Page 1

Volume 18 No 4Winter 20082009

From The President

North Plainfield High School Alumni Association145 Cedar Street North Plainfield NJ 07060

Published by the NPHS Alumni Association

Mario Caruso PresidentNPHS Alumni Association

NEW Alumni Web site mdash wwwnphsalumninet

A funny thing happened on a recent trip to RomeWhile visiting relatives we decided to search theweb sites and I suggested to log on towwwnphsalumninet

To my surprise the Fall Newsletter popped up clearas a bell Its good to know that we are global andNPHS graduates all over the world have access toreach us The hard part is to let them knowNetworking is a start If we can let all of ourclassmates know and pass it on A small number ofNewsletters will still be printed for the NorthPlainfield Library Borough Hall etc and for alumniwithout access to the web They can still send aself-addressed stamped (59 cents) envelope to theNPHS Alumni Association 145 Cedar Street NorthPlainfield NJ 07060 (Please write in pencil on theenvelope what issue you are requesting)

I want to thank the NPHS Class of 1958 for invitingmy wife and I to their 50th Class Reunion It was agreat evening To see Grace Roth Hodge again wasthe hit of the evening and congratulations to theClass of 1958 for offering five members of the classto the NPHS Alumni Hall of Fame Ralph SorrentinoPeter King Dick McKenna Mike Leta andLawrence Van Winkle

On behalf of the Alumni Association I want to wisheveryone a Merry Christmas and a Happy andHEALTHY 2009

The 14th Annual NPHS Hall of Fame Induction banquetwas held October 4 2008 at the Italian American Clubin North Plainfield Over one hundred classmates friendsfamily and teachers attended to honor Frank CognettiThomas Barrett James Marchio Erin Johnson Abbottand Dr John Klimas It would have to be classified as atremendous success

The North Plainfield High School Alumni Hall of Famewas established in 1995 by the NPHS Alumni Associa-tion to recognize and honor the outstanding graduateswho have distinguished themselves in their respectivefields or professions The actual Hall of Fame is locatedin the new cafeterial at NPHS Approximately 125inductees have been honored with a plaque with thepicture and their biography They each have a brickplaced in the NPHS Alumni Walk of Honor in front of thegymnasium on Wilson Avenue

The 2009 Hall of Fame nominations must be sent to theAlumni Association by January 15 2009

The 14th NPHS AlumniHall of Fame Induction Dinner

Note Visit the New Alumni Web Site

wwwnphsalumninet

The 2008 Hall of Fame Inductees

l to r Frank Cognetti Thomas BarrettJames Marchio Erin Johnson Abbott

Not pictured Dr John Klimas

Page 2

Clubs for KidsThe NPHS Alumni Association is offering free golf clubs to

North Plainfield High School Middle School or Borough studentswho are interested innplayingngolfnbut

cannot afford clubs to get startedThe Alumni Association is also offering excess clubs to the

First Tee Organization and to theLyons Veterans Administration in Lyons NJ Contact Frank Caruso

Class of rsquo49 at 908 756 2776

Shore Canuck ClubDear NPHS Graduates

The Shore Canuck Club will hold its annual Reunion on Thursday May 142009 at the Crystal Point Yacht Club and Motel 3900 River Road PointPleasant New Jersey from 600 pm until 1000 pm Cost $2200 per person

Crystal Point is located on the Manasquan River next to the Route 60 Bridge

An hour of hors doeuvres and cash bar will be followed by a buffet

If you plan to attend call Joan McCarthy Williamson 732-899-0009 For motelreservations call 732-899-3444

We offer a special thanks to Jim Harper who is now emeritus to theCommittee for initiating the Shore Canuck Club and making it thesuccess it is

A New Feature onthe WebWith the web site being so versatilein connection with the Newslettermore information is available

Feature stories will be able to giveyou close to the whole storyby additional information onthe Alumni web site

wwwnphsalumninet

Class of 1959The Class of 1959 is planning its50th Reunion in the fall of 2009The reunion weekend will take placein the North Plainfield area Formore information contact BonnieBaron Shrager 732-356-8808

Missing classmates Stephen ClarkCarol McMahon Carine Carol AnnWhite

Late NewsNPHS 40 SPHS 27

For the seventh straight year sincethey renewed their neighborhoodrivalry on Thanksgiving Day theNPHS Canucks beat the SPHSTigers but it was more than just afootball game It was a showof sportsmanship and of traditionBoth teams should be commended

NPHS finished the season with a6-4 record its seventh winningcampaign under Coach Bob Lake

Sophomore Tai lback VincentGreen rushed for 103 yards andtwo touchdowns and Senior Full-back Derek Grier rushed for threetouchdowns

South Plainfield Coach PhilipMcGuane summed it up Im proudof our kids As much as weredisappointed in the loss I thoughtthey battled to the very end

Arthur Abruzzese Jr was honoredrecently with a club dinner and aproclamation from Mayor JaniceAllen for forty-one years of serviceas manager of the North PlainfieldItalian American Club where hehelped build it from the ground upboth literally and figuratively

On the site of the Italian AmericanClub at 403 Somerset Street inNorth Plainfield there was a housethat was purchased torn downand a new building erected Thethen 22-year old Abruzzese wasinvolved from the foundation up andlater became the general managerof the club

Abruzzeses father Arthur Srwas one of the original foundingmembers of the club in 1948and was the oldest survivingfounder until he died at 100 yearsold in 2004

Mayor Allen labeled the organiza-

1958 Grad Retires FromItalian American Club

tion an invaluable asset to the Bor-ough Abruzzeses daughter Mariamay have summed it up The build-ing itself stands for community andembraces a changed world Afterall isnt that what our Italian ances-tors came to this melting pot for

Artie Abruzzese

Page 3

Reunion AlertThese suggestions are convenientways for graduates to buy practicalgifts and at the same time contrib-ute to the NPHS Scholarship Fund

Choose from

bull ldquoNorth Plainfield and Its Neigh-borsrdquo a 90-minute video (also inDVD) history of the Borough$2500 + $500 SampH

bull The Images of America

booksabout North Plainfield $1999 plus$300 SampH

bull Commemorative or memorialbricks in the Alumni Walk ofHonor 4x8 brick $6000 8x8brick $8500

bull Annual membership in the NPHSAlumni Association $10 annuallyor $60 lifetime

bull NPHS coffee mugs with woods-man logo $1000 plus $300 SampH

bull Stadium blanket 60x60 withNPHS older pine tree logo $45

Send checks payable to the NPHSAlumni Association 145 Cedar StNorth Plainfield NJ 07060

