Brush 1964 p.4: January 2010

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

We are the 1964 graduating class of Charles F. Brush High School. I think that once you've viewed this page, you will have a pretty good idea of who some of us are and where we've come from. I'm talking about the "Baby Boom Generation" -- that generation of babies born just after the end of W. W. II.

Many will agree that early childhood development and experiences thereafter, help to define our character as we mature. With that being said, we were the first generation with a television set in our homes. So what did we watch?

Generations X and Y grew up watching Sesame Street and the Electric Co. Nice! But I don't think Bert and Ernie, Kermit, or Big Bird can top who we were watching.

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL.............

After Brush and 1964, many of us went in differing directions. Some of us went on to institutions of higher learning, fine tuning our eclectic being. Others may have worked part time or traveled. We are talking about that time in between high school and the harsh realities of having to provide for ourselves. If you have any such pictures of yourself or other classmates from that period (before 1970), send them on and I will post them.

These 2 Bohemian looking gentlemen are Al Roberts and Daniel Sanders during their Ohio State University days, off campus in a rented house in Columbus. From the same period, I came across this picture of myself. Oh, that hair! Exactly as it grew, no wig, no Toni. Don't you dare go back to your yearbook, we all had crew-cuts in 1964.

Daniel Sanders

Dennis Lambert (1969)

Alan Roberts

Lyndhurst History

Back in 1992, Thomas Treer was President of the Lyndhurst Historical Society. The Society published the book you see to your right. 2010, the book has been republished as Images of America Lyndhurst. This version is available on Amazon (click on).

The original version is available at Lyndhurst City Hall for $20.

Ellen Roberts

Ellen Roberts Dreibelbis won the Artist's Magazine Art Over 60 Competition. There were only 10 winners out of 3300 entries. Congratulations to Ellen!

Here is the link to her web site: Artistswebsite (click on)

Rick Doesburg

Here is some information from Rick Doesburg's Website. Rick was at our 45th Class Reunion and he is pictured on page 3 of our Website.

"Thornton Landscape was founded in 1961 by the Thornton family in Maineville, Ohio. Rick Doesburg began working for the company in 1969 and bought the company from the Thorntons when they retired in 1999. He now serves as its president.

Like Rick Doesburg, many of Thornton Landscape’s 45 employees have been a part of this family-owned company for more than 25 years. They are distinguished in the green industry through extensive education and training and many of them have earned certifications as Landscape Professionals, Landscape Architects and Landscape Technicians.

Rick Doesburg and his son Andy Doesburg, vice president, have served in numerous leadership positions in the industry. Most recently, Andy served as president of the Associates Council of the Greater Cincinnati Homebuilders Association in 2007. And he is the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association president in 2009."

Here is a link: Thornton Landscape (click on)

Be sure and look at his short video -- Great examples of some of the work he does. You just might get some ideas for landscaping your yard!

A Note From Dave Adams

"Even though I was there for only my last two years, I was always proud to be a Brush alum. The e-mails have put me back in touch with folks I had not heard from in far too many years.
I have a bit of news of my own to share, although it might not interest all that many people. Last year I had published a book of my New & Selected Poems, which really represents more than 35 years of writing. It’s titled Room for Darkness, Room for Light. It is available from Amazon (or, for Clevelanders, at MacsBacks on Coventry). The cover photo is one I took at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
Well, it’s an achievement of some sort, and a few may want to see it. Please keep the news coming. Cheers, Dave"
Here is a link to commentary and a sample poem from Dave Adam's book. The video that is posted with the commentary is also an eye-opening reminder of our past.
Room For Darkness, Room For Light (Click On)

Karen Speranza

Karen Speranza McCullough wrote to say "Hi" and emailed a link to her Web Site.

After looking at her Web Site......Well, All I can say about her here is, "Five Feet of Dynamite"! She's a motivational speaker, business owner, entrepreneur, and now an Author.

Take a look at her Web Site:
Karen McCullough & Company (click on)

Especially, watch her video and read her biography!

Our Class

Recently, our class found Bruce Ashkenas. Bruce tells me that he is now retired from working at the National Archives. Bruce is also an author, having 3 of his books published. He is in the process of writing another. Bruce is also actively working for a cure for Dystonia , a disease that affects the neurological system. Here he is pictured with an advocacy group.

One of our Classmates emailed this article to me just after our 45th Reunion. It is a brief profile of Nancy Fenley's professional life. Her accomplishments are impressive! To read it, double click on it and it will fully open.

Her current Website is:

http://www.bickfordlaw.com/

Carl Singer

I received an Email from Carl Singer. Here is a partial quote from his message:
".....At that time I wasn't at all happy about the circumstances -- my Dad had died when I was in college and I was supporting my Mom...... This was a great interruption -- I had so many things on my plate and was full steam ahead towards my (then) goals.
On the other hand some twenty years prior I came to this generous and glorious country as a "refugee" -- not an "immigrant" with all that connotes today -- but someone who, having been born on a freight train in post WW-II Europe, sought refuge...".
I found his message so compelling that I needed to read more about Carl Singer. Here is a link to Carl Singer's Web Page:
Click On Here
There is no doubt that each of us has a story to tell and I think you will be impressed and surprised with the path Carl's life has taken over these many years!

