ANDY ACERRA

I left New Jersey in 1974 for the sunny state of Florida.  I have lived in and around the Tampa Bay area for the past 33 years.  I am  self-employed and happy to say that I really love my boss!  My business manufactures products used by watercolor artists, graphic designers and photographers.

I have two daughters, 26 and 29, who both live nearby.  I am happily married to Janet since 1988, and we recently completed building a new home in New Port Richey, Florida.

For fun, I still love motorcycles and riding my Harleys around the country.  I am an avid hunter and archer, and as a result, I have been to many beautiful wilderness locations throughout the United States.  I got my pilot’s license several years ago and love flying.

I am very excited about the upcoming reunion, and I am glad to say I have kept in touch with many of my classmates throughout the years!

If your travels bring you through the Tampa Bay area, please feel free to contact me at pilotandy@verizon.net and plan to stop by. My wife and I would love to have you!

BARBARA ASPLUND BURGESS

After graduation from JCHS I attended Lebanon Valley College, a small college near Hershey (there's a definite benefit) and graduated with a B.S. in elementary education. I taught in Maryland, before marrying Dave Burgess (class of '66) and relocating "home" to teach in New Jersey. We have three children: a son, 29, graduate of University of Richmond, a daughter, 27, graduate of Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill (talk about conflicted basketball loyalties), and a younger daughter, 23, graduate of James Madison University and now attending San Diego State Univ.

The kids’ colleges are relevant because that is where all our money for the last eleven years has gone.

Dave works for an aerospace company, but if he tells anyone what he actually does he would have to kill them. I, on the other hand, work as an LDT-C on the child study team of a middle school in Maplewood. I taught various grades through the years and suddenly decided that I should complete my Master's. Being the oldest member of the classes had it's benefits and our children were impressed that their mom went back to school and finished...never too late.

We were fortunate to buy a home in Verona, no longer Caldwell's arch rival, and have lived here with wonderful neighbors who have become our close friends and "family".

VALERIE AURIEMMA MESSINA

I married Dominic Messina, a Caldwell graduate from 1962, on June 24^Th 1967, two days after our graduation.  We had dated all through high school so why wait! We were the ones running around in a red Carmen Ghia. So, we just celebrated our 40^Th wedding by revisiting one of the places we went to on our honeymoon, the Thousand Islands in NYS.

Between the two of us we worked 3 jobs so we could buy our first home in Sussex County in 1968 with the help of the VA as Don served 6 years in the Navy. We had two children in that home a son, age 38 and a daughter who is 36. Our son, along with his wife, gave us our first granddaughter Maria Rose Messina in 2000. We both went onto college nights and weekends while raising two children and several pets. As both of our parents were getting older and needed our help, we moved back to Essex County and bought a home in Fairfield in 1981. Not long after that Jimmy and Maureen Van Ness introduced us to classic car shows down at the Wildwoods. We have been hooked ever since showing our 62 Chrysler all 18 feet 2 inches of her. Remember the drag races in the 60’s when Mel Ormond and Skip raced their cars?

When our children were younger we were both very active as volunteers for scouts & belonged to many township organizations. My husband was ordained as a Deacon in the Catholic Church in 1995 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark. I am a Licensed Mortgage Banker with the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, working in an office right here in Fairfield. I have been serving the community since 1979 along with my daughter, Carolyn, who joined me in 2003.  Please visit us on the web at www.messinamortgageinfo.com or email me at valeriemessina2005@yahoo.com.  I would love to hear from you.

Have a wonderful time at the 40^Th High School Reunion; I am still trying to clear my calendar to attend.

BRUCE BADER

I graduated from Lafayette College in 1971 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  For the next two years I traveled around the US and worked odd jobs when I needed money.  I got my first “real” job in 1973 working on an aircraft carrier in Virginia for a year and then moved back to New Jersey where I have been for the last 33 years.  I was a Nuclear and Fossil Quality Assurance Manager for the utility GPU until they sold off their power plants in 1999, when I left.  I have been consulting for companies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Toronto Canada and have been traveling extensively for work.

I married my wife Kathy in 1979.  We have two great children, Melanie and Matthew.  Melanie graduated third in her class from Lehigh University and is now a buyer for Macy’s in NYC.  Matthew just graduated from the University of Maryland and has decided to put off teaching music for a few years while he tries his hand at underwater welding in the Gulf Coast.

As a family we have traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, most of the islands in the Caribbean and many countries in Europe.  Since my daughter is a Macy’s employee we have been marching as clowns in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and this year might move up to be balloon handlers.

I look forward to seeing you all at the reunion!

KEN BAGINSKI

After graduation I survived an "Urban Education" at Rutgers in beautiful downtown Newark. August ’69 I saw some of you at Woodstock, didn't I?

Spent the summer ‘71 backpacking around Europe. Went "On The Road" in the sprit of Jack Kerouac from 1974-76. Traveled around the USA, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada & Mexico in "Galadriel" my trusty 1967 GMC suburban.  Climbed the highest mountain, Mt Whitney and the lowest Valley, Death Valley.   Mardi Gras ‘76 will always provide memories for Drew & Thea Pfeil and I – Which was further extended by a trip through Texas & Florida. Along the way we visited Bruce Mitchell JCHS 66, in West Virginia and Alison Winnicki in the Keys. 

While working in NYC In 1978, I met my soul mate Mary Raymond. We were married in Roosevelt House in 1981 and lived in Riverdale until 1983 when we bought our house up in Westchester. From 1983 to 1994 worked in sales & marketing for Coverbind, a Swedish office binding company.  Became an avid Home brewer around 1985 to 1990. Since 1994 I have been working at The Wine Enthusiast where I now design and sell wine cellars. Naturally I became a wine collector and now have about 1000 bottles. Since wine & food go together I became a home cook and enjoy learning new recipes and pairing food with wine. By the way, I have enjoyed Pinot Noir long before "Sideways," and I still drink Merlot!

Mary and I have 3 children. Andrew is now a senior at Catholic University in Washington D.C. and plans on law school next year. Danny is a sophomore at St. Michaels in Burlington VT. When he is not playing Rugby, he is an accounting major and has his sights set on Deloitte Touche. Our daughter Casey is a senior in high school, very active in Amnesty International and the Literary Journal with plans for college next year. Mary is Director of Career Development & Student Employment at Vassar College. Summer ‘96 began our relationship with Becket/Chimney Corners Camp in the Berkshires where the kids spent their summers.  We participated in Mom & Dads weekends and Spring & Fall Family Work Weekends.  The kids enjoyed the International service program with Andrew going to Thailand, Danny to Japan and poor Casey to French Polynesia (Tahiti) and The Lakota Sioux reservation in South Dakota. Each of the kids have done the full experience from construction to service and up through counselor.  We highly recommend Camp Becket/Chimney Corners to anyone seeking a quality life transforming experience for their youngsters. Mary is serving her second term on the board of trustees.

Great family travel vacations picked up as my single days as a vagabond faded to treasured memories. Sweden, England, Scotland & Ireland in 1987. Paris in 1998 during Bastile Day and when France won the World Cup for Soccer. Ireland in 1999 ,Italy during Easter week 2000 and Las Vegas & the Grand Canyon in 2001. We enjoy summer vacations in North Truro on the Cape and Martha’s Vineyard. Mary and I walk and bicycle for exercise. We have a rails to trails bike path practically in our backyard and this past summer we did our record 46 mile ride on the Cape. As much as Mary and I are far from retirement, we enjoy sharing more time together as the demands of parenthood ease.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the 40th Reunion weekend and sharing a glass of wine or two. For those of you who don’t show, I wish you the best as we begin the second 40. At this point in time, I sincerely believe the glass is still half full. In Vino Veritas!

Email me at: kbaginski@wineenthusiast.net or visit our website http://www.wineenthusiast.com.

SUSAN BARNARD

I am a proud member of the Maine Contingent.  I feel most fortunate to live in the coastal lobstering village of Friendship, Maine, at the mouth of Muscongus Bay. 

I went to college after graduating from JCHS, attending Morris Harvey College in Charleston, West Virginia majoring in Political Science.  I attended World Campus Afloat, Semester at Sea in my junior year where I met my future husband on a blind date in Bombay, India.  Upon graduation I went to Seton Hall University where I obtained my Master’s Degree in Non Western Civilization with a specialization in African Studies.

I married and divorced and have 3 grown children, Alex, Jesse and Ineke.  Alex lives in Maine and is an Inventory, Purchasing Manager at a Marine Supply Store.  Ineke lives in Ventura, California and is studying for her MA in Counseling at California Lutheran University where she also works.  Jesse followed Ineke out to California and he works for a large landscaping company where he is studying to be an Arborist.

I have been with my partner, John for 12 years.  I work for a non profit Community Action Agency and the Maine Department of Labor in the Employment and Training Division as a Career Counselor, Instructor.   Prior to that I started a Bed and Breakfast in Waldoboro, Maine  in an old shipbuilder’s home.  I look forward to seeing my former High School classmates.

ANNE BALL BEARESE

Graduated from Mills College; married Kevin Bearese and have 5 children.  Home-schooled my children.  The oldest 3 are out of college and the youngest 2 still in college.  Our family lived in Saudi Arabia 1992-1998 and is now back in Hagerstown, MD.  I work for the Census Bureau in quality control.  Hello to everyone!!

CONNIE BARTRON JARDULA

After graduating from JCHS, I attended American University in Washington, D.C. as a psychology major, but a serious illness in the family brought me back to NJ.  Happily, my family member recovered and I happened to meet my future husband, Tom.  We married in 1972, holding both the ceremony and the lively reception aboard the SS Rotterdam of the Holland American Line.  Afterwards, family and friends left the ship and Tom and I embarked on a delightful honeymoon cruise through the Caribbean.

I returned to college at Montclair State University and earned my teaching degree in English (thanks, Miss Johnston), with a minor in library science (thanks Tom!).  As teachers, Tom and I could become tourists during the summer and we traveled throughout the US including the Hawaiian Islands, Western Europe and the exotic Northern Africa.  In the future, we hope to journey to the Far East.

Teaching English at the high school level was quite a challenge, but working with students with diverse abilities was unbelievably satisfying.  The courses of special interest to me included Medieval and Shakespearean literature and my real favorite, Greek mythology.  To maintain my sanity, I developed a real passion for gardening and am currently a member of the Morris County Arboretum.

In February of 2002, I retired from my profession after over 25 years of service.  This past winter a friend suggested that I join the Women’s Club of Madison.  For over a century, this dedicated group has done charitable work on the local, state and national levels.  I look forward to this new opportunity.

Tommy and I just celebrated our 35^th wedding anniversary in June and continue to enjoy our retirement years in our little town of Chatham.  Carol Gackenbach, Nancy Lang, Sue Rostad and Claire Somoracki and I have remained very good friends since we met at JCHS.  I’m sure many of you have a similar situation.  Have a fantastic time through the reunion weekend and recounting stories of what life was like for you in JCHS and in the 40 years since!

CAREN BERGENFIELD STEINLIGHT

Like a lot of people, I feel as though I’ve had several lives already, so any little summary will be inane—but here goes. Most of you know that, thanks to the American Field Service, I spent my senior year of high school living with a French family in a tiny village in the Loire Valley. I know for a fact that you guys had more fun than I did that year, but I did learn to speak French. Back in the States I went to college in New York (Barnard College/Columbia University), where I majored in French.

I married Stephen Steinlight (JCHS ’66; Columbia College ‘70) and we went off to graduate school in England. We both did our doctorates in 19th century literature (I in French and Steve in English) and then came back to the States just as the recession hit and jobs were tough to come by. We both managed to get a position (amazing!) at the State University of New York in Plattsburgh, which is way up in the northeast corner of the state, one hour south of Montreal. The winters were crazy cold and during the first few years I thought I had been condemned to internal exile, but after a while I realized that I had wonderful friends and colleagues and lived in a really beautiful place--near gorgeous Lake Champlain in the valley sandwiched between the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains. We learned to cross-country ski. We read books, listened to music, cooked elaborate meals. We got tenure, bought a house, started our family, and before we knew it, fifteen years had passed.

In 1990, Steve and I made the painful decision to separate. He moved to Washington (and two years later to New York) and I went with our two daughters, Emily and Alexandra, to New York, where I got a terrific job teaching French at The Dalton School. I am still there. I have been on sabbatical this semester, writing and doing research at home and in Paris. I am re-married and live in an apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I can’t believe that I have had a whole other career and life. Alexandra, 21, is going into her senior year at Wesleyan University, in Connecticut. Emily, 28, is doing her PhD in English literature at Brown University. She is going to be married this fall, to a great guy. My parents, who left Caldwell in 1973, live in New York too, so I see them all the time. I have been very lucky in my life so far—with my family and with the way my life has worked out. I love living in New York. I have gotten to travel fairly often, mostly in North America and Europe, and so far I am enjoying this part of the adventure. I’d be very happy to hear from any of you and wish you all well.  My email is Caren@dalton.org.

LINDA BERGMAN COLEMAN

I got married right out of high school to Dave McWilliams; we were married for 18 years and had 2 wonderful children, Kelly 38 and Christopher 36. Dave and I divorced in 1985. Dave passed away in 1991 at the young age of 42. After the divorce I had to actually get a job since I was a stay at home wife and mother until then. I quickly decided that I needed to do anything to make a living, so I answered the 1^st ad to work in a small company as a data entry operator. I decided that was not my calling and went to work for a larger company as a collection representative. After 5 years I got a chance to work for Hoffman LaRoche Pharmaceuticals in Nutley (Their Credit Union) as a collection representative. I worked there for 19 years as a collection representative then onto a Supervisor of Lending. During that time I met and fell in love with a wonderful man John Coleman who I met through friends, and we have been married for 12 wonderful years.  My children are married, Kelly owns her own home and lives near us she is expecting her 1^st baby Nicholas Cooper in December. Christopher is engaged and they own their own home in NJ, they had their 1st son in May.  Chris is a police officer in Montclair, NJ.