GiftSuggestions

2009 Reunion Contacts

2008 Reunion Contacts1933 Art Lederer 908 754-8252 Dunellen Hotel 12 Noon Wednesday

September 3 20081934 Art Lederer 908 754-8252 Dunellen Hotel 12 Noon Wednesday

September 3 20081938 Contact Manny Ferri 908 755-7413 or Edith Ruthenback Brokaw 908 722-53471943 Contact Harry Martin 973 663-2410 Spetember 24 2008 at Vincents in Warren1948 Bob McCarthy 908 322-6666 October 3 2008 at Water amp Wine Watchung1953 Contact Paul Carlton 732 752-26661958 Vince Lipani 908 369-5623 (H) 908 359-4652 (W) November 1 2008 at the

Bridgewater Manor Bridgewater NJ1963 Contact Kathy Meden DeAngelis 732 249-1791 Cheryl Meyer McDowel

908 769-5951 October 3 4 5 20081968 Gerry Garatino Burns 610 438-2788 or e-mail grib68rencom May 3 2009

Crowne Plaza Hotel Edison Combined Reunion with Class of 19691973 Ginny Gehander Carbone contact the Alumni Association1978 Mark Fisch 732 866-95121983 Carol VanWinkle Mastrobatista 732 560-97081988 Jennifer Bruscato 908 479-6141 (H)1993 Carey Cwieka co the Alumni Association1998 Contact the Alumni Association2003 Contact the Alumni Association

Sold Out

Display OpenPlease visit the NPHS Scholar-Athlete display on the second floor of thegymnasium on Wilson Avenue The display includes original Yale CupsDartmouth Cup and PTA Cups donated to the Alumni Association

We Are Searching ForPhotos

The NPHSAA is searching for pho-tos taken in and around NorthPlainfield High School All activi-ties and all time periods are of inter-est Photos should be accompaniedby captions and information aboutthe donor Good laser copies aresuggested if you want to preservethe originals Send to NPHS AlumniAssociation 145 Cedar St NPlainfield NJ 07060

1933 Art Lederer 908 754-8252 Dunellen Hotel 12 Noon WednesdaySeptember 2009

1934 Art Lederer 908 754-8252 Dunellen Hotel 12 Noon WednesdaySeptember 2009

1939 Phyllis Clark Tebbs 732 369-16861944 Al Fasano 908 756-39741949 60th Reunion Frank Caruso 908 405-3126 or Mel Lerer 732 821-7624 or

email mjlerer aolcom1954 Al amp Fran Ellis 908 766-84891959 50th Reunion Bonnie Baron Shrager 732 355-88081964 Joanne Santonostaso 908 760-60501969 40 Reunion Kathy Miller Senna 908 756-82551974 Marsha Ferri Clarke 908 788-80841979 Tom Zilli 908 709-4505-H 800 660-69521984 Tom Miller 908 996-46891989 Maria Price 908 237-00451994 Contact Beth Kenderdine 908 231-95951999 Contact NPHS Alumni Association2004 Contact NPHS Alumni Association

Page 4

In Touch Paul Carlton ndash NPHS 1953

Dear Alumni

Thank you very much for the Hallof Fame Booklet

I am always interested in NorthPlainfield activities especially ourhigh school

I reached 90 years of age this yearI dont drive anymore so I dontget far from home

Reading the Booklet roused manytreasured memories Thank youagain for your thoughtfulness

Very truly yours

Ed Gibbs former Principal

21 Bois Circle Laconia NH 03246

PS I take great pride in havingbeen a participant in the source ofmany outstanding individuals

Dear Alumni

Thank you for sending me the NPHSHall of Fame Certificate

Enclosed please find a check toreimburse you for your mailing andpacking (you did a great job)

Thank you for naming me for theHall of Fame I feel very honored

Sincerely

John K Klimas MDCarolina Asthma andAllergy Center2630 E 7th Street Suite 100Charlotte NC 28204

Dear Alumni Association

and the rest of your great alumnistaff

Keep up the good work YourNewsletter is special and I always

look forward to reading it - cover tocover

Bunny Diehl Class of 1962

Dear Alumni

I am enclosing a check for $100 inmemory of my husband Ralph whopassed away July 21 2008

We were married 45 years when welost him He was a quiet gentle soulwho laughed easily loved his chil-dren and never wanted to be in thespotlight His life was an experiencefor our sons Michael 40 and Brian34 Nearly 300 people came to thewake from all over the country

Though he won many awards waswritten up in newspapers and maga-zines our boys never knew it untilthe funeral when so many of hisfriends shared their stories One ofthe cars he owned and built themotor sold for $125000000 asBarrett Jackson The car never losta race and is being made into a scalemodel collectable

There are some especially touchingtributes in his guest book atwwwbranchburgfuneralhomecom

He is loved and missed by many

Laurel Truppi90 Katydid DriveBranchburg NJ 08876-3311

Dear Alumni

I am writing to express my heartfeltgratitude to you and all those whomade the October 4th NorthPlainfield High School Alumni Hallof Fame dinner possible The eveningcertainly reflected the many hoursof hard work and behind-the-scene

efforts to make the dinner andprogram hugely successful

My induction-surrounded by myfamily friends and high schoolmentors-is an event I will alwayscherish and fondly remember I amtruly humbled by the receipt of thisrecognition It is an honor andprivilege to be included in the samecompany as this years distinguishedinductees and those alumnipreviously selected for the Hall ofFame

In closing I cannot applaud enoughthe North Plainfield High Schoolalumni associations efforts toacknowledge the accomplishmentsof NPHS graduates and to thankthe teachers and municipal environ-ment that contributed to their suc-cess after leaving high school Iveenclosed a donation to assist theAssociation with its future efforts

Very Respectfully

James (Jim) Marchio

Dear Alumni Association

I would like to again acknowledgewhat a privilege and honor to beinducted into the NPHS Hall ofFame It was an extraordinary nightto be honored with Erin AbbottJohn Klimas Jim Marchio andFrank Cognetti To also be a part ofthe living history of the High Schoolis something I never expected whileattending there

Many of North Plainfields finesttraditions are based upon the soundprinciples nurtured by exceptionaleducators administrators andsupported by strong family valuesThe leadership of the Alumni Asso-ciation to honor graduates from thepast and those within the recentgraduating class exemplifies a wayof life consistent with the proudtraditions of the community

There is no finer accolade one cancontinued on next page

Page 4

In Touch Paul Carlton ndash NPHS 1953

Dear Alumni

Thank you very much for the Hallof Fame Booklet

I am always interested in NorthPlainfield activities especially ourhigh school

I reached 90 years of age this yearI dont drive anymore so I dontget far from home

Reading the Booklet roused manytreasured memories Thank youagain for your thoughtfulness

Very truly yours

Ed Gibbs former Principal

21 Bois Circle Laconia NH 03246

PS I take great pride in havingbeen a participant in the source ofmany outstanding individuals

