GIVING THANKS!

The Party Room at Hoss's was filled with thirty-five special individuals sharing of their bountiful harvest, as we collected four large boxes of groceries that we gave to the Bellwood-Antis Food Share Program. Our gracious donation will add to the distributions of Thanksgiving food baskets serving 100 families in our area.

As we talked about Thanksgiving, several classmates shared with the group, the things they are thankful for. We all should be thankful that we are Americans, living in a country with bountiful resources and the willingness to share with others that are in need. We also passed a canister around the room taking donations for the Christmas Carol Foundation. That evening we collected $400 and I am still receiving checks in the mail. I will be sending the total amount received on November 30, as WFBG Radio will start to announce each day from December 12th through 24Th, a Christmas Carol Gift to an unfortunate family experiencing a catastrophic situation this year helping to make Christmas a little brighter.

John & Bonnie Moffa traveled from Delaware and surprised us with their visit for the evening. We were also pleased to see Kay Hornberger Pfahler and Darlene Thomas Detwiler once again. It is hard for some people to attend every get together do to our busy life styles today. Speaking for myself, as I have become older sometimes I get involved in many things and the dates conflict. It is always a pleasure when we get together.

We celebrated Kenny Brubaker 's birthday with Bob Himes leading us in song. As the evening progressed we played "Thanksgiving Fact or Fiction", a series of questions on how much do we know about a holiday we have been celebrating for years?

We the Bellwood-Antis Class of '62 is a special breed of people that reach out to others in need. Thank you all for being so generous and caring.

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TRICK & TREAT FUN

October 12th Get together, month for tricks and treats. The group entered their names in the drawing for the Halloween Mystery Gift Bag. Ruth Conrad Miller was the lucking winner. She was now the proud owner of a black rat and five gray mice. Bob Hostler won the jar of candy corn, guessing the number of pieces in the jar. We had fun as we played Halloween Trivia.
We celebrated the birthdays of Ruth Conrad Miller, Bob Himes, and Jerome Miller. Hoss's waiters and waitresses sang their birthday theme song and presented them with individual birthday cakes to take home.
Jenny also shared joy with the group about Dick and Nancy Wertz's 25th Wedding Anniversary gift of twin grandsons born on September 28th. (Caleb and Lucas)
A sadder note, Lucille Hall Lane is back in the Altoona Hospital and not doing well. Keep her in your prayers.
The group decided that we will take up a donation for the CHRISTMAS CAROL FOUNDATION from classmates of '62. Also, we will be bringing can goods to November's Get together for the BELLWOOD FOOD SHARE PROGRAM showing our thanks for what we have.
If you are bored from staying home all the time, meet us at Hoss's for a fun evening. Monday, Noverber 9th at 6:00.

TRICK or TREAT!

SEPTEMBER FUN

Observing Grandparents Day:
September 14, Classmates and spouses gather together for another evening of fun at Hoss's Restaurant. Grandparent's was the main topic of discussion as National Grandparents Day was observed Sunday, September 13th. A holiday signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Jenny shared several short stories about grandchildren and grandparents giving the group some good laughs.
You reminded everyone that you do not need grandchildren to be a grandparent. Schools have Volunteer Grandparent Programs for Senior Citizens that read and work with small children at school. Some children think a grandparent is an older person with no kids of their own.
Grandparents are GOD'S gift to children. Nobody can do for little children what grandparents can do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children and make everything just right. Be the best grandparent you can be by making memory together.
Merle Barger's wife Ann surprised Merle with a large birthday cake, celebrating his 65th birthday. Hoss's also presented Pat Shirley and Merle with an individual birthday cake to take home.
Pat Shirley presented a book to the class that she wrote and published. It is titled-
THE BOOK of LUKE (A Soldier's Story) A story about the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal moment in the Civil War as she reconstructs the life of her ancestor and descendants during an important time in the history of our country.

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SUMMER BLAST WITH CLASSMATES

ON A HOT SUMMER EVENING
Monday, August 10, classmates came together for an evening of fun, sharing conversations about the past and present. We were pleased to have Judy Lauver and husband Ray Lightner, Sandy Long Veddar,and Pat Shirley join us for the very first time. Classmates were pleased that Sandy made time to spend with us at our get together, traveling from Arizona to visit her mother. We were honored by the presence of her mother Ruth Long, joining us for the evening. It is always a great feeling when classmates show up for the first time and continue to return creating a bond with our family of classmates.

