Nancy Westerfield (Depew)

randy, you should take the train,wouldn't that be neat.they had those car speakers to take your order on, i hope they reopen, we use to live on linda st., so we hop the fence in our backyard and head over there, and john, your right ,know one makes onion rings like beardens.

manners had the girls on roller-skates and speakers also-those were the days-fun., and i do remember the skating ring-though to this day i can 'tskate.my son plays hockey and is such a good skater and i couldn't even stand up on them,my dad really tied a pillow to my butt,so i wouldn't get hurt when i fell-what a good dad he was. i can roller skate,so that's good. what good memories we had growing up,i hope my grandkids have the same.

Nancy Westerfield (Depew)

merry christmas everyone,have a great time with family and friends

Larry Gilbert

John, the Bearden's waitress was Billie - she finally retired in the early nineties,I think.  They still had the same awesome onion rings, Beardenburgers (with peanut butter), and milk shakes.  They added beer a while ago, and Tootsie and I would go once in a while for a burger.  It's sad to think they would close for good....I still remember all the time we spent there, waiting in line for a table and ordering a buttered bun (no money for anything more!).  Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year to all our class and their families - may 2011 bring happiness, health and prosperity to us all.

Nancy Westerfield (Depew)

larry, i think i told you last spring i took about 8 co-workers to beardens,made them get a peanut-burger with relish, onion rings, and a milkshake, then took them all over rr where we grew up. i had talked so much about beardens they wanted to see where it was,and the nt. we went my nephew was there with his young family-he lives in rr. i hope they reopen when all that work is done. nancy

Bruce McKelvey (McKelvey)

WHAT !!!!!  They are closing Beardens ????  That's unacceptable..that just can't happen !!!  Maybe we can all sign a petition and take it to the owners. Lake Road construction is the culprit. Typical  city construction project...it will take them for friggin ever. 

                                                                         Also...my thoughts go out to the Naughton family in the loss of Kevin Naughton.....

                                                                        Everybody have a safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR. Wish I was back there so I could get in trouble with someone for doing something.......

Alan Greenleaf

Re Bearden's

I cannot Believe that Rocky River could not fix that road without destroying all the businesses there!  Maybe one lane at a time?  Who's idea was this?  A new road is supposed to BENEFIT the business there, not destroy them!

What ideas can we come up with to keep Beardens going?

I know one.  Let's all eat there.  Every day if possible!  Bring guests!  Bring your neighbor!  Bring your classmate!  I'm going there TONIGHT.  I'll be there at 6 pm.  How about you?

Can anything be done through the city?  They CAUSED this.  All ideas welcome!

PS - I just called them at (440) 331-7850 and apparently they are closed today (Sunday).  So, not tonight.  But let's go there every time we can; multiple times this week.  OK?

Nancy Westerfield (Depew)

hey al i agree, we need a petition, how sad-what's the world comming to with no beardens=if you go down let me and linda know-we'll meet you down there.

Alan Greenleaf

Bearden's Update:

I believe that no amount of picketing or petitioning  will save Bearden's.  It is true that you have to wonder what the hell ODOT was thinking when they decided to all but stop all traffic for an extended time, when the purpose of the repairs is to better serve the shops and shoppers!  But, the owner is losing lots of money, and enough is enough.  I decided to do what I could to support them, and at least go eat there.  I got a surprise!

Today, Dec 27, I went to Bearden's for a late lunch, at around 1:30 pm.  The place was PACKED!  I had to wait outdoors 10 minutes, got seated, and had to wait for a waitress 15 minutes more.  I ordered a BB, and got it 20 minutes later!  You see, there was a thing on Fox News about it, at

http://www.fox8.com/news/mytown/wjw-my-town-rocky-river-beardens-closes-txt,0,7006019.story  

There was a guy from the Plain Dealer there, and a guy from Sun News was taking pictures.

Apparently, this story got passed around on Facebook, and thus the late crowd with too many people and not enough waitresses!  I wanted to ask the owner, Joe Orange, if he would stay open if we kept the place filled, but he was not available.  The cashier, however, said she doubted that it would change the decision.  According to the article, the decision to close may not be permanent, but then, it is unlikely that they will make money while closed, right?  What would it take?  I could not find out, but, I'm working on it.