Dear Alumni

Thank you for sending me the NPHSHall of Fame Certificate

Enclosed please find a check toreimburse you for your mailing andpacking (you did a great job)

Thank you for naming me for theHall of Fame I feel very honored

Sincerely

John K Klimas MDCarolina Asthma andAllergy Center2630 E 7th Street Suite 100Charlotte NC 28204

Dear Alumni Association

and the rest of your great alumnistaff

Keep up the good work YourNewsletter is special and I always

look forward to reading it - cover tocover

Bunny Diehl Class of 1962

Dear Alumni

I am enclosing a check for $100 inmemory of my husband Ralph whopassed away July 21 2008

We were married 45 years when welost him He was a quiet gentle soulwho laughed easily loved his chil-dren and never wanted to be in thespotlight His life was an experiencefor our sons Michael 40 and Brian34 Nearly 300 people came to thewake from all over the country

Though he won many awards waswritten up in newspapers and maga-zines our boys never knew it untilthe funeral when so many of hisfriends shared their stories One ofthe cars he owned and built themotor sold for $125000000 asBarrett Jackson The car never losta race and is being made into a scalemodel collectable

There are some especially touchingtributes in his guest book atwwwbranchburgfuneralhomecom

He is loved and missed by many

Laurel Truppi90 Katydid DriveBranchburg NJ 08876-3311

Dear Alumni

I am writing to express my heartfeltgratitude to you and all those whomade the October 4th NorthPlainfield High School Alumni Hallof Fame dinner possible The eveningcertainly reflected the many hoursof hard work and behind-the-scene

efforts to make the dinner andprogram hugely successful

My induction-surrounded by myfamily friends and high schoolmentors-is an event I will alwayscherish and fondly remember I amtruly humbled by the receipt of thisrecognition It is an honor andprivilege to be included in the samecompany as this years distinguishedinductees and those alumnipreviously selected for the Hall ofFame

In closing I cannot applaud enoughthe North Plainfield High Schoolalumni associations efforts toacknowledge the accomplishmentsof NPHS graduates and to thankthe teachers and municipal environ-ment that contributed to their suc-cess after leaving high school Iveenclosed a donation to assist theAssociation with its future efforts

Very Respectfully

James (Jim) Marchio

Dear Alumni Association

I would like to again acknowledgewhat a privilege and honor to beinducted into the NPHS Hall ofFame It was an extraordinary nightto be honored with Erin AbbottJohn Klimas Jim Marchio andFrank Cognetti To also be a part ofthe living history of the High Schoolis something I never expected whileattending there

Many of North Plainfields finesttraditions are based upon the soundprinciples nurtured by exceptionaleducators administrators andsupported by strong family valuesThe leadership of the Alumni Asso-ciation to honor graduates from thepast and those within the recentgraduating class exemplifies a wayof life consistent with the proudtraditions of the community

There is no finer accolade one cancontinued on next page

Page 5

achieve that being recognized bythose in your hometown for careeraccomplishments

Thank you for an unforgettable night

SincerelyThomas C Barrett Class of 1971

Dear Alumni Association

I am writing to express my sincerestThank You to you and your entirecommittee for the wonderful eveningthat everyone experienced on theoccasion of the 14th Annual NPHSHall of Fame Awards Ceremony Iwas thrilled to be back in NorthPlainfield with many of my dearfriends and colleagues I amhonored to have known and workedwith you over the years NorthPlainfield High School is indeedfortunate to have people such asyourself who dedicate so much ofyour time to enhance the work of theNPHS Alumni Association I haveenclosed a small check for $10000to the Alumni Association tobe utilized in any manner of yourchoosing

Again thank you for a very specialevening

Most sincerelyFrank Cognetti

North Plainfield High Schoolsl iterary and art magazineCanuckling was awarded theColumbia Scholastic PressAssociations Gold Medalist Cer-tificate and the American Scholas-tic Press Associations First Placewith Special Merit for the secondyear in a row

The Canuckling magazine is pub-lished each year in June with thefirst issue published in 1955 Themost recent title of the magazineis Images named to represent the

Canuckling Receives Awardsvarious ways that student contribu-tors see and look at the world Theprevious magazine is titled Identityproviding a strong sampling of themany ways that students definethemselves and others as teenagersin the 21St century

With 106 pages of the high schoolsstudent poets artists photographersand story tellers the 2008 Canucklingis an example of the excellent workof the students at NPHS Canucklingclub members met every other Tues-day in 2007 2008 to do whatever hadto be done to get the final proofready for the printer Every one ofthe Canuckling student staff alsoplayed a role in creative support bywriting or by creating art or photo-graphs for the magazine Forexample the cover is the work of

From the NPHS Principals DeskDear Alumni

The leaves are falling a new athleticseason is coming to an end and win-ter practices are set to begin Weare proud of the accolades our teamsand individual students have receivedduring the season

The school continues to see improve-ments as all of the bathrooms on thefirst floor have been remodeled withthe latest in plumbing innovationsOur seniors are beginning the pro-cess of applying to colleges and gath-ering those recommendations for ad-missions The underclassmen areknuckling down and striving for aca-demic excellence and bolsteringthose GPArsquos The faculty and staffare gearing up for another fun winterwith all of the excitement and chal-lenges that winter brings

The football team brought home an-other conference championshipUnder coach Bobby Lake theCanucks won the Skyland Confer-

ence Raritan Division This is thelast year of the conference as thestate will experience a new realign-ment This victory will give a warn-ing signal to future opponents thatthe Canucks come to play TheNPHS Cheerleaders and MarchingBand continue with their winningtraditions and have brought homenumerous first and second place tro-phies from the numerous competi-tions they have been involved in thisyear

ldquoCanuck Priderdquo is alive and stronghere at NPHS and I look forward tomeeting more alumni as the winterseason begins and we head indoorsfor athletics Please feel free tocontact the school to find out howyou can assist todayrsquos students asthey carry on the proud traditionsthat you all worked to create

Go Canucks

SincerelyJerard W StephensonPrincipal

Jeremy Frusco a talented seniorwho graduated last year Editorsfrom Columbia Scholastic called hiswork exceptional The advisorsfor the magazine were Ellen Brainand Andrew Risoli both NPHSEnglish teachers Kim DawsonNPHS Art teacher provided hersupport by supplying photos ofstudent-generated art work and bydigitally enhancing and organizingpictures into the software packageThe entire Language Arts Depart-ment encouraged development ofmaterial for consideration into themagazine while the ESL Depart-ment also partnered to provide input

