Pioneer Newsletter - November 2006

Editor: Jim Morgan (Class of 1958)
320 East Vine #4
Murray, Utah 84107
(801) 261-1906
E-mail: jrmmgm123@juno.com
E-mail: jrmmgm123@aol.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I love this time of year because it brings back
memories of my first thanksgiving in North Miami as I moved there in
October 1955. I was in a new school, meeting new friends, and going to
football games. I had only been to a few high school football games in
Rhode Island. I remember the first game that I went to was on Halloween
Eve when the Pioneers beat Saint Theresa 31-0. The next game that I saw
was on November 12, 1955 when we beat Pompano 26-0. The last home game in
1955 we defeated Curley 11-7. It was nice to be able to recognize some of
the player when they were walking the halls. A few that I remember
playing that first year were Larry Brown, Ken Hubble, Skip McFarlane, Vic
Miranda, Vennie Pent, Joe Rojas, Tom Sgro, Bill Shouldice, Larry Turner.
The season wasn’t the greatest for the Pioneers, with 3 wins and 7 losses
but this was only the second year that North Miami High School had a
football team.

I was surprised to find so many extra curricular activities at school. I
had just left a junior hive in Providence, Rhode Island that had almost
8oo students and now was attending North Miami High (the name had just
been changed) with a student body of over 3,200.

Clubs and organizations that first year included: Advanced Chorus,
Archery Club, Art Club, Audio-Visual Club, Band, BETA Club, Bop Club,
Boy’s Sports Club, Charm Club, Cheerleaders, Concert Band, Conestoga
Yearbook, Dance Club, D.C.T. Club, Debate Club, Drill Corps, Fish and
Wildlife Club, French Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Future
Farmers of America, Future Homemakers of America, Future Teachers of
America, G.A.A., Girls’ Chorus, Glee Club, Golf Club, Harmoneers,
Honoria, Hot Rod Club, Journalism Club, Joy Club, Junior Counselors,
Junior Optimist Club, Junior Red Cross, Key Club, Latin Club, Lettermen’s
Club, Library Club, Majorettes, Marching Band, Mixed Chorus, Photo Club,
Pioneer Newspaper, Print Club, Quill and Scroll, Riding Club, Roller
Skating Club, Science Club, Sorrota, Spearfishing Club, Student Council,
Sub-Debs Club, Teenage Book Club, Thespians, Traffic Club, Wheel Club,
Y-Teens.

Over the next few years some of the original clubs at North Miami High
School no longer existed while a few new ones were added.

Voice E-mails and Voice Messages: Recently I’ve received a few voice
e-mails and voice messages on the telephone from Pioneers that I have not
been able to understand. Just so you know I have lost all hearing in one
ear and only hear certain tones in the other but I get along just fine.
It is best to send a regular e-mail as often I have to delete your
message because I can’t understand what is being said (many talk to soft
or to fast). One asked for a snail mail or e-mail address on a Pioneer
friends but I gave up trying to figure it out. It type it is a lot easier
for me.

Under the “Pioneer Notes” section are some few comments about the Class
of 1956 Big 50 that was held on the weekend of October 20-22 in Orlando.
All of the reports state that it was a great success. Alyce Brown did a
fantastic job in putting this reunion together. Also are few comments
about B&M brown bread from other Pioneers were lost due to a power
failure as I was compiling this issue. I hadn’t realized that it was such
a typical New England supper.

I had about another 10 messages in this issue that were lost due to a
freak power failure during a wind storm. Usually when this happens when I
start up my computer again I can retrieve what I had input but it wasn’t
the case this time. I apologize for this. If I have missed something
important from one of you please e-mail your information to me again at:
jrmmgm123@juno.com.
Genealogical Newsletter:
I’ve just resent the first “Genealogical newsletter” to those who asked
me to send them genealogical tips along with the second issue. If you
didn’t receive it and would like a copy please e-mail me at:
jrmmgm123@juno.com. I collect articles that are helpful for future
issues. The genealogical newsletter is not written every month like the
“Pioneer newsletter” so please don’t think you will be getting it
monthly. You may get only two or three of them in a year.
Comments on Current North Miami High School:
The last article in this issue is a list of comments that are posted on
an Internet site called “great schools” about North Miami Senior High
School. It is printed for informational purpose only. The seventeen
comments were written by parents and students in the last two years. How
sad to read about the terrible condition at the school that we were so
proud to attend back in the 1950’s. They are all printed as written
except for a few very obvious spelling errors.
Death of Bette Hoyt (Class of 1957): Bette (Hoyt) Mankowski died after a
very short illness on Thursday November 3, 2006. She lives in Sunrise,
Florida but was visiting two of her daughters in Chicago, Illinois when
she died. Visitation and viewing were held on Tuesday November 17 at:
Fred Hunter's University Chapel, 2401 South University Drive, Davie,
Florida from 4 to 7 p.m. A memorial service was held on Wednesday
November 18 at First Church West, 12700 West Broward, Plantation,
Florida, 10 a.m. Thanks to Ginny (Herndon) Baltzer for the information.
Here is Bette Hoyt Mankowski's address if any of you would like to send
condolences to the family: 3768 N.W. 122nd Terrace, Sunrise, Florida
33323 (Note: I received this from Audrey Axelson-Class of 1957).

Death of Ronald Keith Hutchinson (Class of 1961): Good Day Jim, I
continue to enjoy reading all the great memories of NMSH. I do however
and unfortunately wish to inform those who may remember my brother.
Ronald Keith Hutchinson, 13010 N.E. 9th Avenue, North Miami, Florida. He
attended NMHS from 1958-1961. Keith moved to Michigan over 35 years ago
and had 7 children, and 18 grandchildren. His grandchildren will miss him
so very much. He was disabled with Cardiac disease for over 20 years and
they spent a great deal of time with him. Best Regards, Wendy L.
Hutchinson-Hahn, NMSH: 1961-1964.
Death of Thomas G. Kilka (Class of 1958): Thomas G. Kilka, 66, of North
Miami, Florida passed away October 28, 2006. He was deeply loved and will
be truly missed by his surviving daughter, Kimberly (Steven) D'Elliseo,
his three loving grandchildren, Dana, Carly and Stevie. Also his loving
sisters, Susan, Elizabeth and Barbara; and brother Milton (Jr.) and
loving family and friends. Services are to be held November 3, 2006 at
11:00 A.M. at Lithgow Bennett Philbrick, 15011 West Dixie Highway, North
Miami, Florida 33181 O: 305-940-6304. To visit this Guest Book Online
www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries. Published in The Miami Herald on
11/1/2006. (Note: I first received information about Tom Kilka being ill
during the last week of October from Robin McGary (Class of 1966). She is
a close friend of Tom's sister Barbara Kilka. Robin mentioned that Tom
was suffering from incurable cancer and it had spread through his entire
body). You can send a message to the family through The Miami Herald
Guest Book until November 2007 or to his daughter Kimberly Deliseo at 340
N.W. 133 Terrace, Coral Springs, Florida 33071 or his sister Barbara
Klika Keller at 153 Laurel Drive, Fredrickberg, Pennsylavania 17026.
Cause of Death-Leon Burrows (Class of 1955): When I went on to the
Classmates.com site last week I noticed an e-mail from Leon’s son
Jonathan Burrows. He mentioned that when his father died in October 1998
it was due to cancer attributed to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam
during the war. Jonathan would like to hear from his father’s old
classmates. I’ve e-mailed him to get his e-mail address and if I get it I
will include it in next month’s Pioneer newsletter. Leon was a member of
the Key Club, Thespians, and Chorus.
B&M Beans and brown bread: Thanks to Don Drybread for sending me
information on B&M beans. I checked out www.bmbeans.com and had a blast
looking at other products that I had completely forgotten about over the
years. For those who want to buy some delicious brown bread for that
great taste again you can order a minimum of 6 cans from the company.
When I checked out B&M I noticed a few other items like Underwood Deviled
Ham that we use to eat when I was young. We always had a few cans in our
food pantry for emergencies. Other products mentioned were Brer Rabbit
and Grandma’s Original Black Strap Molasses. We still use one of them
when we make homemade baked beans.

