Classmate spotlight...

He was the skinny kid with a mop of jet black hair and a Pentax camera over his shoulder. I think that would best describe me during my days at WHS. An average student at best, but the one class I was passionate about was the art class taught by Bob Phillips. He opened our eyes to the world of visual art and that meant a still and film curriculum. Because of that influence I went on to attend Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, Ca for the next four years. It would be the start of my career path in this zany and most rewarding world of photography. 

After graduation from Brooks in 1974 I coupled my love of baseball and career to become the organizational photographer for the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a member of the Dodger family under the leadership of Walter and Peter O'Malley it was a gift to this twenty two year old kid from Jersey. It truly was the finest organization at the time in all of sports. We enjoyed first class treatment, at home or on the road...including our own private jet.

During the seventy's and eighties' I was blessed to experience events, people and places I would never have dreamed of as a kid. Fortunately, many of those relationships remain today. I am currently working on a coffee table top book showcasing my work from my time with the Dodgers. It will feature images and text with an approach to the game from a different perspective...including contributions from several key players that once were in uniform and in front of my lens. From photographing bat boys to Lucille Ball and even U.S. Presidents...I have been one very lucky individual.

Having once mastered professional athletes' egos I was then prepared to take on the Friars Club of Beverly Hills as their official photographer for many years. Handling this account was a total trip to become friends and be in the company of many legends in the entertainment industry. In the late 80's I decided to open my own commercial/advertising studio in Pasadena, CA. We handled culinary, corporate, industrial, editorial and quite honestly, anything that paid.

Along the way I married and we were blessed with our children, Laura and Ryan. Anyone that knows me on Facebook also knows I am a proud Dad and a obnoxiously proud grandpa of our little Gracie and Zane. No matter how noteworthy a public personality I may have  photographed before, there is no greater joy for me now than to view my grandchildren through the viewfinder.

Today I am single and living in Southern California co-owning ImageWest Photography, Inc., a photography and creative services entity. In addition to the commercial accounts we have developed a subsidiary called SuiteCaptures. SuiteCaptures provides professional photography to the luxury suites in many sports venues across the country. I invite you to visit both sites if you wish. www.imagewestphotography.net and www.suitecaptures.net  

When free time presents itself I enjoy attending various custom car shows in the area. I take along my simple point and shoot camera and enjoy capturing the various elements that make up these beautiful automobiles. I enjoy it so much that I created another Blog entitled 'Driven Art'. www.drivenart.blogspot.com Speaking of Blogs, one of the more enjoyable tasks of the recent past has been working on our WHS 1970 Barrons Blog. It has been a kick in the pants fun to interact with all of you and I hope it has helped others to stay in touch with old friends. I look forward to our next reunion.

The skinny waistline has disappeared, Pentax quickly gave way to Nikon, left knee traded for titanium, the mop of jet black hair has surrendered to white and the residence is now three thousand miles away. What won't change though is Woodbridge will always be home and my appreciation for my friendships with many of you remain cherished. Thank you for taking the time to read this classmate's tale.

Before bottled water...

Pictured above is an actual fountain from the hallways of our old Barron Avenue Junior High still in use today. Does anyone remember the awful taste from not only this fountain but all hallway water fountains throughout our school experience?! Memories of water pressure too high and filling your nostrils or not enough pressure that you dare not allow your lips to touch the chrome fixture no matter how thristy you were at the time...not to mention we always checked the foot traffic behind us to prevent some classmate from bumping into you and taking out your front grill. :)

A sign of the times...

At the time of our graduation in 1970 a gallon of gasoline in Woodbridge was twenty nine cents.

Dory Previn

Dory Previn dies at 86; Oscar-nominated songwriter

Gifted lyricist Dory Previn found success in Hollywood with then-husband Andre Previn, then mined the pain of their breakup to launch a solo career as a balladeer of angst.

Although she was an Oscar-nominated songwriter, Dory Previn, Woodbridge native, was better known for ballads that spoke to wounded souls. A gifted lyricist, she mined her traumatic childhood and later mental illness to write confessional songs that found an audience — and helped her heal.

