WELCOME to the Official Website of  the

Beaver Falls Area High School Class of 1961

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October Update 

Dear Classmate,

Over the years we have taken time at our reunions to remember and pay tribute to our deceased classmates. Without a program or program booklet at our 60th reunion, this was not done. 

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and pray for our classmates who have died since we gathered for our 57th reunion and 75th birthday celebration in 2018. 

In loving memory of our deceased classmates, we recall our years together and pray for them and their family members. 

Even though they are no longer with us, they remain with us in spirit and in our hearts. 

By clicking on a classmate's name, you can go to their page in the In-Memory section of our class website.

Rest in peace dear friends.

Beaver Falls High School Class of 1961's

60th Reunion a Success

Following the cancellation of the Beaver Falls High School Class of 1961's Reunion (a truly special class), initially scheduled at the New Galilee Fire Hall on September 11, 2021, several classmates expressed an interest in using a different venue and selecting a new date to reschedule this special event. That interest resulted in Sonny and Gerri Borello taking on the responsibility of helping schedule and organize the Class of 1961's 60th Reunion at a restaurant in the Beaver Falls area that was willing and capable of hosting this event.

On Thursday, September 23, 2021, the Beaver Falls High School Class of 1961's 60th reunion was held at the Grand Valley Inn in Fallston, Pa. It was a beautiful fall day as members of the class gathered to reconnect, spend time together, and catch up on life's events. It was an enjoyable day and a great opportunity to meet and talk with good friends.

We would like to thank everyone who attended the 60th class reunion. Your support is very much appreciated. We would especially like to thank Gerri and Sonny Borello who stepped forward to help schedule and make the arrangements for the 60th class reunion at the Grand Valley Inn. Their efforts included communicating with classmates, making arrangements with the restaurant, and getting everything ready at the restaurant to welcome everyone. A special thank you goes to Gerri Borello for putting together the decorations and setting up the restaurant to create a welcoming atmosphere.

A big thank you also goes to Mike MacDonald for providing the music from our era at this event which helped bring back memories of our high school years. Mike's efforts are even more noteworthy when you consider that he packs up his trailer of equipment and drives from Avon, Indiana to the reunion site where he unpacks his trailer and sets up all of this equipment. Thank you, Mike, you are the man!

Please know that a photo gallery of pictures from the 60th class reunion has been set up and can be viewed by clicking on the last menu item on the left side of the Home page. An individual picture on a page can be accessed by clicking on it.  This action opens and enlarges the picture on the screen so the picture, and its caption, can be viewed.

When an individual picture is opened, the remaining reunion pictures will automatically advance on the screen, one picture at a time, until all pictures have been displayed.

If anyone has pictures from the reunion they would like to share, please forward them to our attention.

Thanks to Sonny and Gerri Borello

Thanks to Mike MacDonald        

Mini-Reunion at Grand Valley Inn

Thursday,  September 23, 2021,  noon - 5 pm

There are 61 people who have signed up for the Mini-Reunion, 41 classmates, and 20 guests.

Our class website [ beaverfalls61.com ] has a link at the bottom of the left side menu options on the Home Page to register for this Mini-Reunion. 

If you are able, please use the website link to register.

If you cannot use the website link,  please call Sonny Borello at 412-670-4589  or email him at krb425@comcast.net, or call Gerri Moore Borello at 330-853-7254 or email her at gerrimoore827@yahoo.com.  

Please provide your name, phone number, and email address. Your registration information can then be entered into the system.

Registered Classmates                Registered Guests

• Sonny Borello                                  Gerri Borello
• Gary Campbell
• Joline Mittica Mannion
• Doralee Pauletich                             John Less
• Pauline Young Morgan                    Tom Morgan
• Russell Greata                                  Joanne Greata
• Martha Dean Hoegle 
• Terry Krivak                                       Pam Krivak                                                          
• Keener White
• Henry Podbielski                               Barbara Podbielski
• Patricia McFarlin Pisor   
• Mary Summers Depner      
• Constance Ramsey Menand            Walt Menand 
• Jim Stalnecker                                   Karen Stalnecker
• Delores Chiodo Miller                       Donnie Miller
• Bob Beatty
• Lillian Chookie Fritzley
• Henry Hofelt                                      Jane Hofelt
• Barbara Lusk Knopp                         Fred Knopp
• Dave Carter                                        Nancy Carter
• Patty Braid Metheney                       Gregg Metheney
• Mike MacDonald
• John Lehi                                          Cathy Lehi
• Jim Topper
• Harold Evans
• Jack McCready                               
• Bonnie Moore Willson                      David Willson
• Janet Belkowski MacCrindle
• Rodger Del Iben                                Betty Iben
• Judith Ann Sloboda Smith
• Bonnie Reed (Reed)
• Connie Wardman
• Jason Landsbach                            Janice Landsbach 
• Debbie Lloyd Boyer                         Frank Boyer
• Louise Zingaro Hoover
• Esther Kalish (Cox)
• Shirley Hutton Barcus
• Darlene Cribbs Esoldo
• Robert Peters                                  Connie Peters
• Marsha Burns Benetti
• Carole McCaughtry Comley
•                                                           Sandy Creighton Murphy