Thanks for the memories from Janet Armstrong (Friend of Class of 1958)
and Rose Marie Knapp (Class of 1955) who shared their wonderful memories
of eating beans, brown bread and hot dogs as they grew up, usually on a
weekly basis. I gather that it really was a New England tradition for
many of us. Both of their e-mails were part of the power failure loss.

Questions on Pioneer Memorial Fund: I think the scholarship fund is a
great idea and I don't want to hinder that project. In fact, I need to
send my contribution. Do you have a goal? Is there an amount per year
that the recipient will receive? Let me know how I can help with that for
the classes of the early '60's. I'll put the memorial idea on a back
burner for now and we'll see how the scholarship fund goes toward your
goal. We in the class of 1961 may talk among ourselves for a few months.
But I'll be sure we support the scholarship fund first. Thanks for all
your good work with our Pioneers. I appreciate and enjoy your
newsletters. As one additional note, the Class of 1961 selected 8
"Pioneers" for the yearbook. I am embarrassed to not know any of the
history of this award. Do you know the years it was presented? Is there a
list of recipients? Bill Roberts-Class of 1961
In answer to your questions: (1) no amount has been set yet because until
we start getting donations we can’t set an amount. Last I heard we have
not received any donations (2) sorry but I don’t know anything about the
awards that you mentioned. Can any of you Pioneers fill us in on how they
started and who has received them?

Donations to the Pioneer Memorial Scholarship Fund: Send your check to
Scott Galvin, c/o Pioneer Pride Fund, 12100 West Dixie Highway, North
Miami, Florida 33161. Simply write a check payable to the Pioneer Pride
Fund, but designate on the check that you wish it to go to PMSF, and note
the name of the person in whose name the money has been given. You can do
that in a couple of ways....with an accompanying note, or a line on the
check.
Class of 1957 Photos on Classmates: Thanks to Jerry Olive there are 16
great new photographs that you can view on Classmates.com. They were just
posted within the last few weeks by Jerry (posted about October 22nd).
Below is a list and description of the photographs:
Audrey Alexlson, Billy Joe Kline, Jane Torres (all school pictures)
Three unidentified girls in dresses in one photograph, another of three
girls identified as Carol Jane Mary Ellen
Pam, Larry Brown and Martha Veal (check out the bathing suits)
1957 NMHS Cheerleaders, another of the 1957 Band
1957 Honor Garde, Honor Garde Bahamas (I can identify a few of them)
Class of 1957's 25th Reunion in 1982, Class of 1957's 1991 Reunion
1957 Football Coaches, 1957 Football Team,1957 Football Seniors (three
photographs)
1957 Prom-Hank Macari, Frank Rojas with Dates
If anyone can identify the girls in the two photographs by their full
name and the name of the girls who are Hank and Frank's pretty prom dates
would you please let me know so they can be properly identified. Also who
is the Pam in the photograph with Larry Brown and Martha Veal. Check out
Pam and Martha’s bathing suits. Things have sure changed since high
school.
Class of 1957 Lost Pioneers:
Audrey Axelson has been very busy working on finding her lost classmates
with the help of a few other Pioneers from her class, myself and Robin
McGary (the Voodoo Queen-Class of 1964). She has been a great help to
both Audrey and me with our many lost searches. Next month I’ll have a
current updated list of the Class of 1957 that are still missing.
Class of 1957 Graduation Program: Does anyone have an official Class of
1957 Graduation program? If you do would you please let me know? I have a
few names that I would like to check the official spelling on; also to
see if they have a middle name. Please e-mail me at: jrmmgm123@juno.com A
good example is Edwina Scanlan (as listed in the yearbook). Her official
name is Margaret Edwina Scanlan O'Toole. When I look at most of the
computer programs it will not list Edwina but Margaret. (Note: She is not
lost-I’m using this just as an example).
Update on Victor Blix (Class of 1960): Recently I was asked to find out
about Victor E. Blix III. By going to the Social Security Death Index I
found that he was born on January 19, 1942 and died on November 21, 2002
in Marietta, Cobb County, Georgia. I didn’t know the cause of death but
thanks to a few Pioneers from his class I found that Victor died of
cancer. (Note: Thanks to those who made comments on Victor. This was an
easy one because of some great Pioneer classmate help-see another comment
under Pioneer notes)

Information on Monty Clay Steele (Class of 1957): Jim, The last time I
heard about Monty Clay Steele was from Frank Valenza (Class of 1957). He
reported that Monty (who always was a man that pushed the envelope), was
spending his life traveling around the world on a sail boat. I don't
know if anyone can contact him. Perhaps Frank Valenza knows more, (he is
a missionary in South America). The Best, Ray Sherry

Lost or Found-Johnny Gallagher (Class of 1956): Jim: If Johnny Gallager
is among the missing for Class of 1956 (I wasn't sure if he was missing,
or just found).........he is still in Freeport, Bahamas..............I
can probably get a message to him if you give me an address for him to
contact Alyce. I spoke to him in July and he wondered about a reunion
then. Judi Stark. Also from Carol Albrecht (Class of 1956): Hi Jim, at
one of the past reunions, Johnny Gallagher was living in the Bahamas.
Carol (Note: It anyone needs his contact information I’ll get it-I’m not
sure if he was found in time for the Class of 1956 “Big 50 Reunion).

Pioneer Lunch in Salt Lake City: On Saturday, October 28, 2006 a few of
us Pioneers from the Class of 1958 who now live in Utah got together for
lunch and to talk about the good old days at North Miami High School. It
sure was a lot of fun. Pat Lee and his wife Carla Rennie (Class of 1960)
recently moved to Provo, Utah from Mesa, Arizona to be closer to their
married children. After Harold William Weaver lost his first wife he met
Ronda through a Internet dating service. She lived here in Sandy, Utah
while he lived in Nebraska. They hit it off and Will (as he prefers to be
called now) moved to Utah so they could get married which they did in
June of this year. A few days after they marriage Ronda flew off to China
to teach English as a second language. They are now building a home in
Lehi, Utah. Provo, where Pat and Carla live, is 40 miles south of my home
in Murray while Lehi is about 15 miles south of me. We met for a great
seafood lunch at McGrath’s Fish House and had a wonderful time talking
about North Miami High School and North Miami in general. We all agreed
that we miss the good old days when life was carefree but wouldn’t go
back because we love our families. Unfortunately Carla wasn’t able to
join us as she was still in Florida because her 96 year old father is not
doing very well. Carla is staying with her sister Barbara in Lakeland but
she had time to visit sister Trish and brother-in-law John Clifton in
Saint Augustine, Florida. John’s family had Ulli von Burski (Class of
1958) as our foreign exchange student live with them. On a side note
about Ronda: When Miriam and I got married in February 1966 we moved to
Seattle, Washington for the first year. That is were Ronda grew up. We
attended the same church as her father and found that we knew many of the
same people. Miriam and I vaguely remember him as he was a doctor. We
were able to catch up on friends from Seattle 40 years later. It sure is
a small world after all.

