Tom Goodhart, a member of McCaskey's Class of 1980, buried his football jacket a few years ago at the high school stadium.

That's school pride.

After his beloved jacket was damaged in a fire, Goodhart couldn't just toss it. A volunteer assistant equipment manager for the Red Tornadoes, he wrapped the jacket and a football program in thick plastic and buried the package time-capsule style. He won't say where.

A bachelor who lives alone in his childhood home on Pearl Street, Goodhart, 51, is an unofficial Mr. McCaskey, his school spirit infectious. But lately, friends have grown concerned about Goodhart's well-being. They know he's reeling from his mother's death and the loss of his job, and they want to help.

Best known for his dedication to the football team, Goodhart also gives information-packed high school tours to alumni at reunions. He gleans trivia from his collection of McCaskey yearbooks, dating to its 1938 opening.

Goodhart, who worked part time at Whallons gift shop until it closed in December, also organizes his class reunions, and three times a year he tidies the grave of John Piersol "J.P." McCaskey, for whom Goodhart's high school is named.

"Tom has a definite passion for McCaskey High School," said Jon Mitchell, the school's athletic director. "He doesn't like it when 'J.P.' gets left off."

Besides Goodhart's hyper-focus on all things McCaskey, he volunteers for the Red Rose Run, Sertoma Chicken BBQ and other events, and he collects kitschy items such as Happy Meal toys about 850 in original wrappers.

But what's handicapped Goodhart is interests that aren't a strategy for self-sufficiency.

Ever since his mother, Mary Ellen Goodhart, suffered a stroke and died last March 8 as he kept a vigil by her hospice bed, Goodhart has struggled with being on his own. He has told friends, acquaintances and former classmates of his deepening despair.

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Feeling alone: Tough times for 'Mr. McCaskey' after death of his Mom, loss of his job

Written by Megan Corder Tuesday, 22 January 2013 19:21

Former Kent State graduate and Olympic Gold Medalist Gerald Tinker suffered a mild stroke earlier this month and needs financial help from Kent State alumni to cover his medical bills.

Kim Delgado and Wendy Wheaton, friends of Tinkers, organized the Gerald Tinker Fund to help ensure Tinkers financial security during his recovery.

We started the fund to give him time to recuperate, Delgado said. Were trying to get him set up so that he has some kind of stability.

Tinker, who works as a physical trainer, relies on his income on a day-to-day basis. Delgado, who is an actor and screenwriter, has contacted Kent State for alumni support.

We are assisting in trying to make sure that he has a financial foundation to be able to pay his bills and that will be everything from therapy to medications to living expenses while he is rehabbing, Delgado said.

Wheaton, a talent agent for film and television, believes that Tinkers involvement in the community is benefiting the fund.

He is very much in the community, Wheaton said. He is a dynamic kind of guy that has a lot of different relationships with people. From senior citizens, all the way to someone who is in high school that shows potential.

After graduating from Kent State in 1972, Tinker competed in the Olympics that year. He won a gold medal in the 4 x 100 mens relay. Since his experience in the Olympics, he has played football for the Atlanta Falcons and the Green Bay Packers.

Delgado, who wrote Gerald Tinkers story for television, said that Tinkers story intrigues him.

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Gerald Tinker, KSU alumnus and former professional athlete, suffered a stroke January and needs financial help to pay ...

The fifth time's apparently a charm. At least for recently crowned Miss USA Nana Meriwether it was. A former All-American volleyball star at UCLA, Meriwether lettered all four years of high school in volleyball, basketball and track and field in Washington D.C., and unlike most, she didnt make her way onto the beauty-queen scene until well after her highly-successful volleyball career came to an end.

Despite a late start, it was her background in athletics that helped lay the groundwork for her career in the pageant business.

I missed competing and having a goal, said Meriwether. [When] competing for pageants there is a physical aspect that you have to get your body to a certain way and I miss having that through sports.

Meriwether entered in the Miss California pageant for four straight years from 2008-2011, but could only come as close as second place in 2008. Perseverance was key for the 27-year-old, who in her final year of eligibility moved back to the East Coast to compete in the Miss Maryland pageant.

