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06/18/08 01:33 AM #50    

Sandra McKenna (Phillips)

Elizabeth & Mike - So sad to hear of Mrs. Lander's passing. Did she have Alzheimer's that you make mention to? We have experienced this in our own family and words cannot express the toil it takes on everyone. If so, it's very difficult to know such a phenomenal woman was ravaged by such a profoundly disturbing and destructive disease.

If I may...on a lighter note, I couldn't help chuckle reading the conversations concerning Country Store bologna. I would love to be a fly on the wall to see the faces of the TSA screeners as my mother-in-law smuggles at least 4 rings in her carry on luggage with each trip she makes down to us. And she doesn't fly out of Williamsport! LOL We freeze it and eat it ever so sparingly until her next visit. At least our kids are experiencing something from our childhood!

All of the foods and traditions have brought a smile to my face but none so poignant as the comments regarding language and dialect. Since I did not grow up in Hughesville and am just a displaced transient, I have always made a rather big deal out of the way "y'all" speak (I moved from Lorn-Guyland so I have taken my fair share too). Anyway, I mentioned early on that it had a bit of a southern twang to it but NO ONE would believe me, least of all my husband. But he has now succumb to the realization that these words do not exist in Webster's - but do any of you use them?

"izzer" - Izzer any ice cream left?
"wuzzer" - Wuzzer a stop sign back 'air?
"upbear" - Yea, she lives upbear on the hill.
"down-nair" - I don't wanna go down-nair t'morrah

There are so many more and I have to admit I have been caught using a few myself from time to time. It's our running joke that I can take a man out of PA but PA will never be taken out of my man. I guess I wouldn't have it any other way. It's my very own Blue Collar Comedy Hour!

And Mike T - we should definitely be ripping into Stutzman. Can't imagine what high school would have been like without him and his antics. He's one of a kind! Get his butt to chat on here and you might have some saving grace.

06/18/08 09:46 AM #51    

Kelley McCoy (DeWald)

It is a very small world out there....Mrs. DeSanto's daughter works for me and a few years ago we all went on a shopping trip and Mrs. Lander was with us. It was devastating to see a woman that I had the utmost admiration and respect for have to be lead around by her friends, (Mrs. DeSanto and Mrs. Crawford) Yes how weird that I would be shopping with my prior teachers from high school....

Mrs. Lander needed help with ordering her lunch, getting to the car, and staying with us all day. I was pretrified that we would lose her. I got back home that evening and tried to explain to my husband how incredibly sad it was. Here was a woman who when I was in my first biology class in college, my professor pulled me aside and told me that I should go back to my high school teacher (ie. Mrs. Lander) and thank her because I was one of the few kids who was "actually going to make it in the biology field due to her diligence." She was an incredible woman and I personally am forever grateful for what she taught me. I know she helped to get me where I am today.

I also remember her laughing in class one day to the point of almost hysterical when Mike Houseknecht caught his foot in Joy Womelsdorf book bag and fell on his face and then laid there silently for a few minutes...then finally said without moving..."Boy, that was graceful wasn't it?" I don't know if anyone else remembers this or not, but to this day, I still laugh out loud when I think of it. Mrs. Lander tried so hard not to laugh and keep her stern look, but she couldn't....her glasses filled with tears.


06/18/08 02:17 PM #52    

Sandra McKenna (Phillips)

OMG Kelley, I was thinking of that exact moment when I wrote on Mike's memorial page, I just forgot about the bookbag causing it. I can still see him falling and laying there as if it were in slow motion (didn't remember his statement but not surprised). And I can hear your infectious laugh. You were doubled over and the rest of us couldn't help but roar in unison.

I will never forget Mrs. Lander's face either, lips pressed tightly trying to keep it together but the crack of laughter had to escape. I think she even had to take her glasses off to wipe her eyes. But there were a few incidents that year with Mike so I could be fusing a few together. I recall a collision between the 2 of you near the sink that also had us in stitches. :) Memories that remain so vivid like that are such a treasure.