Ed Reisinger, Career Specialist, North Miami Senior High School: Mr.
Morgan, First time I have seen your newsletter. I have been a teacher at
North Miami High School since the 1976-1977 school year. I have spent 10
years as the student activity director, 12 years as the Career Specialist
and the other years teaching Architecture. One of my concerns for the
North Miami community and the school is the lack of institutional history
and pride. As the face of the community changed, and the administrations
came and went, and the teachers who have spent a life time at NMHS are
now gone or going very soon, what will happen to our school history? You
know they plan to build a new school by 2009 - I wonder if a display of
the history of the school and the community could be on permanent display
in the new media center? I now this would be a big project
but..............I wonder how many of those who graduated in the early
years have time and a computer? I think Scott Galvin in working on a
history project. Ed Reisinger, Career Specialist, North Miami Senior High
School. (Note: I e-mailed Mr. Reisinger about the items that I have
collected for the North Miami Historical Society. Also about the
wonderful donation a few years ago of about 25-30 old Conestoga’s to the
society from the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s by Mrs. Bassett after her
husband died).

Greetings Pioneers and Pioneers Partners

The Class of 1959 is inviting all Pioneers, their families and friends to
join us as we celebrate reaching the ripe young age of 65 and becoming
eligible for MEDICARE on May 18th, 19th, and 20th 2007 at the Embassy
Suites, Boca Raton, Florida. Phone for reservations (561) 994-8200. Ask
for the rate for the North Miami High Class Reunion. The room rate is
only $129. (plus tax) per night single or double occupancy, $139. triple
occupancy, and $149. quad occupancy. This rate is good for three days
before the reunion and three days afterward. Friday and Saturday Night.

1. Two Night Package is $125. per person if paid ahead or $135. at the
door.

2. Friday night only cost per person is $60. or $70. at the door.

3. Saturday night only cost per person is $95. or $105 at the door.

Please send your check for Friday and Saturday nights' events to Bonnie
Bishop Gardner, 723 Oliver Road, Meansville, Georgia 30256. Please make
all checks payable to North Miami High Class of 1959. Bonnie's phone
number is (770) 567-3503; and her fax line is (770) 567-9768. You can
e-mail her at drbonnie98@aol.com. If there are classmates from other
classes that would like to join them in Boca Raton, please contact Bonnie
and let her know.
North Miami High School Products:
If you have never checked out Cafe Press in the past now is a good time
to do is as it is a great place to buy North Miami High School items with
the Pioneer logo on them. I brought a warm long sleeve sweatshirt two
years ago and it is still in great shape after many washings.
You can find baby items, hooded sweatshirts, regular sweatshirts, golf
shirts, caps, visors, wall clock, BBQ apron, T-shirts, notion box and
many, many other items. They have a nice opened top tote bag with North
Miami Pioneers on front and the school song on the back (sorry no music,
just words but they are printed in Pioneer Green). Close to 100 different
products are listed but beware that some are listed for the Class of 1983
Reunion so click on the item and enlarge before you purchase to make
sure. Check both sides if it is a clothing item. Best of all they have
added a nice mouse pad since the last time I checked the site out. It is
of our old North Miami High School (circa 1957) with the car parked out
front. I’m not sure if it is the same car that was on the post card that
we could by at the school bookstore for a nickel but I believe it is (I
couldn’t get the photograph enlarged big enough to see all of the details
on the car. They also have a package of six note cards and envelopes with
the mouse pad photo available. They would be great to use for special
occasions. Pricing isn't bad at all. (Note: the only reason that I
mention this at all is because of my "North Miami Pioneer Pride" and the
items would make a few of us old Pioneers very happy)
Pioneers Lost:

Below are a few Pioneers that are either lost or that I haven’t been able
to get information on for friends who are looking for them.
Harold Hall (Class of 1956 or 1957): Sorry but I can’t find anything
about him in either the 1956 or 1957 yearbooks. Can anyone fill me in on
Harold.

Helen Hof (Class of 1959): She has a brother Paul who graduated with the
Class of 1956 (now deceased). Paul’s widow lives in the North Palm Beach,
Florida area and I’ve written to her but no answer yet. Maybe someone
could give me the current contact information on her sister Irene Hof
Ulicny (I believe Class of 1964). I think I’ve found Irene living in
Ohio. Does anyone have an e-mail address on her? Even better, does anyone
have information on Helen? Her information will not be given out until I
get Helen’s permission.

Sally Mowery (Class of 1961)

Carol Proscia (Class of 1959)

Richard Rice (Class of 1961)

Merle Salfi (Class of 1958)

Any clue, no matter how small, might be the link to finding them. I’d
appreciate help in finding them. In the case where a male is looking for
a female Pioneer I will not give out the information without having
permission first.

Lost Pioneer Graduates from the Class of 1958:

Below is a list of those from the Class of 1958 Graduation List who are
on our “missing list”. If you have any clue on where any of them are
would you please e-mail me at: jrmmgm123@juno.com with what you know?
The biggest problem is females who may have married. Without the married
surname it is almost impossible to find them. A few of the females may
have become widows, divorced and later remarried.

Next month I will include another undated list of the lost from the Class
of 1958 as I should get replies on letters that I have send out.

Nancy Jean Abrams, Judith Mae Barnes, Laura Ann Baxter, Deloris Elizabeth
Bensch, Phyllis Sandra Bertrand, Judith Buck Brogren, Constance Jean
Brummett, Suzanne Marie Busch, Lynne Gail Campbell (spouse Jerry W.
Kisher), Carol Irene Chase (spouse George Robert Campbell-Class of 1958),
Patricia Anne Clayton, Daniel A. Collins, Joseph Robert Connelly, Mary
Louise Connolly, Mary Jo Craig (spouse Charles Hyder)

Myra Ann Daniels, Larry Darby, Marjorie Penelope Davidson, Jerry L.
Davis, Deborah Day Diefenbach, Susan Ellen Durst, Enid Ann Dworkin, Lynda
Eisenstein, Margaret Pamela Ellis, Mary Anna Emery, Bonnie Jean Evans,
Rae Ellen Falmlen, Donna Jean Ferking, Toby Fox, Elizabeth Lewis Frazer

Victoria Gervickas, William Leslie Gilbert, Renee Carole Gold, Gail
Ashton Hansbury, Gloria Susan Harkavy, Melanie Rae Hausman
(spouse-William Stiloff), Francis Edward Hoch, James Marvin Hyder

Sharon Kay Jackson (spouse-Andrew Kilora), Sara Joyce Johnson, Elaine
Joan Kansas, Kathryn Marcia Kay, Mary Anne Kenny, Carol Joyce King, Jerry
Jean Kohlman, Shirley Ann Kramer, Vickie Sue Kuntzman, Anna Lolah Lancy,
Robert Edward Lange, Barbara Jean Lopez, Mona Janice Lowenhardt

Alice Maier, David Douglas Martin, Marlyn Sue Mathis, Molly Ann Mauritz,
Barbara Ann McCoy (spouse-Andrew Loricono), Karen Gail Meyerson, Marylyn
Miller (spouse John McElroy), Judith Lynn Nelson, Gloria June Nicholas,
Shelby Jean Nichols (spouse James Moore), Faye Carol Olson, Peggy Lou
Oney

Terrance Lee Patterson, Linda Mae Perkins, Isobel Camille Pierce, Carleen
Marie Pompeo (married surname-Claes), Camerone June Reese (spouse Michael
Mallory-Class of 1958), Sandra Claire Rodes, John Lawrence Rogers,
Beverly Joan Rolfe, Judith Elaine Rosco

Linda Alice Schleuning (spouse John Higginbotham-Class of 1958-deceased),
Elizabeth Ann aka Betsy Shoemaker, Judith Ann Sinclair, Marilyn Stevens,
Mae Louise Stokes, Bette Stoop, Sandra May Targony, Arthur Howard Tesser

Lucy Ann Van Dyke. Barbara Walstead (spouse-James Wood), Ann Page
Weathersby, Jeannie Ruth Webb, Vicki Beverly Williamson, Lillie Diane
Wynne, Gladys Yale

Lost Pioneer Friends of the Class of 1958:

Below is a list of those who are Friends of the Class of 1958 who are on
our “friends missing list”. They are not listed on the graduation program
but would have graduated with the class if they had stayed at North Miami
Senior High School. If you have any clue on where any of them are would
you please e-mail me at: jrmmgm123@juno.com with what you know.

