Enjoy!
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Welcome...
Enjoy!
Your WHS 45th reunion web site...
Your reunion committee is excited to announce the debut of the 45th Class Reunion web site. Please set aside time to visit the new site and you will find it to be very user friendly and informative.
Taylor pork roll for three please...
What are the chances three lifetime friends when asked what is your
favorite "Jersey food" would select the same pork delicacy?!
We shift gears and profile not one of our alumni but three. Three
classmates that have found the secret of happiness found in friendships. The
trifecta friendship was formed in elementary school in Menlo Park Terrace.
Linda Kirchhoff Seguine, Joanne Caldwell Russell and Sue Hawley Petersen, have
done well in choosing their friends...very well.
We tracked them done recently and it was refreshing to realize the common
bond that is secured by their love, patience and unselfishness for each other.
In an era where it's easy to be self consumed with one's own life, these three
ladies make it a priority to look out for each other. When asked to describe
each other Sue was painted as generous with both her time and resources. Joanne
was noted for her sense of humor and willingness to always lend an caring ear to
Linda and Sue. Linda was described loyal, honest and unselfish with her time for
not only them but everyone she knows.
Today you will find the three getting together at least once a month for
dinner. In addition to conversations dealing with life today they will laugh
over their memories of hanging out "on the wall" at the Menlo Park Mall when it
was still open air, daily trips to the shore and cruising through the
neighborhood in the '66 white Cadillac convertible.
Linda calls Menlo Park Terrace home with husband Nick of forty two years.
Two children and one very precious granddaughter. Joanne is single and has
settled in Laurence Harbor, one daughter and two grandchildren. Sue has landed
in Hillsbourgh with husband Chuck of twenty years and two daughters. Sue and
Chuck have a second home in the Sunshine State of Florida. Sue is retired from
Johnson & Johnson where she met Chuck.
When it comes to music, Linda is all about Bruce, Joanne is loyal to Hall
& Oates and Sue likes her Rock n Roll and '60's country. All three attended
the last reunion and ironically each had their daughters drive them there with
orders to behave along with a curfew time when they would be picked up...aside
from the humor, right there is an example of family love passed down to another
generation. They plan on attending our next reunion saying "We look forward to
seeing old friends but more importantly, getting to know our fellow alumni
better with hopes of new friendships being established. One misconception of
high school reunions is a collection of clicks formed years ago.
We were
pleasantly surprised that was not the case but rather an evening of alumni that
left their egos at home and were there to see and make friends that once shared
a common school bond". Two years ago the ladies did a "girls vacation" at Sue's
winter home in Florida. No photos available...you know what that Vegas saying
is, right? :)
When speaking with them it was interesting to see how each of them
individually evolved over time, making life adjustments along the way but one
constant was their friendship. They handled life throughout the years but
through their love and appreciation for each other their bond is still in place
today...stronger than ever. A lasting friendship is truly an impressive
accomplishment, even more so when it is between three. All too often we misplace
priorities on career accomplishments over true happiness. When we speak of
Linda, Joanne and Sue they have taken on life and have succeeded with their gift
of their friendship to each other. In closing, they serve as a reminder for us
to make sure we reach out and remind our friends how much we appreciate them.
Menlo Park Terrace ladies...we thank you.
Request from your reunion committee...
We are looking for some generous classmates to help sponsor our reunion. We
need funds to cover deposits and operating expenses. All sponsors will be
acknowledged in our reunion memory book.
No amount is too small and we appreciate your generosity. Please go to our
"Make a Donation" tab on our reunion web site www.whsreunion45.com to make your
donation.
Thanks from Betty, Chris and Pat (The Committee)
Friday, May 23, 2014
Welcome...
We also step back in time and challenge you to name fellow classmates from their 3rd grade Strawberry Hill class photo. Our classmate spotlight profiles Alan Cannizzaro and his impressive accomplishments. Finally, we are excited to pass along the date of our 45th Class Reunion. The three Co-Chairwomen are hard at work trying to present us with another great reunion weekend. As more information of the location, etc. becomes available we will gladly pass it along to you.