Carl Singer -- Honored Veteran by the President -- 2016

Here is a small reminder of the great sacrifice made in the time of war -- FOREVER YOUNG!

Don Barr

Huntington’s Disease Society of America

Elects Donald L. Barr

to Chair National Board of Trustees

New York – July 21, 2010 – The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) has elected Donald L. Barr of Chesterland Ohio as Chair of the Society’s National Board of Trustees. In this position, Mr. Barr will oversee the Board’s guidance of the organization’s 39 Chapters and Affiliates throughout the United States and lead the development of a new strategic plan that will create the blueprint for the expansion of services to the 30,000 Americans with Huntington’s disease (HD) and the 200,000 who are at-risk. Huntington’s disease is a rare, genetic neurological disease that robs individuals of their ability to think, talk, walk and reason.

Mr. Barr is well-known in the Cleveland community as the principal of Donald L. Barr & Co. Inc, which builds and develops homes in the Northeast Ohio area. The company has shown its support in the community through many programs, including its annual “Tree of Hope” project. Don has supported several alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs for many years. He is also a trustee of the Ohio Wetlands Foundation, past president of The Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland and The Ohio Home Builders Association, and is a life director of the National Association of Home Builders.

Mr. Barr has been active in the Society for more than ten years, first at the local level as president for four where he ran a local support group for the Northeast Ohio Chapter. Over the years, he has served in a variety of leadership roles at the national level, including Chair of the Development Committee and Strategic Planning Task Force as well as Vice Chair. Additionally, he is a founding member of HDSA’s National Youth Alliance, a support community for children and young adults facing Huntington’s disease.

Don's father and sister both died from this devastating disease. It is his desire to do all that he can to help the families who suffer and ultimately find a way to postpone the onset and find a cure.

“We are fortunate to have someone with the leadership skills and deep affinity for the needs of the families facing the daily challenges of Huntington’s disease to take the helm of our Board,” said Louise Vetter, Chief Executive Officer of HDSA. “He will no doubt utilize his personal understanding to guide the focus of the Society, and thereby improve the lives of everyone affected by this devastating disease.”

For more information about HDSA, please visit http://www.hdsa.org/. HDSA’s Northeast Ohio Chapter is located at 10176 Luman Lane, Twinsburg, OH 44087. Barbara Kaiser, is the Development Director.

If I May, Some Personal Privilage

2014 -- Our 50th Class Reunion and 44 years as the Lambert Team with my wife, Carol. You may never get to meet her because she is not one to attend functions like class reunions. In 1970, on a Monday, Carol Mihalek became Carol Lambert.

April 6, 2010, was our 40th Wedding Anniversary and a milestone in our life's journey together. As most of you know, a 40 year journey can have both smooth sailing and sometimes, rough seas, but we made it and we are soul mates. I just wanted to share that with you.

If you have a special moment to share with our classmates, send it on and I will post it.

******************************

Sam Fratantonio

I got a brief email from Sam Fratantonio. He says, "Looking forward to seeing everyone." I've known Sam since we were both in Kindergarten back before Southlyn Elementary when Memorial was both Elementary and a Jr. High. Professor Rd. was just a dirt path and Sam lived on that corner of Westbourne.

He sent along this picture and it is obvious that Sam is no where near ready for a Rocking Chair! He still enjoys working and owns a company that makes custom hair replacements for women and children who lose their hair because of medical reasons. Sam works with the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and many other Cancer Support Groups.

Sam married Debbie Linger, Brush class of 1965, and they have been married for 45 years.

Sam says he wouldn't mind hearing from some of his old friends. So, if you would like his email address, contact Jim Simpson at brush1964@gmail.com

Sam & Debbie Fratantonio

One of our classmates asked about Howard Kossoff. Howard is Dr. Howard Kossoff, a Dentist practicing on the east side of Cleveland.

Here is a link to his Website and his profile:
Howard Kossoff (click on)

Great Broadcast Memories

Nothing brings back those old memories of home and growing up like looking back at what we were watching on TV locally. Here is a flashback in time that I think you will enjoy. Watch the first segment featuring Mike Douglas, keep an eye on the Policeman sitting at the table. You will recognize him as Tom (a.k.a) Tim Conway. Before leaving to join Carol Burnett and Steve Allen in L.A., Tim began his career at Channel 3. In the late 1950's, Tim was coaxed by Ernie Anderson to join him at TV 8 for a show called Ernie's Place. Ernie was the "straight man" often doing interviews. That was their routine. Not only did they partner for TV, they cut a couple of comedy albums for Liberty Records. I still have 2 of their albums.