John and I decided it was time to retire after his 35 years as a letter carrier for the Post Office in Hackensack and I from 19 years at Hoffman La Roche; we now live in Summerville, South Carolina and are enjoying life without the cold weather and snow. Life is wonderful with a new house finally decorated. We are off to vacations in Hawaii and Ireland and enjoying time with our grandchildren. I would love hearing from everyone. My email address is jclc1295@bellsouth.net.

TODD BOEPPLE

I’ve just retired from teaching this past June along with wife Gale.  We’ve taught for 35 years, myself, physical education (k-4^th grades), and my wife mathematics at the high school level.

We both graduated from Montclair State College in 1971 and got our masters’ degrees in 1972, as well as getting married on August 11^th, 1972, one month before we started our teaching careers. I’ve been teaching at Hatchery Hill School and coaching at Hackettstown High School.  My wife taught and was Mathematics Dept. Chairperson at Madison High School, along with being the Drama Director and Musical Director for the fall and spring productions.

We do not have any kids, but consider the 250 students I teach and the 120 students my wife does as eeeeeeeeenough!  I love working with the young students and then coaching them 5 years later at the high school level.  Gale enjoys working with the older students teaching Advanced Placement classes as well as the lowest levels, too.  We will miss all the activity and hopefully will put to good use our new-found spare time in retirement.  We purchased a house in the Orlando area and have enjoyed staying there for a few weeks and then coming back to NJ to see our friends and colleagues, too.

I taught at Hatchery Hill School so long that I was eventually teaching my students’ children.  They would say, “Mom, did you have Mr. Boepple when you were at Hatchery Hill?”, to which the parents would say, “Oh, yes… and he still looks the same!”  (P.S. – I looked 58 years old when I was 25).  I helped revise the Physical Education Curriculum in 1996 and again in 2004, to meet State mandates.  I was honored as Teacher of the Year for Hackettstown in 1998.  I have done quite a bit of coaching, too, in a variety of sports.  My resume of high school sports is pretty extensive, so I might like to help out either in Florida or New Jersey, once we get settled and get used to being retired.

The following are the sports I’ve been involved in since starting teaching and coaching in 1972:

1973 to 1983   Started a recreation Fencing Program for students in 4^th thru 8^th grades (120 students)

1976 to 1983   Started the Hackettstown High School Fencing Program District State Champions in 1982

1984 to1994    Varsity Asst. Track Coach… Conference Champions in 1985 thru 1990.

1983 to 2005   Started the Hackettstown High School Varsity Girls’ Soccer Team – won 9 conference championships in 10 years, went to the State Play-offs 15 years in a row and was named Coach of the Year 4 times for West Jersey.  Finished with 201 victories and was inducted into the New Jersey Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1997 and was inducted into the New Jersey Girls Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame in 2006.

1996 to 2006   Coached in the Hackettstown High School Girls Softball program for 10 years, Freshman team for 6 years and then the Varsity Girls’ Softball team these past 4 years, concluding with their first winning season (15-12) in 28 years, and making the State Play-offs for the first time in 28 years, too, dating back to 1979.

I will miss the preparation and excitement of the games throughout the years and seeing the success in the eyes of these young girls reaching their goals and accomplishing much in the heat of battle.  It is a great experience to help them get ready for the “real” world.  By working together and helping others it will make a difference in their lives and in others, too.

Hope to “See you in September”!

LINDA BUCKMASTER D'ALESSIO

I married  Russell D'Alessio (class of "68, drummer for the band Cosmic Love Convention!)  While Russ attended art school I worked for attorneys in Bloomfield.  We moved to Bar Harbor, Maine in '73.  We have three boys, 7 grandchildren, and 3 step grandchildren.

Pursuing Maine's "good life" we've cut our own wood and grown our own food (which I still do, I am an avid gardener and cook.) We have been self employed since '78, started and sold two businesses prior to opening our gallery in Bar Harbor 20 years ago where we currently offer Russell's paintings, fine jewelry, fiber arts, and pottery by Maine Artists.

Ten years ago we opened a second gallery in Key West, FL, again offering Russell's works and promoting artisans from across the U.S.A.  Between hurricanes and the galleries being 2000 miles apart we closed that location a couple of years ago but continue to winter in Key West.

We are both sorry we can't make the reunion, the planning committee has done a great job; looks like it will be great fun!  If you are ever in Bar Harbor, Maine (May to October) please look us up at the Pretty Marsh Gallery, if in Key West, seek us out at Gallery on Green, or visit us on the web at www.rdalessio.com.  We would love to hear from you.  Well wishes to everyone.

MARILYN CACCAVILLA

I finished high school and thought I would go off to college, but my mother's illness made that impossible.  I went to lab school and worked in the healthcare field since that time.  My mother passed a few years after that and I left for California for a few more years of fun and sun.  I returned to New Jersey, went back to college and after eight years of night classes, graduated with a BS degree. 

I have a great big family that on any given holiday gathering looks like Port Authority during rush hour.  My three older sisters are still living and they are relatively healthy. I consider myself blessed to be healthy and happy with my partner of the last 24 years, Josie.  I have continued to work in healthcare, which I swear I've been doing since the age of 3. I've been working at a local hospital for the last 18 years.  I have a new position in sales and it turns out that I'm not too shabby at doing it.  Anyway, this is starting to sound like my obituary so I will end here.  Thanks for reading this, thanks to the reunion committee and I look forward to seeing a group of strangers who I once shared some very important years of my life (cacca62@aol.com).

CAROL CAMP KUSSEE

Wow 40 years already!  It seems like only a few years ago I saw all of you roaming the halls of JCHS!

Like everyone I’ve had my ups and downs over the years.  After high school I went to Washington D.C. to get certified as a Medical Assistant.  I worked as a Nuclear Medicine Technician in Orange, NJ  for two years after graduating.  I met my first husband Joe and we had a son Scott.  We stayed in NJ for a few years before moving to Williamstown, MA for two years.  We then lived in Succasunna, NJ for a few years before divorcing, after being together for 10 years.  My son and I moved to Allentown, PA.  I had been a stay at home Mom for 9 years, so it was time to go back to work as a Med. Ass’t.  After a few years I met my second husband, Tom.  We lived in Coopersburg, and opened a large pet shop/grooming/boarding and bait and tackle shop.  It was great fun for awhile, but unfortunately after 4 years we ended up selling the business and divorcing.  We were married for 11 years.

It was time for a change, so I went to visit my sister in Colorado Springs, CO and fell in love with the West.  My son was going to Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, ME and I decided to move to CO.  I lived there for 6 years before moving to UT.  I met “the love of my life” in Salt Lake City on a singles site on the internet seven years ago.  John is working at Varian Medial Systems as a Senior Electronics Technician.  He has two daughters and 4 grandchildren.  We live in a 3000 sq. ft. condo 6 months in the winter and then move to a 700 sq. ft. cabin in the mountains for the other 6 months.  The cabin is my favorite place to be.  We have moose, hummingbirds, chipmunks, raccoons, deer and all kinds of birds in our yard.

We love to go camping in our pop-up camper, hike, and travel all over.  We spent a month camping and cruising in Alaska, last summer.  We recommend it to everyone. 

My son Scott is now 37, married and has a son Jacob, age 3.  They live in Houston and he works at Global Sante Fe, a large oil rigging co., as an engineer. 

My mother still lives in NJ, in Manchester.  My father passed away last December.

Unfortunately, following my 7^th knee surgery a few months ago, and my husband going to China on business soon, I will be unable to attend the reunion this time.  Hopefully, if we have another one, I’ll be able to make it.  I loved the 10^th and 20^th reunion we had.  Thank you committee for all your hard work.  It sounds like it will be fun.  Love to you all.  I’d love to hear from you.  Here’s my email address. cvkussee@q.com.

ROSANN CAMPANELLA MOREHOUSE

After graduating from high school, I pursued a business degree at Berkeley Business College.  I graduated in 1969 with an associates degree and started working for a law firm in Newark, NJ.  After a year with the law firm I decided I didn’t want to commute any more, so I left and took a job with a pharmaceutical firm in West Orange.  I was there one year when the firm moved to NYC and asked me to go with them.  I worked in NYC for two years until the firm was sold to Bristol Myers.  After that I started working for BASF Wyandotte in Parsippany, NJ.  

It was during this time that I met my future husband, Ronald Morehouse, (1967, Clifford Scott), got engaged, and married.  I stayed with BASF for about four years but then left to have my first child Ronald, Jr. About 14 months after he was born, I had my second child, my daughter, Kari.  I became a “stay at home” mom for the next 20 years, and had another child, my third, Adam, in 1985.   I became very involved in everything from cheerleading coach to class mother, PTA Executive Board, Football Secretary, Women’s Club Treasurer, CCD teacher, and anything else I could get my hands on. 

During this time my husband worked for AT&T but then decided to retire early in 1990 when he was only 40 years old.  He then went into his own consulting business for about 13 years.  We still lived in Long Valley, New Jersey and have for the last 24 years.  Several years ago my husband opened up his own coffee company and we now see each other on rare occasions since (just kidding). 

In 1998 when my youngest was in 7^th grade I decided it was time for me to go back to work so I went back to school to brush up on my skills.  After graduating, I landed a job in Randolph Township as the Planning Board Secretary.  I worked at that job for 7 years and then decided it was time for a change so I took a new job in Randolph as an Executive Assistant for the Randolph Police Department – Detective Bureau.  I currently hold that position.  My children are all grown now – My oldest graduated from University of Southern California (USC) and lives in Los Angeles as an actor; you may have seen him on The West Wing, Boston Public, Threat matrix, or Cold Case as well as many commercials.  My daughter graduated from The University of New Hampshire and currently lives in South Jersey, is married, no children (I’m not a grandmother yet) and works as a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep. My third child just graduated from college and will be attending graduate school in NYC in the Fall.  My husband. Ron, and I enjoy anything involving history (thank you Mrs. Dolan!) working a lot of hours, traveling and going to the shore, and anything else we can find to do.   Well, that is about it, pretty boring. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion!

GEORGE CARNRICK, JR.

I graduated with a B.S. in Accounting from Ithaca College in 1971.  I then became a certified public accountant in 1976.   Two years later I married Joan Stehle in 1978.

We have three children, ages 25, 24, and 21.  The youngest is a senior at Ithaca College.  All three children are graduates of J.C.H.S.  The two older ones are an architect and a teacher.

I have actively served as a volunteer on the West Essex First Aid Squad, Inc. for many years; presently, I am a life member, serving on several committees.  I am a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell – West Essex, and I am president of  Wheeler Resources, LLC, a local advertising firm.

Interestingly, I live in the same house I grew up in!

LINDA CERESNIK VOORHEES

The short version of “What’s new?” – “Not much!”  The E-True Hollywood version:  Went to Monmouth College. Married my husband John and moved from Parsippany to Tuckerton (south Jersey shore); owned a pizzeria/restaurant in Little Egg Harbor for 18 years.  John and I decided to sell the restaurant and move to Florida.  Only six weeks after we moved to Florida, he passed away at 47 years old.  I moved back to Tuckerton, NJ alone, and my mother, who was in a wheel chair, came to live with me.  My father had passed away and my brother Martin (class of 1969) was taking care of our mother in his home in Mendham.  Several months after my mother was living with me my brother passed away on his wedding anniversary at the age of 44 of sudden heart attack.  I thought my mother and I could both use a new beginning, so we moved a little more south to Smithville, NJ.   My mother and I enjoyed living here seven years until she passed away.  So now I live alone for the first time in my life.  I don’t know if I’m happy or sad about it – but I’m adjusting.  I live in a very nice 55 and older community.  Their saying is “If you’re not 55 you’ll wish you were!”  It’s like a resort with lots of activities and amenities.

So now another new beginning.  Last year I went to work in Hawaii – on a cruise ship – “Pride of Aloha”.  The whole idea sounded fantastic since I was by myself and had no one depending on me.  The job was in the gift shop and I believe was a gift from God!  But it was like Private Benjamin meets Titanic (without the romance!)  I couldn’t adjust to ship life or to finding my way around.  But I was glad I went on my “Hawaiian Adventure”.  Now I am wondering what I am going to do next that will catapult me off the couch!  I’m ready for that next big wave.  My motto is “The best is yet to come!”  Please, everyone, come to the reunion – I don’t want to be the only one out there tailgating at 58!

GAIL CHANDLER HOPPES

After high school, I graduated from Montclair State College, became a teacher, and married Bill in 1972.  We had two children, Laurie and Michael, who are now 32 and 29.  I was a stay-at-home Mom for nine years, then went back to work part-time, before I became an office manager full time for 10 years in New Hope, PA, where I worked for a Management Consulting firm.

I left my job in 1998 to help care for Bill’s aging parents.  His mother died a year later and his father moved in with us and required full-time care.  During this time, I took a quilting class and began a legacy of making quilts mostly as gifts to give for weddings, baby showers, and other occasions.

