2008 Newsletter
321 List Avenue • Rochester, New York 14617 • (585) 336-3067 • www.westirondequoit.org August2008 2010 Newsletter Newsletter A Message From Veterans Day 2009
the President “Today we dedicate our new flagpole to all of our former students who have studied here and have gone on to Thanks to all alumni who took the time to let us know why they serve and protect are living in West Irondequoit. The importance of our alumni in gen- our country in the erating the yearly newsletter is priceless. It is also our way of staying armed forces. We in touch. offer them our I am proud to say that I have always lived in West Irondequoit. I respect and our attended Briarwood School (back when it included grades K-4) then gratitude.’ Dake (grades 5-8) and then IHS. After college, I returned to West Irondequoit and was lucky enough to find employment in the area. The flagpole that Many of my friends were still living in town, and buying a home in West Irondequoit just seemed like the right thing for me to do. Along now sets off the came children and it was nice to live near family. main entrance to Now I could not imagine living anywhere else. I love the parks, the high school was the lake, the proximity to the city with its theaters and museums, installed by Free- and the people. I have great friends - many of whom are from high dom Flag Company, school. We have known each other for what seems like an eternity a local business and I cannot imagine life without them. owned by IHS We mailed over 1600 cards to alumni who are still living in the graduate (‘60) and area. This number attests to the fact that alumni feel this is a great Vietnam Veteran place to live and raise a family. Our town has recently been cited by Richard Burgey. Mr. Business Week magazine as one of the top three towns in New York Burgey generously State to raise a family. I would have to agree with this. donated the flag The Generations of Excellence scholarship offered by the West Dan Kunkel ’10 raises the flag at the dedica- Irondequoit Alumni Association recognizes families who have multi- that was flown at tion ceremony for the new flagpole at IHS. generations of IHS graduates. We encourage IHS seniors to apply for the inauguration this scholarship, and we look forward to honoring their families. ceremony. As our graduates go forward, let me remind them to always We invite all of our alumni who are serving or who have served remember their roots. Even if life takes you away from West Irond- equoit, this will always be considered your home. n in the military to contact the alumni office. We will let you know about future events honoring our veterans. n Leslie Ferriter ‘77
Generations of Excellence...... 2 Alumni News...... 10 Yearbooks Available...... 19 Why We Live in Irondequoit...... 3 Alumni Reps...... 11 Sonia Tishkoff-Wicks: Class of 1947...... 19 Alumni Spotlight: Alumni Passings...... 11 Patricia Straat: Class of 1954...... 20 Class of 1936 Ada Rayton Neary...... 5 Ed Kimball...... 13 Virginia Straat: Class of 1958...... 20 America’s Best High School: Newsweek.....5 Memories on DVD...... 13 She Did It for the Love of Kids...... 21 Class of 1949...... 7 Bricks 2009-2010...... 14-15 Golf Tournament...... 21 Class of 1969...... 7 Current Snapshot of David Whitehouse Class of 1970...... 7 West Irondequoit Schools...... 16 Presents Check to BOE...... 22 Class of 1980 Reunion Plans...... 9 Making a Splash!...... 17 Reunion Details By Class...... 23 Class of 1999 10th Reunion...... 9 WIRQ – Nation’s Oldest Alumni Information Update...... 24 Cito Chris Culver...... 9 High School Radio Station...... 18 INSIDE Generation of Excellence — Years of Tradition
Each year, a new class of graduates joins our Alumni Alex Dunn also followed his Association. Many of those graduates are following in the parents Virginia Mikel Darden footsteps of parents and grandparents who are also alumni ’79 and Edward Dunn ’77 through of Irondequoit High School. In 2004, the West Irondequoit the halls of IHS. “Both my parents Alumni Association began to showcase this tradition of knew what it was like to be in this excellence by awarding the first Generations of Excellence school, seeing all the different scholarships. choices and wondering where to go. Having gone through it To be eligible for this award, graduating seniors must have themselves, they were accepting of a parent or grandparent who is a graduate of Irondequoit my path, my choices, knowing that High School. They must be a good student who worked Alex Dunn they trusted the school enough to hard in school and they must be planning to attend a two know that my choices would allow me to succeed.” Alex will or four year college or a vocational school. Applicants must attend Rochester Institute of Technology in the fall and will write an essay telling of their experience belonging to a major in Video Game Design and Development. family that has had two or more generations of students in West Irondequoit Schools and must provide two letters of Kelsey’s mom Christine recommendation. Dandurand Romal ’81 and her uncles Douglas Dandurand ’90 On June 1, Steve Arter Englert ’57 presented the eighth and Jeffrey Dandurand ’83 paved set of scholarships to our newest graduates. Julia Burns, the way for her. Kelsey wrote, Alex Dunn and Kelsey Romal each received a check for “As a freshman I joined the JV $100 and an engraved clock. volleyball team and found a family for four years. Both Coach Graves Julia followed the footsteps of and Coach Callari have taught her mom Ann Schippers Burns me not only volleyball skills but ’76 and her dad Tom Burns ’76 as life skills, such as teamwork Kelsey Romal well as her uncle Dave Burns ’72 and being the best you can be.” and her grandfather Robert Burns Kelsey is headed to SUNY Brockport. ’44. In her essay Julia wrote, “My parents…are currently planning Do you have a child or grandchild soon to graduate from their 35th high school reunion. IHS? Encourage him to apply for the Generations of They have many friends from Excellence Scholarship. Applications are available from the IHS that they still keep in contact Alumni Office at 585-336-3067 or online at Julia Burns with. I hope to have the same www.westirondequoit.org/alumni.htm. n experience once I leave high school and continue with my future.” Julia will attend SUNY Fredonia in September and plans to major in Childhood Inclusive Education.
¡ Clip and File Don’t forget to update personal information on the IHS Alumni database so you receive the alumni newsletter and other WICSD alumni mailings! Call 585-336-3067.
2 Why We Live in Irondequoit
This past winter, your alumni association sent postcards to our graduates who have settled in Irondequoit. We asked them to tell us why they made the decision to live in their hometown. Here are their responses:
Joan Weckelman Bleier ‘51 I love this town. I do not think I could find any place better My husband and I both grew up in Irondequoit – he on the to live. I grew up on Winona Blvd. In our neighborhood we west side and I on the east. We did not have a high school had plenty of friends to play with, Seneca Park to play in, on the east side so I went to Irondequoit High. After I and a lot of great scenery. In the summer we would swim married in 1951 we lived in Webster and the city for a few in Lake Ontario and the Seneca Park pool. There is always years. In 1972 we bought a house in Irondequoit so our Seabreeze Park. In the winter we had plenty of places to go girls could go to Irondequoit High. We spent 37 happy years sledding. There always seems like there was and is plenty there. to do. This town is just a great place to live.
