Clarence Teacher - In Memory of Joan Lloyd Printup-Hummel RIP

I had Miss Lloyd for gym the majority of my time in high school.  She was an excellent instructor, even if I never did get the hang of golf or tennis...definitely memorable!!  May she rest in peace.

From The Buffalo News:

HUMMEL - Joan (Printup) May 31, 2014, in Bluffton, SC, following a heroic and horrific eight year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was predeceased by her parents, M. Helen and William J. Lloyd; her brother William "Biff" Lloyd and husbands Gordon Printup and John Hummel.

She graduated from Kent State University in 1967. She began her 33 year career as a physical education teacher at Clarence High School, Buffalo, NY in 1968 where she coached girls' tennis and track as well as helping to create and develop girls' intramurals. In 2010, she was inducted into the Clarence HS Athletic Hall of Fame.

As a lifelong competitive athlete, Joan excelled at swimming, golf and skiing. She was a member of the National Ski Patrol at Holimont Ski Area for 32 years. Joan was formerly a member of Springville and Gowanda Country Clubs where she won 10 individual championships. She also served as President and VP of the buffalo Women's District Golf Association. She swam in senior events in Florida and New York. In 2008, she set a Florida state record for the 50 meter butterfly and also swam in the Sr. Olympics in Louisville in 2007.

Joan is survived by her sister, Janice Scully and her husband Mike; sister-in-law Jeanie Lloyd; seven nieces, their husbands and children. For online condolences, go to www.andersonfuneralhomebeaufortsc.com Private family services will take place at a later date.

(3 photos added were from various yearbooks)

In Memory of Clarence Teacher Norbert Buskey

Norbert Buskey, a fondly remembered music teacher at Clarence High School, has passed away. From the website:

Norbert J. Buskey of Fayetteville, NY passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2013, at his home. Norm was born in Springville, NY on May 23, 1934 to Frank and Josephine Buskey who predeceased him in 1968 and 1993 respectively. His sister, Mary Buskey of Springville, NY in 2012 also predeceases him.

Norm will forever be remembered for his love of music. He received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Ithaca College in Music Education and completed 4 years towards his Doctorate of Musical Arts at Eastman School of Music where he also earned his Performance Certificate in Saxophone. He went on to work as a music educator and conductor at Clarence Central High School, North Colonie Central School District, Syracuse University and retired in 1999 after 18 years in the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District.

As a music educator he worked tirelessly to achieve the highest standards for his students in musical performance. He was a guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician in rehearsal technique for wind ensemble/ concert band. His bands earned highest ratings for performance in state and national competitions. As an active member of the Fayetteville United Methodist Church, Norm served on various committees and was president of the Trustees of the Church for many years. He was instrumental in the planning and improvements of the church facilities.

For many years Norm could be seen running the streets of Fayetteville early in the morning training for one of eight marathons or other races that he participated in. Being in good physical shape was important to him throughout his life.

In retirement, Norm continued to teach private music lessons. He was an avid NY Yankees and Notre Dame football fan. He enjoyed working outside in the garden and other projects around the house. Traveling internationally with a group of friends for 16 years was special for him. Family was an important part of Norm’s life. He cared and loved each member of his family very much. In all aspects of his life, Norm was strong, courageous and positive.

Norm is survived by his wife Judy (Witzig) Buskey of almost 47 years, his daughters Traci (Robb) Micek of Buffalo Grove, Illinois and Shari Buskey of Fayetteville, New York, three grandchildren, Ryan, Lauren and Brooke Micek, his brother Harry Buskey and sister Phyllis Snyder, both of Springville, NY.

Calling hours will be on Friday, November 8, 2013 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Fayetteville United Methodist Church and a Memorial Service Celebrating the life of Norm will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 1pm also at the Church, 601 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Foundation for Upstate, memo Regional Oncology Center, 750 East Adams Street, CAB Room 326, Syracuse, NY 13210 or the Fayetteville United Methodist Church, 601 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066 or to the “Norbert J. Buskey Music Education Scholarship”, Fayetteville United Methodist Church (address above).

Clarence Teacher Rosalie Schmidt-Karkula RIP

Mrs. Schmidt was one of my English teachers back in the day. May she rest in peace.

From the Clarence Bee:

"Mrs. Schmidt-Karkula was a teacher for 42 years, 36 of which were at Clarence High School, where she served as head of the English department for many years.  She retired in 1990.

She also was involved with the Clarence Women's Club and the Contemporary Club.

Mrs. Schmidt-Karkula was a Eucharistic minister and member of Our Lady of Peace Church."