In one song, "Beware of Young Girls," she expressed her outrage over being left in the late 1960s by her husband and songwriting partner, Andre Previn, for actress Mia Farrow:

Beware of young girls

Too often they crave to cry

At a wedding and dance on a grave

Soon after her marriage broke up, Dory Previn had a breakdown. Institutionalized for several months, she "started writing, to get some order out of chaos," she later said. She emerged with a sheaf of lyrics that marked the start of her solo singing-songwriting career.

Previn died February 14th at her home in Southfield, Mass., according to her husband, Joby Baker. She was 86.

While a junior lyricist at MGM, she met Andre Previn and they collaborated throughout the 1960s. They received Academy Award nominations for "Faraway Part of Town," sung by Judy Garland in "Pepe," and for "Second Chance" from "Two for the Seesaw."

As their marriage unraveled, the couple did some of their most popular work writing songs for 1967's "Valley of the Dolls," a soundtrack that spent six months on the charts.

Her final Oscar nomination came for "Come Saturday Morning," a melancholy number co-written with composer Fred Karlin for "The Sterile Cuckoo," a 1969 film with Liza Minnelli.

By then, Dory Previn was largely through with Hollywood, although she won an Emmy in 1983 for co-writing music for the television movie "Two of a Kind" starring George Burns and Robby Benson.

During her hospital stay, she had written candidly of her abusive father and observed what it was like to have a nervous breakdown. When the searingly personal songs were hard to sell, Previn recorded "On My Way to Where," the first of six albums she released in the 1970s.

The "amazingly revealing song collection has brought her out of the shadows — the shadow of her husband as well as the shadows of her mind," The Times review said when the album was released.

A follow-up album, "Mythical Kings and Iguanas," sold well, and another, "Reflections in a Mud Puddle," made it onto critics' "best of" lists in 1972.

"What I've tried to do," Previn said in 1971 in Time magazine, "is bring the madness out in the open. Keep it under wraps, and it erupts into wars and violence."

Dory Langan, now known as Dory Previn pictured on far right during a WHS band recital in 1941. Far left in front row is Ed Zullo, who many of us remember as a dentist from Main Street.



A step back in time...

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Welcome...

Greetings everyone!

Summer is behind us and we look forward to the fall and the great holidays the months ahead will bring us. Our September update offers up several fun versions of our "Original Cast Members" along with some visits back to one of our junior highs. A retro view back when our railroad was ground level, a visit from a television personality during our childhood and a classmate profile of yet another very creative and talented friend of ours.

The past month has seen our home state suffer from mother nature and the ten year anniversary of 9-11 comes all too close to home for many of us. Also, since we last visited I am sorry to say we have lost a classmate of ours, William Terefenko, age 58 and our music teacher Mrs. Musacchia passed last week at the age of 95.

Several of you were quite good in guessing Karen Kiraly as our mystery classmate. September also marks the one year anniversary of our 40th reunion. Hard to believe how fast the year has flown by. Pat Navalany is responsible for this month's music selections, thanks Pat.

This past year also has been a complete kick in the pants joy to work on and deliver these monthly blog updates. I'm sorry to share that given a crunch on my time it has been increasingly more difficult to get the blog out to all of you. From the outset our goal was to springboard from the great reunion and keep the WHS enthusiasm going strong. We are proud of the project we created and produced each month and thank the many of you that have taken the time to write with your appreciation for our efforts. At this point I am sorry but the WHS Blog will be sidelined for the foreseeable future. Hopefully down the road time will permit us to re-enter your inbox. Cindy, Diane and Chris are true sweethearts and I can't begin to thank them for everything they have done for your blog. Whenever there is a group organized to tackle the next reunion you would be wise to ask for these three ladies' assistance...they are and have been priceless to me...thank you. Finally...I say thank you to all of you that have agreed to allow us to profile you and your lives, this zany project of ours graced me with so many new friends as a result. Over seven thousand Internet visits to our blog is not bad I'd say! It has been a fun ride and I wish you all nothing but good in your life and I hope the world is kind to all of you.

Once again Cindy, Diane and Chris....thank you.

Ciao

Many of us lived in fear of these...

If these walls could speak...

Many of us attended Barron Avenue Junior High...how many of you recognize the auditorium wall art? (A big thank you to Tina Bedard for sharing her photos with us)

Classmate spotlight...