When my husband died in 2006 I sold our house. My kids Edith Segelin Bonferraro ‘61 wanted me to move closer to one of them. They are settled I n have lived i West Irondequoit for most of my life. I was all over. I wanted to stay where everything is familiar. I am born and raised near Seneca Park and now live near Durand very happy in my apartment and still in Irondequoit. Eastman Park. For the brief periods that I was away on vaca- tionsr o living out of Irondequoit for a few years early in my George Kurzrock ‘59 marriage, whenever I returned, I always felt there was no Not only do I live in West Irondequoit now, but I have spent place like Irondequoit. When my husband and I were house- my whole life here. My childhood was spent on Catalpa hunting, the home in the scenic valley where I’ve lived for Rd., the Placid Place (during my Cornell college years) and almost0 4 years, I considered my dream home--the perfect lastly on List Ave. in 1964. secluded area for raising children. Additionally, I knew an outstanding school system would be provided, that it was not The thing that keeps me here is my backyard, over 600 a harried, high-traffic town, and the surrounding bodies of feet long, which gives me room for my Labrador retrievers, water t made i feel like a vacation area. which I have bred for over 40 years. Included with the yard are other animals: deer, turkey and the occasional coyote. Ken Ballou ‘61 In the spring of my senior year of college, I received a I don’t know if I am lucky, but for all my 68 years I’ve had phone call from Vern Babcock offering me a teaching posi- good neighbors. Ask for help, you get it; need something in tion at Iroquois school. There were no second thoughts. It a big snowstorm (or ice storm) and if possible you get it. is now 45 years later and there are still no second thoughts. Why Irondequoit? John Pogoda ‘59 I moved back approximately 35 years ago and these are the As I think back through my earliest years to the present, reasons why: Irondequoit has always meant quality schools, neighbor- • Schools – I wanted my children to have the advantage hoods, and a gorgeous natural environment. Our Board of of attending our wonderful schools. They were the fourth Education has been at the forefront of positive improvements generation of our family to live in the town. • Real estate suchs P a the A programs, WIRQ, Urban Suburban Program, value – the biggest “bang for your buck” in Monroe County. and those were just in the 60’s. No school busses; we could • Neighborhoods – the mature homes in great settings • safely o walk t school. Our chief rival was Brighton, not just Lacrosse – a huge part of my life since playing on the first for athletics, but to see which district received the most team in 1957 • People – reuniting with friends and rela- Regents scholarships. Today we still check on the numbers of tives still living here. AP exams written, but the rivalry has expanded as the county population has expanded. Carol Hawver Rohr ‘60 A few years after graduation in 1960, I left Irondequoit and We not only walk to school, but Irondequoiters enjoy walk- lived in other towns and states. I even lived in the Rocky ing or jogging even today just to enjoy the beauty of our Mts. for a while. I came back to Irondequoit and in 1983 my town. Have you noticed the interesting architecture on so kids graduated from IHS. I now have two grandchildren, a many of our neighborhood streets? It is tough to beat the nephew, and two nieces in Irondequoit’s school system. I variety of styles on Winona Blvd., Rock Beach, Sagamore, also have two nephews that have graduated from IHS. Continued on page 4. 3 Why We Live in Irondequoit not to mention our great neighbors. Wegmans, Cooper Del, Schooner’s, our library, our police departments, our fire continued departments, our restaurants (Pasta Villa, Keenan’s, The Reunion), our proximity to the lake, Sea Breeze, our farm Harvington, Wildmere, Frankland and so many other roads. market, the activities on the grounds of the town hall are When you walk through “White City,” you are reminded of just a few of our treasures. Plus, you can get anywhere in homes in the Chautauqua Institute. Our fully developed the Rochester in a comparatively short time. I have a place trees line all of our neighborhood streets; imagine the in Florida – too far from home! stories they have to tell from our earliest years. Homes on Thomas Ave. and St. Paul Blvd. remind us of our historic development. Greg Goater ‘70 I left the Rochester area right after high school to join the Navy. After eight years in various duty stations, and a brief So f much o Irondequoit borders on water or heavily wooded stint in Dallas, Texas, I relocated to upstate NY: first to the hills.ts I i nearly impossible to count the homes that have Buffalo area, and finally back to the Rochester area, mov- forever wild back yards, with million dollar views of the flats, ing one last time to West Irondequoit 20 years ago. On a Genesee River, Lake Ontario, Irondequoit Bay, Seneca Park, cold, dark, gloomy January day, with property taxes due, Durand Eastman Park, or other natural areas leading into and income taxes due imminently, I wonder why I still live the parks. here. My five children have all located out of state, and I am retired from the NYS Teachers Retirement system. Our town is still showing the same excitement with our school system (both athletics and scholastics), parks, For me it’s Lake Ontario. I was in Antigua last winter and neighbors, and just trees. We have seen most of our land the guides there kept talking about the marvelous beaches. developed, we have saved nature, and we are beginning Their beaches are all trucked in sand stretching hundreds to reclaim our waterfront near the mouth of the Genesee. of yards. I kept telling them “we have better beaches in the People are still excited about moving into Irondequoit. Great Lakes” where distances are measured in miles, not yards. At one end of the lake we have the majestic Niagara Diane Shayler Charney ‘65 Falls, and at the other, the spectacular 1000 Islands. Vine- • Near family & friends • Near the lake and hiking/walking yards to the south, mountains to the east. Four complete trails •Convenient to library, bank, Wegmans etc. • Like seasons, and plenty to do if you get out and enjoy it. No to join organizations like Sandy Ridge Garden Club earthquakes, no hurricanes, just a little snow to contend •Affordable housing • Good neighbors •Adult education with from time to time. opportunities My kids keep bugging me to move south, and maybe I will Lynn Mohrhoff ‘67 some day, but for now western NY is my home, and I am Not only have I remained happily living in West Irondequoit here because I choose to be. for 45 years, as have my mother and father, but I also taught in the district for 33 wonderful and fulfilling years. This is so home because of many reasons but primarily, Martha Purdell McGowan ‘70 I o went t grad school in Hawaii thinking I would never return the people. It is a pleasure running into former students, to the Northeast, yet ended up raising my son in the same parents and others associated with the school district – Continued on page 6.
THE WEST IRONDEQUOIT The West Irondequoit Alumni Association continues to collect ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IS ON used cell phones as a fundraising campaign. Proceeds FACEBOOK. benefit our Generations of Excellence scholar- ship fund. Cell phones are shipped to Pace Check us out - The Irondequoit Butler Corp, which pays the association for High School Alumni Association is them. “It’s a simple fundraiser that is working well for us,” says WIAA president our official page! We’ll post no- Leslie Ferriter. tices of reunions and special events such as alumni sports con- Inactive phones (any age or make) may be tests. Alumni information is also dropped off at any school or at the District available on our Web site at Office located at 321 List Avenue. Call 336-3067 with any www.westirondequoit.org/alumni.htm questions.
4 Alumni Spotlight Shines on Class of 1936 Ada Rayton Neary by Earl Doser ‘52
On the wall of the alumni office is a has 15 grandkids, and 10 great grandkids (with another on the picture of the class of 1936. Seventy-eight way). After raising her children, Ada attended Monroe Community apprehensive pair of eyes peer out at the late College for her Associates degree, and Empire State College for her depression era, uncertain of their owners’ Bachelor’s degree. future. One of these faces is Ada Rayton Neary. She knows of only one other living Irondequoit was always hometown, but she did get to Ireland twice class alumni. If there are others, they’re not with Lewis, her husband of 65 years, and also visited her family in in Irondequoit. South Carolina, Florida and Illinois. On March 6, her family held a surprise 90th birthday party for her, complete with pictures of her All of us are fortunate to have Ada as an children, etc., and highlights of her long life. alumni rep, and member of the IHS Alumni Association steering committee, for many years. She regularly When most of us are thinking about retirement, Ada, at age 60, went attends the bi-monthly meetings and takes an active part in planning to work as a part time secretary at the World of Inquiry School for 25 and decisions. years! She retired at age 85!
It took Ada 11 years to graduate from high school! No, she wasn’t You would think she would be slowing down by now. Not so. When I “backward” – at that time the Irondequoit Union School #3 had contacted Ada for an interview for this article, she needed to check classes from kindergarten to 12th grade. Ada skipped two grades, and the calendar of activities at Chapel Oaks, to make sure she didn’t was elected to the National Honor Society in her senior year. She miss anything important! After lunch at one of the hot dog stands also worked in the school bookstore. Although there were no inter- in Sea Breeze, she took my wife and me to the Hooker Cemetery, school girls’ sports, she played basketball during gym class. Ada was between the expressway & St. Ann’s, whereupon she charged up a the headline writer for the Rodequoit in her junior & senior years. small slope to point out a monument with the names of early pioneer Irondequoit residents. Sure enough, there was her ancestor’s name She has lived in Irondequoit all her long life, in three different (Ada is at least fourth generation Irondequoit Rayton). houses on Titus Avenue, the first two between Portland & Cooper, and the last near Seneca Ave. She now resides at Chapel Oaks; still Ada is in excellent health. She used to play golf at Ontario (not quite in town! ladies’ champion, but pretty good at it, she says). She likes to read; Alan Alda’s Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself, and Ralph Ada walked to school (a ½ mile trek), or sometimes rode her bike, or McInerny’s mystery, Stained Glass, are her most recent. And she does got a car ride from a schoolmate’s parent. There were few houses, a lot of walking. but many farms along or near Titus at that time: Rudman’s, Parr’s, Vercruysse’s (the farm market is still there), List’s, to name a few. If you stop in to see her at Chapel Oaks, she won’t be dozing in a Ada’s grandfather owned two cows; the family often left gatherings rocking chair! Look for Ada in one of the activity rooms. And bring early so he could milk the cows. How many of us alumni can say that your track shoes! we drank raw milk straight from the source? Her grandfather was also one of the caretakers of Irondequoit Cemetery, on Culver Road. If there are any older living graduates of IHS, please contact the Alumni Office. We’d love to hear from you. n Her favorite teacher was Irene Pratt (English). Other teachers at that time that will be familiar to classes of the 40’s & 50’s were Earl White, Hazel Lalonde, Harry Wagner, Coach Mammosser, Jin Alessi, Helen Rice and Dorothy Fattig. As is our tradition, Irondequoit High School is noted once again as Ada recalls swimming at Durand Beach, and at the salt-water one of America’s Best High Schools natatorium at Sea Breeze. She also played miniature golf at by Newsweek magazine based on Whispering Pines (less than twenty-five cents then, now $5.50 per student participation in the Advanced game!) Upon high school graduation, Ada attended the U of R for one Placement program. We