One thing is for sure.  One or two busy days will not keep them open.  I hope all locals will make a point of visiting Beaden's and other Lake Rd. shops 2 or 3 times a week during this construction.  The government has screwed this up, and only concerned groups can fix it.

Linda Peate (Powrie)

How could this be?  I spent my allowance (was it 50 cents or $1?) to get a coke so I could get a seat there every Fri. after a game!! or any other activity.  Should I send my donation to you Alan?  I could send what I'd spend at Bearden's if I ate there--say, $1.50?  Oh, that was back when I had little allowance. I forgot.  Well, what a shame.  A landmark, memories, people who necked in the parking lot (not me as I was usually riding in the back seat w/Bonnie Kraft necking w/Ken Hauweisen (sp?) because they always gave Barb & I a ride home!!! ) I wish I were closer to get there. At least it would be a reason for a mini-reunion!!

So how is Holly Portz?  I only know she is waiting for a transplant. So what is the status? Barb couldn't find info either. Well, gotta start dinner. Ugh! After 43 yrs., I could go for having a personal chef. Except, my name isn't Oprah! 

Nancy Westerfield (Depew)

first-i usually go there once a week,i also put it on facebook,because i wanted my out of town relatives to know about it-i hope they willl re-open,i love there onion ring, byt more important,it;s where i grew up and had good memories    also check the home page it tells you about holly-just scroll down,it's all there about hers. just got a new laptop,so i'm trying to get use to it,thank god for grandkids, there helping me adjust to this new way. love you guys,nancy

Debbie Benn (Mormon)

Question for those of you still in the area.

I live in Texas and haven't been back for many years, but had the tv on the other day in the background and caught the name Lakewood, Ohio so started watching the show.  it was a true crime drama - Crime 360 or something like that.

A person was killed who lived in Lakewood and the police traced the unsub (I watch Criminal Intent) to what they called "the projects" in "nearby Rocky River."

There are "projects" in Rocky River?  I am assuming they meant low-income housing projects. Is this true?  Where???  I was amazed and puzzled trying to figure out where they could be. When did this happen? 

Nancy Westerfield (Depew)

john, i must have missed thast interview about beardens-hope they do re-open. and about the projects, i never knew off any in river, i still have family living in that city.i wouldn't know where they would be. have a good,healthy new year everyone. nancy  i'm doing pretty good on my new laptop my son bought me for xmas,of course i had to have my grandaughter set it all up and show me how to do it, i haven't figured out how to do the web-cam  yet,but i'll learn.hey, if i can get a tattoo at 64, i can learn the laptop at 65.

Alan Greenleaf

Well, it appears that Bearden's is going to close, at least for the owner's surgery, until the construction is over.  You know the city did the same thing on Clague Rd north of Center Ridge, in closing it for TWO YEARS!  And of course they never adjusted the traffic light there.  I think we need to let government know, at every level, that we are watching them, and expect them to exercise common sense.  I'm sure Lake Road could have been redone faster and with less economic damage.  There was sure as hell nobody there working when I went for lunch!

Randall Smith

What happened to the post about the projects in River? I did a search on section 8 housing in Rocky River and found some information. I couldn't cut and paste it here. They talk about Wooster Rd and Center Ridge. I find it hard to believe that they talked that way about RR. All of the west side has changed.

Fred Thomas

Randy,

After the bleeding heart liberals realized that  their "War on Poverty" program of packing all those so-called "poor" people into huge housing projects failed the libs just moved on to their next brilliant idea of spreading the bad apples out into section eight housing.  Libs thought that the surrounding "good apples" would somehow make the "bad apples" less rotton.  When that idea didn't work out, Barney Frank decided to let THOSE PEOPLE buy houses they couldn't afford (Community Reinvestment Act).  We now see that idea not only failed but also bankrupted the country.  

Randall Smith

Thanks for the insight Fred

Holly Portz (Koiro (1945-2023))

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!  It sure is for me and my family.  I was discharged from UTSouthwestern on Dec 21st....just 10 days post surgery.  We are staying in  Dallas in order to make almost daily trips there for tests, labwork, rehab, etc.    

Today was lab, rehab, Target and the grocery.Three months ago I could barely make it to the car!  What an amazing difference. I can breathe again! I am soooooooooo  grateful.  

My family is taking turns "watch dogging" me but that is okay.  

