This is a place to post comments, photos, whatever...about growing up in the Hialeah Area...or anything else that is on your mind. In the past, we've been using our individual webpages for this purpose, but now we have a dedicated forum on our website. Please note that this forum is "not secure" and that comments you make are available to anyone that visits this website.   Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

We all read about the recent tragic death of Kobe Bryant. That was very sad to lose an iconic basketball player, his daughter, and all the others who perished in the that tragic helicopter accident. That incident brought back memories of the time I played basketball in junior high school.

Henry H Filer Junior High School had one of the top basketball teams in the County my 9th grade year there. I can’t remember many of the names of my teammates, but I do remember Rufi Menendez and Ed Barth (need help with the many other names...Richard Hankin, Tommy Johnson???)…and especially Will Santiago. Rufi, Ed and the rest of us were OK back then, but Will was different…I likened him to one of, if not the best player at our age…think Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry. Will was more like Stephen Curry…slight in size but one who could sink shots from anywhere on the court. When we passed the ball to Will, and that was often….bingo…two points. There were no three pointers back then.

We played our junior high school basketball seasons outdoors…on asphalt courts. We took the wind into account whenever we shot…it didn’t really make a difference in our percentages since we were only in the 9^th grade, but it was a factor in everything we did in South Florida…it was always windy wherever we played. Every time the rest of us missed a shot, we would say it was because of the wind. Will made almost all of his shots…wind or no wind.

Our win record, whatever it was back then, was good enough to get us into the finals for the 9th grade Dade County Championship. The Championship game that year happened to be at Hialeah High School...in the BIG GYM. We thought we were playing in the junior high school basketball equivalent of the Orange Bowl. I don’t even remember who we played that “night,” but I remember the gym being full…maybe 40,000 fans filled the bleachers (well maybe I exaggerated the number by a few thousand, but the stands were FULL). And inside, there was no wind…no heat…no rain…it was nirvana! 

The game was exciting…the fans were loud, very loud…and we were playing our best...especially Will. Will was sinking unbelievable shots from everywhere. It was unfortunate for us that whoever we were playing for the Championship ended up having more points than we did at the end of the game.

Will didn’t attend our 9^th grade graduation exercises, nor did he enroll in 10^th grade at HHS. Will seemed to have dropped out of sight after our last basketball game. I'd be interested in finding out if anyone knew Will Santiago very well at the time, or knows what happened to him.

Thanks,

Vinny

David Briggs

Vinny, I knew and remember all of them, even though they'd probably not remember me and that's okay.  I especially remember Rufi.  Those were the days when the first wave of Cuban refugees had arrived. What a positive addition they were to our community...Rufi being one of them.  Besides being a superlative athelte in each sport in which he got involved, he was an exceptional student and "lady's man".  Quite the looker they thought. He and I had great fun teasing the two Linda's that shared the English class table with us.  It's quite a tribute you're making to Will, but let me tell you, you were no slouch.  It's a team sport and you're a remarkable team player, maybe the backbone of that team...as well as a fine athlete.  I tried to do basketball and softball, but did not come up to the proficiency as others.  So, I retreated to where I had some talents, that being music and acting...it's served me well in the past.  Thanks for the memories, as someone great was famous for saying.  That someone is quite venerated in my beautiful city of San Diego...touching statues and more.  That someone being Bob Hope.  Thanks again.  David Briggs

James Ward

I remember Richard Hankin and Tommy Johnson. I think Tommy became a Hialeah Policeman

Irene Owens (Phillips)

I knew Tommy Johnson. Richard Hankin was real popular. That is all I remember. I know you knew my brother Phillip Owens from FP&L.

James Ward

How’s Phil doing?

Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

To all of our classmates and their spouses, significant others and guests:

This is to announce Jack Krouskroup's 5th Annual Class of 1964 Roundup in Ormond Beach (well technically it wll be held in Port Orange), Florida starting at 3 pm on March 12, 2020. This one, like the last is going to be held at the famous Aunt Catfish's On the River restaurant (4009 Halifax Drive, Port Orange 32127) which is just east of the intersection of US 1 and Dunlawton Avenue. We need to thank Nancy Lundblom Blizzard for again making the reservation for our group: she or Tim must know the owner well as getting reservations for a large group like ours at this restaurant, especially during Bike Week, is tougher than getting tickets to the Super Bowl! Having mentioned Bike Week, like our last Roundup, it will be held during the annual Bike Week in Daytona Beach...kind of a fun event for some, especially those who come from all over to drive their motorcycles up and down the streets day and night, while a real pain for others...especially those who live in the area.   

We plan on starting around 3 pm...yes, that's early bird time in Florida! In the past, the manager and staff began giving us the evil eye at 5:30 or 6 pm...they wanted us to either buy more drinks or leave. Once we get the feeling we are overstaying our welcome, again like last year, everyone is welcome to come over to our home in Ormond Beach to continue visiting and reconnecting. 

If you would like to join us at Aunt Catfish, please email Jack Krouskroup at "seetl1@aol.com"  or call him on his cell at 954-494-0967.  Space is limited and since the restaurant can easily fill every table without us, we must let the restaurant know how many will be attending.

So far, we have Jack Krouskroup, Nancy Lundblom Blizzard and Tim Blizzard, Nancy Berthiaume Rusinak and Vince (Vinny) Rusinak attending. Periodically, I'll provide updates in this forum to let you know who else will be attending. 

Hopefully we'll see Roundups in other areas of the state...or even outside of Florida in the near future. For example, we have lots of classmates living in the Atlanta area. Are there one or more classmates that are willing to take on organizing a Roundup? It's really simple. You just need to make a reservation in a centrally located restaurant (nice, but not too expensive). Everyone pays their own tab.  Like we did to start, it was very informal...we didn't take names and whoever showed up we found a table for all of us. If you organize it, I will publicize your Roundup on our class website. Let me know if you have any questions about putting on a Roundup.  

Vince (Vinny) Rusinak 

Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

Here are the names of those who have already signed up for the Ormond Beach Roundup on March 12, 2020: 

Jack Krouskroup

Sergio Siller (64) and Anne Siller

Tom Prescott (64) and Janet Platt Prescott (64) plus two guests

Gene Baker (64) and Shirley Baker

Janet Phillips Davis (64) and William Davis (61)

Gary Licko (64) and Carol Licko

Jim Coole (64) and Karen Coole

Lynn Anderson Dewhurst (64) and Jack Dewhurst (65)

Nancy Lundblom Blizzard (64) and Tim Blizzard (65)

Nancy Berthiaume Rusinak (64) and Vince (Vinny) Rusinak (64)

Ray Valdez (64) and guest

Melvin "Jack" Krouskroup

Vinny, thanks for posting the current list of participants. It goes without saying that every opportunity missed is an opportunity lost, we aren't getting any younger, if you live in the area or even have to travel, try to make the "roundup." 

Here is my list of people in my past I'd like to see: Steve Boemler- neighbor, Cindy Johnson-neighbor, Leroy Caulder-neighbor, (may be class of 65) and Diedra Williams- prom date. 

Post your list and maybe we could get them to attend.

Jack

Bill Coffeen

I am flying in to attend ... will be there the evening of the 11th and flying out early Saturday morning. Any one coming in on the 11th or staying over on Friday ... let's have dinner together ...

I will be there !

Bill Coffeen

Myra Kratochvil (Cooley)

My husband and I were planning on attending the Ormond Beach roundup. We were really looking forward to it! However, before the dates were released, I had volunteered to help at my grandsons school that Thursday and Friday! Maybe next year!?

Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

Here are the names of those who have already signed up for the March 12, 2020 Ormond Beach Roundup as of March 12 (total of 23): 

Brenda Becker Egles (64) and Tom Egles (6?)

