Welcome...

Welcome to our latest update of your WHS 1970 blog. Most of you have had your fill of winter and welcome any sign of Spring. Baseball is around the corner, not to mention perhaps a green beer in your near future.

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...

Our classmate spotlight this month brings us to a Hopelawn guy, Doug Diem. Doug grew up in Hopelawn and has nothing but fond memories of his childhood days.

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.

Doug traveled to and settled in Southern California where he still lives with his wife, Bonnie. Doug has been married to Bonnie since December 16, 1984. He says they were both late bloomers and got a late start. They have two children, a son Doug and a daughter Jacqueline. Doug is currently employed by Detroit Diesel Distribution in California. He builds marine engines. He is merely days from retiring...congratulations Doug!

Doug was quiet and shy in school and remembers his friendships with Mike Dalia, Frank Smak, Greg Fairbanks, Steve Silogy and Jack Taylor. Although they no longer keep in touch he considers them all friends to this day. He had a part time job in high school pumping gas at the Acme Garage in Hopelawn with Jack Taylor.

He remembers Mrs. Horn as a hard, strict mathematics teacher, but one from which he learned and respected.

Doug and I talked about anything he may have done differently in school. He would have be more involved in school instead of sitting back and watching the world go by. He was an avid race car driver and spent many weekends at the Englishtown Raceway in New Jersey. He is very proud of winning the National Hot Rod Association Nationals at Englishtown in 1981 driving his white 1967 Chevy II.

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.

Fifty seven to seventy...

"You're three minutes late"...

Those four words I was not expecting to start off my phone conversation with one "Irwin Sonny Fox". "Rich, in my industry, when you arrange for a 8 AM phone interview I am ready at 8 AM". Sonny went on to explain that throughout his career, whether that be radio or television he had to be ready for that air time "ON" light or he missed his mark. Fortunately, in short order he made it clear that he was not upset but rather his sense of humor to throw me off my mark. What followed was a memorable conversation with a remarkable gentleman from our childhood.

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.

Back in the day...



A step back in time...

 

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!

Girl talk...

Recently Carol Marek-Snekszer hosted lunch for several of her WHS former classmates.

IN A GADDA DA VIDA...

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 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.

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.

Thanks to all of you...

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".

 

 

How many remember this Route One landmark...

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.

Jersey direct...

We are excited to present you with an update to our class blog starting off with what we hope is great 2014 for all of us. Our update shares some memories of life during our WHS days along with a profile of one of our classmates...someone that is certainly easy and fun to be around. In addition, we have some exciting news to share about our next reunion and who is heading up the endeavor.

As always, remember to feed the fish and take a stab at trying to guess who our mystery classmate is this time around. The four of us...Cindy, Chris, Diane and Rich are pleased to report that our blog that we have created has been visited on the net by over twenty thousand visitors at this point. Kick back and enjoy this month's read...

45th reunion in the Fall of "15...

We are pleased to share that our Class of '70 will be celebrating our next reunion, the 45th, in the Fall of 2015. Three unselfish classmates have stepped up to Chair the reunion efforts and they are Pat Navalany Launhardt, Betty Bellanca and Chris Boland O'Keefe. The three Co-Chairs are meeting to organize the sub committees needed and they welcome any and all support from our alumni as the efforts go forth. The intent is for our class to present and hold the 2015 event without the assistance and added cost of a reunion event company. Every effort will be made to make it as affordable as possible without compromise on the fun. We wish our trio well.

For those on our Drill Team...

Classmate spotlight...

"Ok guys, in my life I haven't accomplished anything memorable or headline worthy, why choose me to feature?...I'm boring". We beg to differ.


Pat Navalany Launhardt is actually someone that we can all learn from. Does her resume cover sheet show Wall Street career accomplishments to a potential employer, perhaps not, but turn to page two for character traits, integrity and a list of people that she has touched throughout her life. She has endured the loss of her son Brian at the age of three in addition to losing the love of her life, husband and fellow WHS 1970 classmate Chuck Launhardt only into the first week of their marriage. Patty had a choices to make when hit with these losses and she plowed ahead with life and anyone considered to be her friend along the way is the fortunate one.


