Thursday, July 12, 1990 -- AT BERLIN WALL -- Specialist Kelly Pieper, son of Dean and Evelyn Pieper of Staunton. attended the historic New Year's eve celebration of the tearing down of the Berlin Wall and the reuniting of East and West Berlin.

Kelly is stationed in Berlin at Andrew's Compound, a former barracks for Hitler's SS troops which is also a few minutes away from such sites as the Berlin Wall, Freedom Bridge, Brandenburg Gate, Russian War Memorial, Check Point Charlie, theVictory Tower, and Berlin's main thoroughfare – the Kurfurstendamm. In the heart of the Kurfurstendamm, stands the church which symbolizes Berlin and the old German Empire. Nothing remains of the church from the bombings except the ruins of the tower which shows the actual destruction from the bombing and shootings.

Mr. and Mrs. Pieper spent several weeks over the past Christmas holidays with Kelly and touring Berlin. They were very fortunate to be at the Brandenburg Gate when the wall was torn down and seeing the throngs of East Berliners coming through the opening.

Up and down the wall scores of people were chipping away at the wall for a piece of history as did Kelly, Dean and Evelyn. They brought back with them a significant chunk of the wall which they personally tore down.

Kelly will return to the United States in October after having served some 32 months in Berlin.

Preparations Underway For Streetfest -- The Staunton Chamber of Commerce will sponsor their annual "Streetfest" sidewalk sales in Staunton on August 3 and 4.

In addition to the sales offered by participating merchants, many organizations will sponsor food, craft, or other stands in the business district, creating a carnival atmosphere. A favorite from last year, a street dance with music provided by the Magic Jukebox will also return.

Merchants and organizations who wish to participate are urged to reserve space as soon as possible by calling Pat Gilbert (635-8632) or Joan Rucker (635-2666).

All merchants should get their promotion plans, copies of gift certificates, etc. to Joan Rucker by July 23.

Shoppers should watch for the advertisements in future issues of the Star-Times to check out the special bargains being offered by participating merchants as part of this annual sales promotion in Staunton.

Livingston High School Class Reunion -- Livingston High School Classes of 1959 and 1960 held a combined class reunion at Forest Lakes on July 7th. LHS Class of 60 president Marie (Tjaden) Kasubke opened the evening with prayer and remembrance of deceased class members.

Pat (Seganfredo) Kostadin awarded various prizes, among them: Tom Reed (Juneau, Alaska), traveled farthest to attend; Carl Windsich (Springfield) most children (9); Hettie (Boulch) Knotts, Mt. Olive, married longest (30 years).

Bruce Kasubke was disc-jockey for the evening and the classes danced to the music of the 50s. Everyone had a good time and the classes committee appreciates the great cooperation.

July 19, 1990 -- Sewer work continues; May cut off Pearl St. exit -- Construction on Staunton's new lagoon and relief sewer line is continuing and the sewer line is getting closer to the point of cutting off the Slaughter House/Windy Hill Road from West Pearl Street. As this paper went to press crews had not yet reached Quarry Street and traffic could still flow on it to West Mill Street. City Engineer Deborah Ramsey said detour signs would be put up somewhere on the aforementioned road if and when the work did block Quarry.

Ramsey said sewer construction was complete on Wood Street and it had been temporarily rocked. Engineering plans are being made for a storm water relief sewer on Wood Street. The street will be permanently surfaced when the storm sewer is complete.

Because of numerous other utilities crossing North Laurel Street the engineering plans from H.M.G., the city's consulting engineers, have proven "unconstructable." New plans have been designed locally to extend the relief sewer a block east on Pennsylvania and then north on Maple Street to Leonard, bypassing North Laurel.

Ramsey said the boring under the railroad tracks at Henry and Madison Streets "went beautifully." The metal casing that was installed will carry the sewer line south on Madison to Second Street.

Excavation by Bartellbort Company of the new lagoon northwest of the high school is proceeding. The new 8.3 acre lagoon, which sits between the two existing lagoons, is being dug by three large scrapers. The lagoon furthest to the east is currently drained so that sludge can be removed.

GOING OUT OF BUSINESS -- A landmark business in Staunton, Fashion Lane has announced a going-out-of business sale this week. The discount chain has been an every-week advertiser in the Star-Times. They have been in the same location since the fall of 1957.

New Car Wash Drew Large Numbers -- Superwash Inc. in the 200 block of East Main Street in Staunton washed between 400 and 450 cars last Friday and Saturday according to Mike Buckwalter of the company's field staff. The company had distributed coupons for a free wash on their first two days in business in Staunton. Regular prices are $3.50 for an automatic wash and $4.00 for a wash and wax.