SCHMIDT-KARKULA  - Rosalie (nee LaDuca) July 2, 2013, of Clarence, NY, 87, wife of the late Stephen Karkula; beloved mother of Edward Schmidt (Karen Koepsell), Marilynn Schmidt, Gregory (Elizabeth) Schmidt and Brian (Michele) Schmidt; loving grandmother of Joe Clarke, Michael Ward, Kimberly Evans, Andrew Schmidt, Jeffrey Schmidt, Anthony Schmidt, Jonathan Schmidt and Halle Schmidt; also survived by four great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday July 8, 2013 at 10 AM from Our Lady of Peace Church, 10950 Main St., Clarence. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (http://www.alzfdn.org). Arrangements by SHEPARD BROS. FUNERAL HOME.

Clarence Teacher - Robert Vehar RIP

Clarence teacher Robert Vehar passed away December 31, 2012. Many are mourning his loss, but yet celebrating the memories of his time in their lives. From the Buffalo News:

Robert R. Vehar, noted voice teacher, choral director Nov. 29, 1936 – Dec. 31, 2012

 Robert R. Vehar, a music teacher who developed and directed award-winning choruses at Clarence High School for 35 years, died Monday in Mercy Hospital after a short illness. He was 76.

 In school and in private lessons, Mr. Vehar inspired and trained two generations of singers and teachers. He was the first voice teacher for several singers who went on to careers on Broadway, with the Metropolitan Opera and with major orchestras. Scores of others became teachers and conductors and sang with orchestra and church choirs.

 He was a music teacher and choral director at Clarence High School from 1966 to 2001 and taught vocal music at Potsdam State College and Canisius College. He also gave seminars and instruction on improving speech and voice quality.

 He lectured on voice, vocal sight-reading and choral matters at Ithaca College, Roberts Wesleyan College and Geneseo State College, for the Music Educators National Conference Eastern Division and for numerous school districts and annual conferences of music educators.

 Born in Gowanda, he was a graduate of Gowanda High School. He earned a degree in music education from Ithaca College and a master’s degree in music from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, which he attended on a full-tuition scholarship.

An Eggertsville resident, Mr. Vehar served on the board of trustees of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and was given the orchestra’s Margaret C. Ballbach Memorial Award in 2007 for outstanding fundraising efforts. He was a member of the board of trustees of the New York State School Music Association and a member of the American Choral Directors Association and the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. He also was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Williamsville.

An avid organic gardener, he grew outstanding tomatoes and bumper crops of squash and parsley.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, the former Persis Parshall, a composer and pianist; a son, Jonathan; and a daughter, Gabrielle.

Marleen Ackerman Astudillo RIP

Marleen Ackerman Astudillo will be remembered by many as the ultimate art teacher at Clarence High School, with fond memories of her enthusiasm. May she rest in peace.

Marleen M. Astudillo Born in Elmira, NY on Feb. 13, 1945 Departed on Feb. 28, 2011 and resided in (A) Williamsville, NY. Visitation: Thursday, Mar. 3, 2011 Service: Friday, Mar. 4, 2011 Funeral Home: Amherst Chapel Click on the link(s) above for Maps & Directions

ASTUDILLO, MARLEEN M. (nee Ackerman) February 28, 2011; beloved wife of John Astudillo; devoted mother of Ahren (Jeremy) Crickard and Alicya Astudillo; loving grandmother of Eva and Bryn Crickard; dear sister of Darrell (Gayle) and Carol (Fay) Avery; loving daughter of Mildred Ackerman; daughter-in-law of Dr. Simon Astudillo; also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family will be present on Thursday from 5 to 8 PM at (Amherst Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. 5200 Sheridan Drive (corner of Hopkins Road). Family and friends are invited to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial from St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main Street, Buffalo on Friday at 9:00 AM. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Keep A Breast Foundation-http://www.keep-a-breast.org/blog/. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com

Clarence Teacher: In Memory of Edward Schmidt

Clarence High School teacher Edward Schmidt passed away Thursday evening. He enriched young minds through social studies while his wife taught English down the hallway. Many of us can count as friends one of the Schmidt children, Eddie, Marilynn, Gregory, and Brian, all Clarence alumni. From the Buffalo News:

Edward A. Schmidt, a longtime teacher, arbitrator and mediator, died Thursday in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst, after a brief illness. He was 85.

Born in Lackawanna, Mr. Schmidt grew up in Bethlehem Park and South Buffalo and later served as a chief gunner's mate in the Navy during World War II. He was a graduate of Canisius College and a social studies teacher and coordinator at Clarence Central High School from 1953 to 1979.