My special Thanks to Sue (and dd Janie) for keeping everyone informed.  I will send y'all an update now and then.  

Thanks to everyone for their prayers, special wishes and cards. All your support really meant alot to me. 

For those such as Linda who were wondering...  the updates are at the bottom of the website home page. 

What a ride it has been!!!  God is Good.

Nancy Westerfield (Depew)

holly, we are all so happy for you and your family,you are in our prayers,as is the donor's family. what a unselfish gift for someone to give,the everyday little stuff is so unimportant,w Hhen you hear about something like this. hope you and your family have a wonderful,healthy new year.        

HAPPY NEW YEAR RRHS 63 FRIENDS,HOPE,HAPPY,AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR FOR ALL OF US.

LOVE, NANCY

Ellen Aspinwall (Templar)

Holly: 

It's exceptionally good to see you here on the message forum!!!  We celebrate your victory this New Years and keep the donor/family in our hearts.

To all my classmates:

   It would be so great to celebrate together this year and especially in Indianapolis.  But since that's not in the stars, thought you would enjoy the following.  Happy New Year everyone and especially to those who serve - past and present!

"The words 'Auld Lang Syne' literally translates from old Scottish dialect meaning 'Old Long Ago' and is about love and friendship in times past. The lyrics in the song Auld Lang Syne referring to 'We'll take a Cup of Kindness yet' relate to a drink shared by men and women to symbolise friendship. Happy New Year!!!!"

Auld Lang Syne by Robert Burns

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp!
And surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pou’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin’ auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn,
frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin’ auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gies a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak a right gude-willie-waught,
for auld lang syne.

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne

 

Fred Thomas

It was a wonderful Christmas present and New Years gift to have Holly back in the RRHS63 fold.  Best wishes to all in the New Year.

Nancy Westerfield (Depew)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE,HEALTHY,HAPPINESS,AND LOVE TO EVERYONE.

Gary Reis

HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL ......

SAW ABOUT BEARDENS CLOSING ALSO..........OMG........CANNOT BELIEVE IT.  I HOPE HE DOES RETHINK IF AND WHEN HE CAN.  IT HAS BEEN A TRADITION FOR SO MANY FAMILES OVER THE YEARS.

CONGRATS TO HOLLY - WHAT A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR THIS WILL BE.

READING ALL OF YOUR NEW YEARS NOTES SORRY I DON'T GET ON HERE MUCH.

KEEP ME IN THE LOOP GUYS WHEN YOU CAN.

WE SAW THE GRANDKIDS AROUND CHRISTMAS THEY CAME UP FROM FLORIDA.  REALLY CUTE LITTLE TIKES (1) FEMALE AND (2) MALES NOW.

NANCY AND I SAY HI TO EVERYONE.  WE LOVE TO MEET UP WITH YOU ALL.

GARY B. REIS, NANCY J. REIS

BEHTOVN@GMAIL.COM

Randall Smith

Ditto John

Linda Peate (Powrie)

And who would ever have thought that you, Holly, would answer my question!!! My gosh, I guess I'm a dorky person--I never got that far down on the home page!  Well, half a brain is tough to live w/anymore!  I am sooooo happy you got a transplant.  Took me back to when Fred was first in management at Novartis Pharma. & he had an amazing chance to see a famous doc perform one of those amazing heart transplants!  Fred has forgotten his name.  He was fascinated to watch what became something that is now somewhat common.  You are so fortunate to have gone in with the positive attitude, Holly, because it makes a huge difference. Fred has Crohn's Disease, a devastating illness, & his attitude has allowed him to function. Most people don't know he is even sick.  But Novartis made the first rejection drug that prevented rejections called cyclosporine.  They must have a ton of them by now, but it was the only major one back then.   So he was permitted at the transplant because they made HUGE donations. What a privilege he had.  My heart is literally full of joy for you, and the tears welled up in my eyes because you truly have a new lease on life.  No bucket list for a long time.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE.  MISS YOU ALL & MAY 2011 BE THE BEST YET!!!  LINDA

Larry Gilbert

Very happy New Year to all of the Forum Dwellers, our classmates, and their families.  May we all have a healthy year, an optimistic outlook for the country and the world, and enough prosperity to be happy and comfortable in the coming year.  Best regards to every one from Tootsie and me.  Holly, please take care of yourself and let us know how you're doing!