"I try to include a positive attitude with a sense of humor to my day, and those around me. I totally dislike all the negative drama that surfaces these days I make light of it through humor. We don't need added stress and we can simply filter it out if we choose to. When people hurt you, forgive them! When life brings you circumstances that seem hard to get thru, find your way thru it. Life is too short to hold grudges! Always let love win!!!!"

Now, before we make this young lady out to be the second Mother Theresa we want to point out she is not the one to anger while on the road. The Jersey persona comes out in her and some believe Walt drew inspiration for the character of Cruella DeVille from our fellow classmate, at least for the scenes behind the wheel. Speaking of Hollywood, there is one personality that Patty has a very slight affection for, George Clooney. "Rich, yes I do adore the man but it goes beyond his good looks, I just feel he is "good people". He is unselfish with his time and money for worthwhile causes and that alone makes me like him.". At this point I asked Patty if she attended the WHS prom and with whom. Her answer was no, the one I was waiting for to ask me never did. Turns out he was too shy to ask her at the time and as a result both stayed at home that evening.

She chooses laughter, with a dash of sarcasm these days. Anyone that follows her on Facebook will recall some of her "Patty-isms". Chris Boland O'Keefe has collected most of them over time...

 

So this morning when the guy in the BIG truck pulled out in front of me and slowed to 25, I did not get mad!! My first thought was actually "sorry about your penis" LMAO!!!

In the battle to balance the soup, salad, drink and iPad... the salad lost! DAMN!!!

Hey idiot in the Saab... what part of "State Law: STOP for pedestrians in crosswalk" don't you get? Almost witnessed a bad scene. And a word to the college students as well; stop texting while walking and pay attention to the idiots who will NOT stop when you are in the crosswalk! Happy Monday!!!!!

I don't know which is a better place to people watch, Wal-mart or the farmer's market in Delaware. I do know that a size 18 ass does not fit into size 12 leggings!!! Seriously!

It is said that acknowledgement is the first step to recovery, so here goes: Hi, my name is Pat and I am a witch! I have been broom free for about an hour today!

So I am no longer a Duck Dynasty virgin! Watched a few episodes, so now I will have to binge watch some more. Those guys QUACK me up!!!!

Just when I vow to give humans another chance at redemption, some selfish ignorant moron changes my mind! WHY would you leave a shopping cart RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HANDICAP PARKING SPACE! AARRGGHHH!!

Beautiful beach day! Funny thing happened...this woman plopped her fat ass in a beach chair and went right over on her back like a turtle! Good thing my sister was there to help me back up!

When you pull out a pair of shoes to wear, and you need to dust them off, does that mean you have too many shoes... Nah, I don't think so. I think I need to clean the closet more often. LOL

In a panic...can't. find. keys. Search purse, tote, floor, kitchen, bedroom. NO KEYS! It's getting late, need to leave for work. Grab the spare keys and head for the car! Keys still in the ignition! I am a DUMBASS!!! LOL

What started as a great idea to clean the closet, ended with me dusting off a box of letters from Chuck from 22 years ago! That led to smiles and laughter and tears! Memories are much more fun than cleaning anyway. Cleaning can wait!

Congrats to the ass in the Saab this morning who thought he was cute cutting me off! You win "Idiot of the Day"!

Yay me! I put together my little gas grill, and did not blow myself up! Who says I need a man!!!!

WARNING: Binge watching Duck Dynasty can lead to crazy ass Redneck dreams!!! LOL    Had a doozie last night.

What kind of MORON spits their gum into the OFFICE SINK and leaves it there? I'm just sayin.

Today was the annual park picnic, and once again, these people MUST be aliens!
1. What would possess you to let your dog walk on the table where other people are going to eat?
2. Why would you wear black leopard print underwear with white gauze pants?
3. If your slacks are stuck in your butt crack, perhaps they are too tight
AND...
4. If your boobs touch your belly you need to wear a bra, at least in public!

