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Date: Oct. 27, 2009
Tags: None
Let's use this page to publish comments about the 50th Reunion whether you were able to attend or not.
Here's a few comments sent to Wayne and myself. Another easy way to make a comment and have it published automatically is to scroll down to the bottom of this message where you'll find a Write A Comment form.
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WOW! What a reunion!!
To those who were there--thank you for enriching us all. To those who were unable to attend--we missed you. And you missed a wonderful weekend of friendship and love. We hope we can all be together again soon.
Don't forget to utilize www.OssinigHigh1959.com as our class bulletin board and information center. You can send emails to me or Doc for posting or dissemination to classmates.
Be well, take care, and remember the love within the Class of '59.
Best regards,
Wayne
Wayne McCormack
203-264-9291 Voice
203-910-8009 Cell
wayne@waynemccormack.com
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To Wayne, Our Reunion Committee And Fellow Classmates,
This past weekend having members of our class of 1959 together, in some cases for the first time in decades, is a highlight for me and one that I will always remember and hold close to my heart!
It was a real pleasure serving with you and the rest of our remarkable "Reunion Committee".
Also, it was wonderful talking, hugging and reminiscing with each of you and renewing friendships that have lasted, not only from OHS, but for some of us, since kinder garden at Roosevelt School.
My heart felt thanks to all of you that attended and for your love, warmth, and genuine caring that you showed for each other.
Those of you that could not attend, we missed you and wished you could have been with us...it was a weekend that will be hard to forget. However, you were there with us in our thoughts.
Saturday night: the dinner, the slide show and the dancing...it doesn't get much better than that!
The Memorial Service Sunday morning gave us the opportunity to remember our departed classmates.
The hardest thing for me to do after the service was to say good bye...I wanted to hold on to the moment...because I knew that this might be the last time all of us would be together.
Thank you.
Terry (Campobasso) DiGiacomo
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From Angelo Vaccaro:
I too, felt the letdown on Sunday.
Well spoken, Terry.
Angelo
972.462.0441
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From: "BigDuckJC@aol.com"
To: John@InternetCrusade.com; w.mccormack@snet.net
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 9:16:54 AM
Subject: Reunion-a view from out on the frontier
To: The class of ‘59
For most of us, Sunday afternoon consisted of a long drive or plane ride home, giving us time to think about all that happened over a very quick 2 or 3 days back in our hometown. To me it felt like we were once again “lost in the 50’s”: Same people, same music, same town!
Yet they tell us that you can never go home again! It’s because nothing ever stays the same. And they’re right in one sense - things really do change. The town changed and we all changed to some degree: less hair, a little bit heavier, a little slower going up & down stairs, glasses needed for those menus, etc. But I felt that our basic personalities were still there if you looked beyond these physical changes. We listened to one another, joked, laughed and everyone seemed to have a kind word and concern for others.
At every get-together that weekend in October, everyone looked genuinely glad to see each other again. It was a weekend in which the rest of the world and all our other problems were pushed aside. We got to learn about a some of our classmate’s worlds - some very different from when we knew each other on a daily basis so many years ago. Yet we also found we shared many common experiences, hopes and fears after we all went our separate ways.
Since graduation we have lived in many places and held many different jobs. But listening to the weekend discussions, we all seem to have finally settled down; contentedly in most cases. The many years of thinking and planning have brought us to where we are and who we are. Did we all turn out great and live up to our full potential as we were urged to do at graduation? Maybe, maybe not - it depends on your definition of what great is. Certainly not everyone turned out to be President, very rich or a Rock Star. But great is also measured in many other ways: a great movie, a great meal, hike, vacation, ski run, tennis match and so on. This is what I heard from so many of you; that along life’s way we all experienced these “little” great things and as a result we seem genuinely content with ourselves.
There was also a glimpse into our own mortality on Sunday morning when we tossed carnations into the Hudson to commemorate our fallen classmates. We know another reunion will probably bring a few more losses. We still don’t know why.