The Canuckling is but one exampleof the creativity intellect andcommunity service activities of NorthPlainfields students highlighted inthis issue of the Community News-letter

continued from previous page

Letters

Page 6

For the second year in a row theNorth Plainfield High SchoolVarsity Cheerleading Team has wonthe prestigious AmeriCheer NationalTeam Community InvolvementAward The team received thishonor for representing their commu-nity at numerous local state andnational community service andcheerleading-related events

The NPHS Team was recognizedfor events such as its two trips toMontoursville Pennsylvania visit-ing the community that lost sixteenstudents and five adult chaperoneswhen their TWA Flight 800 crashedoff Long Island in 1996 TheCheerleading Team made the tripson July 17 last year and this year the11th and 12th anniversary of thecrash holding memorials at the highschool at the Flight 800 MemorialPark and at the grave sites of thevictims

The NPHS Team received nationalrecognition when keeping acheerleading tradition alive the mem-bers made a 1000 mile trip to holdmemorials at all three 9-11 attacksites As part of their trip they flewAmerican flags at Ground ZeroShanksville Pennsylvania and thePentagon The trip was highlightedwhen they flew the only AmericanFlag known to have flown over PearlHarbor and all three 9-11 sites Theyalso made a special presentationinside the Pentagon of the firstAmerican Flag known to have flownover the three 9-11 sites

The cheerleaders also representedtheir community by leading the 2007and 2008 Fourth of July Paradesproudly flying their 9-11 flags Theyheld a service at the high schoolrsquoswar memorial honoring veterans onVeteranrsquos Day Later that year overfifty North Plainfield cheerleadersheld a memorial in front of the samemonument on Pearl Harbor Dayhonoring Joe Waller a local veteranof World War II

The NPHS Cheerleading Team re-ceived a special thank you message

from the Virginia Tech cheerlead-ers and coaching staff for two largemegaphones sent to them by theNorth Plainfield cheerleaders Themegaphones were signed by cheer-leaders from all over America andwere filled with messages of loveand caring for the students killed onthe Virginia Tech campus last fallTwenty-five North Plainfield cheer-leaders also represented their com-munity when for a second year in arow they performed in a pre-gameshow for the NBArsquos New JerseyNets at the Meadowlands

The NPHS Cheerleading Team alsorestarted a competitive cheerleadingprogram with a special performanceat The Holiday Lights Competitionat St Peterrsquos College in Jersey CityThey competed in three categoriesearning a third place trophy for stuntgroup in the Mid Atlantic Champion-ship at the Sovereign Bank Arena inTrenton a second place team tro-phy at the Island Championships atthe Wildwood Convention Centerand a first place individual trophy atthe Mid Atlantic ChampionshipsBoth stunt team and individualcompetitors received scores quali-fying them for the CANAM Inter-national Championships in MyrtleBeach

The NPHS Cheerleading Team is the

only high school team to ever receivethe AmeriCheer National Team Com-munity Involvement Award Not onlythat this is the second consecutiveyear that they won the award andthey were the first high school teamever to win the award when theyreceived it last year

Ed Note Reprinted from the Borough ofNorth Plainfield Community Newsletter

Winners and Still National Champions

North Plainfield High School Varsity Cheerleading Team

To help replenish the NPHS Schol-arship Fund the Alumni Associationis creating a new program For a$50 donation or more to the Scholar-ship Fund you can have your choiceof a complete set of Alumni News-letters or Alumni Hall of Fame book-lets

This means approximately sixteenyears of Newsletters (minus a coupleof lost issues) or twelve years ofHall of Fame booklets But the mostimportant part is that you will behelping NPHS students further theireducation

Please send any donations to theNPHS Alumni Association 145 Ce-dar Street North Plainfield NJ07060

Contribute to theFuture of NPHS

Page 7

NPHS 1951 Graduate HonoredA recent catered luncheon held atthe Warrenville Senior Center wasa bittersweet event for center man-ager Alwayne Blechar

The luncheon held Dec 11 2008was the last official event forBlechar who is retiring

While Blechar has been the full-time manager of the senior centersince February 2007 and served asacting manager of the township cen-ter since March 2006 her presencehas left a record of accomplish-ments

During Blechars brief tenure thecenter a stone-faced building on thegrounds of Warrenbrook GolfCourse installed an attractive pooltable room and a stairlift to help givemembers a ride up to the secondfloor

According to Angela Dubivsky nu-trition program administrator for theSomerset County Office of AgingBlechars superior management andleadership style has produced a 95percent increase in attendance

The center is filled to capacity forevery event she hosts Dubivskysaid adding that 14 regular activi-ties now fill the centers monthlycalendar

Blechars record of success is noaccident and she revealed how sheacquired her can-do managementstyle

Well I spent 38 years as a civilemployee providing full-time sup-port for the Army Reserve pro-gram Blechar said

Her administrative perspective hasa military precision about it Dubivskysaid

After graduating from NorthPlainfield High School Class of 1951Alwayne attended many seminarsin her career with the Army Re-serve on management human be-

havior leadership and supervisionFor five years Alwayne was re-sponsible full-time for military-per-sonnel operations and support of theentire 78th Division Dubivsky ex-plained

Those traits translated into a flurryof activity when Blechar became anactive member of the WarrenvilleSenior Center 10 years ago afterretiring from her Army Reserve ca-reer with many citations and awardsfor service

Among them is her receipt in 1989 ofthe Meritorious Civilian ServiceAward one of the highest awardsthat can be earned by civilian em-ployees of the federal government

I loved my career in governmentBlechar said You had to thinkquickly when making decisions Onweekends you got to meet the Re-servists who could be teachers chiefexecutive officers or a UPS driver

It was exciting and fun

Dubivsky noted Blechar joined thecenter soon thereafter as a volun-teer Income Tax Counselor

Blechar soon was helping with spe-cial events and then with extensiverenovations to the building Alwaynespent countless hours helping to stripwallpaper Dubivsky said

Even when Blechar was named thecenters manager she continued toturn her energies to more than justadministrative tasks

I spent a lot of time cleaning outclosets and organizing materialsThen I found space for a coat closetBlechar said She also responded tomembers requests for a book nooknow located in the dining area wherepeople like to linger and talk Blecharsaid

Blechar said she now is truly retiredbut notes that one should alwayshave some purpose in life

Ed Note Reprinted from The Cou-rier-News 121608

Alwayne Blechar

NoticeThe NPHS Alumni Association hasestablished a new Web sitewwwnphsalumninet starting in thesummer of 2008 You will be able toview the Alumni Newsletter andeventually other alumni news andevents

To help defray some the expensesof the Web site we are offeringadvertising space to those inter-ested