invite you to year, and then RBI (Rochester Business Institute). Her first job was visit our Web site and see the data – as a clerk at Travelers Insurance, for two years. Then back to IHS, for our student participation and 2-3 years, as secretary to the school superintendent, A.C. Hamilton, number of course offerings continues who was also the high school principal. to grow (http://tinyurl.com/IHSAP10). In May 2010, students enrolled in 21 different courses of Ada married in 1941, and although she was an only child, study and wrote over 800 exams. Academic rigor is truly subsequently raised seven children; none of them went to IHS! St. Margaret Mary, Kearney, and Mercy were their schools. She now alive and well at IHS! 5 Why We Live in Irondequoit summer favorites. Durand Eastman Park is wonderful for running, hiking and for cross-country skiing. The museums continued are readily available, and the zoo is just about in the back- yard. Within an hour you can be skiing at Bristol or touring house I grew up in. It was not only being near family, the wine country. lake and the park that drew us here, it was primarily the school district. Finally another wonderful characteristic of West Ironde- quoit is that so many who grew up here have chosen to call The Harvey Family it home. There is a wonderful community spirit that is a Paula Harvey Meisenzahl ’70, Anne Harvey Sick ’72, subtle undercurrent, inspiring friendship and a small town Brud Harvey ’76, Chris Harvey ’78, Margaret Harvey (‘83 atmosphere. What’s not to love? Deceased) As my siblings and I settled into our seats at Parkside, I presented the question, “Why do we live in West Joe Kelly ‘71 Irondequoit?” Without hesitation several “answers” spilled After being away in the military and halfway round the out. world; I never expected to return to Irondequoit. However, - I can get home without getting lost. I came back to get “my bearings,” went to grad school, - We love snow, especially lake effect snow. (You have to got married and an opportunity for a home in Irondequoit love your shovel.) And, by the way, the amount of snow came up. That was some 24 years ago and we “never looked at the airport is NOT the real amount of snow in back.” For me, I gained a greater appreciation for this town Irondequoit. from the family perspective. The schools well served our - It is near Paula’s Kitchen North (Parkside Diner), and it five children who have all been very successful and happy. is near O’loughlin’s. Although a suburban town by definition, it has a small town - I know every place my children can TRY to hide, and they feel and extraordinary beauty. Within a few minutes, you know everybody knows who they are. can “escape” the stresses of life and take a walk among a - It is where my house is. great lake as you personally stand between the northern - Because once an Indian, always an Indian. boundary of the US and the great land of Canada. - Because I can spell Irondequoit. My father is 92 and still lives in our original house on Eaton - My ruby slippers keep bringing me here. Rd.; he will live his remaining years here as did my mother who we lost one year ago. We participate in a wonderful We had a lot of fun talking about it, and ultimately that is church community, scout troop, and so many varying ath- one of the wonderful reasons we are living in West Ironde- letic organizations. We have our roots and don’t suspect we quoit, family. At 2.3 miles, Brud lives the farthest of the four will ever become “snowbirds.” We are indeed blessed! of us from home. Being able to share life’s everyday experi- ences with the people you care most about is paramount. Vicki Alley Schultz ‘73 Whether the experience brings joy or calls for pulling I came back because it is a good place to live. It has a mix together, knowing family is with you makes all the differ- of nice homes with opportunity to be outdoors hiking, bik- ence. Cousins grow up together, they know grandparents, ing and enjoying nature. I wanted to be close to the lake aunts and uncles, and they share common experiences and and have easy access to downtown Rochester. I don’t want camaraderie. A few extra cousins have even been found to commute everyday on the expressway and deal with all along the way. Growing up as a Harvey on Scotch Lane, the weather issues associated with that. From Irondequoit, moving out of town meant making it across the Stutson I can go anywhere in Rochester & surrounding suburbs in Street Bridge. As residents of West Irondequoit, our fam- 20-30 minutes. ily has a long history of being a proud part of St. Paul Blvd. Fire Association. Brud, Chris and Dad have given countless I wanted my children to be educated in one of the best hours as volunteer firefighters including many leadership school districts in the area and have the same opportuni- positions. St. Paul members are like family. ties to be self sustaining. This is the only town I know of that a person really does not need a car. When I was a kid I In addition, West Irondequoit’s reputation as a school dis- could walk, ride a bike or take a bus any place I needed to trict drew us to buy homes here. We felt the opportunities get to. I can still choose to do the same as an adult. Ask at and traditions as well as the caliber of the programs offered open houses, how many parents walked? Even though the the best options for students. traffic is heavy, a significant number walk - I always did.
West Irondequoit also offers the proximity and beauty of Even my two daughters live in Irondequoit, both married Lake Ontario. The sunset and an Abbott’s ice cream are and one with children. I guess it’s a family thing. Continued on page 8. 6 Class of 1949 The class of 1949 enjoyed a reunion luncheon at Campani’s Restaurant in Irondequoit on September 27, 2009. Pictured are: Back Row - Dick Haag, Bob Borchard, Dave Elder, Warren Bastian, Stan Perry, Jim Beisheim, Bob Buckpitt, Bruce Thon. Middle Row - Jean Thorne Kerwin Meier, Janet Culver Bolt, Donna Betocke Neufeglise, Shirley Hills Steinorth, Mary Ellen Farkas Gallagher, Peggy Schwab Beisheim. Front Row—Barbara Hill Scrimgeour, Marjorie Woodworth Sawnor, Anne Tetamore Rehbach, Fran Raciti Mascari, Rudy Lerner n
Class of 1969 Class of 1970 The Class of 1970 is preparing to cel- ebrate their 40th Reunion. The celebra- tion has been scheduled for the weekend of August 20-22, 2010. The weekend will begin with what has become a tradition of an informal gathering at O’Loughlin’s (Silk) on Friday evening. On Saturday, the Conference Center at Camp East- man in Durand Eastman Park will be the venue for the main event. The festivities start at 1:00 p.m. with a picnic dinner to be served around 3 p.m. There will be a tour of the high school on Sunday morning to wrap up a weekend of renewing old friendships and making new ones. Check the Web site (www. Class of 1969 stopped in the cafeteria during their reunion tour of IHS. ihs70.org) for more details. If you didn’t receive the “Save the Date” postcard that was mailed in March, please send your The West Irondequoit Foundation offers free updated address to [email protected] so tours of IHS to class reunion groups. Come and you can be included in future mailings. explore the Irondequoit High School of 2010! Contact the Office of Public Information to You may also contact Lorraine Manelis at n arrange a tour at 585-336-3067. [email protected].
7 Why We Live in Irondequoit Beyond family, though, I wouldn’t want to live in a place without water to visit nearby, and having the woods five continued minutes away for hiking is just great! There’s no place like home. Bruce Rosenbaum, ‘73 I chose to live back here by chance. I have always liked the town, and after getting married in 1979...I owned Kelly (Thompson) Bradshaw ‘78 I graduated from IHS in 1978 and in 1984 when my hus- two homes in Greece and decided that town wore out its band and I were looking for a home; he came to the conclu- welcome....I searched for a new home...and found a ‘for sale sion that I wouldn’t move farther than 12 blocks from my by owner’ ad and looked at the house ( 36 Oakmount Drive) mother! I had four siblings who had already bought homes and fell in love with it! So.....as an added benefit...I live near in Irondequoit at the time. Now, as our children have the water and Durand Park and Charlotte...... and I enjoy grown, my nieces and nephews are raising their children jogging, hiking, X-C Skiing, biking at all of those places! in this town as well! We are a close- knit family, but I think Irondequoit is a wonderful town to do outdoor activities as that a lot of staying around town has to do with the small it so close to the lake and a park!! town feel while having the urban suburb benefits, and hav- ing quality education with a lot of extra curricular activi- PS...... After having turned ‘single’ again...I am going to ties. Of course, built in babysitters within blocks helps. be putting the house up for sale and looking for nicer digs probably in a new town...... ooops.....sorry Irondequoit, but time for a change to a bigger crib with a gourmet kitchen Jim Shafer ‘80 I moved to West Irondequoit from Detroit, Michigan in the and large great room hopefully! My two kids are all grown summer between 3rd and 4th grade. I remember being up and an empty nester now, so I can be selfish in getting a very scared of all these strange people that talked funny. I house that just fits ME LOL! announced my arrival by riding my new bike up and down side streets around my block while continuously honking Dave Cushman, ‘74 the annoying bell that was attached to the handle bars. That In response to your request for information on why I, as an bicycle was promptly stolen that very night! alumnus of IHS, chose to return and settle in West Irond- equoit, here’s my story. Truth be told, it was my wife, who I eventually met Sammy Noto, Robby Scott, and the rest of was from Greece and went to Cardinal Mooney, who really the Northfield guys and became lifelong friends with most was adamant about settling in West Irondequoit. She knew of them. Through the years as I migrated to Rogers Middle how well the school system was rated and felt that it was a School and then Irondequoit High School, I became friends great community as well. We both worked at Kodak at the with many more good, lifelong friends that I can still time and it was close to work but also centrally located near proudly call friends to this very day. many of the areas we liked to visit around the county. Her family and mine were still based in Rochester so moving I don’t remember many boring moments as a kid grow- “away” wasn’t even considered. We moved into our first ing up in Irondequoit. I do know that there were problems house on Paxton Road in 1983 and moved again within along the way, but we somehow worked them out with as Irondequoit to Wimbledon Road in 1989. little parental involvement as was needed. We were ex-
pected to be home when the street lights came on. We were We have now contributed three other IHS alumni (David expected to pop in for dinner at 5 p.m. sharp. If you were a - 2002, Sarah - 2003, Rachel - 2005) and just added Mary - second late, you didn’t eat. We were expected to respect our 2010. All have had the benefit of an excellent West Irond- elders and God help you if your parents were contacted by a equoit education and athletic system that has prepared teacher or a police officer regarding your actions! them well for the future. We have all enjoyed and continue to enjoy our association with the West Irondequoit school I always felt safe as a kid in Irondequoit. Our parents were system and its staff, several of whom have become great strict with us in ways that we are not strict with our chil- personal friends. dren today, and were lenient in areas where we are stricter today. I’ve always respected West Irondequoit as a caring, Heidi (Berner) Mittiga, ‘75 hard working community and still do. We chose to live in West Irondequoit to be near our parents.
It became the best decision we could have made, because Like many people that live here today, my wife and I bought our children were able to spend a lot of time with their a home in West Irondequoit in large part due to the excel- grandparents while they were still healthy, and we were lent school district. We then promptly sent our children to able to watch over them when they became ill. Continued on page 12.