She is a fabric and color driven artist and her medium is abstract and quilted wall hangings. Color, texture and fiber have been a life long love of hers. Not just textiles but also light, sand, leaves, stones, etc. Her work focuses on the improvisational use of fabrics that she will dye, paint, silkscreen and mono print herself. Her name is Joyce Greenberg Goode.

Some of her works are large singular pieces. The excitement of these pieces to Joyce lies in the process of taking a piece of fabric, seeing what it suggests to her, and then developing it with painting, or printing, other fabrics and stitching. The result is her creative unique expression.

Another part of her artwork is interpretations of traditional quilt patterns. These patterns have been tried and found true for years by many quilters before her. Joyce tries to seek to understand these patterns, then break them apart and reassemble them in a way that makes a new composition. In the end, her personal vision of what is otherwise standard is the hallmark of these pieces.

In her Quilts she uses fabrics that she can dye, silk screen, and mono print. In addition, she will also choose commercially dyed fabrics. All are 100 % cotton. She will then combine these fabrics with an image in mind. Although the work is abstract and improvisational every cut is deliberate and every artistic decision is intentional. Joyce and her husband Mert call the Bay Area home these days. After graduation at RIT Joyce worked in the fashion industry in New York City before life took her to Southern California and then the Northwest before settling in San Francisco. Merton Goode, a highly respected anesthesiologist and seriously gifted golfer on the USGA Amateur circuit met on a blind date and they have been happily married now for the past fourteen years.

Joyce recalls her many friends from WHS, especially the art classes where she remembers the camaraderie and support her fellow classmates gave each other. "I think of so many talented and creative classmates that I knew like Kathi MaGuire and Michele Liss to name just two". Returning for our 40th reunion last year brought back a flood of good memories of good people that I was blessed to share my school experience with.

When asked about the progression of her work over the years Joyce shares: "these quilts are about different stages of my life, realizations I have had, and places I have been. I think any artist will tell you that when they invite you to view their work they are inviting you to see them in a more intimate way. You certainly know me better now because you have seen my work".

Over the past year in discussion Joyce and I discovered that we both consider "Secret O' Life" our favorite James Taylor song with the lyric "The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time" being so true. Joyce, you certainly make the most of the passage of yours and your creative expression and friendship are a gift to all of us. 

Original cast members...

One of our favorite posts over the past year has been our good natured satire of what we believe were the original cast members of some notable shows...here's three for you to enjoy!

Bea Davis, Nancy Chomko, Sharon Melvin and Charlotte Enik

                                     Karen Kimberlin, Larry Cenegy, Kathi Jedrusiak and Dick Janni

Tony Russomanno, Patricia Koebel, Janet Monaco, Bob McKee, Elizabeth Weber and Mike Handerhan

Class of 1971's 40th reunion...

Here's the latest update on Class of 71's 40th Reunion Weekend Sept 23-25:

 

Hotel: Embassy Suites-Piscataway, 121 Centennial Ave, Piscataway, NJ.

 

Fri Sept 23 events: 7 pm football at Piscataway High; 9 pm live rock 'n roll at Tim Kerwins Tavern, Bound Brook (www.timkerwinstavern.com).

 

Sat Sept 24 events: 11 am WHS tour (meet in gym lobby); 8 pm reunion dinner at Embassy Suites (www.reunions-unlimited.com for ticket info).

 

Sun Sept 25: Brunch, Embassy Suites.

 

All alums, family, friends and faculty welcome! Check Classmates.com, WHS Alumni Site, or Facebook for details.

 

Class of 71 thanks Class of 70 for your reunion weekend ideas and guidance!

 

Thanks ...Barb Hastings

Who Knows Best?...

His official cast name was James but we knew him as Bud. Bud Anderson to be exact. Our formative Jersey years growing up we found that TV played a large role in many of our lives. Father Knows Best was a staple on the weekly schedule. How many of us would sit down to watch the show with our family? The show ran from 1954 to 1960 and Billy Gray who played the role of the son, Bud was very kind to sit down with us to discuss life then...and now. Billy was impressed with our Blog and thanked us for asking him to share a conversation.