Today's Idiot was me! Stopped in Kohl's to get a shirt for Chris and had to use the restroom. Walked right into the MEN's room! Glad there was no one standing at the urinal! LOL

Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right and the other is the husband!

f you ever doubt our loved ones who have passed are not watching over us and listening, let me tell you a story. This morning I was missing Chuck and sad that I had to celebrate our anniversary alone. I told him so, Loudly. Switched the radio to a station I only listen to once in awhile, and within 10 minutes of my thought, on came Luther Vandross " Here and Now" the song that I dedicated to him on the day we were married!

I was traumatized at Burger King today. I got a senior discount...AND I DID NOT ASK FOR IT!!!! Time to hide the gray??? Nah, I earned every one of them.
 

"I believe if you wear enough pretty lipstick, sparkly jewelry, and great shoes no one will even notice the size of your ass"

 

Our featured classmate was raised in Fords. In fact, at the corner of Heartstone & Inverness. Like Hollywood and Vine, this Fords' intersection was the locale for the making of a female Rat Pack consisting of Patty, Donna Wilson, Penny Shuff, Pat Dillion and her two besties...Patsy Ann Koebel and Cindy Hathaway. Jack Taylor was once quoted as saying we (guys) were actually afraid of the group. "We were afraid to ask anyone out, yes we were intimidated by you!"

Pat calls West Grove, PA home today and has worked for Advanced Audio Visual for the past 14 years as their billing manager. She has no plans for retirement in the near future and loves her co-workers. One point in particular she shared with us was her company has a yearly talent contest and she is a two time winner...a result of being the female vocalist for their group, The Avengers. When pressed, she owned up that she can do a mean Patsy Cline! Where was this vocal talent discovered, being a participant in the Fords Junior High Variety Shows created by the science teacher, Mr. Williams.

 

She is very proud of her two children, Robbie and Jenn. Some of us have read Jenn's work since she is an accomplished suspense & science fiction author. Her latest release is entitled "Lucky's Break".

We had an opportunity to speak with Patty's sister Linda. Linda thanked us for featuring her sister and told us how proud she is of her. "My sister is someone I admire every day and I am so thankful to have her. I honestly can't find the words to describe how much I love her. says Linda". When asked to share a word or two about her life long friend, Cindy Hathaway-Prokop wrote this about Pat: "Friends come, friends go, but not Patty. We have been friends since October of 1955.  We lived through some crazy times, some very sad periods, but lots of happy times. If one can truly have a "BFF" (and I believe we can) mine is Patty. We now live on different sides of the country, but our friendship will never end. Patty is easy to talk to, fun to laugh with and a truly good soul. She has endured some really heartbreaking events in her life, but she locks them in her heart and goes on. I am so blessed to have this woman in my life. 

 

During her free time Pat will work on crafts whether it be quilting, flowers, etc. She looks forward to her annual family girls reunion at the Jersey Shore..."Have to get my boardwalk food and especially Taylor Pork Roll. During last year's gathering she witnessed the destructive fire. She budgets her time to always allow some casino time in Atlantic City.

Patty is looking forward to the challenge, along with Betty Bellanca and Chris Boland O'Keefe, in chairing our 45th Class reunion. She said getting an early start and getting a game plan together is so vital. She is amazed at all the offers of help that have surfaced thus far. With these three, along with a great support team, we're confident a memorable reunion in 2015 is awaiting us.

Patty remembered from our last reunion weekend and the Saturday tour of the high school how small everything appeared. "The ceilings weren't so high, hallways not as wide...all so less intimidating compared to our time back then."

For many of the same reasons that Patty has been attracted to Mr. Clooney over the years we concur the same attraction with Mrs. Launhardt...they are both "good people". Patty's daily smile and kind ways are a reminder to us all to embrace our days, friends and blessed family. In closing, let's remember at the reunion to hand her the microphone not for more evening announcements but rather something far more entertaining...a little dose of Patsy Cline!

