Tom Stackrow:  

Life Ah! The 1950's a simpler, less hectic time. Life for me revolved around; family, my Dad's business (the Maple Grove Hotel on Burden Lake), school and friends - Jack Bushell, Brian Caverly, Andy Gauch, Dan Shoemaker & Steve Robelotto. From an early age I knew that I wanted to be an engineer somewhat in my father's footsteps. He was a carpenter by trade and built things that mattered. I have succeeded in my ambitions but I've found that fulfilment means something else entirely. I went to school much longer than expected, served in a number of volunteer capacities, tested the limits of my capabilities and don't ever expect to be just an engineer. 1975 a great year. I was fortunate to find my partner, my best friend and the love of my life all in the same person, Debbie Miller. We married in 1978 and have lived in Pittsburgh ever since. She's a wonderful teacher who's looking to retire at the soonest opportunity. 30 years at the chalk board is enough. She loves the ocean and traveling to exotic locales. She's broadened my horizons and for that I'm sincerely grateful. School Generally I pride myself on my power of recollection. Vivid memories come to mind about: Miller Hill Elementary 1955-1958; Mrs. Sanford, the playground, kissing Missy Schepis, my best friends - Bob Weekly and Dave New; St. Henry's 1958-1962; classes in the American Legion Hall, Mother Pious, washing windows & polishing floors as punishment with my best friend - Paul Mancino, lining up and singing hymns as we entered the building, always third behind Mike Plante and Stephanie Kroneau, my parents being asked not to send me back another year; AP Jr/Sr High 1962-1968; the friends, the teachers, Regents exams, the freedom, working at Millers Grocery, driving to school, being the designated driver long before the term was invented, ski trips and staying out all night with my best friend - Rooster. Too much fun and not enough school work. I was lucky. Except for French, the classes seemed easy. I only went to school for half days in my Junior and Senior years and still had more than enough credits to graduate. I didn't miss much though and my only regret is that I didn't stay close to many friends after graduation. If we went to school together and you're reading this, please e-mail me and we can trade stories about a simpler time. College Clarkson College of Technology was a huge challenge since I'd never been away from home before. The rigors of the engineering program were also a surprise since I had glided through school without much expended effort up to that point. In the midst of the Vietnam crisis Clarkson's biggest protest evolved from the town's effort to close the bars earlier. We led a ...Expand for more