After finally winning the coveted state crown in 2012, Meriwether earned herself a spot in the Miss USA competition. From there, history was made.

Meriwether was named first runner-up to Miss Rhode Island, Olivia Culpo, who went on to win Miss Universe six months later. With the new vacancy, Meriwether took over as Miss USA.

We were both part of history, said Meriwether, who found out her fate while eating dinner at a restaurant with friends. It was such a unique way to come into the title.

But for the athlete-turned-beauty queen, Meriwethers sights werent always set on the pageant scene.

I would have never dreamed she would have matured enough to possess the confidence to put herself her out there like she does standing alone in a beauty pageant, said her UCLA coach, the legendary Andy Banachowski. She was willing to speak up among her teammates and lead them, but I never imagined she would have the drive to go it alone.

Once a shy, awkward multi-sport athlete, not even Meriwether envisioned she would land where she is today.

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Ex-UCLA volleyball star now Miss USA

Five seniors named Niswonger Scholars Published January 21st, 2013 6:42 am

GREENEVILLE Five new Niswonger Scholars, including one from Sullivan Countys Sullivan North High School, have been chosen.

The five new Northeast Tennessee scholars three from the Tri-Cities are Sam Brashears of Sullivan North High School; Matthew Grimm of Daniel Boone High School; Dustin Howser of Tennessee High School; Raini Rowenhorst of David Crockett High School; and Katie Shields of Pigeon Forge High School.

The Niswonger Foundation, founded by Greeneville businessman and philanthropist Scott Niswonger, announced the five seniors Wednesday. They join 18 Niswonger Scholars for a total of 23, not counting 44 alumni.

The program takes the brightest young leaders in Northeast Tennessee, provides them the opportunity to attend the college or university that will best prepare them for their chosen career, and supplements that education with four years of leadership development activities, a news release said.

The plan is to see Niswonger Scholars come back to the region with not only strong earning potential, but an entrepreneurial spirit and overwhelming desire to return their talents and energy to this region, bringing exceptional leadership ability, exemplary personal character, and a strong commitment to building community, according to the news release.

Samuel Sam Lucas Brashears from North is ranked first in his class and has a 4.0 grade point average.

He has served as vice president and president of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), placing second in the HOSA Bowl Regional Competition and fifth at the 2012 state convention. He is senior class vice president.

Sam has received the Sullivan North Scholar Athlete Award for the past three years, and has been recognized as Top 5 Member of the Tennessee Association of Student Councils 4-Star Student Council.

He has participated in varsity cross country, track and basketball. He is the founding member of the North Robotics Team.

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Five seniors named Niswonger Scholars

Little changes can make a big difference sometimes. I thought this when I walked into 55 South, a restaurant and bar that opened late last year on South First and Post streets in downtown San Jose.

You might recall that being the location of A Perfect Finish, a wine and dessert bar that never found the customer base it deserved but soldiered on nonetheless for a few years. 55 South is a reinvention of A Perfect Finish, and while it is very similar physically, some of the details and the smooth, stylish vibe is entirely different.

Andre Chenoweth is the remaining holdover owner from A Perfect Finish, and he's joined in the new ownership team of Paul Chun, Eric Nielsen and Michael Nguyen. In addition to changing the name, which is derived from the address at 55 S. First St., the new owners wanted to change the identity

"We shifted the focus," said Chun, who worked as a bartender there for six months before becoming part owner in September. "It had been more geared toward wine than spirits. We wanted to be Cocktail Culture 2.0."

The old furniture, which conveyed a sense of Old World comfort, has been replaced by contemporary couches and cocktail tables. The wine offerings are still solid, but craft spirits are center stage, with Nielsen reconstructing vintage cocktails such as the Moscow Mule and the Old Fashioned. In the coming weeks, the food menu will get a makeover with the help of a consultant with serious cred, chef Louis

It's another sign that stretch of South First Street, which had started looking a little barren, is coming back in a big way.

HARD-WORKING HOLIDAY: Employees at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara and San Jose hospitals will team up to enhance Thomas P. Ryan School on McGinness Avenue in San Jose as their "Day On, Not Off" volunteer community project Monday.