                                    { End of September 8 Update }

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AUGUST 18,  2021

ANNOUNCING:   A  2021  Beaver Falls  Mini-Reunion for the Class of 1961

SONNY BORELLO HAS ALREADY RESERVED A RESTAURANT FOR US

WHEN:   SEPTEMBER 23, 2021    from  NOON  to  5pm

WHERE:   GRAND  VALLEY  INN   

(on PA51 about a mile south of the main Brady’s Run Park entrance:   452 Constitution Blvd, Fallston, PA 15066           www.grandvalleyinn.com        724-843-9000)

COSTS:

-----FEE OR FACILITY COVER CHARGE:   ZERO  DOLLARS  

-----MEAL COST:   YOU WILL ORDER FROM A 6- OR 7-ITEM MENU.  Entrees excluding tax and tip will range from $10 to $16.   Add for tax, tips, and drinks that you order for yourself.

Hors d’oervres will be provided.

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The GRAND VALLEY INN REQUIRES ONLY THAT WE GIVE THEM BY SEPTEMBER 16 A COUNT OF THOSE WHO WILL ATTEND.    IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE LET SONNY BORELLO (412-670-4589) or GERRI MOORE BORELLO (330-853-7254)  KNOW.     

JUST CALL, AND IF NO ANSWER, LEAVE A MESSAGE WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER, and please speak slowly and clearly, so that even a hearing-impaired person [so many of us] can write down your information.  To be certain we know which classmate is calling, please make sure to include your high school first and last name.    

Finally, IF you do not receive a call back to confirm that you want to attend, PLEASE CALL AGAIN. 

MORE INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED HERE SOON.   

PLEASE CALL WITH QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS.

              [ End of  August 18 update ]

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Class get-together in 2021?

Dear Classmate,                                                                                                                                                      August 15, 2021

Although the effort to hold the 60th class reunion at the New Galilee Fire Hall was unsuccessful {see the August 14  60th Reunion cancellation notice below}, there are approximately 40 classmates who may still be interested in attending a reunion get-together this year. 

As a result, an invitation is extended to any classmate who is willing to identify a location and schedule a date during a week in September or October (really, any month considered appealing for classmates) for a get-together at a restaurant that has an adequate size room for this purpose (two already suggested by classmates are the Grand Valley Inn on PA51 and the Beaver Valley Country Club)·         

This get-together may be held on any suitable date.  It is suggested that it be scheduled on a weekday (M – Th) because the venue choices will be more available and because conflicts with typical weekend activities would be avoided.

·         Whoever initiates the get-together will by themselves or with their friends be able to choose the location, date, time, and arrangements. 

·         The website may be used to assist with communications.

·         There are currently no deadlines. Deadlines will be set by the host restaurant near the date of the get-together.

·          Mike MacDonald is willing to attend with his music and equipment if the facility that is chosen can accommodate it.  Mike is also willing to create CDs of the music he will play for those who are interested.

Anyone who would like to discuss the few steps involved and what steps are not involved, and how we can use the website to help with the process is asked to contact Russ Greata [703-217-1056  or  rugreata@aol.com] or Terry Krivak {440-476-4256  or  terrykrivak@aol.com}.

[ end of August 15 message ]

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60^th Class Reunion canceled

Dear Classmate,                                                                     August 14, 2021

Unfortunately, the attendance number that was set to help ensure a successful 60th class reunion was not reached.  As a result,  the 60^th Class Reunion scheduled for September 11, 2021, at the New Galilee Fire Hall has been canceled.  While many factors impacted our decision, the recent increase in COVID cases is a major factor contributing to the lower than needed attendance. 

