTON_________________6
PLAINVILLE__________________6
BURLINGTON_________________4
WEST HARTFORD_____________4

THIS JUST IN FILM AT ELEVEN

2008-05-30T07:42:00.017-04:00

DO YOU REMEMBER?

Jean Bonafonte as Homecoming queen

Friday nights at the Farm Shop

The fight after the Staples Football Game

Sally Kalentkowski’s voice

Finding your unknown in Chemistry

Mr. Pagano’s haircuts

Your first field hockey game

Casino Royale in the boy’s locker room

Dissecting the frog

The first time you took the college boards

Mr. Churchill and Miss Scalise

Mr. Rittner’s jokes

Phil Bruzas and Ken Tessman fighting over who would wear the red pants in the Thanksgiving day game

“Sarge”

Mr. Marsh’s bow ties

The day there were three fire drills during D caf

Nancy Matascik’s love life

Brad Davis’ appearance

Mr. Eaton

“Step, toss, pivot”

Girls League Formals

The “Breakfast Club”

Stimulating discussions in room 218 which created a warm atmosphere between student and teacher

Marlboro Country—the boys’ main floor lavatory

Mr. Zeigler’s yellow turtle neck

Travel and study group in Europe last year

Joe Piatek’s laugh

Driving your car to school for the first time

Roger Jackuewicz’s fight with a Volkswagon bus

Receiving your college acceptance, or rejection

Ken Tessman’s fantastic attendance record

Wishing you were Tommy Schultz and being accepted at Havard, Yale, Dartmouth, BostonCollege, Boston University ….

Bruce Wearne’s Keilbasa raffle

The Cafeteria Strike

Cecil B. Prouty’s production of “Alvin York” (pay a dime or sit in the library)

David Labas and Janis Ropiak in their fabulous performance of “The Music Man”

Your Senior Year

Pendulum, Vol.7 No.7, complimentary issue

Lou Zabohonski invites you to add to the list. Here are two that Lou remembers.

Candi Broemel sniffling so loudly at the graduation that they had to raise the lights to see who it was

The day Lou brought the tape recorder to Mr. Mac's American class during our study of Macbeth and the "King" received boos