Jenny talked about as we turn the age of 65, we become an official "SENIOR CITIZEN" regardless how young we look or feel. Also, she spoke about the benefits of being a senior citizen from information received from Benefits & Rights for Older Pennsylvanians booklet and Blair Senior Services.Such as Federal Income Tax Preparation, Property Tax/Rent Rebate, Reduced Motor Vehicle Registration, and Legal Assistance by a lawyer in making Wills, Power of Attorney, and Living Wills. Laughter filled the room as she told jokes about problems that senior citizens experience.

The highlight of the evening was when Kenny Brubaker surprised Bob Himes with a folder of Bob's school papers from twelfth grade. With Bob's permission, Jenny read a paper that Bob wrote about his "PHILOSOPHY of LIFE" for English Class. We were amazed that at the age of 17, Bob Himes knew exactly what life was all about and what it would take to become a successful business man and citizen of a community. "HAT'S OFF" to Bob Himes, for living out his Philosophy of life and full filling his dream as a farmer and business man as he has done.
Our next Get together is September 14, 2009. Come and get to know the people you went to school with. They could become your best friend.

CLASSMATES MEET IN JULY

A total of 32 classmates and spouses attended our monthly get together for July. After dinner, we joined the waitresses in singing "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to Judy Helsley Patterson. We didn't have fire works to celebrate Independents Day that evening, but it was a celebration of recognition for me. I was astounded when Bob Hostler presented me with a beautiful necklace and a monetary gift from my classmates. The necklace is a heart with 2 diamond chips, my birthstone of amethyst with a 1962 banner for the year we graduated.
WHAT A SURPRISE! Thank you all! I will wear it with pride and be reminded how each of you have touched my heart in your own special way. I am truly blessed to be a part of the B-A Class of '62. I earnestly enjoy entertaining and organizing different functions for you my classmates.

After I got my breath and came down from the clouds I read "A Special Poem for Older Folk's" about the color of pills we take and what each one is for. Then we stimulated our brain as we travel back to 1962. We talked about things that happened in that year that made history. Number one movies, songs, dances, TV shows, and sports. Also, we discussed the cost of cars, houses, gasoline, and food compared to today's prices.

An open invitation stands for all classmates of the Class of '62. Come and join us and rekindle old friendships. We meet the second Monday of the month at Hoss's in Altoona, PA.

This is a picture of my beautiful necklace. Your thoughtfullness is greatly appreciated. I love you all.

A gift from the class of '62

Classmates CRUISE down the POTOMAC RIVER

"CRUISING DOWN THE RIVER" Friday morning, June 12, we boarded a Bollman Tour Bus at the Bellwood-Antis High School parking lot at 7:45 AM traveling to Alexandria, VA. We watched the movie "Marlie and Me" on the bus. Arriving in Alexandria, VA we then boarded Nina Dandy Cruise Ship and cruised down the Potomac River taking in the historical sights along the way. After a delicious three course luncheon on the ship, we went to the upper deck to relax and enjoy the 3 hour cruise. What a beautiful day! The sky was bright blue and painted with big, white, fluffy clouds. The weather couldn't have been any nicer for cruising. After the cruise the bus driver dropped us off at Market Square in the middle of Old Town Alexandria for an hour for sight seeing and shopping. Several of the group just relaxed in the shade at Market Square while others walked the streets browsing in little shops for souvenirs. The bus picked us up around 4:30 PM and we headed towards home. Jenny entertained the group with story telling jokes. We stopped in Fredrick, MD at the Golden Corral for a buffet dinner. The waitress sang
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to Darlene Thomas Detwiler, Jack Oswald, and Tom Del Mastro.
What a wonderful time had by all.

CLASSMATES MEET IN MAY

Monday evening May 11, Johnny Moffa and wife Bonnie came up from Delaware to join the group at Hoss's. That was a surprise to us all. John (Kenny) Wagner and wife Carol joined us for the first time this year. It is great to get together and reminisce about our school days and how times have changed. A total of 38 had a great time with our Wrinkle Therapy session as we laughed at the jokes that were told. We sang Happy Birthday to Connie Edmiston Isenberg while the waitress presented her with a small birthday cake.
Our high school English teacher Mr. Howard Walker, age 84 passed away May 14, after having some heart problems recently. The class of '62 thought a lot of Mr. Walker that we dedicated our year book to him. Ruth Miller and Jenny Showalter representing the Class of '62 attended the Memorial Service held for him.
The class group will not be meeting in June for dinner at Hoss's. We will be boarding a Bollman Tour bus traveling to Alexandria, VA to board a dinner cruise ship and cruise down the Potomac River to take in the historial sights of Washington, DC.

