Ellen Aspinwall (Templar)

Merry Christmas from some of the Arizona crowd!

Don't forget to upload your fav/cute/funny/family holiday photos to the 2017 contest gallery!

Ellen Aspinwall (Templar)

Oh! Wow! Just saw a pod of whales on the whale watching live cam on our home page. They barely broke the surface but I could see several spouts going off and on! So exciting to watch the Grey Whales migrating! Here's the live cam again:

Ed Smith

Ellen has encouraged me to post a holiday photo and I don't have anything worthy of showing but for one (below).  These last 7 years I have been "Santa Claus" for my son's pre-school special-needs classes at Goldwood School.  This year all of the pre-school, special-needs classes were relocated to Beach School.  This gave me the first chance in about 60 years to physically visit the elementary school where some of us (25%?) started our classroom experience in Rocky River.  A lot of memories came back...both real and imagined.  Some of them possibly even influencing my path to career, family and life in general.

BTY, I'm the one in the red suit and my son, Brian, is the "folliclely-impaired" guy.  I probably spelled that wrong but you get the gist.

Ellen Aspinwall (Templar)

Thanks, Ed. What a great photo and occupation for both of you! I entered it into the 2017 gallery for you cuz it's pretty cute. Maybe not as cute as Taya (and Tenee together), but definitely "in the spirit" of the season!  BTW, I thought your son was you at first. Must be a look-alike! (Isn't it great the way they've preserved Beach?  It's like we never left, clocks and all!)

Ellen Aspinwall (Templar)

I hope everyone's New Year celebration was fun and sane. At this point in our lives we tend to fall asleep before the ball drops---at least I know I did. Check out the newest Holiday Photo entries.Thanks to Peg for her beautiful photo! There are cute, new ones also. Don't forget to upload your great holiday photos. You can enter until Jan 15. We want to share in your holiday celebration and traditions! May the New Year bring you everything you need!

Ellen Aspinwall (Templar)

Check out the newest photo in the Holiday Gallery from Bobbie (Young) Berwanger. Beautiful family.  It's not too late to add yours today and all day tomorrow!  We want to share in your joy!

Roberta Young (Berwanger)

Ellen I sent my photo to Alan because it failed when I sent it directly.  Ed's picture is really cute. Bobbi Young Berwanger

Ellen Aspinwall (Templar)

That's ok, Bobbie.  I had trouble getting it to display right for some reason but finally did!  Thanks for sending it in.  It's a really nice family holiday pix!

Ellen Aspinwall (Templar)

Don't forget to cast your vote for your fav holiday photo!  Mostly we want you to see the pictures but it's fun to pick a fav!

Alan Greenleaf

I would just like to loudly and publicly thank Ellen Templar for her excellent work on this page, and this site!

Well done, Ellen!  I'm not sure people know that this is "all you"!  

Ellen Aspinwall (Templar)

Awwwww....shucks, Al.  Thanks.  But you all should know that Al is a big assist when it is needed!

Nancy Westerfield (Depew)

Linda Peate (Powrie)

Ellen:  Al is 100% right.  You have such great things that you include, information that is interesting, and all around do a fantastic job.  Thanks, Al, for bringing that up.  I think about it, and have been remiss in saying anything!  Thank, El!!!!

Roberta Young (Berwanger)

THANK YOU BOTH FOR ALL YOUR HARDWORK BOBBI

Linda Peate (Powrie)

I communicated with Sally Willey Johnson yesterday.  She and I had lunch together this past summer and she was feeling very tired and they were trying to diagnose her, thought it was Leukemia. Yesterday she told me she has a form of Leukemia and has been on Chemotherapy.  I would like people to send her a message and thoughts and prayers that she heals quickly!  Her husband had back surgery this summer as well, and knee surgery just recently.  She has had a year that has been like many of us, TOUGH!  The good news:  it does get better.  

Ellen Aspinwall (Templar)

Thanks for the update on Sally, Linda.  Sally has attended several minis the last few years and it's been great to see her.  I encourage everyone to drop her a note. When you are in these kinds of situations, it's so comforting to hear from people you know. We would do more of this if we know of anyone's situations. Don't be shy about sharing with us. The older we get, the more we care. We want to know how you are doing!  Positive thoughts for Sally here!

Ellen Aspinwall (Templar)

This popped up on my FB page this morning and I thought you all would enjoy it!

Nancy Westerfield (Depew)

Barbara Peate (Sabo)

Quick update......I talked to Sally Willey Johnson today.  What she has is mandle cell lymphona, which is in the bloodstream.  Rightly so, she said she is scared to death.  As of now, as Lin said, she is undergoing chemo.  She's lost 25 pounds, since she has no appetite.  When she's done with chemo, there is a capsule she can take that is supposed to knock this out, but she can't take pills.  She is desperately trying to talk herself into doing it or, it could mean a bone marrow transplant, which sounds as though it's a last resort.  At any rate, she was happy for the phone call.  If any of you would like to give her a call, private message me, and I will give you her cell number.  I am sure these are long days for her.  She has a wonderful  husband and three great kids though!

Ellen Aspinwall (Templar)

Barbie or Lin:  Get us Sally's address.  Maybe we can do a card shower with notes for her.  So she knows she's not alone.

Linda Peate (Powrie)

My mistake.  We had talked last summer that she may have leukemia, but I misunderstood and she has what Barb told you.  Last time I saw her, she was still being diagnosed, so sorry for the mix-up.  Either way, this is a serious situation for her.  

Debbie Benn (Mormon)

I would be more than happy to send cards of encouragement for Sally.  Just tell me where.

Thanks!

Debbie

Roberta Young (Berwanger)

A CARD SHOWER WOULD BE REALLY NICE ..IT SOUNDS LIKE SHE IS GOING THROUGH A LOT..SPECIAL HI TO SUE WEIGLE, JEANE ALLEN, AN CLIFFOBROCK SINCE THEY SAY HI AND I AM NOT GOOD AT THIS. BOBBI YOUNG BERWANGER

Barbara Peate (Sabo)

Address for Sally Willey Johnson:

100 Beckett Court

St. Clairsville, OH   43950

Am sure she would appreciate cards!

Barbara Peate (Sabo)

Just as an aside, I had lunch today with Gail Jennings Hayes (she was class of 1964).  Gail dated Scott Nehoda in high school.  She's also going through chemo for something having to do with the blood and must have chemo the rest of her life.  She is the most upbeat person I have been with in a long time and a hoot!  Just hilarious and fun to be with.....she lives in the same complex that Lyle and Chris Westerfield live.  Also with us was Joan Webber (she was class of 1965) and was best friends with Donna Kleist in high school (Kathy's sister).  Didn't remember her, and she didn't remember me.  She's enduring terrible back problems, of which I have seen my sister and what she's endured also.  She remembers a lot of members from our class.  We had the best time laughing and chatting about so many funny things remembered from high school.  No need for cards or anything, just wanted to share.......a blast from the past!