My father-in-law died in the fall of 1999, and in January 2000, my husband Bill retired early at the age of 50.  This turned out to be a blessing, since just two years later he was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer.  For two years I accompanied him to all his chemotherapy sessions in Philadelphia and to numerous hospital procedures and even to major experimental surgery (which was a clinical trial) at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland.  Needless to say, our lives changed drastically and this took up almost all of our time.  Sadly, Bill passed away in January 2005. We had been happily married for thirty-two years.

In the year 2001, I was heavily involved in helping my daughter plan her wedding, which took place in October 2002.  My son was married the following fall.  Thankfully, Bill was feeling extremely well and enjoyed both weddings.

The year 2005 was a rough one for me, but I kept busy with a monthly book club, which I started 7 years ago, my local quilting group, an aerobics class twice a week, and visiting my aging parents, who still live in West Caldwell.

I live on a 10-acre property, and used to own two Quarter horses, which we rode locally on trails through our woods on the Delaware River tow path, and a flock of Dorset sheep.  Now I have just two English Setters (my late husband’s bird dogs) and two laying hens.

Last year I became a grandmother twice.  My son’s wife gave birth to Joshua in June, and my daughter had a girl, Alexis, in September.  Of course they are both adorable, and I love establishing a relationship with them and observing their ever-changing growth!

This year I’ve enjoyed some vacation time in Palm Springs, CA., St. Maarten, Washington DC, and Newport, RI.

I also became engaged this year in February to a wonderful man, Ron Peters, who I initially met at a wedding in 2005.  He lives in Virginia and is the cousin of one of my best friends.  Ron will retire this fall and we will be married in October.

My daughter has already asked me to babysit my granddaughter during the JCHS reunion weekend (since I’ll be in their area), so she and her husband can celebrate their five-year anniversary.  Ahh…it’s nice to be in such demand!  I’m looking forward to the reunion and a big thanks to all of you who are taking the time and effort to plan it all!

GINA (GINNY) CHRISTMAN

I left West Caldwell and JCHS in December of 1964 with my family move to Atlanta. I graduated from Northside High School in Atlanta in 1967 and attended Huntingdon College and The University of Georgia.  I currently reside in Dunwoody which is a suburb of Atlanta, GA.

For 26 years, I was the publisher of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine (formerly Southern Homes). I am also a founder of the Atlanta Sales & Marketing Council for the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association in 1983 and of the Magazine Association of Georgia and the Southeast in 1988.  In 2005, I formed Christman & Co. a sales, marketing and publishing consultancy—and C&C Creative—a graphic design company.

An avid foodie and wino, I am currently active in Les Dames d’Escoffier, American Institute of Wine and Food, the Atlanta Wine Club and I’m actively involved in the High Museum Wine Auction. I also serve on the Board of the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, Atlanta Chapter.

I have one son, Ben—age 27—who is to be married in November. He graduated from University of Virginia with majors in International Business and Economics, and is employed as Neurophysiologist—Spinal cord monitor during neuro and brain surgeries. Ben also does improvisational comedy and musical performances, and is a singer and songwriter.

TONY COLAVITO

1967-1982 – Just a blur!

1982-2007 – Married Debi, 2 children; Jenna 22, Anthony 20

I’m a realtor and we live in Florida

LARRY COLLINGWOOD

After graduating from JCHS I attended Susquehanna University, in Selinsgrove, PA, where I played soccer and baseball and actually attended a few classes graduating in 71. Later that year I started my career with the Norfolk & Western Railway Co. at Roanoke, VA.

In 1972, I married Gail and we moved to Canton, Oh for a short time before moving on to St. Louis in 1973. I lived in St. Louis for nine years where our three daughters were born, Heather, who is now 32, Kimberly now 31, and Jennifer who is 28.

In 1982 the N & W Railway merged with the Southern Railway Co. to form the Norfolk Southern Corp. and I was transferred to Atlanta where I still reside today. I am presently AVP of Industrial Development for Norfolk Southern and over the years Gail and I have enjoyed considerable business travel throughout the US and Canada.

We are in the process of building a home in Savannah, GA where we plan on retiring to next spring. My interests are golf, tennis, and boating. Two of our children reside in Denver so we will be able to increase the trips out west. Trout fishing in the summer and skiing in the winter are not that hard to take.

I have two Grandsons and one Granddaughter, with a second Granddaughter due in November and still the possibility of a few more.

I wish the best to all of you in the class of ‘67’.   E-mail: gcollingwood@comcast.net

DAVID CORNELISSE

Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it to the reunion. I will be in Virginia for my mother's 88th birthday. I hope everyone is well and would like to know what everyone is up to so please share my e-mail address with anyone interested.   David_Cornelisse@dcf.state.fl.us

I have lived in Naples, Florida for 20 years and work with abused children. I graduated from Montclair State as a Spanish major and do speak it fluently, thanks to the large Hispanic population in this area.  I worked in foster care for a few years, was a child abuse investigator for 8 years and have been a child abuse investigation supervisor for 10 years. The work can be very stressful but is very rewarding.

I am married and have 2 step-sons. The older one still picks on his little brother and I tell him he shouldn't because some day he may need a kidney. Some people here actually think I'm funny and I've done a few shows at nursing homes. I don't take money so they can't fire me and they are happy to have any sort of visitors.

Take good care and thanks to all for continuing with the reunions. I will try to make the next one.

JOE COHEN

A lot of water has passed in the past 40 years for me. After high school I didn’t go directly to college but worked in a factory in Fairfield testing circuits for chord organs. This company, Whippany Electronics, hired quite a few people from Peru who spoke little or no English. During our lunch hour, I set up a chalkboard and taught them English. It was a blast. It was then that I knew I needed to be a teacher. So, going against my so called guidance counselor’s directive of saying that I’d never make it in college, I went to night school at Montclair State College and took two courses, one in English and one in History, passing each one with a C. I was so proud of myself that I applied to Essex County College and was accepted. (I didn’t know at the time that there was an open acceptance policy at the school.) But when I got the letter I just about jumped out of my pants. I learned a lot about life while at Essex, but didn’t graduate. In a psychology class I did a report on special education where I had to observe a special education class and volunteer for a week. I fell in love with the kids. So, instead of finishing at Essex, I applied to the Special Education Department of Trenton State College and was accepted. I excelled at Trenton. I graduated Cum Laude, Mrs. Guidance Counselor, and got a job teaching in 1972 in Browns Mills, New Jersey. I taught there for 11 years in an elementary school.

In 1978 my dog and I took a cross-country trip in my van after I had read Steinbeck’s Travels With Charley. It was a fabulous trip where I met my future wife. I didn’t know it at the time, but through letters and phone calls, and then visits, we decided to get married. We had four beautiful children. After Ben was born in 1982 we moved to Oregon and then in 1984 Brea was born. She was a fast delivery and my experience at the West Essex First Aid Squad came in handy because I had to deliver her in our bathroom. In 1987, Andrew was born and then in 1990 Neil was born.

Ben has a degree from the University of Oregon in human physiology and is working as an Inter-operative Monitoring Technologist and will be doing that in Kansas. Brea has a Master’s degree from George Fox University and will be teaching high school math to non-English speaking students in Woodburn, Oregon. Andrew is a Sophomore at North Park University in Chicago, studying religion and politics, and Neil is a Senior at South Salem High School in Salem, Oregon. He hopes to get into police work.

When we moved to Oregon in 1984 I got a job teaching low-level special education at North Salem High School. I really liked doing that especially because I could help direct plays. I liked working there, but they didn’t like me. So, after that one year, I applied for a job at Fern Ridge Middle School, 11 miles west of Eugene, and have been there ever since.

The first three years were spent teaching special education mixed with teaching 7^th grade science. Since I went back to school and got a Master’s degree in Environmental Education from Glassboro State College, I was able to teach these science classes. Then I got to teach a math class and really liked it. If anyone remembers, math was my least favorite class in high school. Well, I found out that my empathy for the math challenged kids did me well. I loved teaching the class, especially because the kids knew that I made mistakes and when they made mistakes, it was no big deal. All they had do to was correct them. For the last ten years, I’ve been teaching math coupled with teaching wood shop. I made the wood shop by myself from donations and grants. It turned out that I got to do what I wanted to do from the start. It’s amazing how God has always been there for me.

One of the hardest times in my life is when I got divorced in 1999 after almost 20 years of marriage. It was a devastating time for me, but again I was picked up by the Almighty and brought back to life. I started dating again and met some very nice women. But after an almost calamity, I decided not to date anymore or even look to date when I got an e-mail from a lady that read my profile and liked it. We wrote back and forth for a while and then met and we decided that we were very good for each other and got married in December of 2006. With marrying Carole, I also inherited a beautiful 7^th grader named Honesty who lives with us. Carole also has a son, Greg, who is a special education teacher (who would have guessed?) and he is married to Shanna who supplied us with a grandchild named Livi who is four. I love being a grandparent and there’s another on the way and is due soon.

Now I’m entering my last year of teaching and maybe my last half-year. I’m going to retire in January of 2008 and if a replacement can’t be found, teach until June. I’ve already found a charter bus-driving job for when I retire. When Andrew was in the boy scouts, they needed a bus driver, so I learned to drive an old Greyhound stick-shift bus. That was great fun. Incidentally, Andrew got his Eagle Scout Award two years ago.

That’s where I am now and I’m so happy to be able to spend some time with some of my friends from 40 years ago. I have only kept in contact with Bob Jensen, and some with Glen Mars, and through the Squad, George Carnrick and Steve Craig, but that was like 20 years ago. This is me in a larger than anticipated nut-shell.   My e-mail address is: spedteach678@yahoo.com.

STEVE CRAIG

Stayed local, have been living in Caldwell since graduation with the exception of a couple of years in mid ‘80s.  After graduation, there was college, work for Essex County for 17 years while getting Master’s then PhD.  Continued to be active on the West Essex First Aid Squad from high school to 1988.  Since 1988, I have been in private practice – Psychologist.  Raising two children, ages 13 and 16.

I became a CPA and have an accounting and tax practice in Randolph, NJ.  I am a financial planner with special emphasis on wealth management.  Have been a home builder and real estate speculator.  Wife’s name Bette, 1 daughter, Caitlin.  Recently received a Masters degree in Federal Taxation.  PL415CPA@aol.com

SHARON DE SOUZA CACIOPPO

I still live and work in NYC.

I’ve been married to the same man for 36 years.  I have two children (one step). Finally got my daughter 20 years ago.  I brought her to the 20th reunion, since she was a nursing premie!  Now she is cute as could be and a great kid.  Although a natural blonde she insists on bright mermaid red hair.  She is studying Art History at SUNY Purchase.

I have just made a career move and have a new job.  I was an Executive Producer for Subvoyant (a film post production house) and now I am Office Manager for Modern Art Services.  We are Art Shippers (so I get to be around amazing art). The film business is not what it used to be so now I am back in the Art World.

SANDRA DE TROLIO MURPHY

I am a 1971 graduate of William Paterson College with a BA degree in Elementary Education. Wanting to live in West Caldwell, I only applied to a few local elementary schools and fortunately, was accepted in the Parsippany school system, where I taught varying grade levels for my years there. One of the teachers decided to take interior design classes at Parsons School of Design in NYC. It sounded interesting to me as well. So, after school, we the teachers, became the students and enrolled in design classes.

 In 1975 I married Bill Murphy (a graduate of Whippany High School, and Villanova University). During my 7^th year of teaching school I was pregnant with our first child, Jacquelyn (a 2001 graduate of Villanova University). At that point Bill had a job opportunity which took us to Massachusetts. For the past 23 years we’ve been living in the coastal community of Duxbury where walking along the beach is always a pleasure.

After being a stay-at-home Mom for awhile with our daughter, I worked part-time for Bill as Office Manager and later worked for a local company assisting customers with paint, wall coverings and window treatments. It was my first opportunity to do design consultations in their homes. Years later and after the birth of our second child, Jim (a 2007 graduate of Fordham University, Bronx. NY) I began working for furniture stores such as Willowbrook (a local MA company) and Ethan Allen (a more recognizable name for most people.)

It’s been a bittersweet summer for us. My Dad died in July of lung cancer and in August  our daughter, Jacquelyn was married. She and husband, Rod will be living in the Cayman Islands where Deloitte & Touché is sending them.

Our son, Jim, temporarily lives in my old bedroom on Orton Road, West Caldwell at Mom’s house. He has a full time position at UBS in Manhattan and until that large paycheck comes along, he is living quite nicely at grandma’s and enjoys being a favored grandson.

Over the years our family of four has traveled to Hawaii, California, Mexico, all of the East Coast from Maine to Florida, Bermuda and islands in the West Indies. Bill has traveled by car across the United States and I’ve traveled with friends to Europe before we married. Our 32^nd anniversary was in June. So far it’s been a good life. Let’s hope, “The best is yet to come!”

I have my own interior design business, Classic Design. Please visit me on the web at www.classicdesignnet.com.

MARILYN ERIKSEN KANABROSKI

I have been living in New York State since 1968.  I eventually became a respiratory therapist and have worked the last 22 years in the two major hospitals in this area.

I have two children, Denise and Jennifer, and have two grandchildren 16 years and 2 years old respectively.  I was married 35 wonderful years to a great guy who passed away a year and a half ago.  Life has been good though, and I’m looking forward to seeing old familiar friends.

LINDA FABIAN SWANSON

I would first like to thank all the people who worked so hard to get the class of 1967 back together again. Thru your efforts we should have a great turn out!  THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!

