Website of the Solvay High School Class of 1964 

Solvay, New York

NEWS


Updated 01/18/2024

Obituaries

We are extremely saddened to learn of recent losses to our ranks:


Roy Miceli, March 27, 2024

Louis Bellotti, December 1, 2022

Michael Wojcik, August 14, 2022

Donald Pippitt, July 30, 2022

David Noce, July 13, 2022

Bob Zajac, May 28. 2022

Jean Orbino Barnes, January 19, 2022


Our hearts are with them and all those who passed before.  

We will ne'er forget thee...


For complete listing of  obituaries, click We Will Always Remember - Obituaries

07/25/19

Following the successful release of her 2014 novel, Saint Carmella’s Grotto,  Judith LaManna Rivette is at it again with her latest,

A Fair Death

A Fair Death takes place in a village that may sound like where you grew up and involves the State Fair grandstand and a CLASS REUNION.  A bargain at $9.00 from 

www.judithlamanna.us  or Oh, How Upstate Enterprises

200 Old Liverpool Road Liverpool, NY 13088

HELP US FIND LOST CLASSMATES

Click the "Find Lost Classmates" link 

 Solvay High School Class of 1964 

---------------------

11/29/23

Stephanie Kishman lost her son to cancer last weekend.  She was with him for many of the toughest weeks.  Stephanie, our heats go out to you.


Steven Johnson, 47 of Longmont, CO died on November 18 at Massachusetts General Hospital after a two-year battle with stage 4 metastatic melanoma.  He graduated from Indiana University in 1998 with a degree in journalism. He was photo editor of the Indiana Daily Student and had published photos in various national sports magazines.  Steven was the owner Darkhorse Triathlon, as coach of triathletes from all over the United States. Steven had been a world class competitor for over 12 years and placed third in his age group at the Ironman World Championship in 2011 and fifth in 2012. In college, he was an Olympic ranked rower. His physical conditioning and mental discipline enabled him to survive the rigors of his treatments. Steven is survived by his sons, Beckett 12 and Jackson 8, of Longmont, and his parents Stephanie and Jaret, his sister Sara Mannone (Greg) and nephew Nicholas, all of Durham, North Carolina.


 2023 Scholarships Awarded 

May 2023

Class of 64 Scholarships Awarded 

This year's recipients of the Class of ’64 Scholarships are

Mackenzie McCarthy

and 

Jack Haskell 

(Grandson of Gerry Haskell)

================


Past Awards

For a video tribute see https://youtu.be/ZGxR2w9e7FI

+++

2018 Award Night Attendees

        

Scholarship Program

The Class of 1964 has awarded a $1,500 scholarship to a male and a female graduate of Solvay High School each year since 2001. In 2017, the scholarship amount was raised to $2,000 to each recipient.     

Each April or so, a flurry of emailing begins with a request from Dan Scaia asking us to open our wallets.  With the initial request each year, the class chatter picks up as we take time from our busy lives to remember each other, the past, our school, and what it was like some 40ish (to be kind) years ago- until our goal is met (I believe we have met our goal each year.) and the recipients are announced.

Once we have gathered the scholarship receipts, the responsibility of presenting the scholarships, at the high school awards presentation falls, traditionally, to Joe Todisco and Pete Alberti, whose eloquence does the Class proud.

As of 2011, the Solvay High School Class of 1964 has contributed $21,000 in scholarships

+++++++++++++++++++

Recipients of Solvay High School Class of 1964 Scholarships:

2023

Mackenzie McCarthy

Jack Haskell 

(Grandson of Gerry Haskell)


2022:

Abbe Sensenich

Matt Hayden 


2021


2020

Rhiannon Ackerman

Nick Lopez

Video Tribute to All 2020 SHS Recipients 

https://youtu.be/ZGxR2w9e7FI

2019

Marcia Hunt

Zachary Sensenich

2018

Mary Catherine Lopez

Ed Nanno

2017

Jonah Cavallo

Halley McNamara

For a video tribute see https://youtu.be/ZGxR2w9e7FI

+++

2016

Chelsea Cook

Michael Perno

2015

Nicole Antonacci 

Dunham Hall 

2014

Cassandra Knight

Kevin Shaw

2013

Elana Chapman

Michelle Ziegler

Jacob Callisto

2012

(awarded to twins)