Dave Britton (64) and Shelia Britton plus 2 guests

Lynn Anderson Dewhurst (64) and Jack Dewhurst (65)

Gene Baker (64) and Shirley Baker

Larry Donnelly (65) and Camille Donnelly

Tom Gould (64)

Jack Krouskroup (64)

Gary Licko (64) and Carol Licko

Nancy Lundblom Blizzard (64) and Tim Blizzard (65)

Larry Pederson (64) & Jill Pederson

Janet Phillips Davis (64)

Noreen Sours Olson (64) and Jimmy Olson

If you would like to join us at Aunt Catfish, please email Jack Krouskroup at "seetl1@aol.com"  or call him on his cell at 954-494-0967.  Space is limited and since the restaurant can easily fill every table without us, we must let the restaurant know how many will be attending.

Nancy Lundblom (Blizzard)

Thanks for posting , Vince.  The restaurant has asked that we verify the number of people attending the day before, so if anyone else plans to attend please let Jack know.  We are looking forward to seeing everyone again!

Ray Valdez

Join us for our first Luncheon of 2020 at Vignetos Restaurant 1342 SW 160 Ave

Weston, FL 33326 Date unknow due to (covid-19).

Melvin "Jack" Krouskroup

Just a quick note to everyone who plans to attend the March 12 "roundup" at Aunt Catfish......It's still on,. to date, this area doesn't have Covid19 issues. A few have canceled but most of those were people who were flying in. See you there 3:00 till ? Every oppertunity missed to see old (not really old) friends is an opportunity lost.

Jack

Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

The Jack Krouskroup Roundup #5 at Port Orange Florida on March 12th, 2020 is in the record books. Jack provided two photos of the event...you can see them by clicking on Local Roundup Photos on the left side of this page and then click on Port Orange Roundup 2020. If you took photos during the Roundup you can share them with our classmates simply by clicking on "create  your own photo gallery here." 

Interestingly, this was also the day that the world seemed to come to a stop due to the Coronavirus. Schools at all levels were closing; entertainment and sports venues were cancelling their programs; the Players Golf Tournament just up the road in Pointe Verde had players and spectators attend the first round on Thursday and then suddenly and unexpectantly cancelled play Friday through Sunday (this is where Nancy and I had the photo you see of us taken...a few years ago)! And we thought hurricanes wreaked the ultimate havoc when we were growing up! 

They say that all of us are in the "high risk group" if we catch this disease. Do stay safe.

Vinny

Melvin "Jack" Krouskroup

The 5th Ormond Beach Florida "round-up" has come and gone, till next year. The following is a list of attendees.

Jack Krouskroup, Nancy & Tim Blizzard, Janet Davis, Gene & Shirley Baker, Carol Adams Stratman, Dave & Shela Britton, Larry & Camille Donnely, Tom Gould, Brenda Becker & Tom Egles, Lynn & Jack Dewhurst, Noreen & Jim Olson, Larry & Jill Pederson.

Thank you to all who made it, the venue was as last year, perfect. Good conversation and a chance to rekindle old friendships (sorta literally). 

Pictures were taken with my cell phone so they may not be as clear as last year. I'm technically challlenged for that reason I forwarded photos to Vinny to post. People that took pictures please post them here.

Administrator's (Vinny) note: to see the photos Jack and Lynn Anderson Dewhurst sent, go to the left sidebar and click on Local Roundup Photos. Then Click on Port Orange Roundup 2020. Those that attended, you are encouraged to add your photos!

