October 2015 - School City of Mishawaka

October 2015
A
LUMNI…….It is a privilege to have the opportunity to greet you each month in the Alumni
Newsletter. In my sixteen years as an educator and administrator at Mishawaka High School, I
have worked with dedicated staff members, hardworking students, a supportive school community
and student-centered administrators. I admire the past, accept the challenges of the present time
and look forward to the future serving our alumni, teachers, students and school community each day.
The beginning of a new school year brings about a number of different emotions and memories of
the high school years. I seem to remember high school experiences better than any other period
of my life. My recollection of names and events have been clouded, but not eliminated with the
passage of time. My hope is your memories and experiences as alumni of Mishawaka High School
are treasured and remembered with great pride. We all have so much to be thankful for due to
our connection to Mishawaka High School.
Mishawaka High School for many alumni was a time of many different “firsts”----first job, first car,
homecoming, detention, prom and for some overcoming obstacles. It was also the time of your life
when you began to dream of all the possibilities for the future. All of our alumni reading this letter
spent valuable years having their lives shaped and influenced at Mishawaka High School. It is obvious
during those years that lasting friendships were developed and memories created for a lifetime.
Lastly, I encourage your ongoing support of Mishawaka High School, our academic programs,
athletic programs, fine arts programs and our entire mission of partnering with the community and
graduating students who are academically and socially prepared for their futures.
Inside…
How did MHS become Cavemen?......................................3
MHS Grad Hits the Fashion Runway................................8
In Memory..........................................................................7
Upcoming Holiday Events .....................................................4
Alumni Announcements.......... ................................... ....9
Reunion Reports - Were You There?.....................................2
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CLASS OF 1950 • 65th Class Reunion by Phyllis Nicolini
he 1950 Class of MHS held their last planned reunion beginning with the Alumni
lunch on Aug. 5 which 31 members attended. On Friday, Aug. 6
a lovely luncheon was served at the Windsor Conference Center
in Edison Park. A total of 56 members were in attendance. On
Saturday morning a brunch was held at Honker’s Restaurant and
32 attended. Traveling from other states were: Dick Taylor, Al and
JoAnn Weis from N. Carolina; Harrison and Sue Oberchain from
Hollywood, AL; Herb and Joan Dixon from Scottsdale, AZ; Dan and
Pat Nesbitt from LasVegas, NV; Augusta DeRoeck Simmons flew in
from Cassellberry, FL; Mary Doyle Moran came from Milford, OH and
Dick and Pat Vergon came from Valencia, CA. Several classmates
came from Michigan and other parts of Indiana. The locals did a great job of
attending with the promise that they will try to do it more often by attending the
alumni monthly luncheons. This is the last planned reunion although we may try
for a mini in a couple of years. Organizers of the reunion included: Janet Moore
Keller, Dottie Tremel Termont, Jo Myers, Margaret Britt Boner Connie White Coyner,
Marianne Nemeth Fain, Sally Fee Zeisz, Jean Kohler Spear, Marilou Parent Moore,
Billie Tavernier Vaughn, Bill Ash, Fred Baker, Milt Ross, Betty Gibson Frick, and
Phyllis Nicolini. All agreed it was a huge success. Can you guess your classmates?
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CLASS OF 1955 • 60th Class Reunion
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by Deborah Brechtel ‘77
eing the editor of the MHS Alumni Newsletter has it rewards. As such, I was invited to
attend the 60th class reunion of the Class of 1955 by Phil Eckstein. Phil recognized
my name from the newsletter and wondered if I was related to his
classmate Max Brechtel and indeed I am. Max is my Dad. I attended
the event at the Villa Macri Ristorante on Aug. 14 where I met a group
of wonderful alums! Of the 342 members of the ‘55 class, 48 attended
the reunion ranging from Missiouri, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee
and California; 29 whose whereabouts are unknown and 102 are In
Memoriam. Thank you to Sally (Roelandts) Reiff, Jill (Strang) Barrett, Judy
(Kelley) Bauer, Sharon (Wiekamp) Showalter, B.J. (Hood) O’Brien, Jerry
Kanouse, Dale Bauer and Dick Schroeder for putting on a lovely dinner.
