Mount Lebanon High School

Shaun McNally

1       Not a response to Toni Jo's remarks above, but an addendum I received from Art Manion about Alan Rappaport's little snake problem (see school story). I'm probably guilty of embellishment.

Danielle and Shaun, I enjoyed your school story in your Reunion Profile. There is a prologue to it which you may not know.... If you want to, you may forward the following to add to your story...

One morning in 1963 or 64 or 65 at Mt. Lebanon High School, I had unlocked my classroom, gone to the office to sign in, and then returned to my homeroom. Upon entering I noticed in the back of the room Alan Rappaport, who had a boa constrictor entwined around his arms, neck and shoulders. My first thought was, "They are definitely not paying me nearly enough to put up with these kids"! My second thought was, "Stay cool! Above all, don't let on that this is an unusual incident, or that it doesn't take place every day in thousands of classrooms around the world!" My third thought was, "There is probably some hormonally-charged, teen-age semi-rational explanation for this, but don't ask"!

I, calmly as possible, said. "Hi, Alan". He answered, "Hey Mr. Manion, I got a boa constrictor back here". I said (I think I even gave a little yawn, trying to deflate any of his hopes of surprising/frightening me!), "Yeah. I see that". So I (again, calmly as possible) walked back and made appropriate touches, oohs and aahs, and learned that the boa was for Sherrick Gilbert's Biology classes next door; it would be fed mice and the classes would track the digestive processes as the mice got smaller and smaller along the length of its body. I suggested that Alan should put it away before kids started to arrive -- "It might upset some." -- and he did -- until the moment Shaun has described.

This was one of many experiences that helped prepare me for a career in teaching and my own teen-agers. I realized that while many parents could not manage one or two teen-agers at home, it was foolish to believe that a teacher could always succeed with, or be loved by, the 175 teens (Homeroom, Study, five classes) that he encountered every day. Once one accepts that, the rest is easy...

           Art Manion

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Jeffrey T. Davis

I was on a long (14 hr) business flight to China two weeks ago and imagined seven couples I thought might "spice up" the reunion!  Comments?  These ARE fictional, in case you recognize someone.

Shaun McNally

Long flight.  Didn't the comrades, a.k.a. Tongzhimen, offer you some Tsingdao, peanuts and a revolutionary film?

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Jeffrey T. Davis

Hmmmm......Shaun and Danielle, Fantasy Couple No. 8.

I may have to act on this one.  Fantasy and Reality collide in an ancient  French Village populated by an American expatriot, an exotic French cabaret singer and the 237 dogs they befriended and adopted from a lifetime of travel around the globe.......stay tuned, I am flying to Atlanta next week!

Susan L. Getz

Dear Class of '65 for those who read the Message Forum:

In the Dayton Daily News of July 10th, an article was written about me and the problems that I have had since the Persian Gulf War especially concerning PTSD.  If you are interested you can find it by going to the DaytonDailyNews.com website and in the search area type Susan Getz and PTSD or just my name.  The article was on page 4 and appeared last Sunday.  It has been difficult - depression and the mistreatment by the VA, especially regarding women is not easy to take daily when that is the only medical care that I have.  Please be patient and understanding - the Vietnam Vets had it very difficult, however, women veterans are treated like second class citizens at the VA all the time and it never gets any better and the more medical problems you have the worse it is.  Keep us in your thoughts and prayers - if it is possible - I will try to attend - it is my hope to be there - it is in God's hands - not mine!  Just me - Sue Getz

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Jeffrey T. Davis

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Al Whitehouse

Questions for the reunion events:

1.  Will alcohol be available?

2.  Will "girls" be able to wear anything other than skirts and/or dresses?

3.  Will a smoking area be established across the street from PNC?
 

4.  Can guys wear bluejeans to the Friday night event?

5.  Can detention be served near a bar?

6.  Will report cards be sent home in regard to the event?

7.  Any pop quizes?

8.  Is a hug considered PDA?

9.  Did the vote to use "Madras" as the class color ever pass?

10.  Will the Rec be open after the Brannigan event?

David E. Staplin

In response to Al's questions, the real issues are:

1.  Will CRS be a reason to get detention?

2.  If yes, then who will remember to show up for it?

Susan L. Getz

Dear Class of "65:

Hope to see all of you of Friday!  My Mom passed away August 3rd at the age of 92.  She was my constant companion, friend, mentor and of course my mother.  She worried that she would not be able to make the trip and therefore, I would not be able to go - now she will be with me in my heart and I will be able to be with all of you - thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers.  We are having a Memorial Mass for Mom August 19th in Dayton and an obituary will be in the Pittsburgh paper on Sunday August 15th.  Just me - Sue Getz

David E. Staplin

I'm sure I speak for a lot of the Class of 65 in expressing appreciation to the Reunion Committee for all their efforts at making the weekend a big success.

Jane's knock-off of the group picture is posted under my profile.

Dave Staplin

Toni Jo Martini Kidd

Good 2 days after the reunion----it was fabulous!  Especially loved PNC for the setting-----so good to see so many---we all laughed, talked, danced-------what a good memory to add to the Mt. Leb collention!   Love to all----TJ

Toni Jo Martini Kidd

Hey Al-----did not get to see the DVD of  Senior Day----could you post on Youtube so we all could enjoy it????? TJK

Michael D. Roberts

Thanks to the committee and all who made this past weekend possible, and a special thanks to Sue Devlin for this WEB site...off to Phx in the AM, but I got to see the first day of football practice at Lebo today...seems so much easier (what happened to the 8 laps around the field)...

Gerri Coletta Greenwood

Everyone outdid themselves for this reunion!  What a wonderful 2 days to be with everyone!  Thanks to all for the tremendous effort that  was put into making this a terrific experience for all.  It was truly an amazing experience to be with  and talk to so many fun and happy people from our past.   I loved every moment of it and look forward to the next one.   Let's keep this wonderful website going that Sue Devlin did such an awesome job on!

Greg Zucco

Congratulations to the entire reunion committee, it was one of the best so far. My partner was especially intrigued by my explanation of how many of our classmates came by their nicknames! At the risk of the reunion committee collectively throwing up, should we shoot for another in five years? 

Best regards to all our classmates.

Greg Zucco

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Al Whitehouse

Life is a series of "touch points".  This past weekend was certainly one of them.  "How are you - how have you been?"  "Do you remember when . . .?"  Hopefully, our questions were answered about, "How does she/he look now?", "Are we really 62-63 yrs. old?", "How do I compare with _ _ _ _ ?".  Other touch points were compared - births, kids (how many), grandkids (how many, again), hometown, health and how has it turned out so far.  We now return to our other touch points with family, career, retirement, etc.  Perhaps we can rejoin in 2015 and do it all over again, but with many more participants and stories to tell.

Kudos to the committee and all contributors to the event.  Hard work pays off and you are to be praised.  Keeping the website open for the next five years is a wise, far-reaching plan.  The web won't be recognized in another five years and the ability to connect may be greatly enhanced.  I, for one, am looking for the next event and seeing all of you again.  May God grant you good health and the ability to attend the next party. 

David E. Staplin

Let's not forget the great CDs with the oldies provided by Jim Mete. 

Who needs a DJ?  The Class of '65 has its very own.

Jane and I enjoyed them al the way back to Philadelphia.

Dave Staplin

Marlene Fitzgerald Coleman

I too want to say thanks...this was my first reunion, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!  I really appreciate the efforts made by the committee to make this a memorable event! The website is awesome!

I recently posted the Jefferson Elem Class picture for 1956-57.  The names are posted on my profile, and we only have a few not identified.  See if you can help figure out any of the ?? left.

Thanks!

Marlene

Scott N. Parker

Greenwick,

Didn't know you were attending or I might have reconsidered the long  haul.

Scotty

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Al Whitehouse

ALL CLASSMATES!

We hope that our most recent reunion with all of its events was well received and enjoyable for all.  In order to better plan for the next reunion, we would appreciate if you would take a few minutes to complete the survey by accessing the link below:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8JJNMY7

Your comments and suggestions are most welcome and will assist in the planning and execution of the 50th. Reunion.  So, while memories are fresh, please help us to make our next reunion the best ever!