8 Class of 2001
First official reunion!! Please be sure to send your current address, e-mail address and phone information to the class e-mail address, [email protected]. We hope you will join the party! You will be hearing from us soon. If you are interested in being a part of the planning, please let Erica Czop and Cristin Sick know by e-mail! n
Class of 1999 10th Reunion
The IHS Class of 1999 celebrated their ten year reunion on Saturday, November 28, 2009 and Sunday, November 29, 2009. About sixty people attended Saturday’s event at Hush nighclub on East Avenue, including a cocktail hour and buffet dinner. The following morning, a smaller group headed to the updated high school, for brunch and a school tour. We were able to enjoy the music of the Manhattan Project, a band led by two alumni (Charles Lindner and Matt Ramerman), while we ate. Afterward, the West Irondequoit Foundation led a tour of the new and improved IHS campus. The high school definitely has changed (and for the better) over the past ten years! It was great to catch up with old classmates, acquaintances and friends. See you in another ten years, class of 1999! n
An Athlete to Watch
Cito Culver entered the Principal’s Conference Room at IHS for an impromptu press conference and his smile lit up the room. Just 14 hours earlier he had learned that he was a first round selection in the 2010 MLB draft. And the story gets even better. He was the first choice of the team he has admired for as long as he can remember, the NY Yankees. Culver answered reporters’ questions for about twenty minutes while his family, coaches and friends looked on. A switch-hitting shortstop, Culver played on the IHS varsity baseball team for five years and was named MVP each of his final three seasons. He batted .561 (37 for 66) with 10 doubles, five triples, nine home runs, 38 RBI and Cito Chris Culver ’10 answers questions at a news conference at IHS the day after he was drafted by the NY Yankees. 20 walks in 22 regular season games as a senior. Culver was also a member of the IHS men’s basketball team. He When asked to describe Cito, baseball coach Tim Mabb headed to Tampa, FL the day after graduation to begin remarked, “He’s a better kid than a baseball player. And training and is currently playing in the Gulf Coast League. he’s a great baseball player.” n 9 for the first time in his adult life he has the been on numerous deployments and her awards luxury of having the time to write an update for include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Alumni WIAA. Woody married his wife Nori in 1963. Meritorious Service Medal (five awards) and They met at SUNY Delhi and have three children Navy Commendation Medal (two awards). who live in London, England; Oswego, NY and Anchorage Alaska. Early on, Woody and Nori 1982 News lived in Irondequoit, then the Buffalo area, but in Lisa Pierson Bork lives in Fairport with her 1974 he tells us he entered the exciting world of husband and two children. Her first book, For The “Alumni News” section of this industrial sales; moving to Saratoga, NY, and then Better, For Murder: a Broken Vows Mystery was newsletter is devoted to catching up with in 2006 to Greenville, SC. They enjoy spending published by Midnight Ink in 2009 and was a Irondequoit High School graduates. We summers in Saratoga and winters in Greenville. finalist for the Agatha Award for Best First Novel. encourage graduates from all years to Woody travelled most of his working life since The second book in her series, For Richer, For send information about what you have 1974, fortunate to learn about many diverse Danger, will be released in September 2010. To accomplished and what you are doing cultures around the world. He is looking forward catch up with Lisa, visit www.LisaBork.com or today. You will find an information ques- to spending time with Nori now and expects to email [email protected]. tionnaire on Page 20 of this newsletter. get involved in volunteer work. Fill it out and perhaps next year, you’ll E-mail: [email protected] 1983 find your name on these pages. It’s a Betsy Kuitems Hawes worked full-time for good way to keep in touch! 1964 many years downtown for a management William “Bill” Tegtmeyer is now living in South company. She married Chris Hawes (1980 1936 Burlington, VT. He left New Orleans after Katrina Eastridge graduate) and they have lived in Marie Langer Edmister graduated from IHS wiped him out, and moved back to the northeast. Irondequoit since 1992. Betsy quit working when it was located at Titus Ave and Cooper Rd. He’s a registered nurse, having been in law full-time in 1994 after the birth of their second She graduated from Rochester Business Institute, enforcement and also a paramedic before getting child. Chris and Betsy have five children: two and worked for Fort Wayne Corrugated Paper his RN about 24 years ago. He worked in ED and boys, three girls. Betsy is working part-time Company. Marie married her husband in 1948 ICU for many years, and currently works in case as a marketing coordinator for a non-profit and in 1966 they moved to Snyder, NY (a suburb management. organization and she is also a freelance graphic of Buffalo) with their two daughters. Marie still Web site: www.BillTegtmeyer.com designer. E-mail: [email protected] lives in Snyder where she is active in church activities and volunteers for the American Red 1968 2001 Cross. She kept in touch with Ruth Andersen Anita Alano moved to Pittsburgh in 1979 where Cristin Sick and five of her friends established Lauterbach, her cousin, also from the class of she taught art in Pittsburgh public schools for 17 a post-collegiate female a cappella group in 2008 1936, and Marie tells us that every summer she years. She married Merle Jantz in 1991. Anita called 5-Second Rule. They perform a repertoire enjoys reading the newsletter and learning about retired from teaching to pursue artistic goals ranging from classic do-wop to modern top 40 the wonderful accomplishments of those who and now teaches drawing and painting for the hits. In December 2009 they put out their first have graduated. Community College of Allegheny County. Christmas CD with two other a cappella groups E-mail: [email protected] from Rochester – The Smoking Hot Pipes and 1945 FUSION. You can keep in touch with them at Ed Kimball and his wife Barbara celebrated Jim Doyle is a logger and lumber mill operator in www.myspace.com/5secondrulemusic. On a their 60th wedding anniversary in September the state of Washington. He keeps in touch with personal note, Cristin graduated from Nazareth 2009. They live in Redmond, OR where Ed is his friend Tom Kelly from the class of 1967. College in 2005 and RIT in 2006. Cristin Sick is semi-retired and works with the Head Start engaged to marry Mark Mancuso. Mark, a 2005 program, reading to children. He also enjoys fly- 1980 graduate of SUNY Binghamton, is originally fishing and singing Broadway and Sinatra tunes Gretchen Specht Herbert was selected for from Stafford, New York. A May 2011 wedding is at local assisted living facilities. promotion to Rear Admiral in the US Navy in planned. 2009. In August 2009 Gretchen reported to 1962 Navy Networks (OPNAV N6N) and is on the 2005 Woody Bowler retired in August 2009, with staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations David James graduated from Bucknell mixed emotions, but he wrote that he feels like for Communication Networks N6. She has University in 2009. He lives in the Boston area where he is teaching 8th grade science and earning his M.Ed at Boston University. E-mail: [email protected]
2008 Miranda Marchese was named to the Dean’s List at Boston University for the 2009 fall semester. She is a sophomore English major in the College of Arts and Sciences.