Update on my life since around 1992: (After 1 ½ years of living in the Bahamas on Swans Escape our 42’ live aboard sailboat, and living 8 months in a pop-up camper hiking the US and Alaska.) In spring of 1992, Bob moved to Atlanta to take a job as a CEO of a Health Care Network, I stayed in Wilmington, NC taking a job as a bookkeeper for a kitchen cabinet shop, and as a sales rep for 3 cosmetic companies. After 8 months, I sold our home on the waterway and we purchased a home in Duluth, Ga. Within 1 year of living there, I took a job on Lake Lanier as a campground manager (what fun!).  Bob started to invest in real estate. Buying foreclosures, homes in need of extensive repairs ECT. (You all know the show, flip that house!)  I designed the interiors and with help renovated the houses he bought. After rehabbing and buying over 30 houses we started to have a nice portfolio of rental properties for our retirement. After a couple years in Atlanta, I began to miss the smaller beach community of Wilmington, NC, so…in 1998 we started to sell off our properties in Atlanta and we moved back to Wilmington. Bob started to wisely invest again in real estate in the Wilmington area and I continued to manage our properties and continued to do the bookkeeping required. We have bought, sold and rehabbed over 75 properties and have a portfolio of 25. Bob and his business partner have now gone on to other adventures and businesses together, currently owning a couple of trailer parks and check cashing stores in different locations throughout NC with expansions planned next year into South Carolina. I continue to manage our rental properties. Bob Swanson and I will be celebrating our 40th anniversary next year. Our family, Gary 38, wife Liane, Bryon 33, wife Heidi and our 3yr old granddaughter Kaylee Rose all live in the same town. It’s so…nice to be near our family!

In the last 40 years, I have lived a very active and rewarding life and look forward to what’s in store next!

JILA FAMILI HEKMAT

It's hard to believe forty years have gone by since we've graduated.  Though I haven't been to any of our reunions, I cherish the memories of my school years in Caldwell.

My fondest memory is my first week in the United States at Grover Cleveland.  Having come from Great Britain, I had somewhat of a British accent blended with my Persian accent, along with vocabulary that had different meanings here in the U.S.  That particular famous day, I found myself in a very awkward and embarrassing situation when I asked to borrow a "rubber" (eraser) from the person next to me.  Almost instantly, the word got around the classroom.  I could hear the giggles, the whispering, and the starring all around me. I knew I had said something wrong!

It didn't take me too long to adjust to the school, the language, and this country.  I do attribute that to my classmates and teachers, and I'm so thankful.

"Of sweet and cheerful nature" was the quote picked for me in our yearbook.  I've had every reason to remain cheerful for the last forty years.

After completing my education, I worked with the New Jersey Regional Medical Program setting up cancer registries in accredited New Jersey Hospitals.  A few years later, I was offered an opportunity to work for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals in Pharmaceutical Research in Hanover.  From 1967 to 1976, I studied hard, worked too much, and traveled plenty.  In December of 1976, I took a trip to Los Angeles to visit my sister and met a wonderful guy, Kamran.  He followed me to New Jersey and proposed.  We were married on March 20, 1977 in Los Angeles and have resided here for the last thirty years.

We've been blessed with four wonderful children.  Our daughter, Roya, an entertainment attorney was married last year.  Our son, Ryan, after graduating college, is working in real estate development.  Our daughter, Jessica, will graduate from USC next year.  Our youngest, Johnny, is in 11th grade.  It's been a very busy forty years and certainly a reason to be cheerful.

Unfortunately, I haven't kept up with my high school friends other than my dear friend, Sandy DeTrolio Murphy.  Looking at the reunion web site, I'm amazed at all the hard work and time that has gone into this reunion.  But because of family commitment, I'm not sure yet if I can make the trip to New Jersey.  I would certainly love to reacquaint myself with my classmates.  Looking forward to possibly seeing you all. 

Jila Famili Hekmat

jilahekmat@aol.com

BOB FINN

AB:  Brown U. 1971

MBA:  Northeastern 1974

Hasbro (toy company) 1976-1998; Executive VP.  Lived in London 1988-1998

Plymouth 1998-2004; Chief Operating Officer/Owner

Masterpieces Puzzle Co.; currently Chief Operating Officer (2^nd largest puzzle collection in the world)

Children:          Rob; MIT grad, investment banker

                        Heather; Colby grad, and NE masters-autistic (consulting research)

JOHN D. FINNERTY

I am a Professor of Finance at Fordham University's Graduate School of Business. I am also the Director of the MS in Quantitative Finance Program, which trains people for quantitative jobs on Wall Street. Most of my teaching and research concern bonds and how they are valued.

I have a litigation consulting practice on the side. I gave myself the fancy title of Managing Principal. I have three full-time and three part-time employees. I assist lawyers all over the United States by testifying as an expert witness mainly in securities cases.

I am married with a 14 year-old son, who started his freshman year at Fordham Prep yesterday. He and I take the train to the city each day. He gets off at Fordham Road in the Bronx, and I head on into Manhattan.

I look forward to seeing you at the reunion.

PETE FORMATO

Hello everyone, I can't believe that it's been this long. Well for the record I've lived in West Virginia since 1972 and have done a lot of things that I would have never dreamed of back in my high school days. I got married in 1969 to Toni Farmer and we have 2 great kids, Pete Jr (PJ) and Stacey, my daughter. Both are very grown up and I'm a grand-dad to a very smart 6 year old Leia that belongs to my son and his wife.

Toni and I live on a farm that belonged to her late mom and dad. This is where I've done some things like delivering calves, butchering beefs, putting up hay, doctoring sick cows and all of the usual farm stuff. I went to work in a shop doing rebuild work on underground mining equipment (hydraulics mostly) and learned a lot about machinery and welding and the like. I went on to become a foreman, then went to work for another place and became plant manager only to leave there after 12 years to work for another company that wasn't as good as the one I left. After that I started my own place and worked it for a little over 12 years but got caught in the collapse of the steel industry which was 90% of my work and shut it down.  I presently work for the world's largest manufacturer of underground mining machinery, Joy Mining, as a supervisor.  I've managed to stay in touch with Tom Cahill and Dave Lamont over the years, and I have to say that Tom is my closest friend. However, it's my sad duty to report that Dave passed away in Jan. of this year after moving from Conn. to where Toni and I live.  Dave was a great guy and I sure miss him.

Well I hope to see a lot of the people that I went to school with at this reunion and get reacquainted with some old friends.     

All my best, Pete

BARBARA GREER BLACK

After graduation, I worked as an IBM operator for the Montclair National Bank & Trust Co.  I married a police officer in 1969.  We have two children, a boy and a girl.  I retired from the Rockaway Township School System in 2000, after 20 years.  I now spend 6 months out of the year in Edgewater, Florida, in our other home.

CAROL GURNEY

I am so sorry to be missing the class reunion.  It would have been quite wonderful to see everyone and share some interesting stories from the past and catch up with our present lives.

I am fortunate that I have lived a very exciting and wonderful life.  After I graduated, I had the opportunity to live in Germany for 3 years and traveled throughout Europe.  I was married at the time, but divorced once I returned to the States in 1971.  I moved to New York where I worked for an international advertising agency.  I was transferred to California in 1975 where I have lived ever since.

I had a great advertising career becoming the first woman VP.  In 1983, I started my own business as a consultant, helping companies expand their businesses.  I guess you could say I am a pioneer of sorts because this business did not exist at that time in the marketplace and far exceeded my wildest dreams within a 3 year period.

But by then, I was ready to start another business which was out of the mainstream – as an Animal Communicator – where there were only 3 people in the world within this field.  It is here where I have stayed for the past 20 years.  I have a very successful business and travel throughout the U.S. and Europe, teaching and lecturing on animal communication and I have created a line of CD’s and DVD’s.

I was fortunate to have become an author on the subject.  The book is The Language of Animals: 7 Steps to Communicating with Animals, published by Bantam Dell Publishing 

As you can imagine, I share my life with animals and am still single.  My personal life has been filled with adventure to include tennis, skiing, some competitive equestrian riding along with the wonderful summer nights at concerts in the park.  I love to dance and I still live in beautiful, sunny California in the hills of Agoura which is about 20 minutes inland from Malibu.

MAUREEN HANNAH VAN NESS

Hi Everybody,

Just a little summary of what I have been doing for the past 40 years. I graduated from Cosmetology School in 1969, and worked at The Hair Color Clinic in Roseland for 12 years, after which time I married a wonderful man, Jim VanNess, in 1980.  In 1981, we started a family and were blessed to have two wonderful boys. Jim III is now 25 and manages a group home for the autistic. Brian, 23, has his own landscaping business in town. My late husband Jim was a West Caldwell police officer for 25 years. In 1994 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This cancer was a result of his contact with Agent Orange during his service in the Vietnam War. He retired as a lieutenant in 1996, and with deep sorrow, I lost him in 1997.

I have lived in Caldwell for much of my life and I now live in Fairfield. I work part-time for a physician in Caldwell with whom I spend much of my free time. I also volunteer as a dispatcher for the West Essex First Aid Squad. I have been a volunteer for 34 years, and have enjoyed it very much. I spend summers at my home down the shore. Looking forward to seeing all of you at the reunion!

SUSAN HARPER MANGINA

Having attended only one of our past reunions, I am looking forward to seeing everyone after so many years.  The 40 years that have gone by have been filled with many adventures.  I attended Montclair State until June of 1970.  On the eve of a summer class, my husband asked if we could move up the date of our wedding – like in about 2 weeks!  I gave up my schooling and we married on July 4, 1970.  We traveled to St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and lived there for 3 months.  We were transferred to Corpus Christi, Texas for another 3 months, then moved to Woodbridge, NJ.  After 5 months, we were asked to move back down to St. Croix, where we lived until November, 1972.  Parsippany has been our home since January, 1973. 

We have 2 daughters—the oldest lives in Denville, is married and has 3 daughters.  [Aren’t grandchildren great!!]  The second daughter is living in Egg Harbor Township.  While raising our girls, I worked as a church secretary, a farm-tour guide, and a dog owner/breeder/exhibitor.  [Not all at the same time, thank goodness.]

Now that the girls are on their own, and the dogs have passed on, I enjoy quilting, knitting, babysitting, riding my bicycle, and life in general.

GEORGE HEINEMANN

I have lived in Redding, Connecticut for 30 years.  My children are Lauren (age28), married and living in Summit, NJ, twins Kristen & Matthew (ages25) living in NYC, and stepchildren Samantha (21) & Alex (18) are in college.  I sold my dental practice in 1994 and retired/disability due to Lyme disease.  Despite the drastic change in 1994, life has been very good in all respects.  I am grateful to be close to all my children (50-75 miles) and to have a wonderful second relationship/marriage with Noel for 16 years to life.  I am grateful to my parents and all those teachers at Grover Cleveland, JCHS, college and dental school that inspired my life. Always look on the bright side and there will be no regrets.        georgeheinemann@sbcglobal.net

MARY ANN HEMPHILL

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, I taught 4th and 5th grades in Morristown for 6 years. Switching gears, I went into law enforcement as a detective with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office investigating Sex Crimes, Child Abuse and criminal cases going to trial.  I retired from this exciting career in 1997.  In 1999, I married and worked in my husband's active medical practice for 8 years.  He retired last year and we are enjoying family and friends, sports and a less stressful, but amazingly busy, lifestyle.  Looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.

CAROLINE HERWIG BARNES

Married 35 years to James Barnes, international oil & gas lawyer. We have 2 girls:  1 married, Washington U.-St. Louis graduate, 2 grandchildren (Sophia 3 and Whitney 10 mos.).   They live in WI.  Other daughter is single, living and working in Denver.  She is a Tulane graduate and a Katrina victim.

After 29 years with the Enron Pipelines and living through the Enron hell, I retired in September 2005.  My position as Director of Financial Services was eliminated with the sale of the pipelines.  Either way forced out or retired, I was happy to leave with a package.

I am currently “working” 3 days a week in my husband’s 2-man law firm.  I’m the office manager, legal assistant, receptionist and anything else I can do to help out.  I’m even assisting with the corporate secretary work for one of their clients.  Hours are great and I even get to sleep with one of the partners.  I feel very blessed – life is good!

TOM HORNISH

Tom sent the following information, which he had to gather for “Who’s Who in American Education”.  He gave us permission to edit it, but frankly, we think it speaks for itself! 