06/18/08 07:27 PM #53    

Christine Robbins (Nearhoof)

I'm so jealous of all of you!! How the heck do you remember so much? It's been fun reading what you guys remember, unfortunately I don't remember 2 days ago let
alone 20 years.
I heard about Mrs. Lander at work. We supply the meds for Williamsport Home where she was a resident. I was so sad.
Kelley, I have to tell you, there's a nurse at Lock Haven
extended care unit named Kelley and she sounds just like you. I had to ask her where she went to school. I thought you were a nurse, but not sure.

06/18/08 09:52 PM #54    

Tracy Houseknecht (Lunger)

I agree with you Chris, I can't remember much either, but after hearing the stories some things come back. I can remember Mike falling flat on his face, it was hysterical. After hearing about that I can remember it like it was yesterday. Mike was a fun person to be around. It is a shame that his life was so short.

I often see Mrs. DeSanto and Mrs. Helt at the market in Lewisburg during the summer months. They always have the time to stop and chat. I was sad to hear about Mrs. Lander too. She was one of the best teachers ever!

06/18/08 09:53 PM #55    

Tracy Houseknecht (Lunger)

Don't forget to email Sandra if you are interested in coming to the picnic!

06/19/08 02:04 PM #56    

Theresa Sellinger (Mitchell)

Does anyone know if Brian Hoffman is still in the Air Force? I am hoping to help find him if he is, thanks!

06/19/08 02:57 PM #57    

Sandra McKenna (Phillips)

Hi Theresa. Eric Hoffman and I were discussing Brian a few months ago as we both would love to contact him. This is what he told me in an e-mail: "I saw Brian when I was down here for flight school. Last I heard from him he was married, had 2 kids and was in the Air Force as a small arms instructor."

Not sure this helps - you could e-mail Eric directly for more info - but if you find Brian, please let him know we are thinking of him and hopefully he will get online here.

06/19/08 06:41 PM #58    

Eric Hoffman

Sandra and Theresa - I've tried to find out if Brian is still in or not but so far, nothing. He joined right after high school so he's not far from retirement, if he stayed in this long. Sorry I can't give you better information than that. On the plus side I talked to Tim Glant about a week ago, and yes I gave him this website. Tim is married, JUST became a father 2 weeks ago and lives in NYC where he patrols the streets of the south Bronx as a member of NYPD! He said that my job sounds really cool and fun and, while it has its moments, his is probably more frequently riddled with excitement...and bullet holes! Anyway, Tim said that he'd love to come and will if at all possible.

06/19/08 08:51 PM #59    

Karen Gotschal (Baker)

At our 15th Reunion Brian Hoffman and his family were heading out of the country. Turkey, I believe. They may still be overseas with the Air Force.

What I remember about Mike Houseknecht was that he dyed his two guinea pigs green. I'm not sure what research project that tied into. He certainly was a lot of fun...Mike and I actually got married on the Ashkar Elementary playground in 2nd grade. He gave me a cross necklace...wish I still had it. Wish we still had him.

06/20/08 05:38 AM #60    

Theresa Sellinger (Mitchell)

Karen - OMG I think I remember that wedding taking place, that's so precious. He still lives through our memories.

I've narrowed my search to 4 Brian Hoffman's in the Air Force. I will wait and see what I get back.


06/20/08 07:32 AM #61    

Margie Koch

I believe that I also attended that wedding...I was already a seasoned wife in that I had married Rick Smith in kindergarten....although I think he married more than just me. Mike had a great laugh didn't he? I didn't know him much in our older years, but I do know that he didn't always have the easiest time in school. I was very proud of our class at his funeral that so many showed up.