2009 Michael Keeley just completed his freshman year at Oswego State, majoring in Broadcasting and Mass Communications. During his first semester he was selected to be the play-by-play announcer for the Lakers Men’s Ice Hockey team home games! He has also been producing some Janelle Giehl, Sarah Wright, Kerrie Brown, Maggie Mullin, Lauren radio shows for the college station WNYO, and will be co-hosting a sports-talk show for second Crary, Jenn York joined in a women’s lacrosse game in July 2009 semester. Mike is hoping his friends and organized by Sarah Wright. classmates will be tuning in! n
10 Alumni Reps Each class should have an alumni representative; we’ve posted our current list below. Reps receive agendas and minutes of our alumni meetings and may assist in coordination of reunions. If your class needs a rep and you would like to volunteer your services, please contact the alumni office at alumni_coordinator@ westiron.monroe.edu or 585-336-3067. FIRST NAME LAST NAME CLASS FIRST NAME LAST NAME CLASS FIRST NAME LAST NAME CLASS Ada Rayton Neary 1936 Clark Dobbertin 1962 James Vinci 1988 Arlene Blakely Shepler 1938 Sandy Schmidt Badura 1963 Tracy Moody 1989 Ginny Bevins Johnson 1939 Ed Storey 1964 Charlotte Riesenberger Granville 1990 John Rehbach 1941 John Becker 1965 Jennifer Solomon Fichtner 1991 Beverly Carter 1944 Sue Joninas 1966 Tammy Uchal Hittepole 1992 Betty Christman Schwab 1945 Charles Kanty 1968 Bannon Stroud 1993 Robert Rehbach 1946 Gary Westman 1969 Christopher Beato 1994 Jane Kleehammer 1947 Linda Knapp Williams 1970 Karen & Mike Weller Burns 1995 & 1996 Jim & Margaret Beisheim 1949 Artie Trevas 1971 Gina Nicosia 1997 Nancy Conklin 1950 Anne Sick 1972 Julie Sutera 1998 Elaine Bamann 1951 Jeanne Serles Taranto 1973 Amy Kaplan Coniglio 1999 Earl Doser 1952 Barbara Saucke O’Connor 1974 Camille Sealy 2000 Tom Moffitt 1953 Jeanne Travers 1975 Erica Czop 2001 Alice Baumann Kincaid 1954 Howard Cohen 1976 Angela Aratari 2002 Nancy Young Smith 1955 Leslie Knapp Ferriter 1977 Andrew Follaco 2003 Bill Saucke 1956 Marybeth Semrau Patton 1978 Adam Hoehn 2004 Gary & Judy Peacock 1957 Laura Green Mason 1979 Cailin Daly 2005 Anne Yeager 1958 Blanca Mastbaum Kane 1980 Calli Smith 2006 Jack Grover 1959 Andy List 1982 Heather York 2007 Bob Heinkel 1960 Jean Adams Perrotta 1983 Ashley King 2008 George Smith 1961 Judy Hunte Meacham 1984 Marisa Vattana 2009 Carmella Amato Chamberlain 1962 Sandie Weiser Freedman 1986 Josh Maxey 2010 Alumni Passings Compiled from June 20, 2009 to Present Virginia West Davidson...... ‘34 Edward Eyer...... ‘43 Donna Slavin Fairchild...... ‘59 Pauline Denk Blain...... ‘35 Claire Cameron Raynor...... ‘44 Gerda Bauer...... ‘60 Ruth Andersen Lauterbach...... ‘36 Yvonne Clasgens...... ‘45 Marjorie Burritt Walsh...... ‘60 Raymond Moran...... ‘36 Donald Bliss...... ‘46 Bonnie Coons Clapton...... ‘60 Phil Steinbacher...... ‘37 Kathryn Gianniny Woods...... ‘46 Sandra DeFreest Mink...... ‘60 John Bagchus...... ‘38 Janet Horn Sorrenti...... ‘46 Henry Evans...... ‘60 Elsie Daitz Miller...... ‘38 Jean Oldenburg Muisus...... ‘46 Anne Gardner Watts...... ‘60 Shirlie Daitz Lippman...... ‘38 Emerson (Bud) Pfeifer...... ‘48 Linda Goodell Folwell...... ‘60 Robert DeWeese...... ‘38 Bruce LaForce...... ‘49 Timothy Slater...... ‘60 Helen Gianniny Housel...... ‘38 Donald Dengler...... ‘50 Marie Calabrese...... ‘61 Doris Greeno Jones...... ‘38 David Stoke...... ‘51 Judith DeFazio Addley...... ‘61 Frank Hamann...... ‘38 Joseph Trenkler...... ‘51 Marjorie Keller...... ‘61 Mel Hamann...... ‘38 Glenn Donnell...... ‘52 Patricia Johnson Diehl...... ‘62 Donald Harper...... ‘38 David Evans...... ‘52 Diane Kanthor Hooker...... ‘63 John Jamieson...... ‘38 David Schoepfel...... ‘52 Carol Keppler Baker...... ‘63 Jeannette King Ernissee...... ‘38 Gloria Williams Sargent...... ‘54 James Lill, Jr...... ‘64 John Milne...... ‘38 Beverly Ashton Privitera...... ‘55 Donna Megerle LaDuque...... ‘66 Jean Milne Youngblood...... 38 Bonnie Farrell McNeil...... ‘55 David Newman...... ‘67 Elroy Seils...... ‘38 Nancy Mosher Wiesner...... ‘55 Ronald Klejment...... ‘69 Donald Snyder...... ‘38 Kathy Parsons Schwartzman...... ‘55 Paul Leakey...... ‘69 Gloria Swaim Williams...... ‘38 Kenneth Smith...... ‘55 Frederick Kolb...... ‘70 Robert Zabel...... ‘38 Barbara Williams Walters...... ‘55 Craig Stolze...... ‘70 Virginia Nash Stone...... ‘39 Bob Gillette...... ‘57 Marty White...... ‘74 Peter DeRooy...... ‘39 David Moldenhauer...... ‘57 Leslie Clarke...... ‘75 Paul Dietz...... ‘40 Carolyn Rogers Flood...... ‘59 Kevin Wratni...... ‘00 11 Why We Live in Irondequoit to ny live i m parent’s house rent free while they were down in Florida for the winter, if I paid the utilities. It worked well continued for fs both o u for years. They would have someone watching over the house and taking care of things there. I would have St Margaret Mary School for kindergarten through sixth affordable housing for half the year at least. grades.
If I didn’t have that serious girlfriend at the time, things Many things have changed in Irondequoit since I was might have been radically different though....we’ll never a kid. The one constant that has remained is that West know. Irondequoit continues to shine as a proud town steeped in traditions and values. I have been blessed to have lived on three different continents and traveled to many exciting Justin Connor ‘90 & and exotic places in my lifetime. I have never found a place Jeanine (Richardson) Connor ‘90 Jeanine (Richardson) Connor and I, Justin Connor, gradu- that has what West Irondequoit possesses. I wanted my ated from IHS in 1990. We moved to Northern California wife and children to experience these traditions and values in 1996 and lived there until 2005. We decided to return to that West Irondequoit offers. West Irondequoit after our first son Justin Riley Connor was born in 2004. We both wanted to raise our children in Mary Boehm Thomas ‘81 this community and we wanted them to have the same edu- I recently moved back to Irondequoit after a 25 year ab- cational opportunities that we had. West Irondequoit is an sence & have settled back into Irondequoit by choice, be- excellent school district and we recognized that they would cause I wanted my daughters to experience the opportunity have a greater chance for success in life if we returned to of the great education system that I did. Irondequoit. Irondequoit was significantly more affordable than Northern California as well. We are a little embar- Margaret Tanner Ornelas ‘81 rassed to say that Wegmans was another reason for want- I received your card in the mail and here are my reasons ing to return to Irondequoit!! We loved the older homes for returning to West Irondequoit. I graduated from here and the safe, secure neighborhoods. We loved the proximity and then went to college in the San Francisco Bay Area to the lake and having all four seasons to look forward to. and lived there for 13 years. But after getting married and having my first child, I wanted to settle down in an afford- able area that offered decent schools, and CA is just not a Chhaya En ‘98 I o returned t West Irondequoit because of my fiancé, who de- good choice for that. I also noticed that CA areas were very cided that West Irondequoit had everything she was seeking urban and had no sense of community where people knew as a young professional. Moving from Central NY and with no each other and helped out their friends and neighbors. So attachmento t the town, for her it was all about proximity to after going through the 1989 7.1 earthquake and watching work and downtown, affordable and unique houses, beautiful the Oakland firestorm go past us, I decided to pack up and neighborhoods, and having a Wegmans nearby. get out before the locusts hit. I appreciate that there is still a place that offers good housing prices in a beautiful (and Of course I helped encourage and champion this move but safe) setting with good school districts and a community for very different reasons. For me it is about helping this atmosphere. I’ve never looked back. And I think my children town wake up and live up to its potential. I have lived in will appreciate Rochester (Irondequoit) when they too grow various cities and communities all over the East Coast and up and move to other places. in my eyes this town should be one of the most desirable towns in the county but in recent years has fallen behind Craig Schaller ‘84 some of the other suburbs on the desirability ladder and I I went to college in Lakeland, Florida (Florida Southern want to change that. College) after graduating from Irondequoit High in 1984. Spent four years there, but came back largely because I was Growing up in West Irondequoit in the 80’s and 90’s, dur- seriously dating a fellow IHS grad whom I had met while on ing a time I deem the last golden age of West Irondequoit, winter break during my sophomore year in college. Parents was truly an honor. We have that “small town” feel, strong still lived here at the time and I used to spend all time away community bonds, and a hometown pride, that is shared from college in Rochester. So I would fly back on breaks by many of its alumni, that is almost irrational. This pride and drive home for summers to see my girl. and affinity for the town is what is currently bringing
many class of ‘98 alumni back every day; and it’s what will While n I was i college, my parents bought a double mobile help provide this town with the energy and drive to help it homen i a retirement park in Florida and started going down achieve its potential. n there for the winters. When I graduated college, I was able
12 Bill Warren – drums ‘46, Ed Kimball – trumpet ‘45, Jim Noble – piano ‘46
Ed Kimball and his wife Barbara live in Oregon and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2009. Ed enjoys singing Broadway and Sinatra tunes a capella whenever (and wher- Ed Kimball recently wrote and told us that the picture in the West Irondequoit ever) he can. Ed made a trip back Foundation brochure of the IHS Jazz Ensemble (see insert) brought back east in April and stopped into our memories of “The Razz-Ma-Tazz Boys,” the jazz trio he was in with Bill Warren office to sing some songs for us. n and Jim Noble, before he found out he has a Broadway voice!
Show your IHS pride and purchase a Memories on DVD In 2002, IHS alum Steve Arter taped interviews with faculty who were teach- WWeesstt IIrroonnddeeqquuooiitt ing during the 1950’s when he was a student. Those interviewed were: Norma Butler, Bruce Clair, John Dodge, Beulah WWiinnddooww CClliinngg Hilfiker, Helen Rice, Butler Shaw and Clare Wallace. Copies of this video are now available for $15. ($5 will reimburse the IHS Media Club for copying the videos and the remaining amount will cover postage and a small donation to the West Irondequoit Foundation.)