Personal:  Married-1976-Donna Magda-who Graduated Swarthmore College-1973

                              31st anniversary-November 13, 2007

                              384 Oak Ridge Road-Clark, New Jersey, 07066

          Children: Two one-year old Beagle Puppies--Holly and Belle

          College-Seton Hall University-B.A. History/English---1971

                   -Captain of the SHU-Soccer Team 1970 season

                   -MVP Senior Year

                   -All American Nomination-1970

                   -Tau Delta Phi Fraternity-Vice Consul

          Graduate School- Master's Education-Rutgers University 1981/1984

                   -Degree in Secondary School Curriculum

                   -Degree in Social Studies Education

                   *A.B.D.-All but dissertation-Social Studies Education

                   -Certification-South Asian Studies-Columbia University-1992

          Social Studies Teacher-Westfield High School-Westfield, New Jersey-1973-2007

                   -Teacher of the Year---1988

                   -AP European History and Economics Teacher

                  -Advisor-Fed Challenge and Euro Challenge Academic Teams

                  -Governor's School for Teacher Enrichenment-1988

                  -NY. Federal Reserve Bank of New York-Educator Hall of Fame 2003

-Consultant-NY. Federal Reserve Bank-Economic and Financial Literacy   (1999-2008)

-Consultant-European Union to the U.S.-Euro-Challenge Academic Program  (2005-2008)

-Consultant- United Nations Association of the USA-Economics of   

 Globalization Curriculum (2006-2007)

                  -Adjunct Professor of History-Union County College-1995-2008

                   -Varsity Girl's Cross Country Coach-1980-2007

                            *Star Ledger Coach of the Year-1995

                            *Courier News Coach of the Year-1995/2001

                            *Union County Coach of the Year-1991thru 2002

                         *Varsity Girl's Track Coach:-1976-2005

                          *Varsity Winter Track Coach:-1976-1982

                          *Ass't. Cross Country Coach:-1973-1979

               Community Organizations/Service

                     -Past President-Westfield Optimist Club-1998-1999

                            *Executive Council-1995-1997, 2002-2004

                            *Community Chair-Holiday Food Basket Program-1996-2007

                            *Project Graduation Executive Council-1996-2006

                  -Westfield Education Fund: Executive Committee 1995-2002

                            *Vice President:-1995-1998

                  -Chairman- Friends of Westfield Track and Field-1985-2008

                  -Chairman-Sts. Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Church

ELAINE IANETTI

B.S. Ohio State, M.Ed. Boston College.  Teacher of the gifted, S. Orange-Maplewood School District and private tutor.  Love to travel, go on a vacation every year.  Among favorites are Alaska, Tuscany, Sedona, Paris, Grand Canyon.  This summer:  Mediterranean cruise to include the Greek Isles.  Still a rock ‘n roller!

BRIAN IPPOLITO

There is not much to talk about.  I guess that is what reunions are for.  My wife, Eileen, and I live in West Orange with our son, Joey.  We have been here for 18 years.  Joey is 17 and a senior at West Orange High (as of May ’07).  He has quite a resume, but you can sum it up by saying he is an exceptional student, especially for a hockey player.  He will be playing hockey for a year or two before he goes to college.  He hopes to play Division I hockey and like most players at that level, he needs some post-grad fine-tuning.  So, I am always on the run all over the northeast at showcases and tournaments, especially this spring.

JOAN JULIANO FUSSO

I live in Glendale, Arizona -  have been here for 18 years.  Married with no children. 

DOUG KENT

Nancy and I have been married for 35 years (she has a great deal of patience).  We have two children, April (29) and Holly (26).  April is married to Brandon Kempner.  April is the Director of Public Services for the University library at New Mexico Highlands University located in Las Vegas, New Mexico (about 50 miles east of Santa Fe, New Mexico), and her husband Brandon Kempner is an English professor at the same University. No grand kids, but we have a couple of grand dogs, in that April and Brandon have two shelties, who are brothers.  Holly is a PhD candidate in History at Lehigh University.

Soon after our marriage, Nancy and I moved to Salem, Oregon, where I attended Willamette University Law School.  After graduating from Willamette University Law School in 1975, Nancy and I decided to come back East to New Jersey and bought a home in Chatham, New Jersey in which we still live.  Thus after traveling over 3,000 to go to law school, we ended up living about 12 miles from where I grew up in West Caldwell. I am of counsel to the law firm of Becker Meisel LLC, which has offices in Livingston, N.J. and Shrewsbury, N.J.  My practice involves corporate bankruptcy matters and out of court workouts.  One more thing, inexplicably over the years, a lot of my hair has turned completely white.

SUSAN KOHLER LAPINS

Hello to everyone, near and far, especially Elsa & Mariann. Yes it all seems frozen in time and my life seems so simple. As I left for U of Michigan, my folks bought a farm in Pennsylvania. I have been back only to visit the Gutmanns (Jim, Steve & Anne are younger than I) and drive by 10 Washington. I was saddened to hear of the death of my next door buddy, Jim Van Ness.  

My husband Al and I have lived in Northern Virginia since 1972. Our lives have certainly been more than our occupations. He is an attorney at the Securities & Exchange Commission, and I helped a good friend prepare taxes until this year (those who remember my agony with math will be bemused). Since Al is Latvian, we are active in the community centered in Maryland but spread around the globe. It has been a thrill to see Riga reemerge from a dusty occupied town to a vibrant city. It was also a kick to visit the little town in Wales where my folks married just before D-Day. They were with the American Army heading east as he and his family were fleeing west.

My favorite job has always been Alex Lapins' Mom.  He is a free-lance tubaist in Indianapolis, finishing his doctorate at IU Bloomington (they get a DM). This involves teaching 2 universities, 3 orchestras, brass quintets, private students, a local recording studio, and some exciting weekends with Cincinnati, Indianapolis & Chicago Symphonies to which we are invited. Which brings me to a story. For 2 years I carried baritone for Keith Brion, providing I never blow into the thing. Remember Lt. Kije'? Many members of the JCHS band discovered KB, leading his New Souza Band, on PBS in 1976. www.newsousaband.com. He lives in Palo Alto and is the leading authority on Percy Granger (naturally). Well, while Alex was getting his Masters in Ann Arbor, he was hired to play a local concert with them. Proving if you stand still long enough it comes around.

WALT KRAMEL

Walt promises to send us a more complete bio when he gets a chance, but for now, here are the basics of what he’s been up to:

Occupation: technical writer & consultant to the paper industry, and other process control industries.

Home: I live in Green Bay, WI, when home; however, "home" is usually the friendly confines of numerous hotels, airlines, and rent-a cars for this "road warrior."

When not traveling in my business, I love to fly my airplane, go sailing, or ride my mountain bike.

Passions: philosophy, psychology, jazz, Italian food, hanging out with my girlfriend, Cabernet Wines, PBS/NPR, anything to do with flying airplanes or aviation, and intelligent conversation.

KATHLEEN LUBERTAZZI SYRKIN

After 25 years in sales management in the candy wholesale industry, I am currently trying out my skills in several totally new and different fields.  One is selling jewelry via home parties and another is substitute teaching.

DAVID A. LUDWIG

Ups, downs and in-betweens!

Started college at Pratt (engineering, yuck), but ended up at NYU in the film school.  Oliver Stone was my classmate; Marty Scorsese was my professor.  I was ready to make my senior film as a director when the Dean called me in to tell me that my scholarship had been cancelled due to “affirmative action.”

I quit school, got married and moved to Connecticut to live in a house with a rock’ n’ roll band. Things didn’t quite work out, so we moved back to the city, where I pursued a career as a musician and ultimately finished my degree at NYU. I eventually got involved in “multimedia,” and produced Computer-Based Training for Fortune 100 corporations, websites, music, music videos, documentaries, commercial CD-ROMs, training courses and software applications. Last summer I made a documentary film about the 79^th Street Boat Basin Café in Manhattan.

I’ve been married to my wife, Heidi, who started out as a teacher and eventually became a school superintendent, for 36 years, and our 19-year-old scholar-athlete (hockey and tennis) son, Jason, is going to Skidmore College in September.

I’m currently working on another documentary called 40 Years On, about how much things have changed since 1967, and yet we’re still at war. I’m looking forward to getting input from my JCHS classmates at the reunion.

You can reach me at dlion88@msn.com, and my website is http://wa-music.com/wacru.htm.

TIM LYMAN

I’ve been living and occasionally working in New Orleans, LA most of the time since getting a degree from UMASS in 1974.  I have worked in journalism, the nightclub business and the last twenty years as a technical writer.  Y'all call me (I'm in the book) when you get to New Orleans, and I can steer you to the attractions (e.g., bars) that are less touristy, mo' real.

JEANNE MAGNOTTI RANDELS

After graduating from Bloomfield College, I studied at Union Theological Seminary on the Upper West Side of NYC.  I met and married a classmate and after completing an M.Div. degree, we moved to his home state of Michigan with another couple to begin a retreat center focused on teaching the methods of non-violence.  I also worked as the director of a program for poverty-level and low-income families in the Battle Creek area.  The retreat center never developed, but we did begin the first shelter for abused women and their children and the first food pantry in the area and I had a son, David.  After a few years, the community broke up and so did the marriages, but by that time my parents and my siblings had all relocated to Washington State, so I decided Michigan was “home” and have been here ever since.  In 1980, I was ordained as a pastor in the United Methodist Church and I’ve been serving congregations in the West Michigan Conference since then.  I am now married to Paul Hartman, and in October we will celebrate our 10^th wedding anniversary.  He has three lovely daughters and since we’ve been colleagues and friends for many years, joining our family was an easy and joyful transition for all of us.  I am currently pastor of the Okemos Community Church and we live about 20 miles east of Lansing.  David and his wife, Sara, live near-by.  David works for the Michigan State Senate as the head-of-staff for the democratic caucus.  I appreciate all of the work that went into locating me.  I’m sorry I won’t be able to be present for the reunion but would love to hear from anyone who would like to say hi.  I think the picnic at Grover Cleveland Park sounds like a great idea and I’m smiling as I think about all of you there.  Have a wonderful time!  jrandels@okemoscommunitychurch.org

GLENN MARS

What a joy to see the website pictures, read your bios and refer again to our old ’67 yearbook. Great job Reunion team!

I graduated with a Civil Engineering degree from Bucknell with Bob Reid with whom I played Varsity soccer and was a member of the Tri-State college All-American team. We fondly remembered playing against Larry Collingwood and Susquehanna! In 1995 I was inducted into JCHS Athletic Hall of Fame, second in line to Dave McBrair two years earlier. Our pictures hang on the wall outside the gym where my only son, Brian and I had our picture taken with my proud Dad, faithful sports fan who died later that same year. Our JCHS ’66 Soccer team who won the Division 3 State Championship was inducted in 1997! We had a great reunion then when most of the team assembled.

After undergraduate studies I attended seminary for 1 ½ years in WA DC living with the Pro Golf Chaplain and his family at the University of Maryland Provost’s home, and met Dianna who was vacationing for the summer, a Seattle ’67 HS graduate with college degrees in Home Economics and K-12 Education. I followed her back to the Pacific NW where we have served as a married team for 32 years. We hosted the National Student Prayer Breakfast at Seattle Pacific U in 1980 and after several miscarriages our only child was born in 1983. I decided to attend Bible Study Fellowship for 6 years to store God’s Word in my heart and directed the Awana program at church for six years when he entered 1^st grade. At age 51 I had a cancer scare resulting in prostate surgery, melanoma surgery five years later and just recently three stents placed in my heart.

My wonderfully fulfilling career as a lead advisor of a Wealth Management firm allows me to assist others to invest their money and attain retirement with peace of mind. Both Brian and Dianna work as part of our dedicated staff serving about 300 families with wealth accumulation, protection, distribution and transfer.

I am grateful to God for His rich provision, not only to me, but to each of you. Our theme at graduation was “As Time Goes By”. As it does go by, I am so aware of our personal need for Him. It will be good to be “home” with you in several weeks but really Caldwell in not our home! May He bless you whether or not you can join us and may you find Him to be the Provider of the greatest gift, external life through Christ.

PHIL MATONTI

It’s tough to summarize 40 years of one’s life in a brief e-mail, but the main point is that I am fortunate to be living a fine life:

Happily married for 26 years to my wife, Suzanne

Enjoying the lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest, but still a diehard New York Rangers fan!

JANE MATTHEWS

Moved with Jonathan Bailey over to midcoast Maine 23 years ago after 12 years working in University of Vermont comptroller’s office.  Tried waitressing, along with some bookkeeping.  Went sternperson for five years on our lobster boat.  Continued work in local restaurants and picked up more bookkeeping, dropping the waitressing only a few years ago.  I now work primarily for a lobster-buying wharf on Port Clyde Harbor, ME.  Jon is a fine art photographer, initially making a living in restaurants, but now from home renovation work.  I join him for photo workshops and exhibitions when I can.

Our annual travel was at first mostly to France or Mexico, but we fell in love with SCUBA during a 2003 trip to St. Croix.  We immediately became certified in Maine waters and now head south to dive whenever possible.  Along with this passion for travel and all things underwater, I enjoy gardening, reading, food and wine, and this incredible Maine coast.

DAVE MC BRAIR

Married 35 years to my U.R.I. college sweetheart.  We have 3 great kids who are living in beautiful Colorado after graduating from college.

BARBARA MC CABE NICHOLS

Married for 35 years to Thomas Nichols.  We just spent our anniversary in Disney World, also the site of our honeymoon, so many event filled years ago.  Children:  Mary who is married to Matt and they have a 2 yr. old daughter, Madalyn and live in PA; Ed and his wife, Amber, live in AZ; Emma is at E. Stroudsburg Univ. studying social work.

I am employed as a Supervisor at Occupational Therapy Consultants, Inc. in Somerset, NJ.  I've worked for them for 16 years, working as and occupational therapist in various schools.  I am part of a team of authors of an about-to-be-published book:  A Guide for Providing Occupational Therapy Services in New Jersey Schools.  Also, as a result of working with children, I started The Start Right Company to sell a pencil grip that I invented.  It's now distributed around the country and around the world through myself and various catalogues.  Check out my web site:  www.startright1.homestead.com.

In my spare time, I enjoy ecclesiastical embroidery, jigsaw puzzles, and traveling.  We even went to Japan a few years ago when our son was stationed there when he was in the US Marine Corps.

Have a great time at the reunion.

Barbara

BARBARA MC DERMOTT PETERS

After graduating from The Berkeley School I worked as a legal secretary for a Montclair law firm and later for a couple of larger companies in the New Providence area where we lived for fifteen years.  In 1988 we relocated south of Boston to Foxborough, MA., home of the Patriots.