You can advertise your class busi-ness or events etc For more infor-mation contact NPHS Alumni As-sociation 145 Cedar Street NorthPlainfield NJ 07060 (908 756 2776)or e-mail to

carusodesigncomcastnet

Page 6

For the second year in a row theNorth Plainfield High SchoolVarsity Cheerleading Team has wonthe prestigious AmeriCheer NationalTeam Community InvolvementAward The team received thishonor for representing their commu-nity at numerous local state andnational community service andcheerleading-related events

The NPHS Team was recognizedfor events such as its two trips toMontoursville Pennsylvania visit-ing the community that lost sixteenstudents and five adult chaperoneswhen their TWA Flight 800 crashedoff Long Island in 1996 TheCheerleading Team made the tripson July 17 last year and this year the11th and 12th anniversary of thecrash holding memorials at the highschool at the Flight 800 MemorialPark and at the grave sites of thevictims

The NPHS Team received nationalrecognition when keeping acheerleading tradition alive the mem-bers made a 1000 mile trip to holdmemorials at all three 9-11 attacksites As part of their trip they flewAmerican flags at Ground ZeroShanksville Pennsylvania and thePentagon The trip was highlightedwhen they flew the only AmericanFlag known to have flown over PearlHarbor and all three 9-11 sites Theyalso made a special presentationinside the Pentagon of the firstAmerican Flag known to have flownover the three 9-11 sites

The cheerleaders also representedtheir community by leading the 2007and 2008 Fourth of July Paradesproudly flying their 9-11 flags Theyheld a service at the high schoolrsquoswar memorial honoring veterans onVeteranrsquos Day Later that year overfifty North Plainfield cheerleadersheld a memorial in front of the samemonument on Pearl Harbor Dayhonoring Joe Waller a local veteranof World War II

The NPHS Cheerleading Team re-ceived a special thank you message

from the Virginia Tech cheerlead-ers and coaching staff for two largemegaphones sent to them by theNorth Plainfield cheerleaders Themegaphones were signed by cheer-leaders from all over America andwere filled with messages of loveand caring for the students killed onthe Virginia Tech campus last fallTwenty-five North Plainfield cheer-leaders also represented their com-munity when for a second year in arow they performed in a pre-gameshow for the NBArsquos New JerseyNets at the Meadowlands

The NPHS Cheerleading Team alsorestarted a competitive cheerleadingprogram with a special performanceat The Holiday Lights Competitionat St Peterrsquos College in Jersey CityThey competed in three categoriesearning a third place trophy for stuntgroup in the Mid Atlantic Champion-ship at the Sovereign Bank Arena inTrenton a second place team tro-phy at the Island Championships atthe Wildwood Convention Centerand a first place individual trophy atthe Mid Atlantic ChampionshipsBoth stunt team and individualcompetitors received scores quali-fying them for the CANAM Inter-national Championships in MyrtleBeach

The NPHS Cheerleading Team is the

only high school team to ever receivethe AmeriCheer National Team Com-munity Involvement Award Not onlythat this is the second consecutiveyear that they won the award andthey were the first high school teamever to win the award when theyreceived it last year

Ed Note Reprinted from the Borough ofNorth Plainfield Community Newsletter

Winners and Still National Champions

North Plainfield High School Varsity Cheerleading Team

To help replenish the NPHS Schol-arship Fund the Alumni Associationis creating a new program For a$50 donation or more to the Scholar-ship Fund you can have your choiceof a complete set of Alumni News-letters or Alumni Hall of Fame book-lets

This means approximately sixteenyears of Newsletters (minus a coupleof lost issues) or twelve years ofHall of Fame booklets But the mostimportant part is that you will behelping NPHS students further theireducation

Please send any donations to theNPHS Alumni Association 145 Ce-dar Street North Plainfield NJ07060

Contribute to theFuture of NPHS

Page 7

NPHS 1951 Graduate HonoredA recent catered luncheon held atthe Warrenville Senior Center wasa bittersweet event for center man-ager Alwayne Blechar

The luncheon held Dec 11 2008was the last official event forBlechar who is retiring

While Blechar has been the full-time manager of the senior centersince February 2007 and served asacting manager of the township cen-ter since March 2006 her presencehas left a record of accomplish-ments

During Blechars brief tenure thecenter a stone-faced building on thegrounds of Warrenbrook GolfCourse installed an attractive pooltable room and a stairlift to help givemembers a ride up to the secondfloor

According to Angela Dubivsky nu-trition program administrator for theSomerset County Office of AgingBlechars superior management andleadership style has produced a 95percent increase in attendance

The center is filled to capacity forevery event she hosts Dubivskysaid adding that 14 regular activi-ties now fill the centers monthlycalendar

Blechars record of success is noaccident and she revealed how sheacquired her can-do managementstyle

Well I spent 38 years as a civilemployee providing full-time sup-port for the Army Reserve pro-gram Blechar said

Her administrative perspective hasa military precision about it Dubivskysaid

After graduating from NorthPlainfield High School Class of 1951Alwayne attended many seminarsin her career with the Army Re-serve on management human be-

havior leadership and supervisionFor five years Alwayne was re-sponsible full-time for military-per-sonnel operations and support of theentire 78th Division Dubivsky ex-plained

Those traits translated into a flurryof activity when Blechar became anactive member of the WarrenvilleSenior Center 10 years ago afterretiring from her Army Reserve ca-reer with many citations and awardsfor service

Among them is her receipt in 1989 ofthe Meritorious Civilian ServiceAward one of the highest awardsthat can be earned by civilian em-ployees of the federal government

I loved my career in governmentBlechar said You had to thinkquickly when making decisions Onweekends you got to meet the Re-servists who could be teachers chiefexecutive officers or a UPS driver

It was exciting and fun

Dubivsky noted Blechar joined thecenter soon thereafter as a volun-teer Income Tax Counselor

Blechar soon was helping with spe-cial events and then with extensiverenovations to the building Alwaynespent countless hours helping to stripwallpaper Dubivsky said

Even when Blechar was named thecenters manager she continued toturn her energies to more than justadministrative tasks

I spent a lot of time cleaning outclosets and organizing materialsThen I found space for a coat closetBlechar said She also responded tomembers requests for a book nooknow located in the dining area wherepeople like to linger and talk Blecharsaid

Blechar said she now is truly retiredbut notes that one should alwayshave some purpose in life

Ed Note Reprinted from The Cou-rier-News 121608

Alwayne Blechar

NoticeThe NPHS Alumni Association hasestablished a new Web sitewwwnphsalumninet starting in thesummer of 2008 You will be able toview the Alumni Newsletter andeventually other alumni news andevents

To help defray some the expensesof the Web site we are offeringadvertising space to those inter-ested