I don’t know if I got to talk to everyone, but I think I did get to meet most of you if even for a brief moment. It was a very pleasurable and nostalgic time. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful time and thank you all for being there.
So, please keep in touch. We don’t have to know that you had breakfast on the patio this morning, but would like to hear about significant events in your life and any great adventures you may have had.
P.S. Yes Margot, I still owe you a drink!
Jim Worden
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Dear Classmates,
I thought of you reunion weekend and wish that I could have been there to share it with you.
When the OHS card with all the signatures arrived it made me relive the spirit of our class, filled me with gratitude and energized me in my determination to be well and strong enough to attend the next reunion. I am enjoying the blog posts and photos, and my dear friend Elly Kaufman Miller telephoned me a detailed description of the weekend which sounded absolutely enchanting.
Warmest regards and heartfelt wishes for everyone's health,
Mary Lou Puglia Moran
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Sorrry that I could not make the reunion this year as I was verry sick, but I do want to thank every one that signed the card that you sent to me .
It sound like every one had a great time and I hope we have aother one if five years that I can try to make.
here is my e mail adress if any one wants to keep in touch with me tommap@chartermi.net
your class mate
Tom Pendergast
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From: EILEEN TUCCI
To: Wayne McCormack
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 12:10:36 PM
Subject: RE: The Wonderful 2009 Class Reunion
Hi Everyone, So glad to hear that the reunion was such a huge success. Wish I could have been there to enjoy it with you all, but since I couldn't, the very next best thing came in the mail. What a really nice thing to do....send out cards to everyone who could not attend, with the signatures of everyone who could. Thank you so much...I treasure it. Thank you for thinking of me. Anyone who feels like writing to me....feel free please....it is wonderful to keep in contact. Best wishes and my prayers to everyone else who could not attend due to poor health. Love, Eileen
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Wayne and the Reunion Committee.
First (1st), I must say that you all did a great job. I hope that we can have another class reunion or an occasional get together, sooner than later, as we all are getting older.
My wife and I have a great time !!! Over time I have lost contact with many of my classmates and friends, but this reunion brought back many good memories we all had in our school years.
Until we all meet again.
Health and Happiness.
Anthony P. Beldotti
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From: BEVERLY CENTOFANTI <dutchbabe41@verizon.net>
To: w.mccormack@snet.net
Sent: Friday, October 16, 2009 5:12:01 PM
Subject: THANK YOU
HI WAYNE
I AM STILL IN NY STAYING WITH MY SISTER,BUT FOR SOME REASON ALL MY EMAILS HAVE DISAPPEARED IN MY ACCOUNT,,,,COULD YOU FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE,ALMOST COUSIN,,,,,THANKS BEV
I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE SPENT AT LEAST FRIDAY NIGHT WITH EVERYONE,,,,IT WAS SO WONDERFUL,OVERWHELMING AT TIMES,,,,,,TO ME IT SEEMED MORE LIKE A "FAMILY"REUNION THAN A HIGH SCHOOL REUNION,,,A LOT OF US STARTED OUT AS FRIENDS FROM THE FIRST DAY WE BEGAN GRADE SCHOOL TO THE DAY WE GRADUATED,,,,,,,EVERYONE WAS GREETED WITH OPEN ARMS ANDSOME KISSES,,
I WAS SO DEVASTATED THAT I COULD NOT ATTEND THE DINNER SATURDAY NIGHT AND THE MEMORIAL ON SUNDAY,,,,I THINK I CRIED MYSELF TO SLEEP LAYING IN THE HOSPITAL BED THINKING ABOUT WHAT I WAS MISSING,,,,,,MY DEAR AND CLOSET FRIEND OF OVER 64 YEARS,CAROL (ARMISTO)ROBERTS TOLD ME ALL ABOUT YOUR GOOD TIMES,,,,,,I WAS HAPPY THAT EVERYONE HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME,,,,,
A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR GET WELL WISHES AND SPECIAL THANK YOU'S TO CAROL AND BILL ROBERTS,,,CAROL AND JACK PURDY FOR VISITIING ME IN THE HOSPITAL AND PERSONAL GET WELL WISHES FROM DOC AND TONY MCSORELY,,,,,AGAIN,THANK YOU,EVERYONE,,,,,I HOPE AND PRAY THAT WE WILL BE HAVING ANOTHER REUNION IN FIVE YEARS AND THAT WE ALL WILL BE THERE TO ONCE AGAIN ENJOY EACH OTHERS COMPANY
FONDLY
BEV
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To my 1959 Ossining High classmates.