Anna Salvagno 

 John Salvagno

2011

    Daniel Chilton

    Gabriella Santoferrara

2010

    Daniel Fougnier

    Rachel Prell

2009

    Sarah Cifaratta

    Richard Salvagno

2008

    Patrick Graner

    Manar Sueleiman

2007

2006

2005

2004

    Ashley McGrath

    Ryan Conners

2003

    Kathy Carmichael

    Brian Lesie

2002

2001

    Todd Acchione

    Megan Black

Class of 64 Scholarships Awarded for 2014

It was an exciting night last evening at the Awards Presentation at Solvay High School.  Once again the alumni and community supported this affair by presenting over $136,000 in awards and scholarships to this year's graduating seniors. 

Joe and Pete represented the Class of '64 with class and dignity.

This year's recipients of the Class of ’64 Scholarships were:

Cassandra Knight 

(who will attend Scaia's alma mater, Oswego State)

 and

Kevin Shaw 

(who will be attending Hunter College)

Pete Alberti, at the conclusion of his presentation to Cassandra Knight, while on stage, took the first "Selfie" ever recorded during a Solvay High School Awards Night.  (Note: The only issue was, Pete did not know how to take a "selfie" so he faked it. But it looked good from the audience.)

After the venue, we conducted a short 50th Reunion meeting at Bosco's (previously known as Ducky’s).  I believe that we were able to discuss a few of the open issues that we are addressing relative to the September Reunion, but we tended to re-visit our past and to talk about those kinds of things that happened in the late 50's and 60's.  If your ears were "ringing" last night between 8-9:30pm you now know why. 

Class Events/News

06/10/2024

60th CLASS REUNION

50 51 52 53-54-

55-56-57-58-59-60

Scheduled for August 7, 2024. Noon.  at the Skaneateles Country Club.

Make your reservation now.

 2/06/2017

Alumni Florida Luncheon

  

Link to Kallet Genesee Theater in CINEMA SIGHTLINES

click  Genesee Theater


September 20, 2014

50th Reunion (2014)

RECAP

The 19th of September was a gorgeous day in Upstate NY and began with a golf outing at Pine Grove.  Team Bagalini (Dave Musengo, Joe Dattellas, Chris Borell and Fred Myers) defeated Team Testone (Ken Rudy, John Waters and Dan Scaia).  It was a great round of gold with a lot of laughs.

Later in the day, the boat left the dock on Skaneateles Lake for a sightseeing cruise with numerous members of the Class on board. “Once again the weather was accommodating and the views were beautiful both on board and on shore.”

 Following the boat cruise, the festivities moved to Anyela's for a little wine tasting. The vineyard was outstanding as the group sat on the deck overlooking Skaneateles Lake and had a glass...or two.

 With all that wine to motivate them, an impromptu assembly invaded Scaia's house where a dozen or so Classmates continued the process of "having fun".

 That evening, Classmates reconvened at the Tyrol Club where some 50 people continued the process of reconnecting.  There were several classmates in attendance that we hadn’t seen in a long, long time.

Early the Day of the Reunion, Saturday , September 20th

The day of the reunion found a luncheon group, organized by Sue Mascette, convening at Eva’s, a popular Polish restaurant on Milton Ave.

 In the early afternoon a tour of Solvay High School was hosted by the principle,  Mr. Jay Tinklepaugh, and 10 high school students (and their advisor, Mrs. Fenton) who acted as guides.  

 Five groups spent over an hour walking through the building (old and new sections) then out onto the athletic complex. The Class was impressed with the loyalty exhibited toward SHS by the student guides.  They related how fortunate they were to be able to attend SHS. One young man said that "Solvay was like a private school run by a public community". They raved about the facilities and the teachers they had. (Note: at the Reunion Dinner an envelope was passed with the suggestion that those who attended the tour donate to Solvay's Key Club on behalf of the student guides. The Class came through once again and presented $262 to Mr. Tinklepaugh.)

