LFHS Alumni Network still growing
Published: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 11:35 AM CDT

 LITTLE FALLS — Little Falls High School alumni were home once again during the Canal Celebration, and those already signed onto LFHSalumni.org wasted no time getting more graduates of Little Falls High to sign up for the website. Between the booth located in Eastern Park, efforts at class reunions and help from volunteers wandering around different Canal Celebration gatherings, the network collected over 180 alumni registrants bringing the total number of alumni to over 1,000 and still rising. Also, as of that weekend, there are now class registrars for every year dating back to 1952.

Shirley Ashley, retired teacher and alumni of Little Falls, was just one of the volunteers who sat at the Eastern Park table. While she was there, three people she had not seen in years came and signed up for the site. Julie Scarano, alumni communications director and a member of the class of 2002, said it was “really nice to witness the reunion” first-hand. Also, at the table, Scarano said, were copies of both the complete class lists from St. Mary’s and LFHS dating back to 1923, as well as the list of all alumni that were currently registered.

“There were a few instances where individuals thumbing through the network list found out where some of their old friends were living and got their phone numbers so that they could get in touch. In a few situations, it was findings like these that really encouraged people to register,” Scarano said. Scarano said besides the class list on the website, they have created a place in the “What’s New” section that says, “Made a connection through the LFHS Alumni Network? Share your story on the Online Discussion Board.” Alumni can click on that link and there has been a post started where people can tell about who they found and how and share it with the online community.

Many alumni came from out of town that had not even heard of the website and they were especially excited about it. Also, 28 alumni registered that do not have computers or Internet access, but were just anxious to have their information included on the website. The site now includes alumni dating back to 1931.

One member of the class of 1931 that has registered is Michael Kllc, who now must rely on his memories of his deceased classmates.

Kllc lives but a few blocks from where he graduated 75 years ago. Kllc and his wife Betty have been married for 67 years. They enjoy time spent with their children, Michael and Adrienne Kllc of Rochester and Betty and Richard O’Brien of Owego; grandchildren Aaron Kllc of San Francisco, Calif., Rebecca O’Brien of Roanoke, Va., and Kimberly and Anthony DiPietro; and great-grandchildren, Annabelle and Anthony Noel DiPietro of Rochester. Kllc is still active and loves to do crossword puzzles (1,500 piece jig-saw puzzles), makes a few bird feeders, watches lots of TV sports and loves a good joke or story. Over the past 75 years Kllc has seen lots of changes in the city and has many facts and stories to share.

Which he can now do via the Little Falls alumni website.

Over the weekend, several class reunions were held, Scarano said. One was the 50th reunion of the class of 1956. About 30 to 35 people attended, including Edwin Komandarek, class advisor. Guests included members from places as far as Colorado, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina. The class of 1986 celebrated their 20th reunion with 46 classmates attending.

“It was a blast! This was our first class reunion and hopefully not the last. I thought it was a huge success and a good time had by all. It was great to see so many classmates, many from out of state. We’re gradually starting to add to our alumni base, so hopefully more will join in efforts to keep in touch,” said Steve Munger, the reunion chairman.

The 10th reunion for the class of 1996 was the third reunion held, with about 50 people attending.

“Everyone had a great time reminiscing about old times, teachers and so on” said Ryan Cool, a member of the class.

Help with volunteer duties for the website came from Kathy and Sarah Mocko, Jean Forgarty, Brian Molinaro, Patricia Vail, Andrea and Martin Babinec, Shirley Ashley and Brian Read, who worked hours at the booth.

(Saturday, September 16)