Clings will be mailed to: Name ______Address ______Name______Address ______City______City, State, Zip ______State______Zip ______Phone #______No. of copies_____ X 15= ______
Checks should be payable to: West Irondequoit Alumni Association Please make checks payable to the Total # of clings ______x $2.50 = $______West Irondequoit Foundation. Please return this order form to: Send your request to: West Irondequoit Alumni Asso ciation The West Irondequoit Foundation - 321 List Avenue Faculty Video Rochester, NY 14617 321 List Avenue Rochester, NY 14617-3125
13 Courtyard Bricks 2009-2010
HERB DEAN ‘35 BRESLIN IN MEMORY OF FREDERICK DOT DEAN SIMS MARY72 MARJ72 CHET TURNER’41 GOLEBIOWSKI ‘30 JOAN 73 DAN 78 BY SALLIE T’46 CLASS OF 1969 Herbert Dean Joan Sechrist Sallie Guy Frederick Golebiowski
TAYLOR & RILEY THE HICKSES MEMORY & HONOR HARVEY EIKE SUE 69 JANET 70 ‘58 CLASSMATES ANDERSON CLASS OF 09/13 CHUCK 75 50TH REUNION CLASS OF 1945 David Eike L. Charles Hicks Anne Yeager Harvey Anderson
DEBBIE KOCHER GARY J. BENZ DON WHITMAN 41 IN MEMORY OF CLASS OF 1972 ROBERT A. BENZ BOB WHITMAN 43 CHUCK SHAFFER Debbie Kontautas 1959 1963 PAT WHITMAN 47 BEST FRIEND 64 Debbie Kontautas Robert Benz Robert Whitman Chris Lupien
COOPER DEL JAMES W. ERIC YOUNG E.K. BURKHARDT WINGATE FAMILY GEARHART INSPIRED ME BETTY BROWN 46 1963-1979 CLASS OF 1977 TO BE MORE IHS FRIENDS Kim Wingate Jost James Gearhart Mike Pixley Elizabeth Squires
MARGARET BROWN IN MEMORY OF JOHN C. RASMUS HARVEY MYMIT EI TCHR,MOTHER HAROLD RASMUS 50TH REUNION CLASS OF 1967 BETTY, BOB 46 48 LEOTA RASMUS 1959-2009 Elizabeth Squires John Rasmus John Rasmus Harvey Mymit
GEE FAMILY DAVE COCCIA’79 GOOD LUCK JONES-BASSEGIO DAVID 1986 LAUREN 2008 GRAHAM WILCOX DEB 73 CAITLIN 03 CHRISTINE 1988 JULIA 2010 CLASS OF 2010 TARA 07 ERIN 10 Bonnie Gee David Coccia Peggy Wilcox Deborah Jones Bassegio
JONES FAMILY KRISANDRA JUSTIN DENNIS JACOB J MAGIN DEB 73 GARY 75 MARIE WE’RE SO PROUD CLASS OF 2010 JUDY 77 BOB 81 2010 OF YOU! 2010 Deborah Jones Bassegio Lisa Drew Margo Latour Jacob Magin
JENNIFER 2008 BRANDON IN MEMORY OF DON AND DEANNE BRIAN 2010 PERKINS #72 OUR FRIEND SILVERI HOLLOWAY CLASS OF 2010 KAREN ANDREWS Sandra Holloway Karen Perkins Sharon Stiller Deanne Viola
14 Courtyard Bricks 2009-2010
THE ROEMER’S JUDY ADAMO HEATHER EVANS L. FERRITER DAD 79 JOEL 2013 25 YEARS AND PE TEACHER 25 YEARS-2010 JOURDAN 2015 STILL COUNTING SOCCER COACH STILL ROLLING
Joel Roemer WICSD WICSD WICSD
MOVING IS JOY! DON’T COUNT KELLY OWEN ‘10 JUSTIN OWEN’10 ANN W. MARTIN THE DAYS-MAKE A WAY BETTER WHO IS FASTER PHYS. EDUCATOR THE DAYS COUNT ARTIST THAN… AT MATH THAN... WICSD WICSD James Owen James Owen
KEVIN OWEN ‘05 TONY CALLENS WHO OUT-TANGOS LOVE MOM THEM BOTH. NANA AND PAPA James Owen Janice Callens
West Irondequoit Alumni Courtyard Brick Order Form
Share in the history of West Irondequoit schools by purchasing an honorary or memorial brick in the ALUMNI COURTYARD. This courtyard is evermore becoming a special place where memories are shared and honor is paid to those who have known the West Irondequoit experience. COST: $50 per engraved brick.
Yes! I would like to support the West Irondequoit Alumni Courtyard by purchasing an engraved brick @ $50 per brick.
My check, made out to the West Irondequoit Foundation for $50 per brick is enclosed.
Please send me a photo of my brick once it is installed. Digital Print
Engraving instructions: There is space for exactly 14 characters per line and there are three lines available. When filling the spaces, count all letters, spaces and punctuation marks as part of the 14 spaces. Please print clearly in block letters. Your Name ______Line 1 ______///////////// Address ______Line 2 ______///////////// City/State/Zip ______Email Line 3 ______/////////////
Mail this completed form to: West Irondequoit Foundation, 321 List Avenue, Rochester, NY 14617-3125
15 Current Snapshot of West Irondequoit Schools May 2010 96% Regents Diplomas Awarded (NYS Requirement of 5 Regents Courses/Exams) 75% Advanced Regents Diplomas Awarded (NYS Requirement of 8 Regents Courses/Exams) 92% Graduating Seniors Enter Post Secondary Study Top 2% Newsweek’s 27,000 American High Schools with: 21 Advanced Placement Courses 845 AP Tests Written by 426 Students (Record High Totals) 75% Mastery (College Credit Earned) 12 Art Courses Offered (Grades 9-12) 5 Project Lead-The-Way/Engineering Courses Offered (Initiated in 1997) 5 Major Dramatic Presentations per Year (Grades 7-12) Recognized One of “Best Communities for Music Education in America” (8 of 10 Past Years) 1 Team in Odyssey of the Mind World Competition 2 National Champions in Business Education Competitions Only High School in Monroe County Designated a BLUE-STAR School for Student Financial Literacy Only Monroe County District cited as “Top Achieving” for “performing beyond academic expectations” when factoring in per pupil expenditures and demographics - Manhattan Institute 97% Passing Rate on US History Regents Exam 98% Passing Rate on English Language Arts Regents Exam 97% Passing Rate on Living Environment (Biology) Regents Exam Top 3 Monroe County Schools -- Foreign Languages Offered/98% Passing on Regents Exams (French, German, Italian, Latin, Spanish and World Language Elective) 1st Monroe County Schools – Mastery Rate Science 8 Exam 1st Monroe County Schools – Mastery Rate Social Studies 8 Exam Majority of Junior High Students Participate in Community Service Curriculum 1st Monroe County Schools – Mastery Rate 6th Grade ELA Exam 6 K-3 Neighborhood Schools with Approximately 170 Students Each Top 3 Monroe County Schools – Passing Rate 3rd Grade Math Exam Numerous Scholar/Athlete, Sportsmanship and Sectional Recognitions Only District-Based Nature Center in Monroe County (Helmer Nature Center) All District Facilities Rebuilt or Renovated 1999-2009 (Fixed Rate Mortgage thru 2018) Lowest Seven-Year Average Tax Levy Increase in Monroe County
In comparison with 19 Monroe County Suburban School Districts: Combined Wealth Ratio – 9th Tax Rate per Thousand – 2nd Per Pupil Expenditure – 8th (Below the Mean) Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey B. Crane 585-336-2983
16 Making a Splash!
In June 2008, the pool at IHS was emptied one final time The pool is used nonstop by students and community and construction began on a new state of the art facility. We members. Students at IHS and Dake Junior High School were without a pool for 14 months, so throughout the 2008-09 take swimming lessons as part of the physical education school year our swim teams practiced at the Webster Aquatic program (IHS students can even try kayaking lessons) and Center, our Community Education classes were held at the the community is invited to learn-to-swim classes, lifeguard Maplewood YMCA and Irondequoit Parks and Recreation certification, water fitness, family swim, lap swim and senior activities were held at Eastridge High School. citizen open swim. It goes without saying that our swim teams The new pool officially opened on September 26, 2009 with use the pool, and other sports have used the facility for cross traditional speeches, a ribbon cutting, an inaugural swim by training sessions. Water polo intramurals made an appearance our student athletes and then - it was everybody into the pool this past winter and the fishing club has even honed their for our first open swim session! casting skills in the new facility (no hooks of course!). The new pool was constructed in the same location as the Community members are improving their aquatic skills, original 1958 pool. The back wall of the school was “bumped keeping fit and thoroughly enjoying the latest improvement to out” 28 feet to accommodate three additional swimming lanes. Irondequoit High School. The pool is 14 feet deep compared to the previous 11 feet and Learn more about our aquatics programs at http://www. features stairs that allow bathers to walk into the shallow end westirondequoit.org/Aquatics/indexAquatics.htm rather than use a ladder – an amenity especially enjoyed by View pictures of the pool construction at http://www. our youngest and more senior swimmers. There is an LED westirondequoit.org/capital_project_updates.htm n scoreboard, a dedicated area for competition timekeepers and a family locker room for community use.
Pool construction: This photo shows the east wall of IHS, during Pool bleachers: Spectator bleachers are located on the east wall and are construction. The Occupational Education rooms are on the left side of elevated over a storage area. the photo. The wall was moved out to make room for the new eight lane swimming pool.
