Hello everyone! Things have been pretty quiet here for a while but we're about to stir things up again. There has been some talk about wanting another Oakview gathering. We are here to find out your interest in such an event. Please fill out the following questionnaire. We will keep you informed of any future events. Hope this message finds everyone well.
The Blog links to 29 photos from the bar. I had thought there were more than that. Nothing from the picnic either.
?
hey hey if anyone wants catch up, my band is playing sunday at liars club, 7/10 at Martyrs and 7/26 at the Pontiac
this means you laura connelly
Well, at least some of you have been asking. Good news! It's in the works. Melissa and others are hard at work planning the festivities for the Niles North 20 year reunion. Head over to NilesNorth88.com for event info. There's not much there now but keep checking for new updates. There's also an email link to send Melissa your current info in case she doesn't have it. Get your party hats on! It's reunion time again.
I somehow thought I would live a better life on the East Coast and moved to New Jersey last summer (with my brother). Then, I had a MAJOR job offer back in LA. I came back and the contract was different from the verbal offer, so I headed back to Jersey. Keep in mind, I drove from California all the way over there! I was offered a marketing position in Jersey, which I enjoyed. Because of the economy, we went out of business. Realizing that I would have to make a lot more money to live comfortably in New York City and the fact that New Jersey really is worse than its reputation, I put the dog in the car and drove back to LA. The job market out here is really bad. I've only been out here for two weeks but it's easy to get down. I've actually degraded myself to posting on Craigslist offering dog walking services. What's even worse? I was turned down by two people already. LOL! There is no great public transportation system here, so you really need to drive a lot. Gas prices are now $4.60 a gallon! Anyway, have other Oakviewers been laid off recently? What are you doing to survive? Are you taking odd jobs you never thought you'd take? Share your experiences. And if you are in the LA area send me an email - ph6138@aol.com
Check out this report for a great tribute to one of our favorite teachers.
Hey All,
I hope everyone is doing well. I thought it would be appropriate to mention the fact that it's been a year already since we all met. Man, how time flys when you get older.
I hope everyone had a great year. I know many of you still keep in touch and I'm glad that old friendships became new again. Some of you have been asking about the NN 20 year reunion. Unfortunately, I haven't heard anything myself but if and when I do, I'll be sure to post it here.
I hope everyone carries fond memories of the weekend we had together and will do so for many Memorial Day weekends to come. I wish everyone a very safe and happy holiday weekend.
All the Best,
Mike G.
So as I teased earlier, I finally got a chance to head over to the ol' school to deliver our whopping surplus from the reunion. Donna Toops, the principal, was not there, but Kate Donegan, the District 73.5 superintendent, was. She was very nice, and seemed way too young, but my brain has just automatically assigned an age of at least 75 to any adult in my junior high.
Also, Mr. O'Brien was there, and he was happy to show me around the school, even though it was 9:25 and he had a 9:30 class. He just grabbed the nearest teacher (who looked to be about 15), and told her to take care of his class until he got back. Age does have it's privileges: Mr. O'Brien has probably been teaching twice as long as his co-worker has been alive.
I did not have a ton of time, but I did see the new computer lab which is where Mr. Pausz and Ms. Nelson's classrooms were. The hallways look the same, but the lockers seem so much shorter. The library on the second floor has another computer lab. The librarian pulled out the 1982 yearbook and tried to find our class, but the pages had been stolen. She said that the kids loved using the yearbook pictures for reference materials, and the current students joke that we all look the same. I guess bad hair and clothes do all blend together.
I will have the pictures up soon.
Overall, a great visit. They are doing construction on the school now, and plan on having an open house in the fall when it is done. When I hear more, I will post.
anyone know anything about our 20 year?
tracey had her's last year- man them folks looked like hell.
HA
Hey all,
This is not a plug, promotion, or ploy in any way. It's just an info post. If you guys like music and you like free then you'll like this new site for both. It's called
Last.fm. It's different than streaming radio stations in that you can search for your favorite artists like Britney, Christina, Beyonce, Barry Manilow, etc. Or any 80's artist your desire. Just don't get caught listening at work and then blame me for getting you fired. Enjoy the tunes. I'll add a widget to the blog soon so you can listen when you come around.
Cheers!
Wholly Christ we're old. We all know that already. However, whether we're 12 or 38 we can still enjoy a good....or bad Rambo movie. Anyone who has been paying attention knows that on Jan. 25 2008, John J. Rambo comes out of retirement, once again, to fight some kind of militia group. I read that in this newest sequel Rambo actually uses a modified, military issued wheel chair with M16's attached to the arm rests.
I hope there's going to be a group outing to go see this fine art of a film. After all, this whole blog thing started with Rocky. It only makes sense to continue the tradition. In case you didn't know about this movie, you can check out the trailer here.
Remember, In the words of John Rambo. "Live for nothing, or die for something."
Don't let the fact that the average movie ticket cost $2.95 back in '82. I don't think that would buy you a box of Junior Mints today.
Just to make you even more depressed, here's a list of other costs back in '82
Yearly Inflation Rate USA 6.16%....Thanks Ronny Reagan!
Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 1046
Interest Rates Year End Federal Reserve 11.50%
Average Cost of new house $82,200.00
Average Income per year $21,050.00
Average Monthly Rent $320.00
Cost of a gallon of Gas 91 cents....Man I hate this country's dependency on oil!
New Car Average price $7,983.00
US Postage Stamp 20 cents
Vic 20 $299.95.... this would be Commodore Vic 20 for all you non-geeks out there.
Satellite Reciever $245.95.... It think this is the only thing that's gone down in price.
A little bit of nostalgia for everyone to enjoy.
Hey everyone. Happy New Year. Hope you all had a great year and holiday season. Things have been positively ghostly around here over the past months. Life has a funny way of keeping us all way too busy. Don't be shy about posting something interesting, funny, or maybe just a link to your favorite site. We've made this page for everyone to share anything they like. I know I've offered this before. If anyone wants copies of photos taken at the reunion, don't hesitate to ask. I can't believe that was 7 months ago. Seems like yesterday. I hope 2008 brings good health and happiness to everyone.
All the best,
Mike G.
Remember the good ol' days when summer seemed to last an eternity? When the nights were long and days were longer. You could stay out all night and it would always stay 85 degrees. You could sleep till noon and have nothing to do all day.
Ok, so that last one I did just the other day but who's really keeping track. My point is, now that we're all a little bit older and busier, the summer just seem to fly by. At least it did for me. I hope the rest of you had a long lasting summer. Now that it's over, I promise to give myself a kick in the ass and actually pay attention to this blog. You may have noticed there's been an absence of activity here lately. It happened soon after the May reunion. Did we all really get sick of each other that quickly? I hope not. I'll try and keep things interesting here. If anyone has any suggestions for providing some good time- wasting links or posts, send them my way. I don't know about you guys but I have hours to kill at work and I'm dying for some new websites to browse. Unfortunately for me, anything labeled NSFW is off limits. Now that the cold weather is settling in I expect to see some activity around here. Nothing drives the people indoors more than cold and the anticipation of seeing something new on the Oakview Blog. Welcome back inside everyone and happy Fall.
P.S. you have no idea how much I'm restraining myself on a Wrecks Grossman rant! It'll come sooner or later. Probably sooner!
Cheers
MG
By Carter. Grade 32.
This sommer it was hot. I went to the Taste of Chicago. It was fun, Then I saw the Transformers movie. Teh bad robots got killed. It was fun. Then my cousin Julius and his wife visited from California and we went to the Chicago Art Institute and I saw a Picaso and it had square boobies. It was fun. Then I used some shiny metal and made a krafts project and razed some muney for sick kids. It was the funnest summur. The end.
Hey all,
Sorry for the lack of postings lately. This summer schedule has me working WAY too much. I still have pictures I need to post and if anyone wants full resolution copies, let me know. In the mean time have a safe and happy 4th. If you're going to light off a brick of firecrackers, at least make sure the wick is long enough and you run far, far away. Oh, and make sure there are no cops around. Go, be free, celebrate your independence!
I was debating on whether or not to go to this. I would feel really out of place or would feel really comfortable. I ended up feeling the later. It's interesting how everybody has changed, but yet have maintained some of their characteristics: Ira Penner and Steve Klawans still have their witty sense of humor; Omar Sotelo still loves movies; Alexandra Delgado is still gorgeous; Lynne Rotberg (sp?) still has that "down to earth" quality; Lauren Kurtz is still outgoing; Nigam Patel is still incredibly smart; Aaron Lopata still smiles no matter what, etc.