Johnny J. Balzano, Richard Charles Ebets, Toby Fox (female), John Grimes,
Judy Gschwind (married surname Wilson), Shirley Haire, James Carlton
Hayes, Eleanor Anne Kilogaski

Alice Maier, Connie Moores, Barbara Gail Stewart, William Stitt, Carol
Streib, Edna Marie Taylor (Scott)

Pioneer Notes:

Janet Armstrong (Friend of Class of 1958): Hi Jim, What a coincidence, my
family's Saturday night dinner was hotdogs, baked beans and B & M Brown
bread, steamed, it came in a can. Take off both ends of the can and
steamed it. I always thought that was a New England meal. I always
remembered it and the program that was on the radio every Saturday night,
Kate Smith and the song "When the Moon Comes over the Mountain",
(something like that). I have tried to find the brown bread in the stores
here in California but have been unable to. Janet

Michael Athanasiou (Class of 1960): Kenneth Orlaska was in the graduation
class of 1960. We, Joseph Giandomenico and I knew him, a very fine
individual and are sorry to hear about his illness. I will send an e-mail
to his wife. Keep up the good work. Michael

Barbara Biber (Class of 1958): Dear Jim, I have been in North Carolina
since last April and have just returned to Lighthouse Point, Florida for
the winter. When in North Carolina I live in Hayesville at beautiful Lake
Chatuge. The area is full of magnificent mountains and lakes. The lakes
are part of the T.V.A. Hayesville is between Murphy and Franklin, North
Carolina. In June I moved into my newly built chalet and just love the
area. It is a whole new life for me up there considering I was raised in
South Florida. We moved there from New York in 1953. It sure has changed
a lot since the 50's. Rose Villalba wrote to you in the October
newsletter and I was thrilled to see her name and all she wrote on her
life since graduation in 1958. Rose was a really nice person and I
remembered her at once when reading about her life in your newsletter.
Suches, Georgia, where Rose and her husband live now, is not far from
Hayesville, North Carolina When I am up there it would be great to get
together with her. My Franciscan Fraternity is based in Blairsville,
Georgia as I am a Secular Franciscan and part of the order. Rose's life
sounded so wonderful and it would be a pleasure to get in touch after all
these years. My email is "Angelwings 33040 @ aol.com". If you could, send
me hers and I will get in touch. Thank you so much. Your news letters are
great! I am so sorry to say that many of the names are not known to me or
just maybe I forgot. Old age I would say... But truly I am looking
forward to the "50th anniversary". It is so hard to believe that all
those years have passed. Just yesterday my daughter Lisa and I were going
through some old photos of our family and one of the pictures was of me
accepting my diploma at our 58' graduation of N.M.H.S. How young we all
were! I still have the Conestoga year book from 58'. Great memories!
Wishing all of you Pioneers the best. Looking forward to November's
newsletter. Blessings, Barbara (Note: I've given both Barbara and Rose
each others e-mail address.)

Bill Boyce (Class of 1956): I'm going to pour myself a nice cup of coffee
and enjoy reading your interesting newsletter. My wife and I just
returned from the '56 Class Reunion in Orlando which was a complete
success. Alyce Brown-Hundley and her volunteers did a fantastic job. If
you didn't have a good time, it was your own fault. Reliving our youth
was so many old friends brought back many fond memories. "Thanks for
making it happen. Alyce." Bill Boyce

Pat Braddock (Class of 1958): Hi Jim, I live in Bayview, Idaho. I don't
remember what homeroom I was in. Actually, I don't remember very much.
Janet Armstrong would remember more than me. I remember Hope and Billy
Davis. Billy was my first love in the 4th grade at Opa-Locka Elementary.
I remember Raymond Hahn. We were going together in the 8th grade. He
walked me to class and I wore his ring on a chain. Donna Batton is
another name. Nancy, Elaine and Lake Hitchcock. Harriet Burtt. Ronnie
Williamson. Billy Jack Rivers. Charlie and Ditty (Sutton) Rucks, Otis
Thacker, Grimes boys, Buddy Johnson, and Little Jack Ortner. They are a
few. I went to Constance Junior High, 7-8. From there was transferred to
Hialeah for 9-11. (Along with most of the names I have on the list). In
the 12th I transferred to Miami Tech and took Fine Arts. Loved having 3
hours of art a day. After graduation I worked for Lindsly Lumber in
Allapattah for 3 months or so. Accepted a job with the Dade County
Sheriff's Dept. Married when I was 19. Had two children. Divorced after 5
years. Remarried, had 4 more children. 6 children in all. Divorced and
remarried in 1981. Have a total of 15 grandchildren. During my school
years, being active in after school activities wasn't an option. There
were no activity busses. We lived N. W. of Opa Locka on 183rd St & 37th
Ave. My father had a greyhound training track and we lived on acreage. I
had 5 horses. They were my salvation as the only close friends were still
a long way off. I became active in horse shows, Junior Roundup Club and
modeling. I have worked as a Chiropractic assistant, insurance office
manager, waitress, restaurant manager, Realtor, and a Real Estate office
manager. I have been a Realtor for the last 21 years. I have two horses.
Still married to the most wonderful man in the world and trying to step
back a little more to relax. No, it's not working. I am still in touch
with Harriett Burtt, Janet Armstrong and Nancy Hitchcock. WOW is all I
can say. The memories of my friends with my horses are extra special.

Lee Clark (Class of 1958): I've been asked by a few Pioneers to try and
get an update on Lee Clark who was a member of the Class of 1958. I've
e-mailed his sister Mayda Clark who graduated with the Class of 1966 and
am waiting a reply. Back in the 1960's I had his wife listed as being
Suzan and they had a daughter Valintine. When our 10th year reunion was
held in 1968 Lee said that he was the manager of Lucayan Beach Hotel in
Freeport, Bahamas. Until I received the information that he had passed
away on January 3, 2005 I knew nothing current.

Gene Cochran (Class of 1957): Jim: I enjoyed the newsletter as always. I
noticed someone talking about an e-mail address for Gordon Branch. If
anyone has it or knows how to contact Gordon I would appreciate the
information. Gordon, Ted Crenshaw and I kept the country safe with our
service in the Army in Germany from 1961-1964. We went our separate ways
soon after returning to the U. S. I left Miami for good in 1968. I have
lived in Houston, Texas for the past five years, ten years in Atlanta
before that, than a year in Charlotte, North Carolina (UGH!), 17 years in
Plano, Texas, 3 in Denver, 3 in Birmingham, all after the one year in
Knoxville, Tennessee after leaving Miami. I have a daughter in Houston
who is a Landscape Architect, and her husband a general contractor. Our
son is in Seattle and is Manager of Advertising and Marketing for
Microsoft's new search engine, his wife a VP of a non-profit funding
women in business in India. They have a son 6. I grew up in the Edison
High School area and we moved to North Miami in my sophomore year and I
attended NMSHS for only my senior year, graduating in 1957. My roots in
Miami go back to the late 1890s when my grandfather's uncle grew bananas
in what is now Coral Gables. During WWII my grandfather and his uncle had
a factory on 11th Avenue in Miami and made shallow water diving equipment
for the Navy. The Miller-Dunn Diving Helmet. Later those same
grandparents had a restaurant on the boulevard at 23d street. that some
may remember...The Cottage Inn. They had an early food franchise called
"Chicken in the Rough". We recently sold the property and there is now a
high rise with "Studio units" on it. I am semi-retired and now work for a
banking software company on special sales projects. Gene

Pat Delman (Class of 1958): Pat and I have been playing telephone tag for
the last few weeks. We leave each other messages. I’ve been trying to
give her contact information on her sister Dee Dee Delman (Class of
1957). Pat is still living in Pennsylvania and keeping busy playing music
for a living. She said she is looking forward to the “Big 50” in two
years. Pat was very saddened by the death of Paul Gleason. I sent her by
snail mail the article that Allan Webb wrote after attending Paul’s
funeral. Also information on how to contact sister Dee Dee.

