Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Party video available

Get it while it's hot...

A video of the Big Buyout Bash is now available on the internet. The video, which captures the entire event at Massimo's, is available by clicking here: http://www.newimagemedia.com/plaindealer/

When the page comes up, the video will load and play automatically on your computer screen, so turn your speakers up. If you scroll down on that page, you can download a copy of the video to your computer. By doing so, you can easily burn the video to a CD or DVD.

The video will only be available on the web for about a month, so if you're interested in keeping a copy of the video in perpetuity, make a copy for yourself.

Many thanks to New Image Media, a local Cleveland video firm, for their post-production and web hosting services to put this video on the internet for our use. And to Chris Seper for letting us borrow his digital video camera.

Also, if you want to buy a "yearbook" of all the retirees, it costs $10. AJ Janke is taking orders.

Please forward this message on to retirees who have already left.

Thanks. Regina Brett

Friday, November 24, 2006

A Cleveland Press friend says hello

We're famous. Betty Klaric, a former Press reporter sends this message:
Hi Rosie:
Someone forwarded to me the PD Alumni News with comments and pictures of the farewell party.
I just wanted to say farewell to my former colleagues and Guild members. I will miss "seeing" you in my morning PD as will the rest
of the city. You all have my very best wishes.

Betty Klaric

Monday, November 20, 2006

Thanks for the Party

Here's some of the thank yous sent to GroupWise after the big going away bash on Wed Nov. 15:

POST BUYOUT BASH SYNDROME Nov 16
Re: What a party
From Regina Brett, an organizer of the party:
Anyone else still feeling buzzed from last night's laughter?
Thank you all for giving our "Class of 2006" a great sendoff.
Special thanks go to Sue Klein, Kaye Spector, AJ Janke, Mike McIntyre and Scott Stephens. Without those 5, we'd all still be
wondering, How are we gonna say goodbye to 64 people?
If you're interested in getting a copy of the "yearbook" of the 64 retirees, see AJ. She's taking orders.
A video of the evening's entertainment will go up on a website shortly. We're working on it and will give you details as they come.

Last night was a great reminder that even though we're losing 64 co-workers, we've got an amazing bunch of colleagues still here.
//

From Bill SLoat:
The sweetests flower that grows
I give you as we part.
For you it is a rose
For me it is my heart.

-- Frederick Peterson -- At Parting
//


I want to thank everyone for a wonderful and fun partylast night
From: CAROL MALINOWSKI
//

We needed that remembrance as much as the people leaving did. And you worked incredibly hard and well. It was funny and sweet and
cathartic. Pls fwd this msg to anyone I've forgotten. Thanks! Grant Segall (not leaving)

//

What a blow-out last night!

I can only hope that the rest of my life can compare. Thanks to everyone for the spectacular celebration. It was a wonderful
display of what The Plain Dealer really is and has been to so many of us. I do appreciate each and every participant and moment of
the evening. Thank you sincerely, Pam Whitmore

//

I'm sorry that I missed this part of the show last night, but thank you all so much for a truly spectacular send-off. What a blast.

On my first day here in 1985, Mairy Jayn Woge, then one of the federal courts reporters, plopped herself in the seat next to me and
started dictating a story. Feeling insecure and freaked out by the majesty of a newsroom filled with so many great reporters and
colorful characters, I apologized to Mairy Jayn and told her I was a rookie and didn't understand why she wasn't writing the story
herself. Said she: "That's just the way we do it here."
What a strange and wonderful place this has been for the last 21 years! In fact, I was feeling so rueful last night that I've
decided to change my mind. I'm staying.
Just joshin'.
Ted (Wendling) of the Columbus Bureau

//

>>> MIKE MCINTYRE 11/16/06 10:00AM >>>
I am not going to ask why someone tore off their red Chico's blouse at last night's Big Buyout Bash, but it's obvious that a
photograph of Jim Strang as the head of the NRA is too much for some people to resist.

The shirt, if you or your spouse is missing it, is on the empty desk across from Nellyn. Come claim it, no questions asked.
//

Dear Plain Dealer editorial family:
Thank you for a wonderful, classy farewell party. I had a wonderful time. Thanks to all the hard work from the committee. The
booklets, the roses, the newspaper pin, the "retirement what to do" wheel, the pressman's hat, such fun. It was good seeing former
editorial people at event. The video and presentation were very professional. Editorial really knows how to give a party.