ALASKA OR BUST

2008-05-29T20:01:00.005-04:00

I have been trying to write something profound for the blog for awhile with out success so here goes a bit off the top of my head. While this is essentially for me, I think this is also for those of you who are sitting on the fence regarding attending the reunion. I am sure there is even a smaller number of you who remember me and perhaps you may be interested in renewing or starting a friendship at the event. I feel this reunion is going to be a memorable event and I want to encourage you to attend with the hope that it can put high school experience in a better light, making your future experiences that much brighter. I have had virtually no contact with classmates since high school .Probably as some other classmates may feel, my dominant memories of my early years in New Britain and finally in high school were not positive. As years have passed my own sense of self and my self image has grown/improved. I have come to understand that the lonely times in high school were my own responsibility. Heck, we were all only children with varying levels of maturity. The years have allowed me to see that what I thought were superficial friendships and spectator-only involvement in classes, plays, athletic events provided a solid foundation for future learning. I thank all of my classmates now for what you gave me by just being yourselves. My life experience since high school have been blessings. Not always great, many truly sucked actually, but they have led to me being happy with who I am. I hope the same for all of you. I want to assure those of you still having hard times that contentment is possible. For those of you who don't read classmates.com, I immediately went to Alaska after high school, worked on Dall Sheep, Grizzlies, Caribou etc in many beautiful places. I even sued the federal government and won (sex discrimination). I homesteaded in the wilderness 100 miles from the closest road, earned a terminal degree, grew in a loving relationship, adopted a child and built a home. I am proud to say that our child just finished in the top of his class in math. Last night during my son's graduation party we watched sea lions, humpback and killer whales go by in the evening sun. I found that what Emerson wrote about thinking you can or can't making your reality is right on. The reason I mention all of this is to share, hoping we will all do the same at the reunion. One thing I learned in bush Alaska is something that many of you probably already knew in high school. It is the importance of sharing experiences. Subsistence living can be tough with dying a real likelihood all too often. Sharing experiences is a great way to avoid future dangers and creates abond between people that is truly valuable and forever. Here are some of my good memories from High School which I hope some of you remember. Ms. Grant was truly the most inspiring teacher I have ever had. She believed in each of us and the potential of good in the human spirit. I liked other teachers but no one gave me the energy of knowing that there is a "good" that we can all reach for. I have kept in contact with her very sporadically and most recently found she is still teaching high school in Seattle , still inspiring kids. A life well lived . I think of all my fishing/hunting buddies and the good times we shared close to what I know is our fundamental connection to the world around us. I think about the young women who sat next to me in 10th grade English and 11th grade geometry . You reached out and made me feel I was worthy and liked. I apologize for not reciprocating more and want you to know your friendliness eventually enabled me to develop an awesome and lifetime relationship with my soulmate Sylvia who unfortunately won't be able to attend our 40th reunion. I think about the friends I had in scouting and the laughter/learning/values and much more we shared in a safe environment. To close, what hopefully has not been too long for the blog, I want to promise you I will listen to your stories of your kids at the reunion. Please allow me to tell you one of my own . We have 108 stairs leading from our parking area to our house. They keep us in shape and also give one's mind time to wander. A few years ago my son and I were walking up them and I was fretting about a work situation which I did all too much back then. He obviously had enough, stopped me and said, " Don't look at the stair behind you or the stair in front of you, just the stair you are on. Don't think about anything but what you can see from that stair. Is everything not perfect?" I saw the light in his face and knew it was in all of us. Looking forward to seeing the light in your faces at the reunion. Always wishing you the best, bob piorkowski

YA GOTTA LOVE THIS GUY

2008-05-26T22:21:00.003-04:00

Ro,

In an early blog you challenged those of us who did not attend the 25th to post a picture of ourselves from that time, attached is mine.

Here's an addition to the blog if you want.

Thoughts from one of the Lost Boys, i.e. until Patti found me. I am definitely going to the reunion and I challenge those who haven't yet committed to going to come and join us. As Ro pointed out don't worry about your looks. Reality is at this point we probably look more like our parents. Heck, I'm almost twice the person I was when I graduated. Take it as a challenge, try and identify the parents from the high school pictures of their kids. If you don't want to go because of the way you turned out, give it up. I used that excuse for the 25th reunion and regret it now. Herr Koch said he had a map when he graduated. Well I tried winging it and it shows. You could give me the title of Class Underachiever if you want. It wasn't until about 5 years ago that I realized what I should have been when I grew up. Come to the reunion if you are interested in details. I did have some successes. Most notably it took a military assignment to Germany to find a "Polish" girl from the eastside of Detroit, the city not the burbs. I proposed after knowing her a month after we met and we were married a month later. That has lasted over 31 years. The way I look at this reunion is a get together of a family that has been apart for 40 years. For me, I realized that I grew up with a good sized group of the graduating class, i.e. from first grade through high school. If that ain't like family I don't know what is. And, the excuse for not going because I'm afraid I won't remember, I figure everyone will help. Take this from someone with the memory of a sieve. I have gone over the yearbook a number of time looking at the pictures and the notes and the memories just aren't coming back that easily from the recesses of my mind. But that's a big reason for me going. I left too much behind and regret it now. Regarding the notes, Peggy and Ursula, I am sorry I was so annoying in Physics. Anyway, I am making the time and taking the road trip. I hope to see most of the class at the reunion.

lou (Zabohonski)