Today I received a card in the mail with all of your signatures on it. I
want to thank you all,
it means a lot to me. I wanted so much to be there at our reunion, but it
wasn't meant to be. All the other reunions I either couldn't get the time
off or I didn't have the money or both. I've been following our classes
website since it started, I think.
I'm doing well, but I'm not all the way there yet. I'm sure many of you
guys (men) have been there and know what I'm talking about. Thank God I have
my wife Theresa and my family.
Thanks again, I Love You All, George
Platt
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Doc-
Thank you very much for the DVD-very well done-credit to those providing all the pictures
That sure brings back many great memories from Roosevelt School and OHS Class of 1959!
I was very touched by the thoughtfulness of all those classmates that sent the nice card and the bookmark which I have put to good use
My cancer update is good news- I am in remission and after 4 more chemotherapy treatments in December I will look forward to a much better 2010-and Happy New Year to you and all of my great classmates------RICH
P.S> I would still like to know who that girl was I was dancing with in that picture-HA,HA
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Wow! kissed all the guys, hugged all the gals and got called "Big Moos"---hadn't heard that in 50 years. There was a lot of love, some great memories and a real appreciation of all that we have become. Hope to see you all in 5 years.
Wayne, if you are up to it, be in charge again. I figure you will have recovered from all the effort by then. Great job!
L&K
Valerie
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Wayne and all,
Thanks for sharing Terry's heartfelt thoughts. I just wanted to add I tried to visit with everybody who attended the reunion, but I am sure that I missed some folks which I sincerely regret.
The weekend exceeded my great expectations!
Thank you, Thank you......
Best,
Norm Starler
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Well hello all;
I just received a call from Wayne inquiring why I did not show after having confirmed that I would attend. They gave me a supprise retirement party at work on Friday evening and I was unable to attend. I really wanted to show up because I still have a head of hair {well almost}. I really wanted to say a special hello to Dave DeSousa who gave me a ride to college back in 1963 after I had gotten out of the Army and had no idea of how I was going to get to CSU in Ohio, and to Gary Kirkman who I see every ten years or so because of a mutual friend. Clearly you guys did a great job in putting this together. I hope to see everyone at the next one.
Fondly,
Dr. Richard O. Daniel, Senior Clinical Social Worker [NSA] Ret.
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Wayne
Thank You and your Committee for a Great Week-End.I was on an Emotional High Friday,Saturday and Sunday.
You were right when you said you could feel the Love in the Air.
Thanks Again and LOVE to ALL-----John Massey
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Wayne, and all 59er's what a great reunion !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
l heard my wife ( Angela ) on the phone the next morning talking to her friend, and it
went something this.
"Nan, you had to see them, they truly cared about each other, or should l say they
seemed to love each other. l don't think anybody had dinner or if they even cared
as they kept going from table to table to say hello, hug, kiss, shake hands and
whatever else they could to show the true affection they had for each other.
So, l will let Angela's comments and observation stand and be my input as l couldn't say it
better myself.
My Best to All, Augie Di Sisto
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Bruce Hutchins said:
I join with those who forward cudos to the reunion committee for a well planned and thoughtful event. As I reflect upon the weekend, it felt like I was a CD or video tape (remember those).... having multiple stops/pauses during a fast rewind/reverse of events-people-activities of the 50's...then experiencing a fast forward during the weekend's gatherings, tour of OHS and the fantastic banquet. Thanks Gene for the picture (did anyone check to see if those kneeling got up and made it to the rest of the weekend)
If anyone travels to Cape Cod Ma., please make contact... if you lose my address/email, just stop at the Cranberry Region Tourist Visitor Center on Interstate 195 in Wareham (open Apr to Nov...just before the bridges to the Cape)...they know me there, as I oversee the operation...it is a great part time retirement job (I can give you some tourist tips if you are vacationing to the area)
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Add my thanks to you and the committee for all your work and warmth. I hope the blog will keep us in touch from now on.
