Lynn Bassler (Porter)

Thanks everyone for letting me know your joining me at the Eagles on 2/6.  I'm building the list and so far we have 10 people.  Any reunion info be sure to bring it along too! 

Just thought I'd send a quick update on where things stood, I'll update weekly until the 6th!

Have a great weekend!

Steve Bender

Hello Class of 74:  Exciting news 

Pam Weaver, Amy Bender and Steve Bender have partnered to create the Bill Weaver Memorial Scholarship. Actually, we will be providing two scholarships each year, one to a boy at Niles High School and one to girl at Buchanan High School.  Criteria for the scholarships will be sportsmanship and character with a preference for students who participate in basketball.  What a great way to celebrate Bill's great playing career at Niles and his fabulous coaching career at Buchanan.  Bill affected so many lives in such a positive way and we are so excited to carry on his legacy forever.

We will be publicly announcing this at the game February 6.  Anyone who is interested in donating to this edowment fund please send your contribution to:

Michigan Gateway Community Foundation

111 Days Avenue

Buchanan, MI  49107

c/o Mike Rowland - President/CEO

269-695-3521

Toni Bodjack (Bruegmann)

Steve Bender

Bill Weaver Night

Pam Weaver and I met with Athletics Director Matt Brawley yesterday.  Here are the details on February 6.

1.  Cash tickets only at the door

2.  The evening is a triple header boys basketball vs. Buchanan. Frosh start at 4:15

3.  The Bill Weaver tribute will start immediatley after the varsity boys do their full warm-up - around 7:00

4.  The public address announcer will cover Bill's accomplishments at Niles-Buchanan-Eastern Michigan

5.  There will be a moment of silence

6.  The Bill Weaver Memorial Scholarship will be explained - every year 1 scholarship given to a Niles Boy and 1 scholarship given to a Buchanan girl based on character and sportsmanship - flyers will be available at the door on how you can donate to the Scholarship Endowment Fund.

7.  Niles is going to put a plaque up next to the Ed Weede and Joe Whitwam awards for the winners of Bill's Niles scholarship (this is the first award ever given for boys' basketball)

8. Niles is printing 100 Bill Weaver Night t-shirts that they will be giving away for FREE

9. The Bill Weaver Night will be an annual event when Niles + Buchanan play in basketball - rotating boys and girls

10.  To honor our class of 74 the DJ is going to focus on 70's music - there will be a section for our class to sit

11.  Both student sections are pretty special with Jessica + Dustin Cornelius leading them = great atmosphere

12.  At the conclusion of the game a signed ball by both teams will be presented to Pam

13. It will be a fun evening and great to see one another again

Marti Robinson (White)

What a wonderful way to honor Bill!  Wish I could be there - any chance this will be live streamed?
 Marti 

Rex Dillman

 thanks for info ... will be there  no matter  what so ya know ... 

Lynn Bassler (Porter)

Update for the week...

1st I want to say thanks to Steve Bender for keeping us updated on the new scholarships, it is a wonderful tribute and idea for the future generations!!  Thanks Steve!

Also the update on the game details sounds like 2/6 is going to have alot going on other than just the game!

I have a couple more forlks added to the Eagles, I'll let the Eagles know this week about how many Class of 74 folks to expect.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.  Marty I can't answer the question about streaming maybe someone else can add their 2 cents!  I barely get this typed and sent out to the class!

Everyone have a great safe week..

Dana Daniels

If people going to the game identify themselves as members of the Class of '74, they and their families will be let in for free.

For anyone who wishes to stream the game, please go to this site, https://nilesvikings.bigteams.com/,  and review the announcements.  There are instructions provided and a link to the streaming software.  I don't know if any audio comes through, but the game will be shown.

Niles Community Schools is honored to be able to do this and Bill's name and his scholarship plaque will hang in the hallway across from the offices at the High School.  

Dana

Marti Robinson (White)

Thanks, Dana!!

Jim Jarman

Can someone who is going to Bill Weavers Memorial tonight record it to post online as I looked for the live streaming info and did not find it, Thanks 

Dick Crocker

Here is the link:

https://nilesvikings.bigteams.com/

I understand it is scheduled to start about 7:00 PM EST.

Dick Crocker

Sorry folks.  I am not able to find any info abut streaming Bill's tribute at the website link provided.

Stephanie Sirovica (Hessey)

Hi everyone!! I just wanted to thank Steve Bender and his wife for such a wonderful tribute with the scholarship and the tribute basketball game last night. It was very heartfelt by many and I'm sure Bill was smiling and feeling very blessed at it and all those that were able to attend and the ones who shared the recording or photographs while he flew around the court with his Angel wings. Maybe even helping a player or two dumping the ball in the net. 😇 It was great to see all of you and Thank you to the many others who helped with all the planning and putttng it all together. A big Thank you also to Dana Daniels for the tour of the school with all its many updated changes. It sure felt strange walking past class rooms and thinking about the teachers we had and experiences we had as teen agers. Even stranger thinking about our own children who attended there and now lol our Grandchildren attending or will be attending soon. 😝 Or a laugh to think about thinking when we attended games and events at the school now we are so old we get Senior Citizen Discount !!! Who would have ever imagined we would ever be this old. 😃 But we are and we are blessed to still be here and have a laugh or smile remembering so many different things. I took a few photos and Bruce Geschiedle shared one with me that I posted in the gallery. Looking forward to seeing all of you again we us old coots meet up for our 50th. 