DEJA VU, ALL OVER AGAIN

2008-05-23T11:07:00.014-04:00

OK BOYS AND GIRLS, LET'S NOT DISAPPOINT PATTY AND JUDI, AKA, DEZ AND MAGS SEND IN YOUR CHECK TODAY, SO YOU CAN SEE HOW MUCH BETTER YOU LOOK THAN THE REST OF US! I, FOR ONE, PROMISE THAT YOU WILL LOOK BETTER THAN I. SEE, NOW AREN'T YOU CURIOUS? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is your last trip down memory lane, until June 28th. Judy sent me some of her photos a while ago. I have to admit that my scanner took a turn for the worse and I had to replace it before I could show you the gems to follow. And some of them are real gems! Seems Judi's house was party central! Please enjoy and help me fill in the blanks in the captions. THANKS JUDI Dolores Koff, Linda Tolis(?), ?, Nancy Melechinsky

Nancy Melechinsky

Look at those white jeans? Margaret Morgenstern & ?

THE PROM

1978

I'd recognize the guy on the right anywhere! I need help with the other two.

Some More from the 25TH

2008-04-29T17:38:00.003-04:00

Regrets and Fond Memories from Richard Cook: Wide-Eyed and eighteen I had my entire life mapped out after I graduated from High School. Somehow, somewhere I lost that map. The scary thing was that every so often I would find myself back on track, thinking that I knew exactly what I was doing. But sooner or later I would discover that I was back in the thickest underbrush without the aid of a compass. Yet, I have still managed to arrive at this moment in time with my sanity somewhat in tact. (However, many of you, especially Kathy Smulski, will probably doubt that.) It was a pleasant surprise when I received Dez’s call about the upcoming reunion. After I lost the initial contact from the moment I graduated with everyone in the class I figured that I would forever be listed as an MIA during each of the reunions’ roll calls. From somewhere in an old box I found my yearbook. As I thumbed through the pages old faces and forgotten memories returned. There was Ross Spooner, Debbie Stratton, Nancy Matascik, and Kevin McCall who lived on the same street as I did. In those pages I rediscovered quiet Claire Calcinari who was in my homeroom both at Nathan Hale as well as at Pulaski. Then there was Phil Bruzas and fond memories of football push-push drills in the mud. Finally, I came upon the picture of Lou Zabohonski who was a great friend during our Senior year. It is with regret that I will not be able to join you at this joyous occasion. Although my numerous commitments preclude me from attending, I shall think fondly of each of you on that special day. What has happened to me in forty years? First of all I’m still numb to the fact that that many years have actually past. In simple form my story is as follows: To the possible horror of my old laboratory partners, Jean Bonafonte and Lisa Dowling, I actually make a living as a certified laboratory chemist in a research facility. Even without looking in my yearbook I have always remembered Jean’s reminder of our days at Pulaski. There next to her picture she wrote, “Remember last year in Chemistry? How could I forget the time that you almost blew Lisa and I up!” She, and others, may be surprised to learn that I have never succeeded in that particular endeavor, although several of my colleagues have gold stars in that category. My best regards to each and every one of you. A special thank you to “Mr. Mac” for all of your support during those chaotic high school daze (sic). Rich Cook

CAPTIONS

2008-04-19T12:40:00.003-04:00

At Pat's request I have captioned all of the reunion pics. Between the two of us we knew who most of you were, or we thought we did. If we made errors, please forgive us, but do correct us. You may send corrections to either Pat or me. Next topic will be sports. Phil Bruzas sent me an envelope of sports clippings and the recent sports hall of fame dinner was held in New Britain. Thanks to Phil, we have some one of kind photos. I promise I'll get to it soon. Rosi

25th REUNION REDUX

2008-04-16T16:00:00.037-04:00

Sandy Mazur, Judy Maglio, Marilyn Bindas

Robby Shettle, Kathy Tombari

Bernice Nowak, Sueann Thiede

Bob Polidori, Bob DiDonno, Art Tiede, Warren Burton

Robby Shettle, Barb Vallario

Patti Dezi, Jerry Bogosian

Marcia Sharasheff & Donnie Ahern, Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Ahern

Rosann Faiola, James (the hubs)

Sandy Sobolewski, Sal Scalise

Nancy Melechinsky & Bruce Hoffman

Shirley Gugel, & Hubs?