It was also nice to be back in Chicago after 6 and a half years. Thanks to this reunion, I went back and gained 4 pounds going from pizza joint to pizza joint (they don't have good pizza in California..or good Chinese Food). I walked around Skokie a lot and even though the place changed, it just felt like "home." It was like my moving to California was just a bad nightmare and Chicago is where I really belong.
I know I'm going off here, but I'm really thinking of going off the deep end, quitting my day job, and then going to Chicago for a month to find a job. I can't take my golden retriever with yet, so I was wondering if anybody "just happens" to want to stay in a lovely, beautiful, amazing apartment for a month, completely free, provided that you take care of the dog. It's in Torrance, California (very close to LAX). He's a great dog..just requires a lot of exercise and attention. I thought I could post this question here since I trust most of you. If interested, email me at ph6138@aol.com. But feel free to email me anytime. Anyhow, I hope everybody has a safe, happy summer.
Was I in in the woods with "Billy the Bod" (thanks to Nigam for that nickname) hiding (cough, cough) from the Sheriff to notice we didn't play?
Thanks to everyone who came out. It was awesome, to say the least. Weird and surreal, but awesome.
I hope everyone chimes in and leaves a message of what meant the most or was the coolest thing that happened to them over this age-defying weekend.
Thanks to all who helped -- that includes EVEYONE who showed up to make this a weekend worth remembering. See you at the 20 year......?
Cayman had fun, too.
OH- and i'll have Mike post the survey (Mike, post the survey) in case anyone else wants to fill it out for a later update.
.......friends forever (yes Ira Weiss, even though you CLAIM I didnt talk to you in High School)!!!!!!
I second everything Melissa said. I didn't get a chance to publicly say my thanks to everyone for showing up and to a select few. Without their contributions, this whole event would have been a wash.
First,
I'd like to thank my wife Elise. (I'm practicing for my academy award speech and can't forget her). For the last 6 months she's put up with me sitting at the computer while I supposed to be feeding my child. Thankfully, nobody said Sydney looked too skinny.
Elise had no complaints for scheduling this event over our 10 year anniversary weekend and for that I am entirely grateful.
Second,
I'd like to thank Melissa for her "take-charge" attitude. I like a woman who takes control of things and Melissa is very good at this and it saved my ass. If it wasn't for her, we never would have gotten invitations or at least ones that looked so good. And, we never would have had food on Sunday. Thanks to her and her husband, nobody went home hungry.
Third,
I'd like to thanks Sandra Nowak and her husband Jared (i think i got this right) for helping with the shopping and not complaining one bit at 9 months pregnant. People, this woman was carrying 6 bags of groceries from her car and was ready to run a marathon. Unbelievable. Thank you for all your help!
Fourth,
I'd like to thank Carter Lee. Without Carters help we wouldn't have had any permits to hold the picnic and when the Sheriff showed up we would have been kicked out. Even after our own "boys in blue" talked him down. Thanks Carter for dealing with all my frantic phone calls and emails and for taking the time out to deal with the Govn't employees at the Forest Preserve.
Fifth (almost done),
Lauren Kurtz, you crack me up to this day and thanks to you we had a place to laugh and drink on Saturday night. If it wasn't for your passion of enjoying a good cocktail and having fun, we'd have been drinking at a bar in some dark, stinky, bowling alley with old drunk guys hanging around. Thank you for contributing your ideas and polls. It was a great place to have a celebration. Please thank Tracey for us as well.
ALmost Last,
I'd like to thank Bob for his money handling skills. We were a little afraid at first to let Bob take care of the finances but in the end he only skimmed a little off the top. Seriously though, Bob, your skills came in handy and very needed. Someone needed to keep track of who payed and who didn't. I don't think there were any freeloaders. If so, speak up! Thanks Bob for your wisdom. Oh, and for buying enough booze for everyone. I think you even got to take a few bottles home with you.
Finally,
I'd like to thank Marc Hornstein. Without his eagerness to reminisce we wouldn't have had the pleasure of enjoying the company of several teacher from our past. This was truly amazing and quite a surprise to see several of our Oakview and Middleton teachers coming to share in the amazment. This was a huge addition to the Sunday picnic. Thank you Marc for making it special.
If I forgot anyone, please except my apologies and email me to remind me. I don't want to leave anyone out. This was one truly amazing weekend and I hope that everyone who shared in the experience was able to take some good memories with them. It was wonderful to meet everyone's beautiful families. You are all amazing people and I'm proud to say that I know all of you. We all shared a special time in our lives and noone can take that away. It's a wonderful thing to be able to revisit those times and old friends 23 years later.
I only hope to be around for the next time.
All the best,
Mike G.
Wow! I am still getting over being overwhelmed! So many thanks to everyone! If it had not had been for all of you, Mike, Bob, Lauren and I would be sitting drunk.....stuffed......and complaining either in the Bounce House or the Port-O-Poop!
You all amazed me! Everyone is doing well and most importantly....happy! Life is a blessing isn't it! Thanks for two days filled with laughs, surprises, tears and most of all, non-judgement! Not that I don't care what y'all do for a living, but it really did not play the slightest part in loving on each other for a weekend.
For those of you that still owe monies, please make sure to send that through to Bob at:
Community Bank Oak Park River Forest
1001 Lake Street
Oak Park, Il 60301
Greenberg was actually Blogging from the Port-O-Poop so let's get him outta there by settling up the funds!
Special, special thanks to all of the spouses! I can't imagine all of you great kids marrying crappy people and you all did great! The spouses were all so warm and genuinely happy to be there! And I just cannot say enough about all the kiddos! Or in Katz's case, Child A, B and C!
All I have left to say is.............."When's the next one!"
Peace,
Mel
Well folks.
The sun has set on Sunday evening and the reunion festivities have come to an end. Many laughs, some tears, and lots of reminiscing of past years. All in all I think everyone had a great time. It turned out to be a perfect day for the picnic. Thankfully the Chicago weather pulled through. Some pics and video to come so stay tuned for more details.
The votes are still coming in! It isn't final but so far 32% have voted for kickball. It was looking like a sure win for Field Hockey in the beginning (go figure) but I guess kickball became the leader in the polls. Remember, you have until Sunday to decide.
You know, kickball has been making a comeback lately, www.kickball.com, so get your game on and put on your kicking shoes.
I'm actually rooting for the underdog, Dodgeball. It's payback time for all you losers who wacked me in the face. Watch out suckas! Greenberg's ready, angry, and prepared to put the hurt on.
By the way, someone asked what "steal the bacon" was. Would anyone care to explain other than me?
Im writing a survey/silly poll for the party saturday night. You know, who lost the most hair, who lives closest to home, etc..... and i could use some suggestions. email me with your submissions! salaboutme@ameritech.net
My cranky, disgusting, ugly, neurotic, and haggard aunt bailed on me and I can't stay at her place anymore. I tried to get hotel reservations, but most hotels are charging about $200 a night. Does anybody know of any not so expensive (but safe and roach free) hotels in a decent area? Perhaps I can just google it but I'm too lazy.
I can't believe that the reunion is this weekend! I'm sure we've all got side bets in our minds as to who has gained the most weight (me), who has lost the most hair (Jon Katz in a landslide), and who has the most tattoos (front runner-- Kelly Fong. Hope he shows).
If you are still on the fence about attending, never fear! We will welcome all Hornets at the door for both events. Just bring your checkbook, and you can pay me when you arrive for both days. If you want to send me an e-mail letting me know that you plan on attending (bobellison99@hotmail.com), that would be great, just so we have an accurate count. I promise to keep your grand entrance a secret.
See you Saturday and/or Sunday!
I'd rather have a bottle-in-front-of-me than the frontal-lobotomy a 150-ton crane nearly performed this past saturday. It's probably less than 30 paces that leads to the backdoor to this...
News at eleven...
Well, I didn't actually find them, they found us. In any case, I'm glad to say that Erich Paras and Yong Lee have found the Oakview blog. Let's all welcome our old classmates to the group. Hopefully they can attend the festivities next week even on such short notice. Glad to have you on board guys!
I'm going to be there!! Anyhow, I don't have to go to Sweden until late June now, so Chicago it is in two weeks. I haven't been back to the city in years, so first thing I'm going to do is tour all the pizza places. Anyhow, I know Melissa sent out letters but I haven't been getting all of my mail. Someone email me at ph6138@aol.com with all the information again and who I need to pay, etc. I'm trying to get all my videos together of us in jr. high and high school before my trip. See you guys soon!!
We've got more Hornets . . .