Don Drybread (Class of 1958): I received as e-mail from our own “Santa
Claus”, Don Drybread that was short and sweet with the e-mail address:
www.bmbeans.com. It was great finding a place where I can order B&M brown
bread. Don was one of the nicest guys in the Class of 1958 at NMHS. Glad
that he is very happy with his second wife, Julie Reese, another former
Pioneer.

Myrna Genshaft (Class of 1956): Hi, I graduated with the Class of 1956
from NMHS and a few weeks ago attended our 50th reunion in Orlando. It
was truly wonderful seeing my classmates again and we haven't changed a
bit! Could you please add me to your newsletter list? Really enjoyed the
copy I saw. By the way, I am looking for a copy of the 1956 North Miami
High School Yearbook. I lost my copy and would love to purchase another.
If anyone has one they are willing to sell, I would be interested.
Thanks. Myrna. (Note: Every report that I have received has been
extremely positive about the Class of 1956 50th reunion. Alyce Brown and
her committee are to be congratulated on a job well done).

Barbara Gondeck (Class of 1958): Hey, I'm still alive and kicking, living
in Las Vegas and still working for the Clark County School District.
Moved here in 1983 from Jupiter, Florida. Lonney was in the Coast Guard
and retired in 1982. He passed away in 2003 from pancreatic cancer.
Daughter Cheryl Szeles lives with me right now along with her two kids,
Eric, age 10, and Kaitlyn age 12. Barbara (Note: Barbara gave me her
e-mail address after I wrote to her in Las Vegas after a very long
search).

Joe Harris (Class of 1955): Jim: Thanks again for your newsletter. It
helps us all remember our roots. I have many fond memories of that time
and place. I have taken a few trips back there over the years and realize
that the memories are all that is left. The time is past and the place
isn't the same. Isn't nostalgia wonderful? It was nice to see the note in
your October issue from Janet Armstrong, a dear friend of mine and my
wife. She and my wife Olive Marietta Pilliod (I've changed all of her
names and she is now known as Rusty Harris) and the other Opa-Locka gals
who started high school at NMHS did get together at the Hialeah reunion a
couple of years back. I was honored that evening to squire all seven of
those little girls I remember from 50 years ago. And they are all as
attractive now as they were pretty then. Rusty did not actually graduate
from Hialeah as her family got transferred out to Maryland when she was
about 14. She and I lived across the street from each other in Opa-Locka
for several years before she left. We kept in touch and love blossomed,
resulting in our wedding in 1960. I worked in the aerospace industry all
the years we have been married until retirement a few years back. Most of
that work was at Kennedy Space Center, but I managed to move her all over
the US to wherever IBM sent me. In 1990 we finally returned here to
Brevard County where many of our old friends from the 'Space Race' still
live. I even got to take her to her Maryland high school's reunion a
couple of years ago. And of course we both went and enjoyed the big 50th
celebration and cruise for my Class of 1955. That get-together was the
first time I had seen any of my classmates since graduation. What a trip!
Keep up the good work Jim. Joe

Roger Hathaway (Class of 1958): Jim hello, from the Golden Triangle and
the Burma Border. This is where Thailand meets Laos, Cambodia and China.
Next stop will be the Philippines for about three weeks. See you around
the middle of November. Second e-mail: Hello from Manila, Philippines. We
left Bangkok yesterday after visiting Bridge or River Kwai, Phitsonlok,
Chang Rei and Chang Mai. Took 13 hour train back to Bangkok. Roger and
Lisa Hathaway. (Note: Since Roger mentioned the River Kwai I remembered
the wonderful movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai" that was released in
1957. The movie starred William Holden, Alec Guiness, Jack Hawkins and
Sessue Hayakawa. It won seven Oscars and was a great movie at that time.
Today’s young movie goers would considered it a little unrealistic that
the men all whistled while they marched after spending several months in
Japanese captivity. I saw the movie at Kelly Theater on Clark Air Force
Base in the Philippines while in the service and loved it. I’m afraid
that the younger generation would need more violence) Hopefully Roger
will tell us about his journey when he returns to Florida.

Marcia Hubert (Class of 1956): Hi Jim - Had a great time at the 50th
Reunion. Alyce and the Committee did a lot of work and deserve our thanks
and a pat on the back for a job well done! The Embassy Suites was lovely
and had a large atrium which allowed people to gather in all size groups
and to circulate and visit. Had fun catching up.

Dave Kleylein (Class of 1962): Hello Jim! As an old North Miami High
student I wanted to tell you that it was such a great treat to spend a
couple of hours reading the past Pioneer newsletters. I've belonged to
the Greater North Miami Historical Society for a few years now and just
accessed their site for the first time following my move to North
Carolina. What a wonderful trip down memory lane it was to read about
North Miami in those Pioneer newsletters found on the Greater North Miami
Historical Society site. My family lived off N.E. 118th Terrace and 16th
Avenue in the '50s and I went to W. J. Bryan, then to North Miami Jr.
High. I would have graduated from North Miami Senior High in 1962 if my
family hadn't moved to Carol City (Opa Locka) in 1960. I attended North
Miami Senior High in 1960 and part of 1961 before finishing up at Miami
Norland. Having grown up in North Miami I'll always have a spot on my
heart for the area. You can imagine how I felt after reading your
newsletters and seeing some of the old photos and items from North Miami.
It's been years since my wife and I have been back to North Miami and
although you can never go home, you also won't ever forget the memories.
Back then I had a paper route with the Miami Daily News and after my High
School days I came back to North Miami and worked in the Royal Castle on
125th and 6th Avenue. Lots of memories there for sure. Just wanted to let
you know how much I enjoyed reading your newsletters even if I wasn't
from your class. I only receive email from the addresses I've put into a
message rule because of the spam problem. I've put your address in so
I'll be able to receive a note from you if you'd care to send one. Keep
up the good work! Dave. Would have been the Class of '62

Dottie Kohlman Minter (Class of 1960): Dear Jim, This is my first e-mail
to you. I went to NMHS Class of 1960. I just wanted to let you know that
Victor Blix did indeed pass away. He died of cancer. I talked to him
shortly before his death. He was living in Atlanta. I was very sad, but
so glad I called him while I was there. Thank you for doing this
newsletter and all the work that goes with it. Dottie

Don Lanning (Class of 1958): Dear Jim, I am working in Costa Rica selling
real estate. I hope to be home for Christmas. Your letter is wonderful
for me. I loved and respected all of my class mates. I’m still looking
for Helen Hof (Class of 1959-I think). I wish all great things for you
and your family. Don (Note: Don’s mother’s voice is fabulous (Roberta
Sherwood). She has always been one of my favorite singers along with
Teresa Brewer, Connie Francis, Peggy Lee and Doris Day-What A group!. I’m
looking forward to Don returning to the states as he promised to send me
a CD of her music. I have records but would love to listen to it in the
car)

Bob Longo (Class of 1960): We are trying to locate Sally Mowery and
Richard Rice (Class of 1961). Do you have any info on their email
addresses? Thanks, Bob (Class of 1960) and Marie (Class of 1961).