Until then, we wish all of you well!
Your Blog Team
Classmate spotlight...
Ever shop at the former A&P on Main Street? Remember the back parking
lot and you could always count on finding produce trash strewn around the
garbage bin back then...well, I've found the man responsible for that perennial
mess, his name is Alan Cannizzaro!
Our classmate spotlight focuses in on one of the "good guys" of our class,
Alan Cannizzaro. Alan set aside time for us recently to share life since WHS
graduation.
One of the "Strawberry Hill" kids Alan looks back and has good memories of
his school experience, especially the friendship he gained. Gary Mehes, Ken
Kertez, Roger Puente and especially Joe Mecsics. To this day you can hear the
tone of the conversation change when he speaks of his late friend Joe. They were
best of friends, Best Man at each other's wedding...Joe's passing still stings.
"Life was good, I was blessed with so many friends from the Fulton Street area",
says Alan.
One friend that was his first crush was our fellow classmate Charlotte Enik
Klecan: "I knew Al since I was 5 years old. We grew up in the same
neighborhood with our houses right behind each other. We were schoolmates
starting in Kindergarten at School #3 on Strawberry Hill right through WHS. He
would be the first one to tell you that I was his kindergarten sweetheart. Al
and I were picked for the safety patrol in 4th grade along with six other fellow
classmates (Christine Gill, Susan McCauley, Diane Hamilton, Joe Mecsics, Tommy
Bird, Robert Anderson) and were thanked by the teachers with an end of the year
trip to Palisades Park! Al has this crazy sense of humor that always keeps us
in "stitches," he is proud of his Italian heritage, he quotes dialogue from his
favorite movie, "The Godfather,"and without a doubt, is still deeply in love
with his wife Marge after almost 39 years of marriage. I am so happy that Al
and I have stayed in touch after all these years. I consider Al one of my
dearest friends and will always cherish his friendship."
Alan attended Jersey City State College and today he sports a Masters
Degree in Aviation Science. Our fellow classmate has gone on to be the Manager
of Labor and Employee Relations for the FAA. Although the demands of the
position are rough Alan and Marge make a point of getting away whenever
possible. They enjoy travel, especially cruises. Stealing some free time at home
you will find him enjoying his beloved '63 Chevy. Alan met Marge at the Gadeks
Friday evening dances, married 39 years and proud parents of two children, Gina
and Joseph.
When asked about WHS and recent reunions Alan asked that we pass along his
message to fellow alumni considering attending our next reunion. His message is:
"Do IT!". "Marge and I remarked after attending the 45th how we made new
friendships with folks I hadn't expected to be there or thought I would be
spending time with during the evening. We have reached a point in life where we
are who we are, no one tries to impress, simply attend and enjoy each other's
company. Enjoy is what we did..I highly recommend everyone attend if at all
possible. Marge and I will be there".
In our conversation we discovered that Alan had a part time job during
HS...yes, he was the one that worked in the produce department and took the
trash out at the A&P. Alan...thank you for your time and we look forward to
catching up with you and Marge next year!
Shared with us...
Recently, I had an opportunity to visit the new 9/11 Memorial Museum in
Lower Manhattan.
I would like to share these experiences with the WHS
Class of 1970.
First some background. I did not know anyone who died or suffered a
loss on 9/11.
At the same time, I remember VERY well how I felt
when everything took place almost 13 years ago. I was angry,
sad, and very emotional.
As a widower, I felt a very strong sense of loss for
those who lost someone close. In 2007, I met and dated someone who
happened to be in the North Tower the day the planes hit. She was on
the 40th floor and had little
difficulty getting out of the building. What made
all this tragic for her was that 9/11 happens to be her birthday. In addition,
her brother was an NYPD cop that day and went down to the WTC area to help in
the rescue effort and rescue his sister. Because of
this he still suffers from the effects of
exposure.