It's only been a week at home and I still feel as though I'm on vacation. Wait I am still using up vacation days, so I am still on
vacation. So thanks again for a great party.

Jo Ann Pallant


Dear Friends,
I didn't think it was possible to out-bash Jack Hagan's farewell, but the Buy Out organizers managed, even without anybody's mother
giving them the Italian salute.
A heartfelt "Thank You" seems so inadequate for all that volunteer work --- from the little newspaper bundle pin to the diploma
presentation. The pressman's hat was an oustanding touch of nostalgia. I tossed mine in the air, then scrambled to get it back -- a
souvenir to treasure.

Like so many others, I don't know where this business we call newspapering is headed. But with colleagues like you, I feel it's in
good hands.

Now I'm ready to enjoy a "NIce Big Cup of . . .
Lou Mio.
//

I know it's a lot of work to put together a party for just one or two
people. But last night, the committee found a way to have a wonderful party
for 64 people. The book, the lapel pin, diplomas and all represent a lot of
hours and I really appreciate it. It was a wonderful send off.
And it was nice to learn someone still knows how to do a pressman's
hat.
Thanks to everyone.
Tom Gaumer
_thomasg663@aol.com_
//
To all whom this may concern: Of course, I am late with my response in regards to the party the other night. But here goes.. I
really enjoyed myself (even though none of you think that you should dance at a party) and just think I wasn't going to come. But
I'm glad, because not only did I get a chance to party with all my colleagues, I also got one last chance to see JoAnn, Mr. Peery,
Jack Hagan, Bill Carlson and so many others that I am going to miss. The food, music, program and the memorabilia was put together
with so much CLASS and TIME. You really put your foot in it. And like Rosemary mentioned.. Let's have a class reunion
Your co-worker, Janice! (Rankin)
//
After years of planning seminars & parties for others, it really feels funny to be on the receiving end. I had so much fun last night. You all worked so hard to make it such a wonderful event, even the Gino Strippoli moment. As far as the red blouse, I told
you I'm a confidential secretary & I cannot & will not tell.
Thank you so very much. Yeah, I finally got a pressman's hat. :)
Cherie (McDaniel)
//

All I've got to say is .... Who are all you people???
Really, though I only know many of you through bylines and telephone contact, it's been an honor and pleasure to be a colleague.
And man, you guys throw one hell of a farewell soiree. Can't put enough thanks in here to express my gratitude for all the hard
work that I know went into putting that fine and fun event together. It was a blast and well done. Mucho Gracias!! TC Brown (Columbus bureau)

//
..To anyone who had anything at all to do with thinking up, planning, carrying out or even attending last night's party for the
departing. The well wishes were great and so were the gifts, the music, the food and everything else. I felt special and I'm sure
everyone else from the Class of 2006 did, too.

-- haki (christin)




Jane Scott didn't make the party, but shortly after this message went out:Greetings:
If you're going near the vicinity of Jane Scott's place later today and would be willing to make a stop, I'd be grateful. Jane left
her coat at Jac's bar last night, which I discovered long after she'd left. I thought for a moment about what it might fetch on
eBay, but I figured Jane deserves to be warm.

Thanks
Karen


To everyone involved in the party, thank you for the great send off you gave all of our buy-out staffers, especially my longtime
teammate on the high school staff, Jack McDermott. But then anything Sue Klein touches has no choice but to turn out fantastic.
Unfortunatley, thanks to another controversy at St. Edward High School, I was locked to my desk and could not attend. But from
my heart, thank you for recognizing me and the wonderful gift of recognition.
I will cherish these last days as I leave after my shift on Dec. 22. I hope to cover a high school basketball game that night
and then drive off into a winter moonlight.
Again THANK YOU! May the future be as big and bright as your hearts.
- Eddie Dwyer

//
To the
thoughtful group of you that put the party together......You need to do it for a living!!!!!!! You'll never go
broke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Of all the parties I've been to the past 22.5 years at the Plain Dealer, this was the BEST other than the 150th anniversary event at
the ZOO (smile).

You know Rosie always give sound advice, so listen to her now and plan our 5th reunion (SMILE).

