Albie was on our swim team at Jefferson pool. Despite the 10 year age difference Albie always had time to play and joke with the younger kids. He taught me how to do a gainer and and 1 1/2 w a full twist. Some of my favorite childhood memories took place at that pool.

My biggest impression/memories is about all the teachers and how much they cared about the students!

Where was I when I learned of Alby's Accident? I was at the Chuck Pukansky's house watching the first Steeler's game of the season. In the background, the police scanner was on. We heard thin initial dispatch to the mine shaft at the corner of the cemetery. Next we heard the call numbers for "Officer Down" and an increased level of urgency. Shortly thereafter sirens from every fire station were blowing. At this point, I decided I should get home. Shortly after arriving home, our parent's received the call from Jefferson Hospital requesting their presence. After arriving at the hospital, our parents called us and asked us to get to the hospital immediately.

What is my favorite TJ Memory? As an adult, I should answer that my relationships with friends & teachers were my favorite. However, I will answer as a high school senior and my favorite memory is the Great TJ Motocross of 1980. At the close of the 1980 school year a couple of our classmates (not to be named here) entered the school at the main entrance on their dirt bikes. They then took a right and proceeded to make a lap around the entire first floor and exited via the auditorium doors and onto their getaway pickup. It was a tremendous display of skill and a fitting end to a strike filled school year.

My favorite memory of Alby? My favorite memories of my big brother were of him at Christmas and how excited he was to buy presents for his siblings, especially his sisters. He always had a job and saved for presents every year and took great joy giving these gifts.

The day before Albie went into that mine subsidence hole to try to rescue the boys, he came to visit me. I live an hour away. My birthday was coming up and he knew he wouldnt see me to give me a gift. He brought a beautiful plant and spent the day with me, my husband and my two kids. He held my 2 year old, Heather on his lap and told her spooky stories about walking in the woods on Waterman Rd. She fell asleep in his arms. Little did I know that this would be my last time seeing him as the vibrant 23 year old he was. The next day, he went down into that hole. Spending that last day with him is one of the greatest gifts anyone has ever given me. Hold your loved ones close. You never know when it’s the last time.