I
spent 5 hours in the museum yesterday. It was one
of the most incredible museum experiences I’ve ever had. The people
who helped put this museum together deserve a great deal of credit with how they
put exhibits together.
Many of these people are survivors or family members
of the victims of the terrorist attack. The museum
features large and small.
There is a large piece of the antenna that was on top
of the North Tower.
There are also vehicles that are present that were
damaged by the attack.
These vehicles were once part of the NYPD, the FDNY,
or the Port Authority.
There are also pieces of the structure of the two
towers. This includes beams from the buildings…bent out of shape when the planes
hit…and a slurry wall which was built when the towers were built in the
1970s. This wall was designed to keep water from the Hudson River from leaking
into the building.
Despite the heavy damage done to the buildings by the
attack, the wall held…and is still in existence.
And
then there was the small:
Items such as ID cards of victims, MANY, MANY
pictures of victims, jewelry from the victims that was recovered.
Momentos.
All of these items were difficult to view…but
important to view to get a good sense of what was lost on that day. There are
also recordings:
Recordings of the victims calling loved ones or
friends,
recordings of family members, and recordings of the
rescuers.
There were also exhibits that described the chronology of the events of
911/01. EVERYTHING is included here including what happened at the Trade Center,
how our leaders reacted to what happened, and the attacks at the Pentagon and on
United 93.
An
extensive museum…and a very emotional experience. Several
times, I found myself wanting to leave. Why?
Out of great sadness for the losses of that
day. At times it was difficult to view a lot of what was going on. And
renewal:
There are exhibits showing what has happened since
9/11 including what happened to the terrorists and also about the renewal of
what’s been called “Ground Zero”. We watched a short great movie about ground
zero and where it is today.
I
STRONGLY advise ANYONE in the NYC area or ANYWHERE that they visit this museum
when they can.
I consider the area to be hallowed
ground: Not much different then the USS Arizona in Hawaii, some Civil War
battlefield or Omaha Beach in Normandy France. These are
all areas where Americans died for their country and for our
freedom.
Steve Karger May 17, 2014
WHS
A step back in time...
Senior Class Play Program: The Education of Hyman Kaplan,
Performances February 12-14, 1970.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Welcome...
This month Cindy caught up with one of our classmates, Doug Diem. Certainly one of the good guys. I know you will enjoy Cindy's profile as we learn more about Doug and his family. Along the way in the update we toss in a few images, mostly auto related, to remind us of life back then. Finally, as we have done from time to time, we try to incorporate a public figure from our childhood to reflect their impact on us and what they are doing these days. Sonny Fox, host of Wonderama, was kind to make himself available to our blog. I believe you will be surprised to read this man is much more than the host of a children's show. It was a pleasure to speak with him.
Enjoy!
Classmate spotlight...
In Fords Junior High Doug took an aptitude test and scored high on mechanics. He decided back then that is what he would do! After graduation in 1970 Doug applied for and took the civil service test to be a cadet on the Woodbridge Police Department. He was one of seven who took the test and passed. He went through his physical, two weeks of training and decided this was not for him. (He acknowledges a lot of peer pressure about becoming a "Narc" at the time had an effect on him) He was pleased he qualified, but does not regret not staying with the police force.
He remembers Mrs. Horn as a hard, strict mathematics teacher, but one from which he learned and respected.
To my surprise, he told me he is one of the biggest fans of Billy Joel! Needless to say, that sealed the deal for Cindy! He supports and roots for the San Diego Chargers, but has no interest in any of the baseball or basketball teams. I asked him if he had any regrets, he said only one. He should have asked Patty Navalany Launhardt to the senior prom. He never did, so neither attended. He fondly recalls Patty and thinks about their friendship. Sorry Patty, he did not ask you to the prom. He has been so excited to attend the reunions and he and Bonnie had a wonderful time at the 40th. Anyone that had the pleasure of meeting Bonnie for the first time realized our friend Doug is one very lucky gentleman. Doug encourages all classmates to come to the next reunion. They are so much fun and he wants to see everyone.