Elaine Medlin (Class of 1957): Dear Jim, This is an excellent issue, as
usual. You mentioned that Clare Greenwalt was among the missing Pioneers.
I think I recall an earlier issue saying he was battling an illness,
perhaps cancer, and requested our prayers. I seem to recall he was in
Hawaii, or the Philippines. I will read through your issues from a while
back and see if I can pull that up. He was a very nice guy, and I hope he
is okay. He was Class of 1957, and did graduate from NMHS. Hope you are
getting a little more time to do research and the things you enjoy so.
Elaine

Ray Menze (Class of 1958): Jim, thanks for the newsletter and all the
hard work. Could you send me Jett Powers address, telephone and e-mail.
Thanks, Ray Menze (Note: I send him the contact information as Jett’s
e-mail address is unknown.)

Andy Murcia (Class of 1958): Hi Jim, As always I enjoyed keeping up with
the "in crowd" of N. Miami High, that's to all your hard work. I did
spot an item though that has just a small category error in it. The
reason I was not in the class of 58 is that my Dad (who was then Chief of
Police Surfside observed that I was heading for trouble. I hung out at
Rex's Sundries 139th Street & Dixie Hwy. where some of us good old boys
had formed a car club, called "Satan's Angel's". Even though we did meet
there most every day we held our big meetings above the police station in
N. Miami Bch. City Hall, thanks to our good buddy Danny Diefenbach, whose
dad was then Mayor. This was short lived as one of our
not-so-car-interested bad boys broke into the police property room and
clipped a few items. He was caught and convicted but that put an end to
our meetings there. While none of our club members ever did anything
really super bad, unless you think fighting, gas siphoning, and goofy
things like one guy named Bart Pelligerni rode a bike off the roof of the
youth center in Uleta, Florida once upon a time and lived to brag about
it. But my Dad advised me I was heading for the "clink" if I didn't let
him sign me into the US Navy. So anchors away my boys and adios to my
beloved N. Miami fun filled youth! The item in the last newsletter
indicated I moved to Hialeah. I pasted the item below herein for your
perusal. While it's not a big deal Jim, I do know you like to keep the
facts straight as possible. So if you wish to correct the record fine,
you now have the scoop on why I left North Miami High. If you don't
correct it, I'm still your good buddy and as I said it's not a big deal.
In fact it brought back a lot more memories of my growing up there. I'm
presently working on a small book about those terrific days growing up as
a kid in North Miami 1950's vintage, it's working title is "Rex's
Sundries" named not only after the corner lunch counter we all hung out
at, but because of a little play on the word "Sundries" as Mr. Webster
defines it as "small articles, details, items," etc. I guess you might
say it's simply a collection of very short stories from my memory bank.
But for now all the stories are safe with me as I have not finished it
and as you know getting a deal in place is a tough go. My only pay off
thus far is reliving those still pretty cool days. My 14 year old son
Andrew Joseph of course thinks all of us from the fifty's might be
related to Dino the Dino! If he only knew, right? Best regards, Andy
(Note: I’ll keep everyone posted on Andy’s book. It would be great to
read about the good old days in North Miami).

Donald Nash (Class of 1958) and Mary Ellen Cruey (Class of 1957): We both
graduated from University of Miami and taught in Dade County Schools -
Donald at Hialeah High as math teacher and Guidance Counselor for 32
years. He retired in 1994. Mary was elementary teacher and Media
Specialist at Bryan Elementary in North Miami for 30 years. When she
retired, they named the new media center, The Mary Nash Media Center. She
loved working in the media center. We have two twin sons, David and
Donald and we live now in Plantation and are active in our church and
Prison Ministry for incarcerated teens.

Joe O'Brien (Class of 1960): Jim, I once saw Vennie Pent referee a BB
game at St Mary's College in Moraga, California. I'm a Class of '60
Pioneer...played football & basketball...yes, we won (what was then Class
2A) the State Championship in basketball that year (in Gainesville, beat
Edison in the finals)...and my best friend was Tom Baxley...our team
captain and Parade magazine 2nd team All-American...average 32 points per
game before the 3 point line...our team averaged 79 points per game. Tom,
Jerry (Jeremy) Jarvis, Richard Petty, and I (all basketballers) were in
Honors Physics together. Coach Hyrne (the Frog) gave Tom the key to the
gym...he and I spent countless hours together evenings and weekends going
one-on-one. Coach once said “if Tom got used to playing against Joe then
the games would be easy”. Tom played freshman ball at University of
Maryland then transferred to University of Florida where he finished out
his playing career. He received a PhD in Philosophy from FSU and spent
his entire career teaching Philosophy at FAU in Boca Raton, Florida. He
was a damn good handball player and used to hang out at the Fort
Lauderdale YMCA...I refereed HS BB and football in Broward County and
would run into him there. He bought some property in some Podunk town in
Georgia and recently retired there. Often when I returned to Florida to
visit family Tom and I would meet (usually at a pancake house) and chew
the fat about life...I remember talking about his brother's (Bill) death
while kayaking. In November 2001 I visited Florida for my daughter's
wedding...and had a great reunion get-together with Tom, Jerri
(Geraldine) Jarvis, Mike Melnick, and Les Winston in Delray Beach. At the
end Tom led us in singing the NorMiiHi alma mater...we ALL knew the
words! Just a proud ol' Pioneer - Class of '60, Joe O'Brien, Walnut
Creek, California

Patricia O'Brien (Class of 1960): First e-mail: Hi Jim, Yes, Judy and I
have been in touch, thanks to you. She was also able to get in touch with
another former neighbor of ours, Nancy Selig Deso, Class of 1959. I have
talked to a former next door neighbor of ours, Billy Mango, Class of
1958, recently. He doesn't have e-mail, can you believe that? His mother
turned 90 in March, and was still driving. Mary Kay Chambliss lived on
the other side of Billy, and we have been in touch also. Ellen Kimball
lived next to her, but not when Mary Kay lived there. I wrote to Ellen,
but never heard from her. Billy and her use to tease me, when I was
little (I was at least two years younger). She moved away from our
neighborhood before she went to NMHS. Noticed in one of your newsletters
there was mentioned of the name Ham. There were Susan, Linda and George
Ham, that lived on 132nd Street (one street behind me). I believe they
lived next door to the Teems. Don Teems was in my class, and he had a
couple of brothers. One of them was David, and as I am writing this
another may have been Larry?? Their mother was Pauline Teems Fortney, the
school secretary. She was a very nice lady. Just writing you has helped
me think of a lot of people I haven't thought of in a long time. You have
helped so many people get back in touch with each other, and everyone
appreciates your hard work. If you can add me to your genealogy e-mail
list I would appreciate it. I am still looking for my father's father
(O'Brien). On my mother's side I can go back to the 1600's, thanks to a
book hand written in 1863 by my great-great-great grandfather. Thanks for
asking about Judy. What a memory you have. Take care, Trish. Second
e-mail: Hi Jim, Certainly have enjoyed your NMHS monthly newsletter. It
is so nice to see familiar names of years gone by. Appreciate all the
hard work you have taken to bring us all together. I would like a copy of
your genealogy newsletter. There is a fifth cousin of mine, who lives in
Cottonwood Heights, Utah who is very active in the genealogy community.
I met him on line several years ago. His name is Jerry Molloy. Thought
you might know him, or know of him. Anyway he is on a three month
genealogy tour, and I was cousin, number 50 who he has visited so far. He
is now on his way to Boston to do more research and visit more cousins as
"distant" as they may be. Thanks again, Patricia O'Brien Newton,
Fernandina Beach, Florida (Note: It is really surprising how many of you
Pioneers are interested in finding information about your ancestors).