Pool entrance: The new building entrance is in the same location as the old “pool door,” and provides access directly into the pool area or into the school hallway that leads to the large cafeteria. 17 WIRQ – Oldest High School Radio Station
WIRQ is believed to be the oldest high school radio station in the nation and January 22, 2010 was a day of celebra- tion: a 50th birthday party / reunion at IHS. The station is now located on the first floor of the school, adjacent to the TV studio. Station alumni stopped by to visit, get reacquainted and check out today’s studio. Some took the opportunity to pick up the microphone again and DJ a show. Many graduates took the time to write us about their memories of WIRQ. You can view their thoughts on our Web site at www.wirqfm.org. WIRQ has been all over the dial in our 50 years, starting on 90.9 FM in 1959. In the late 80’s we moved to 93.3 ‘Rock of the 60’s to 90’s–New Music’ Then in 1990 WIRQ celebrated 30 years and changed places on the dial to 94.3. Recently we moved up to 104.7 FM but wait - we are moving again! This time, we’re going home to 90.9FM WIRQ. The timeline for the move is yet to be determined. We currently play “Alternative-College- Radio-Station” type music. Our rotation includes the hottest and newest alternative music, and a collection of older alternative music. We broadcast on school days from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. From 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. we broadcast on 90.5FM WBER through a coop- erative agreement with BOCES. Besides alternative, WIRQ hosts specialty shows from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. /6 p.m., all different genres of music. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us, whether in person or electronically. Fifty years have brought many changes Continued on page 19.
Al Rayburn ’67 and Chuck Nellis ‘71 stopped by to reminisce. Chuck is the Program Director and afternoon host at WJYE, Buffalo. In 1976 he adopted the air name Chuck Stevens and it stuck!
Julia Ciesla-Hanley ’95 and Nicole Brown ‘94 check out Chris Chiesa ’81 takes his turn on air. the station’s current selection of CD’s.
18 to IHS, but WIRQ is still an experience that shapes our students for the future. Check out our Web site – www.wirqfm.com and our Facebook page – WIRQ n
Students planned and raised money for 15 months to make WIRQ a reality. Notice that the dividends from the stock they sold were “to be paid in the form of education, Culture and Entertainment.” Sonia Tishkoff-Wicks Irondequoit High Class of 1947
“Students at Irondequoit High should have a serious awareness they are attending a top school,” according to Sonia Wicks class of ’47. A long time resident of Irondequoit, Sonia is in ‘re- tirement’ but can be found quietly pouring over newspa- pers and books in the library at Trillium Place where she lives near Dublin just northeast of Columbus, OH. Sonia attended Irondequoit High in the “old building” at Titus Sharon Grossman’79 and Joe Fischer stopped in at the birthday party. and Cooper and recalls there were about 80 students in her graduating class. “My father stressed education and I liked math, languages and the Spanish Club. I also YEARBOOKS AVAILABLE helped my mother with Russian translation.” We have extra yearbooks from the following years. Born in Rochester, Sonia says she is “Old enough If you would like to purchase one for $25, call the to vote.” She also attended Hosea Rogers and enjoyed Public Information Office at (585) 336-3067 Sunday family picnics at a crowded Charlotte Beach to make arrangements. Updated 7/1/2010 where the old merry-go-round ran all day. Sonia’s fam- ily was involved in the Shine Theaters of Rochester and 1940 1955 1974 1996 her mother worked at Hickey Freeman during WWII. 1942 1956 1976 1997 “President Roosevelt’s picture hung in our classroom.” 1944 1957 1982 1998 she recalls and only laughs when she remembers political 1945 1958 1984 2001 figures like Hoover, Garner, Wallace and Truman. 1947 1959 1985 2002 Everybody was serious, however, she says when her 1948 1963 1986 2003 family first heard on the radio about the surprise attack 1949 1965 1987 2004 on Pearl Harbor in 1941. 1950 1966 1988 2005 Sonia was married in 1951 to WWII Navy veteran 1951 1967 1989 2006 Alvin Wicks, an Electrical Engineer graduate of RIT. Alvin 1952 1971 1992 2007 was involved in his career of over 40 years with General 1953 1972 1993 2008 Railway Signal and the NCR Company of Cambridge, OH. 1954 1973 1995 2009 He was also known as a champion ping-pong player. n
19 Patricia Straat (IHS Class of ‘54) Finds Life on Mars
Patricia walked to Dake grammar school, a book entitled Mars, the Living Planet (1997). Pat concluded: “If and often rode horses in what is now the microbial life ever evolved on the surface of Mars, I believe it is still Hudson/Titus Shopping Center. Although there, having adapted to changing conditions as they became more riding horses was always her first love, she severe. Recent probes have returned tantalizing data indicating also enjoyed skiing, swimming, basketball, tiny amounts of water, making it more likely that our test did, in badminton, and softball. At IHS, her favorite fact, detect microbial life. This would be a fundamentally significant teachers were Mrs. Lalonde (Geometry), scientific discovery.” Mrs. Fattig (French), and Mrs. Reichert (Sr. Dr. Straat subsequently joined the National Institutes of Health English). in 1980. For four years she directed a committee for review of grant Pat’s first job after high school was as applications in cellular and molecular biophysics. Following that, a Girl Scout Counselor, teaching canoeing, and she took a group of she became Chief of Referral and Deputy Chief of the Referral and scouts on a two-week canoe trip through the Fulton chain of lakes in Review Branch for nine years where she supervised a team of 55 the Adirondacks. individuals responsible for the processing and referral of all grant She graduated from Oberlin College (Psychology), then from applications submitted to the Public Health Service. Pat then served the Johns Hopkins University (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, as Acting Deputy Chief for Review where she supervised a large team Biophysics). Her PhD dissertation was entitled Characterization responsible for the review of grant applications in AIDS research, of a Nitrate Reductase from the Chemoautotroph Nitrobacter behavioral sciences, health promotion and disease prevention, Agilis. After four postdoctoral years, followed by a stint at Johns immunological sciences, infectious diseases, and sensory sciences. Hopkins as Assistant Professor, the newly minted Dr. Straat joined Her last two years were as Special Assistant, Office of the Director, Biospherics Inc. in 1970. She eventually became Director of Research Center for Scientific Review. Services, working primarily in the areas of environmental problems, Pat “retired” in 2001 but is working as an independent consultant microbiology, and extraterrestrial life detection. on several Mars projects. Last year, she published an article on the Pat participated in NASA’s 1976 Viking Mission to Mars as Co- possibilityf o methane bacteria on that planet, and is working on a Experimenter of the Labeled Release Experiment (LR) which was book about Viking and possible life on Mars. She lives on her 10 acre one of three life detection experiments that landed on the surface of horse n farm i Maryland and currently has two horses and one donkey. Mars. She was also a member of the Viking Biology Flight Team and Patricia enjoyed “riding to hounds” (fox chasing) for 25 years, but of the Viking Biology Science Team. Results of the LR experiment hado p t give u riding two years ago. Hobbies include photography and were positive for microbial life at both Martian landing sites, woodworking - using exotic woods to make jewelry boxes, tea caddies, although the life interpretation of the results has been disputed by lazy susans, trivets, etc. Her boxes and photos have won many ribbons others. As more and more water continues to be found on Mars, at annual county fairs. She also frequently enjoys theater and the however, the life interpretation of LR becomes more probable. Along symphony. Despite aches and pains, life is good! n with the many scientific journal articles she wrote, she co-authored Virginia Straat Braun (IHS Class of ‘58) Rochester Artist Life for Virginia has centered on her in New York City. Soon she was welcomed into the Shoestring Gallery family and her art career. As for family, and later the Esmay Fine Art Gallery in Rochester, where she stayed she has three married children and nine for a total of over 30 years. Virginia is a self taught watercolor artist, grandchildren. Virginia says she has always who has always been intrigued with light. She continually self- loved art. “I was born with a crayon in my hand studied light effects until finally she could create this light within and I painted in the frost on the windows!” her paintings. Virginia says, “Light is what makes my paintings By age 10 she had won a $25 bond in an art sparkle with life, intrigue and mystery.” She classifies her paintings contest and by age 11 an English bike. In as Fantasy Illusionism. Without preliminary sketching, Virginia lays eighth grade she won her first award taking a down washes of color on thoroughly wet paper. This blending of colors blue ribbon in the annual Scholastic Art Show. produces a painting full of serenity and peace. Virginia adds detail to Taking only the required art throughout high school, Miss her paintings during the drying process and deliberately omits some Roberts tried unsuccessfully to convince Virginia to take her elective detail to let the viewer’s imagination soar. Virginia is a master at and art classes and pursue a career in art. After graduation, Virginia best known for her beautiful sunrises/sunsets and water that looks attended the State University College at Potsdam where she earned wet. Virginia and her husband Tom like to visit picturesque Keuka her B.S. in teaching and graduated with honors and a double major Lake, which she says is very inspirational for painting her watercolors. in science and art. At graduation, she was awarded the prestigious Her watercolor paintings are in many private and corporate William. F Anderson Art Award for the person most likely to succeed in collections throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Mexico. art. She then accepted a job as the art teacher in two Fairport schools. “Miss Roberts would be proud of me today!” Later while raising a family, Virginia pursued a full time career in You can view Virginia’s paintings at: watercolor painting. In the 1970’s Virginia joined the Rochester Art 1. The Finger Lakes Gallery & Frame, Canandaigua, N.Y. Club, the only club in the area that an applicant’s work is juried to 2. The Memorial Art Gallery’s Clothesline Festival, Rochester, become a member. She was also juried into the Salamanca Art Club N.Y., which is always the 2nd weekend in September. 