I’ve been married to Chuck Peters (West Essex ‘67) for thirty seven years and we have three sons, Charles, Christopher and Timothy, all talented musicians,  and three  grandchildren, Cassidy 9, Kyran 6,  Mackenzie 4 (siblings) and one on the way in March (Tim’s first).  College tuitions are a thing of the past and we are both retired for now.  I left my job as office manager for Convention Services Inc. a couple of years ago and Chuck retired in January from his job as northeast sales manager for Deluxe Corp where he worked for thirty-five years. 

We have some great trails up here so we do a lot of biking and I’ve been trying my hand at golf (Annika has nothing to worry about).  We’ve been sailing for over twenty-three years and I still love a beautiful day on the water.

We’ll be doing some traveling but staying in New England for the immediate future.  Our sons and their wives all live and work here (two in MA and one in NH) and it’s nice having our grandchildren nearby. 

I’m looking forward to my first reunion.

PAT MC QUILKIN SCARPELLI

To put into words all I have done would take forever, so real simply I will just say what I am doing now.  I am living in Pa., "Gods Country", with my husband and have been married for 30 years. I have 2 children, a boy and a girl and 6 grandchildren all which live in New Jersey. Presently we live on a farm and I raise Purebred Boer Goats. Besides that I have a Yellow Lab, chickens, ducks, have had cows and a couple Suffolk sheep.  I also spend a lot of time doing crafts, making jewelry, antiquing, gardening and spending time with my husband hunting, fishing, and traveling. I have stayed in touch with a couple of classmates since school all these years and look forward to the reunion and seeing everyone!  

BOB MITRIONE

OK, forty years, in one short paragraph, here goes.  After JCHS I hithchhiked around the country and through a few colleges.  Finally got my B.A. (Montclair State), got married and moved to Illinois.   We had two sons and I picked up a Ph.D., and then an M.D.  Went into private practice in Springfield (psychiatry), became a flight surgeon with the Air Guard, got way over extended and got crazy.  Traveled a lot.  Got a divorce.  Quit the Guard.  Sent the boys to college.  Got married again. Traveled a lot (every Purdue home and away football game for five years as my youngest played for the Boilers).  Big trouble with Medicare (a crazy time remnant).  Worked the Supermax in the Indiana prisons.  Last year we moved to Richmond, Indiana where I run the two dual diagnosis (addiction and mental illness) treatment units for the State.  We have eight grandchildren, ages incubation to seven and its pretty cool.  Life's pretty cool too, lots of miles and ups and downs.  I'm looking forward to more and to seeing everyone at the reunion.  

JANE MOHRMAN CHARRON

Teaching Special Ed for 25 years; 20 years in Portland, ME, 5 years to deaf students (I know sign language!) and 20 years to students with learning disabilities and behavior problems.  Exhausting but rewarding.

Raised 3 sons.  Oldest, Nick, just got PhD and will work at U. of Gotenberg, Sweden, 2^nd son, Alex, in Taiwan teaching English and learning Chinese, 3^rd son, Pete, in 4^th year of optometry school.

I have been married to Maynard for 32 years.

JOHN  “MO” MOLINARI

HELLO EVERYONE.  First, a special thanks to everyone on the committee and all others who have helped put this all together.  An excellent job by all.  So here's the condensed version of the last 40, jesus that's hard to say, years.  In college I got involved in the bar and restaurant business and have been in it in one form or another ever since.  It's taken me from Conn. to Texas. to St Croix (where I met Marcia, please no John and Marcia jokes) to Calif. (where I married Marcia) to Florida, where we’ve been for the last 7 years.  She talked me into buying a house so I guess we’ll be here for at least a little while.  Although we will be in the area that weekend we won't be able to make the party.  My niece (and goddaughter) is getting married that Sat. But who knows, maybe we'll run into some of you somewhere that weekend.  Take lots of pictures for the website.  The best of everything to everyone.  Have a drink for me. 

NANCY MOLINE BELL 

I quit college after two years to marry my love, Bill.  Had two fantastic kids, Christopher 36 and Karen 32.  Both are married and have great careers.  Chris and family live in Long Valley, NJ and Karen and husband in Charlestown, MA.  I have three crazy, fun grandchildren.  In the midst of all that, my husband died after a wonderful 28 years of marriage.  I went back to school and became a registered nurse and have worked in the hospital, homecare and now work for a health insurance company as a care specialist teaching diabetes management.  Just two years ago I decided the house in Florham Park, NJ was too big and too much to care for; so I sold it, got rid of my car, had a great garage sale and bought a coop in Manhattan.  I love living in Manhattan, the people, plays, concerts, museums and everything in between.  It is true, the city never sleeps.  In my spare time, I love to travel.  I've been all over the US, to Ireland and Russia.  I dabble at times writing poetry.  If I don't make it to the reunion, have a great time and I wish you all the best.   nbell8@nyc.rr.com

EILEEN MOYLEN STOKES

I'm still not sure I believe it's really 40 years.  I must have lost track of time.  Married the man of my dreams, Don, moved to Massachusetts and worked for a computer company for over 20 years in Marketing Comm then Meeting Planning.  Two terrific stepchildren, 4 fabulous grandchildren who are my absolute pride and joy.  My second granddaughter was born the weekend of our 20th reunion.  Very timely for us. 

My company made me an offer I couldn't refuse, so we unloaded everything and moved to Ft. Myers, FL in 1998.  Now I work as an independent contractor doing on-site meeting support.  Love where I live, though I'm not home all that much. 

Trying to work out getting to this reunion. Would love to see everyone.  Email: emstokes@att.net

MARIANN NIEDER OSWALD

It seems like my life has been so boring, until I see it on paper.  Anyway, here it is for what it’s worth.  I spent a very short time at Fairleigh Dickinson in Madison, NJ right after graduation.  I married Tracey Oswald in 1970. I can’t believe we’ve been married 37 years!

We have 3 children, Kirsten (37, married to Ben Larick with three children of their own who are Deven 14, Bekah 13 & Ayla 10), Luke (28 married to Ana, the sweetest daughter-in-law on the planet) and Anna (24, still at home, does a radio show, travels to the UK, doesn’t know what she wants out of life but she’ll take it whatever it is.  She is soooooo much like her father.)  We all live within 3 miles of each other.  I love it!

We lived in Verona for a while then moved to Layton, NJ where we stayed for 24 years.  We recently moved across the bridge to Dingmans Ferry, Pa.

Me? Well, other than raising my kids and home-schooling Anna, I’ve graduated from college 3 times. 

Upsala (AA in Social Science),

Sussex County Community College (AA in Office Administration) and finally

Fairleigh Dickinson (BA in Independent Studies) 

I was the Scoutmaster of my son’s Boy Scout troop for 5 years (the first female in New Jersey to take on the task). I was a short term missionary in Reynosa, Mexico. I worked for Children’s Hopes and Dreams-Wish Fulfillment Foundation for 12 years, finishing up as the E.D.  I did a lot of public speaking and in-kind fundraising, organized and ran the office.  When the founder retired he closed the foundation.  I was published in several magazines. I am in Empire’s Who’s Who Women in Business for 2005-6.

I am working full time as the Assistant Director of the Family Support Organization of Morris & Sussex Counties where we support and advocate for families that have children with behavioral/emotional or mental health issues. Look us up on the web at www.fso-ms.org.

I write/edit (nights and weekends) a 24 page monthly puzzle magazine for ill children.  It is sent out to 5000 hospitalized kids each month, totally free.  We are working on Vol 21.

I am also the part-time church secretary for the Long Meadow Chapel in Milford, NJ.  I have been spending my weekends there for the past year.

Tracey is retired. He has had several heart attacks and other health problems. He is building a garage (1200 sq. ft.) for his ’65 Dodge Coronet.

There have been a lot of ups and downs in between.  I often wonder how I ended up where I am.  But, I’m here and I like it.

KATHRYN NIELD

After high school, I attended Hood College in MD where I earned my BSc in Home Ec.  The day before graduation in 1971, I married George Ehring (JCHS 68’) and we moved to Toronto, ON, Canada where he went to graduate school, and I worked – at whatever I could find.  For two years I sold sheepskin coats, and then returned to school at night to learn computer programming.  In 1984 George and I went our separate ways. 

In 1995, I moved with my new husband, a French Canadian from New Brunswick, to eastern Ontario where we bought land, and built the farm of which I had always dreamed.  We have 60 acres of pasture and bush on the edge of the Canadian Shield, just 10 minutes from the US border in the Thousand Islands.  This part of the world is truly beautiful.  We have acquired four horses, which I have shown to some success, and also own two dogs.  I take my border collie to dog agility trials almost every weekend in the summer, and teach others to become as obsessed with the sport as I am.  I retired from computer work in March of 2006, and now have the tough decision of deciding which favorite thing to do each day.  I’ve taken up quilting, love my garden, ride my motorcycle, and read when I can – something I never found time for when I was working.  I visit my three sisters in NJ and DE whenever I can.  I feel blessed and very lucky to be living such a charmed life.

I’m sorry that I won’t be able to make it to the 40^th reunion, and believe me, I really tried to arrange it. (There is an agility competition in Madison the same weekend - I was going to come with my dog!  I told you I was obsessed.)  My best to all of you, and hope to see you at the 50^th.  For anyone interested, my email address is tamarack@cybertap.com   And I haven’t seen any Eskimos lately. :o)

ROGER NOLAN

After JCHS I headed for the Naval Academy and graduated from there in 1973.  I married Donna Winship, JCHS Class of 1970, that year and we have been married for 34 years.  We have 3 sons, Matthew, Christopher and James who are terrific young men and one grandson named Sam.  I spent 6 years serving on the active side of the Navy and then became a Reserve Officer.  I retired after 34 years of service as a Rear Admiral and spent the majority of my  final 4 years mobilized.  We raised our family just outside of Newport, RI.  Donna was a school counselor and I was a partner in  a  business that served the Navy's submarine research and development center here.  Having retired from the Reserve and the business I am now the Executive Director of the Naval War College Foundation in Newport.  Memories of growing up in Caldwell and of the years at JCHS are all good!!

KEN OLSEN

A lot has happened in the 40 years since I graduated from JCHS. In my first year at college, I had a great time but neglected to study so they “invited me not to return”. It only took a summer and semester of working outside in construction to make me realize that I should get my head screwed on straight and get back in school. I received an Associates degree from Union College and a Bachelors degree from Rider while working full time to make expenses.

After working near Somerville for a year I quit my job, packed up everything I owned (not much) and headed to Colorado. This has been my home for the past 34 years and it is a great place to live and raise a family. A few years after moving to Colorado, I stole my roommate’s girlfriend and Debby and I have been having a wonderful time for 31 years. Along the way I attained an MBA from the University of Denver and have spent most of my career in business focusing on finance and operations with large and small corporations. I’m currently a partner with Business to Business CFO, LLP (www.b2bcfo.com) and help small to mid size companies become more successful by providing part-time CFO services.

Debby and I have two beautiful daughters (Samantha and Rachel) and two fantastic granddaughters. Gabriella is 5 and Julia is 2 and we are fortunate to see them almost every Saturday for breakfast and a few hours of fun. Debby is busy managing a sales team of 25 people as well a being the Commodore of the Denver Hobiecat sailing fleet. As empty nesters we have a great time sailing, camping and enjoying friends and the Colorado lifestyle. If you are in the area, please stop and say hello.

RICH OTTERBEIN

Married to Carol Anderson (JCHS Class of 1969) for 34 years.  We have 3 children:  Jennifer, 32, JCHS Class of ’93; R. Karl, 29, JCHS Class of ’96; Erik, 25, Seton Hall Class of ’00.

Owner/President of Affiliated Engineering Laboratories, Inc./AEL Group, LLC in Edison, NJ

Currently a councilman in West Caldwell; Received BSME, MS - NJ Professional Engineer, and a West Caldwell Volunteer Fireman since 1969.

MARK PEACH

I spent the first four years after high school in the Navy and then graduated from  Montclair State.  I was married in 1974 and have two children. My son is 32, and my daughter is 30. No grandkids yet.  We moved from NJ in 2001 to Arizona for three years.  I loved it; my wife did not.  In 2005 we moved to Mooresville, NC (RACE CITY USA).  Big Nascar country.  My wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in July, 2005. She went through chemo and many surgeries but  she is doing great now. No cancer so far. We have all of our family here in N.C.  Both of our children own their own homes and have great jobs.  I work at Lowes on the weekends, and at a marina during the week.  A lot happens in 40 years.  My e-mail address is klpeach1@alltel.net.

BOB PETRONACI

My name is Sharon Petronaci and I'm Bob's sister.  Jon Thompson called me and told me about the reunion in the hopes that Bob would be able to attend.

Bob is currently living in Wayne at the Preakness Health Care Center.  Following having a brain tumor that was treated when he was 32 his health has declined.  The tumor had been located in a group of nerve endings which effect personality and mobility.  I visit him every two weeks and bring him books and magazines about his tree interests, motorcycles, trains and trucks.  In recent months though, his interest has faded and I'm not even sure if he knows who I am at times.

Bob's short term memory is nonexistent, but he always remembered high school and all of you.  He loved going to the last reunion and could not believe how beautiful all of his female classmates had become.

I guess you can tell by this note that he won't be with you this time around.  But in his mind you are all wonderful, joyful and beautiful and I'm sure his mind speaks true.

If anyone wants any additional information they can call me at 973-744-1589.