Mr. Schmidt created the first black studies course for high school American Studies in New York State during the 1960s. In 1979, he was the first nonmusician at Clarence High School to be awarded the John Phillip Sousa Award for his role as "guess conductor" in conducting the school orchestra in the "William Tell Overture."

While teaching, he also ran the Edward A. Schmidt Insurance Agency. After retiring from teaching, he took on his third career as a labor relations arbitrator and mediator, and was active in that field at the time of his death.

He was on the arbitration rosters of the American Arbitration Association, New York State Public Employment Relations Board, New York State Employment Relations Board, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Pennsylvania Bureau of Mediation, and belonged to various professional associations, including the Labor and Employment relations Association, serving as president in 1996-97. He was named the organization's Citizen of Year in 2005.

Mr. Schmidt was also a member of the board of directors and Executive Committee of the Better Business Bureau. He headed the Personnel Committee and served in several other capacities for more than 30 years. Mr. Schmidt enjoyed boating with his wife Claire and was a member of the Sandy Beach Yacht Club and served on the board of directors and as secretary.

He was an active parishioner of St. Amelia's Catholic Church in the Town of Tonawanda.

Mr. Schmidt will also be remembered for his integrity and compassion, commitment to his family and friends, his warm charismatic way, as well as his keen wit and sense of humor. Anyone who ever met him will never forget him.

Mr. Schmidt is survived by his wife of 19 years, the former Claire Tonge; three sons,Edward, Gregory and Brian; and a daughter, Marilynn.

A Mass of Christian Burial with military honors will be offered at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday June 9, 2009 in St. Amelia's Church, 2999 Eggert Road, Town of Tonawanda.


SCHMIDT - Edward A. June 4, 2009. Beloved husband of Claire (Tonge) Schmidt; dearest father of Edward C. Schmidt (Karen Johnson), Marilynn Schmidt, Gregory (Elizabeth) Schmidt and Brian (Michele) Schmidt; loving grandfather of Michael (Kerri) Ward, Kimberly (Clifford III) Evans, Andrew and Anthony Schmidt, Jeffrey and Jonathan Schmidt, Halle Schmidt, and Joe Clark; loving great-grandfather of Clifford Evans IV. You are invited to attend Edward's Funeral Mass with military honors on Tuesday at 11:30 AM at St. Amelia's Church, 201 St. Amelia Dr. at Eggert Rd., Tonawanda, NY. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the American Cancer Society . The MASON-SITTNEWSKI FUNERAL HOME is assisting Ed's family.

Ronald Sardina - RIP

Clarence alumnus ('95) Ronald Sardina has passed away. He also was a substitute physical education teacher in the Clarence Schools. From the Buffalo News:

Dec. 18, 1976—May 4, 2009

Ronald Christopher Sardina, who taught physical education at Clarence Central Schools and other schools, including Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, died Monday in his Clarence home after a battle with colon cancer. He was 32.

Mr. Sardina was born in Kenmore and graduated from Clarence High School in 1995. At Clarence, he was a white letter winner in the school’s bowling league.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Brockport State College in 1999 and founded the university’s roller hockey club.

Mr. Sardina was certified to teach in both Western New York and Florida. He taught physical education at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Orchard Park from 2000 to 2003, then moved to Jacksonville, Fla., where he taught first grade in the Duval County Public Schools until 2008. At Pineville Elementary in Jacksonville, he was grade-level chairman. He returned to Clarence to be a substitute teacher this school year.

Mr. Sardina is survived by his parents, Ronald and Ellen, and a sister, Lauren Stover.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a. m. Friday in The Chapel at CrossPoint, 500 CrossPoint Parkway, Getzville.

SARDINA - Ronald C. May 4, 2009, age 32; beloved son of Ronald W. and Ellen V. (nee Barker) Sardina; caring brother of Lauren E. (Andrew) Stover; adored uncle of Alexander J. Stover; dear nephew of Anne (Pat) Bono, John (Joann), Joseph (Susan), Frank (Connie) and Jerry (Beverly) Sardina; also survived by many cousins. The family will be present on Wednesday and Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the (Harris Hill Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 8440 Main St., Clarence. Funeral Services will be held on Friday from The Chapel at Crosspoint, 500 Crosspoint Parkway, Getzville at 10:30 AM. Friends invited. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Rons name to www.hockeyfightscancer.com. Share your condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.

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Clarence Teacher - In Memory of Alice Bachmann

Those of us who had Mrs. Bachmann for gym at Clarence Center Elementary remember her for her enthusiasm and dedication to bringing out our well hidden athletic abilities. Others recall her as dedicated to her children and their various pursuits in life. She was all that and more. RIP.