Pat Czarnaty, Bob DiDonno

Gretchen Schaffer, Marsha Neumeister

Debbie Bayram, Tony Dawkins, Theresa Willett, Yvonne Williams

Sandy Mazur, Kevin Smith Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Smith

Karen Tatum, Tony Dawkins

Jane Bentley, Dolores Koff

Candy Broemel, Susan DeSena, Barb Vallario, Marilyn Bindas

Tommy Shultz, Roger Jackucewicz

Patti is really cleaning out those junk drawers! (kidding, kidding) Now this set of photos has many more faces to test your memories. I realize that the contest wasn't one of my better ideas, so go ahead and use the comment function or send me an email and identify all these young fresh faces and I promise no one will win anything! Cross my heart. You guys look SO young. Honestly some of you look better than you did in high school. I decided that just because I wasn't there doesn't mean you don't get to see how I've aged, so I put a ringer in the photos of James and me taken the same year as the 25th reunion. After all, it wouldn't be fair if you compared the old crone I've become with my year book photo. Anyone else out there that wasn't able to attend the 25th, feel free to send me a photo of yourself taken in 1993 and I'll post gladly post it. So Bruce, it looks like you won the previously mentioned infamous contest. Contact me via email and we can decide on your "prize" Rosi

PROUD HUSBAND

2008-04-14T15:19:00.000-04:00

I received this email today from Bart Mazzarella. Sounds like Kasmira Stryczek is one lucky woman!

"My wife, Kas, is in picture #5, (second row, second from right with the blond hair}. Nancy Lamb is in picture #9 and is the blond on the right, (but you already knew that)! Neither of these favorite blonds of mine have changed a whole lot since 1968! Especially my wife of 39 years! Kas is still gorgeous and no one believes she is a grandmother of 7! Everyone here in Florida is telling her to go to the reunion to show off how well she's kept herself, but she's never been that type of person. The fact is we haven't been back to Ct since 2000 when we moved my mom here to Vero Beach. Her mom, Anna, has been living with us since 1999."

VIEWING RENUNION PHOTOS

2008-04-14T11:24:00.002-04:00

Some of you may be having difficulty viewing the reunion photos. I did change the host for these blog photos because there is a known issue with vanishing photos that are resized and hosted on google web albums. For those of you who have security settings that do not allow you to view anything that is hosted on a secondary host site, I have stored these photos on Picasa Web Albums. Here is the link. If your security setting does not allow a live link, just use copy and paste to put the address in your browser address bar.

25TH REUNION PHOTOS

2008-04-14T10:38:00.001-04:00

Patti Dezi, Henry Loveland, Linda Silvia, Tony Dawkins, Barb Szczepanik
David Corning, Linda Silvia, Barb Szczepanik
Nancy Matascik, Peggy Foley
Sandy Mazur, Cheryl Griffin, Judy Maglio, Nancy Lamb
Phyllis Williams, Bob Polidori, Pat Dezi, Marie Giannini, Judy Maglio, Art Tiede, Stephen Carey
Phyllis Williams, Pam Pauls
Kevin McCall, Debbie Bayram, Nancy Lamb, Rich Fentner, Art Tiede, Pam Pauls, Bill Sara, Pat Dezi, Jane Bentley, Marie Giannini
Front Row, L to R: Bill Sara, Pam Pauls, Barb Szczepanik, Back Row, L to R: Art Tiede, Marie Giannini, Tom Gzyl, Judy Maglio, Kasimira Stryczek, Linda Silvia
Phyllis Williams, Judy Maglio, Stephen Carey, Pam Pauls
Pat Dezi, Barb Szczepanik, Linda Silvia, Art Tiede
Tom Gzyl, Judy Maglio
Art Tiede, Marilyn Bindas, Judy Maglio
Pat Dezi sent her photos from the 1993 reunion. Now I wasn't there and I wish I had been. Looks like everyone had a great time. If I got any of these wrong, let me know.