Reunion at Drumlins, Saturday, September 20th

The Drumlins was set up perfectly, the food was very good, and the music/dancing was outstanding.  

 As the program began, 3 cheerleaders crashed the dining room in full regalia (Sandy Streib, Stefanie Kishman and Eli Chistolini) leading the Class in a rendition of the Solvay Fight Song (You remember, “We take the S out of…”).  

 As Danny Scaia tells it, “During the evening there was a lot of laughter and some tears. We realized that many of us were friends before we knew what friends were all about.”

 After Steve Zalewski spoke on behalf of the Board of Education, Jay Tinklepaugh thanked the Class for its support over the last 14 years, Mayor of Solvay, Ron Beneditti addressed the Class, Joe Todisco told a few "stories" then Pete Alberti relinquished the podium to Sue Mascette. On behalf of the Class, Sue presented Scaia with a beautiful plaque in recognition of Danny’s efforts over the years in maintaining the Class connectivity, organizing the reunions and spearheading the annual scholarship drive.

04/04/20017

Trentini Americani

I became aware of a video produced by and for the Historical Museum of Trentino several years ago and thought I had put a link on the website.  I was remiss, but Stephanie Kishman brought it to our attention recently.  The link appears below, and I think everyone in the class will enjoy it…and, perhaps, get a little homesick.

The title is “Trentini Americani -  storie de emigrazione negli Stati Uniti d’America” (the story of emigrants in the US) and is subtitled “Solvay, NY – la comunita, la grande fabbrica.”   It’s the story of immigrants from Trentino, Italy and how they ventured to Solvay in the early 1900’s, worked at the “la grande fabbrica,” and how they struggle to keep the culture alive.  The documentary was produced in 2012 and there is no mention of Solvay Process; the reference is to Allied Chemical. 

SOLVAY - Trentini Americani - YouTube

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MQIPX-1VNY

 It’s produced in Italian with English subtitles, but I think you will get the gist if, like me, you never mastered the language (you're hearing regret)….and I think you’ll enjoy hearing from a few of our neighbors and members of the Tyrol ClubBianca Sebene, Henry Antonini, Jhon (sp?) Maurizio Maestri, Mario Tommasetti, Giustino Capella, Peter Albrigo, Armando Balliboni, Ines Savo and Ermina Mase.

Please enjoy and thanks, Stephanie.

There is a note following the video which translates as, "The places that give title to episodes of this series ideally retraces the journey that many Trentino undertook toward the inside of the North American continent. Through the story of the witnesses, you draw the contours of the community of descendants, their bond with the Trentino, their history and the present. Edited by Vincenzo Mancuso."

09/12/2013

More SOLVAY HISTORY

Susan Mascette has informed us of a web site chock full of Solvay history going back to the WWII era. The page is named "Strictly Solvay" and is maintained by Jack Major.  Strictly Solvay can be reached at http://major-smolinski.com/TALEindex.html

Worth the click.

08/21/2014

Solvay-Geddes Veterans 

Membership Drive

The Solvay-Geddes Veterans organization is looking to add to it's membership.  The organization’s primary purpose is threefold:  promote camaraderie and outreach among Veterans via our Monthly Meetings, Summer Picnic, and Christmas Party;  maintain Veterans Memorial Park on Woods Road and present a Memorial Day Ceremony for the community where we remember the sons of Solvay and Geddes that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom including our classmate William Kranz; and sponsor an annual Nursing scholarship at Solvay High School.

Membership has historically been made up of our father’s generation.  Now the group is actively looking for increased membership from the Vietnam, Cold War, and Iraq/Afghanistan era veterans.  

For More Information Contact:

Jim Togni, Corresponding Secretary, 476-8064

Sally Zollo, President,                      720-2541

Pete Salvatore, Vice President,        487-9461

8/1/2014

MIXING FACT AND FICTION?

Judith LaManna Rivette is at it again, but instead of the Solvay Stories that we've enjoyed in the past, try a little fiction.