Aaron Lopata
Laurie Hennigan (Woll)
Paul Miller
Gary DeCastro
Bob Ellison
Ira Penner
Jon Allard
April Moy (Reschke)
For those keeping score at home, we've got (including spouses) 22 for Saturday, and 29 for Sunday, with at least 15 kids. I nominate Lauren for babysitter.
And even though we will have at least one doctor on site, the only sport I will be playing on Sunday will be drinking. Remember Brett's knee? **POP!!!** And we're all MUCH MUCH older.
Hot dog! I can't wait!
Its a reunion- of course you can bring a guest(s)--re: steph & walt. the more the merrier.
anyone signed up with classmates.com? can prolly find alotta of these people there.
Daniel Bain ,Son Yong Chon ,Matthew Couris
Christina Fiore ,Kelly Fong ,Marcelo Freitas
Ayad Hanna ,Dawn Hansen ,Christina Harisis
Paige Hawkins ,Diane Hedger ,Tom Hong
Laura Johnson ,Louis Kaufman ,Heather Kesselman
Junaid Kahn ,David Kim ,John Kim
Kurt Kozeny ,Lisa Landesman ,Young Lee
Perry Lesser ,John Levy ,Suzana Mirjanic
Paul Molitor ,Paula Mumaw ,Scott Odom
Eric Paras ,Alina Perevozkin ,Stephanie Powers
Kristina Rafael ,Peggy Ramdas ,Heather Rearick
Michael Roman ,Thomas Schaller ,Brett Schlifka**
Laura Seidell ,Biren Shah ,Seema Singh
Joon So ,John Speropolous ,Debbie Torres
Iris Wankovsky ,Don Warner ,Brian Williams
Allison Wojcik ,Alexander Yanovsky ,Melissa You
These are all people we havn't found yet. If you know where to find them, contact them and let them know of the event. It's never too late.
| Carter Lee |
| Bill Handler |
| Angela Cheng |
| Ira Weiss |
| Steve Klawans |
| Lynne Rosenfield (Rotberg) |
| Paula Cohn (Brazen) |
| David Goldwater |
| Omar Sotelo |
| Alexandra Paul (Delgado) |
| Nigam Patel |
| Marc Hornstein |
Ok guys! The Official invites have been sent out. If you did not get one, immediatly email Melissa Torres Ziegler melzig428@yahoo.com. She will set you up. I'm sure many of you are hesitating cause you think something better will come along. Well, I'm here to tell you to STOP WAITING. What can be better than hanging out with a bunch of old friends you havn't seen in 20 years and throwing back some cocktails. So, get your butt in gear, send in your check or email Melissa, and see you all in May. I'm already retoxing for the big event.
And for all you lawyers out there (and GOD KNOWS there a friggin bunch of you) I'm at ARCCA Inc. litigation support services.
Arcca.com for the tech stuff.
Arccanet.com for the visuals stuff.
Nationwide, yo.
See you all in the spring...........
and congrats laurie.
I've been really busy. I have two new jobs: one as a marketing director for a medical firm (we sell catheters if anybody needs one), but also as a writer for a major online magazine (which gets picked up by newspapers and websites all over)
www.blogcritics.org To see the trashy articles I write, you can go to http://blogcritics.org/writer/daryl_d
Let me just say what an adventure it's been being threatened by Angelina Jolie's lawyers for saying her kids should be taken away from her and also being threatened by Bill O'Reilly's lawyers for bringing up the sexual harassment case against him from two years ago (I guess he thinks he's moved on). Al Franken hasn't sued me yet, but sent me the most downright nasty email I've ever received because I dare criticized him.
Anyhow, my job requires a lot of traveling and I may have to go to Sweden during Memorial Day Weekend. I REALLY wanted to see everybody and hope that the Sweden thing falls through. I'm surprised that nobody had uploaded a Middleton report card yet! Anyhow, congratulations, Laurie, on the new addition to your family.
I was very sad to hear about Dean Ramirez because he was a great guy who had a sense of humor. When he discovered I was forging hall passes and other things from teachers, he downright laughed about it instead of suspending me. Obviously, there were far more threatening situations at Niles North than my forgeries!
Hey Everyone,
Laurie announced the birth of her daughter on March 12, 2:57am.
Abbey Sylvia was born 6lbs 13oz, and is 19 inches long. The family is doing great.
Congrats Laurie!! She's beautiful
ANYBODY A BACKPACKER OUT THERE? WILDERNESS CAMPING.... LOOKING TO GO ON A 10 DAY TRIP IN SEPTEMBER.........I KNOW ALL OF YOU MARRIED PEOPLE WITH KIDS HAVE NO CHANCE OF EVER GETTING OUT WITH OUT HAVING AN ATTORNEY ON HAND TO BE GRANTED PERMISSION........BUT ANYBODY WHO STILL HAS THE FREEDOM TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS , EMAIL ME IF THEIR IS ANY INTEREST.......
Wow! Has time gone fast. Sorry for the neglect on the Blog folks. I've been caught up with other things. Ok, I was in Vegas the last three months, drunk off my ass and losing all my money...... I wish!
Hope everyone is enjoying this early time change. I actually think it's the only thing the Bush administration has done right. Although I'm not exactly certain the whole energy saving thing is why it changed. After all, doesn't it just mean we have to run our air conditioning longer? Anyway, enough rambling. I just want to make sure that everyone has sent Melissa their address so that she can mail you the reunion info. If you don't know what I'm talking about or if you havn't gotten anything from Melissa let me know, or let Melissa know. Either way, we don't want you to miss out. Hope everyone is doing well. Don't worry, for those of you in the cold, you only have 8 more weeks of winter!
Hope to see you all in May.
Mike G.
So here I am. Here's a recent picture of my twin boys. Ryan is on the left, Jason is on the right. OK, everyone, all at the same time . . "AAAAWWWWWWWWWW".
Thank you.
For those of you who need another excuse to break out the vintage Ripple, it's Chinese New Year — year of the pig. So party hardy at your local chop suey establishment of preference as you're only gonna be hungry for more partying an hour later. Anyone care to speculate on whether this young lad survived his 3rd grade tangle with a dragon in Goudy Elementary School's auditorium?
Can you smell it? Ok, maybe that's just the Irish Spring I used this morning but at least I smell nice.
Well people. You've all had plenty of time to time to mourn the tragic SuperBowl loss and think of many ways to torture Rex Grossman. I like the idea of turning Soldier Field into a Romanesque Coliseum and having a Gladiator tournament. See how he does against real lions.
Now it's time to start thinking about your Memorial Day weekend plans and torturing your liver. I heard of a small party that was happening that weekend at some bar in Chicago. I was planning on attending but wasn't sure if anyone else was interested. So far I've received a dismal response from the email I sent out a month ago. It's time to speak your mind and let us know if you'll be attending the best show since Prince performed at half time.
Just email me ,oakview84@yahoo.com, and let me know so I can keep a running tally on YES or NO's. This way we'll know how many kegs to buy.
But seriously. We'll probably need to be collecting cash at some point and Bob Ellision has elected himself in charge of accounting (God help us). So, say goodbye to your bank account and hello to identity theft and send us those greenbacks when called upon. I know the Blog has been slow but keep checking here for updates and conversations, or if you just want to rant. From this point on it's Reunion or Bust.
1) Watching the game on someone else's HDTV didn't help. The Bears still looked bad.
2) When a fuel truck blows a tire on the highway fifteen feet in front of you in sub-zero weather, it sounds like a cannon going off.
3) The number of cupcakes with blue icing that your three-year old can consume before his poop will turn blue is four. My son ate five.
4) I am eagerly awaiting my father's breakdown of the game (he and my oldest brother Dave were there), in which Pete will explain very eloquently why all the coaches and players should be fired. BTW, Pete turns 70 today, and sadly, he no longer subscribes to Playboy, but he still will not let me use any of his power tools. And he has more than ever.
5) Listeing to your little man sing at the top of his lungs in the car cracks me up every time. And I don't understand a word.
6) I'm really looking forward to summer.
So what did you learn from Superbowl Sunday?
Hey guys, got this bit of sad news from Laurie today. Don't know if any of you had to deal with Dean Ramirez but I know he got me out of a few Saturday detentions. He was one of the "good guys" if I remember correctly. Sorry to hear he passed.
Dear Niles North Alums that remember John Ramirez,
John Ramirez passed away yesterday Sunday, Jan. 28th in St. Cloud, Florida.
He was a Dean of Students and Coach at Niles North from 1964 - 1994.
Upon moving to Florida he became the Dean of Students at Gateway School
in Kissimmee, Florida. He was the husband of Edith for 43 years, had 2
children and 1 grandchild.