SPRING BONNETS

CELEBRATING SPRING WITH FASHION: Monday evening, April 13th, Classmates assembled at Hoss’s. for another fun filled evening. The females wore spring bonnets they designed for the occasion. The bonnets were all beautiful and unique. Hoss’s waitresses were our judges for choosing the prize winners. Thanks to all the girls for making and wearing a bonnet for the celebration of spring. The winner were:
Kathie Cross McConnell First Place,
Judy Carothers Second Place,
Nancy Helsley Third Place,
Judy Helsley Paterson’s most traditional,
Ruth Conrad Miller’s most unique.
Classmates celebrating birthdays in April are Jeanie Berkstresser, Randy Johnson and Suzanne Stehley. We sang Happy Birthday to Suzanne while Hoss’s presented her with an individual birthday cake to take home.
Kenny Brubaker’s wife Sue shared a story with the group entitled, "And It’s Winter before You Know It." A story about how time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.
Merle Barger and wife Patricia joined the group for their first time and enjoyed the evening very much along with the others making a total of 38 in attendance.

MARCH MADNESS FUN

The March winds blew a total of 36 people into Hoss's on Monday evening, March 9th for our monthly get-together. Dick Focht enjoyed last month's event that he returned for another fun filled evening. Jerry Miller and wife Marsha joined us for the first time. We celebrated Kathie McConnell's and Beverly Hollabaugh's birthday with song and each an individual birthday cake from Hoss's. Jenny shared a short story (THE STRANGER) with the group. A story that we could all relate to. Also, we played Trivia, answering "Questions of the Past" and "How well do you know your classmates?" A great evening was held by all.

Looking forward to next month's fun as the women will be wearing a Spring bonnet that they designed.<strong>

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Valentine Celebration

Monday, February 9, a total of 31 people attended
Get together at Hoss's Steak & Sea House. Classmates
wore red attire in celebration of an early Valentine's
Day. After dinner, we enjoyed the evening playing
games such as "Valentine Gift Pass" and
"Name That Famous Couple".

An open invitation stands for all classmates of the
class of '62. You are welcome to join us at any of our
gatherings. We meet the second Monday of every month
at Hoss's in Altoona,PA. I just ask that you let me know,
for when I place the reservation we will have enough seating.

Valentine Day Celebration

Classmates start the New Year with Get-together

“Starting the New Year with our Friends”
MONDAY,Jaunary 12,
Classmates and spouse welcomed the New Year with a January
Get together at Hoss’s. A total of twenty-four enjoyed the evening
as we reminisced about the past. Also, Jenny entertained the group
by telling a story about the difference between a man’s and woman’s
brain.

Classmates served in Military

CLASSMATES
RECOGNITION AND HONOR

FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY
Merle Barger-US Army
Richard Benner-US Navy
Kenneth Brubaker-US Air Force
John Cook-US Air Force
Kenneth Decker-US Navy
Wayne Doyle-US Navy
Sylvia Edmiston Ingram-National Guards
Charles Estep-US Army
James Helsley-National Guard
John Helsley-National Guards
Robert Hostler-UA Army
Richard Kensinger-National Guards
Donald McCracken-US Air Force
John Moffa-US Air Force
Lewis Myers-US Navy
Robert Nale-US Navy
Jack Oswald-US Army
George Partner-US Navy
John (Kenny)Wagner-US Army
Richard Wertz-US Marines
Donald Williams-US Air Force

Please accept my apology if your name
was omitted from the list and let me know.

Classmates’ Monthly Get-Togethers

The reunion committee thought it would be nice to get together monthly at a local restaurant on the second Monday of every month. In October of 2007, we started meeting at Hoss’s Steak House. After eating, we start the evening by welcoming classmates attending for the first time. Announce birthdays for the month, news of classmates they want to share. Then Jenny, our class comedian tells jokes by roasting a few classmates each month. She calls it wrinkle therapy and by laughing keeps your wrinkles away.
Our get-togethers have been very successful with 21 attending our first get together and we now have an average of 35 each month. A total of 37 met at Ponderosa last April. The food was great but the party room was not big enough. Also, we tried the Chinese Gourmet Buffetwith 34 attending. The highest number attending was 41. Hoss’s has a big party room that accommodates us very well. If you have never been to one of our get togethers, check us out
and enjoy the fun.