Unfortunately I had to leave before the dessert from West End Bakery was served. I had
a delightful time meeting my Dad’s classmates and I am sure Dad would have enjoyed
reconnecting with his friends again. During my time I was able to take several photos
but, regretably, there is not enough room in the newsletter to post them all. Can you
guess your classmates?
2
CLASS OF 1980 • 35th Class Reunion
by Anne Shields
T
he 1980 Class of MHS held their 35th reunion on the weekend of June 27, 2015.
Friday, June 26, 2015: Pre-Reunion Mixer at Morgan’s and Little Black Dog Tavern in the 100
Center had a good turnout. Mary Lou Staples Stevens and her husband Scott, owners of the
tavern, hosted the class.
Saturday, June 27, 2015: Lunch at Doc Pierce’s hosted by Steve Denman saw about 25 classmates and family members of classmates in attendance.
The reunion was held at Celebrations Unlimited, 410 S. Laurel Street, Mishawaka - Cocktail Hour
started at 6:00 PM. Dinner at 7:00 concluding with trivia; Karaoke and dancing. The class is appreciative of Beth Erwin Davis and Jenny Hamman Nijak who have graciously coordinated the
Class of 1980’s seven reunions.
WELCOME NEW ALUMNI MEMBERS!
Donna (Emery) Borsodi ‘48Mishawaka, IN
Linda Hesch ‘64South Bend, IN
Kathleen (Arata) ‘57 and Larry HostetlerMishawaka, IN
Rita (Weinkauf) ‘65 and Richard Kemble ‘63Mishawaka, IN
A. Dean Speicher, Mishawaka School Superintendent
Mishawaka, IN
With the addition of new members and passing of others,
we now have 2,022 alumni members!
HOW MHS BECAME KNOWN AS “CAVEMEN”
ver wondered how Mishwaka High School became known as the CAVEMEN? Well here’s
the answer:
E
In 1922 or 1923, MHS was playing South Bend High in a football game at the old Cartier Field
at Notre Dame. The game was a real struggle and was tied at half time 0 to 0. It was during
this half time that an ardent Mishawaka fan, Curt Johnson, held up a sign that read
OUR TEAM WILL FIGHT LIKE CAVEMEN!
Needless to say, Mishawaka emerged the victors and the name “CAVEMEN”
was adopted. Curt Johnson was better known in later years as having a fine
greenhouse on South Spring Street in Mishawaka.
Thanks to Robert D. Smith, former coach, teacher, principal and administrator
at MHS for this information. And thank you to Pat Downing ‘59 for providing
this article for the newsletter. It is believed that MHS is the only school in the
country to have the caveman as a mascot!
3
T
hey mean the holidays are right around the corner! Looking for things to do during the holidays?
Check out events around the state:
OCTOBER
3-4 Denver - Miami County
Doud Orchard Cider Weekend/
Fall Fest
8971 N. State Road 19. Fall has
arrived so come out and enjoy
pumpkin picking, entertainment,
food, crafts and fun for the entire
family. No adm. chg.
NOVEMBER
Nov 7 - Dec 31 Shipshewana LaGrange Co
Christmas in Shipshewana. Townwide. Experience a living Norman
Rockwell painting. Light parade is
Nov 7; Chocolate Day is Nov. 14; Kid’s
Day and Santa visit is Dec. 5. No adm
chg; shipshewana.com
8-11 Martinsville - Morgan County
Morgan County Fall Foliage Festival
Courthouse Square; no charge
A family event with a car show, kid’s
events, arts and crafts vendors, a
parade and much more.
morgancountyfallfoliagefestival.com
11-15 Indianapolis - Marion County
Christmas Gift & Hobby Show
Indiana State Fairgrounds For 65+
years our five day shoppers paradise
has been offering gifts for giving,
for yourself or for entertaining
during the holidays under one
4 acre roof. 350+ vendors, FREE
Merry Money, Holiday Stage,
Santa and reindeer. Adm chg
christmasgiftandhobbyshow.com
9-18 Mansfield - Parke County
Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
- Bridgeton
Quality crafts, fine art, food courts,
entertainment. Working gristmill
and Indiana’s most famous covered
bridge, rebuilt in 2006. Parking chg;
no adm chg. bridgetonindiana.com
16-24 Metamora - Franklin County
Haunted Village of Metamora
The historic village is decorated with
Halloween-themed vignettes, scary
and funny. During the day, enjoy the
beautiful Whitewater Valley autumn
with the shops and attractions. FriSat evening family-friendly guided
tours (for a fee) evoke spooky fun. No
adm. chg. metamoraindiana.com
24-31 Indianapolis - Marion County
E. Washington St. Family-friendly,
art vendors, magic show, pumpkin
carving, pet-friendly, food vendors,
costumes, window painting, live
music, parade, ghost stories,
haunted house. No adm. chg.