Tom Dichter
Wayne,
I totally agree.
Maybe its our age, maybe its our maturing (not necessarily the same thing) but it seems we have grown more into a cohesive and caring whole. The woman who gave the tour of OHS noticed and commented on it quietly to a few of us standing near her in what appeared at least to me to be off-handed and genuine observation.
THANKS !!! ...again to you AND the committee without who's work, vision, giving, and soul this would not have happened.
bob
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Ditto, ditto, ditto.....what a wonderful reunion. Thank you so much, committee, for putting such an outstanding special event together -- all of your efforts are truly appreciated. Like you, I cannot get over the pervading feeling of love and caring that the Class of '59 exudes .... it is truly amazing. Take care of yourselves and see you at the next affair - maybe in 5 years????
Phyllis Yost Webber
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This picture came through with Gene's letter, and I thank you for it. Looks and sounds like y'all had a great time, and I'm truly sorry I missed it. Maybe in 10 more years I'll finally have retired. I recognize several of these faces, but would really like a cheat sheet for some of the others. Is that a possibility? Continue to take care of yourselves so that you'll all be able to be there in 10 years. And I hope we can all keep in some sort of touch through this forum.
Best wishes to everyone,
Harriet
PS: I'm not on Pete Ingrassia's AOL approved list, so if someone can and cares to do so, please ask him to add me. Thanks.
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Where to start? What a weekend to remember! Thanks to Wayne, Doc, Terry, Mary, Steve G, Carol, Steve Z & Bob for the outstanding job done.
My pictures are on a disc and in the mail to Doc. Ditto to all the warmth and well wishes, and look forward to the next.
Regards to all….
Gary Kirkman
D:215-794-2981
C:215-499-5687
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Wayne and the Committee,
I echo the applause and kudos you have received for the tremendous effort put into this past weekend. As this was my first reunion, I find it emotionally difficult to express how I felt seeing so many of my classmates after more than 50 years. I really did feel the love of OHS Class of '59. God Bless you all.
May I also suggest that everyone who was taking pictures download them onto a CD and send them to Wayne or Doc so that they can be up-loaded to the web. Perhaps a CD could be made of all the photos and distributed!
Gene Perry
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Dear Class of OHS '59, especially the Reunion Committees
Thank you for bringing together so many old friends with their memories, humor, and affection. Although my teen sojourn in Ossining was brief I feel more connected to the place and the people now because of this reunion. The Herculean efforts to find everyone in the class, to reach out to those who are not well, and to commemorate those who have passed from this life were amazing and touching.
With love and appreciation to all who came for a sentimental, fun, celebratory and totally unforgettable weekend and greetings to those who missed it,
Anne Topham Holsclaw, Bala Cynwyd PA
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I would like to thank the committee for putting this great weekend together. It was a substantial task to find everyone, make plans based on who is coming, provide lodging choices, maintain communications, etc.
I would also thank the people who came up with ideas such as the golf outing, meeting at the Briar’s, tour of OHS and the Main Street memory tour.
It was good seeing everyone again, although I only scored about 75% on recognition. It helped by meeting at the Briars and the walk thru OHS, but I know that I missed some people at Travelers Rest, which I regret.
I hope that everyone else enjoyed themselves and returned home safely.
Also, Beverly Dykstra, I hope that you are doing well and we will see you at the next reunion.
Regards to all,
Tony McSorley
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Wow!! For me, that had to have been the best reunion ever! So many special memories were made! Thank you, thank you, to all who made it happen! Wayne was right...there was so much love! There was just something beautiful about seeing all the faces of our classmates at this time in our lives! To all who missed it, we missed you, too! I hope we can remain in touch . Love, Elly and Murray
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From Mical:
I think we keep adding and adding and saying what a wonderful time.
