Cathy Martin Basagic retires

 

Cathy Martin Basagic, a Monongah High grad who lives in Monongah with husband Pete Basagic, Class of 1972, has retired as Catering Programs Coordinator at Fairmont State after, she wrote, “29 years, 3 months and 12 days.”

 

Cathy grew up in Rachel.

 

Her sister is Cora Fazio, who is married to David Fazio and runs Fazio Eldercare on Stoney Lonesome in Monongah. David is my cousin because his mother, Frances Olesky Fazio, is a sister of my father, John W. Olesky, Sr.

 

Pete and Cathy were in St. Stanislaus Church, where Pete once was an altar boy, as I was when Father Albert and Father McNulty were the priests.

Pete started at Farmington High but graduated from Monongah High. So did Cathy, who was from Rachel, after Farmington High closed.

The Basagic family ran the beer tavern just across from Consolidation Coal Company’s Champion grocery store, which once was the Frank Lowe Meat Market, and named it the 52/20 Club.

For the youngsters among us, that referred to the GI Bill for World War II veterans that provided $20 a week for 52 weeks for unemployed veterans. It doesn’t sound like much today, but it was more than walking-around money in the late 1940s.

Pete’s father was the late Richard Basagic, Class of 1948, who was a guard on the offensive line for Monongah High football under Coach George Ross.

Marcia Michalski Westfall, Class of 1974, and husband Dave Westfall, Class of 1972, have varoomed into retirement, as they often have in life.

Their Harley motorcylce roared through the Smokies and South Carolina on its way to Key West. The bike has been to California in earlier years, roaring across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.  

It didn’t take long after both retired June 30, Dave from the West Virginia Division of Highways and Marcia from the Marion County Board of Education after 31 years as a teacher.

Dave worked at Fresa Construction in Bridgeport for 18 years, EIMCO for 1½ and DOH for 27 years.

Marcia has worked in every school but the high schools in Marion County. She added: “I subbed, traveled to many schools as a Gifted teacher, worked many years in Mannington at Blackshere and lastly at Monongah Elementary.”

Their children and spouses are Brandie and Kiley Haney, Chad and Amy Westfall Raines and David and Nichelle Westfall.

The grandchildren are, via Brandie, Caleb, Kiley and Aiden Haney; via Amy, Ally and Ethan Raines and Brevon Westfall; and by Dave, Lucy and Forrest Westfall.

Dave’s parents are Gilbert Junior Westfall and the late Lillie Marie Higginbotham Westfall.

Dave and Marcia were named Fairmont Times Family of the Year in 2015. Marcia took an active role in the West Virginia teachers strike was so successful that became the template for teachers’ unions in states across America.

Fairmont State graduate with a WVU masters Marcia’s parents are Ramona Fullen Michalski, Class of 1949, and the late Frank Michalski, who started at Monongah High at the same time as Ramona.

Marcia’s siblings are Jay Michalski, Mike Michalski, Carol Michalski Drake, Ramona Marie Michalski and the late Mary Frances Michalski Hulderman Gapen.

Marcia and Dave are, literally, Lions who roar.

Paula Rossi Wiley, Class of 1976, will retire as a Marion County schoolteacher September 14.

Paula posted:

“Well, it's official. I signed the papers at the board office. I retire September 14, 2018.
I can’t believe it.

“It will be hard at first but then I'm sure I'll enjoy it. I love being a teacher. You never retire from that feeling, especially when you see an old student and they hug and remember you fondly.”

Paula was a media specialist, Fairmont State education graduate with a WVU masters in communication studies.

She began in 1981 at Rivesville High, then to Barrackville Elementary, then to Blackshere Elementary and ended her career back at Barrackville.

That’s 37 years of teaching and 2 years of substituting.

She has been married to Farmington High grad Rick Wiley since 1993. They live in Fairmont.

Rick is district manager of Tire and Rubber, Inc. in Weston.