Cheers,
Sharon

THEA PFEIL COLACURCIO

After college, I did a lot of traveling, living in Miami, the Keys, Vermont and Albuquerque, with a few Mardi Gras trips along the way.  In 1977 Earl Karlsen and I got married.  We lived in Texas outside Houston before moving back to Caldwell in 1987.  Both of us still live in West Caldwell, but we have both remarried. 

I have a daughter, Mary Beth (37) who has three daughters, and 2 sons: Ayvind (29) is an architect and Alex (26) is an electrician.  I’ve been working in the Grover Cleveland Middle School office for the past 20 years.  It is interesting to be part of the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District, and to see the children of many classmates go through the system.

I remarried 5 years ago.  Sam and I like to travel and will have just completed a trip to Alaska before the reunion.  Besides traveling and going to the beach, gardening, home decorating, long walks and reading are the things I like to do the most.

It’s been an interesting journey so far!   Just waiting now to see what’s next!  I’ve enjoyed planning the reunion and I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone there!

LISA POND MALLEY

After high school, I graduated from nursing school and worked for a couple of years in pediatrics, labor and delivery and private duty nursing.

I married my HS sweetheart and the love of my life in Sep 1970. We have lived in So. Jersey, Oh, Ga, Ar, and back to Oh until retiring two years ago when we moved to North Carolina.

We have seven beautiful children; 4 girls and 3 boys. They range in age from 34 to 21. Six have graduated from college and the last is a senior at Ohio State (go Bucks). We have been blessed with 3.5 happy and healthy grandchildren. We are extremely happy in NC and are busier now than we ever imagined. We enjoy many activities like golf and going to the beach. We have been partying almost non stop since we moved here with many new friends.

I am very excited to catch up with classmates that I have not seen since the tenth reunion.

DONNA REYNOLDS ZAPPO

I have been living at the Jersey Shore for the past 30 years with my husband of thirty five years, Peter. Peter took early retirement from Verizon in 2002. We have 2 sons together, Shawn who will be thirty-three and Corey who will be twenty-one in September. We also have one grandson, Haile, who will be three July 27th. Shawn no longer works as a buyer for the skate, snow and surf industry since September 11th when the corporate office in New York City closed. He currently is in a band and recently got a job at UPS. Corey our youngest son just completed his civil service exams to become a New Jersey Firefighter and after passing is currently waiting to be ranked and placed.

As for myself I have worked as a receptionist, bookkeeper, dental assistant, secretary for a podiatrist, dispatcher and a bookkeeper for United Van Lines, where I met my husband Peter. I also modeled part time in between my other jobs. After we had our second son Corey, I became a stay at home Mom. This was around the time of our 20th year reunion and we became very involved with our boys sports, surfing, football, baseball and wrestling, which Peter coached, since he was a wrestler for Essex Catholic and Bloomfield HS. To make a long story short, I started shooting sports shots of their games and tournaments. While Shawn was doing a convention in Atlantic City for his work, a surf magazine expressed interest in my photos and that is when I started shooting for Northeast Surf News, Newspaper adds, Surf News, ESM (Eastern Surf Magazine) an add for ZOO YORK and a CD. As of late, family photos keep me pretty busy. My new favorite subject of photography has been our grandson! 

MY dear friend Joan Vadas (Simon), was out from California several months ago with her son Jessie and we paid a visit to JCHS, and my home on St. Charles Ave. Things sure have changed! I want to wish all my classmates the best, we had a blast at the 20th, missed the 30th and if we do not make the 40th, we will hope for a 50th. I will be with you in SPIRIT!  ENJOY!!  THOSE WERE THE DAYS MY FRIENDS!!

ANGELO ROBERTIELLO

Wife: Elnora

Daughter: Erica - Graduated from George Washington in DC with BA and Graduate of John J College in Manhattan with MBA in Criminal Psychology.

Son: Matthew - currently a senior at Villanova U.

Job Info: National Service Manager for a company that manufactures Analytical Instrumentation.

Married: 38 Yrs.

Graduated College from: Butler University in 1981 with BS in Biology

Spent 4 years in the US Navy, 1968 to 1972

Served two tours on an Aircraft Carrier off the coast of Vietnam.

Have lived in California while serving in the Navy, in TX due to wife’s job transfer and in Indiana due to wife’s job transfer. Have live the past 20 yrs in West Milford, NJ.

DEBBIE RUCK ICHIYAMA

After attending Rider College for a few years I started a 20 year career in the Insurance industry as an Underwriter.  I married in 1979 and we divorced in 1995.  During that time my husband and I started our own Interior Furnishings and Picture Framing business.  After the divorce I continued to run the business.  I met Mark in 1996 and we were married in 1997.  Mark is from Hawaii and has four children here so I sold my house in Mountainside and moved to Hawaii.

For those who remember my mother (who worked in the JCHS office), she passed away in 1980.  I feel very fortunate that my father is still healthy and active at the age of 88. 

Life in Hawaii is great but I do miss the mainland.  My husband and I love to travel which is not always easy from Hawaii.  We plan on relocating to Arizona within the next few years.   He is an attorney and recently passed the bar exam in Arizona.

I hope the reunion is great and I’m sorry that I won’t be able to attend. dichiyama@hawaii.rr.com

JUDY SAMSON HAAS

Shortly after graduating from Bloomfield College (B.A. in Sociology, minor in Psych.), I married my husband Rick (Rutgers ‘68) and we’ve been married almost 36 years, with two grown, married children and three grandchildren.  Our son is a CCIE network engineer, and is in a band called Foxtrot Zulu (www.foxtrotzulu.com) which began during his college years at University of Rhode Island, where he also met his wife (and we are the “parent groupies”).  They have 2 children, ages 4 and 7.  Our daughter, who met her husband at West Virginia University, is taking a hiatus as a commercial real estate marketing director in Baltimore to be at home with her first baby, born last November.  (Gotta love those grandkids!).

We’ve lived all over New England for my husband’s career, including Maine, CT, MA, NH, and a 13 year stint back in Caldwell!  (Our kids graduated from JCHS – Class of ’91 and ’95)  We were living in Caldwell when my parents’ health began to fail, so they moved in with our family for their last 10 years.  When they were both gone, we left Caldwell and moved to New Hampshire.  Saying goodbye to Caldwell that time was hard, as I’m sure some of you can relate.  But - you can’t make this stuff up – two years later (2004) Rick accepted a transfer back to New Jersey, and now we are living at the shore, and loving it!

Because of our moves and kids, I didn’t enter the “working world” until later in life and have mostly worked as a school secretary or administrative assistant. I guess my most “productive work” has been the kind you don’t get paid for. I enjoy writing, and have edited numerous newsletters and devotionals.  Over the years I’ve taught and developed curriculum for adult Christian education classes, and as an ordained Presbyterian elder, I’ve served in many other capacities.  Currently I’m the Moderator of the Outreach Commission of the Toms River Presbyterian Church, a commissioner for the Monmouth Presbytery, and I just went on the Board of Directors for the House of Hope, a new ecumenical endeavor in Toms River that will oversee several social service programs in Ocean County.   I’m also involved in an online support group for people with the illness my mom suffered from (PBC), and became the moderator of a side support group for the family and friends of PBCers.  It’s a rare, autoimmune disease, and this remarkable group, which started with just a few people who met online while researching their illness, now has several thousand members from all over the world, has full non-profit status and is affiliated with the American Liver Foundation.

When I look back to see where I’ve been – like now -- I can say it’s been quite a ride so far - and I’m not done yet!  Looking forward to seeing everyone! J

CAROL SCHARLAT DOREMUS

Hello, and thank you for the great job the committee has done for our special event.  Joe and I have been in Denville for 33 years; we love our town.  Joe works for N.J.N. Gas Co., and for 17 years now I have had a cleaning service.  Before that, I worked at Dell Publishing Inc. in Pine Brook for many years.

I can’t believe it is our 40^th… seems like yesterday we were at JCHS… dealing with Mr. Burr’s class, and everyone loving Mr. Tino…

Well, “See you in September”!  (Good tune!)

VINCE SHANNON

Life has been an interesting mix of ups and downs. Here is the nickel version.

Graduated as a BS Mechanical engineer, married for thirty years to my faithful wife with two grown girls who are both married. Two grandchildren both boys (4 and 14, same daughter).

Climbed the corporate ladder to manager of QA for a company; the company lost its moral compass.  I quit to buy a franchise lost all of my savings plus hundreds of thousands of $$$$$$$$ went bankrupt. Started working for Home Depot! I became the night manager. Earned a degree as an assistant to the pastor. While riding my bike in 2004, I was rear ended by a car traveling 45 miles an hour.  The accident broke my leg and collarbone and caused some vascular damage to my left arm. After multiple operations and a year in recovery I was able to go back to work. I now work in Kulpsville, PA as a quality manager for a small firm that makes seals for jet engines and power plants.  We are going to Alaska in May for our 30th wedding anniversary. Besides that, life has been boring.

CATHY SIKORSKI MADAIO

I am currently teaching Family Consumer Science (Home Ec.) at High Point Regional High School.  My 5 daughters and 2 step-daughters are grown.  I am a 15-year survivor of breast cancer.  My newest hobby is ballroom dancing.

SUSAN SOLAKIAN

After 1 year at St. Lawrence University in Upstate NY, I quit and moved into NYC.  One year in NY wasn’t enough of an adventure so I packed all I owned into one steamer trunk and stowed away aboard a student-charter flight to Amsterdam, bought an old VW van and bumped around Europe by myself (but never alone!) for a year. 

When I returned home, I met and married the man of my dreams and divorced 8 years later.  I moved back into Manhattan to study architecture and economics, got my degree and worked for 10 year as a commercial construction manager for one of the largest firms in the world – the only female among 250 project managers in the Manhattan office. 

I then moved to Raleigh, NC in 1991 to slow things down a bit and began doing community development work, renovating homes for low-income families and developing affordable housing projects with HUD money.  Between 2001-2006 I had a small consulting business and taught home remodeling classes for Home Depot and others, and have written a book that will be on the shelves of Barnes & Noble by spring 2008.  The book may be titled “Homeowner’s Guide to Managing a Renovation” but that’s up to the publisher.  I’ve returned to the non-profit sector to continue with the community development work I love, but this time I’m working in Durham, not Raleigh, where the need is greater.  I plan to continue this through retirement, and have no idea what will come after that ;-}.

Bless you all for the gathering to celebrate the community we shared so many years ago.  I wish you all good health and prosperity.

MARY SOO HOO ZMIGRODSKI

As with many of you, life has had ups and downs.  I married in ’71, had three children, divorced, finished college, married Frank, finished law school, and practiced law all while living in New Jersey.  In 2004, Frank retired from the NJ State Police, and we headed to Maine, where I found other members of the class of ’67.  We bought a small farm on which we grow Christmas trees. I am working at the Attorney General’s Office in the Child Protection Division. 

Between the two of us, we have five children and six grandchildren.  Our grandchildren are great, and we try to spend as much time as possible with them.  We love being in Maine and enjoy the farm and outdoor stuff.  We like to travel, sail, cross country ski and hike.   I am very happy and feel very fortunate to be where I am.  I am enjoying reading about everyone and look forward to the reunion.

GAIL STERN

Spent the rest of the 60s in Boston, the 70s in Cape Cod and Mexico and was expected home from Merida for the (?) Island Barbecue.  Spent the rest of my life till 1984 in San Francisco and Sonoma and since 1984 absolutely nothing except for one mad dash in my car to Tuscon for the harmonica convergence and the “Dawning of the Age of Aquarius.”  I camped in the Rockies and tried to get adopted by the Indians but they didn’t want me.  I have been floating around New Jersey since.  Most important lesson learned:  Don’t babble and when speaking English, have a good interpreter to translate.

GARY SUMMERVILLE

Wow………..what a long time it’s been!  Although I’ve been a few places in my life, I ended back in Caldwell where home has always been.  It has been quite a ride and while I may not have achieved all my dreams….I feel that there’s no reason to stop trying now!

After attending Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison (full four years but took less credits in ’68 so that I could get out of the draft).  I spent the next ten years or so trying to define Life’s purpose (as I’m sure many of us did).  I spent some time with my girlfriend at the time, Mona, during the 70’s up in Connecticut living on a lake.  Great times!  Marty Koellhoffer and family lived nearby, and I remember playing music with many great people that I met there.

I continued with my interests in music for some time and played with great friends that I’ll always remember.  Eventually, I met a girl named Betsy, and we determined that it was time to see the USA.  We saw the sights and settled at our last stop, Seattle Washington!

It was at this time that Drew Pfeil came out there and we all spent some great times together, but as fate would have it, Seattle worked for Betsy, but not for me!  I left and spent the next few months in Tucson Arizona at an Ashram with none other than John Sherman Thompson III.  We studied and practiced Yoga and met the Supreme Master Yogi Bhajan, went on a Watermelon Fast, became vegetarians, went on an extraordinary mountain hike.   Of course eventually the idea of giving up all my worldly possessions became a totally abhorrent concept to me!  Truth was…..I missed New Jersey people!

So I came back to Caldwell and was very happy again to see my Mom and to be able to spend the next years with her.  Then, I met a friend in Grover Cleveland Park the summer I came back.  His name was Jimmy Feindt.  I’d been playing guitar with some friends there and Jimmy was immediately interested as he loved the music….a real Dead Head!  I later met his family.  He had a younger sister named Corrine, and it took all of about ten minutes for us to “fall madly deeply”.  Corrine and I became an instant item!