Billy started in movies, playing in a couple of films as the younger brother to Doris Day, followed by a significant role in the classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still". In 1954 he landed the role on FKB. He shared with me his admiration for the professionalism and the direction he learned from Robert Young. Billy was very candid though in telling me that even at that young age he had serious reservations about the "message" that the show would project each episode. He viewed it as very chauvinistic and misleading and disrespectful to women. In the end, he felt that "you" should know best, not only did "father". This started when the TV show was born from a radio show of the same name and theme...well, almost the same name. See, back then sponsors carried much leverage and Kent cigarettes demanded that their lead actor on the show, Robert Young, be a very assertive and unquestioned role model for their product. Because of that they insisted on the dropping of the radio show's question mark that followed the "Father Knows Best?". When asked about the obvious lack of minorities on the show he said that he too was bothered by that but during that era of social change the affiliates in the South still threatened the production company that if they showcased minorities they would drop them from their schedule.

Back then it took nine, twelve hour days to film each episode. For his return, Billy made $250 per show, amazing isn't it? He stays in touch with the only two surviving cast members, Elinor Donahue and Lauren Chapin. Did you know that Lauren who played the youngest sister is actually the cousin to the late Harry Chapin, "The Cat's in the Cradle"?

Billy took his craft seriously and when asked what was it like to be a teenager viewing himself on TV he said that it was always a learning process whereby he was able to critique his lines and how he handled his role. Soon after the series ended in 1960 Billy was arrested on a charge of marijuana possession. He served 45 days and his acting career came to an end as a result of that arrest. He focused his attention on his love of racing motorcycles. For  many years he raced Class A motorcycles on Southern California tracks. His creative talents have rewarded him by his design of his F-1 Ergonomic Guitar Pick, a music industry standard now. Today, he is retired and living in Topanga, CA.

Billy asked how often we get together as a class and I shared our last reunion was a year ago. He wished us both good health and fellowship amongst our class. We thank him for a very candid and honest conversation for the blog.

Sealed with a handshake...

Last month we asked that you share with everyone those that you have had an opportunity to shake one's hand with over the years. The responses were very interesting and we thank those that wrote us.

Ken Kertesz: Paul Anka and Barack Obama.
Doug Diem: Roger Penske, Johnny Carson, and Dale Earnhardt.
Pat Navalany: Dr. Will Kirby (CBS's Big Brother).
Joyce Greenberg: Eleanor Roosevelt and Bill Murray.
Pat Dillon: John McCain, Sarah Palin and Doc Severinsen.
Judi Schlesinger: Jack Nicholson, Mohammad Ali and Sly Stallone.

A step back in time...

Well before our time, back in 1930, this photo shows the Green Street railroad crossing before the train tracks were raised in 1940.

Photo of the Month...

Pat Linde Neidermeyer captured this image recently at Holgate Beach on the southern tip of Long Beach Island, NJ. Pat and I first picked up a camera in our 1969 WHS Art class taught by RJ Phillips. Pat, nice to see your creative eye once again.

August!...

When we were young this was the time of the year we usually enjoyed family vacations but in the back of our minds we were dreading the fact that just around the corner was time to hit "Two Guys" for those school clothes and school supplies. Now...it's a time to enjoy the backside of summer.

This monthly update we're pleased to bring you a few stories of school and the area and in particular what was really "behind" Great Eastern. An invitation to share handshakes, a pop quiz, a fun "Original Cast Members" and a classmate spotlight that places equal importance on both teaching and learning...someone we believe you will really enjoy reading about.

Our mystery classmate (Penny Shuff) was not much of a mystery, not one incorrect guess...damn. So, have a hand at it this time around! Last but not least, your Blog team is growing, before long we'll be looking for office space!

Our response from many of you on the question of whether or not you would encourage or discourage our next reunion at the three year mark versus the traditional five was in favor of "three". Just another testament as to the great time all of you had last year! Whoever is in charge of our next reunion please note the response and we hope that is helpful in your planning for our next gathering.

We once again thank all of you that take the time to write us in appreciation for this blog. It's fun for us and great to know you enjoy it monthly as well.

Welcome Chris...

After long weeks of  difficult negotiations we have finally come to terms with Chris Boland O'Keefe to join the WHS Blog family. It took a six figure salary, extensive benefit package and an unheard of clothing allowance to have her agree to terms. Cindy, Diane and I feel it's all worth it if Chris brings with her the great sense of humor and kind spirit she's demonstrated to all of us throughout the years. We are sincerely happy to have her as a member of this misfit group.