Paula’s parents are James and Virginia DeMary Rossi, Class of 1953, who was Tina Tartell’s life-long friend. Rick’s are Dale and Nancy Wiley.

Paula’s cousins include Patti DeMary Evans and Paula Muto Kurczak.

Jay Michalski and wife Debby of Monongah are godparents to one of Paula Rossi Wiley’s daughters. Jay’s parents are Ramona Fullen Michalski, Class of 1949, of Monongah and the late Frank Michalski, who started with the Class of 1950.

Sabrina Haught retires

Sabrina Haught, Class of 1954, who lives in Worthington, has retired as a dispatcher for the Marion County Rescue Squad.

She is captain emeritus at Marion County Homeland Security and Emergency Manangement and Marion County Communications Center.

She also is pastor of TLC Ministries.

Sabrina wrote:

“Last day of work. Bitter sweet tears, but had a great day with all my kids. I even got to dispatch a few final calls from noon till 3. Gave my farewell speech to all stations, all companies, all agencies. You all will always be in my heart forever.

“Just like riding a bike, you never forget. Loved my career. I will tell you, enjoy it because time goes by so fast. Be a blessing to someone everyday and love to help people because every day brings something different in your path. Spread a little sunshine to someone else and it will make you happy, too.”
 
Sabrina added:

“I worked 31 years not only MCRS but all Fire Depts and Police Agencies. The last 5 years I was part of the Mgt Team and did Public Relations and Addressing.”

 

Joann Davis Thompson, Class of 1962, retired Monday, December 11 only three months short of 44 years.

Joann was an AMAP/aide at Pleasant Acres Christian Haven, which is a personal care facility.

It’s at 41 Pleasant Drive Acres in Fairmont.

Karyn Christopher is the administrator. The staff numbers up to 20.

She lives in Fairmont and is the widow of Don Thompson, who passed away six years ago.

Joann and Don were married almost 49 years.

She grew up in Monongah. Joann's cousin is Marlene Davis Christopher, also Class of 1962.

At Monongah High, Joann was junior class treasurer, senior class secretary, on the prom committee, in the class tournaments (including the senior girls tournament champs), Y-Teens, fashion show, Christmas assembly and graduation usher.

Her birthday is January 19.

There were four Thompsons at the 2014 Monongah High Alumni Reunion: George, Jerry, Sam and Joann. Marlene was there with Jane Amos.

Walter Davis is Joann’s uncle.

Now that she's retired, Joann will have more time to enjoy her grandchildren, who are 8 and 10 years old.

Play away, Joann!

Pam Mason Stanholz, Class of 1970, retired from University Hospital Center in Bridgeport after 42½ years as a lab technician.

She trained Belinda Straight Morris, daughter of Jackie Olesky Straight, Class of 1955, of Rivesville, when Belinda was beginning her lab tech career at University Hospital Center.

It wasn’t that long ago that Pam had one of her infected kidneys removed.  

Her mother, Nedra Lucille Holbert Mason, lived with her and another daughter, Patricia Sue Mason Wells, Class of 1955, in Shinnston before passing away at the age of 103.

The late Richard Dean Mason was Patty and Pam’s brother.

Lucille was a member of Monongah Baptist Church for nearly half of the 200+ years of the congregation’s existence. She also was the Worthington town clerk for more than 30 years.

Patty is the widow of Lyndon Wells, Class of 1955, whose brother, Donnie Wells, set up a blind date for his Fairmont Westinghouse co-worker, David Straight, with another 1955 graduate, Jacqueline Olesky, who was in teacher Mildred Berry’s home room at Monongah High with Donnie. Jackie became Mrs. David Straight and they had four children and four grandchildren. Dave passed away in 1998.

Donnie married Lucy Barta Wells of Idamay and Farmington High School. They had five children, including twin boys who are dentists in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.