irvingtonhalloween.com
12-15 Huntingburg - Dubois County
30th Annual Huntingburg Christmas
Stroll. Historic 4th Street. Enjoy
unique specialty and antique shops
in this charming Victorian Christmas
setting. Carriage rides, Holiday
Home Tour and more. No adm chg;
duboiscountychristmas.com
Nov. 27 - Dec. 13 Ft. .Wayne - Allen Co
Festival of Gingerbread. The History
Center. See over 100 handmade
gingerbread houses in this annual
event, now in its 30th year. Adm. chg
fwhistorycenter.com
Nov. 28-Dec 20 Kokomo - Howard Co.
Christmas at the Seiberling Mansion.
Enjoy the fabulous Seiberling
Mansion dressed inside and out in
holiday splendor. Tue-Sun 1pm-4pm
Adm chg howardcountymuseum.org
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DECEMBER
5 Franklin - Johnson County
Holiday Lighting - Downtown
Lighted parade, entertainment,
kids’ activities, cookie and
gingerbread contests, Winter
Market and Santa. No adm chg;
discoverdowntownfranklin.com
5-6 W. Lafayette - Tippecanoe County
Purdue Christmas Show
Elliott Hall of Music. For more
than 80 years, this magical, lyrical,
annual campus miracle has wowed
audiences. Adm chg.
purdue.edu/pmo
5 Lafayette - Tippecanoe County
Dickens of a Christmas - Downtown
Roving carolers, holiday lighting,
farmers market, vendors, carriage
rides, artisans demonstrating
crafts, performances of “A
Christmas Carol.” No adm chg;
dickensofachristmas.com
13 Peru - Miami County
Macy Christmas Festival
Downtown. Horse carriage rides, free
soup supper, kids’ activities and bake
sale. No adm chg.
miamicochamber.com
29-30 Shipshewana - LaGrange
County
Shipshewana Ice Festival Downtown. Watch experienced
ice carvers create ice sculptures
representing local merchants and
compete with each other. $5 adm
chg for Chili cook-off.
W
ith 370 registered participants and beautiful weather, the inaugural Mishawaka Promise 5K
Run/Walk was a SUCCESS! Participants started their run/walk at the new Central Park, filing
through Battell Park and making their way through Kamm Island and Beutter Park back to Central
Park to cross the finish line. It was an awesome kick-off for the Heritage Festival that followed.
MHS students were in full force: the cheerleaders were on hand to cheer the participants at
the start and finish of their run/walk; the band provided musical entertainment during pre-race
festivities; MHS wrestlers helped provide water to the runners and walkers at two water stations.
Bethel College’s mascot, cheerleaders and members of their cross-country team came out to
support all the participants of the event and sponsored a “selfie-station” for post race photos.
Members of each Mishawaka school PTA were on hand to pass out bracelets supporting their
respective school colors.
The event raised $7,000 to help fund the Mishawaka Promise goal of $2.5M. These funds are
used to support unique educational opportunities for students and classrooms to enhance their
educational journey. Plans for next year are already underway to make it bigger and better!
MHS Band
Jane Wright
Executive Director, MEF
Organizer of Event
MHS Cheerleaders
Lining up to start the race/walk
5
ALUMNI FOOTBALL NIGHT
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nder a perfect fall evening members of
the MHS alumni were among the crowd
for the Mishawaka / Adams football game
on Sept. 11. Attendees were hosted by the
Mishawaka Education Foundation for a pregame gathering that included BBQ pulled
pork sandwiches, pasta salad, potato salad,
Snickers salad and an array of wonderful
desserts all prepared by the MHS Culinary
Program. Unfortunately the Cavemen were
defeated 7-14.
