SNUGLife Home

Mary Walston -- 9/3/08

Harry is not doing very well at all. He fell and was taken to UCH where he was checked over and found to have no broken bones or evidence of a stroke, but within four days he contracted a UTI and a staph infection and became deathly ill. He has not recovered from all of that and is now in Fletcher Health and Rehab. Hospice is with him until we know how things are going to go. -- Mary Walston

(Mary is an OLLI volunteer and SNUG member, where she has been our Sunshine Secretary for some years)

Malcolm Moss -- 9/3/08

Malcolm has been quite ill the past six or seven months. In addition to his Parkinson's of 14 years, he developed Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and has been getting chemo for two months. He seems to be slightly improved but doesn't have much energy. He hopes he will be able to resume participation in SeniorNet and SNUG by this time next year or sooner. -- Mary Walston

(Malcolm has been a OLLI volunteer for a year.)

Jane Hammerbeck -- 9/2/08

Jane G. Hammerbeck, 81, of Tampa, Fla., born September 5, 1926 in Johnson City, N.Y., and a graduate of Johnson City High School, Class of 1944. Jane passed over on September 2, 2008 at University Community Hospital in Tampa, Florida, following an unexpected stroke while at the home she shared with her significant other, Mr. Charles Betts for many years. She was actively involved with Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. She was a retiree of General Electric Aerospace Systems Division in Johnson City, N.Y. She relocated to Tampa, Florida in 1986 to be with surviving sons, Eric G. Pike and Duane E. Pike, Tampa, Florida, and his wife, Thelma M. Pike; two granddaughters, Liza M. Pike and Danielle E. Southard and her husband Darrin Southard, and their son and Jane's great-grandchild, Lucas Southard. She is survived by two younger brothers, Onley E. Arnold, Pompano Beach, Fla. and Gary Arnold of Benson, Ariz.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made directly to The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center Foundation, P.O. Box 518, Tampa, Fla. 33601, or you may call 813-222-1039. Send online condolences to www.macdonaldfuneral.com.

To view and sign in to the online guest book, go to: http://www.legacy.com/PressConnects/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=116997111

(Death came quickly and unexpectedly for Jane; we had seen her recently at the Volunteer Appreciation event, August social, and most recently, in a Vista workshop. Jane was a SeniorNet volunteer for many years.

No memorial service was held or is planned, to our knowledge; I have sent a card to her family expressing our condolences. -- Ara Rogers, Heidi Bauer.)

Brenda Peterson -- 9/3/08

Brenda Peterson reported the death of her husband Richard (Dick) Peterson in Cape Cod, MA on August 12. A memorial service was held at the McDonald Funeral Home in Tampa on August 23. -- Marilyn Bartholomew

(Brenda was an LIR student and member of WOW --Writers of Wisdom. )

Cathleen and Laslo Szabo -- 8/29/08

Nancy Sjoberg suggested that we update you concerning our move to NY so that you could share this information with others in the USF Seniornet community.

We have moved back to New York. Both of our daughters and all four of our siblings live up here. In addition, I have been a melanoma survivor since 1993 but had no recurrence and was 'cancer-free'. Then, in 2007, I
was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since 1993 my doctors and treatments have been at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, an establishment into which people wouldn't want membership but once having earned it, do well to
continue attending. Last year was a blur due to surgery and subsequent visits. The need to travel back & forth regularly to NY for procedures and tests at Memorial Sloan-Kettering was draining. So, for health and family reasons, we decided to move back to NY.

It was difficult to leave knowing that there is nothing comparable to SeniorNet up here. Participation in SNUG and SeniorNet was a major highlight for us. The intelligent, caring people like you (and so many others whom we will not attempt to name for fear of forgetting any one of them) are, and will be, sorely missed. We assuage ourselves by peeking at the monthly updates of the minutes and David's Links.

We are doing well but are exhausted by the upheaval of this move. There is still a lot of work to do before we'll feel settled.

Our address is 200 Parkway North, Yonkers, NY 10704.
But we use P.O. Box 740, Yonkers, NY 10704 for all USPS correspondence.

Thank you for all you are doing.
Best wishes to all,
Cathleen & Laszlo

(The Lazlos have been involved with SeniorNet and SNUG for five years.)

Jason Williams -- 8/31/08

Marilyn, My dear friend. I have made it to 95 come Thursday, still living alone, but I have two hours of home help each day. Here with my wonderful Family. Daughter Sarah, Granddaughter Angela G. S Mark and three GG Grand children another on the way. I have learned to like this part of the world better. We are here only 30 miles from Branson, the show center of the central part of America. My family took me to see Noah and the Ark on Fathers day. It was so real and so well performed that I felt like I was experiencing the real one.