On a lighter note...I was just recalling my synchonized swimming days with Corey, Beth and Crystal. Any other swimmers out there? I believe our tune was "All out of love" by Air Supply. At the time I didn't like to dive in head first so I made us all jump in feet first holding our noses. I"m sure we were spectacular.
I feel totally bummed about missing out on all these test stealing capers. I probably could have enhanced my class standing if I'd been smart enough to get in on that!!!!
I do remember my first non-English speaking prof in college. Physics it was... Yes I suppose Mr. Edner prepared me quite nicely for that.
I saw Mrs. Lander a few years ago up in Williamsport at the restaurant, and was very much saddened by her lack of memory. I just learned from Kelly and Amy about her passing. My favorite thing about her was the respect she gave us by expecting a lot out of us. She was funny as hell too. The cat disection was in hindsight a great experience, although I almost quit highschool to avoid it. The cat disection over lunch period?...that I could have done without...

06/20/08 09:25 AM #62    

Bryon May

Well, Michael's memory is certainly is alive and well here. I tried to keep in touch with his mother over the years because she LOVED hearing from his friends. So, if anyone ever sees her say hi. I think they live in Watsontown now.

He was fun, wacky, and wild. In fact, he was always trying to encourage my wild side to stay out. If you read our class wills, he willed me "courage". It was years later when I realized what he actually meant. If he could see me now, LOL.

From my own experience, I can speak on some of the "hard time" that he received. It was mainly from the classes before and below us. I'm proud that it wasn't so much from the class of 88, that I know of anyway.

I totally remember the green dye, as well as the ORANGE that he put in his hair!

06/20/08 02:31 PM #63    

Kelley McCoy (DeWald)

Does anyone remember when Mike put the gerbil in the ball and left it roam freely and Mr. Hancock couldn't figure out what was making noise in his "empty" classroom? All the while Mike was standing in the back of the room almost wetting his pants laughing.

06/21/08 05:19 PM #64    

Margie Koch

Krista made a great comment today about the forum...she said it would be so cool if Mike's parents could read all the comments and stories about him. Anyone know how to email them or call them?

06/22/08 01:02 AM #65    

Reagan Bitler

Does anyone know if the high school still recognizes some of the traditions that we grew up with - Parent picture night for the sports teams - the Bon fire - and what about May Day? I know the school system that I teach in doesn't have May Day, but we certainly celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Also, homecoming is like a fall prom and there is a princess named for the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes. The senior court is only made up of 5 girls who via for the title of homecoming queen. I read about hughesville's basketball team this year - what other teams have been strong over the past few years? I don't hear much about the wrestling team - what happened there? I have had to learn to enjoy a wide range of high school sports - volleyball, lacrosse, golf, field hockey, and gymnastics are just a few that we didn't get to experience.

06/22/08 11:50 PM #66    

Tracy Houseknecht (Lunger)

Reagan-
I think that HHS still does the Bon Fire before the Muncy football game. It just doesn't seem the same as it did back then. I know they still have homecoming and May day, but I don't know to what extent. Isn't that sad, I teach in the district and I don't know all of the happenings at the HS. Since I am at the elementary level, I don't keep up with those things as much as all of the happenings of the younger kids.
I am getting into the sports aspect with my own children and am learning along the way.

06/24/08 03:41 PM #67    

Margie Koch

I wanted to share what a great thing Bryon May was able to do...He has been in contact with Mike's parents and they were able to read some of our funny and touching memories of Mike. He is still obviously very much a part of the class of 1988!! Hope to see as many of you as possible on Sat.

06/26/08 09:45 PM #68    

Henry Boudeman

Hi Everyone!!!!!!!!

06/27/08 12:25 AM #69    

Kelley McCoy (DeWald)

I spoke with Sue McConnell at the bank and told her of our upcoming reunion and she told me that many of you would like to know that Mrs. Applegate-our 2nd grade teacher, and her husband just celebrated their 62 wedding anniversary!