You can advertise your class busi-ness or events etc For more infor-mation contact NPHS Alumni As-sociation 145 Cedar Street NorthPlainfield NJ 07060 (908 756 2776)or e-mail to

carusodesigncomcastnet

Page 7

NPHS 1951 Graduate HonoredA recent catered luncheon held atthe Warrenville Senior Center wasa bittersweet event for center man-ager Alwayne Blechar

The luncheon held Dec 11 2008was the last official event forBlechar who is retiring

While Blechar has been the full-time manager of the senior centersince February 2007 and served asacting manager of the township cen-ter since March 2006 her presencehas left a record of accomplish-ments

During Blechars brief tenure thecenter a stone-faced building on thegrounds of Warrenbrook GolfCourse installed an attractive pooltable room and a stairlift to help givemembers a ride up to the secondfloor

According to Angela Dubivsky nu-trition program administrator for theSomerset County Office of AgingBlechars superior management andleadership style has produced a 95percent increase in attendance

The center is filled to capacity forevery event she hosts Dubivskysaid adding that 14 regular activi-ties now fill the centers monthlycalendar

Blechars record of success is noaccident and she revealed how sheacquired her can-do managementstyle

Well I spent 38 years as a civilemployee providing full-time sup-port for the Army Reserve pro-gram Blechar said

Her administrative perspective hasa military precision about it Dubivskysaid

After graduating from NorthPlainfield High School Class of 1951Alwayne attended many seminarsin her career with the Army Re-serve on management human be-

havior leadership and supervisionFor five years Alwayne was re-sponsible full-time for military-per-sonnel operations and support of theentire 78th Division Dubivsky ex-plained

Those traits translated into a flurryof activity when Blechar became anactive member of the WarrenvilleSenior Center 10 years ago afterretiring from her Army Reserve ca-reer with many citations and awardsfor service

Among them is her receipt in 1989 ofthe Meritorious Civilian ServiceAward one of the highest awardsthat can be earned by civilian em-ployees of the federal government

I loved my career in governmentBlechar said You had to thinkquickly when making decisions Onweekends you got to meet the Re-servists who could be teachers chiefexecutive officers or a UPS driver

It was exciting and fun

Dubivsky noted Blechar joined thecenter soon thereafter as a volun-teer Income Tax Counselor

Blechar soon was helping with spe-cial events and then with extensiverenovations to the building Alwaynespent countless hours helping to stripwallpaper Dubivsky said

Even when Blechar was named thecenters manager she continued toturn her energies to more than justadministrative tasks

I spent a lot of time cleaning outclosets and organizing materialsThen I found space for a coat closetBlechar said She also responded tomembers requests for a book nooknow located in the dining area wherepeople like to linger and talk Blecharsaid

Blechar said she now is truly retiredbut notes that one should alwayshave some purpose in life

Ed Note Reprinted from The Cou-rier-News 121608

Alwayne Blechar

NoticeThe NPHS Alumni Association hasestablished a new Web sitewwwnphsalumninet starting in thesummer of 2008 You will be able toview the Alumni Newsletter andeventually other alumni news andevents

To help defray some the expensesof the Web site we are offeringadvertising space to those inter-ested

You can advertise your class busi-ness or events etc For more infor-mation contact NPHS Alumni As-sociation 145 Cedar Street NorthPlainfield NJ 07060 (908 756 2776)or e-mail to

carusodesigncomcastnet

Page 8

CLASS MESSAGESThe Alumni Association invites graduates to use this page for

Class Reunion or other messages

Send messages to NPHS Alumni Association145 Cedar Street North Plainfield NJ 07060

Attn Newsletter

Class of 1949The North Plainfield High SchoolClass of 1949 is planning its 60thReunion in the Fall of 2009 Anyoneinterested should contact Mel Lereror Frank Caruso 908 756 2776

The Class of 1962NPHS Class of 1962 Reunion washeld October 20 2007 at theVermeule Mansion Contacts areRay Bersch 908 229-5886 orrayberschoptonlinenet and MaryDiehle 908 359-7161

Class of 1959Reunion Chairperson

Bonnie Baron Shrager

(732) 356-8808

bshragerpatmedianet

Class of 1949 YearbookMel Lerer NPHS Class of 1949 islooking for an extra yearbook fromhis class If anyone knows of anyplease contact The Alumni Associa-tion 908 756-2776 or carusodesigncomcastnet

Class ContactsWe need up-to-date Class Lists forthe next NPHS Alumni DirectoryOn a disc if possible or a hard copySend to NPHS Alumni Association145 Cedar Stree North PlainfieldNJ 07060

Classes of rsquo33 to rsquo35NPHS Classes of 1933 to 1935will hold their next reunionon Wednesday XXXX XX 2009 atthe Dunellen Hotel on WashingtonAvenue Dunellen starting at noonAnyone interested should contactArt Lederer 908 754-8252

Class of 1967The NPHS Class of 1967 will holdits 40th Reunion on Friday October11 2008 at the Italian AmericanClub in North Plainfield

Contact Lucy Berardi Minichino(908) 753-7776

NoticeThe NPHS Alumni Association isestablishing a new Web sitenphsalumninet starting in the sum-mer of 2008 You will be able to viewthe Alumni Newsletter and eventu-ally other alumni news and events

Class of 1968 andClass of 1969

Combined ReunionReunion DinnerDance on SaturdayMay 2 2009 7 pm to 12 nidnight atthe Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerlyThe Clarion Hotel) Route 27 EdisonNJ

Reunion Breakfast Buffet onSunday May 3 2009 at the samehotel 9 am - 12 noon

Contact persons

Class of 68 Gerry Garatino Burnse-mail gerib68rcncom

Class of 69 Kathy Miller Sennae-mailsennak336gmailcom

YearbookDonation

The Alumni Association has offeredto the Friends of Vermeule a set ofNPHS yearbooks to be displayed forpublic viewing at the VermeuleMansion on Clinton Avenue andGreenbrook Road

The collection will be as complete aspossible dating back to the early1900s and will be kept current annu-ally

If anyone has extra yearsbooks theydo not need or if you want to replacea lost yearbook contact the AlumniAssociation 145 Cedar Street NorthPlainfield NJ 07060 or phone 908756 2776

Saving HistoryRecently seven 4x5 Enlargedframed photographs were donatedto the Borough by the Alumni Asso-ciation to be displayed at differentlocations throughout the community

These historic photos were repro-duced from the Images of Americabook about North Plainfield and werehanging on the walls of the AcmeMarket on Rt 22 and Grove Street

They were rescued from destruc-tion when the Acme Market closedapproximately four years ago Oneof the photos shows Mayor GeorgeMcCujsker cutting the ribbon at theopening ceremonies of the Acme in1955

