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).

Theodore Redlein - Forest Lawn

Many times I have walked by the cenotaph (person buried elswhere) erected in Forest Lawn in memory of Theodore Redlein. It is close to a roadway, so I was sure that he would get a flag on Memorial Day, but I bought a small one, just in case. Nope, so I stuck it in the ground, thinking maybe I should have spent a few more quarters on the next size up...

The boy scouts and other volunteers put in place hundreds of flags in the more traditional burial area for those who have served, so maybe this being on the other side of the expanse is why it wasn't on a list.  Wouldn't have been the only one. Maybe because he's actually buried in Belgium. At any rate, it was just something I felt a need to do.  Later on I went by and the urns had been filled with geraniums!

Again, don't know if this was another walker/jogger, family, or there are arrangements with the cemetery to take care of this. However it worked out, he now is definitely remembered! Later, I went to the store to pick up a larger flag.

I also found some of his background online, including this:

Thank you for your service Lt. Redlein, and for giving your life....

The Mound in the Meadow May 30, 2011

Suzie Baker

When I was growing up in Clarence Center the Baker family always converted their large side yard into a skating rink every winter that all the neighborhood kids enjoyed. They had speakers set up for music, and daughter Suzie ran the turntable. A window was right near the rink and frequently she would take requests. We both liked the Beatles along with Alvin and the Chipmunks, but adults eventually intervened, insisting on more soothing notes. An hour later a Beatles tune would sneak through anyway!

Suzie is interwoven into the fabric of Clarence Center as are members of her family. May she rest in peace.

           Date of Birth: February 21, 1950       Date of Passing: November 6, 2010

Age	60
Place of Birth:	Lockport, New York
Place of Passing:	Erie County Home in Alden, New York
Resided in:	Clarence Center, New York
History:	Ms. Baker was a 1971 graduate of Cleveland High School special class. For 25 years she volunteered at Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home in Clarence, NY. She enjoyed meeting all the residents, staff and visitors with that unforgettable smile that radiated throughout her entire life. Suzy became a member of the Clarence United Methodist Church on July 28, 1985. For 9 years she was proudly involved in the Civil War reenactment. An avid bowler for 45 years Suzy also was a fan of the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills.
Family:	She was the loving daughter of the late Wilfred D. and Oneta (Milgate) Baker. Dear sister of Diane Baker of Clarence Center, NY and the late Norman E. Baker who died in 1968. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Viewing info:	Family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-8 PM in the CHILDS FUNERAL HOME LLC, 10 Eckerson Ave., Akron. Funeral services will take place at 11 AM Thursday in the Clarence Center United Methodist Church, 9750 Clarence Center Rd., Clarence Center, NY. Rev. Chuck Smith and Rev. Dr. Richard McConnell will officiate.
Burial:	Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery, Belfast, NY
Memorials:	Clarence Center United Methodist Church, 9750 Clarence Center Rd., Clarence Center, New York 14032 or to Heritage Christian Services, 349 Commercial St., Suite 349, E. Rochester, NY 14445 ( www.heritagechristianservices.org )

Margorie Chase - RIP

Marjorie Chase was a force to be reckoned with, but not in a traditional sense. She didn't pontificate about issues, but rather asked questions, many questions, in an effort to understand point of view of others. In return, many times the respondents got an education on the finer points of a subject and perhaps altered their own viewpoints in the process. As always, Marge listened and questioned with an intensity too often missing in conversation.

Mrs. Chase was a longtime member of the Clarence school board and served as its president for a time. Indeed many of the guest book entries are from people who served with her and are full of admiration for her tireless energy and advocacy. Marge was very active in the community through her last hours, which were spent in a bank board meeting.

The Chase family were long time anchors on the north end of Long Street in Clarence Center. Their house was always open to friends of son Kevin; a touching memorial by one of the friends, Budd Bailey, appears on Notes from an Inquisitive Mind. As Kevin says, it captures the essence of Marge Chase as a person, as a mother, as a friend. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.