3. Her new Web site: www.got2haveart.com n 20 were the best athletes. the extracurricular student She Did It She recognized her op- activities she volunteered to portunity to encourage assist with or lead, more than for the Love these students, “doing we are able to mention. Many it for the kids.” Pat was of these were “on her time.” As of Kids also involved with cheer- she would say, she “did it for leading, coaching her the kids.” Pat has seen many By Leslie Knapp Ferriter ’77 and team to Grand Champion changes during her teaching Anne Harvey Sick ’72 titles three years in a row career. She has seen the num- as well as one year as ber of women’s teams grow as Pat D’Ambrosia joined us recently to talk State Champions. The well as the careers available about her life and her experiences. She is a track team also benefited through athletics. retired West Irondequoit teacher who has con- from Pat’s enthusiasm At the behest of her tinuedo t reside here since retiring in 1989. and drive as she served husband, Pat retired from West Pat grew up in Buffalo attending St. as track coach for five Irondequoit Central School Mary’s, a private girls’ school outside of and a half years. District in 1989. She was glad Buffalo. She went on to attend The New Moreover, Pat was very involved with for the time they were able to spend together. York State College at Brockport. It was at the plays at Irondequoit, choreographing Pat still enjoys travel and stays in touch with Brockport where Pat honed her skills as both numbers for many of them. While she recalls many of her West Irondequoit friends. She an athlete and a teacher. According to Pat, at them all with fondness, Pat mentions West mentions, when traveling, the first stop after Brockport, physical education students were Side Story as a favorite. Karen Kleinschmidt getting settled should be to join a gym. Pat taught all facets of all sports. It was there Steiner (’72) remembers working with Pat is a proponent of continuing exercise and where Pat learned to inspire and motivate on the plays, and notes how working with her has been the Fitness Director for Harro East kids using a creative process. was something everyone loved. Pat had a Athletic Club for 20 years, teaching classes After graduating from Brockport, Pat knack, also, for finding a way to recruit male there three times a week. She also holds a started her teaching career in 1954 at Frank- students to dance in the plays. In Fiddler on Masters in physical education. She enjoys lin High School in Rochester. It was during the Roof the male student dancers included both the social aspect of her involvement as this time that Pat met her husband, Joseph, Nick Cup (’75), Bob Clark (’75), Mark Butta- well as the friendship. Overall Pat has been who was also a physical education teacher at razzi (’75), John (Max) Martynec (’76), Erroll teaching for 50 years. Franklin. Simpson (’77), Walter (Brud) (’76) and Chris What a pleasure it was to meet and speak When Irondequoit High School opened Harvey (‘78). Many of these students were with Pat. She continues to inspire. She its new state of the art swimming pool in athletes involved in football, baseball, tennis, remembers teaching yoga to a woman who 1958, Pat joined the staff to run the swim gymnastics and lacrosse. Pat also worked got “inspired” and now the woman teaches programs. Pat’s expertise in swimming and closely with Gloria Montgomery (Business) yoga. Pat says, “you never know who you are diving made her a natural choice for the posi- who worked wonders with costumes. influencing.” Her enthusiasm is contagious tion. In 1961 Pat and Joseph chose to settle Pat has touched many lives through all of and, yes, we feel inspired. n in West Irondequoit. After the birth of their son, Joseph, in 1966, Pat took a few years away from teaching before rejoining the West Irondequoit Central School District in Save the Date! 1972. Son, Joseph, graduated from Irond- equoit High School in 1984. West Irondequoit Foundation 11th Annual Golf Tournament Pat founded the synchronized swimming club at IHS. Originally, Pat notes, there were June 27, 2011 two swim shows a year. As a person who Play a round of golf (9 or 18 holes), enjoyed Broadway plays and travelling to New York City, Pat brought many creative ideas then gather with other supporters back from her experiences to transform into for lunch. Lunch only option is also available. musical numbers in the pool. Interestingly in the 1950’s swimming was a required part of gym class, and gym classes were organized Details at 585-336-3067 or http://www.we- according to swim ability. Pat was a pioneer stirondequoit.org/foundation.htm in women’s sports, encouraging her stu- dent athletes. In addition to her other pool Established in 1987, the foundation exists to support the educational programs of the oriented activities, Pat coached state diving West Irondequoit Central School District. To date, over $525,000 has been granted to champion, Noreen Murphy. Pat talks about fund teacher-initiated proposals that fell outside the scope of the annual operating the talent and motivation of the athletes she budget. Funding for these grants comes from donations by community members and has worked with indicating that prior to the alumni who wish to carry on the tradition of excellence for which our schools are passage of Title IX in 1972, which improved known and from events such as the annual golf tournament. opportunities for women in sports, that these 21 Fellow graduates,
Recently I had the opportunity to present a check for $32,000 to the West Irondequoit Board of Education for three grants which were submitted to the West Irondequoit Foundation. The 2010 grants supported programs and projects in the school district which were not otherwise covered in the district budget, items that provide additional resources and opportunities for our students. West Irondequoit is not immune to the funding challenges faced by school districts and the students are the ones who will lose out. This is the bad news. However, the good news is, the West Irondequoit Foundation will continue to support excellence in education in the WICSD. Our fund raising initiatives continue. We just held the 2010 West Irondequoit Foundation Golf Tournament and through the help of corporate sponsors and very generous individuals raised over $12,000 for the foundation. Our 2010 annual campaign was very successful and we are now in the process of developing a West Irondequoit Foundation President David Whitehouse presents a check to Board of Education President Chuck Perreaud. Major Gifts Campaign which will support winter, spring, and summer institutes for those students requiring extra classroom time to improve their grades. Our “Extend the School Year” program is our premier initiative designed to directly support students in the classroom and contribute to their successful completion of courses. To those of you who have contributed to the West Irondequoit Foundation we extend our thanks and hope that you will continue to contribute. To those of you who are not familiar with the foundation please consider a donation to support excellence in education in the West Irondequoit Central School District. More information regarding the foundation can be found at www.westirondequoit.org/fountation.
David Whitehouse ’70 President West Irondequoit Foundation
22 Reunion Details by Class May 24, 2010 Questions? Call the Alumni Office at 336-3067
1943 • RC: Janet Kryk 1970 • RC: Lorraine Manelis Date: September 16, 2010 E-mail: [email protected] Details: Picnic in Perinton Larry Sapozink E-mail: [email protected] website - http://ihs70.org/ 1954 • RC: Alice Kincaid Date: August 20-22, 2010 Date: 2010 Friday: Gather at O’Loughlin’s Details: The class of 1954 schedules a reunion Saturday: Camp Eastman catered picnic every 3 years. Sunday: Tour of IHS/continental breakfast
1955 • RC: Morey Waltuck 1978 • RC: Marybeth Patton Date: August 7 - 8, 2010 Details: celebrated 50th birthdays together at O’Loughlin’s July 30, 2010 1960 • RC: Carol Brink Alman (585) 787-3064 Joyce Johnson Tompkins (585) 872-3488 1980 • RC: Jim Shafer Sharon Farquharson Thornberg (585) 507-0395 E-mail: [email protected] Date: September 2010 website - http://www.irondequoit1980.com/ Details: Friday - pizza; Saturday - IHS tour Details: reunion held July 30-August 1, 2010
1961 • RC: George Smith 1985 • To contact us or for more details go to our E-mail: gsmith77@ rochester.rr.com Class Facebook Page: IHS Class of 1985 or RC: Marianne Shaheen Mallaber Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Date: reunion held July 30-31, 2010 Date: July 14-16, 2011 Details: 50th reunion 1990 • RC: Doug Dandurand E-mail: [email protected] 1962 • RC: Carmela Amato Chamberlain Details: reunion held July 24, 2010 E-mail: [email protected] Clark Dobbertin E-mail: [email protected] 1996 • RC: Ryan Lancer Date: Summer 2012 E-mail: [email protected] Details: 50th reunion 2000 • RC: Camille Sealy 1965 • RC: John Becker Cristina Berndt Cipolla E-mail: [email protected] Lisa Bovenzi Scata Date: September 17-19, 2010 Hannalore Burns Meritt Details: Friday - Gather at O’Loughlin’s E-mail: [email protected] Saturday - 5KRoad Race / Walk Date: November 27, 2010 Indians Classic Golf Tournament Details: Jack’s Place at Durand Eastman Park Dinner at Jack’s Place at Durand Sunday - Brunch at Jack’s Place 2001 • RC: Erica Czop; Cristin Sick E-mail: [email protected] 1967 • RC: Meg Youchas Myers E-mail: [email protected] Date: September 2012 Details: 45th reunion 23 West Irondequoit CSD NON-PROFIT ORG. West Irondequoit Alumni Association US POSTAGE 321 List Avenue PAID Rochester, NY 14617 Rochester, NY www.westirondequoit.org Permit No. 1021
Alumni Information Update
Name:______Maiden:______
Address:______Year Graduated: ______
City, State, Zip______Phone: ______
Spouse’s first & last name:______Is your spouse a graduate of IHS? ______
E-mail address:______
Education (colleges attended, year graduated, degree obtained):______
Occupation/Employer:______
Hobbies:______
Other interesting information you would like to share.______
______
______This form can be mailed to: West Irondequoit Alumni Association, 321 List Ave, Rochester, NY 14617 WIAA relies solely on donations from alumni. To help defray the cost of this newsletter and maintain our scholarships, a suggested donation of $5 is gratefully appreciated. Donations to WIAA are tax deductible as allowed by law. You may also e-mail us at: [email protected].
24