Two photos are hanging now atSomerset School and North PlainfieldHigh School The photo ofthe Vermeule Mansion will hangthere The other photos of theClock Tower Gate House a veiwof Somerset Street MoldenkesCastle McCutchen Home and theoriginal North Plainfield Librarywill be displayed at the newlyrenovated Borough Hall

1980 Class Reunion contactmichaelesoldacomcastnet

732-713-3030

1945 Class Reunion contactPat Allegar 908-889-4712 orHarry Krausse 908-757-6654

Page 9

On May 9 1998 the NPHS Alumni Association honored Dr HermanEstrins 60-year teaching career

Dr Estrin passed away on May 7 1999 To honor him the AlumniAssociation has established the Dr Herman A Estrin MemorialScholarship an annual award presented to a graduating NPHS seniorexcelling in English Writing and Literature

To donate to the Dr Herman A Estrin Memorial Scholarship Fundmake checks payable to NPHS Alumni Association and mail to

NPHS Alumni Association145 Cedar Street North Plainfield NJ 07060

Dr Herman A Estrin Scholarship Fund

The NPHS Classes of 1935 and1949 have adopted the FredGreen Memorial Scholarshiphonoring the former teachercoach and friendAt the 2000 Hal l of FameDinner a memorial scholarshipin Fred Greens name wasannounced Students and formerplayers may wish to contribute tothis fundThe criteria An annual $500scholarship will be awarded to asenior boy or girl who has ex-celled in academics who is ac-cepted at a Junior Collegefour-year college or universityand has participated in an NPHSathletic activityTo donate to the Fred GreenMemorial Scholarship Fundmake check payable to NPHSAlumni Association and mail toNPHS Alumni Assn 145 CedarStreet North Plainf ield NJ07060

Fred Green MemorialScholarship Fund

The ldquoMarie OrsquoBrien Excellence in Writing Awardrdquo is given to a graduatingsenior who has displayed exemplary writing talent during their high schoolcareers

Announcement of the award came at a high school reception given in honor ofDr OrsquoBrienrsquos 50th teaching anniversary Contributions to the fund for theaward have made it possible to present the award for many years

Alumni who wish to honor Dr OrsquoBrien may send their contributions Makechecks payable to the ldquoOrsquoBrien Writing Awardrdquo and send to Dr Ernest JaegerNorth Plainfield High School 34 Wilson Avenue North Plainfield New Jersey07060 Dr OrsquoBrien will receive the list of names of those who have contributedto the award

The Marie OrsquoBrien Award

NPHS SCHOLARSHIPS

ldquoSunnyrdquo ChurchMemorial Scholarship

The August ldquoSunnyrdquo Church Me-morial Scholarship was es-tablished to honor the 1932 NPHSgraduate who was one of the mostfamous scholarathletes NPHSgraduatesldquoSunnyrdquo played football at NPHSand Notre Dame University andwas recognized nationally forsports and academics He was oneof the original members of theldquoFlying Arrowsrdquo the Boroughssport and social club ldquoSunnyrdquo wasinducted into the charter AlumniHall of Fame Class in 1995The f i rs t scho larsh ip wasawarded in 2002 to a graduateexcelling in sports and academ-ics and displaying excellent char-acter and community serviceTo support the Sunny ChurchScholarship Fund make checkspayable to NPHS Alumni Associa-tion Send to 145 Cedar StreetNorth Plainfield NJ 07060

The George ldquoChiprdquo MauroMemorial Scholarship

An annual scholarship has been established in memory of George ldquoChiprdquoMauro by the Mauro family to be presented in 2008 to a graduating NPHSsenior based on academics financial need and school and communityservice George Mauro was a graduate of NPHS in 1951 He passed awayAugust 9 2006 He excelled in academics and sports while at NPHS

If anyone would like to donate to this scholarship fund please make checkspayable to NPHS Alumni Association and send to 145 Cedar Street NorthPlainfield NJ 07060 Please designate the George ldquoChiprdquo Mauro Scholar-ship

Winnie Letso served on the North Plainfield Board of Education for 27 years whichis the longest term in North Plainfield history As an advocate for children shebelieved that a good education was vital for success

The criteria An annual $500 scholarship will be awarded in her memory to an NPHSsenior who will attend a 2 or 4 year college or university and is based on academicachievement financial need and school and community involvement A letter fromthe applicant describing the importance of education to you andor how educationhas affected your life is required

To support the Winifred Gardner Letso Memorial Scholarship Fund please makechecks payable to NPHS Alumni Association Send to 145 Cedar Street NorthPlainfield NJ 07060

Winifred Gardner Letso Memorial Scholarship

Page 10

Many of us first met on Fridayevening October 31 2008 atthe Italian American Club forpizza The pizza was late but thehigh energy level was fueled bymeeting old friends and the task ofmatching names to faces It was awonderful way to informally startour celebration

An early golfing on Saturday morn-ing was organized by Dave Hennfor those who wanted to chase thebouncing ball Only two did Also onSaturday morning classmates couldparticipate in the ldquo10th Annual Runfor Runawaysrdquo Later in the dayRalph Sorrentino lead a tour of theold and new buildingsat NPHS

The formal event was a dinnerdance held at the BridgewaterManor on Saturday night VincentLipani class president eventuallyinterrupted the cocktail hour witha warn welcome to all 105 return-ing alumni and guests Vince thenintroduced Mario and Mary AliceCaruso and Grace Roth Hodgewho were invited guests of honor

Then in sadness and with deeprespect Nancy JohnsonDeCristofaro Clara Darcy Ruvoloand Judy Snodden Richardson ledthe group in a memorial for ourdeceased classmates A largememorial candle was lit followedby special solemn readings and the22 names of our classmates

John Muccifori and Cynthia SmithLubeck helped moved the sadnessto joy as they presented Vince Lipaniand Mario Caruso with plaques high-lighting their contributions to the classand hard work maintaining the legacyand spirit of NPHS Mario Carusothe tireless originator and leaderof the alumni association since its

inception talked about the newweb site for NPHS alumni beingdeveloped (wwwNPHSalumninet)and identified the members of ourclass inducted into the Hall of FamePeter King Michael Leta RichardMcKenna Ralph Sorrentino andLarry Van Winkle Richard Mc-Kenna then transitioned us with ameaningful invocation to a fabulousfull course dinner

After the desert (or is it dessert)the frolic increased with a disc jockeyplaying the rsquo50s best tunes Pete andMaud King took to the floor andsashayed down the stroll line in fullsplendor Harold Brocolettis wifeNancy pulled many seat potatoes upand at least got them moving fromthe hips What a blast

