Darlene Stedman:  

Hi Classmates, My maiden name was Darlene Bologansky when I graduated from North Syracuse High School in 1968. Back then I wasn't real popular, cool, or outstanding as a student. I guess you could say that I was painfully shy. I had an older brother Michael who graduated a year ahead of me. [For anyone who may have known Michael, sadly he passed away in 1993. He died from a blood clot after a surgery he underwent. I would like to hear from former classmates who knew him. My brother was a class cutup, so there must be some amusing stories to share.] I was a member of North Syracuse High School's color guard (guide girls). It was fun being part of the color guard because we participated in competitions with other schools and performed at our home football games. I remember marching in place with my back against the gymnasium wall and practicing our routines with the flags. Like many other students I enjoyed cheering for our football team. I really liked watching our home games at night under the lights and marching with the band. The highlight of my senior year was marching in the old open-air Archbold Stadium at Syracuse University during the halftime. After graduation, I went to work for a variety of manufacturing plants in Central New York. Among the places I worked were Will and Baumer Candle Company, Carrier Corp., Bristol, and Inland Fisher Guide. Of all the factories where I worked, I spent more time (19 yrs.) at Inland Fisher Guide. I drove a forklift, set-up machines, performed assembly work, and supervised other workers. Much of the time I worked the night shift, which entailed driving to work while most everyone else, was on their way home and working when most people slept. Over the years, I endured a succession of lay offs and recalls, which mirrored the health of the economy overall. I met my future husband Ron at a self-defense adult education class that was held at Roxboro Road Middle School. The class was a lot of fun and afterward we all went out to the Chef Italia in K-Mart Plaza to socialize. I fell head over heels for Ron, but not right away. We dated for about a year and a half before we tied the knot in 1975. I had the good sense to know a keeper when I saw one. Besides, how could I not fall for a man who would bake a heart shaped cake for me on Valentine's Day? Yes, he did that! If I were to describe him, I would have to say he was the nicest person you would ever want to meet, the strong, silent type, and always there to lend support. Ron also shared my passion for travel and adventure. I love to travel. The first time I traveled overseas was in 1972 with my friend Pauline. We took a 15-day tour of Europe that included eight countries: France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Holland, Monaco, Italy, and England. The following year we toured Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. We weren't rich by any means, but we managed to save enough for these trips. Both of us were still living at home with our parents, which may have helped quite a bit. I've also been lucky enough to visit Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Australia, New Zealand, and much of the good old USA. Through the years, I've participated in competitive sports that include racquetball, tennis, karate, bowling, softball, golf, and running. I've found that exercise is a lot more fun if you play sports. It is a great way to meet interesting people too. I really enjoy team sports like bowling, softball, golf (Captain and Crew), and running in the Corporate Challenge because of the camaraderie shared with my teammates. Individual sports are challenging because you are always trying to improve yourself. For many years I belonged to The Meadows and Sundown where I joined leagues in...Expand for more