Dr. James Wells is at South Charlotte Denistry. Dr. John Wells is a dentist in Huntersville and the Mt. Island area of Charlotte after his schooling at West Virginia University.

Donnie Wells, Jr., Class of 1978, also is a son of Donnie Wells.

Lyndie’s other siblings were Joe Wells, who married Peggy Clayton, Class of 1951, Mary Alice Wells Emerson and Pauline Wells Huffman. Lindie and all his siblings are deceased.

Louis Poluck, Class of 1973, married to Debbie Prunty Poluck, also Class of 1973, retired from Patriot Federal #2 Coal Mines after 40 years.

Let Debbie provide details of their life together:

“Louis & I were Monongah High School sweethearts & both graduated in 1973. We got married August 10, 1974 at the Swisher Hill Union Mission Church & our reception was at the old Monongah Union Hall.

“We have two sons, Eric & Todd, both North Marion gratuates. We live in Idamay (built our house in 1989).

“Louis worked at Patriot Federal #2 Coal Mines and had been there for 40 years. I graduated from WV Career College & did all the bookkeeping for my Dad's hydraulic shop & I have worked at Davis Electric for the last 35 years.

“We both hope to enjoy our camp at Elkins!”

Debbie and Louis were married on the same day at their life-long friend, Pete Basagic, Class of 1972, and Cathy Martin Basagic, also a Monongah High grad. Pete and Cathy were wed in St. Stanislaus Church, where Pete once was an altar boy.

Debbie’s brother is John Prunty II, 1980 North Marion High grad. He works at Quality Hydraulics and lives in Monongah. His son is John Prunty III.

John II’s father, John Prunty, Jr., is Monongah Class of 1949.

Tammie Poluck Shumate is Class of 1977.

Retirement day for Susan Sanders

Susan Staron Sanders, Class of 1971, will retire Friday, December 30 as an administrative assistant at Personnel.

Susan & Ron Sanders

Susan wrote:

“Well as some of you know, this will be my last week at Personnel, after 13 years as an Administrative Assistant, a job I loved. My last day will be Friday December 30th.

“I will now have more time with my wonderful husband to travel and go places and do things we never got to do.

“I also want to explore some new opportunities, I will have more time for Fundraising on the Christmas Lights that I Love so much.

“I will miss a lot of people here but feel so rewarded in finding so many people good jobs; that’s the best part.

“The next big thing will be Tommy’s graduation from WVU. We are so proud of that young man. More on that later.

“Love you all, my family and friends.”

Susan, the angel of Thomas Street, is even better known for spearheading the drive for the 15 Christmas street lights that adorn Monongah.

The Charge of the Lights Brigade will join in celebrating Susan’s retirement.

Mareca Savonarola, among those who helped Susan raise money for the Monongah Christmas street lights, wrote:

“Attention Angels and Elf. Our head Angel Retires Dec. 30^th. Time to Party at 3 Ways Inn. All are welcomed.”

3 Ways Inn is my favorite place to party in Fairmont, too, when we have my Class of 1950 reunions.

Susan lives in Monongah with husband Ron Sanders. They are next door to Mayor Greg Vandetta and his wife, Janice Manzo Vandetta.

Susan and Ron’s son, Tommy Sanders, is a WVU computer engineering major.

Ron is a Vietnam veteran. Susan’s brother, Bob Staron, Class of 1967 (deceased), fought in Vietnam.

Jay Holman, Class of 1971, plans to retire from a career of solving digital conversions for cable and telephone firms.

Jay writes:

 “It's time to call it a career. The heaviest thing I am lifting will be grandkids.”

Jay tells me:

“John, not sure yet, but this is my last assignment and, when I come off the road, I am done and will be close to grandkids to be a full-time grandpa and shuttbug going around the state and taking pix.

“Still up in the air.”

Jay plans to move back to West Virginia. He grew up in Carolina while going to Monongah High.