To all classmates and their significant others, be safe and see you next year.   Jack

Wayne Case

Vince asked me to post information about the Coronavirus. I have been a practicing  physician in South Florida for over 45 years.  We  have 3 offices and are now testing patients for the infection. ------Corona virus is a single stranded RNA virus that  attacks birds, mammals including humans.. The new Coronavirus disease (Corona – 19 also called Covid-19)  is a new strain that was  discovered in 2019. We have been subjected to many types of influenza viral infections in the past. Some of the recent ones that come to mind are the SARS virus. Other viral infections in the past have been in 2009 Swine flu, the Hong Kong flu in 1968 and the Asian flu and 1957. This type of coronavirus (Corona– 19) appears to be highly contagious. Probably 2 to 3 times more contagious than the regular flu infection. Some of the previous i influenzas have attacked various ages of our society. Previously, it was the younger population. At the present time it's the older population. The symptoms that manifests itself as the  Coronaviirus disease are  shortness of breath, cough, low-grade fever that gradually increases in temperature. People often suffer from general malaise and fatigue. Sometimes this is a very light illness particularly in the younger people. In the over 60  age group it can progress to pneumonia and death.   At the present time there is no vaccines although there're some being tested to make sure there's no side effect from those vaccines. The best way to prevent the disease is to follow some basic behaviors that protect yourself and others from the virus. The best way to do this is social distancing. This way you are separating yourself from any possible infected person. Sometimes the incubation period can be from 2 to 14 days and it's difficult to know if that person is infected. It's best to separate yourself from infected individuals and healthy individuals. This distancing between individual should be 6 feet and do not make any contact with hands or other close contact if possible. Nonetheless, you should always wash your hands several times a day particularly if you're touching anything. Also cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or even your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. The best advice is probably stay home and avoid contact with other people for a period of time. That length of time is undetermined at this time as we do not know how safety parameters that are being put in by the government to ensure that the disease does not continue to spread. It is better to wash your  hands as opposed to use the sanitizer.  Keep your hands in good condition,  moisturizing them often. Do not wear gloves, instead of washing your hands. The facemask is unlikely to be any benefit if you're not sick. If you are sick definitely use a facemask.  These precautions should  be taking place particularly in the elderly 60 and over, like us. The mortality rate is only 2% (if hundred people contract it, only two people will die. These usually are the older people with other concomitant health issues.  In the past 45 years of practicing I've seen many viral influenzas come and go. This one appears to be more contagious and more lethal so we should go the extra distance in  prevention to stop the spread of this disease.  And always remember, that there's a point where this will recede and we will be back to normal again. How long that will take will depend on us.. A lot of the information that is being given by the health department is excellent and I would strongly follow their advice. I should also mention that there is some medications that people can take that the recent studies suggest will prevent or treat  a case of coronavirus. That drug is chloroquine which I am presently taking myself once a week.  Another drug that is  a newer drug is used to treat the prevention of HIV infections. This is more costly drug. Because this virus is new there have  been no research  studies on how effective this treatment is. I would be happy to answer any text  questions from any classmates. 

James Ward

Thanks,great information 

Nancy Lundblom (Blizzard)

Thank you for posting this.  I was just listening to the President talk about chloroquine phosphate and the studies they are doing on it.

Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

Thanks Wayne. You gave us great information...and most importantly...hope. After learning about chloroquine from Wayne, I asked my primary care physician if he would recommend it for me. Interestingly, he had not heard that this drug, used to treat malaria, might also be effective in treating the coronavirus. Of course today chloroquine was addressed in the President's coronovirus update. For your information, here is the link to an informative article published today by Newsweek on Hydroxychloroquine and Kaletrea, the drug I believe Wayne was referring to that is used primarily to treat HIV but is now being considered to treat the coronavirus: https://www.newsweek.com/hydroxychloroquine-malaria-drug-coronavirus-fda-1493293 .  

Update April 2: Here is an article from syndicated journalist Ruben Navarrette about another South Florida physician supporting the use of this drug: https://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODN/TheGazette/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=THEGAZETTE%2F2020%2F04%2F02&entity=Ar01502&sk=028C8F9E&mode=text . 

Richard "Tr" Anderson

Many of us took this drug on a weekly basis while in Vietnam to prevent Malaria.