Dr. Susan Smarr and Dr. Raj Bhandari, the medical chiefs at Santa Clara and San Jose, will probably be painting murals at the Ryan School, a topic that may not have been covered in medical school. Other docs, nurses and staff members will paint white stripes on the schoolyard to create a walking track for the students. You know those Kaiser folks and their health kick.

About 200 volunteers from both medical centers and "Hands On Bay Area" will be working on the school and furnishing the teachers' break room with tables, a couch and a microwave and more.

BULLDOG BIRTHDAY: About 200 San Jose High alumni and other supporters kicked off the school's 150th anniversary year with a luncheon Jan. 13 at the San Jose Country Club. I'm told the oldest alum in attendance was Anna Ritchison from the class of 1930, back when the school was a mere 67 years old. Check out future events at gttp://sites.google.com/site/sanjosehighbulldogfoundation.

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Pizarro: 55 South gives downtown San Jose a stylish new address

Hospital patients depend on blood donations from volunteer donors for the blood they may need for ongoing and emergency medical care. Because February is American Heart Month, the American Red Cross officials say it's a good time to donate blood.

Blood donations help many types of patients, including cardiac patients, who are one of the leading users of blood and blood products, said Tracy Duncan Fox, communications manager with the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. When individuals roll up their sleeve, they help build the blood supply. This is important anytime, but especially during the cold, wintry months when blood donations tend to decline.

Since 1963, the president has proclaimed February as American Heart Month.

Were asking more people, young and old alike, to have a heart and give blood this February," Fox said. If youre healthy and can give, your donation can help make a difference.

During February, donors will be entered into a region-wide drawing to win the following package: Two VIP tickets to the NCAA Sweet 16 and Elite 8 Midwest Regional games at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, March 29 and 31. VIP tickets include early admission to the stadium, food, drink tickets and the chance to meet an NCAA legend, a deluxe corner room at the new J.W. Marriott in Indianapolis for two nights, March 29 and 30, and a $250 Visa gift card to be used for other expenses such as meals, gas, parking andsouvenirs.

Area blood drives

1 to 7 p.m. Monday at St. Teresa of Avila in the Catholic Student Center, 1604 Lincolnway, Valparaiso. Donors will receive a coupon for a free doughnut from Dunkin Donuts.

1 to 6 p.m. Monday at the St. John Township Community Center, 1515 U.S. 30, Schererville. Donors will receive a coupon for a free doughnut from Dunkin Donuts. Go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code stjtcommc to schedule an appointment.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Athletic Building Gymnasium at Calumet College of St. Joseph, 2400 New York, Whiting.Donors will rec be entered into a drawing for a $25 shopping spree. Go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code CCSJ or call (219) 473-4323 to schedule an appointment. This blood drive is sponsored by Crimson Wave Athletics Department.

Noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Kouts High School in the auditorium, 302 E. College Ave., Kouts. This is a Bleed for the Band blood drive. Donors will receive a coupon for one free taco courtesy of Taco Bell.

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Red Cross urges blood donations during winter months

The dean of a Florida business school died when he was run over by his own car while trying to stop it from being towed.

Elias Konwufine, 39, was the business school dean at the Fort Lauderdale campus of Keiser University.The accident happened Wednesday evening outside the deans home in Lauderhill, west of Fort Lauderdale.

Konwufines car was parked on the grass at Sienna Green Condominiums in violation of the condo associations rules, Lauderhill Police Captain Rick Rocco stated.When a tow truck started to tow the vehicle, Rocco said, Konwufine jumped onto the trucks running board in an attempt to stop him. Konwufine fell off the truck and under the wheels of his own vehicle. He was pronounced dead at Broward Health Medical Center two hours later, the police captain said. No charges have been filed and cause of death has not been determined.Were going back to the scene to see if there were any video recordings, Rocco said Friday.

Dr. Konwufine touched and positively shaped the lives of his students, alumni and colleagues in special ways, every day, the school said in a statement. Collectively our hearts remain heavy as we cope with this tremendous loss.