Thank you to the Mishawaka Education
Foundation for hosting the tailgate, thank
you to the MHS Athletic Dept. and Principal
Jerome Calderone for the free admission for
the alumni and thank you to the students and
Instructor Karen McCartney of the Culinary
Dept. for the wonderful buffet of food.
T
he MHS Alumni Association had a table
at the Heritage Festival which took place
on Labor Day at the new Central Park. A
big THANK YOU goes out to Rodney Spear
‘65, Chuck Wayne ‘54 and John Hemphill
‘54 for taking their time to man the table in
John Moore ‘48
the hot sun! A thank you also goes out to
Marvin Kline ‘65 for the use of his truck to
delivery the table and chairs. Many came
to check out the table and chatted with
Rodney, Chuck and John about their
connections with MHS. Thanks to them we
may see a surge of new members at the
alumni monthly meetings!!
6
John Hemphill ‘54, Chuck Wayne ‘54
and Rodney Spear ‘65
Gestetner Printer
CP-6143 LDD120
$500 or best offer
I apologize to those who received the September
issue of the newsletter later than normal. I cannot
account for the reason of the delay but we are
working on the situation so future issues are not
delayed again.
• Purchased new from US Business Systems in
Elkhart
• In excellent condition
• $4,000 purchased new
• black print only
• 3 speed setting; 80-100-130 sheets per
minute
• 8 years old with only one service call
• complete with meal cabinet stand on rollers
• includes one new un-used master roll and 9
ink bottles
• manuals and easy instruction book included
• ideal for church bulletins and newsletters
• heavy duty for commercial use
This situation prompts me to ask - would you
like to receive the newsletter electronically?
Receiving the newsletter electronically would
be beneficial for several reasons:
• cost savings for paper and printing
• cost savings for postage
New owner will be responsible for picking
up the printer. If interested please call
• it’s better for the environment
• you can view
color version
574-255-8496 for appointment.
the newsletter in its full
“Bussie” Still Pitching
Bus Kelver ‘45, 88 years old is still throwing
ringers at the weekly Horse Shoe Pitching
League held at Bendix Park in Mishawaka.
His name appears regularly in the weekly
results as a high scorer despite having recent
shoulder surgery.
• quicker delivery to you
In order to send the newsletter to you
electronically we will need your permission to
“opt-in” for this delivery option. If you would like
to receive the newsletter via your email inbox
please send me an email (indydeba23@outlook.
com) with the words: EMAIL NEWSLETTER OPT-IN.
A separate database will be maintained with
email addresses; however, original contact
information will remain in the master database.
Joseph ‘61 and Mary Ann
(Markiewicz) DeKever celebrated
their 50th wedding anniversary on
August 21.
This is an OPTION. We are not doing away with
the mail service. We realize there will be those
who do not have an email
address or those who will
prefer to continue getting
the newsletter through the
traditional process.
Gerri (Trippel) Groppe ‘43 celebrated
her 90th birthday on September 2nd!
Craig ‘86 and Tara Hill will celebrate their 25th
wedding anniversary on Oct. 6. They will vacation
in Jamaca after Christmas. Craig and Tara have
3 boys, Jeremy, 23; Matthew, 22 and Zachary, 16
and one graddaughter Rylan, 10 months.
Please consider the email option to avoid delays
in receiving timely information!
7
B
orn in Mishawaka, Indiana, Donald Deal always knew he wanted to be a Designer. Today, he is the
creative force behind the label that bears his name.
His collection of evening gowns, dresses and sportswear is defined by impeccable
tailoring and uncompromising attention to detail. Using the finest quality fabrics, each
piece is intricately hand-sewn and often beaded with glass, crystal and semi-precious
stones. This commitment to quality and design has created one-of-a-kind Couture
looks that have graced the pages of national fashion magazines and often appear
on the Red Carpet.
After graduating from The Skadron Fashion Institute in California, Donald began his career at Paramount
Studios in Hollywood, working as a Designer and Wardrobe Stylist. Three years later, as a Designer for
Amen Wardy, he met the iconic designer James Galanos. Galanos was impressed by Donald’s tailoring
skills and mentored him in the early days of his career. “I learned many things from Galanos. Perhaps
the most important thing he taught me was to hone my craft… that there are no shortcuts.” Donald
later went on to become the Design Director of Eva Chun, leaving in 1991 to open his own company
Donald Deal, Inc. and launch his first collection.