BACHMANN, Alice Elizabeth (nee: Thies), 89, of Otterbein-Lebanon, OH and formerly of Clarence NY died Wednesday March 25, 2009. Born November 13, 1919 in the Town of Pomfret, NY to Elmer and Amy (nee: Kerr) Thies, she was a graduate of Cortland State Teachers College in New York. She retired from Clarence Central Schools in New York after over 20 years as a physical education teacher. She was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Lebanon OH and an active volunteer at Otterbein-Lebanon Retirement Community.

Preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Karl Bachmann, survivors include two daughters, Betsy (Doug) Fields of Cincinnati, OH and Kathe “Susie” (Dave) Ruch of Old Fort, NC, one brother, Charles Thies of Fairfax, VA, sister, Dorothy Kelly of Lakewood, OH, three grandsons, Karl Ruch and Josh and Nick Fields, one granddaughter, Beth Stockel, two great grandsons, Pierce and Keaton Ruch, and one great granddaughter, Madelynn Stockel.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 4th at 11am at the Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1270 N. Broadway St, Lebanon OH.

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Arrangements by the Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home, Lebanon.

Clarence Teacher - In Memory of Jerome Werblow

Jerome Werblow was an English and public speaking teacher at Clarence Junior High School back in the day (not sure when he retired). I remember him taking the whole class to see "To Sir, With Love" when it first came out. I think he kinda wanted someone to try to sing it to him - didn't happen. A bit late, but I'd like to finally say on behalf of all the students whose lives he touched that the song "To Sir, With Love" is dedicated to Mr. Werblow.

WERBLOW - Jerome V. November 10, 2008; beloved husband of Gloria (Resman) Werblow; devoted father of Ellen Werblow of NC, Leslie (Todd) Platts of PA and Barbara (Gary) Catalfu of NC; loving grandfather of T.J. and Tom Platts, Ryan and Kevin Catalfu; brother of Jack (Suzanne) Weblow. Proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Korean conflict and will be fondly remembered by his many students from Clarence Jr. High School, he was an avid sports fan. Graveside services will be held Thursday 2 PM at Elmlawn Cemetery, meet at the Brighton Rd. entrance. In lieu flowers memorials may be made to the Autism Society of NC, 505 Oberlin Dr., Suite 230, Raleigh, NC 27605. The family will receive friends at his former residence, Thursday evening through Sunday. Arrangements by the MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME, (639-8890)

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Kupferschleeger Road

Clarence has it's very own notable Halloween spot on the north side of town. Last week's Art Voice picked up on it as it was doing a tour of local spooky areas:

"Lastly we park our butts outside Delaware Road off Transit as the clock inches toward midnight. No one travels down Delaware Road except fanatics like us: a dark road that never sees cars, surrounded by woods. We sit there and listen to the trees. We tell stories about local hicks who hang squirrels and like to eat 16-year-old kids. We look for the mystery of night. Then there’s no more talk, just the beating of our hearts, and the breaths that we take, until someone lights a cigarette and says, “I’m tired. Let’s get out of here.”

The first issue I have with it is the location, obviously. It's not directly off of Transit, rather it's between Goodrich and Salt Roads in the part of town known as Wolcottsburg. Local hicks? Well, this IS campfire scary story time after all.

I also saw another Delaware Road mention online on StrangeUSA from 2006:

"In the early morning hours of spring and fall driving down this old carriage road you can feel a presence of old world culture. If on the right night one can make out a man standing roadside holding a lantern, and two feet on the right or left you can see a young girl waiting with the man for something. Warning: Rumors of a kid beaten pretty badly, please do not stop, it may not be safe."

Oh pooh. What rumors? However it has been little more than a wide heavily wooded trail for over 150 years, so something may have happened. Spooky it is. Not safe? At least it's paved now, which it wasn't in the 60's and before. Driving down two muddy tire ruts going through the closely hovering trees in the midnight hour or any other time brings fears of getting stuck, but that's about it...Of course, if stuck, all those other hobgoblins may come shuffling out of the woods :)

Back in the day when this route was first carved through the forest it was called Kupferschleeger Road (aka Francis Road) after the farmer whose property it bordered. Remember there was a predominant Prussian-German community there at the time. In fact the corner on Goodrich was site to many festivities in the late 1800's, including a beer garden and the first carousal. Probably was spooky then too if someone wandered off.

According to a book written by Clarence alumnus ('84) and teacher Doug Kohler about the North Country of Clarence, the white-sheeted ones came to town in the early 1920's and held a rally deep on the road in 1924. Now THAT'S scary.

