About Our Members!

Ruth Weigand

Adel Fussner

At First Triathlon

ADELE FUSSNER - WHAT A WOMAN! - HER FIRST TRIATHLON AT AGE 75! by Dee Smith

One of our own members, Adele Fussner, participated in the Girls Tri Too Triathlon on Sunday, August 19, 2012 at Linwood Park in Vermilion, Ohio .

Adele reports that the race is a beginner's race and that 50% of the entry fee goes to the Susan G. Komen Ohio Affiliates. Adele's aunt had breast cancer.

The race began with a plunge into Lake Erie waters for a 250-yard swim, equal to 6 laps in an Olympic size pool. This was quite a feat for Adele. Until seven years ago, Adele was afraid of water. She credits her water aerobics' teacher, Fran Carly, at the Kent Roosevelt Natatorium for teaching her to swim and encouraging her to participate in this beginning race. (Ed. If you look in the background of Adele's picture, you will see Fran in the dark top and khaki shorts running along with her camera at the ready.)

Adele felt extremely protected during this part of the triathlon. She was the last swimmer in the water, and a fireman was in a kayak escorting her into shore. Furthermore the next group of participants was on shore waiting for their race to begin. As Adele emerged from the water, she was met with high fives and cheers to encourage her on the next leg of the race.

Adele then biked for seven miles. She was quite the talk of the race for two reasons: first, her contestant number and age had to be displayed on her calf (556 / 75) and second, her bike was the only one sporting a basket.

The last leg was a two-mile run/walk. Adele reports that the encouragement of her husband and her water aerobics teacher throughout the race made it possible for her to get through the burn which sets in during the last half of each leg. The wise words of her teacher, Fran Carly, "Look forward and keep pushing!" echoed in her mind throughout the race. We all could live by those words!

Adele proudly stated she won her division of the race, age 75 and up. She then laughed and added she was the only participant in that division. I found her times on line and found them quite impressive: swam 250 yards in 13:08 minutes; biked seven miles in 45:58 minutes; and ran/walked two miles in 33:07 minutes.

We all need to give Adele a THATAGIRL the next time we see her!

A LETTER TO MY TEACHER, RUTH WEIGAND...from Rene Dawn White Chlysta

Speaking of getting letters...PCRTA received this letter from Rene Dawn White Chlysta who had seen a picture of Ruth Weigand, her former third-grade teacher, in the PCRTA newsletter and felt compelled to write to her. Letters like these are what keep teachers going strong. Here is an excerpt from it:

"When I was in your third grade class at Field Central Elementary School, I could not know how sheltered my family kept me. I could not travel and experience the many wonders of the world beyond Brimfield, our family farm, and my relatives' homes in West Virginia. But my circumstances were only one reality. You showed me learning-language, mathematics, social studies, nature and science...I remember one time, even when our class was outside coming in from being behind the building...I noticed some sort of insect or arachnid near the door, mentioned it to you, and we talked about its existence. You called other students over to see it and notice it...You tied it into what we had been going over in class...I remember your face, your smile, your intellect, as we pondered over that little critter. There were little times like that in your class that made me very happy on a daily basis. But it might be your character and mannerisms I remember most. You were so organized and exact. You were thorough and dependable. You were honest and respectful and kind. You were fair. And you have always been one of the people responsible for those qualities in the teacher I continue to become. Thanks for being my third grade teacher."

Ken Cardinal

Ken Cardinal in Hall of Fame

Kent City Schools recently inducted Kenneth Cardinal into their Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes people who have made exceptional achievements and unique contributions to the Kent community. Ken and his wife Joanne are life members of PCRTA and ORTA, and they participate regularly in the luncheon meetings.

Kenneth Cardinal was the superintendent of the Kent City Schools from 1977-1981 after serving as the assistant superintendent for ten years. His career began in Ashtabula County where he was a teacher, coach, and an administrator in the Buckeye Local Schools.

Ken researched and developed a structured interview process designed to predict behavior, attitudes and other subjective traits in teacher candidates. He has worked with school districts throughout the United States and Canada to provide instruction of the use of structured interviewing and targeted professional growth opportunities for classroom teachers, administrators, coaches, and school support personnel.

Cardinal earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at Kent State University and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Outstanding Accomplishment from the KSU College of Education. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean conflict. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman Badge. Congratulations, Ken!