Donald Deal’s collections have been presented on the runways of New York Fashion Week since 1994
and are sold to exclusive retailers nationwide. In addition, Donald offers custom-made Couture clothing
to a select and growing clientele. This one-on-one collaboration is something he truly enjoys. “When a
client puts her trust in me there is a wonderful journey ahead… for both of us”.
A member of the CFDA since 1995, Donald has appeared on national television shows such as
Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, E! Entertainment Television and ABC’s The View. Recently,
Kim Zimmer (Reva - The Guiding Light) chose a gown from the Donald Deal Bridal Collection for her
television wedding. His designs have been featured in numerous high fashion and lifestyle magazines
including: W, Harpers Bazaar, Town and Country, Vanity Fair and Allure among others. Donald made
his Broadway debut as the designer for Kathie Lee Gifford in Stephen Sondheim’s “Putting It Together”
and designed her gowns when she hosted the Daytime Emmy Awards.
In addition to Ms. Gifford, other Donald Deal client include: Sharon Stone, Geena Davis, Vanessa
Williams, Laura Linney, Bette Midler, Lisa Kudrow and Barbara Walters.
Donald is a 1977 MHS graduate and lives in New York City. Check out Donald’s success at donalddeal.com.
8
Jerry E. Anderson
Februay 17, 1941 - August 28, 2015
Class of 1959
Jack G. Benjamin, USAF-Ret.
__________ - August 5, 2015
Class of 1952
Ardith P. (Rafferty) Eby
August 7, 1931 - August 24, 2015
Class of 1940
Yvonne L. (Six) Foresman
November 6, 1926 - September 8, 2015
Class of 1946
Dennis “Dan” Kemp
July 25, 1927 - August 19, 2015
Class of 1945
Marian “Kirk” Kirkpatrick-Torian July 16, 1921 - August 28, 2015
Class of 1939
Robert T. Meixel
April 14, 1919 - Septebmer 4, 2015
Class of 1937
Normalee Power
October 20, 1933 - January 9, 2015
Class of 1952
Elmo V. Vernasco
July 27, 1927 - August 15, 2015
Class of 1945
Joyce (Peters) Yaw
June 2, 1928 - August 27, 2015
Class of 1947
May our classmates rest in peace.
The son of Royce ‘54 and Katie (Parr) ‘54
Holmes, Tim Holmes, passed away on
August 17 of a massive heart attack. Tim
was 52 and leaves behind his wife, Kathie
and two daughters, Emily and Maggie.
Please put the Holmes Family in your
prayers.
IN MEMORIAM
RICHARD ERMETI
Aug. 24, 1935 - Jan. 5, 2003
Dear Dad and Grandpa
As we celebrate your 80th birthday, we
remember your warm smile, your wonderful
way with people, your “Detroit Team” and
all the sacrifies you made for us. You are
forever in our hearts and minds.
Irene (Greenawalt) O’Brien ‘51 and Glennard (Jerry) Dare ‘51 were married September 12 at
Irene’s daughter Noreen and son-in-law John Smith’s house in Elkhart, Indiana. Jerry’s son, The
Reverend Chris Dare performed the ceremony. Irene’s great-grandchildren, Katie and Kyle
Chrobot were flower girl and ring bearer.
Jerry and Irene’s families remained close throughout the years,
including a siege of measles that infected their nine children
simultaneously.
Both widowed, Jerry and Irene have chosen to be fun and
loving companions during their twilight years. Irene said of their
engagement, “Jerry said, ‘If it weren’t so complicated I’d ask you to
marry me.” She responded “And I’d say yes.” Complications were
resolved, including the purchase of a king-size bed for two people
and two dogs! CONGRATULATIONS to the newlyweds!
9
ALL ALUMNI MEETINGS ARE HELD THE FIRST
WEDENSDAY OF EACH MONTH.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7, 2015
$8 per person • $2 for non-eaters
includes hot or cold drink
tax, gratuity and hall rental fee
NOON • FOP HALL
Program Guest will be Bob Nagle,
Cash bar available for beer, wine or mixed
drinks. Half & half drawings made prior to
entertainment.