8 Track, typewriters and milk machines...

How many of us remember being sent down to the end of the street with a handful of change to purchase two cartons of milk?

 

Time has brought about change...

Baronet revisited...

We realized that many of our classmates may not still have their yearbooks or rarely open them. With that said, we decided to go back and pull a few images from the Baronet and hopefully bring back some fond memories from that period.

 



 

A step back in time...

 

Can you identify this location?

Welcome...

Welcome to Summer.

We hope you will enjoy our latest update. We're proud to spotlight this classmate of ours that has married her kind spirit to a professional role in working with students that need developmental assistance. Take a nostalgic view of WHS gym attire...no Nike logo sponsorship here. A good natured satire of "Original Cast Members" resurfaces, the story of where the name "Barron" originated, vertical concrete names and a step back in time...theatre style. In addition, keeping with our custom of Blog visits by notable public personalities from our generation growing up we are visited by perhaps the most famous TV child star ever.

Don't forget, take a guess at the mystery classmate on the right and the fish would appreciate some attention.

We are pleased to share that our little WHS 1970 Blog is well over ten thousand visits in it's short life span. Recently the Iselin Times blog paid tribute to our site and we have been contacted by the editor of the Woodbridge Patch wishing to profile our efforts as well. Keep up the Barron spirit!

All in all...enjoy the words, photos and music. Summer is here!

Rich, Cindy, Diane and Chris

If it's Friday then they need to be washed...

We thank Shelley Robinson for sharing with us.



Classmate spotlight...

Hometown Girl is defined by her. Woodbridge is the hometown and in the past six decades she has made several moves but none of them more than a mile apart. Woodbridge has a hold on this girl and that is fine by our classmate, Kathi Jedrusiak Borneman. Many of us move away from the area and find ourselves seeking time to come home to enjoy our roots. Kathi stayed and today embraces all that us wanderers only get to enjoy on the occasional trip home.

 

Kathi will always been known as the pretty blonde classmate that had a personality that welcomed friends throughout her school experience. Today, she is a Occupational Therapist for the Woodbridge Township school system. She works with developmentally delayed youngsters from grades three through high school. Kathi finds a great deal of reward in playing a role in enabling these students to not only enrich their own lives but help contribute to the wider community. As a loving grandmother to seven you can agree Kathi brings compassion and patience to the workplace.

 

Like others, Kathi is quick to volunteer her time, because of her, our last class reunion classmates were able to enjoy the tour of the high school. When asked her favorite teacher there was no hesitation...Leona Zak, home economics. In Junior High it was Mrs. Gadek. When it came to close friends, that was easy. Joyce Campbell, Bubby Westcott, Cindy Almasi and fortunately for Richie...Janice Borneman. During high school Kathi worked at "Chicken Galore", still a staple in Woodbridge on Amboy Avenue.

 

Soon after high school, Kathi and Richie, a HVAC technician, were married. As a result, they are proud parents of Kristie, a nurse by profession but now a stay at home mom, Joanna, librarian and also now a stay at home mom. Finally, Dan a Lieutenant Commander fighter pilot/instructor in the US Navy. As you can see, Richie and Kathi have much to be proud of when it comes to their own family.

 

Kathi has attended each of our reunions with the exception of the 35th. Anyone that has viewed the photos will take note that she is usually surrounded with friends dressed in smiles. She is eager to see everyone again and hopes we can organize at least an informal gathering this fall to mark our "60" speed bump. In their free time Richie and Kathi will hit the Englishtown flea market on Saturday mornings or spend time in Ocean Grove.

 

It wasn't until the nineties that Kathi decided to go back to school to earn her degree. Not only is she pleased with her decision to do so but I suspect, so are the ones she works with daily.

 

Kathi, we salute you for all that you are. When we brag about classmates for accomplishments and large heart, we push you, our home town girl, to the front of the line.