Sonia Carus (Kaiser)

Hello Classmates,  I must first apologize for my lack of input to this website.  I know your names - so many of you, and I remember your faces, but there are so many of you that I did not know personally.  So, I rarely post since you most likely do not know who I am.  But you are all in my memory and now in my heart as together we face this disaster that has struck our country.  I received a text from the Surgeon General saying that anyone 65+ should stay at home.  Well, that's all of us!  Imagine - we are the old ones!  Interesting isn't it that with all of our scientific and medical knowledge, this "thing" has paralyzed our entire country. In the end, there is only one source.  This is mine: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear. (Psalm 46:1)  My prayers are with all of you. Sonia Carus (Kaiser)

Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

I am sure EVERYONE has the coronavirus issue on their minds! Now that our first responders are hopefully getting sufficient masks to protect themselves, the CDC has reversed their stance on wearing a mask whenever we might come near others. I think until they come up with a vaccine, like they do for the flu, or something that works to treat this virus, hopefully like chloroquine, we need to do the social distancing and everything else they say to do to protect ourselves and others.

I had an old "N95" construction dust mask that I used once to keep from ingesting sawdust when cutting wood with my Skilsaw. I recently pulled the mask off my workbench and when I did the rubber straps that hold it on my ears disintigrated in my hands. So, I improvised and found some long rubber bands that I used to repair my "N95" mask. I then decided I would wear my repaired mask to be safe shopping at Sam's Club. I sat in the car a bit to muster up the courage to put it on and walk through the store...hoping I wouldn't see anyone I knew. These "N95" masks are huge. When I put the mask on, my glasses immediately fogged up. I held my breath when I needed to negotiate a curb or grab a shopping cart or show my membership card. I began to wonder how our first responders, who wear glasses, are able to do their jobs while wearing these masks...without breathing! Anyway, I made the fastest trip through Sam's Club that I ever did...especially since all the drink machines were wrapped over with plastic...which is usually my first stop. I didn't see anyone I knew...whew! My mission was to get a box of the inexpensive food handler plastic gloves to use as substitutes for the blue, and much more expensive, medical nitrile gloves that everone seems to be wearing. I think the food handler gloves work great for opening doors, pushing elevator buttons, and grabbing groceries from shelves. They are very cheap, so I use them once and throw them away. As an added precaution, I then wash my hands for at least 20 seconds. Nancy, I swear I do this everytime!

So, I have one "N95" mask. I thought about buying a sterilization machine to extend its life. But then I looked at all the machines and wondered...do they really do what they say? Do they kill all viruses? Is the 99.9% kill rate they tout accurate? And if they are correct, what about the 0.1% of the viruses they don't kill? That 0.1% is enough to take me down. Do I take the risk?

Today, in our local newspaper, they showed how we could use a cloth bandana as a virus prevention mask. I went to the website they recommended. Nancy gave me a bandana to use to see if I could make a mask with it...and I did. It's easy. And once you use the mask, you can take it off, throw it in the hamper, and it will magically come back to you washed (sanitized), folded and ready to be used again and again (I just hope Nancy doesn't read this posting...the washing and folding magic might go poof...in an instant!).

So, if you are interested in making your own coronavirus protective mask, here is a website that will help you do so:  http://blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie . 

Be safe!  And I hope to see you at one of our future Roundups...after we all get vaccinated from this coronavirus! 

Vince "Vinny"

We'd like to hear from you. Don't be bashful about posting anything that's on your mind on our class website. 

Melvin "Jack" Krouskroup

The hospital mass mask sterilization protocal uses Hydrogen peroxide to mist and re-use masks for up to 20 uses. I put peroxide in a mist sprayer and spray both the inside and outside of my painters mask (hope it works). One more thing I dry it in direct sunlight ultra violet light from the sun is also the virus killer, in Florida the land of sunshine, makes that easy.

Jack

Myra Kratochvil (Cooley)

Thank you for the valuble information! I have not been able to find masks anywhere! I did have a few tucked away for allergy season which I can now reuse!