06/27/08 02:33 AM #70    

Sandra McKenna (Phillips)

JULY 13TH PICNIC DEADLINE: PLEASE RSVP by JULY 3rd, 2008
If you are interested in attending the family picnic at Indian Park in Montoursville on Sunday afternoon, July 13, 2008 please e-mail me by July 3rd. I have received a number of "maybe's" which are great but not very helpful in determining whether to rent a pavilion and buy a slew of hot dogs. So, if any of you "maybe's" can become "almost positives", please e-mail me back. And for anyone else who is interested in attending and hasn't e-mailed me yet, please do so or talk to Tracy on Saturday night! We'll figure things out from there according to how many are attending and let everyone know what we plan to do through this website. If we remain with a lot of maybe's, we will probably make it a hang out and play afternoon - no picnic- with BYOB (that last B is for beverage!!) If we get hungry after playing, we can always head for the local ice cream shop or convoy to the fair. Thanks everyone! Would love to see you there.

06/27/08 08:15 AM #71    

Mike Bower

Hi Sandra,

Mrs. Lander did have Alzheimer's. From what I've heard, both of her parents died of it as well, and so it it pretty much of a cloud hanging over that entire family. A horrible illness. After she retired, Mrs. Lander was unsurprisingly very active playing tennis, taking art classes and painting, and also reading books and stories over the radio for the blind.

The only Mrs. Lander/Mike Houseknecht story I can remember right now is when she said, "Houseknecht, your mouth is running more than the clapper on a goose's butt during elderberry season".

Kelly, that is a great story. What a tribute.

I remember _performing_ some weddings in the fourth grade. I can't remember who the celebrants were though . . .

As far as things being different in other school districts, who else was shocked to discover that people don't have off for buck and doe seasons?

I have also been the recipient of a Country Store bologna smuggled across state lines, and let me tell you there is nothing like it for homesickness.

See everyone tomorrow!

06/27/08 09:06 AM #72    

Michael Houseknecht

Hi Kids
Kids??? you're pushing 40!! We just want to thank you for remembering Michael. It has been difficult without him here. Hard to think that he would be 38 this yr and his little sister just turned 30! My gosh now I know how my mom felt as i got older lol. I do remember some of the antics you guys pulled. I remember the indoor guard trips,what a time. I remember Penny, Micky, Angie,Bryan and some of those QUIET parties. Yeah I really wonder what went on at those parties....NOT. Bryan thank you for all you have done keeping in touch. Ron thanks for accessing me to this site. We know Michael would be at this reunion. He liked a good party so, he'll be there in spirit. Have a drink for him. Have a great time and be safe. One other thing, I do private duty and ended up at, of all places, Hughesville High School with a special needs kid. You were angels compared to what I see there now lol.
LEONA AND JIM HOUSEKNECHT

06/27/08 11:36 AM #73    

Theresa Sellinger (Mitchell)

I wish the HHS Class of 1988 a Happy 20 Year Reunion! I wish I could be there. Please take pictures and post for those of us who can't attend. I am looking forward to our 25th. I wonder what in the world will all be doing then. This website has been great for reconnecting with all of you. I have truly enjoyed it. Thanks to the committee that put it together your hard work doesn't go unappreciated.

See ya in 2013!!!

06/27/08 02:29 PM #74    

Reagan Bitler

Hey everyone, I thought I was all set to attend this weekend's reunion festivities when I had some hidden plans sprung on me...a group of my friends have planned a surprise birthday party for me and another friend, whose birthday is the day after mine, that involves a limo and a trip to an unknown location...this information was provided to me after my close friend heard me talking about the reunion...unfortunately I have to live with these people on a daily basis and they have spent a chunk of thier earned money on this event and I don't think they would forgive me for leaving them hanging. I will be in town on the at some point during the fair and will be spending a weekend in late July at my Dad's cottage at Beaver Lake. If anyone is around and wants to hang at the lake and set off some great fireworks...hit me up. Have fun this weekend and drink at least 2 or 3 for me...take care all!

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