Jay is a professional photographer, often providing me with photos of the Class of 1971 reunions, the annual all-class versions or just a roundup of the 1971 gadabouts.

Jay is an expert at “retiring.”

He did it in 2005. That lasted two years before he got into the digital conversions career.

Which took him to Cox’s Plus 1 Communications in Virginia Beach, Virginia; Suddenlink in St. Joseph, Missouri; and his latest, Plus 1 Communications in the Atlantic Beach, North Carolina area, where Jay lives.

Jay also was sales & leasing consultant at University Ford and Kia of Durham, North Carolina, and Verizon local manager.

Jay, one of the most active alumni in the Class of 1971, married a Fairmont West girl, Margaret, in 1998.

They have three sons: Jay Holman III, a Chicago banker; Robert Holman, who works for the federal government out of Clarksburg; and Fairmont State grad Michael Holman, North Carolina’s Family and Consumer Science Teacher of the Year.

Michael came to Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools in 2011 as a teacher at East Chapel High School after four years in Granville County Schools.

Jay was a ground mechanic for the Air Force during the Vietnam War.

For those who don’t have Jay’s phone number, it’s (919) 724-9522.

As for the Class of 1971, that may be the most active and rowdiest group of graduates ever to leave footsteps behind in Monongah High.

For starters, there’s Susan Ahouse Schrader, who lives in Picataway, New Jersey and Stoney Lonesome, Monongah, when she’s not gallivanting around the nation or in other countries.

And Doris Carpenter Rogers, who lives in Charleston with husband Scott Carpenter . . . when THEY aren’t traveling to warmer, friendlier climates.

Doris’ parents were Bill Carpenter and Iris Delores Martin Carpenter, Class of 1950. Her siblings are Will Carpenter, Class of 1975 and a Marion County teacher since 1975 who lives in Fairmont; and Amy Carpenter.

And Susan Staron Sanders, an administrative assistant at Personnel, the person most responsible for Monongah having all those Christmas street lights every year.

And who could forget Charlie Miller, star defender and halfback on Monongah High’s 1968 and 1969 state title football team and 1968 state champ relay team in track, who is rehabbing after a stroke.

And Jennifer Jane Sabo Yanero of Sycamore, an item with Rick Fay Yanero since fifth grade at Thoburn School.

And Rebecca Urish Anderson, who will be married to Gary Anderson for 45 years come November. They live in Clarksburg. Rebecca works at Food Lion.

Their daughters are Melissa McGahan and Miki Anderson-Fluharty, who lives in Martinsburg with husband Shawn Fluharty.

And Jim Foster, married to Monongah High grad Linda Phillips Foster, Class of 1977. Jim grew up in Monongah, went to Monongah Middle School and Monongah High School.

And Rick Yanero, former owner of Rick’s Belleview Lounge in Fairmont who is married to Jennifer Jane Sabo Yanero.

And Wal-Mart retiree  Ed Graffius, Class of 1971, who lives with wife Brenda Ridenour Graffius, Class of 1974, a Licensed Practical Nurse, in their Pleasant Valley home in Fairmont. Their 44^th wedding anniversary will be Thursday, August 4.

They have two children and five grandchildren.

And Gary Haught, a former boxer and Gary’s Pro Painting owner who lives on Traction Avenue in Monongah with his mother, Nellie Haught, 81. Gary’s father is Jennings Haught.

And Pat Levelle, who married the Fairmont postmaster’s daughter, Fairmont East High grad Cindy McVicker Levelle, 38 years ago.

And John Baransky of Fairmont, who was at the 2012 Monongah High Alumni Reunion.

That’s just off the top of my head. Whew! The Class of 1971 is a real whirlwind class.

And I can’t help wonder if Jay Holman will un-retired for the zillionth time if those grandchildren wear him to a nubbin.

Basagic retirement doubleheader



Richie and Sandra Basagic

Richie Basagic and wife Sandra Basagic are both retiring.