The funeral is Saturday in Orlando. If more information is needed, you
can contact his wife, Edith at 1/407-334-3833.
Please pass on this information to other alumni.
thanks,
iris
Iris Kerbis Puccini
Special Education Teacher
Niles North High School
9800 N. Lawler Skokie, IL 60077
847-626-2354
Had a dream about this reunion last night.
Bottle of wine aside, Paula, you looked great! Lisa Landsman was with you.
And I kept wondering how the hell Memorial Day came so fast...
I spent a lot of the weekend converting a lot of my old videos to digital format. A lot of you are involved in them, but they were taken during high school or later. I can't publicly post them because some of the content is questionable. Perhaps I can send them in real video or wmv format to those who want them? Or perhaps I should just wait to the reunion to show them (50/50 chance I'll be there). Here are some of the videos
1. Bobby Ellison - The Movie (1987): Absolutely pathetic that I, as well as everbody there, would be so two-faced and jealous to make this crap. Actually, it was so funny I was literally pissing in my pants.
2 My 17th Birthday Party (1987): Paul, Aaron, Gary, Randy Steve K, Bobby Cohen, and I think some others were there drinking. Randy gets into his usual argument with Carter at the end. I can't believe my mom wasn't arrested for letting some underage teenage boys get drunk
3. The McCormick Place Car show (1988): Walter Payton was there. I believe almost everyone is in that tape. We are all acting very desperate when viewing the models.
4. Mark Hornstein Car Commercial (1987): Mark Remembers this! It was a project we did for his marketing class.
5. High School Prom: Gary, Aaron, Randy, and Me with our dates before the Prom.
I know I have others and will get to them. These are just the ones I've converted so far.
First answer... Yes,
Second answer... No.
I just thought I'd change up the color scheme in honor of our Chicago Bears! That was quite a game and in good old Chicago Bears fashion, it had to start snowing in order for them to start playing well. Also good for our friend Bill who finally had mother nature on his side. I don't know about you but I'm drinking from now until the SuperBowl.
Da Bears!
Ting called me a while ago but I've been having difficulty figuring out how to post this. Anyway, It's been fun reading about what everyone has been doing. Here is a little update on me; I live in Buffalo Grove (IL) with my husband, Matt and two children, Max (7) and Maya (2). I work part-time as a speech-language pathologist with adults with communication and swallowing problems. I worked for a VA Hospital for about 12 years and now work for a company based out of Glenview. I keep in touch with Maja Petrovic and told her about the blog and reunion and she said she will post something soon. Hope this makes it onto the Blog!
Paula :)
WOW! It's been a long time. As I told Mike, I must have felt the cosmic pull of the blog because I came across it pretty much by chance. I was searching on line for something esle when I hit a few links and found myself looking at the posting of the original email chain. It's crazy to have all the names, faces, and memories come rushing back just as I felt they were fading from my brain. Hello to all of you.
A brief summary of where I am and what I'm doing;
Living in San Francisco with my wife, Mary, and two kids, Ella (7) and Duncan (2 1/2). I'm a product designer with a small studio working on a variety of cool projects. Check out the company site www.astrostudios.com. My parents no longer live in Skokie but are in the area, as well as one of my brothers. We don't get back to the Chicago area as often as we wish but we do find ourselves there every once in a while.
A reunion is a great idea and I wish I could say I will be there. The distance, kids' school, and wedding anniversary will make it difficult to make it out Memorial Day weekend. Take lots of pictures and post.
Norio
noriof@earthlink.net
Ok all you Bears fans. It's time to rally and support the best football team in the NFL...minus Rex Grossman.
I know my house is gonna be rowdy, especially since my wife is cheering for the Saints. I knew if I married a girl from New Orleans it would eventually bite me in the ass. If we make it through the weekend without a divorce then I know our marriage will last forever. Things have been pretty quiet here in Blogsville so I hope you all aren't getting cold feet. Hopefully this post will spark some new controversy. I've also come across some new classmates that we'll hopefully be seeing soon. I won't say who though, you'll just have to wait and see.
I sure hope my tv makes it through the game on Sunday. I'm bound to throw a brick at it when Grossman tosses his first interception. At least then I won't have to see him destroy our SuperBowl dreams.
Bear Down Chicago!
Nicole,
Welcome to 37 finally. I hope you have a good year. Lonny, Kristen, Ryan, Joshua, and Kayla all said happy birthday to you on Monday Jan. the 15th. I did not forget your birthday just as you did not forget mine. I know I had to wait until the new year for you to reach my age. Don't be a stranger and come by some time. Just let me know when you are.
this is the deal
sat, may 26
4 hours, 8-12 pm
i told her approx 70 people
$3400
$48 each (includes tax & gratuity)
if its going to be less people... do the math
the bar has 2 floors, the downstairs area would be our private lounge
-All Draft Beer
-All Bottled Beer
-Captain Morgan, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Sauza, Bombay Saphire, VO, Canadian Club, Seagrams 7, Southern Comfort, Jameson, Dewars, Malibu, Tanqueray, All Stoli, all Absolut, all Bacardi, and Skyy
-House Wine
- Flautas
- Mini Egg Rolls
- Italian Beef or Italian Sausage Sandwiches
- Cheese ravioli w/ Bolognese sauce
- Chicken Wings
- Cheese Quesadillas
- Deli Tray
- Caesar Salad
- Veggie Tray
PLUS my sister wil be our bartender and we will most likely be able to stay longer for no extra cost and drink more or less anything behind the bar.
cause thats how i roll....
Ok, so maybe those are just the drink specials but it sounds good to me. Listen up graduates. Lauren, with a K, which rhymes with Whey, which is used to make a Milk Stout beer, which is good enough for me, has brought up the idea of holding the Saturday night reunion festivities at everyone's favorite drinking and sleeping establishment, John Barleycorns . Check it out. The location would be their Lincoln Park West pub. They have food (not bad from what I can remember) and the drinks aren't watered down. I'm posting a Poll so everyone can vote on it. If anyone has any other ideas, they can enter those as well. Let's get on this so we're not stuck drinkin in someones basement. No offense Paulie.. those were good times if I remember correctly. Go Vote, it's your right!
Everyone,
Nicole was nice enough to donate more class pics. I added them to the rest of the group. She also had our graduating class pic. We all look so happy! Enjoy and thank Nicole for her hard work in scanning. I've gotta go drink my prune juice and watch reruns of "Murder She Wrote". Later!
Hey, everybody Happy New Year sorry I'm late, had a problem getting on the blog but I FINALY made it!!!
UPDATE
Grove #1 has been reserved for Sunday May 27th, 2007 whether we use it or not. Lets hope it doesn't snow or rain. Of course we still need to find something for Saturday night festivus.
Happy New Year everyone. Hope you all had a drunkfest of a New Years Eve. I know I almost did. However, I did accomplish three things this past weekend.
1. I taught myself how to ski down a snowy mountain.
2. I learned that its probably not the best idea to ski down a mountain after two Bloody Marys and a Guinness.
3. I was able to make it down without breaking a single bone. I'm stilling trying to find the truck that hit me though.
Now that I've kicked off the new year with excitement I think we should get the ball rolling on this reunion thing. Are we still trying to find new people? Do we have any ideas on a place or places? Are we electing a committee to organize? Are we doing shots of tequila?... oops, sorry, wrong group.
Anyway, Just thought I'd kick things into high gear and see what you guys thought after letting your brains grow week from holiday booze and bodies grow bigger from too much holiday candy.
After my concussion, I feel like my brain is getting bigger and my body is getting weak. Aaron, can I make an appointment to have you check out my head? Maybe it's just from old age.
Happy New Year everyone.
Here's a couple more pics from the past. Courtesy of Laurie Woll and Melissa Brody.
I was told this was 8th grade graduation. I don't recall the white gowns.
I wasn't given any explanation frot this picture.
Randy Gross says hello to everyone. His computer is (clogged with porn) offline right now, but he wanted to give out his number to anyone that wanted to call and get caught up. 901-283-9207. He's in the restaurant businees, working as a regional manager for Applebee's, I think. By my last count, he has worked for 147 restaurants since 1992. He's changed jobs more than Kretsos changed his shirts in High School.
Omar took some shots of the "Rocky" reunion at Jack's. Ahhh those were the days. Pepper snorting, food throwing, jello ordering good ole days. If Paul would have been there he would have ordered a diet coke, no ice. I can hear Old Mike yelling now!
Glad it was a good time, fellas. Wish I could have been there. Anyone getting together for a "Die Hard" reunion?
Ok, so Laurie so graciously donated some pics for public consumption. I say we're all ripe for the ribbing so I think I'll start and the rest of you can follow. We should all get it out before those New Years resolutions.