Thank you so much for such a FUN FILLED evening! I will keep my press hat forever and will wear my pin often!!!!! It was in a way
sad, but Mike kept us laughing and it was good seeing our ex-co workers.
I for the first time (in my life) could not eat all my food due to excitment....Now you know that must have been one helluva party!
You guys are G R E A T!!!!!! Nellyn Brown
//

FAREWELL NOTES:
not really goodbye, just ...
From: CAROLYN JACK Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 5:19 PM
a chance to thank all of you for eight great years of your company and your friendship. and i'd like that to continue even though i
will no longer have a desk in the building, so please stay in touch, as will i.
all the best,
carolyn
cmjack@sbcglobal.net

To my PD family. It has been wonderful working with all of you. My 40 years here have been very special to me. I will miss seeing
you each day. Conversations with Daisy, my cat, will not be the same.
Thanks to all of you for your support over the years. Good-bye.
Jo Ann Pallant
P.S. Pay those I.O.U. bills in the book on the book cart!!!
//
Colleagues: When I arrived at The Plain Dealer in 1967 as an apprentice in the Rockefeller Project for the Training of Music
Critics, I planned to stay in Cleveland for only nine months. But when the management created a job for me, I thought it would be
more fun to write reviews and features than to pursue a PhD in musicology. I have never regretted the decision., since I have met a
fascinating array of people -- in the newsroom and on my many beats. I will miss the stimulation (but not the stress of daily
journalism). Goodbye and best wishes to all. Wilma (Salisbury)



.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

The Party People!






















Many thanks to all the people who worked long hours to put this party together. Special thanks to Stuart Warner, Mike McIntyre, Sue Klein and Regina Brett.
For He's a Jolly Good Fellow

Years of thinking deep thoughts has made Jim Strang's head just a little too big for his graduation cap, but he wears it proudly anyway.
Seems Like Old Times...

PD veterans Bob Snyder and Jack Murphy amuse Margie Frazer with stories of the "old days".
Hold the Phone!

Estella Johnson, minister of first impressions, leaves a lasting impression on all her colleagues, including retiree Bill Carlson, at the Massimo blast.


Friday, November 17, 2006

The Final Front Page



At the buyout party on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006, the "graduates of the class of 2006" were called to the front of the room to get their diplomas from editor Doug Clifton and Metro Bossette Elizabeth McIntyre and handed a scroll that was a special front page, which included tiny photos of every editorial person taking leave. We'll post the story later.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

'Graduation' party 11/15/06




Those who are leaving for greener pastures, top, the buyouts, are applauded by those stay behind. A wonderful party celebrating the event was held Wednesday night, Nov. 15, 2006 at Milano de something Italian with more than 150 people. It was a graduation party, they said, for a new life, a new beginning. Lotsa laughs, lotsa memories, lotsa toasts, lotsa drinks. More photos will follow. This photo was taken by Bill G.

We are about 3 going away parties behind. Honest, more photos to come.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Caroline Jack's farewell note


Here's Caroline's goodbye. But she was a little camera shy.

Friday, November 10, 2006 5:19 PM

a chance to thank all of you for eight great years of your company and your friendship. and i'd like that to continue even though i
will no longer have a desk in the building, so please stay in touch, as will i.

all the best, carolyn

Sunday, November 12, 2006

McAuley's Party

Bob, Diane, Regina











Margie, Ellen, Ted














November 3, Bob McAuley


















David, Jill, Kevin


















David, Ted, Rosie

Friday, November 10, 2006

Last Friday Wilma Salisbury, music and dance critic left. Here's her farewell note:

Friday, November 3, 2006 7:45 PM
Colleagues: When I arrived at The Plain Dealer in 1967 as an apprentice in the Rockefeller Project for the Training of Music
Critics, I planned to stay in Cleveland for only nine months. But when the management created a job for me, I thought it would be
more fun to write reviews and features than to pursue a PhD in musicology. I have never regretted the decision., since I have met a
fascinating array of people -- in the newsroom and on my many beats. I will miss the stimulation (but not the stress of daily
journalism). Goodbye and best wishes to all. Wilma


Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006 was Joanne Pallant's last day, after 40 years. Cake and cookies and balloons and tears.
Here's her farewell note:To my PD family. It has been wonderful working with all of you. My 40 years here have been very special to me. I will miss seeing
you each day. Conversations with Daisy, my cat, will not be the same.
Thanks to all of you for your support over the years. Good-bye.

Jo Ann Pallant

P.S. Pay those I.O.U. bills in the book on the book cart!!!

Sunday, November 05, 2006



Friday night, Nov. 3, the medical team hosted a good bye farewell party for Bob McAuley, whose last day will be Nov. 10. A slew of past and past present PD people crammed into the upper room of the Market St. Wine Bar to toast the longtime PD goodguy. Here he is with one of his gifts, a Sirius radio.