Richard “Richie” Basagic, Class of 1975, works at FirstEnergy. Today was his last day at work although he won’t officially retire till August 1. But he’ll be legally on “vacation” till that date.

Sandra Basagic, after Parkersburg High, Fairmont State and West Virginia University, retired as a teacher for the Marion County Board of Education.

They are married and live in Fairmont.

Son Justin Basagic, who lives in Severna Park, Maryland, wrote:

“I would like to give a shout out to my parents today who have retired this week. Enjoy yourselves! You earned it!”

Richie’s sister is Goldie Basagic Huffman, Class of 1974, who once worked for the federal government and lives in Monongah with husband Johnl Huffman.

After 48 years, Mikulski’s teaching career ends



Steve Mikulski, wife Holly White Mikulski, daughter Linda Marie Mikulski

Steve Mikulski, Class of 1964, who grew up in Carolina, has taught his final class in his 48-year teaching career, as advertised.

Steve and wife Holly White Mikulski are moving from Germantown, Maryland where Steve taught in Montgomery County Public Schools, to Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Fairmont State grad Steve and Holly have been married for 35 years. Holly will retire officially in early 2017 after 22 years of teaching in the same school system as Steve.

Daughter Linda Marie Mikulski was there for his final day. Another daughter, Kristen Mikulski Mitchell, who lives in Istanbul, Turkey, is married to Nick Mitchell and is a 2004 WVU grad.

Steve’s siblings are Tom Mikulski, Class of 1966, who grew up in Carolina and lives in Henderson, Nevada; David Higinbotham, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Catherine Rogers, of Fairmont; and Susan Morgan Perrotto of Cupertino, California.  

Steve was born in his grandparents’ house on First Street in Carolina in the same neighborhood as Harold Dean Kniceley.

Steve’s mother was the late Violet Morris Higinbotham Mikulski, Class of 1944, who was married to Eugene Higinbotham and then Stephen “Charlie” Mikulski. Violet’s parents were Courtie “Jack” and Eunice Louise (Belt) Morris. 

Violet lived in Carolina, where she worked in the U.S. Post Office from 1936 until 1968, when she moved to Monongah. She was a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Fairmont General Hospital for 30 years.

Tom’s son, Tom B. Mikulski II, is a 1986 North Marion High grad who lives in Denver, Colorado.

David Haines retires

David Haines, Class of 1964, has retired from continuous pharmacy practice after 46 years. His co-workers surprised him with a balloons-laden party.

He has been married to Chris since 1996. He is a WVU pharmacy graduate who lives in Richmond, Virginia. He grew up in Worthington and has lived in Springfield, Missouri.

The Dave Haines in Fairmont is his cousin. He is a retired Grafton High teacher.

Mikulski moving to Hanover, PA for retirement

Steve Mikulski, Class of 1964, and wife Holly White Milkulski are moving from Germantown, Maryland to Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Steve and Holly Mikulski

 

Green acres is the place to be for them.

Fairmont State grad Steve, who grew up in Carolina, will retire from Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland at the end of the school year, ending his 48-year teaching career. He teaches engineering design.

Steve writes:

“Our new home is ready and we are moving to Hanover, Pennsylvania. The town where UTZ potato chips and Hanover Pretzels are made and life is a little less chaotic.

“We settle on the house this Monday. The house sits on a 1/2 acre of land and the view from our deck is fantastic. A great place to enjoy a glass of wine and a beautiful sunset.

“We have 3,665 feet of finished living space in this craftsman style home. There is no upstairs. One level and a finished basement.”

Steve added:

“Holly is resigning her job and will officially retire in early 2017.”

Steve and Holly’s daughter, Kristen Mikulski Mitchell, lives in Istanbul, Turkey with husband Nick Mitchell.