I don't even know where to start with this one. I'm speechless and probably embarrassed to say that I probably still dance like that. 
Here's Ira holding his glass high in celebration... L'Chiam!... and of course Jason looking at him like "what the !@#&*#@! are you doing?" 
I'm not sure what you'd call this dance but If Jon were anywhere near Belmont and Halsted he'd make a lot of friends. 
I'm pretty sure Laura and Suzy are discussing the strange pose Ira has going on in this shot.
"Umm, yeah Suzy. What the HELL is Ira doing behind me?"
Bob, I'm speechless!
I don't even think this is the same event although I'm pretty sure it was taken at Temple Beth Israel. I'm probably wrong about that.
Man, that is one sweet "Peter Brady" sweater I am wearin'. Tina looks like she's diggin' it. Anyone recognize the blonde girl next to Heather?
No trouble makers at this table.....Hmmmmmm.
This looks like one hell of a party. I'm diggin that paneling. Why wasn't I invited?
That's it for now folks. Maybe more later.
I didn't know how to post the pictures so Michael posted them for me. I am a little blog illiterate. Thanks Mike! Laurie Woll has been gracious enough to send me some pictures. As mentioned (a zillion times) I moved so much that my mother didn't save much of anything. I had a pretty rough childhood but Middleton and Oakview were really the happiest times for me. So it is really amazing for me to see pictures and look back to that time. I can name mostly everyone in the big picture of everyone standing. Anyone want to give me a name listing by row? Can we call it a challenge? LOL! Now does anyone remember me? So many of you look the same that it is incredible after so many years!!!
Okay, so I knew I wasn't going crazy. Laurie Woll sent this one to me tonight. Not sure where it is from but LOTS of you "younger" classmen/women are in this one. SEEEEEEEE!!!!
HERE!
All the class pics, thusfar, have been added to the Alumni photos. The direct link is here. I will also add a link under "Links of Interest". Feel free to add comments if you wish. I'll be happy to add more as they are donated. I'm still digging around for mine. Enjoy
The class is waiting to hear your field trip & movie report. You back there, stop passing notes!
We drove all the way to a store in Wisconsin to get this in September of 1982. For the next week, I had everybody cramming at my house to play this. It was the Play Station 3 of its time. Paul Miller had the Atari 5200 and we almost got in a fist fight over which was a better system. My mom let me take off of school the day Donkey Kong Jr. came out (Feb 1983) and the next day at school, I was a hero!
Since we ordered a bunch of cards from Snapfish and of course they messed up and instead of sending us 150 cards, we got 300. Well, of course, the Greenbergs couldn't get their act together to send out all 300 so I'm posting one here to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!, Happy Chanukah!, and Happy New Year! Hope this holiday season brings everyone joy and happiness.
I think you'll all get a kick out of this video:
work work work, until you ache ohhh work work work, dont take a break no, work work work, until its late ohhh wwork work work you gottas work work work
If you wanna get ahead, you gotta be a worker, if you wanna be somebody you cannot be a shirker. You gotta pull, toil, sweat & strain, struggle til your wrecked pain, buckle down to drudgery, labor through eternity... you gotta work work work!
oohhh yaaaaaa
No im not crazy, that's from the school play when we were in 7th grade (and i can go one ya know.... i still remember my song. and i have the program, too).
I have a ton of pictures from grammer school -INCLUDING HORIZONS! Gym shows, washington trip (one of todd and bob E. struttin their stuff down the hotel hallway).
Ill make sure to bring it all along. Since my scanner is out, you all just have to wait.
Are there any pictures of Heather on here from grade school? Can someone point me in the direction?
Okay, we have established that I am one year older than you guys. We have also established that only a handful of you remember me and my affiliation with Laurie Woll (my across the street neighbor and friend) and Michael (one time boyfriend and good email friend for over 20 years). I moved so much in my early childhood that my mother threw everything out. So here is my request. If anyone has an extra copy of the yearbook that they care to part with I would love to have it. I don't know why you would have an extra copy but whatever.....Also, if someone would like to scan and email the class pages of grade 8 (would be your grade 7) pictures I would be forever grateful. I know it is a HUGE request but I just want to see the other kids and maybe try to find them and start a blog of my own with class of 83. Anyone interested in doing a good deed for the holidays and make a girl eternally happy?????
Missy aka Melissa Brody
I would like to wish you all a HAPPY HOLIDAY season. I wish you all a healthy new year. I could not believe Nicole when she called to tell me of this site. It is great that we can all still talk after all these years. I hope all is well
Just kidding! love you guys.....
I think you all must have cut my pics out of everyone because I only see one in 5th grade and that just ain't right! always pickin' on the puerto ricans....why's it always gotta be racial???
I don't know why two classes were put together in this one, but here
is a secong grade picture I have. By the way, does anybody from
Cleveland remember Zimbael, the turkish girl who always used to
wear outlandish dresses. She would get up and start to dance for
no reason and would drive Mrs. Clemons crazy.
People, can I just say that after looking at all these pictures, how amazing it is that here we are, 30-something years later, still chatting. There aren't many people I know who can say the same of all their grade school and middle school classmates. Call it what you will but I think it's pretty amazing.
Someone please post!! By the ways, these pictures are great. I never realized I was such an ugly kid!! Mr. Malcos: god bless him! Mrs. Higgins - always known as the "mean" teacher, even when I substituted for her in the early 90s.
HOPE SANTA IS GOOD TO ALL......... INCASE HE FAILS ME BY NOT BRINGING ME SOME ICE, FREEZING CONDITIONS, OR OF COURSE ABOUT 1" OR MORE OF SNOW MAYBE ONE OF YOU HI POWERED OR SOCIAL CONECTED PEOPLE MAY HAVE CONNECTIONS WITH MOTHER NATURE....PLEASE REQUESTED A FAVOR....I AM ALL OUT WITH HER......
MERRY X-MAS
BILL HANDLER
On a serious note (yes, I can be serious at times), has anybody here spoken to Randy Gross within the past week. He's one of the few people from Skokie I've kept in contact with and I understand he was having a little bit of a hard time sue to circumstances that are sort of beyond his control. He calls me at least once every two weeks. I didn't hear from him and have called him several times to no response. It's making me a little bit nervous because Randy always gets back to me, usually within a couple hours.
is there any intrest in posting grades 1-7 class photos please let me know......
Hey everyone. Marc Hornstein asked me to plug his new juice company. From what I've read it's good for you. It's made from a fruit called a Mangosteen. No, it's not a Jewish fruit! That would be Mangostein. Now, stop laughing and listen. Check it out and order some. I'm gonna try it cause I'm sick of drinking water and feeling like crap.
Happy Juicing!!
here's the link. You'll also find it under "Links of Interest"
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Okay, so Laura Connelly has become Laura Graves and this is Sean Graves. Wishing everyone the happiest of holidays and a safe and healthy New Year!
DOES ANY BODY REMEMBER BIREN SHAW HAVING A GOAT IN HIS BACK YARD....... I BRIEFLY REMABER THAT GOAT GRAZING IN HIS TINY BACK YARD........WHAT WOULD SKOKIE DO TODAY.......
Ok, here's how it works. Download the file www.lametromarketing.com/soldproperty.pdf
I think for most people, if you just click the link, the file will open for you. Then, save it.
This file contains ten fake graded papers by teachers we had from grade 3-8. The person who can name all ten teachers wins a very special prize that I will mail to whatever address you want.
Since I did this on my mini tablet pc, the handwriting isn't exact because tablet pc's always "vector" out the handwriting input. But, it's close enough (I think).
Good Luck! I won't respond to any answers until we have a winner. The contest will end next Friday, Dec. 29 unless somebody gets all 10 correct before that.
My mother has apparently instilled her pack-rat gene in me. I found ALL of my class pictures from Kindergarten thru 8th grade. I will scan them all in on Friday. I really cannot adequately do them justice; you'll just have to see for yourselves. Let me just say this: apparently very few of our parents knew what a comb was for.
To the tune of yankee doodle dandee: 5th Grade
with on for after at by in against instead of near between by out from over down below through
over up according to
athwart across beyond about before behind within without among around amist above toward
not with standing into of
This is what he said...
" Daryl Deino said...