The first time I drove my kids down there while killing time they freaked out, and it was broad daylight...Daylight in the outside world that is. The woods have a way of taking time away and replacing it with an otherwordly experience. "Mom, are you sure you know where we are? Mom, can we leave now? Mom?" There's only so fast you can safely drive from one end to the other. Besides, I wanted to savor the atmosphere:)

This Halloween night, or any other time for that matter, check it out for yourself. Woooo!

(HT to Bill)

Clarence Teacher - In Memory of Herbert Bosch

Long time Clarence school teacher Herbert Bosch passed away on October 2, 2008. I never had him for English, but Budd Bailey ('73) recalls him as the teacher that cured him of any interest in reading Shakespeare after junior year elective. However he's willing to concede that Shakespeare was more to blame for that than Mr. Bosch.

The '69 Saga had a two page photo spread in appreciation of Mr. Bosch, and I borrowed a few of the pictures to share here (photo from later years appeared in the News).

From the Buffalo News:

May 16, 1923 — Oct. 2, 2008

Herbert A. Bosch, a retired Clarence High School English teacher, died Oct. 2 in Mercy Hospital. He was 85.

Born in Port Jervis, the Elma resident came to Buffalo with his family in the late 1920s. He attended School 54 and Fosdick- Masten Park High School.

A Navy veteran, Mr. Bosch served on destroyer escorts in the Pacific, Mediterranean and Atlantic theaters during World War II. After the war, he received his bachelor’s degree in education from Wagner College and his master’s degree in education from the University of Buffalo.

Before retiring in 1984, he taught for 31 years, starting at Cattaraugus and Amherst Central high schools. His last 25 years as a full-time teacher were at Clarence High, where he was known for singing “The Night Before Christmas” before the annual holiday break and once narrating a school band performance of “Peter and the Wolf” in Kleinhans Music Hall.

After retiring, he was a substitute teacher at Iroquois Central High School for many years. A lover of history and nature, he volunteered at Tifft and Beaver Meadow nature preserves and was president of the Elma Library board.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Carol Kenline Bosch; five sons, Peter, Stephen, Jonathan, David and Daniel; two daughters, Kathy (Sister Ambrosia) and Janey; a brother, Paul; and a sister, Ruth Becker.

A memorial service will be at 3 p. m. Oct. 25 in St. John’s Lutheran Church on Woodward Road in Elma.

BOSCH - Herbert A. October 2, 2008. Beloved husband of 61 years of Carol (nee Kenline) Bosch; father of Peter (Laurie), Stephen, Jonathan, Kathy (Sister Amvrosia), David (Kathy), Daniel (Melanie) and Janey; grandfather of 19; Opa of 15. Mr. Bosch donated his body to UB. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, Inc. or Tifft Nature Preserve. Memorial service to be held October 25th at 3 PM in St. Johns Lutheran Church, Woodard Rd., Elma.

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Journal Writing and Mr. Ehrenreich

Writing a blog is a lot like writing a journal. I was introduced to the concept of journals in my sophomore year by my English teacher, Michael Ehrenreich.

Generally speaking, the wide-held belief among the class was that by having us scribble away, it freed the teacher to read a book or take care of other business. I don't recall being introduced to subjects for everyone to concentrate on for the day, although I could be wrong. It's been a few years since then.

Sue Wandyez and I sat next to each other and were "literary partners". In other words, we read each other's entries and commented. "Interesting" was about as deep as it got. We learned that from Mr. Ehrenreich too.

Many years later, Deb Moultrup dragged me to some theatrical production, or at least the cast & production crew party afterwards. Mr. Ehrenreich was there. I was finally able to get up the nerve to ask for my journal back, since he had insisted on retaining them. He looked at me like I was stupid or something and said "I threw them out".

Threw them out??? Then why did he want to keep them? Maybe he thought there was a possibility that a mere one of us would become a literary giant, and he could sell donate the journal to a museum for posterity. As far as I can tell, that would have been a waste of storage space. Apparently he later thought so too.

It's not like I really wanted to see how addled my brain could be back then. Shredding it would have been a preferable option. Here I can just hit "delete" (I know, nothing on the internet is gone forever, but retrieving my drivel isn't worth the effort). However, it was my opinion that it was my journal and I wanted it back..."And so, Becky, how does it feel to want?"

Just like in those journal days, maybe tomorrow I'll have something interesting to write about. I think I finally got the hang of it after all these years.

(photo is from the 1969 Saga, by Guy Brand)