More Memories from a Classmate

2008-04-01T19:28:00.002-04:00

Let me say first and foremost, thank you to the 40th Reunion Committee for all the long hours and tireless work to make our reunion memorable. I think I can speak for all of us who are interested that we are so happy you started this whole process, and we are eternally grateful for all you're doing! I want to add a few memories of my own about Rich Stolarun. We sat togther in 9th grade (at good ole Washington Jr. High) in French & Algebra. We had such a nice friendshp and connection, we eventually referred to each other as "brother and sister". I found him to be a quietly funny and warm young guy, with a terrific sense of humor. When we got to PHS, we didn't have any classes together, and would just greet each other in the hall. But we never forgot our friendship from 9th grade, and alluded to it in our yearbook inscriptions. I can't think of the Viet Nam war, without thinking of Rich. So, here's to you Rich....we'll remember you on our 40th reunion party with a smile on our faces - like we remember you! I do hope Mr. Mac comes to our celebration. I had him for 12th grade English (or American, as he insisted it be called). When my older son went to NBHS from 1992 - 1996, he had Mr. Mac for German for 4 years. He loved his humour, intellect and his raw patriotism, as we did. When Dennis & I went to NBHS for parent orientation - Mr. Mac was excited, and made sure Mr. Donahue and Mr. DiMugno knew we were there. It was great to see some of our Pulaski teachers still at it. Hope to see my old friends at the reunion, and also the classmates I didn't know - we all have a lot in common - especially now. Janet (Weed) Boutin

THE BOYS TO MEN OF '68

2008-03-13T12:52:00.009-04:00

".........Tommy Meyers who transferred in to PHS in the Summer of 1967. He was the missing link and one of the best athletes that I played any sport with. You cannot forget Sonny Hall either in an age without sports enhancing drugs and steroids"..... , wrote Phil Bruzas, in a recent email. On the subject of sports, Phil also informs us that Mr. Mac is to be inducted into the New Britain Sports Hall of Fame in April of 2008 along with Artie Corsaletti '67. If it weren't for Phil many of us wouldn't know that New Britain had a Hall of Fame.We have 3 members of the class of '68 who already hold a place on this prestigious list. Tommy Myers, Sonny(Willie) Hall and Greg Wysocki.

John Liljestrand, and Bill Eaton, who were both coaches at Pulaski also have a place in the Hall of Fame. You can read about our very own sports heroes by clicking this link

As a side note; Phil Bruszas, our true class historian, urged me to contact Mr. Mac. Those of you who admired Mr. McNamara, will be happy to hear that he is still going strong and his slightly whacked sense of humor is intact. The only thing that may keep him from our class reunion is an archaeological dig in Greece! Some things should never change, thank goodness.

Thanks again, Phil. You are definitely one of the Reunion Committee's heroes. For those of us who are far away, you are our link to the people and places of '68. If I've forgotten anything, please let me know.

Reunion Invitations are here along with my memories

2008-03-11T18:40:00.003-04:00

All the email invitations have been sent, if you have not received your email invitation please let me know. I will be sending invitations in the mail to those that do not have email. We hope everyone will attend or at least consider attending. Spread the word. The years have passed but the memories and friendships live on. Now is the time to renew those friendship that somehow were left behind. I have been fortunate in that I have already made new friends from our class that I will continue to stay in touch with after the reunion. My high school friends have always been an important part of my life, especially when I moved to Long Island in 1970, divorced in 1972, deciding to stay on Long Island, partied until 1975 when I met and married my husband Dave. I often say I remember my high school boyfriends better than I remember that 2 year rebound marriage. As fate would have it, I would not have come to NY if I didn't marry, so no regrets. Barbara Szczepanik, Judi Maglio, Pam Sutak, and Linda Sylvia have shared in the many different stages of my life away from New Britain. I had lost contact with Nancy Lamb until our 10th reunion, and our friendship really renewed itself after the 25th. I am hoping after the 40th I will have renewed many more. If it were not for my New Britain friends and Frank Cuomo this reunion would not be happening. I have begged them to please get one started, finally working together we have accomplished it. As Pam and I began the task of finding everyone I have had the pleasure of speaking with many of you. So many asking what took so long to get a reunion started. So here we are ready to have that long awaited party, please make it successful by attending. My gift of gab has really paid off in organizing the master list. Where it has gotten me in trouble in the past, this time it has proven to be a great advantage. I have had help from Marilyn Bindas, Cliff Cayer, Bruce Kraczkowsky, Phil Bruzas who has a memory like no other, Claire Calcinari, Scott Gerber, Art Tiede, and Lisa Dowling in finding classmates, without their help we would have more than 69 left to be found. Our goal is NO CLASSMATE left behind so we will continue our search. I have read that some of you would like to get in touch with others, I will be happy to contact each of you to give out the others email address with your permission, so please I mean it when I say email me anytime with anything. I thank you all for being so kind to me when I called (especially those that said Of course I remember you), the best was when one male classmate said Goodbye DEZ see you in June. My high school days came flooding back with that one line, I have not been called Dez in I guess 40 years.