How great a job the committee did, and they have my vote to keep on doing it.
And what a special and caring and loving and and and and class we are.
Everyone please stay well, so we can do it again in 5 or less years.
Mical and Neil too. (He had a great time as well)
And someone get in touch with Peter so he can get these e-mails
Love, love
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What a fantastic collection of the big event. I even do recognize a few of you! I'll make the next one!
Dick Weiermiller
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Hello all,
I'd like to join in thanking Wayne and all the hard working committee members for organizing such a memorable reunion. The dinner dance, slide presentation and everything else went so well and Travelers was a perfect choice. I know how much planning and hard work go into these events so again thanks to everyone who helped with the great 50th! Just got a new computer after my old Dell died shortly after the reunion so this is my first chance to chime in.
Regards.
Audrey Anderson Tobin
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This is a message from Janice (Budnick) Klimm -
My thanks to Wayne and all the committee members who made our reunion such a success. I had a wonderful time Saturday evening chatting with everyone about our good times at Ossining High and our early grade school days. A special thanks to Jimmy W. for bringing back memories of a 7th grade dance. Sunday's memorial was a very touching tribute.
Hope to see you all again,
Janice
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From Big Duck Jim Worden:
Reprint from The Journal of Paranormal Science, October 2009 by Le Grosse Canard
Paranormal is a general term that describes unusual experiences that lack a scientific explanation,or phenomena alleged to be outside of science's current ability to explain or measure. Stories relating to paranormal phenomena are found in popular culture and folklore, but the scientific community, as referenced in statements made by organizations such as the United States National Science Foundation, maintains that scientific evidence does not support paranormal beliefs.
Scientific evidence to the contrary, a preponderence of quasi-factual feelings were experienced early this month in Ossining, New York. A preliminary analysis of a Close Encounter Event experienced on or about October 9-11, 2009 reveals that there is substantial evidence that there was a Close Encounter of The Reunion Kind, specifically a 5th level encounter. By way of review, the following are the different encounter levels established by Fred Hynek, working in conjunction with his brother, CFO researcher J. Allen Hynek, for these close encounters:
ENCOUNTER LEVELS - CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE REUNION KIND
1st Kind: Sighting of one or more inanimate objects from the past at a distance of 500 feet or less. (buildings, football fields, favorite parking spots).
2nd Kind: Sighting of an inanimate object with associated physical/psychological effects (familiar odors, fond memories, nostalgia).
3rd Kind: Sighting of an animated being presumed to be an old friend and/or classmate.
4th Kind: Actual physical contact with the inanimate object from the past in conjunction with observation of the aforementioned animated being (sighting inside the old school, a familiar bar or hangout).
5th Kind: Joint, bilateral contact events produced by the conscious, voluntary and proactive, personally initiated through cooperative communication with other members of the reunion. In many cases, witnesses experience a transformation of their sense of reality.
This state of paranormal activity seems to have been observed on a fairly regular chronological basis - so far every 10 years or so, probably based on some kind of cosmological principal we do not completely understand. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that a Close Encounter of The Fifth Kind was experienced by a substantial subgroup of the OHS class of ‘59. Sadly, exit polls have shown that most other reunion groups throughout the country rarely experience any encounter type beyond the 3rd or 4th Kind.
Plans are currently underway to use the $340 million in Stimulus Money to hire 2 technicians to erect an interferometer screen around the area to capture any possible physical evidence of these close encounters at subsequent reunions.
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Dear Wayne,Doc,Terry and everyone that had a hand in the wonderful reunion,
I have been without a computer since the reunion and so I have just has a wonderful time reading all the e-mails. First thank you for "keeping me in the class". Second I was right though the years to talk about our class and the basic goodness I always knew was the class of "59" Ossining High School. The insides seem the same and it is only the casings that have changed a bit! You all outdid yourselves!! I only wish there had been more time to talk to each person. Hopefully we will keep this special bond and keep in touch.
Patty Nelson
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