If any of you have any materials or photographs pertaining to WHS or the area you feel your fellow classmates would enjoy seeing on the Blog please contact Chris or any of us and we would be grateful to share amongst the troops.

Chris, once again, it's fun to have you aboard!

Lend a hand...

Robin Chanin shared with her Facebook friends that over the years that she and her sister have "collected" handshakes of notable people over the years and have enjoyed a fun competition between the two as to both the quality and quantity in their respective collections. We thought that was fun and would like to extend an invitation to all of you to share on the Blog those public notables you have shared a handshake with over the years.

To get it started Cindy, Chris and Diane have shared some of their memorable meetings and they are as follows: Walt Disney, Leon Hess Jr., John Astin, Peaboe Bryson, Jimmy Stewart and Sam Rosen...for me, one stands out for not only securing a handshake but also a knockout kiss on the old Mike Douglas Show by Genie Francis of Luke and Laura fame back in the 70/80's. That's a story to be shared someday, perhaps late at the Liberty during our next reunion weekend!  

So...  share with us, don't be shy!

Original cast members...

Oh my...did we ever have an idea that we walked the hallways with such babes...of course we did! :) Next month we skip from Sex and the City to America's favorite: "I Love Lucy", one you don't want to miss!

(Click to enlarge)

Cindy Almasi, Janice Hresko, Nancy Hopta and Sally Lund

Classmate spotlight...

Walking through the hallways of WHS nearly a year ago on reunion weekend was the first time back for this fellow alum. Bringing back memories that we all shared together over forty years ago. Since leaving the building in '70 Steve moved onto earning his degree in political science from Indiana State University, followed by another degree in education from The College of New Jersey (formally known as Trenton State).

In speaking with Steve it is very apparent his dedication to his students. Steve shares with a great deal of pride that this is his 24th year of teaching history and psychology at the high school level in the Irvington, NJ school district. "My goal with each and every student I am entrusted with is to prepare them for adulthood, real life after school and most importantly; a better understanding of themselves than when they first entered school", said Steve.

For those of you that may know Steve well over the years will share without hesitation that Steve is the first to volunteer his time and efforts to most causes, evident with his help during our last reunion and assisting with the scholarship our class awarded a 2011 WHS student. In fact Steve made himself available to represent our class at the scholarship presentation ceremony this past May.

One of Steve's great passions is his love for bicycling. As a member of the Jersey Shore Touring Society, once serving as a past president, Steve finds himself on his bicycle three to four days a week enjoying his Bradley Beach neighborhood and shore points beyond. One of the reasons he enjoys his membership with the club is it's dedicated commitment to organize and participate in so many charity events.

Being a widower now for over fifteen years he cherishes his family of one son and three daughters, not to mention his beloved four year old grandson Corey. When asked about his zest for life Steve explained "We only get one shot at this life of ours and why not make the most out of it, Live Life!" He credits his ninety year old dad as an inspiration for making the most out of life. His dad who has experienced lost and many life challenges still projects optimism at every turn..."if it works for my Dad, then it works for me".

When time permits Steve's other interest has been his love of photography.When asked about sports he was quick to list his hometown favorites: Jets, Devils and of course, the Yankees.

Another example of never letting the grass grow under his feet is the fact that Steve can be found on the speakers circuit.  He is frequently called on as a guest speaker to share the story of his great uncle; Norbert Masur. Masur, for those that may not be familiar with is responsible as a Swedish representative of the World Jewish Congress negotiated with Heinrich Himmler in 1945 to save over 7000 lives that were entrench in the concentration camps. Steve's studies and presentation on the subject is extensive and impressive.

Steve is looking forward to our next class reunion and having spent time with him for this profile I would strongly suggest if you are in attendance...pull up a chair next to Steve if you have the opportunity...this classmate of ours is one very interesting, fun unassuming individual. Time well spent is guaranteed...trust me.

Woodbridge High School Marching Band circa 1941...

Pop quiz...

Who can guess the location of this building pictured here in 1910? Good luck!

How many remember this Parkway icon?...

The Pabst Blue Ribbon bottle that served as an icon of beer brewing and as a road marker for motorists along the Garden State Parkway has resurfaced along another major roadway -- the New Jersey Turnpike, just past Exit 15E -- in a junkyard in the Ironbound section.