Saint Carmella’s Grotto

a novel by Judith LaManna Rivette

Welcome to a small village in central New York, in the early 1900s.  Read a tale – inspired by true stories collected by the author – of intrigue and mystique, of local history and world events, of boys taken into dark places and women saying special prayers in the Grotto of Saint Carmella’s Church to have long wished-for children.  

The book is available for pre-release ordering. Selling through The Book Cellar (formerly the Pozzi Hotel). Selling and signing at the Fair also.  

Oh - the price:  $10 plus shipping/tax/whatever.  

Judith can be reached at books@rivette.us

[Note: I began reading Saint Carmella's Grotto on the flight home from the reunion.  Having read only a few chapters, I'm delighted to report...it's interesting (dare I say exciting) AND I can see Solvay.  It's fun trying to place the fictional names with real places and people. I really can't wait to get back to it.  Great job, Judith.

--Russ

09/27/2014]

  Scaia accepted the plaque, “… not only for myself, but for those who represent your Reunion Committee: Pete Alberti, Kathy Franceschetti, Paula Galante, Russ Graziano, Dorothy Mancabelli and Joe TodiscoSue also acknowledged the hard work that each of these people do by presenting them with an engraved key chain.  

 At the end of the evening, we discussed our 55th Reunion. Sue Mascette put it best, "let's all strive for 55". 

09/27/2014

Note from Steve Zalewski, member of the Board of Education

There is an agenda item on every board meeting entitled What's special about Solvay. At this past Monday's meeting the superintendent highlighted the class of 64.

10/05/2014

Thanks to Class from Key Club

Hello Mr. Scaia,

It was truly a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Scaia and the members of the Class of '64!!

During our time together we shared lots of wonderful Solvay School Spirit, and made so many fun memories!!

I wanted to personally thank you for the opportunity to showcase our High School to such a delightful group...we share the same appreciation for the School which was an integral part of your lives ... and continues to have a tremendous impact in the lives of our current students.

We certainly have been blessed with a nice building, numerous resources and very talented, dedicated staff to bring Solvay students the best opportunity for a wonderful education!

The gift of money which you presented to our Club showed amazing generosity, and was a beautiful example to the students. It will be used wisely!... Such a nice surprise!!

We send a collective big thank you to all!!... please pass along this message to the members of the Class.

Thank you so much!!

Maria

Maria Fenton, LOTE NBCT,CSP

National Board Faculty

NHS, Key Club, Spanish Club Adviser

TOP 10 REASONS TO HAVE ATTENDED THE 50TH CLASS REUNION

==================================

10  No one AT the reunion was talked about.

9  You would know that Arnie and Jean can still dance…and dance.

8  No one else has a Tyrol Club.

7  Dorothy Macabelli’s smile still lights up a room.

6  You, too, could be missing those who did not attend.

5  To see Eli Mae, Stephanie and Sandy in their cheerleading uniforms looking wonderful as ever…in 2014

4  To take the “L-V” out of Liverpool.

3  Perella, Zwir, Fabrizio, Cardner, Benedetti, Waters, Balduzzi, Smolen, Trivison, Myers, Bosco, Rudy, Armani, Wojslaw, Biviano, Alberti, Ranalli, Kinsella, Fall, Barnes, Bielack, Pasco, Alia, Bellotti, DeSpirito, Van Nostrand,  Fiorito, Haskell, Jerome, Komuda, Kosakowski, Licameli, Lynch, Maestri, Manzano, Miceli, Miller, Noce, O’Neill, Prosser, Peters, Ryan.  Did I mention Bosco? (I hope I didn’t miss anyone.  I left off others who are mentioned elsewhere.)

2.  No 3 is large enough to be 3 and 2.

1.  IT DIDN’T SNOW.

 

Those in attendance for the Reunion meeting were:  Freddie Myers, Sandy Strieb, myself, Joe Todisco , Jerry Haskell, Pete Alberti  (How do you like Joe's new "do"?)

Once again, thanks to all who contributed to this year's Scholarship Fund.

We have raised the bar and continue to demonstrate that we are the "best" Class in Solvay High's long history.

 --Dan Scaia

Syracuse.com

  http://www.syracuse.com/

"Growing old is mandatory.  Growing up is optional."

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