How are you ? My home in Tampa has been sold to a couple from India paid for by HUD. That house been a big headache, now that it is over, I will have more time to socialize.
Remember me to the SNUG group, Love to you and them, Jason

Maxine Doyle -- 8/25/08

I am having surgery on my right shoulder on August 28th. Just went to a surgeon in Tampa Tuesday. I have a tear in my right rotator cuff. My right arm will be strapped against my body for 3 months. I can't imagine that. Bill will have to write all the checks, do the cooking, etc. I have been fooling with these doctors here since the end of May and decided to go to Tampa Orthopaedic Institute where Bill had his knees done. This is a shoulder and elbow doctor only. They are great doctors. I probably won't be able to use the computer unless I learn to do it with my left hand. But please send me emails as I should be able to read them. (I hope) -- Maxine

(Maxine has been a SeniorNet coach and member of SNUG for five years. A card is being sent on behalf of SNUG.)

Shirley Miller -- 7/27/08

On July 14 I had surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York to remove a malignant Soft Tissue Tumor--Sarcoma--from my right thigh. This is a rare cancer that first appeared (as a lump) in May and was diagnosed at Moffitt in June. I decided to go to MSKCC because it is the best of the best. I feel great. I go back to NY on July 31 for my follow-up visit, when the doctors will remove the stitches and also tell me whether I have to have radiation or no further treatment.

But that's not all that happened. When my granddaughter Emily and I boarded a Delta Comair flight home at LaGuardia on Friday afternoon, July 18, we felt relieved. But not for long. Shortly into the flight the announcement came that we had to make an emergency landing at Newark airport. The flight attendant omitted the fact that there were serious mechanical difficulties. It was obvious to all that the plane had been flying very erratically. I'll save the details for another time, but it sure was scary. We arrived home, on a much later flight out of JFK, just short of midnight--but safe.

(Shirley Miller is a long time SeniorNet coach, SNUG member and officer.)

Roger Preslar -- 7/25/08

(The following was received from Roger Preslar, SNUG member and SeniorNet coach. A suitable card has been sent on behalf of SNUG)

My back surgery will take place at St. Joseph's Hospital on a date to be determined when I meet with my neurosurgeon on July 31. It's so complicated that two neurosurgeons will be operating on me. Dr. Gene Balis will remove the vertebrae, and Dr. Rakish Kumar will put the two titanium rods and screws in place. Both doctors are absolutely the best in their field according to Steve Parks, my family doctor for the past 24 years.

I'm still not a 100% bionic man because my left shoulder will need to be replaced in the not too far distant future. At that point, I'll have two bionic hips, two bionic shoulders, and a bionic spine. Then you and anyone else can truly call me the "Six Million Dollar Man" aka the Bionic Man.

Warm regards,

Roger

PS As soon as I recover from the back surgery, I want to start participating again in SeniorNet including coaching and attending the monthly SNUG meetings. At the moment, I can't stand upright or walk for two or three minutes without incurring severe lower back pain.

Bill Doyle -- 7/7/08

Hi Marilyn:

Thanks so much for the beautiful card that you sent to Bill. His surgery went very well and he was home in 3 days instead of four as he walked in the hall 100 ft. the day after surgery. We had a little problem with the incision draining in two places, but that is all healed now and his stitches will come out in another 2 weeks. I am sure he is glad that his last knee is done and that he is not a centipede.

Fondly,
Maxine

(see also entry below)

Bernie Spector -- 6/26/08

I am Linda Spector.

I am trying to send all the people who new Bernie a note

to say he passed away on June 26 2008. ...Linda

(Bernie Spector was one of the earliest instructors in the SeniorNet program, teaching the first DOS course among others. See also earlier note below.)

Donna Gilbert -- 6/15/08

"While I'm still recovering from the bilateral hip replacement surgeries over the past 7 months, it was great to see so many of my SN colleagues at the recent SNUG meeting, as well as the Volunteer Recognition gathering the previous week. I've missed everyone and the camaraderie that we have, along with the work that we do. I'll be coaching with Cappy for the second 4-week summer session of his File Management class, and I'm looking forward to getting "back in the saddle." -- Donna

(Donna Gilbert is a long term SeniorNet coach, instructor and one-time Board member.)

Pat Durkin -- 6/12/08

(The office received the following letter from Pat Durkin, SeniorNet instructor)

“Greetings Ara,

When I received a phone call from Cy Gamber informing me that he had something to deliver to me, I had no idea of what was to come my way.

I can not put into words (for me, by the way, a very rare occasion) how very much I appreciate what you and the Board of Directors did for me. To be named an Instructor Emeritus is most gratifying, but to be the first one so named and so honored makes it even more rewarding.

I was a product of the system. I came as a student without a computer and 13 years later left as an Instructor Emeritus. You should be pleased with your program that can give so much to seniors. Keep up your efforts to build even a stronger program now that you have the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute as your vehicle.

Please inform the Board of Directors of my thankful regards for their generous and unique award.

Sincerely yours,

Pat”

Ron Raulerson -- 6/12/08

(The office received the following note from Ron Raulerson, SeniorNet instructor)

Today, I received in the mail a Certificate of Appreciation from two wonderful ladies at OLLI at USF.

This award is very much appreciated and all the great memories associated with SeniorNet/OLLI and USF. There were many extraordinary students that were part of the classes that I was associated with. Of course, the most extraordinary were the instructors and coaches that make the program work and excel. The time I spent volunteering was a special period in my life.