Cut into a half-dozen pieces, most of it is hidden, but this week slow-moving motorists could spot the giant bottle cap in T. Fiore Recycling's scrap yard. The 60-foot-high bottle sat on its perch overlooking the Parkway for more than 70 years before it was dismantled to make way for houses and a shopping mall.

Hallways we traveled prior to WHS...

(Click to enlarge)

1966 St. James Graduation Roster...

Check out the names of our fellow classmates that successfully endured what some called "educational boot camp"  :)

(Click to enlarge)

Great Eastern and a little "Brandy"...

For the past 170 years Mary Ellis has resided on what she probably thought would always be a stately piece of property overlooking the scenic Raritan River. In actuality though, Mary has really just been monopolizing a prime parking space for the better part of the twentieth century. How poor Mary came to rest beneath the asphalt of the Loews Theater parking lot on Route 1 in New Brunswick is a romantic, and ultimately tragic story, not unlike a Bronte novel.

As the legend goes, Mary Ellis came to New Brunswick in the 1790's to stay with her younger sister Margaret. It was around this time that she met and fell in love with a man who was a sea captain, and former Revolutionary War officer. The Captain sailed down the Raritan and out to sea one day, vowing that when he returned he and Mary would be wed. He even left her his beloved horse to look after in his absence.

Every day after her captain's departure, Mary would ride his horse from her sister's house, on what is now Livingston Avenue, down to the banks of the river to eagerly await a glimpse of her lover's returning ship.

In 1813, she purchased a parcel of farmland overlooking the river from which she would maintain her daily vigil. Mary died there fourteen years later in 1827, still faithfully anticipating her captain's return. She was buried on the property, along with her sister, some other family members, and according to local lore, the captain's horse.

The plot, which was originally surrounded by an ornate wrought iron fence, lay in a rural, wooded setting until the twentieth century. Over the years the ownership of the land has changed hands several times, and the neighboring area has given bloom to a blight of strip malls, and cut-rate outlets. Mary's farm was paved over, and for many years was the site of the Route 1 Flea Market. Stranded high and dry in the market parking lot, Mary’s four-foot-high grave remained adrift in a sea of tarmac and bargain hunter-mobiles. Until recently, the small, grassy island was enclosed by a chain-link fence and sporadically maintained by Mary's descendants. Often though, the weeds on the plot were so tall that one could park right next to the grave without even noticing the two and a half foot tall marble head stone.

Those who did take note of the parking lot grave have always been curious about, and sometimes even inspired by it. In the early 1970’s pop hit "Brandy," the song was really an ode to Mary. The Looking Glass, the band that wrote and recorded the song, were in fact from New Brunswick, and did record other songs based on local sites. "Brandy," the fine girl, according to the song, was in love with a ship captain who could not leave his true love, the sea, to marry her. Sound familiar?

After the demolition of the Route 1 Flea Market a few years ago the property was redeveloped and became the Loews Cineplex. The parking lot was re-graded, making Mary’s grave stand even taller than before. Still parked in a prime spot, Mary’s grave has been given a new retaining wall, and a few small trees have even been planted close by. The final resting-place of Mary Ellis seems to have been given a new lease. It’s just too bad the new theater isn’t a drive-in.

 

Coutesy of WeirdNJ.com 

A step back in time...

(Click to enlarge)

 

How many of us remember climbing into our parents car for a special treat that was a summer trip in the late fifties to the Drive-In located across the street from what is now WHS? I recall my Dad never being happy with the speaker as we moved around the entire lot until he secured the best location and speaker..oh those were the days my friend.

Welcome...

Here's hoping everyone had a great 4th of July!

This month we bring you a mixture of images and text that hopefully rekindle good memories of our youth and school experiences. We highlight five WHS teenagers that we believe were the original five for the Breakfast Club and we offer up a new mystery face. Last month our face was Jimmy Martelli and not one of you were able to correctly identify him. This month we think you will find our mystery classmate to be a little easier.

Two former Yankees took time from their day to visit with us. In addition, a classmate spotlight that profiles one very considerate and talented alum.

Go ahead and enjoy...we dare to to not check your toes afterwards.  :)

Rich, Cindy and Diane

3 versus 5, 5 versus 3, what say you?...

