A legend in his own time: Nearly every CHS alum of the 1950s or 1960s. 1970s, 0r even the
1980s had Mr. Don Taylor as a teacher, professor, friend, or has heard tales of
the legendary teacher. Don lives in Elizabeth these days but still bleeds
orange and black. He attends every event at his high school games,
celebrations, reunions… he does it all! – Remember, he is not only a former
faculty member, but also a CHS alum who played in the band. Recalling his band
days, Don says, "In 1946, the band was all set to parade up Miller Avenue
but the person to carry the American flag was sick. Since I was undoubtedly the
worst trombone player to ever play in the band, I volunteered to carry the
flag. Sixty years later, CHS celebrated its 100th anniversary with a gigantic
parade over a mile long walk from the school to the stadium. Among the
participants were people from the past. Leading the parade and carrying the
flag was the oldest participant -- yours truly and wearing the shako, plume and
pants from 1946! Who would have thought when I was 16 that 60 years later I
would have that same honor!"
More on the consummate educator: Mr. Taylor taught at CHS then he and a dozen or so others
started the then fledgling Community College of Allegheny County, where he
taught for more than 40 years. The education icon of Clairton has been going so
strong for so long that something was bound to give way sooner or later. It
happened on Father’s Day when he suffered a stroke that left his left hand and
left side of his mouth paralyzed. He has been in the hospital since. He has
improved some. His face is still numb and his left hand is weak. It can find
his nose but cannot help tie his shoes or open paper packets. He is told that
given his age he is a candidate for another stroke .
Two days before Don had the stroke
he was in one of his favorite spots – at a softball game; but not as a
spectator, rather as a player. After hitting two long home runs he sat out,
telling his teammates he was having heart problems.
The doctor told him his playing
days are behind him but that was the most bitter pill the doctor gave Don to
swallow. Still, he is who he is and has a very positive outlook. Wife Betts and
his children are most supportive and loving during this spell. Per his request,
please send any good wishes to me at drforgot@cox.net
and I will forward them to our dear friend.
Others are helping the kids too: A few groups of current and former Clairtonians, nearly all CHS
alumni are working to help our kids. The
Clairton Chamber of Commerce, the Reaching the Reachable outreach program, and
members of the Clairton History Facebook friends have been working furiously over
the past year to provide mentoring for current CHS students, offering real life
examples of CHS alumni who have become successful in various fields of
endeavor, demonstrating job application and interviewing skills, teaching the
ins and outs of obtaining financial aid for post-secondary education, and many
other avenues to help current CHS students and grads reverse the cycle of
poverty that has gripped many in our hometown. Ted Kay, Terrence Fort, Dr.
Pauline Long, Joannie, Jordan, Terry Lancaster, Kathy Grisnik Tachoir, and Dr.
Elisabeth Erlich are among the many who have taken the baton to help the youth
of our community break the bonds of poverty.
First things first: Now that the school year
is over and graduation rate high, athletic successes noted, a summer of
uncertainty has begun. With few recreational outlets many of our children will
spend the summer hanging out and doing little that is constructive simply due
to lack of opportunities. Minutes of a recent meeting of the group included the
following: “After a review of the process and template we would use, we
identified, discussed and selected the initiatives to implement for Clairton's
youth for the summer. Volunteer "Champions" were named to develop
action plans/timing, identify local contacts or groups and implement each
initiative. Five immediate and three long term initiatives were adopted.
Immediate needs: 1. Field Trips, 2. Swimming Pool Passes, 3. Playground
Activities, 4. Movie Nights, 5. Community Day.
Long Term initiatives: 6. S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Math Coalition), 7.
Computer Training, and 8. Vacation Bible
School Schedules.”
Help is needed: None of the
above can occur without help and support from CHS Alumni. Our fantastic alumni
has stepped forward in the past to help with scholarship and athletic projects
for our children. We ask you to do so again. The City of Clairton has committed
several hundred dollars as a first step in helping the summer projects and we
are asking you to supplement their commitment with your alumni gift. Every
person listed above, as well as many other fellow alums are providing their
time, money and effort on a volunteer basis helping with field trips and movie
nights. Donations are now needed to purchase pool passes for the 2012 summer
season.
The Clairton pool policy is to
admit free any child under 3 feet tall when accompanied by an adult. Your
donations will help purchase pool passes for children whose stature exceeds 36”
A few donations have already been committed.
Send your donation to: Joanie Jordan, 13 Wellington Woods Drive, Pittsburgh, PA
15229.
A little blogging music
Maestro: “Be True to Your School” by The Beachboys.
email: drforgot@cox.net