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Florida B-School Dean Dies in Towing Accident

Gov. Tom Corbett announced Tuesday the Pennsylvania Governors School for the Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh would be revived this summer thanks to a state grant and matching funds from private donations.

Launched in 1982, the five-week program provides academically talented high school students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sciences through cooperative learning and hands-on laboratory research. The school was discontinued in 2009 due to budget cuts under the previous administration and remained shelved until now.

This summer, 56 students from across the state will be given the opportunity to live on campus while attending rigourous classes in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. The program is part of the Pennsylvania Governors Schools for Excellence, which provided classes in the arts and science at a handful of universities statewide to bright students at no charge prior to being defunded.

Intensive learning and practical skills that lead to careers in the sciences, mathematics, engineering and technology are critical to Pennsylvanias long-term economic success, Corbett said. This program provides a pathway for students to secure high-paying jobs and affirms my commitment to ensuring Pennsylvanias students have access to high-quality educational programs.

Students selected for the program will receive full scholarships for housing, meals and all instructional materials that are paid for by a $150,000 state grant and matching funds through donations from alumni, parents and corporations.

Maureen Ryan, executive director of PGSS Campaign, a nonprofit affiliated with the programs alumni association, said the ongoing conversations that the organization maintained with the governors office, state Department of Education and local legislators over the past four years were an important part in the quest for funding. She said the programs alumni have provided the majority of the matching share, which also saw contributions from a number of companies, including PPG Industries in Pittsburgh and Teva Pharmaceuticals near Philadelphia.

The board of directors was very active in locating alumni and getting donations, Ryan said.

Ben Campbell, a 1997 alumnus and PGSS Campaign vice president, who taught at the school for four years as a teaching assistant and joined the faculty in 2005, said one of his former students was the driving force behind a website that raised nearly $40,000 for the program. The student, Campbell revealed, had worked as a high-volume trader on Wall Street and had some time on her hands after retiring before the age of 30.

An assistant professor at Robert Morris University in Moon Township who holds a Ph.D. in general engineering, Campbell said part of the effort to seek funding from the state has been through highlighting the schools success at producing highly educated professionals 93 percent of which work in science, technology, engineering and math fields. According to his research, 100 percent of the programs alumni have attended college with 87 percent earning a graduate degree and 60 percent going on to obtain a Ph.D., medical or law degree. He added that the program has produced more than 300 published research papers.

For Campbell, the school was about showing him how to push his limits and worker harder than he thought possible alongside other driven people.

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Pa. Governor’s School for the Sciences revived by state, alumni

The Jefferson Township Municipal Alliance Committee for a Drug-Free Community presented a powerful panel discussion on the dangerous consequences of drug and substance abuse on Jan. 8 at Camp Jefferson. The second in a series, the discussion featured speakers offering four different points of view, all very pertinent to the topic.

PHOTO/JOHN R. LUCIANO

Guest speaker Michael Frank of the Alumni Association of the Morris County Drug Court speaks about how the court helped him to recover from addiction at the Municipal Alliance Committee meeting on Jan. 8. Other speakers wait their turn.

"The title 'Consequences' is so far reaching and means different things to each panelist, and to each of us," Debi Merz said.

Merz is a co-chair of the Alliance and a Jefferson Township councilwoman. She opened the meeting to a crowd of concerned residents and volunteers who contribute to the township's efforts to fight drug abuse. The four speakers for the evening were:

Julian Hill, Esq., from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, who is the Morris County Drug Court Program Assistant Prosecutor

Detective James Caruso of the Jefferson Township Police Department who is the head of the detective bureau

Michael Frank, an alumni of the Morris County Drug Court and head of its Alumni Association

Superintendent Joseph Kraemer of the Jefferson Township school district

The meeting drew a crowd of about 40 people. Mayor Russell Felter was in attendance, as was Councilman Michael Sanchelli and Community Affairs Police Officer Joe Hale. School substance abuse counselors Joanne Martino and Barbara Francavilla attended, as did Missy Murtha and Donna Costanzo, two local PTA presidents.

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Municipal Alliance hosts panel discussion on drug abuse in Jefferson