What's your thoughts? We are a few months away from the one year mark since our 40th 2010 Class Reunion. The reunion was well attended and the consensus was everyone in attendance had a terrific time. The question we pose you is the following: How many of you would be interested in pushing forward the targeted five year span in between reunions and entertain getting together as a class at the three year mark? (Fall of 2013 rather than Fall of 2015).

 

Just a thought we are putting out for your feedback and would appreciate your thoughts...pros and cons are welcomed. Email us (contacts on the right side of the web page) and let us know what you think. 

 

Thanks!

We have both sat in Johnny Carson's guest chair...

"You see, you spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time".

Jim Bouton

We have had the pleasure of visiting with some special folks that played a role or were visible in our formative years such as Chuck McCann and Cousin Brucie. This time around we're grateful to someone from the sports world that made his mark in our part of the world as a member of the Yankees during our childhood, pitcher Jim Bouton.

Jim was very gracious in sitting down with us to share life in the NY/NJ area back then. In addition to his excellent career, Jim is known for what many claim to be one of the most notorious sports books ever written: Ball Four. A very controversial piece that shared with the public the honest side of the sport and it's players. In addition to us watching him pitch for the Yankees we saw him daily as a member of the trend setting news team.. WABC-TV's Eyewitness News...Grimsby/Beutel/Bouton/Rivera and Tex with the weather. Yes, Rivera as in Geraldo. Jim remembers Geraldo well when he made the grade with his notable investigative report on abuses at the Willowbrook State School.

Jim was born in Newark and lived in Englewood. As a kid growing up his favorite team was always the Giants and often he and his brother would take the train out to the Polo Grounds to see them play. Ironically, the first time he ever set foot in Yankee Stadium was when he made the 1962 club on Opening Day.

We spoke of life in the 50/60's and Jim shared that the contract he signed twenty minutes before the start of that '62 Home Opener was for a grand total of six thousand dollars. The next year he went 21 ~7 and was given a three thousand dollar raise. Yankees are infamous, though we never said generous. In speaking with him he reiterated the fact that not many gave him much of a chance before the majors but he persevered and never failed in believing in himself. The nickname of "Bull Dog" given to him by Yankee great, Elston Howard, was a good fit.

In an effort to supplement their incomes, Jim played on a off season charity basketball team comprised of members of the Yankees and Mets. To my surprise, Jim spoke of their group playing one evening on the WHS gym hardboards in the mid sixties vs. our faculty. "We always lost to the group we played, leave them with something to brag about". For a night's work on the basketball court, each player received fifty dollars for their appearance and play. One of his Yankee teammates that evening was Al Downing. I am fortunate to call Al a friend for many a year now since his playing days with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Al and I spoke about Jim and our profile for the WHS Blog. Al, a New Jersey native himself, spoke of the fun the two had. Jim was not shy or apologetic about enjoying all the perks and attention that comes with being a member of the famed Yankee organization, especially in NY.

 For Jim's first big league appearance and start he walked the first three batters, went 3 ~ 0 on the next guy and manager Ralph Houk felt it was time to visit the mound. Jim reassured him he was fine, let me get back to pitching and that he did. He got out of the inning with no runs scored, gave up seven hits, seven walks and wore out Houk's bullpen in the process. A complete game shutout for this rookie and on the way to his locker, his manager stopped him and whispered in his ear, "next time you decide to pitch a *&%#! shutout please forewarn me, I'll need to make some *%#@! roster moves because I now have six dead arms in my bull pen! Sarcasm of course but that was the beginning of an exciting career. After seven years in pinstripes he pitched for several other teams while releasing "Ball Four". Being outspoken and honest he was met with a lot of flashback within the sport including his fellow and former teammates. To this day he has never regretted writing it.

Jim is an entrepreneur and very successful businessman, calling Massachusetts home for quite a while now. Not many realize it but it was Jim that co-founded the most popular bubble gum on the market these days; Big League Chew.

