Stephen Hazam (Hazam)

I've often wondered about Gunnard's life after Needham.  It's great that we can all be connected again.  So many memories.  I just had dinner with Les and Sally McKechnie, who were visiting Hawaii.  I hope to see many of you at the reunion.  Gunnard, we would all like to see you there!

Gunnard Johnston

Walking the ledge ...  I always did it with somebody else, never felt right doing it alone.  I guess I figured if I was going to get in trouble (again) it should be with someone else.    Not just by myself.   Anyhoo, we'd always walk the ledge on the back side of Stephen Palmer, the side that faced the backyards of the houses on Warren Street, just east of the school.   The farthest we ever got was all or most of the way along that back side of the building, moving from the playground area toward May Street.   Not an easy journey.

I will do my best to make to the big event, Steve.   Honestly speaking, I was so shell-shocked by the move away from Needham, right in the "prime of adolesence", I just tried to find my way and keep moving forward when I moved to New Hampshire.   But you never forget where your roots are.   Roots are roots.   I enjoy all the recollections shared on these pages.   Let's keep it up.

Sue Ackerson

Hi Gunnard. I do understand your sentiments about Needham. I had to move to Cincy for my Senior year and still long for my roots in Needham. My Cincy HS reunion is the same time as NHS so I'm not sure where I'll be next Sept. Stay well and happy. 

David Drake

Hi Sue,

I am disappointed to hear that your two reunions are the same weekend. :(

We knew no matter what weekend it was scheduled there would be some classmates who would not be able to make it because of other reunions or family events.  In any case, I am glad that we are able to correspond with you and vice versa through the web site.

Gunnard Johnston

Yes, Sue, there's something about those young years that stick in one's mind.    We're also having a 50th at Concord High, but I don't know the dates yet.

Sue Ackerson

I knew you moved to NH, Gunnard, but I didn't know it was Concord. I went to Conant Elementary in Concord before High Rock in Needham. Eric Nickerson is from Concord as well. He is in FL now. Eric's parents and mine were close friends in Concord as well as Needham. Small world. 

Douglas Chamberlin

I'm currently in Deerfield, NH.

Doug Chamberlin

Gunnard Johnston

It's a small, small world, for sure.  
 

Gunnard Johnston

Doug, I'm just south of you in Derry.   Just moved back to NH (and the U.S.) less than a year ago.

Theresa Centola (Murphy)

Carolyn Campbell (Kay)

New subject: I just ran across something on facebook that I thought might interest one or two nostalgic classmates. Jean Ravinski, also a former Needham High graduate is offering a tote bag with an image of the blue Christmas tree lights we all remember as kids in the town square.. If you're interested, here's the link from her posting. (and nope I'm not her agent or promoter) http://fineartamerica.com/featured/needhams-blue-tree-jean-pacheco-ravinski.html

Janice Whitehead (Mosher)

Carolyn, saw this on FB ,too. It seems a very good idea this year as this is the last year for the blue tree. It is being cut down after the holidays because it is diseased. Hopefully they are planning to replace it with another.

Jeanne Mahoney (Leffers)

Carolyn,  Thanks for sharing.  I only found the cards and prints section but love the image.  So sad to lose the Blue Tree.  Jeanne

Carolyn Campbell (Kay)

I'm so sad to hear of the Blue Tree's demise. Like you, I hope they plant another.

I reposted Jean's ad on my FB page for those that are interested. I don't want anyone to feel like I'm trying to sell things on this forum. It's not the purpose of the forum (and I wouldn't like if it was).

Janet Boodro

David,  Excelent History - it evoked memories and I learned a lot about the town I grew up in.   Thank you so much for taking it on and sharing it with everyone!  

Howie Appel

I remember that blue tree.  I do hope they plan on replacing it!!  Talk about fond memories.

Ellie May Shufro

Hi Folks -- hope this is the right way/place to post a question.  I'm wondering if anyone has kept in touch with an old friend - Bob Baker.  Thanks in advance for any help!  Ellie May Shufro

David Drake

Don Brock Retires as Needham High boys soccer coach after 56 years.

The following information was excerpted from an article in the Needham Times written by Mike Biglin.

"Hyperbole has a tendency to be thrown around a lot in sports writing. But in this instance, there can be no hint of it whatsoever. The facts speak for themselves.  Don Brock is the greatest soccer coach in Massachusetts schoolboy history, and one of the most successful in the nation. And after 56 years leading the Needham varsity boys squad, and nearly 700 wins, the 78-year-old officially announced his retirement from the Rockets program last week. It is a bittersweet end for Brock, who suffered a stroke while coaching on the sidelines during last November's Division 1 state tournament. While Brock was recovering in the hospital, the Rockets went out and completed an undefeated run to the state title - the Rockets' second in three seasons. Brock's final coaching stats are 696-180-127 with 20 Bay State Conference (or League) titles, 15 South sectional titles, 10 Eastern Mass. crowns and 5 Massachusetts state titles. His 1977-1978 teams still hold the national record for 23 consecutive games without surrendering a goal."

For the full story, go to the following web site:

http://needham.wickedlocal.com/article/20150318/SPORTS/150315923/2000/NEWS

Gunnard Johnston

Howie Appel

Wow, I remember Mr. Brock very well.  If I remember, he had short cropped hair and I think he taugh math when I was there.  Am I talking about the same teacher?  Congratulations to Don Brock on a very distinguished career.  I do remember your also being soccer coach.

Michael Riley

bravo to agreat soccer coach and a great math teacher. i am glad to hear his well after he became ill last fall during the soccer tournament. i was amazed when i learned that he was still coaching happy retirement Mr.Brock.

Virginia Day (Barbera)

Mr. Brock was such a great math teacher as well. What a great record as soccer coach. Hope he continues in his recovery. I was very sorry to hear the news of his daughter's passing.

Robert deVeer

Mr. Brock was the teacher who stirred my interest in math.  Thanks for that, and congratulations on an outstanding career.

Deborah Davis (Sturgis)

Mr. Brock was my favorite math teacher.  Math was difficult for me , but with his help,  ( i.e. teaching me repetitively in study time or after school),  I actually learned.    Most of what I learned then has stuck with me.   As a teacher myself , I look back upon his patience and positive attitude with gratitude.   I hope his recovery continues.   Congratulations to him for excelling in many areas of his life and for touching so many young lives in a positive way.  

Carolyn Campbell (Kay)

Bob, I think I could say the same. In fact I got a math degree. He and Mr Chambers were a big influence.