This Certificate will be properly framed and occupy a special place in our home.

Thanks again. Ron Raulerson

Mary Walston -- 6/5/2008

I am sad to tell you all that Harry had to be moved to a secure Alzheimer's facility after an ER visit and three days in the VA Hospital. He seemed to go down very fast once he was admitted to the hospital, and I was unable to bring him back home. I was very fortunate however that the Social Worker was able to find him a nice private room at the Lakeshore Villas Lodge. At the present time he is very angry and refuses to cooperate much of the time. I have been advised to stay away for a while until he settles down and things get better. I feel pretty lost and alone right now. Please say a little prayer for us. Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease. -- Mary

(Mary Walston has been a long-term member of SNUG and currently serves as their Sunshine Secretary)

Bill Doyle -- 5/30/08

(This note was relayed by Marilyn Bartholomew. Bill Doyle is a SeniorNet coach and SNUG photographer.)

On June 13th we have to go to Dr. Bernasek, the surgeon, for Bill's pre-op exam and then on to Tampa General for his pre-op there. He is having his other knee replacement on June 26th. We just hope it comes out as good as the other one he had done last October. We are having the same doctor so it should.

We miss seeing you all at SNUG, but after he get this done we should be able to make it. He had cataract and glaucoma surgery a few weeks ago and that came out great. He can see great out of the eye and no more glaucoma drops every night.

Affectionately,

Maxine

Bernie Spector -- 5/26/2008

Well I received some good news, I am not going to die right away. I do have terminal cancer, it involves my jaw bones and my inner mouth on the right side. It was treated last year with radiation and went into remission. It has since recurred and they may be able to slow it down with some more radiation.. we shall see? In the meantime please limit your mail to me to no videos, or just general stuff. I do enjoy hearing from you all but my computer time is limited and my energy level is low. Thank you so much for you kindness and prayers. --Bernie

(Bernie Spector was one of the earliest instructors in the SeniorNet program, teaching the first DOS course among others.)

Betty Lucas -- 5/22/2008

I want to thank everyone who sent cards, e-mail, and condolences on the death of my son, Vaughn (Bud) Schenck, on Mother's Day, May 11th.

It was not really unexpected, as he had been ill for quite some time, having had a stroke 2 1/2 years ago. We were so very happy to have had him with us for that extra time.

-- Betty Lucas

(Betty has been a SeniorNet volunteer for many years, and currently sits on the SeniorNet Board as Director of Volunteer management)

Bob & Joan Capellini will celebrate 50 years of marriage on May 25, 2008. A party was held in March to commemorate the occasion to enable most of the family members and others to attend.

On the actual date (5/25), Cappy & Joan will spend that weekend at a Bed & Breakfast in the North Georgia mountains. That's 50 years of wedded bliss (for Cappy) - about 3 for Joan (poor lady).

A memorial service will be held for Melvin O. Brown on Saturday, May 17th, 2008, at 2:00 P.M. in the Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Building (Room FAH 101) on the campus of the University of South Florida in Tampa. Mel was the immediate past president of the Florida Genealogical Society and a participant in the Clarion Society, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Learning in Retirement (LIR), SeniorNet, and Seniors Networking Users Group (SNUG), as well as other community activities.

Parking is available just west of the Fine Arts Building in Parking Lot 9A. The parking lot is accessible as follows:

From Bruce B. Downs Boulevard on the west side of campus, turn east onto USF Holly Drive and drive to USF Laurel Drive. Turn right and proceed south. Parking Lot 9A is on your left after you pass the Psychology & Communications Disorders (PCD) Building.

From Fletcher Avenue on the north side of campus and east of Bruce B. Downs, turn south onto USF Magnolia Drive and proceed past the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center to USF Laurel Drive. Turn left (east) and Laurel will curve north. Parking Lot 9A is the first lot on your right.

Please join us for the memorial service. A social gathering with light refreshments will be held immediately afterward in the adjacent courtyard. For additional information, please contact George G. Morgan at (813) 920-0619.

It is with great sadness that I have to report that our friend, a volunteer with SeniorNet and G-SIG, and the immediate past president of the Florida Genealogical Society, Mel Brown, passed away this morning, 6 April 2008. He had recently been diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Mel was a longtime employee of Sears, Roebuck & Co. and Sears Communications Company in Chicago. He transitioned to Advantis, a joint venture of IBM and Sears, and relocated to Tampa, and he retired from that organization.

On April 1, 2008, at age 86, after a long illness, Hillel Aaron Hahn (Chief) passed away. The following day, a group of friends and family members gathered at his home to celebrate his life. Prior to retirement in 1994 and becoming a member of the Learning in Retirement community, Hillel served a career in the United States Navy, retiring at grade of Chief Petty Officer. A second career involved teaching Social Sciences in high school and junior college. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. -- Jim Hurley

("Chief" was the first President of SNUG in 1996. You may view a photo of him as a charter member by clicking SNUG History on the left.)