Jim's straightforward approach to life and speaking his mind is something that makes one pause to take stock in. As example, the Yankees finally invited Jim back to their annual Old Timer's Game after his long exile caused by the "tell all" book...he enjoyed the experience, the fans welcomed him back with a standing "O" and afterwards a reporter asked Jim about the plans for the new stadium to be built...in the only way a "Bull Dog" knows how to respond..."If building or renovating a stadium is a good idea from a business perspective, let the businessmen pay for it. Why should taxpayers have to subsidize a baseball stadium if they don't even go to the games? It's a national outrage, considering that you have schools, hospitals, and fire departments without proper funding." In addition he didn't like the fact that green public park space would be eliminated and not replaced on the site of the new park and so on..."Rich, my comments were published and I haven't been invited back since, so I guess I'm back on the sh*t list my friend. Guess what...think it bothers me?" After a laugh shared between the two of us I knew the answer.

"Rich, we're from Jersey, we're expected to be straightforward...be fair to yourself and others, be honest...and enjoy life is my message to your fellow Barrons."

* A footnote to the old saying "it's a small world"...in conversation I found out that Jim's wife grew up and lived on the same block with Cousin Brucie, both being close childhood friends all those years.

Oh...that Johnny Carson thing. At the height of Ball Four's popularity Carson booked Bouton as a guest on the Tonight Show. In 1981, on photo assignment for NBC in their Burbank studios I found myself working on the set next to Carson's studio/set. Couldn't resist entering the closed empty studio, removed the muslim dust covers and sat in the guest chair. Seat cushion was hard as a rock, the view fun and memorable. Bouton: Warranted  Kee: Unwarranted

The Original Cast Members...

Steve Karger, Chris Boland, Doug Diem, Pat Navalany and Bennett Singer.

The script called for five teenagers to be trapped in a day-long Saturday detention. We like the casting of our WHS alumni much better.

Next month we showcase the girls of "Sex and the City"...these babes will NOT disappoint you.  :)

Everybody Loves Raymond...

Playing a game of street ball in the early 60's he was nicknamed Chico after the then Cincinnati Reds shortstop, Chico Ruiz. This lifetime fan of our America's favorite Pastime retained the name however don't expect him to hold any loyalty to the Red's when afterall, in his world the sun rises and sets in his beloved Yankeeland. His name is Raymond Ruiz, but we knew him as Chico and to this day the nickname has stuck for many.

 

Ray reflects back on his days at WHS as a time he concentrated on his studies while much of his love for sports and music was shelved. Ray attended Kean University where he obtained his degree in Math Education. From 1974 to 2007 Ray taught math in the South River and Monroe Twp. school districts. As some of you may know, Ray has played in several bands over the years and in the mid seventies he was the front man in a band of young locals that included one talented 18 yr.old lead guitarist named Richie Sambora. We all know now how the career path turned out for Ray's good friend...some group out of Sayreville I think, the name escapes me for the moment.

 

Ray's love and priorities are clearly focused on his family, music and the Yankees. Happily married now for over 33 years to Brenda, they have three children, Raegan, Ray and ReAnna and one cherished granddaughter. In speaking with Ray recently it was very obvious his love for his family. Retired since 2007, Ray and Brenda travel as often as they can, much of the destinations determined by the Yankees road schedule. His goal is to visit every MLB ball park in the country and attend the games when the Yankees are playing...to date he has visited over 21 MLB cities. Most recently, they took a road trip to Cincinnati to catch the Yankees and Reds.

 

Today, in addition to coaching the Monroe's girl's middle school basketball, Ray handles the keyboard along with some vocals for the band LEGACY. Recently he had the chance to perform a hometown gig at Rug's and Riffy's allowing many of his hometown friends and WHS alumni to witness "Chico" rock it. When time allows, you can also find him in a cross section of roles associated with the community theatres in Monroe and Freehold. For what was a quiet man in our WHS classes our classmate broke out of his shell in a big talented way.

 

Reflecting back on his career he holds quite a bit of pride in playing a role in his students' learning process. Whether it be in that math classroom, basketball/football venue that he coached or offering up extra time to an appreciative student needing extra help, Ray will be the first to remind us to concentrate on our love of life and always find time to do what brings happiness and fulfillment to your daily routine. Whether it was during his teaching career or now in retirement, this is one very special person that finds the time to bring much happiness not only to himself but more importantly...to those fortunate to be in his company.

 

Ray, Chico, friend or whatever the moniker...we say thank you and Go Yankees!