Yes, The Raven has returned! Not as an old-fashioned newspaper, but as a 21st-century blog to keep our classmates up-to-date on the details of our 50th Reunion scheduled to place in Early Fall 2023. Because we know not all of our classmates are on social media, all of our announcements will be simultaneously posted both here and on our Facebook page to allow greater access to all of the latest and up-to-the-minute reunion news and information. So don't forget: Please check here regulary now until our reunion!

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March 16, 2024: Hi, All!

Apparently with so much happening at Casa Calamia/Reunion Central these days, I totally forgot to send out the first update to the 2023 edition of our Class Directory last month. (It’s all good, just busy!) It now features four additional pages scattered throughout (including an index and a new poem by Camille Vettraino on page 3, plus a few slight modifications here and there).

If there’s interest, we’ll do an annual update to help keep our contact info current.
The directory was just sent via email to everyone on our contact list. If you didn't receive it or aren't on our email list (tsk, tsk), please send me a message via the "Contact Us" page or an email to our class account and we'll make arrangements to get it to you.

FEB. 24, 2023: Get your calendars out and mark the date: It's time once again for the much-anticipated Annual Get Together sponsored by the Coccia Family!

JAN. 26, 2024: We've had a number of submissions for the Class Directory Update, so here's one last chance to participate before I get on it. Please do so by Monday, Jan. 29 at noon!

 

Here‘s the link: https://bennyhigh73.com/custom_form

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ACTION ITEM: Updates to Class Directory? Sorry You didn't participate???

JAN. 12, 2024: Since we released the Class Directory a short while ago, I’ve had a couple people reach out and express regret they didn’t submit their contact info. I’ve also had someone ask that we change an email address. And another had submitted a special piece for it that I dropped at the last minute to keep the directory to an even number of pages.

So with all of that in mind, I’m willing to add a couple of pages and issue a second edition if there’s interest and enough content to fill two more pages. Therefore:

• IF you’ve decided you’d now like to have your contact info/bio included in a second edition of the Class Directory, or;
• IF there’s an error in or change to your contact info you’d like corrected;
• THEN simply send me a FB Message or an email to bennyhigh73@tt.net by JANUARY 16, 2024 – and if there’s enough interest, we’ll gladly add the extra pages. I’ll then contact you with instructions on how to submit the information.

Thanks. I’ll keep you posted!

Don

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DEC. 30, 2023: This year we ring in the New Year with an NCAA Championship on the line - and Bill George strikes again with a musical look at this anxiously awaited event between Michigan and Alabama on New Year's Day!

So click this link for the 15th chapter of Bill's series, Catch You on the Flip Side:
https://bennyhigh73.com/thewhy

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DEC. 23, 2023: Merry Christmas!
Nothing signals the start of the holiday season more than the ubiquitous Christmas tunes that flood the airwaves. And so if you’re not yet in the Christmas spirit, you WILL be after checking out the 14th (and Christmas-themed) chapter of Bill George’s popular series, “Catch You on the Flip Side!”

(It will also give you a chance to check out our refreshed website - which still needs some updating, but which finally looks great on all devices!)

And if you have any suggestions for what you’d like to see in future installments, please let us know!

CLICK THE LINK for our Christmas Treat to all our classmates:
https://bennyhigh73.com/thewhy

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Dec. 14, 2013 (updated):
Attention Class of '73: Our 50-Year Class Directory is now available. If you are on our email list, you should have received it earlier this afternoon.

 

If you're NOT on our email list: Because this is a public site, we're not comfortable attaching the directory here to download. So if you did not receive the directory by email, please either (1) send us an email, or (2) send a message via the "Contact Us" page of this website and we'll arrange to get a copy to you.

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Nov. 15, 2023: POST-REUNION SURVEY

 

As a final project related to our 50-year reunion weekend, we've released a survey get your feedback on what we did right, what we messed up and what you’d like to see happen in the future.
 

It’s a short, 15 question (or so), mostly multiple-choice survey, and the system tells me it should take 5-7 minutes to complete.
 

Please note that even if you did NOT attend any of the reunion events, we’d like you to complete the survey, as your participation will give us important information to keep in mind for next time. (It covers a lot of territory!)
 

The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, December 1 at noon.
 

(If you’re curious about the responses, those who complete the survey SHOULD see a summary of the results as of that point.)

Important: If you are not on our email list or a member of our Facebook group and wish to participate, please send us an email (or a message via the "Contact Us" tab) and we'll send you the link. We're not posting it here to avoid spam and illigitimate responses.

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Nov. 11, 2023: The family of TONY MAINELLA has released the details of his local memorial. Please see the image below for complete information.

 

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OCT. 17, 2023: With our 50-Year Reunion Weekend now behind us, it's time to refocus on completing our Class Directory. If you haven't already done so, please log on to our website and enter your information by October 31st. Include as much or as little about yourself as you'd like, but please participate! The more of us that participate, the more useful it becomes!!!

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Oct. 6, 2023: The final reminder (and I’m sure you’re THRILLED to read that)!