Lee Overfelt (Class of 1958): Hi Jim, we ran into some old friends this
weekend that would appreciate you adding them to the list of North Miami
Pioneers Newsletter. Jim and Peggy Kidder, address is: 1894 Bell Eagle
Drive, Hiawassee, Georgia.30546 e-mail: jokerswild@brmemc.net. Keep up
the great work my friend and 13th cousin once removed, hehe. God Bless
you and your family. Jeanie and Lee Overfelt. P.S. I think Jim graduated
in 1956 and Peggy from Edison. (Note: Jean Costello Overfelt and I are
"kissing Cousins. My Aunt Florence-by marriage-is the sister to one on
her ancestors in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.)

Leslie Peasley (Class of 1960): As I was reading through the mail this
month it occurred to me to wonder if it wouldn’t be a lot less work for
you if someone who knows how to do such things could create a web site
where everyone could just post their comments, stories, “lost list”,
“found list”, etc. I was also amused to see Jay Meyers show up. He was my
first real “crush”! Hope to hear from you soon on my Roots Magic
questions. Regards, Leslie Taylor

Vennie Pent (Class of 1956): Jim, the Reunion was great. You’re correct
that Alyce really worked hard on the event. The smoke is clearing and I
have received several e-mails about the Reunion. Larry Rehfield was a hit
at the reunion. After graduating from NMHS, he went to Georgia Tech and
then on to Stanford and MIT for his PhD. The 50th Reunion was great.
Rosemary and I got back yesterday. We spent a lot of time with Rell
Spickerman, Larry Rehfield. Bill Shouldice, Tom Sgro, and Marcia
Kasselman who talks more that I do. Did you ever hear from Jackie and
Martha Veal? I think they were half sisters.

Dave Roller (Class of 1960): Hi Jim, thanks for all of your efforts in
keeping us in touch. A Pioneer from the Class of 1958 asked about Victor
Blix. This is an update. Vic and I both graduated in 1960 and remained
very good friends until he passed away in November of 2002. My wife and I
visited him in the hospital, in Atlanta, on November 20, 2002 knowing he
didn't have long to live. Vic passed away at 11 PM that night after
battling Gall Bladder cancer for months. He has been missed and will
always remain in our thoughts.

Jack Rosenberg (Class of 1958): Thanks Jim, don't know why messages have
bounced but I got them this time. Question on the 50th Reunion-Many of us
travel to Florida in the winter----March for us. Could the Reunion
Committee consider having a winter reunion? Possibley another one in the
Saint Augustine or Orlando area. Thanks again for the information. Jack

Mike Schukert (Class of 1957): Jim: I enjoyed reading Jay Meyer's
comments in the subject newsletter. Jay bought my 1948 Cushman Husky
motor scooter during my junior year at NMHS. The last time I saw him he
was tooling around in a 55 Chevy. Jay and Don Estocapio were pretty close
back then. He probably doesn't know that Don died last December. If you
have any more exchanges with Jay, you might pass on this bit of sad news.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Mike

Gloria Sgro (Class of 1957): Gloria has just written a book called “Hit
Them Harder”. The title I believe is a bit deceiving as it is about doing
a better job of raising children in the current generation. I tried to
get a review of the book but nothing is posted on the Internet yet
(November 15). It will be available through Amazon.com on Novermber 30,
2006 and in some local bookstores in January 2007. You can get additional
information or an advanced copy from Gloria Sgro Disanto at:
oleglo55@aol.com. It costs $11.00 plus shipping and handling. (Note: I’ll
try to have a current review in the December Pioneer newsletter).

Joan Sharp (Class of 1958): Jim, I hope you and your wife are feeling
better. I knew that your wife was ill but I did not know that you were
also ill. Let's hope for a speedy recovery for both of you. We all seem
to take our health for granted until something knocks us down. At this
time in our lives Buddy and I seem to be losing more family and friends
to cancer or some other terrible thing. I enjoy reading your news letter
and am always amazed at how many people have logged on to the letter. It
is really getting to be about North Miami High School encompassing all
classes. Thanks for doing all the work on Buddy's Family I forwarded it
on to all the family members. They were all thrilled to get it. I still
have not looked for the death certificate on my Father yet. Thanks again
Joni Sharp Martin

Suzanne Stafford (Class of 1956): My sister is Joan Ellen Beasley,
formerly Stafford - NMHS Class of 1959. She attended but didn't graduate
due to our family moving to Ohio - Joanie graduated from a school there.
Thanks so much, Jim. Suzanne. Go Pioneers!!!

Judi Stark (Class of 1960): Jim: Is it possible to get an e-mail address
for Patrick Orlaska? I graduated with Ken, but have also known Pat
forever and she graduated with my brother and other friends in 1964. I
have forwarded Patrick's message to them, and one has requested an
address for him. Thanks for any assistance in this regard. I know things
have been hard for a long time and I don't know how Pat keeps going. God
bless all of them. Judi (Note: I forwarded the e-mail to Robin McGary who
originally gave me the information).

Shirley Vaughters (Class of 1960): Hi, My name is Shirley Vaughters
Magee, from the Class of 1960. Could you add me to the mailing list for
the Pioneer Newsletter. My e-mail address is: shirleymagee@hotmail.com.
We have Road Runner, but just have never activated the e-mail. Any
e-mail to the hotmail address should reach me just fine. I was having
trouble with it for awhile, so emails quit coming to me. I would
appreciate getting info in the future so I can stay in touch with what is
going on. Thanks! Shirley

In The Land of Sandra Dee (author unknown)

I received the following from a buddy who I served with in the U. S. Air
Force at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines in the late 1950’s. I
wanted to share it because it brings back a lot of memories from the days
of our teenage years when we all lived “In the Land of Sandra Dee”.

Long ago and far away, In a land that time forgot, Before the days of
Dylan Or the dawn of Camelot. There lived a race of innocents, And they
were you and me, Long ago and far away In the Land of Sandra Dee.

Oh, there was truth and goodness In that land where we were born, Where
navels were for oranges, And Peyton Place was porn For Ike was in the
White House, And Hoss was on TV, And God was in his heaven In the Land of
Sandra Dee.

We learned to gut a muffler, We washed our hair at dawn, We spread our
crinolines to dry In circles on the lawn. And they could hear us coming
All the way to Tennessee, All starched and sprayed and rumbling in the
Land of Sandra Dee.

We longed for love and romance, And waited for the prince, And Eddie
Fisher married Liz, And no one's seen him since. We danced to "Little
Darlin'", And Sang to "Stagger Lee" And cried for Buddy Holly In the Land
of Sandra Lee.

Only girls wore earrings then, And three was one too many, And only boys
wore flat-top cuts, Except for Jean McKinney. And only in our wildest
dreams Did we expect to see A boy named George with Lipstick In the Land
of Sandra Dee.

We fell for Frankie Avalon, Annette was oh, so nice, And when they made a
movie, They never made it twice. We didn't have a Star Trek Five, Or
Psycho Two and Three, Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty In the Land of Sandra Dee.

Miss Kitty had a heart of gold, And Chester had a limp, And Reagan was a
Democrat Whose co-star was a chimp. We had a Mr. Wizard, But not a Mr. T,
And Oprah couldn't talk yet In the Land of Sandra Dee.