THE DEADLINE FOR SURVEY SUBMISSION IS 10/24/10 - PLEASE COMPLETE TODAY!

Sue Devlin

Posting by Susan Daniell Donaldson

A Unique Blue Devil Club Fundraiser …own the book… 

Mt. Lebanon Football:

A Tradition of Excellence

In 82 seasons, Mt. Lebanon’s football history is extremely impressive; one of the richest in Western Pennsylvania.  It is successful almost anyway it can be measured; state titles (2), WPIAL championships (7), conference championships (20), overall wins (528), overall winning percentage (.680), winning decades (8), and/or winning coaches (6), it just doesn’t matter. Blue Devils football usually means winning football.  Looking deeper and beyond the numbers, trophies and seasons, a tradition of excellence stands out, and it also transcends what was accomplished on the football field.

Written by 1981 Mt. Lebanon graduate and resident Jeff Linkowski, the 320-plus page book is a tribute to the Blue Devils’ players and coaches, and to all the people involved in making Lebo football what it was and is.  Content includes:

Ø     Foreword by Art Walker, Hall of Fame Coach

Ø     Original drawing by Jim Mellett

Ø     In depth coverage of 38 championship caliber seasons or near misses

Ø     Captain and/or player reflections from 12 WPIAL championship game seasons; Walter Blume (1941), Fritz Walker (1955), Jack Mathison (1966), Jack Howard (1967), Ira Houck (1970), Glen Sawhill (1973), John Rees (1980), Bob Schilken (1981), Greg Katshir (1983), Bryan Amos (1984), Scott Clements (1987) and Kevin Weidl (2000)

Ø     Reflections from coaches that appeared in nine WPIAL championship games (Walker and Chris Hearing)

Ø     Reflections from a Rockette (Bette Ridinger Barton), cheerleader (Tracy King Eck) and a lifelong fan and former Blue Devil Club member (Glenn Barton)

Ø     130+ B/W photos (including 38 team photos)

Ø     Appendix with Year-by-Year Records, Cumulative Results and Scoring, Annual Results, Team Records and All-State Honorees

All told, the book makes a unique historical piece and collector’s item. 

Please know that ALL proceeds go to the Blue Devil Club.

The 8 ½ x 11 book is available for purchase three different ways online at www.lulu.com (type “Mt. Lebanon” or “Mt. Lebanon Football” in Find box), or follow the appropriate links below…

For Hardcover ($44.95):

http://www.lulu.com/product/hardcover/mt-lebanon-football-a-tradition-of-excellence/12798936

For Paperback ($29.95):

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/mt-lebanon-football-a-tradition-of-excellence-%28pb%29/12799028

For eBook file download ($19.95):

http://www.lulu.com/product/file-download/mt-lebanon-football-a-tradition-of-excellence/12798934

…in addition to shipping, handling and PA tax.  After hard production costs for each, the Blue Devil Club earns between $15-20 on each purchase.

Please remember, that this book was written with ALL proceeds to benefit the Blue Devil Club.  That was the original premise, and that premise remains true today. 

Please consider purchasing the book.  The Blue Devil Club thanks you.

Barbara Wright Renthal

How can you possibly respond to that except to say another exceptional Mt Lebo graduate makes the world a better place!!! Can't wait to see you in 2015!

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Al Whitehouse

If the world ends in December of 2012, won't that put a crimp in our reunion plans?  Just thinking.

Susan L. Getz

Hi!  Just wanted to zsk a favor of my classmates - it seems that the Persian Gulf War has done a little more damage than last noted.  I now have a few more nice doctors added to my team - the VA hass added me to the Poly Trauma Clinic and the Renal Clinic as I now am in Stage 4 renal failure.  Prayers, kind thoughtss, etc. will help and be gladly accepted.  Two days ago I fell and I go for a body scan tomorrow to see if I have a broken tail bone.  Thank you - Just me - Sue Getz

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Al Whitehouse

Sue,

You have been through much to much.  My thoughts and prayers will follow you in this period of your life.  Keep a positive outlook and you will be equally supported by your classmates.

Al