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Oct. 5, 2023: Fifty-Fifty: It's always fun (and there's more than one chance to win)

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OCT. 3, 2023: As promised, here's our final video promoting our reunion this weekend.

 

We ask that all attendees watch all 4 minutes of it in order to be brought up to date on the complete schedule, especially the Mass and Brunch time and location changes.

 

We want everyone to be at the right place and at the right time for all events!!!

 

(Best if watched in HD1080p!)

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>>> ANOTHER IMPORTANT NOTICE #2<<<
 ABOUT OUR MASS

 

Oct. 1, 2023: Forgive me, classmates, for I have sinned! Although I updated the website at the time this change occurred, I could have SWORN I sent out and posted notices to everyone - but apparently I'm getting old and forgot!

 

So not only did the brunch change, but about a week before THAT happened, so too did the MASS location and time! (But not by much!)

 

Here are the details. More info to come in our final video...

 

(It’s been a crazy last couple of weeks, folks…)

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>>> IMPORTANT NOTICE <<<
 REGARDING OUR BRUNCH

Oct. 1, 2023: For the second time in a couple of weeks, circumstances beyond our control have forced us to make changes to our schedule – this time to our Brunch! (Grumble, grumble!) Please see the image below for details. A short video will be released tomorrow (Monday) with more details.

 

Please note that this will be a cash-only event, as payment will be made directly to us at the door rather than to the venue.

 

If you registered for Brunch, please send us a quick email with a quick note letting us know you're aware of this change! (Bennyhigh73@att.net)

 

Thanks - and once again, we apologize for the inconvenience!!!

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Sept. 29, 2023: Stan's obituary:

CLICK HERE:

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Sept. 28, 2023: From Jim O'Connor: RIP to boyhood friend Stan Osdras in this photo from 2007 in a suite at Comerica for a Tiger game with a group of boyhood friends from Benedictine HS and Detroit CC.  Stan is in the front with the "D" shirt.  Fought a 20 year battle with cancer and owned and worked his auto repair business in Redford for most of it.  All of us loved him as he could laugh at himself and was always someone you could look to for help.  He was the President and I was the Vice President of our class and  Student Council.  Did not run for President because I knew Stan would win in a landside and he worked way harder than I did as an officer.  He will be missed by many. Have a cold one Manley and relax and watch the Lions game tonight with all of the Saints already there.  Looking forward to having one with you again.

God Bless

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Sept. 23, 2023:
Only two weeks from today the fun begins...

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Sept. 18, 2023: Based on reservations as of Monday morning, our 50-year reunion will be the best attended of them all, with 90 signed up so far - many of whom never attended a past reunion or haven't joined us in decades! (And we're up to 44 at the brunch!) So here's your last chance to join in the fun!

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SEPT. 15, 2023: Hi, Everyone. I received a text message from Stan Osdras yesterday confirming he won’t be at our upcoming reunion because he’s now under hospice care as a result of cancer. So please keep Stan and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

 

And while he’s not up for visitors, an email or text message or other such communication might help brighten his day.

 

 

Don

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Sept. 13, 2023: Reunion ticket deadline is this weekend. As Greg said in our recent video...

 

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Sept. 9, 2023: In this week's episode of "A Benny High '73 Minute," Pastor Jim Lowe invites our class to "come home" to St. Scholastica on October 8. IMPORTANT NOTE: Because of a conflict, the time and location of our Sunday Mass have changed slightly. Please watch the full video for complete details.
 

For best viewing, watch in HD 1080p!
 

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Sept. 6, 2023: The mugs have come in and they look GREAT! So do the visors and hats. Buy yours NOW and pick them up at either the reunion or the brunch!
 

CLICK HERE for Benny Merch details:

https://bennyhigh73.com/3/miscellaneous5.htm
 

CLICK HERE for tickets, reservations & merch:

https://bennyhigh73.com/3/online_payment.htm

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Sept. 5, 2023: Hi, Everyone! I talked with a classmate earlier today, whose out-of-town guests made reservations for this past weekend at one of the hotels mentioned on our reunion website. His recommendation: If you booked there, cancel your reservation!

 

The hotel is the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Livonia. (It was #10 on our list; it’s been removed.)

 

The hotel smelled bad, the pool was cloudy, roof construction is going on (the hotel itself was looking a bit shabby), and the room was unacceptable. They canceled and went elsewhere.

 

So if you’ve booked there, please take this recommendation seriously and consider changing your reservation.

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Sept. 4, 2023: Cheryl Wizinsky Lord attended the Celebration of Life for Tony Mainella this past Saturday at The Beach Bar in Fort Myers Beach, FL. It took a bit of an effort to find, as it turned out it really was an outdoor bar on a beach served by a liquor truck (their version of a taco truck) with entertainment provided by an excellent band. About a hundred people were there and Cheryl left after a couple of hours impressed by how much Tony was loved and respected there. (He even had his own table that no one was allowed to sit at.) Of those there, she knew him the longest and came armed with the page from our senior yearbook that included his photo; they were thrilled to see it - and they invited Cheryl up on stage to talk about him. I suspect his celebration here in Michigan won't be quite the same.