Although I was much her senior (12 year difference), I knew right away that we had something special. Her parents had their doubts about the shiftless “long-haired hippie”, but we would not be stopped.

Corrine and I have been married almost 26 years and have 3 beautiful daughters, Melissa (25), Andrea (22), and Christine (21).  I didn’t get a son, but I got a Blond, a Brunette, and a Redhead.  Not bad!

P.S.  My Brother and Sister still live in Caldwell.  My brother, Eric, is a Lawyer.  My Sister, Diane (wife of Lou Lockward-Owner of the Huddle Inn) who is a retired English teacher is now a “published” Poet.  So I guess it never is too late to dream!  Check out her website at www.dianelockward.com

SUSAN TEKULA La FLESH

Hi all!  Wow, I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since we were all roaming the halls of James Caldwell High School.  I have pretty much lived in West Caldwell all of my life except for a few years living in Parsippany and Lake Hopatcong.  After graduation, I attended the Berkeley School in East Orange for business.   When I finished my courses there, I started working for a real estate firm in Parsippany.

In 1970, I married my high school sweetheart, Leo La Flesh from Pine Brook.  My son, Bill, was born in 1971.  He is married and lives in Denville with his two boys Jake, 3, and Ryan, 9 months.  Bill had owned a landscaping business in town for 19 years and now works for a general contractor in Morris County.  My daughter, Leigh Ann, was born in 1977.  She is married and lives in Long Island.  Leigh Ann works for an insurance company not far from her home.

After raising my children, I went to work for a property management company in Mahwah.  I was with the company for 11 years.  After that time, I decided to make a career change and work closer to home.  For the past twelve years, I am working for a physician in Caldwell and enjoy my position very much.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the reunion.  Hope you all have a great time.

RAY TOWER

After JCHS, I attended Lehigh University and graduated in 1971.  Wrestling was great, but I’d do the studies over again if I could … probably learned more about business as fraternity president than I did in the classroom (when I went!).

After graduation, I spent about three years in retail store management and then got into manufacturing planning with a small textile plant in Pennsylvania.  I divorced my first wife after five years of marriage (no kids) and then moved to the Chicago area in 1977.  I worked at a plant in Hammond, Indiana (the arm pit of the Midwest) that made rail cars for Amtrak, and then joined Baxter Healthcare in late1980 and have been with them ever since.  I’ve been in four different offices in northern Illinois, and I survived five years in Arlington Texas (’82 – ’87.)  The most interesting time for me was the mid 90’s, when I traveled to eight countries in Asia as we set up the Supply Chain infrastructure. 

In 1979, I gained an instant family when I married Bev and took on three step-children.  That’s harder than being a parent, but it’s all worked out and I now have six beautiful grandchildren.  Bev and I added two more between us and they are now 25 and 26.  The older son, Ray, graduated from Marquette, was married in July, and is living and working in Milwaukee.  We always knew our youngest, Joe, would be an artist, but we didn’t envision skin as the medium!  Visit www.boldlinetattoostudio.com to read about his own shop, which is about to open.

Throughout the years, I’ve kept pretty busy with assorted activities.  I still enjoy golf (but haven’t gotten any better,) and I play competitive bridge and pool.  The most enjoyable activities have been outdoors, as I’ve climbed Cloud Peak (13,200’) in Wyoming, Mt. Rainier (14,300’) in Washington and Mt, Whitney (14,400’) in California.  My favorite backpacking trips have been two week-long treks in the rain forests on Vancouver Island, Canada. 

I’m sorry I can’t join you for the 40^th reunion this month, but I look forward to seeing pictures!

SUSAN TUCKER

Can’t believe 40 years has passed already.  Went to Berkeley Secretarial School in East Orange, graduated in 1968.  Was a legal secretary for several years.  Worked for Cooper Labs, Oral B Toothbrush division, handling its sales force and conventions for several years.  At 21 moved into an apartment with Eileen Moylan.  Two years later (had a great time), moved back home and was there for about another 10 years, doing some traveling in the States.  Had to move when my parents followed my sister and her family to North Carolina.  I moved to Cedar Grove and lived there for about 7 years.  While there I volunteered on a crises hot line.  Always wanted to drive across country and got the opportunity to go most of the way when I helped move a friend of mine out to Taos, NM.  He lived in an old school bus which he had gutted and made into a motor home.  He drove the bus pulling a small trailer and I drove his pickup truck.  It was a fantastic trip, even when we broke down in Oklahoma and had to live in the parking lot of the place that was replacing the bus engine for a few days.  I moved to East Hanover and lived above the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter where I was the night person and also worked on weekends.  After 5 years, it was time to move on and I bought a small house in Mt. Arlington, NJ, where I have lived for about 10 years.  I have worked as an Administrative Assistant for J.H. Cohn (an accounting firm) for over 20 years.  The company recently moved to the Becker Farm Office Complex in Roseland.  Remember Becker Farm??  I hope to retire to North Carolina to be near my mother (my father passed away in ’02) and my sister and her family.  Hopefully, my sister will stay in NC when she retires.  If not, who knows where I’ll end up.  Can’t wait to see everyone at the reunion!!

JOAN VADAS SIMON

I moved to California in the late 60’s with my girlfriend and her family.  I got married to a guy in California in 1971.  I have one grown son and I got divorced after 23 years of marriage.  I am now single and have worked as a hairdresser since leaving school.  I have been living in my home since the 70’s in Huntington Beach, CA and loving it, though I miss my family and friends in New Jersey.  My hobbies are reading, working out and traveling.

CAROL VISCARDI CRAWFORD

After we parted company, I moved on to attend Elmira College for Women, transferred to Syracuse University and graduated in 1971 with a BA in Russian Areas Studies, all the while experiencing a world that was changing more than I ever could have imagined.

Shortly after graduation I moved back to New Jersey, happy to be both close to the beach and NYC, married and began a career in Banking. It was an unlikely environment, but timing was good and I had many challenges and opportunities. I settled into Information Technology……..a “new field” at the time that was considerably friendlier to women.

I made several moves, survived a few mergers, remained in the same field, met my second husband Glenn in 1982 and we have shared a wonderful life. We married in 1984 and in December 1985 welcomed our son Scott Evan into the world. What joy!

How wonderful to look at the world again through the eyes of a child!

I changed direction with my next career and began my favorite job as Scott’s mom. I also became an active volunteer in the schools and community of Bridgewater which has been home for 30 years. As proud parents, Glenn and I cheered at many soccer, baseball and hockey games.  Scott began playing drums at age 7 and during his “musical career” we have attended countless performances. Scott is now an accomplished percussionist in his senior year at the University of Maryland. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in Music Performance and his dream is to be a timpanist with a major symphony.

The three of us have traveled extensively, played many rounds of golf together and share an avid interest in cooking and a love of music. When we’re not attending one of Scott’s many concerts, we enjoy discovering new places, days at the beach, the performing arts, museums, good food and wine and the company of friends and family. I enjoy serving as a volunteer for the Red Cross, a local soup kitchen, The Discovery Orchestra and reunion committees. I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with so many of you and reliving memories I treasure. I look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion and hope we all stay in touch.

It’s been quite an adventure………….Life is good!

JIM VORRASI

It’s kind of unreal to digest how many years have flashed by us all, but I really can’t wait to “see EVERYONE in September,” again!  All in all, life’s been pretty good considering how it probably took me until after our high school years to understand what many of you I know had already figured out while we were classmates . . .

I eventually transferred from Monmouth College, and graduated Montclair State in 1972 (after dropping out for a year), where I met my wife (Vicki) of 34 years, one of those enemy cheerleaders from the Verona class of ’67, a former teacher turned banker.  Lived in our first apartment(s), and bought our first “starter” home, in Parsippany, while going to Rutgers Law School & Graduate School of Business, where I earned a joint JD/MBA in 1976, and started my career in the Tax Department of Touch Ross in Newark (a former Big-8 CPA firm, now Big-4?).  I eventually became a member of the NJ Bar (never practiced law, though), as well as a NJ CPA, and wound up working with a few large companies’ tax departments, the last 19 years of which have been with Pirelli North America managing their US/Canadian tax functions.

We moved back to Caldwell late in 1980 (19 Caton Ter.), raised our two girls, Dana and Tricia, until 1994, when my department was relocated to Columbia, SC, where we lived for 11 years until moving back to Morris County, in June of 2005.  Dana, now almost 31, who was a JCHS ’94 graduate, is married and in her last year at UPenn Veterinarian School; and Tricia, 28, a Stylist and single mom of our 2.5 year old grandson, Dillon, both living with us for the time being.  Since Pirelli offered to move us back to NJ, we’ve been thrilled to be “home” again, close to family and old friends.  Still love to ski and play golf, and I’d like to retire sometime within the next 8 years, depending upon how long Pirelli or another company still needs my services.

It’s been great getting a head start on the reunion, with our meetings inevitably turning out to be mini-reunion parties amongst a group that have a connection that we all share, with fond memories popping up in almost every conversation.  The reunion weekend, we hope, will be an expanded version of these meetings, which I know will be a HUGE success if enough of us are there . . . So be there or be square!!!

SHARYN WADSTEN ILER

After high school I finished my degree in Public Relations at Bowling Green University in Ohio and then received my MBA.  I was single until 36 - lived in NYC, Ohio, New Jersey and Connecticut, traveled a lot, had no shortage of fun and great experiences.  On St. Patricks Day in ' 84 I met the man of my dreams in Savannah GA, decided to get married in three days, got married on Thanksgiving weekend that year and will be celebrating our 22 anniversary this year. We lived in Savannah briefly, then 4 years in Atlanta until Bruce bought a business in Houston TX where we have lived in The Woodlands until this summer, where Caroline Herwig Barnes was our neighbor.  This spring we decided life wasn't getting any longer, so we moved to Ventura CA, a place we've always loved and wished we lived.  We sold Bruce's business last year and now he works in our mutual business, BSI Face-to-Face Marketing where we own and manage national conferences for the food & beverage industry.  We have our headquarters in The Woodlands, TX and are just opening a second office in California.  We love our work, travel well and get to eat and drink some of the most interesting and delicious food and beverages.  We have no children but we have great families and friends.  I'm so happy to connect with everyone from high school.

I'll see you in a couple of weeks.  I'm coming in Wednesday and visiting with family until Friday late afternoon when I'll come over to the hotel.  It will be great to catch up.

JIM WILL

After graduation from JCHS, I wandered around for a few years, went to Woodstock, did a short stint in the Navy and finally settled in Illinois.

I graduated from the University of Illinois in 1976 with a major in Biology and almost finished a graduate degree in Botany (minus the dissertation, of course, how does anyone ever finish those things) at Southern Illinois University.  After dropping out of grad school, I abandoned all thoughts of teaching in Life Sciences, wandered for a few more years, but then found direction and a job as a project manager for a chemical engineering firm in the Chicago suburbs.  I’ve worked as a PM for twenty-five years on projects in chemical and petroleum engineering, IT, networking and now telecommunications.   This latest career change has me working on Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing Optical Transport Systems (wow, that sounds impressive! I’ve got to figure out what these things do!) for Tellabs in Naperville, IL.

My projects have taken me all over the U.S. and internationally to Japan, Taiwan, China (…got to see the Great Wall and the Gobi desert), South Korea, India (the Taj Mahal, Dehradun and the scenic Himalayan foothills near Tibet), Saudi Arabia (…another desert) and Mexico.  Now, to further my career, I’m working on a Masters in Project Management at the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, and may finish before I retire or maybe not.  I like to keep my options open. 

I’ve been happily married to Sue for twenty-five years and we’ve raised three wonderful kids and are now intent on spoiling our grandson.  Sue and I are “semi-retired”, working through the week in Chicagoland and spending all our weekends and vacations as Cheeseheads at our cabin in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. (…torn between being fans of Da Bears or being Packer-Backers… nah, I can’t wear one of those stupid cheese hats, its gotta be Da Bears).  When we figure out how to really retire, we’ll move to our place in Wisconsin or maybe move in with our daughter in Phoenix.  It really depends upon where the new Wal-Mart is opening and how many new greeters they are hiring.  

Sorry, I can’t join you at the reunion, but the call of the wild, the lure of the cold Leinenkugels brews in the cooler on the porch and the possibility of crashing the ATV into a tree can’t be ignored.     

ALISON WINNICKI-TYCOLIZ

Graduated from Bethany College PA, degree in Education.  Taught elementary school in Key West, FL for 20 years.  Masters degree in Education & Administration.  Became a professional photographer, opened a studio, IMAGES BY ALISON, in Key West in 1990.  I am married with one daughter, Katherine 15.  I have traveled to Japan and cross country, danced with a small Key West ballet company, play tennis, and bowl.  Currently, we are rebuilding our home in Key West, due to the damage from Hurricane Wilma.

DAVID M. ZELL

I graduated from University of Miami, Coral Gables with a degree in Psychology.  I have lived in Boston since 1973 working in the recruiting field, including the start-up of two successful recruiting firms.  I started my company, Logix,  in 1981.  Logix provides search and selection to companies throughout New England and the U.S.  I started my own company when it became apparent that no one would hire me and I could start at the top. (I’m the C.E.O. - I have always been impatient).

I am recently divorced/single again.  I have three children: Ben, 27, who recently was married; Bille (girl), 22, working and finishing school in Connecticut; and Alexa, 13, is in 8th grade at Beaver Country Day School.

As always, things are never dull and plenty of stories for you all.  I look forward to “coming home”.