John Olesky, Jim Carney, Paula Tucker, daffodils

A trip to enjoy the daffodils display at Furnace Run Park turned into a BJ reunion for former reporter Jim Carney and newsroom retiree John Olesky and former BJ State Desk reporter Paula Tucker.

Jim had just returned from his hike/tour of the Daffodils Trail when John and Paula pulled into the parking lot.

Jim’s and his wife, BJ reporter Katie Byard,  who is about a decade away from retirement age, plan a trip through New England in June.

Jim’s son, Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney, still is dealing with his shoulder injury caused by an unfriendly wave on St. Barth’s beach in the Caribbean in January.

Carney and former Firestone High classmate Dan Auerbach – the Black Keys – had to cancel concerts in Australia, Europe, Japan and New Zealand. Cancellation insurance – which have very expensive premiums – softened the financial loss.

If he’s in town, Jim plans to show up at the annual former BJ folks gathering at Primo’s Deli on Akron’s Vernon Odum Boulevard that PD and former BJ entertainment critic Mark Dawidziak organizes.

If you want to join the lunch bunch for a chew and chat about the Ol’ Blue Walls days, email Mark at hlgrouch@sbcglobal.net because he has to give Primo’s a head count. The exact noon June date will depend on which Friday has the least BJ people without a prior commitment.

Jim took a BJ buyout in May 2014. John retired from the BJ in 1996 and has traveled to 52 countries, 43 states, taken 11 cruises (with a 12th, on the Danube River in Europe, lined up for August).