One Step At A Time

2008-03-10T21:57:00.002-04:00

We were the generation that was going to change the world. In 40 years I've learned it isn't always the big gestures that make the difference. It can be as simple as a helping hand when it is needed, one word at the right time, an inner truth expressed outloud that lets someone know they aren't the only one.. So I second Rosann, lets hear from the "men of 68." Thank you Rosann for giving us this forum. And Lisa Dowling I need your email. If you are in touch with Sally K she has my email. You cannot believe how many times I have thought about you over the years. And Cheryl Griffin are you out there? Vicky Micklos where are you? Janet Kalwat, I've heard great things about you. Bruce Hoffman I still remember you from Trinity Methodist and Cheryl Pajor I would love to hear from you. Tom Shultz are you the governor of anything? And has anybody heard from Chuck Searle? Sally Hornkohl Bell

OUR ROOTS GO DEEP

2008-03-10T16:08:00.002-04:00

It seems that the Girls of '68 are starting to speak up. If you read the comments under Sally's, Karen's, and Scott & Sharon's post, you'll be reminded that some of our ties to each other go all the way to childhood. In my life, I knew Robby Shettle , Barbara Vallario, Karen Percival, Suzanne Corr, Ross Spooner, Bruce Hoffman, Ken Valentine, Gail Caliando, Karen Nelson, Kevin McCall, Martin Johnson, Donna Byett, Nancy Matascik, Debbie Tremont, and probably quite a few more I can't recall at this moment, long before high school. Some were casual aquaintances, some were close friends throughout my school life and some beyond. Chris Mucha was my Maid of Honor. Through my chats with Pat Dezi, I have gained the knowledge that some alums are married to each other, or into each others' families. This 40 year mark is having some unusual effects on the people in my family. First, there's me. Now let's face it folks, I wasn't the most outgoing, smiley, school spirit, kinda girl and here I am helping Pat Dezi and others bring us all back together. I think I left "a smile" in the class will. Strange days! Even my husband, James, had a ghost from the past reach out to find him this weekend. Gotta love those old girlfriends, NOT. Now lets hear some more stories from both the girls of '68 and the boys of '68! Ro-Imnosmileyface-Faiola-Reeder