Cruising with the Class of '62 - Gateway Clipper

Friday, August 15, 2008, a total of 40 classmates and spouses from our monthly get-togethers boarded a Fullington Tour Bus at the B-A High School, traveling to Pittsburgh for a Gateway Clipper Luncheon Cruise. We boarded the “Majestic Riverboat” and cruised down the Monongahela,Allegheny and Ohio Rivers. Enjoying a delicious buffet lunch with live entertainment “Magic of Elvis”

Raystown Queen

On Saturday, August 6, 1994, Seventeen classmates and spouses boarded the “Raystown Queen” for a beautiful afternoon dinner cruise. After retuning from the cruise we continued the day’s events with a gathering at the “Bull Pen Restaurant

A walk down Memory Lane………..

Antis Township High School,

a four room building built in 1907, near the corner

of Martin and South Second Street.

In 1938, a consolidation took place between

Antis Township and the Bellwood Schools becoming

the Bellwood-Antis School District. Shortly after the

consolidation the Antis High School became the

Bellwood Elementary building for the elementary

students from the Antis Township area.

Bellwood Elementary School- In the 1951-52 school year, twenty-two classmates from the graduating Class of ’62 started first grade class in this building in Mrs. Altman or Miss Tree’s. In the late 1950's, the school building caught on fire and was torn down.

Starting First grade was a new adventure into a new world for all of us...

TEACHER: Mrs. Anna Altman

TOP ROW: Bob Culbertson, Walter Carothers, Ruth Conrad, John Marsden, Lillian Dillen

ROW 2: Sandra Long, Shirley Forshey, Robert Himes, Tom Weston, Wayne Doyle

ROW 3: Ed Hueston, Marilyn Ross, Kenny Wagner, Nancy Oswald, Barbara Stevens.

ROW 4: Donna Parshall, Don Robison, Lillian Ressler, Kay Smith, Jim Garman.

BOTTOM ROW: Barbara Smith, Don Utley, Sylvia Edmiston, Jennie Barley, Iona Kuhn, Peggy Anderson.

Teacher: Miss Lucille Tree

TOP ROW: Dick Focht, Sandra Wilson, Jim Taylor.

ROW 2: George Norton, Mary Montgomery, Bob Hostler, Merle Barger, Jerome Miller, Mary Dillen

ROW3: Gerald Datres, Barbara Moyer, Charles Snyder, Trudy Jackson, Jim Forshey,
Carol Cherry

ROW 4: Betty Garmen, Name Unknown, Darlene Thomas, Allen Rinker,_Carol Matlack,_
Jimmy Ball

Bottom Row: Barry Green, Kay Hornberger, Helen Sipes, Anne Zetler, Darlene Gill,
Name Unknown.

**If anyone knows the identity of the classmates with “Name Unknown” please let a comment.

South Side School - Corner of Boyles & South First Street

The South Side School was built in 1892, an eight room red brick building at the corner of Boyles and South First Street. One hundred years later in 1992 the school house was razed and the Bellwood Excelsior Fire Department took up residence in a new structure on that site.
In 1951-52 school year fifteen classmates from the class of '62 started first grade in Mrs. Miller's class at South Side school.

Teacher: Mrs. Louise Miller

TOP ROW: Bobby Smith, David Fowler, Donna Wulfert, Carole Dillen, Wayne Wright, Gary Moore.

ROW 3: Rose Smith, Kay Wilson, Rebecca Reese, Lindsay Strohm, Bobby McCaulley,Richard Spotts.

ROW 2: Patty Shirley, Tommy DelMastro, Delores Hescox, Bonita Espigh, Sandy Kist, Raymond Egar, Gilbert Dively, Vicki Dinges.

BOTTOM ROW: Barry Miller, Lewis Myers, Charles VanAltman, Philip Siters, George Partner, Donald Williams.

Absent from picture: Bonnie Fowler, Barbara Locke, Kenny Merritts

North Side School

North Side School was built in 1914, a six room yellow brick building at the
corner of Antis and North Third Streets. The school had a fence surrounding it.
At recess the boys played on one side of the school while the girls played on the
other. Sometime in the ninety’s the school was sold and is now used as housing
apartments.

The following students from our graduating class attended first grade at North Side.

Teacher Mrs. Erdean Estep

Rick Benner, Judy Lauver,Alma Sipes, Judith Bilka,
Ronald Shunk

Teacher Miss Berle Fowler

Roxanne Boyles, Jeanie Burns, Charles Glasgow,
Lucille Hall, Dick Hillard, Beverly McGinnis,
Dick Wertz

* If anyone has their first grade class group picture from
the North Side School please share it with us.