Classmate spotlight...

Watch out Mr Ruiz and Mr Russomanno, this girl knows her baseball. In fact, she has issued a challenge to both of you for a test of Bronx Bombers trivia at our September reunion. We're speaking about our fellow classmate, Charlotte Enik-Klecan.

 

Charlotte's home turf was Strawberry Hill, having attended classes starting at School #3 before moving on to School #11, Barron Avenue Junior High and finally our shared time at WHS. "For some reason I was perceived as shy and reserved back then...now, not so much! I have so many fond memories of the friendships throughout my school experience. There was Alan Cannizzaro, Dennis Ottaviano, Nancy Hopta and one in particular, Christine Gill, who's friendship I was blessed with that began long before my first day of school". We reached out to Christine and she shared with us: "Charlotte and I were best friends for what seems like forever. She is always in my heart. She is my sister. We have known each other since we were little kids, always going to the playground together, playing jacks, going on the swings and everything that kids do. We were always together! We hadn't seen each other in years and when my mom passed on in 2006, Charlotte was there!! What a great and happy surprise! She always cared about me and the people around her. She wasn't afraid to try new things. She is brave and a truly good soul. Unfortunately we haven't seen each other since 2006 but I know that we would pick up where we left off. Our friendship is the kind that you don't need to see one and other, but we know that we are always there for each other. I just love her. Right now I am honestly getting teary eyed. Charlotte is a hoot. She always has a smile on her face and could talk to anyone. She is so down to earth and grounded. Understanding, caring, funny and a wonderful daughter, sister and friend...to those lucky enough to be in her life". In addition, Nancy Hopta-DiCarlo wrote: "If there were a dictionary that matched a face with a word, then a photo of Charlotte Enik would definitely be listed under the word “FRIEND.”  Chotsi and I have been friends for many years, although we lost contact for a while after graduation. Thanks to one of our past reunions, we reconnected.  She and I shared many experiences in school including wonderful vocal music concerts with Mrs. Musacchia and screaming our lungs out at football games.  Chotsi is, without a doubt, one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I have ever met.  I’m so blessed and thankful to be able to call her my good friend!  Love you,Chots".

 

Anyone that has the pleasure of knowing Charlotte will say Christine and Nancy's words were heartfelt and point on. When asked about her nickname of "Chotsi" I was told a shortened form of it is credited to our classmate Nancy Hopta-DiCarlo. "Thinking back on our WHS days I remember when the day arrived allowing us to wear blue jeans. It certainly was different times back then. I think of how much I appreciate in hindsight my typing classes. That simple class was most significant for me in the business sector".

 

Not letting the grass to grow under her feet, Charlotte landed her first job the Monday after our WHS graduation. It was at the Woodbridge Town Hall as an assistant to the City Clerk. Several years later Charlotte began her twenty year career with Eastern Airlines as a reservation agent. After Eastern she served as a customer care manager for Scholastic Books. Today she joins husband of nearly forty years, Ed, in retirement. Home is Monroe Twp. and their two children, Stephanie and Eddie reside in Strawberry Hill. Stephanie teaches 2nd grade at the Mawbey Street elementary school and Eddie enjoys his career with the United Way.

 

Embracing the benefits of retirement both Charlotte and Ed plan to expand their love of travel. On the schedule next up is a trip to Tampa to check in with her Yankees during Spring Training (be careful Tony and Ray, don't be suckered into a big wager on her challenge). Also on the calendar is a trip to Hawaii to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Along the way Charlotte will bring along her camera. Our talented classmate has always enjoyed photography and her work has been recognized in several impressive competitions.

 

We spoke of past reunions and how much she is looking forward to our next reunion. "Rich, I can't fairly explain how much I enjoyed our last reunion. One aspect of the evening that was bittersweet was learning of those classmates that have passed. It only reinforced the importance of making an effort to attend. I am so glad I set aside time to be there and I can only hope others will do the same. I assure all of those that may be considering attending...please do, it was a special experience".

 

We played a word association game. Here goes... Rock & Roll or Country? Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Thick or Thin Slice? Thin plain. Mountains or Beach? Seaside then and Belmar now. TV or Book? Emily Dickinson.

 

Looking back into the yearbook you will find under her photo an interest in dancing. When I pointed this out Charlotte was quick to say "oh yes, Rich...meet me on the dance floor, I'll be the first out there!". I guess she was right, this fellow classmate of ours is 180 degrees from that shy and reserved girl we once walked the WHS hallways with.

 

Charlotte, thank you for sitting down with us and one last request...save me a dance my friend.

 

Memo to Ray & Tony: Brush up on your pinstripe history.