From the Buffalo News:

CHASE - Marjorie Lee (nee Cox) August 26, 2009, of Clarence Center, NY, beloved wife of the late John Chase; dearest mother of Kevin (Katherine) Chase of Glastonbury, CT; dearest grandmother of John, Maggie and Julie; daughter of the late Emery William Cox and Nannie Belle Boyd Cox; sister of Jerry (Theda) Cox of Topeka, KS; sister-in-law of Eleanor Vogel Chase of Kennett Square; beloved aunt of nieces and nephews. No prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend memorial service Saturday at 11 AM from The Zion Lutheran Church, 9535 Clarence Center Rd., Clarence Center, NY 14032.

Marjorie was Past President and long time member of The Clarence School Board; Clarence Citizen of the Year in 1984 and chairman of Business Development Board for the Bank of Akron. If desired, memorials made be made to The American Red Cross, 786 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209.

The Next Day

The plane landed two blocks from my mom's house in Clarence Center. She's okay, and we're both grateful for all those who made contact (and those who thought about it). As I was talking to her last night on the telephone a plane went over. I could almost feel her cringe as she remarked on it.

Airplanes are constantly overhead. So much so that most times no one paid much attention, like it was part of the background noise. It'll be a long time before the people of Clarence Center feel complacent again.

The loss of a friend and neighbor hits home even more so than the crash itself. The Wielinski family was well regarded, not only in Clarence Center but also in the Cincinnati area that they previously called home.

Doug was a Vietnam war veteran, a chemist, a former marathon runner, a sports memorabilia collector/seller; also a husband, father, neighbor, and friend to many.

One neighbor will forever remember the generosity of the Wielinski family. At one time her garage needed painting but, being on a fixed income, she couldn't afford to have it taken care of in the immediate future. She became a bit stressed about it. No problem. Doug & Karen reached into their own good natures, bought the paint, and proceeded to paint the garage themselves. Great neighbors. The best.

Now a pile of rubble sits where a loving family once resided. The memories will live on.

Rest in peace.

(picture is a screen shot from Google Earth of 6038 Long Street, scene of crash)

(moving photo galleries Rochester Democrat & Chronicle; some pictures may bring tears to the eyes of even the detached from the immediacy)

Alumni Mom - In Memory of Gretchen Stringer

The following originally appeared as part of a larger post about an alumni mom, Gretchen Stringer, back in July. She passed away Tuesday, peacefully and with her family. This is a tribute to a much admired citizen, volunteer, woman, and mother:

"Gretchen Engstrom Stringer was inducted into the WNY Women's Hall of Fame in 2001:

"Gretchen Stringer walks around with pockets full of energy, humor,inspiration and optimism, all of which she generously shares with anyone lucky enough to bump into her. And there have been scores so blessed over the decades of her business and volunteer careers. Gretchen’s distinctive style of leadership has inspired groups from Girl Scouts to Junior League provisionals, from community workers to businesswomen. Building a house, planning a celebration or serving a client, Gretchen goes the extra mile that makes everything she touches special."

She is highly regarded for her myriad contributions to the community and work in the field of volunteer administration. The Friends of Women's Rights had this to say about Gretchen when listing her as a member of their board of directors:

"Gretchen Stringer has actively served on more than 20 community boards, including the Girl Scouts Council, NABOW, Junior League, and the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, and has received numerous honors for her volunteerism, including induction into the Western New York Women’s Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2005, the Volunteer Administrators of Western New York established the annual Gretchen Stringer Outstanding Award in the field of volunteer administration. Gretchen is currently the President and Owner of Volunteer Consultants."

Perhaps one of her most unique accolades was being chosen to carry the Olympic torch when it traveled through WNY in 1996.

She also served on the Clarence School Board. There's so much else to say about her other contributions, books, classes, seminars, inspirations, recognitions and such. She has not only served on several boards, she has also served down in the trenches.

Now semi-retired, Mrs. Stringer did an interview with WBFO and it can be heard on their site. She was accompanied by NYS Senator Mary Lou Rath, who then participated in the memory conversation (pictured). I'm sure the 40 minutes flew by, just like the years."

STRINGER - Gretchen (nee Engstrom) January 6, 2009, age 83; beloved wife of the late Loren F. Stringer; loving mother of Lizbeth, Pamela, Frederick (Lisa) and William (Giselle Maira) Stringer; cherished grandmother of Elspeth and Neil. The family will be present on Friday from 2-4 and 6-9 PM at the (Amherst Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 5200 Sheridan Drive (Corner of Hopkins Road) where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Friends invited. On-line guest register at www.AMIGONE.com.

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