Refunds will be issued to classmates who have registered. This process will begin next week.  Questions in this area, such as redirecting some of the refunds, should be posed to Terry Krivak (440-476-4256 - terrykrivak@aol.com)

Our class will hold get-togethers in the future, but they will be modeled after the Florida mini-reunions. Classmates may help initiate a reunion get-together on a date and at a location they specify.  We expect these events to be held in a restaurant setting where classmates may order off the menu, but more creative minds may suggest a different option.

Thanks and appreciation are extended to everyone who registered for the reunion and to those who were not able to attend but supported the effort.  It is always a pleasure to interact with our classmates. Our class spirit is special and has been the key to our class staying in touch over the years.

Once a Beaver Falls Tiger always a tiger!

Terry Krivak and Russ Greata

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2021 Mini-Reunion in Florida

The 7th annual B.F.H.S. Class of 1961's Mini-Reunion was held at the Havana Country Club restaurant in The Villages, Florida, on Thursday, March 4th from 2:00 to 4 PM. Many classmates were there early and several of them stayed later, with some moving on to another restaurant/bar before calling it a day.  Tables were provided at the Havana Country Club in the covered outdoor patio and everyone ordered from the restaurant menu. It was a beautiful day and being outside helped ensure that it was a safe event.

Classmates and guests who attended were:  Dominic (Sonny) Borello with guest Gerri Moore,  Gary Campbell, Terry Dicianna,  Patti Dicianna,  Harold Evans,  Maureen Piccinini Golmont,  Russ Greata,  Joanne Greata, Terry Krivak,  Pam Krivak,  Mike MacDonald,  Carol Stewart Mitchell,  Moni and Jim Stewart (class of 1960, Jim is Carol's brother), Joline Mittica Mannion,  Ruth Partington,  Pam North (friend of Ruth),  Doralee Pauletich with John Less,  Gary Smith and Barb Willis Smith,  Alice Jean Luciania Stewart with Tony Cabral,  and Keener White.

Pam Krivak, with help from Patti Dicianna took the pictures. To view the mini-reunion pictures, click on the tab at the top of the page marked Pictures from the Mini Reunions.  

NOTE:  If you would like to share any of your pictures from this year's mini-reunion, please email them to either Terry Krivak or Russ Greata.

It was quite an enjoyable event with lots of laughter, without fear as we all had our shots.   We were pleased that so many of our congenial classmates were able to attend.

Russ Greata     -     Email -  rugreata@aol.com              Phone   1-703-217-1056

Terry Krivak      -    Email -  terrykrivak@aol.com           Phone   1-440-476-4256  

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A report on the  57th  REUNION 

The Beaver Falls Class of 1961’s  57th Anniversary Reunion and 75th Birthday Celebration was held at the New Galilee Fire Hall, New Galilee, Pa. on Saturday, September 8th. Over 100 classmates and guests enjoyed seeing and catching up with each other.  While it rained lightly on and off during the day, the environment inside the fire hall was filled with warmth and good spirits. The reunion was built on the foundation that was put in place by Dick Partington, our class president who was with us in spirit.

The reunion program along with the pictures that were taken at the reunion are posted here on the class website under 57th Reunion Pictures and Program. You will find this selection at the top of the page on the right side of the menu bar  (the 4th of the 5 tabs).

The Reunion Planning Committee consisting of Terry Dicianna, Russ Greata, Harry James, Terry Krivak, and Connie Ramsey Menand thank you for your support.

The committee is working to locate and post the obituaries and other pertinent information for all of our deceased classmates. If you have an obituary or information on a deceased classmate that we do not have, please let us know and we will post it.

Profiles of our deceased classmates can be accessed on the website by clicking on the In-Memory tab at the top of the page.

Our class website provides us with the opportunity to communicate with each other in a private manner and communications can be sent and received in an easy and effective format.

if you have not signed up to join the website, you are invited to take this step so you can stay connected with other classmates. If you are a member, please consider encouraging classmates you communicate with who are not members, to join by going to http://www.beaverfalls61.com  and click on the tab labeled “First Time Visitors” and follow the instructions that are outlined there.

The planning committee looks forward to continuing to work with you. If you have any concerns, questions, or information to share, please contact one of the website administrators.

Thank you for your help and support.