We had our share of heroes, We never thought they'd go, At least not
Bobby Darin, Or Marilyn Monroe. For youth was still eternal, And life was
yet to be, And Elvis was forever, In the Land of Sandra Dee.

We'd never seen the rock band That was Grateful to be Dead, And Airplanes
weren't named Jefferson, And Zeppelins weren't Led. And Beatles lived in
gardens then, And Monkees in a tree, Madonna was a virgin In the Land of
Sandra Dee.

We'd never heard of Microwaves, Or telephones in cars, And babies might
be bottle-fed, But they weren't grown in jars. And pumping iron got
wrinkles out, And "gay" meant fancy-free, And dorms were never coed In
the Land of Sandra Dee.

We hadn't seen enough of jets To talk about the lag, And microchips were
what was left at The bottom of the bag. And Hardware was a box of nails,
And bytes came from a flea, And rocket ships were fiction In the Land of
Sandra Dee.

Buicks came with portholes , And side shows came with freaks, And bathing
suits came big enough To cover both your cheeks. And Coke came just in
bottles, And skirts came to the knee, And Castro came to power In the
Land of Sandra Dee.

We had no Crest with Fluoride, We had no Hill Street Blues, We all wore
superstructure bras Designed by Howard Hughes. We had no patterned
pantyhose Or Lipton herbal tea Or prime-time ads for condoms In the Land
of Sandra Dee.

There were no golden arches, No Perriers to chill, And fish were not
called Wanda, And cats were not called Bill. And middle-aged was
thirty-five And old was forty-three, And ancient were our parents In the
Land of Sandra Dee.

But all things have a season, Or so we've heard them say, And now instead
of Maybelline We swear by Retin-A. And they send us invitations To join
AARP, We've come a long way, baby, From the Land of Sandra Dee.

So now we face a brave new world In slightly larger jeans, And wonder why
they're using Smaller print in magazines. And we tell our children's
children of the way it used to be, Long ago and far away In the Land of
Sandra Dee.

AND THEN IT'S WINTER (Author Unknown)

Our life can be divided into the four seasons of the year. Spring is our
from1-20, summer is 21-40, and fall is 41-60 while winter is the rest of
our life.

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on
my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I
wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all...and I
have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams.

But, here it is...the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise.
How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my
babies go? And where did my youth go?

I remember well... seeing older people through the years and thinking
that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so
far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be
like.

But, here it is...

My age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used
to see and never thought we'd be. Each day now, I find that just getting
a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat
anymore...it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will...I just
fall asleep where I sit!

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all
the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do
things. But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm
not sure how long it will last, this I know, that when it's over...its
over! Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done and
things I should have done. But indeed, there are many things I'm happy to
have done. It’s all in a lifetime...

So, if you're not in your winter yet ... let me remind you, that it will
be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish
in your life, please do it quickly! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you
can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or
not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life
... so, live for God today, and say all the things that you want your
loved ones to remember.

North Miami Senior High School:

Below are comments about the current condition at North Miami High School
as seen through the eyes of seventeen parents and students who took the
time to post their feelings on the “great schools” site. I noticed that
there were very few good things mentioned in most of the comments.

North Miami Senior High School currently has students in grades 9 through
12. The enrollment is 3,124. That is very similar to the enrollment and
grades that were in the school back in the 1950's before the new junior
high school opened.

(October 2006) "I mean good gracious the school is horrible bad learning
environment the students aren't discipline."

(October 2006) "NMSH should not be opened today. Nobody is learning,
proper dress code isn't being worn even with uniform."

(July 2006) "My daughter attends NMSHS. I would not recommend it at all.
Teachers don't seem to care...students’ behaviors and dress codes are
bad."

(May 2006) "Don't send your child to this school. Period. There's too
much going on outside of education..."

(April 2006) "not a bad school. The only good thing about it is the IB
Program."

(January 2006) "North Miami Senior High School needs better leadership
from the principle. During my first half of high school, the school
performance was gradually getting better. After they change principles,
the performance went down. The only thing keeping the students on track
was the teacher. The security guards and administration didn't do
anything when it came to poor behavior. Janitors work too hard to keep up
with students mess."

(August 2005) "The counselors and office staff should all be replaced!
They are rude, non informing, non professional and treat children and
parents badly! They make it seem like they have the upper hand and the
reality is that they 'ARE NOT EVEN INFORMED' How can they help/guide when
they are not even aware of the programs that are out there for these
kids. Shameful GRADE for staff F-."

(August 2005) "The IB program is a wonderful way for the students to get
ahead as far as college experience. The teachers are specially trained to
teach these college level courses and it’s a great advantage. The other
half of the school is run very poorly, however."

(June 2005) "NMHS is really a better school than the state grade (D)
would have you believe. It just goes to show that the FCAT isn't
everything. Still, because of the FCAT, the state (or somebody) is
cutting programs right and left and emphasizing reading, reading, and
reading. Considering that about 55% of the students are foreign born, of
course they need more time to master the FCAT, but that doesn't mean you
have to overhaul the whole curriculum and get pedantical about
everything. Here's a basically good school that the state is not
helping."

(April 2005) "North Miami High requires some much needed changes.
Teachers sit there and give workbook class work. I just moved here from
Georgia and I have to say I regret it. There were roaches in my
classrooms and in the bathrooms. I have to say that I am disgusted with
the FCAT test scores for the past three years."

(March 2005) "School overcrowded. Teachers/advisors do not contact
parents when student is failing. Building needs expansion/remodeling."

(February 2005) "Ok I was a student in North Miami several years ago and
boy have things changed, I called the school to find out if I can get my
transcripts and after being transferred a few times. I finally reached
the person that was supposed to help me, WOW her response was 'you will
have to call me back at 1pm I am doing attendance'. OK. I wonder how long
attendance takes it was only 11am??? Does high school still start at
around 8am?? It’s quite a job to work on attendance for 5 hours of your
day."

(December 2004) "In my opinion, as a concerned parent I feel that this
school is financially deprived or in other words a 'Prisoned Dump.' I
recently moved here with no knowledge of what school would be best to
send my 14 year old daughter; I am now very upset with my decision to
send her to North Miami Senior High. If it wasn't for the IB program this
school would be a complete disaster!"

(May 2004) "This school has different things to offer students like the
International Bacculerate program but the conditions are horrible! And
the school spirit is very low! Having to pay for prep rallies is a shame!
All in all, this is not the best learning environment."

(April 2004) "I was a little concerned when I was told my son had to
attend this HS. But after meeting the teachers (especially the HOSA
teacher) and speaking with counselors, I think it was a good choice. This
school has great programs and are very informed."

(March 2004) "North Miami is one of the worst schools I've ever attended.
The quality of the teacher's curriculum is pretty good from what I notice
but that school isn’t a good enough environment to satisfy the needs of
all the students. And they aren't trying their best to improve the
school's spirit. It's a shame that we have to pay for prep rallies. It's
practically all about money. They should have a bit more field trips and
fun assemblies to help the students become much more interested in
attending school. And as a student at North Miami, I feel that there is a
lot of things that need to be done and that can be done to improve the
school! We need to get rid of the mold, fix the leaking roofs, and
improve our extra curricular activities. I'm a freshman at North Miami
but I won't be going back!" - Elisa Gordon

(February 2004) "This school is horrible. There are fire safety
violations, no soap or toilet paper for students, the bathrooms are
filthy and unclean, security is poor, and there are 50 students at a time
in a class room of about 30 x 60 square feet. Portables have leaking
Freon air conditioners, shoddy construction, leaking roofs, etc."