WHME TV-FM sports broadcaster,
Honorable member of the MHS
Alumni, entertaining speaker on
LOCATION: FOP Hall, 1825 E. 12th St., Mishawaka
local and Notre Dame athletics.
The menu will include Polish
sausage, sweet-sour cabbage,
The September meeting started off with 269 guests
arriving to the musical sounds of George Williams,
age 91, playing the accordian. George is the
brother of Emily (Williams) Kohler ‘55. George plays
the accordian every morning and it is said that it
is a good day when the household awakens to
the sound of the accordian!
mashed potatoes with noodles
and a roll.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 4, 2015
NOON • FOP HALL
Musical entertainment will be
provided by DaBears Band. It
Visitors at the luncheon were: Ron Hahn ‘58 from
Ft. Myers, Florida and Randi Shepardson from
Vandalia, Michigan was a guest of Tom Taylor ‘46.
will be their 21st apperance
at the MHS Alumni Monthly
Meeting.
The winners of the 50/50 drawing were:
The menu will be a special
• Janice (Eckenberger) Conlon ‘57 - $77.00
Thanksgiving lunch consisting
• Jim Schmidt ‘48 - $35.00
of turkey, dressing and gravy,
• Roy Kohler ‘64 - $25
sweet potatoes and a roll.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2, 2015
NOON • FOP HALL
Musical entertainment will be
provided by Bryan Edington,
acoustic guitarist and vocalist,
a little bit of classical, jazz,
Christmas music, country, rock
and roll.
The menu will be a Polish style
dinner with chicken, sausage,
green beans, mashed potatoes/
gravy, sweet sour cabbage,
noodles and a roll.
George Williams
10
T
he Tri Kappa of Indiana will be selling pecans by the pound. Theweah Hartig ‘52 will have 60-70
pounds of pecans with her at the December 2 meeting. The pecans are freshly picked and
will be $11 per pound.
What is the Tri Kappa of Indiana? Kappa Kappa Kappa, Inc. commonly known as Tri Kappa, is a unique
philanthropic organization existing only within the boundaries of the state of Indiana. Seven young ladies
met at the Girls’ Classical School of Indianapolis (May Wright Sewall) and founded the sorority in 1901.
Each young lady was to begin a chapter in her hometown. From these humble beginnings, Tri Kappa
has thrived throughout the state with 144 Active Chapters and 113 Associate Chapters, totaling almost
9000 actively participating members. Donations are made annually to the Mental Health America in
Indiana, The Arc of Indiana, Indiana Special Olympics, and many other charitable causes.
Each year local chapters and state Tri Kappa gives over $1.5 million to its endeavors of charity, culture
and education. Since 1901 Tri Kappa members have donated untold hours and millions of dollars to
projects in the state of Indiana.
Be sure to see Theweah at the December meeting to learn more of this unique
Indiana group and get your nuts!
HAVE A HAPPY
AND SAFE
Any submissions for the alumni newsletter should be sent to the editor no later than the 15th of the month
to be inserted for the following month’s issue. We love pictures too! Send all announcements, celebrations,
reunion information and obituaries to: Deborah Brechtel ‘77, 1531 E. Third Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544,
[email protected].
NOTE: Contact information for members of the MHS Alumni Association will not be published or provided
to persons requesting the information unless written permission is given. The membership list will not be
provided or sold to third party solicitors.
11
MHS Alumni Newsletter
Deborah Brechtel
1531 E. Third Street
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Dates to Remember
October
1
MEF Annual Dinner/Silent Auction
3-5
MHS Fall Play “Harvey”
2
MHS Football v. SB St. Joseph (There)
7
MHS Alumni Monthly Meeting
9
MHS Football v. Marian (There)
16
MHS Football v. Penn (Home)
23
Zoo Boo at Potawatomi Zoo
26
MHS Fall Festival - Choir
31Halloween
November
4
MHS Alumni Monthly Meeting
19
MHS Fall Orchestra Concert
December
2
MHS Alumni Monthly Meeting
6
MHS Annual Vespers Concert
18-20
MHS Holiday Play
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Mishawaka, IN