Oh, my Gosh. This is really great. My junior high school years were the BEST years of my life (well, that and college). I'm a marketing director for a real estate company now. God knows how I got here, considering my bachelors degree is in Communications and my MA is in Education. As everybody predicted, I did become a teacher. But, I could only deal with the political correctness and the corruption of this for so long. Then, I became a graphic designer, which led to "Marketing Director." Ok, enough about that. I keep having dreams that I have to go "back" to Junior High because I forgot to take a class or something. Ms. Miller won't let me take an exam (remember her words..how can you take a test if you don't have a pen?). I then go to have a word with Ms. Mazurek for putting me in the highest level Math class against my will (which happened in 8th Grade and I had such a hard time that year that I have hated Math ever since). When she refuses to put me in another class, I threaten to talk to Mr. Becker about it.
Anyhow, some random memories: In Mrs. Lax's class (3rd grade), you received a "double f" every time you didn't do an assignment. If you received four of those, your grade goes down 1 letter grade for that marking period. David Thompson, I believe, had the record for "double f's." Fourth Grade: Ira Penner had the record number of "extra credit" graphs in Mrs. Ruppe's Math Class. Fifth Grade: Mrs. Spengler, the She Beast (but incredible teacher), had us all do a Science Project on the "River Otter." Sixth Grade: Mr. Lyman always putting girls on his lap. I remember he was always fond of Laura Seidell. If he was teaching today, he would be in jail. Also, Mr. Malcos teaching Sex Education. He was saying that you start getting pubic hair around the time you are 11. I didn't have any and really started to worry. SEVENTH GRADE: Alexandra Delgado with all her Menudo Posters! Heather Rearick and Steve Cohen's relationship! I also remember taking Mr. Anderson's picture from a yearbook and putting it on a nude photo. 8TH GRADE: Mr. Fishman always yelling at John Allard (you could hear him throughout the whole building). Also, rolling pennies at Mr. McCardle's feet. RANDOM HIGH SCHOOL: I like to forget that Niles North ever existed, but here are some things that come to mind: Marc Hornstein's band "The Plague," Paul Miller's ambulance; ok..enough about Niles North; I'm getting sick to my stomach writing about it. Anyhow, I HAVE A FAVOR TO ASK: One of the big memories of Middleton and Oakview were comparing report cards. I don't know why, but this was a hobby. IF ANYBODY HAS THEIR REPORT CARD, ESPECIALLY FROM MIDDLETON, please, please..SCAN IT AND EMAIL IT TO ME. My email address is ph6138@aol.com Email as many as you can. This will bring back so many memories for me of an innocent time that no longer exists!! Anyhow, I hope to be at the reunion in May. Feel free to email me at ph6138@aol.com just to say hi, but I will keep posting on this blog."
C'mon guys.. If we're serious about this thing we should come up with some ideas. I've placed a new "poll" questions and you can fill in your own answer. I'll give out the results after a couple weeks. Let's come up with some good ideas.. By the way, Maggianos is booked Memorial Day weekend.
Ok here we go again. I just barely finished reading all the emails on my yahoo acct. ..............Where's the coffee? Wait maybe I should do this at home but that requires getting to the computer before any of the kids. Not easy with a 17 (Frank),13(Vincent), and 6 year old(Melody). Yep, that is correct. My eldest is that old and a complete computer hog. I live in Chicago (Andersonville area). Just throwing distance from the old rainbow roller rink for those of you that spent your sat. nights there. I work in Skokie by Howard and Crawford to make it easy. Do you believe that? I still feel the urge to hang out in front of Oakton pool from time to time with the hopes of someone coming along with a boom box and cardboard box. :) Well count me in for memorial day weekend. I should be able to get my hair dyed by then. hahaha
Anyone else remember when Nicole bit my sister on the leg? Might have been high school.... or Oakview, not sure. I could ask Tracey, but this is a better way to FIND THE TRUTH!
Hi Nicole!
Hope to keep bringing back all our FONDEST MEMORIES!
And I still have my band medals.
-lauren
Can everybody spend 5 minutes updating their profiles? Reading through the posts is fun, but kinda overwhelming.
Wow, this is crazy...Hello Oakview. Well, I turned into a productive member of society after all. What a bad kid I was... glad I could get my sh** straight before it was too late. I work as a Marketing Specialist for ITT Corporation for going on 10 years. I have a wife Lana whom I married in '96,
Okay Okay I know that I am not in the graduating year of 84 and (I'm 83) I won't be coming to the reunion but can I still stay and chat? I shared my pictures and remember almost everyone that is here. I was best friends and neighbors with Laurie Woll and even went steady with Michael. I would love to get into contact with people from my grade but I search and I am not successful. I also moved away after grade 8 and then in grade 9 we moved to Toronto, Canada. So because of all the moving I don't have any yearbooks sadly. I still do have my little purple diploma though. I would love to see some more pictures and even if anyone wants to post mine from the yearbooks I don't mind. I can remember Oakview and Middleton so well and even remember what table we used at lunchtimes. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have never been the same as they were at Oakview.
Mark Chavin, come on down!
http://www.bollman-lesser.com/attorneys/chavin.html
I sent him a welcoming e-mail.
Results from Poll#2
You'll have to wait until the New Year but you'll be jammin by then. I'll take requests.
1. A number of us guys believe that the goatee is the way to go.
2. Pretty much all of the guys have married "up".
I will send some more pictures to prove both points.
Oh draydel, draydel, draydel, I made it out of clay.
When it's dry and ready, oh draydel I will play.
Chag sameach, y'all!
Here are the latest poll results. Looks like showering was at the top of peoples list of "Favorite Gym activity". "Other" was tied.... here they are.
"Other" Responses:
22 years....where has the time gone?
Kudos to all those who have put this blog together.
Jon, Thanks for the e-mail.
I tried to read through all the posts and my head was spinning. It is really good to see that everone is doing well.
As for me, I got married back in '99, Kim and I have Girl/Boy twins Haley & Jake now 4 1/2 yeasrs old and we are living in Buffalo Grove.
BTW...whats up with all the twins/trips???? I think we need to have the water tested in Skokie...Hmmmmm!
Read ya later.
Andrew Bauman
Andrew@cevsinc.com
I can't keep up. I swear if I wanted to read everything everyone had to say I would be on the computer for hours. Anyone have any suggestions? I have a question for Melissa... How the hell are you finding all these peope? Pretty impressive. Haven't heard back from Albert and not sure that I will. I am still working on Paula Brazen. It is so great to see all the pictures of everyones kids. I have been wanting to do this for years, get in touch with all my childhood friends. I am soo excited to see you all and thrilled to hear you are all doing so well. I will keep working on stahlberg. My parents don't have an email address for him, so maybe I'll just call. Well, I will do my best to keep up with it all. If anyone has any great ideas how to navigate through it all, let me know. :) Laurie
...literally. Diamond Dave to possibly rejoin Van Halen!
Hey everyone,
a few people have expressed interest in sharing photos with everyone in the group. I will be happy to set this up if we think everyone will contribute. We need both old and new photos and any photos of interest. If this sounds good to you all then start emailing me your photos. Don't worry about size or file type, I will take care of that.
Don't be shy. We're going to see each other soon anyway. Right?
P.S. keep it clean.....for now.
Mike
UPDATE!!
The photo site is complete. Take a look here. If you have any questions let me know. Start sending me those photos you want everyone to see. There's also a link in the left side above 'Links of Interest'.
I think that I'm running out of adjectives to describe how truly cute and adorable everyones' children are.
And as much as the guys want to give their wives ALL the credit, I can definitely see all of them- Mike, Dave G., Bob, Scott, Steve, and Todd- in their childrens' faces. And the same goes for all of the women, though I think the fact that each of their children are beautiful is perhaps less of a surprise.....
I know that many people e-mailed their family photos before Mike created this blog, and I was wondering if we (read: MIKE) could set up an additional link that would direct everyone to an Oakview '84 slide show or album so that we'd have everyone's pictures in one place.
Would that be possible Mike?
Anyhow, it's just an idea.
And I don't really want to put all the responsibility on Mike; he's done so much already. I'm willing to help out in any way, though my computer skills are probably no more advanced than Steve's.
So,
does anyone have any more leads to find people or are we stopping here? I know Laurie is trying. Melissa, any luck with Marcello? Does anyone know an easier way to find people? There are some on Classmates.com that I can send a message to. If anyone has any ideas or thoughts chime in.
Bob, any ideas or thoughts since you started this whole thing?
Also, I'd just like to vent and say I hate the holidays. I hate shopping. I hate gifts. I hate people in their cars. I hate peds. I hate bratty, screaming kids (except mine of course). I escpecially hate christmas music.
So, now that you all know the TRUE Mike Greenberg..... HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! and PEAS ON EARTH!!