Lynn Bassler (Porter)

Thanks everyone who was able to meet at the Eagles....as at the meeting I mentioned come April or when everyone starts to return back to Niles from being in warmer weather we'll get the reunion kicked off and rolling.  Dana was the scribe and sent me notes regarding our general discussion on Monday.  Karen got me a lot of past information and Stephanie was on it, going to locate lost class classmates!  We already have a great start!

Good to see everyone at the game on Monday....I just know I need to get that 74 yearbook dusted off and start going thru it!  Thanks Steve and all those involved with the memorial game for Bill.

Look forward to seeing everyone soon!  Lynn

Steve Bender

Donation responses for the Bill Weaver Scholarships was greatly appreciated. If you would still like to donate, contact Michigan Gateway Foundation in Buchanan 

Wendy Rehm (Comar)

I have posted Lynn Schweinzger's obituary information on her In Memory site.  There is a lovely video posted at www.halbritterwickens.com.  Wendy

Terri Bayles (Howells)

Friends, 

In case you haven't heard the sad news - Mike Sirovica's dear wife, Kimmie (NHS '72), passed away last week. You can find her obiturary at https://www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com/obituaries/Kimberly-J-Sirovica?obId=29143104

Mike, we're all holding you and your family close to our hearts.

Terri

Rex Dillman

think i just ordered t shirt for reunion ok... the pay system set up easy enough...thanks  

Wendy Rehm (Comar)

Just a reminder to purchase your awesome Class Reunion t-shirt prior to the deadline of 6/3.  Wendy

Lynn Bassler (Porter)

We are getting close to deadlines!!!

I am reaching out to all 1974 Classmates to please get on board with our 50th Reunion. Our committee has done an outstanding job of pulling together activities for the August 2-3rd weekend so we can all reminisce after 50 years.

We are 6 weeks from our deadline of turning in attendance to Orchard Hills for a head count. 
Anyone that can order a TShirt to help fill our requirement from the vendor would also be greatly appreciated we are soooo close to our numbers!!!!

I am so excited to see everyone since being away from Niles since 1974 I hope you feel the same.

Please reach out if there are questions or concerns anout the weekend and let's make this our best reunion ever!!!

Thank you in advance for all your support I look forward to the 50th Reunion!

Rex Dillman

happy b days to yall... i dont sign in that often just click when new updates come in... so ya know. to bad abt D. Nugent... 

Randy Toler

Hi All,

Political schedule as US Green Party Co-Founder and Presidential candidate 2024 uncertain for reunion at this point.  I ran across this from Wikipedia today; people from Niles Michigan: two from class of 1974.

Rex Dillman

saw what Toler sent... Joe told us at last wed monthly mtg... too bads stuff happens ya dont expect

Diane Blank (Creekmur)

Looking forward to seeing you at the 50th class reunion!!!

Diane Blank Creekmur

Bill Lary

Edward Lavern Dunifin Jr., known to all as Ed, Fred, and Papa passed away peacefully on June 21, 2024, at the age of 67 in his hometown of Niles, Michigan surrounded by loved ones. Born on August 27, 1956, to the late Edward Sr. and Joan Dunifin, Ed's life was a testament to his loving, funny, and courageous spirit.

A family man through and through, Ed leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. His beloved wife, Karen Dunifin, stood by his side in a marriage filled with joy and companionship for over 50 years. Together, they raised their children, Jennifer (Timothy) Anglin and Brian Dunifin, who will forever cherish the memories of a father who never missed an event and always prioritized his family. Ed's role as a Papa to his grandchildren, Karianne Dunifin, Iris Dunifin, Gavin Dunifin, Addison Anglin, and Parker Anglin, was one he embraced with every ounce of his being. His siblings, Diane (David) Scinico, Patrick (Kaewta) Dunifin, Tina (Gary) Solloway, and Debbie Bowker, remember their brother as the cornerstone of fun and strength within the family.

Ed's dedication to his country was evident through his service in the US Navy, where he exemplified the values of duty and honor. His work ethic shone brightly during his tenure of over a decade at Steel Warehouse, where he was not only a valued employee but also a friend to many. Ed's commitment to his community could be seen in the countless hours he spent coaching the NBGSA and JV softball at Brandywine. His hands-on approach led him to build the dugouts at NBGSA and Brandywine High School, leaving a lasting mark on the places that brought him joy.

An extremely hardworking man, Ed approached every task with a great sense of humor and a smile that could light up a room. He was passionate about coaching and playing slow-pitch softball, sharing his love for the game with all who knew him. Ed's presence on the field and in the dugouts will be deeply missed by his fellow coaches, players, and the many young lives he touched.

Ed's zest for life was contagious, and his ability to bring laughter and warmth to any situation was unparalleled. He was a pillar of strength, not just for his family but for all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him. His courage in the face of life's challenges inspired everyone around him, and his legacy will continue to influence generations to come.

As we bid farewell to Ed, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of passion, commitment, and an unwavering love for his family. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by those who were blessed to know him.