In addition to looking forward to the 45th he is also fulfilling a promise he made to Bonnie....he will take her to Ireland! He's working on it.
"You're three minutes late"...
The mere mention of the name Sonny Fox provokes immediate memories of our childhood sitting in front of that television set on Sunday mornings. "Rich, to be remembered is most flattering, but what is really remarkable is that when I meet these people, my kids, 50 years later and when they see me, they regress to their 10 year old selves, just like that. To this very day it really is something to know you can leave that kind of thumbprint on a child's mind."
From 1959 to 1967, Sonny hosted the children's television show "Wonderama," which ran for four hours every Sunday morning. When we tuned in we might see magical acts, live performances, annual visits by Se. Robert Kennedy and one-on-one conversations between Fox and audience members.
Sonny juggled serious to zany for four hours each Sunday. Oh the prizes... we all remember the Emenee organ. With four hours of programming there was plenty of air time to fill and toy commercials were the answer. "In the summer we handled about twenty commercial spots a show but come the fall that would jump to 42." When asked what became of all the toys throughout the year Sonny explained that they saved them all and just prior to the holidays he would ask his crew to select from the collection to take home for their own families.
"I never did pretend I was a child... I wore a suit and tie and I respected them," he said. "Very few of us learn to listen to kids. It was a show that played to children's strengths, their curiosity, their intelligence and their ability to enjoy the moment. There are no more children's shows on the local scene and that is too bad. Now when children are served by the networks or cable companies they tend to think of children as consumers, in demographics. When we were local we were able to think of our children as our responsibility.
Sonny Fox, now 88, a Brooklyn native, originally thought he would follow his father into the textile business. However, after graduating from high school early and waiting to get into college in North Carolina, he took a few courses at NYU, thinking he could transfer the credits. He gave radio production and radio writing a try, realizing "that's what I wanted to do."
His new found passion would have to wait, however, while he served in World War II, during which he which he faced the trials of an imprison camp. Returning to the United States, he earned a degree in radio production from NYU.
Early on in his career, Sonny (whose given name is Irwin) worked on the radio show "Candid Microphone" a precursor to Alan Funt's "Candid Camera'; a children's show "The Finder" in St. Louis; a travel oriented CBS television series "Let's Take a Trip"; the game show "The $64,000 Challenge"; the aforementioned "Wonderama'; a children's competition show "Just for Fun" and others.
He later developed his own television production. In the mid 70's he served as the vice president for children's programming for NBC. And for years he has worked with Population Communications International to use the craft of storytelling to bring about social change around the world.
Sonny took time from his storied career to write his autobiography. "There is not one thing in my professional life that I set out to do, "Sonny said. "I wanted the title of my book to be 'Meet Me at the Crossroads of the Impossible and the Inevitable'. The title actually is "But You Made the Front Page!: War, Wonderama and a Whole Bunch of Life." The title, in part, refers to his mother's reaction to his firing from NBC..."at least you made the front page of the Daily News!".
Sonny and I spoke about life beyond Wonderama and I was impressed to learn this veteran is a survivor of a WW II Jewish prison camp. At age 88 he is still passionate about his craft. Today he lives in sunny Southern California and revisits New York when he can. One definite destination each trip is the Carnegie Deli because, in his opinion, they offer up the best cheesecake around. In fact, upon his return from the war he stood in front of the deli, placed his beret over his heart and quietly said to himself, "I'm home." Like so many of us that have traveled and lived elsewhere, there is only one home town.
This is a man that ended our phone conversation with the sound advice for us to embrace the bond we have as classmates during such a special time and special generation. "Take every opportunity to stay in touch with each other."
Please take a moment to visit his web site: www.sonnyfoxtv.com His book is amazing and I recommend it highly.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Welcome...
Welcome to the month of February. Most of the class of '70 is still dealing
with snow but have no fear, Ray Ruiz will be the first to tell you that you're
only forty seven days away from the Yankees Opening Day.