Mike
Like I had mentioned in an earlier post, my office is closing its doors after 4 years of advertising & branding. So.... as the holidays are the PERFECT time to be looking for a job (i know, timing is everything), I might as well throw myself on the pyre and see if anyone out there is in advertising/marketing and is looking for a Print Art Director with 15 years exp. with art direction, design, production, management, etc....
...or maybe who just wants to be a sugar daddy.
Please email me for my resume or just to say "hey".....
salaboutme@ameritech.net
yours truly.
First things first...God Bless Michael Greenberg! I called him at home last week and we talked like no time has passed...22 years. Anyway he walked me through my blogging handicap and here I am! This is all so crazy and fun to read.
Here's a little bit about what's been happening to the crazy Irish girl from Skokie. I' m a Human Resource Manager in Deerfield....I've been doing HR since I graduated from college. I'm married to Larry...the funniest man on the south side...we recently had our first child. Sean Ryan, he is just 8 months old and the apple of my eye! I also have a 9 year old step-daughter Korry (according to Korry...we're best friends, Sorry Underwood)! I live in Lemont...where's that you may ask??? Southwest suburbs....I'm bringing a little culture to the south and of course the Cubby Blue Colors! My parents still live in the same house in Skokie...so Aaron and Jon don't have to feel alone.
All jokes aside...I have to say I am so impressed and proud of our little class of Hornets! Brett is touching peoples brains, Michael needs to insure his ears for millions, Scott has hugging tree potential in the Northwest, Lauren is as wild as ever....but the best is hearing about TING! Nice job on whoever tracked her down. Any news on Norio??? That would almost make this whole thing complete! I can't wait to see everyone in May. How fun is all of this? I hope everyone has a great holiday season!!!
Hey Gary D - my best pal angie worrked at Reef with Nilo. small world.
my parents ran into Ira Penner at his nephew's bar mitzvah in Indiana friday.
suz and i have been laughing all weekend about this blog. and we still use our secret-note writing names from jr. high.
cause we are mature.
tracey gives you all her best and is envious of our newfound connection to each other.
my mother mention to be about brett's brain bonanza a few months ago (thanks ALOT brett....) but seriously its amazing to see how/what/wher eveyone is turning out.
--keep on trucking. go bears.
Hey all.
Just wanted to let you know this blog is not only improving with people but also in functionality. You will notice a a list on the right of "Recent Comments". This will make it easier for people to navigate to the 15 most recent comments people have made. Hope you find this easier to navigate. Enjoy.
Mike
I guess I fell off the grid for a few days, but I'm glad to be back!
I've been checking the blog everyday; and it's been just as hilaroius as the e-mails that flew back and forth last week. Thanks Mike for creating it!
I realize that, while I did contribute to the initial flury of e-mails, I haven't posted anything or mentioned what's been going on with me.
Well, (as Bob mentioned in an earlier e-mail), I'm currently living in Washington, DC.
I'm a pediatrician, however I'm currently working full-time on Federal health policy at the Office of Management and Budget. However, I've continued to practice medicine part-time in a pediatric clinic in Virginia (every 3rd Saturday); it's not a lot, but it allows me to see patients which I've missed, and helps me to retain my clinical skills (as I still may go back to practicing medicine full-time in the future). Anyhow, I feel fortunate to be able to do both right now.
Though I admit, I'm not sure how much longer I'll be doing what I am doing, as my girlfriend (of 4 years), Sarah, is currently completing her third year in law school; so depending on where she decides to work next year, I could be moving, possibly to California.
So yeah, I'm not yet married.....though I will certainly let everyone know if there are any changes or news on that front.....and how cool is it that we have the "Oakview Orbit" blog to share news like that! (Thanks again Mike!)
Other than that, my parents still live in the same house in Skokie! (Are Jon Katz's parents and mine the only ones left in Skokie??) I love going home and visiting the old neighborhood. (Actually, Brett's parents JUST moved, last year, to Kansas City.....so it's weird not having the Schlifka's in the neighborhood anymore.....things change I guess, but it's always a little bit sad.)
Well, I'm definitely looking forward to hearing more about everyone (and from more old friends as they discover the blog).
Just hearing from Billy (Bill), Lauren, Suzy (Suzanne), Harry Litburg, and Lisa Cho (Underwood!) these past few days, in addition to hearing from everyone else over the past 2 weeks.....it's been great!!
My wife found this awesome website. Don't go unless you have a few hours to spare.
http://www.1500videos.com/
My favorite is "Don't Answer Me" by the Alan Parsons Project.
i am amazed every time i check up on " the blog" i have to say technology is , bringing so many people so far apart and disconnected back to gather once again...... never in my life did i think this computer thing would be useful, and know it run my life.....so much to tell and hear from everybody, my life as all of you would expect is always crazy in one way or another, been married, no children, girlfriend, will never marry again!!!!!! two dogs that are my children and my life, i have a commercial & industrial property maintenance company, snow & ice is the back bone of my business, I was an outside packaging rep for 7 yrs, i hate the corporate world, but would you expect any different from this rebel kid... life is good now, as you all know the older we get you begin to learn what is really important in life....it is a privilege and the best thing in the world........hope to see every one of you in 2007 for that Reunion. in my opinion " the oakview gang was the best group of people, and one of the most remembered times of my life.....HEY WERE THE HELL IS SPELL CHECK.. ah ha i found it.....by the way marcelo is in floriday with a set of twins, that is the best i can do with that.....
We have a WINNER!!
Omar Sotelo correctly answered all ten and promptly emailed me at 5:39 am!
Congratulation Omar! You can look for your prize shortly.
As for the rest of you slackers. What's your excuse? Ms. Miller would NOT have been happy with any of you. She HATED slackers. I should know.
Here are the answers.
For those of you in the original email string that I emailed a picture of the purple shirt too, who are we missing??? Also, was it me, or were their names on the shirt who I never heard of???
Mike thanks for setting up the blog and Jon thanks for forwarding me the messages and getting me in the loop on the conversation.
What a surprise to see all the email and messages from people from the past. I finally sat down last night to start writing to get in on the conversation although I was interrupted by a trip to the emergency room at 11pm. Turns out my son had strep throat. My wife and I took everyone to the doctor today and now everyone is on antibiotics making sure we all get healthy again.
It looks like several of you gave a brief overview of what you’re up to and what is going on in your life so I will do the same and give my update. I live in Snoqualmie, Washington pronounced Sno-kwol-me for those wondering, I get asked all the time how to pronounce it. Snoqualmie is about 25 miles east of Seattle.
I have been married for 6 years to Jackie the most amazing women I ever met. We have three boys Zachary (Zach) 4, Alexander (Alex) 2, and Jack 7 months. Life with kids is great. Each of them makes the energizer bunny seem as if he needs a charge because they just keep going and going. I can’t figure where they get all the energy although my mom tells me I had the same high energy. Being a dad is cool and a little scary at the same time.
I came out to Washington back in 2004 to work for Washington Mutual Bank to run a process improvement and voice of the customer group. Before working for Washington Mutual and slowing my pace down a bit, I was in consulting as a road warrior traveling Monday – Friday. My wife Jackie in addition to being a fulltime mom also has her own internet business; I get to work as free labor in my spare time promoting her business. Here is my shameless plug. If you still need holiday, gifts check out her website or send others that have shopping to do; we love when people shop the web site she has some great deals: http://www.thebestonlineshop.com
I don’t think I have fully made the transition to living in Washington State yet, no Birkenstocks, or hugging trees for me. Although I do have to say, it is beautiful out here. I have a view of the Cascade Mountains from my home. It is definitely different then living in Skokie. I tried to upload a few pictures of the family and picture of a lake a few minutes from my house just so I can share the great views. Although no luck, I must have missed that day in computer class.
Since I’m not able to upload pictures to the blog site, I worked on it for longer then I care to admit, I have added a link to a yahoo photo album to share some pictures of my family and life in the Northwest with all of you. http://photos.yahoo.com/scott_h_winston
It’s great to hear what everyone is doing and I will do my best to make the trip back east next Memorial Day.
Scott
My oldest daughter takes piano lessons, and so I taught her one of the three songs I still remember how to play: the opening bars of "Jump" by Van Halen (a song from their 1984 album, which I think I listened to about 1000 times at Jon Katz's house). So after practicing and practicing for lietrally months, she finally gets it. At her next piano lesson, she proudly plays it for her college age piano teacher, and the rest of the conversation goes something like this:
Teacher: That sounds great! What is it?
Rose: I dunno, something my dad knows how to play.
Mom (interrupting): It's Jump, by Van Halen.
Teacher: What? Who?
Mom: Jump, by Van Halen.
Teacher: Wow, never heard of the song or the band. I'll have to look it up.