Steve’s siblings are Tom Mikulski, Class of 1966, who grew up in Carolina and lives in Henderson, Nevada; David Higinbotham Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Catherine Rogers of Fairmont; and Susan Morgan Perrotto of Cupertino, California.  

 

Ron Sanders not retiring about his happiness

Lovebirds Susan & Ron Sanders

Susan Starron Sanders, Class of 1971, is retiring as administrative assistant at Personnel.

Husband Ronald is so happy about it that he’s been inundating her with teddy bears and boxes of candy.

And that lights up Susan’s life, just as she spearheaded the fundraiser to light up Monongah with Christmas street lights.

You’re making the rest of us guys look bad, Ron.

Their Thomas Street home, on the street where I grew up till the Olesky family moved across the street and next door to Church Street in the early 1940s, must be a non-stop lovefest.

Wrote Susan:

“I love my hubby. Came home from work yesterday and he surprised me with two more teddy bears and 2 boxes of candy. By the way he's celebrating my retirement he's so happy. Love you Ronald.”

Happy retirement, Ron Manzo!

Ron Manzo, Class of 1969, is enjoying his retirement from the Bailey mine of Consol Energy. July 1 was his last day.

 

He posted his release from a Virginia Beach, Virginia getaway so it didn’t take him long to enjoy the fruits of not showing up at the mines every day.

Ron & Janice Manzo

 

Ron has been married for four decades to Fairview High grad Janice Manzo and is a nephew of Ernie “Frog”, Joe, John “Duke” Manzo, Class of 1945; and Raymond “Pigeon” Manzo, Class of 1947.

 

Ron and Janice have five children – Andrew, Evan, Aaron, Ashley and Jared. They have two grandchildren in Illinois.

Today is the 38^th birthday of the first-born son, Evan, who made Ron and Janice grandparents. Ron had a bit of family humor with Evan when he posted: “Have a great day, at work. lol!” Yep, lots of laughs when you’re retired. After 19 years of being retired from my 43-year newspaper career, with travels to 52 countries and 43 states, I second Ron’s emotion. Retirement is great. And coal miners, in particular, have earned that priviledge.

Andrew  is production editor of the Villages Sun, the daily newspaper that has about 60 pages every day, chockfull of more than 300 activities for the 114,000 The Villages, Florida residents to enjoy every day.

 

Janice is into physical therapy at Lakeview Fitness Center.

Ron’s sister is Monongah’s First Lady, Debbie Manzo Vandetta, Class of 1973, married to Monongah Mayor Carl Vandetta.

Ron and Debbie’s parents are Helen Cecelia Manzo and Phil Manzo.

 

There was a Manzo at Monongah High from 1935 through 1949 and 1969 through 1978 (the year before the final 1979 MHS graduation class that preceded the consolidation into North Marion High).

 

Phyllis Manzo Berardo, Class of 1935.

Genevieve Manzo Lopez, Class of 1937.

Mike Manzo, Class of 1941, on the 1948 world champ coal-loading crew at Monongah Mine No. 63 which loaded 1,536 tons on one shift on June 14.

Patsy Manzo, Class of 1942.

Helen Manzo Raspa, Class of 1945.

John Manzo, Class of 1945.

Raymond “Pigeon” Manzo, Class of 1947.

Mary Manzo Tiburzi, Class of 1949.

Danny Manzo, Class of 1957, married to Fairmont East grad Brenda Manzo. They have lived in Monongah since 1967. Danny was on the 1955 Monongah High state champ football team and was co-captain with Joe Meffe of the 1956 Monongah High state football title game runnerup team.

Nancy Manzo Bolyard, Class of 1970.

Pat Manzo, Class of 1973.

Karen Manzo Tennant, Class of 1974.

Lisa Myers Manzo, Class of 1977.

Tina Manzo Prodanovich, Class of 1977.

Jim Manzo, Class of 1978.

Kim Sapp Manzo, North Marion 1980.

Lisa Jacobin Manzo, North Marion 1986.