This update we are pleased to share two classmate profiles, both with
interesting stories to share. Along the way you'll also see some posts that
bring us back a few years, both on the road and in the gym. Take a shot at
guessing our monthly "Who am I?".
Our blog hit a milestone this past week, all thanks to you and your
support, thank you from all of us on the blog team.
Enjoy!
Classmate spotlight...
A wise man knows when to hit the reset button...and our classmate Bob Conquest is one very smart individual.
Bob is remembered as the classmate that excelled in whatever sport of choice he participated in. Academics he handled with ease and at the end of a school day he was known as the cool good looking guy that was a member of the Esquires. He grew up on the lane, Bunns Lane that is. He was determined to excel in life and he pushed forward with that goal in mind, regardless of whatever setbacks he incurred.
Bob is remembered as the classmate that excelled in whatever sport of choice he participated in. Academics he handled with ease and at the end of a school day he was known as the cool good looking guy that was a member of the Esquires. He grew up on the lane, Bunns Lane that is. He was determined to excel in life and he pushed forward with that goal in mind, regardless of whatever setbacks he incurred.
Bob recalls his friendships in school with Larry Cataldo, Jim Russo and Tom
Farrell to mention a few. When asked if there was a particular teacher along the
way that influenced him Bob quickly noted two, Mr. Miglecz and Sam Lupo. He was
grateful to both for their influence.
If you didn't happen to take note of Bob in high school you certainly
became aware of him if you attended any of our reunions. For so many of them it
was Bob and Diane Fonte-Mohr that led the charge. Bob was quick to point out
that not enough recognition has been directed at Diane for her unselfish time
and effort she put into making each reunion so successful. It was a sheer joy to
work with her over the years. One particular reunion he takes a great deal of
pride in was our twentieth when there was over three hundred and forty four in
attendance. Bob wishes the current reunion committee well and said they are in
for some hard work but in the end the memories of the experience will be well
worth it.
Bob was also a member of our prom entertainment committee and is proud of
the fact our class was the first to hold our prom offsite, selecting the Pines
Manor. In addition, along with Diane Fonte, Larry Cataldo and his best friend
Jim Russo they secured the band Brooklyn Bridge to play that evening...for the
price tag of five thousand dollars.
During high school, like so many of us, Bob took on a part time job. The
first door he knocked on was Chicken Galore. He was asked by the owner if he
could drive a stick shift..."of course" was his answer...although false. His job
was to make deliveries, driving the Volkswagen bug with the fake chicken mounted
on the roof. First delivery, a driver not getting the knack of a smooth shift
results in the fake chicken being thrown off the roof and in front of the car
and run over. The end of the chicken and I guess we now know it never made it to
either side of the road. Bob didn't offer up how long his Chicken Galore
career lasted.
After graduation Bob attended and graduated from the University of
Pennsylvania. Along the way he married fellow classmate Ellen Beulke in 1971 and
are proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Christine and Rebecca...along with
two cherished grandsons.
His career path took him into the electrical trade for many years. Bob
spoke with pride of his union involvement over the years.
His marriage to Ellen ended and he lost his brother along with his best friend Jim Russo around the same time. This point in his life he decided to hit that reset button. He decided to go back to school, this time to prestigious Drew. His new goal...to become a psychology social worker. That he accomplished and as fate would have it...he returned to Woodbridge High School working with behavioral disabled students. He found his place and was happy. Unfortunately two years later he noticed something wrong with his balance and it eventually led to a diagnosis of MS. He had a choice, be defeated or march forward. He marched.
His marriage to Ellen ended and he lost his brother along with his best friend Jim Russo around the same time. This point in his life he decided to hit that reset button. He decided to go back to school, this time to prestigious Drew. His new goal...to become a psychology social worker. That he accomplished and as fate would have it...he returned to Woodbridge High School working with behavioral disabled students. He found his place and was happy. Unfortunately two years later he noticed something wrong with his balance and it eventually led to a diagnosis of MS. He had a choice, be defeated or march forward. He marched.