Another Voice Heard From

2008-03-09T16:48:00.003-04:00

This girl of '68 is at times, a worn out warrior...I still believe in revolution and have an automatic response when being told "you can't do that..." There are times the fight is still in me. Being stubborn has served me well. I raised two children (with the goal of growing up before they did) to be independent, know who they are and be proud of it. I am no good at marriages, but great with kids, animals and old people. I am a long time friend of Bill W. and after 26 years, have gotten the hang of "one day at a time." There are a lot of things I don't understand, and still struggle to accept. In the last few years three people close to me have died, two of whom were my personal heroes. I have not recovered yet. I think I have learned what is important, but I have not had an "open heart" for quite some time. I trust it will return if I keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep the proverbial faith. Being the girl from '68, I have always been drawn to a good existential crisis. It is just easier when it's happening to someone else. So Sally, in the past 40 years I have gone to college many times, finally graduated and got a master's degree. I have been married twice, which means twice divorced for me. I have a son and a daughter who are both artists. Now I run the facility I went to work in 25 years ago as a social worker. I don't have much grey hair, but both my knees need to be replaced. I still turn up the stereo loud, listen to Talking Heads or B B King. I have a parrot that loves to dance to rap music and meows like my Siamese cat (not at the same time.) I sleep with an old basset hound who has no eyes and when folks see her they say "is she blind?" (I love that) I eat too much junk food and don't exercise. And I am convinced I am at least 15 degrees warmer than everyone else (yes, I feel like a freak.) And I remember walking home from Stanley School with you, going an extra block or two past my street because we were having fun and I did not want it to be over. What I wanted was a real life. And lucky me, that's what I have. Does it get any better?

" Girls of 68" This is for you.

2008-03-07T16:40:00.003-05:00

So, I want to say I am the first to appreciate a proud husband that has been in love with his wife and happily married for 39 years. Life doesn't get any better. But, for those of us who have been (in these last 15 years) to the raw edge of menopause and back and have returned with our "true voices" intact, this post is for you. Please don't back out of this reunion because you think you should look a certain way or still be "18." One of the reasons I am coming to this 40th is because I have been taking care of an 88 year old mother that is coming to the end of a long battle with her health and who has lived her life for what "others" wanted her to be or do. It makes you re-evaluate what it means to be female. If anyone got to see the musical "Menopause" you know life isn't about staying the same. It is about looking changes in the face and learning to go with them. So, "girls of 68" I am gray, battling weight, divorced and still pretty happy with the way my life has turned out. I've raised a dynamic daughter, live in a comfortable house that I paid for myself, and have worked in a career I love for the past 26 years. Not typical, I guess, but real life. I am "coming home" to honor my New England roots & to say thank you to some great people (male and female) that helped me on the road to where I am today. So I want to hear what the "women of 68" have been doing in the past 40 years-married or not, gray or still paying for "natural color," thin or thick. Like Sugarland/Bon Jovi says in the song, " there are a million miles of memories on that road. Who says you can't go home-there's only one place they call me one of their own." I for one am looking forward to seeing everyone. I may have to put on my progressives to do that, but I will be there with an open heart. See you in June. Sally (Hornkohl) Bell: Way Out West

REACHING OUT

2008-03-03T09:47:00.011-05:00

With great sorrow we report that one of our classmates, Sandra Sobolewski Skarzynski, is confined to a nursing facility in Windsor. She has suffered from MS for several years now. Although Sandy is now tube fed and incapable of speech, she is still aware of her surroundings and cognizant of any attempt to communicate with her. As often happens in life, we lost track of one another but during our high school years Sandy was an important and beloved person in our lives. I invite you to post any memory you may have of her, encourage you to send her a card, or, if so inclined, pray for her. Thanks for your support.
Sharon (Rosiek) Ruetenik and Scott Gerber

Cards may be sent to: Sandra Skarzynski, Kimberly Hall South, 1 Emerson Drive, Windsor, CT 06095

2008-02-22T08:51:00.002-05:00

Many thanks to Rosann for posting this slide show. This was sent to me by a good friend, Al Cohen, who just turned 90 years young recently. I thought it was worthy of sharing with you all.

CLIFF CAYER SHARES THIS

2008-02-22T08:34:00.002-05:00

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A SYMBOL OF OUR GENERATION

2008-02-21T11:47:00.008-05:00

Patti Dezi took this photo and wanted to share her view of the size and scope of the Memorial. I tried to incorporate this into the previous post, but blogger is having a little hiccup concerning photo resizing. We don't mean to dwell on this part of our past, but the war affected us individually and as a generation. It is part of who we are. We invite those of you with memories related to the memorial to add them in comments or to the actual post. Photo courtesy of Pat Dezi