Either this teacher is totally clueless, or we, my friends, are getting old.
If I get fired...i'm blaming it on all you guys.
HELLO EVERYONE!
I spend my nights at work reading about everyone and I love it! This is so great!!
I've got to send a shout out to Mike G... who walked me through this whole blogging thing over the phone.
Anyway, nothing to exciting on my end.
I've been living in Fresno (that's Fres-Yes! to you) for the past 8 years.
Moved here from Texas for a job. I work at the local NBC affiliate as a TV news anchor and reporter.... covering the horrors of the world. Who remembers the "newspaper editions" we used to "publish" in science class? Or am I the only news nerd in the crowd?
Been married for four years... have two kids. Frederic (aka Freddie) who's 3, and Mia Marie.. who's 6 months and already giving me lots (more) gray hair.
alright...I'm off to a live shot in the freezing cold. ( oh wait, that's you guys. it's 65 degrees here!) Just kidding, I miss Chicago terribly.
Alex
This blog is bringing up memories that quite frankly I didn't know I had! (Broadway Bums, anyone?) I'm living an hour west of Boston now, two children, Matthew (9) and Christina (7), happily married for almost 13 years. No longer really working (part-time at my husband's biz) but really enjoying life! I'd love to see an Oakview reunion but in the meantime please let me know how you're all doing!
How about a "Horizons" reunion?
im sure my parents still have my francisco pizarro foamcore shield...
lauren
Hey all.
I'm so glad everyone is using and getting used to this Blog thing. First off, I'd like to welcome some new comers.
Ting Cheng.... Wholly crap. I really never thought I'd hear from you again. So nice of you to join in. What a crazy story about you, Todd, and the freshman roomie. Welcome to the group. I'll send you an invite so you can join in the Posting fun.
Lauren Kurtz.... How the hell are you? Last time we saw each other weren't you working for a newspaper? Nice to have you aboard and sharing in the fun. I'll send you and invite as well. Lauren, i need your email address.
Missy Brody.... Some of you may remember Missy.. She was an upper classman.. BOO. Welcome to the chaos. So glad you can chime in. I'm sure when I post your 7th grade picture the gang will remember you. Feel free to contribute anytime. You get an invite as well.
Lisa Cho... I know you've been in on the email thing but you've been keeping quiet. Speak up. I'll send you an invite, just email me your request.
As for the rest of you. Keep it up. This is a lot of fun and is only going to get better. Almost as good as Mr. Steinways sex ed class.
I've also noticed that it's hard to keep track of NEW COMMENTS. Therefore, I'm going to create a MESSAGE BOARD. You should notice that all posts show up as a new webpage. Links to the right. This way you can set a Bookmark of the MESSAGE BOARD and jump straight to it for instant chatting and remarks. Hope this makes it easier to keep up with banter.
Those who need to contact me regarding this blog, here's the email. No spamming.
oakview84@yahoo.com
Seeing everyone's names on one page like this is just killing me-- I cant wait til we all get together.
My life isnt all that thrilling. I bartend at a couple clubs in chicago, sing in a couple bands, am an advertising art director (although my office is closing so all you creative directors take note!), have an incredibly spazzy 9 year old yeller lab named "cayman", tear up the city on a regular basis with mizzz suzy sokol, and live in humbolt park just a few blocks east of the boulevard.
My sister tracey lives a mere 5 minutes from me in bucktown with her hubby and 2 dogs. She is all good.
Oh, ya, i was married in the 90's, got over that.
My folks are still going strong, they live in glenview and are about to take their yearly winter detour to florida. Having dinner with them tonite as a matter of fact. Seen them alot lately- i just had Lasik and stayed the night at their place. Never go back my friends. NEVER go back.
ANYWAY.... my pal gina is over and fixing us some nachos and beer so i gotta fly. Hope to see you all very soon.
BUMS OF BROADWAY FOREVER, YO!
lauren jamie kurtz '84
salaboutme@ameritech.net
Still getting used to the funcitonality of a blog. So much for all those years in IT...
Are Mike, Jennifre and I the only ones on the West Coast... I'm losing track
Before I sign off, I just need to say that I am fairly certain that the lovely 2 toned Pontiac Bonneville in the picture of Oakview at the bottom of the blog was our family's car. I ended up totaling it in high school when I tried to cross Oakton right there at East Prairie. Thing was a tank, but I somehow ended up bending the frame.
Since I do not have kids, either event would work for me.
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
-Sandra
From the conversations that took place back before the blog was created, it seems like most of us would like to get together sometime in 2007. Mike Greenberg suggested Memorial Day weekend, May 26-27). I'm just curious as to how many of us would be willing and able to get together, probably in a Skokie-ish place (Maggiano's in Old Orchard has nice facilities). Should we do a daytime event with families? Evening event for adults only? Both? What do you think?
( I am posting this for April)
Hey all,
Sorry it's taken me so long to reply, but been a little busy with the kids
and holiday and work. This is so great to be able to do since I felt back
in school we were close as friends. Well to tell you a little about my life
now. I live in Deerfield, have been married for 12 yrs now happily and have
twin girls who are 6 yrs. and in 1st grd. and an 8 yr. old girl in 3rd
grade. I work in Glenview at your You're Fired part time and and very busy
bussing my children around after school everyday. Oh, and I am a Brownie
Troop Leader for all my kids, does that surprise anyone. Probably not!
Thanks for the emails there great to read and I also have all myn yearbooks
from Oakview. And I love the color PURPLE!!!!!
I hope to talk to you soon and everybody stay warm!
April :)
Ok, in the spirit of trying not to clog everyone's e mail, I am going to try and post my original "hello" e mail. And I'll even try to add a picture. Here it goes....
Hello everyone! It's been a long time, and it's great to hear from you all.
In the spirit of briefly updating everyone about the last 20 years or so (how sacry does that sound)...
I am living and working just outside of Philadelphia as an environmental attorney. Before you get any ideas that I'm running around hugging trees, I should disclose that most of my clients are industrial concerns that are looking to run their busnesses without getting on the wrong side of various environmental laws. As I explain to my kids, I view my job as educating folks who have businesses with environmental issues and want to make sure they are complying with all the environmental laws.
Speaking of family, I am married (Jean) with three daughters: Rose (8), Sadie (5) and Clara (2) (a picture is hopefully attached; if any of you recall how me and my sister Amy looked at about this age, you will see I cannot disown the first two). They are great, but I truly fear for my psychological well being starting in about 7 years.
I don't make it back to Chicago all that much (my parents moved out of the Kirk St. homestead to Texas about 10 years ago), but when I do, it would be fun to see folks, so please keep in touch.
Take care everybody and GO BEARS!
Todd
HELLO EVERYBODY, I HAVE BEEN UP NOW FOR 4 DAYS FIGHTING THE PAST SNOW STORM, I HAVE TO SAY I WAS VERY SUPRISED TO SEE 4,000 EMAILS FROM THE PAST THIS MORNING.......I HOPE YOU ARE ALL HEALTHY AND WELL.....
BILL HANDLER
Okay people.......now let me begin by saying that I am most definitely not technologically inclined but I cannot see any recent posts from anyone......has the love been lost already? I must admit that we should save some of this love for Memorial Day so we are not "all caught up before then." Right Marlo? Anyhow, someone Google Albert Young and find his a_s! I have not had a good break dance competition lately. Oh, and I am also having a party in my parents basement. Only friends with boyfriends are invited and we are going to turn out the lights and make out.....Todd and Laurie.....wasn't there a "french first" in that basement? And Laurie and Jennifre.....waaaas up with throwing me under the bus.....cheating......doritos.......I was an angel all through school.....just ask Mr. Duncan from Middleton.....I was his favorite.
Hey all.
Since some of us (including me) are new to this blogging thing. I thought a little instruction might be helpfull.
If you'd like to read everyones chatter since the beginning of the blog, just click on the Welcome link to the right of this message. From here, you can post a reply comment to a previous message.
Also, a different way to do this would be to just creat a Post. A Post is a message that appears on the main page. All posts appear in chronological order. Therefore, if you'd like to reply to a previous Post, you add you own Post with your message.
I realize it can be a little confusing but with some organization and practice it will be great! Hope you all join in.
Open to any and all suggestions.
Mike
Here's the original email thread that started this all:
www.goldencrownonline.com/oakview/
Class of '84.
Welcome to the Oakview84 blog. In order to save everyone the trouble of weeding through hundreds of emails a day. I have created this blog for all of us. Feel free to post anything and everything you desire. Let's try and continue to make the Memorial Day event happen. Happy blogging to all.
Mike G.
...And my Labradork; Stanley.