(Cheryl is wearing the dress in the final photo. She laughed that she was obviously over-dressed for the event!)
 

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Sept. 4, 2023: Do you live out of town and are thinking of attending the reunion? Or are you planning on coming to both the Saturday and Sunday events but don't want to drive home Saturday night? See what Mary Hall LoCasio suggests in this latest episode in our series of short reunion videos, "A Benny '73 Minute!"
 

(For best viewing, watch in HD 1080p!)
 

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Aug. 31, 2023: To purchase reunion tickets, make brunch reservations
or buy Benny Merch, CLICK THIS LINK:
https://bennyhigh73.com/3/online_payment.htm
 

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Aug. 28, 2023: According to Tony's daughter, a Celebration of Life will also be held in Michigan sometime in mid/late November. Details will be forthcoming.
 

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Aug. 27, 2023: It's all about us: Our reunion weekend is only 6 weeks away, and so in this second weekly episode of “A Benny ’73 Minute,” Bill George encourages students and teachers “to come home” and reconnect with the Great Benedictine Class of 1973!
 

(Please note: For best viewing, watch in HD 1080p!)
 

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Aug. 22, 2023: We're on an unfortunate roll today: Joe Dogariu, who taught gym (and if I remember correctly, may also have been a counselor) at Benedictine in the early-to-mid 1970s, has passed away. Services are tomorrow in Royal Oak (Wednesday, Aug. 23). Please keep Joe and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
 

Thanks to Jim O’Connor for sending this along.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS:
https://www.desmondfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Joseph-G-Dogariu?
obId=28621227&fbclid=IwAR0Ex67n1zKgtZM
4HSQTsihY7Vo0nZglIMSjhiSQ2EWTiS2KcnKJjcaFeX8

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Aug. 22, 2023: TONY MAINELLA UPDATE: I’ll post funeral details once they’re available. May he rest in peace.
 

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Aug. 21, 2023: Larry Coccia forwarded this information about Tony Mainella so that I could pass it along to our fellow classmates. I'll provide updates as they're sent to me.
 

Please keep Tony and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Aug. 19, 2023: We're not sure how to top Bill George's smash-hit 11-part extravaganza, but we're gonna try with this new series of short videos featuring members of the reunion committee discussing a different reunion-related topic each week! And so to get things rolling, here's Episode 1 of "A Benny '73 Minute" – and guess who it's hosted by? (Ahem!) Enjoy!

For best viewing, watch in HD 1080p!
 

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Aug. 7, 2023: Our class reunion weekend begins two months from today, and so members of our reunion committee got together after a recent meeting to send you this message. (Best if watched in HD!)
 

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Part 11 of 11: Our Class Song… Finally, eh?

Part 10 of 11: “Expect” that you can do just all of that!

Part 9 of 11: We’re All Wasted? – Seriously.

Part 8 of 11: Ready to have a “Ball”? “Puck” Yeah!

Part 7 of 11: This is our time to welcome us all back!

Part 6 of 11: Your #, Only #, Sweet Little #, Happy Birthday Sweet #, and # Candles

Part 5 of 11: Come See About Me? Please and Thank You.

Part 4 of 11: “Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice”

Part 3 of 11: Oldies but Goodies

Part 2 of 11: What’s Playing on WKNR / Keener 13 and CKLW / The Big 8?

Click the link below to read the next chapter of this new series:
https://bennyhigh73.com/3/adbook.htm

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I imagine some of you have been asking yourself, “Why should I attend our 50-Year Reunion Weekend?”

Today we introduce our 11-part weekly series, “Catch You on the Flip Side,” to help answer that question!

So what exactly does “catch you on the flip side” mean – especially as it relates to our upcoming Reunion Weekend?

It’s a phase we often used during the ‘70s. The other side of today is tomorrow, so to catch you on the flip side means to see you again tomorrow (or at our Reunion, to be specific).

It also has that intuitive reference to the songs and records we sang and listened to throughout our years at Benny High!

As such, beginning today and for the following 10 Saturdays Bill George explores the circle of life that connects the music and lyrics of our teenage years to our upcoming 50-Year Reunion Weekend.

So sit back, relax and let the music and lyrics stir within you the desire to reconnect with The Great Class of 1973 this coming October!
 

Part 1 of 11: Huh? Eh? What’s that?

Click the link below to read Chapter 1:

https://bennyhigh73.com/3/adbook.htm

                                                 

For complete Merch details, click the "Merch" tab at left!

 

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MARCH 30, 2023:

The mother of Rita D'Orazio has passed away.  Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Click HERE for details.

 

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Although Benny’s Class of 1973 is still working out a few details concerning its 50-year reunion next year, the planning committee has released the following schedule of events. Full details (including prices, reservation information and more) will be announced by February 1, 2023. Please help spread the word!

(Also invited are members of the St. Scholastica Class of 1969 who went elsewhere for high school!)
 

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Save the date - and please join us at this once-in-a-lifetime event! 

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