He chose to
embrace life more than ever before. Bob focused on his beautiful wife Ginni and
the time they spend in Hillsbourgh and their second home on a lake in
Pennsylvania. Ginni still works in Manhattan, having been with the Wilhelmina
Agency for over thirty years. Bob continues his golf game whenever possible. His
days of competitive running and snow skiing are behind him.
Bob feels that, like so many of his classmates, at this age we're faced
with various health challenges and he reminds us all that life owes us nothing,
however life does promise us life and it's up to us how we choose to embrace the
gift.
In closing, Bob recognized the need for a major change and he did whatever
was necessary to accomplish it. He's an individual that focused on the future.
One thing he did mention is he is extremely excited to meeting up with everyone
at our next reunion..."I will be there!".
Bob, there will be many of us there in attendance as well. For us to see
you and Ginni it will certainly be added value to the entire
weekend experience.
A step back in time...
Our original GPS was once found in the glove compartment. Over the years with all the advancements in technology do you ever give thought that we may have traded in the value of "patience".
Classmate spotlight...
How many people do you know actually sat in the courtroom to witness the
Charlie Manson trial? The answer is one: Nancey Ryder-Cunningham. She was a free
spirit turned refreshed spirit with a larger than life story in between.
Nancey stood out from most classmates because of her anti-establishment,
anti-war ways during high school. It was not an easy tie dyed route for this
young lady to take. She was ridiculed but she stood her ground. She was looking
for a purpose, a direction and she unfortunately thought drugs and alcohol would
provide it. She would rely on them as a crutch for many years until she
eventually discovered sobriety 36 years ago. "My high school experience was lost
on me, I chose other priorities unfortunately. Soon after graduation my
boyfriend at the time and I headed west to California...Berkeley of course! Also
we settled in for a while in Los Angeles and when out of curiosity, not support
of Manson and crew, did we attend the trial one day."
"My stay on the West Coast was short lived when I was informed that I had a
job back in Woobdridge at the library. For seven years at the library I hid my
addictions from eight to five...eight hours of each day I held it together. Not
until my boyfriend at the time was ordered to attend AA meetings did I attend
them with the intent to support him. Unfortunately for him it didn't help him,
but for me it opened a door once locked. That was the beginning of my refreshed
spirit. I slowly learned to be an adult for the first time in my life. I made
valuable friends through the program. I realized that all the abuses I subjected
myself to were not a fix to my problems. I learned that it was actually possible
to plan a future, set a responsible game plan for my life going forward. It gave
me hope and if you haven't traveled the rough roads I subjected myself to you
wouldn't fully understand the importance of "hope" I now embraced."
Nancey's library experience took hold and today she is proud to share she
is the chief of collections manager at the George F. Smith library under
the umbrella of Rutgers University.
In speaking with Nancey I was taken by her demeanor in easily sharing her
life story. She spoke of it with a smile, a dose of humor and with a tone of
gratitude that the rough seas are in her past. "I am who I am and I have learned
much because of poor choices. Today is all about going forward and living life
to the fullest with her husband of 29 years, Tom Cunningham. No children but we
are raising two Pomeranians and three cats. First question I asked Nancey was
why the "e" in Nancey? She simply added it early on in school and it
stuck..except for the yearbook editors.
"I often reflect back on high school and the true friendships I was blessed
with in Bruce Van Bramer, Cindy Tune, Robin and Michael Chanin to mention a
few. I love music and yes you guessed it, rock from the 70's. Although I will
readily admit the rock takes a back seat to Bruce Springsteen.
Today Tom tends to his vegetable garden while Nancey oversees her
impressive flower garden. Name it and I'll bet I have it in my garden. I love my
flower garden."
After speaking with Nancey, learning about her life then and now I sat back
in my chair and took a deep breath and said to myself..."I admire this woman". I
have a strong feeling anyone that is considered a friend by Nancey is one
fortunate soul.