So, sit back and enjoy part 2 of this 4 part video as we remember..........

Back in the late 1990's, I had the pleasure of getting to know Linn Sheldon. He and his wife, Laura, would shop in Rocky River where I was working. He told me many interesting things about his life and career. Here is something that many of you may not remember. Linn had an alcohol problem and he worked the local nightclubs in the area often touring with Ernie Anderson. As he tells it, "Ernie could drink me under the table". Linn wrote his memoirs in a book called Barnaby and Me. Here is an exerpt from the book.

Barnaby & Me (click on)

Another personality that I was fortunate to talk to, from time to time, was Tom Haley who lived in Westlake. Tom was a regular at Rustics Restaurant in Rocky River and would often eat by himself. He was never alone, though. He enjoyed the company of the other regular patrons and would often talk with me and Carol when we were having dinner. My last memory goes back many years, back to our Junior High days. Daniel Sanders and I were good friends and every so often his father would go golfing with Clay Conroy a.k.a. Woodrow the Woodsman. Strange seeing him without that elf outfit.

October, 2009, PBS in Akron ran a Documentary on Ernie "Ghoulardi" Anderson.

Based on a book by Gray Publishing, Turn Blue: The Short Life of Ghoulardi is an hour-long documentary about the infamous Cleveland late-night horror movie host. Directed by Phil Hoffman, a University of Akron professor and general manager of University of Akron’s Z-TV, it shows how Ghoulardi (Ernie Anderson) went from being a cast-out to the king of Cleveland TV during his short reign from 1963-66. It premiered on Western Reserve PBS 45/49 WEAO. Hoffman hopes to have the film out on DVD.

44+ Years later, Ghoulardi ???
"Hey Group, check out this video, ovaday".....

Ghoulardifest (click on)

(This would be the appropriate place to insert a 15 sec. clip of Dorothy Fuldheim.)

I knew Ernie. I worked at Golden Gate Honda where Ernie bought his Honda Super Hawk. He and my boss would drink Four Roses and one Saturday he flew out of the shop late for his 6 PM show. That was the day he drove his motorcycle through the front door and the lobby of WJW.

I believe it was 1964 when Al Roberts and I got a mouse from Mr. Smith's biology room, put it in a box, and delivered it to Ghoulardi with a note claiming the mouse was Mr. Grimes after a bad Chemistry experiment. I think everybody saw that -- it sure dominated Monday's conversations at Brush. So goes my contribution to the senior class. Now you know why I didn't date much in High School!

McDonalds @ Mayfield and Green

Bev Padwa sent this picture and she said there are more pictures of Lyndhurst, South Euclid and Mayfield on Facebook.

Remember Euclid Beach.

Sally Caldwell submitted a link to a short film about Euclid Beach Park .

Ride the Thriller

(Thanks, Sally)

[ From: Jack Leach ]

I was recently reading an article about an old amusement park (Jantzen Beach) in Portland (Oregon) that folded about the same time that I moved here in 1969. The article mentioned the “Laughing Sal” at the park and even had a photo that was remarkably similar to the Sal I knew at Euclid Beach. I learned that there were MANY Laughing Sals (sometimes called Laffing Sal) all made by the same company. This is consistent with other information I have gleaned over the years about the many amusement park rides at Euclid Beach that were replicated at numerous amusement parks all over the country. Very few of the rides were unique, although I don’t recall ever hearing about another ride like the Flying Turns. Around 1962 my parents rented one of the Euclid Beach summer cabins (just east of the amusement park) for a short summer vacation. A friend from Mayfield Heights, Jim, was staying with us and one night after midnight Jim and I snuck into the amusement park after closing and walked to the top of the Flying Turns (up the main incline). From the top we watched a security guard walk by below and, after he passed, we walked the entire length of the ride (without the benefit of flashlights). It was spooky but fun and we didn’t get caught.

Here is a video of a Class Reunion performance lip-sync of an old Patsy Cline tune sent to us by Arnie Cohn.

^^ Click on the start button

Revisiting Tom Rush

We are so fortunate to be living during this period of time. From technology to social issues, we have witnessed many historical changes. Tom Rush is a part of our generation.

Here he is performing a song that I think you might enjoy.

Here is one more Tom Rush link that I think most of you will enjoy. But be warned, the song may be a bit unsettling for those who have found a more righteous path in life. The pictures are the real reason for this posting. [As an aside, there is a moral to this video.]

TAKE ME BACK TO THE 50's & 60's

Of course, Cheryl Ebersole wasn't really driving this 1955 Nash back at Brush.
I just thought it was fitting to put her in it here, for her contributions.

Let's Twist!

^^ Click on the start button
Remember when Roller Skates had 4 Wheels?

He's A Rebel -- An exurb from the video
"Story of Phil Spector" (1983)
Producer: Patrick Lacy
Film by: Binia Tymieniecka
Channel Four Television Co. LTD.
Available through Amazon.com