The celebration was paused by JohnMuccifori and Wendy Way Drainawhich kept the number of cardiacarrests to a minimum for a bout withlsquoNPHS TRIVIArsquo Nick questionedwhether anyone knew of the person

in attendance who built the NPHSlogo that was on the front lawn ofthe school Without waiting andproud of his work that stood the testof time Vincent Agostino leaped upfrom his seat and hollered in hiswonderful Brooklyn accent ldquoI builtit in Mr Herons woodworkingclassrdquo John kept the questions flow-ing and the group got out of hand(typical for this class) and couldntwait to yell out their answers andreceive a coveted lsquoNPHS TriviaCertificate of Awardrsquo

The dancing resumed and by 1100the group disbursed satiated with abigger belly and swelled hearts filledwith memories of the past and hugsfrom each other

Sunday morning ended the reunionwith a wonderful brunch at theBridgewater Marriott All in atten-dance felt thankful for the efforts ofthe reunion committee for organiz-ing such a meaningful event and lookforward for the next one

THE NPHS Class of 1958 ndash 50th Reunionby

Vincent Lipani and Nick Rayder

From the Archives

The Vermeule Mansion at the cornor of Greenbrook Road and ClintonAvenue is undergoing renovations by the Friends of Vermeule

Page 9

On May 9 1998 the NPHS Alumni Association honored Dr HermanEstrins 60-year teaching career

Dr Estrin passed away on May 7 1999 To honor him the AlumniAssociation has established the Dr Herman A Estrin MemorialScholarship an annual award presented to a graduating NPHS seniorexcelling in English Writing and Literature

To donate to the Dr Herman A Estrin Memorial Scholarship Fundmake checks payable to NPHS Alumni Association and mail to

NPHS Alumni Association145 Cedar Street North Plainfield NJ 07060

Dr Herman A Estrin Scholarship Fund

The NPHS Classes of 1935 and1949 have adopted the FredGreen Memorial Scholarshiphonoring the former teachercoach and friendAt the 2000 Hal l of FameDinner a memorial scholarshipin Fred Greens name wasannounced Students and formerplayers may wish to contribute tothis fundThe criteria An annual $500scholarship will be awarded to asenior boy or girl who has ex-celled in academics who is ac-cepted at a Junior Collegefour-year college or universityand has participated in an NPHSathletic activityTo donate to the Fred GreenMemorial Scholarship Fundmake check payable to NPHSAlumni Association and mail toNPHS Alumni Assn 145 CedarStreet North Plainf ield NJ07060

Fred Green MemorialScholarship Fund

The ldquoMarie OrsquoBrien Excellence in Writing Awardrdquo is given to a graduatingsenior who has displayed exemplary writing talent during their high schoolcareers

Announcement of the award came at a high school reception given in honor ofDr OrsquoBrienrsquos 50th teaching anniversary Contributions to the fund for theaward have made it possible to present the award for many years

Alumni who wish to honor Dr OrsquoBrien may send their contributions Makechecks payable to the ldquoOrsquoBrien Writing Awardrdquo and send to Dr Ernest JaegerNorth Plainfield High School 34 Wilson Avenue North Plainfield New Jersey07060 Dr OrsquoBrien will receive the list of names of those who have contributedto the award

The Marie OrsquoBrien Award

NPHS SCHOLARSHIPS

ldquoSunnyrdquo ChurchMemorial Scholarship

The August ldquoSunnyrdquo Church Me-morial Scholarship was es-tablished to honor the 1932 NPHSgraduate who was one of the mostfamous scholarathletes NPHSgraduatesldquoSunnyrdquo played football at NPHSand Notre Dame University andwas recognized nationally forsports and academics He was oneof the original members of theldquoFlying Arrowsrdquo the Boroughssport and social club ldquoSunnyrdquo wasinducted into the charter AlumniHall of Fame Class in 1995The f i rs t scho larsh ip wasawarded in 2002 to a graduateexcelling in sports and academ-ics and displaying excellent char-acter and community serviceTo support the Sunny ChurchScholarship Fund make checkspayable to NPHS Alumni Associa-tion Send to 145 Cedar StreetNorth Plainfield NJ 07060

The George ldquoChiprdquo MauroMemorial Scholarship

An annual scholarship has been established in memory of George ldquoChiprdquoMauro by the Mauro family to be presented in 2008 to a graduating NPHSsenior based on academics financial need and school and communityservice George Mauro was a graduate of NPHS in 1951 He passed awayAugust 9 2006 He excelled in academics and sports while at NPHS

If anyone would like to donate to this scholarship fund please make checkspayable to NPHS Alumni Association and send to 145 Cedar Street NorthPlainfield NJ 07060 Please designate the George ldquoChiprdquo Mauro Scholar-ship

Winnie Letso served on the North Plainfield Board of Education for 27 years whichis the longest term in North Plainfield history As an advocate for children shebelieved that a good education was vital for success

The criteria An annual $500 scholarship will be awarded in her memory to an NPHSsenior who will attend a 2 or 4 year college or university and is based on academicachievement financial need and school and community involvement A letter fromthe applicant describing the importance of education to you andor how educationhas affected your life is required

To support the Winifred Gardner Letso Memorial Scholarship Fund please makechecks payable to NPHS Alumni Association Send to 145 Cedar Street NorthPlainfield NJ 07060

Winifred Gardner Letso Memorial Scholarship

Page 10

Many of us first met on Fridayevening October 31 2008 atthe Italian American Club forpizza The pizza was late but thehigh energy level was fueled bymeeting old friends and the task ofmatching names to faces It was awonderful way to informally startour celebration

An early golfing on Saturday morn-ing was organized by Dave Hennfor those who wanted to chase thebouncing ball Only two did Also onSaturday morning classmates couldparticipate in the ldquo10th Annual Runfor Runawaysrdquo Later in the dayRalph Sorrentino lead a tour of theold and new buildingsat NPHS

The formal event was a dinnerdance held at the BridgewaterManor on Saturday night VincentLipani class president eventuallyinterrupted the cocktail hour witha warn welcome to all 105 return-ing alumni and guests Vince thenintroduced Mario and Mary AliceCaruso and Grace Roth Hodgewho were invited guests of honor

Then in sadness and with deeprespect Nancy JohnsonDeCristofaro Clara Darcy Ruvoloand Judy Snodden Richardson ledthe group in a memorial for ourdeceased classmates A largememorial candle was lit followedby special solemn readings and the22 names of our classmates

John Muccifori and Cynthia SmithLubeck helped moved the sadnessto joy as they presented Vince Lipaniand Mario Caruso with plaques high-lighting their contributions to the classand hard work maintaining the legacyand spirit of NPHS Mario Carusothe tireless originator and leaderof the alumni association since its

inception talked about the newweb site for NPHS alumni beingdeveloped (wwwNPHSalumninet)and identified the members of ourclass inducted into the Hall of FamePeter King Michael Leta RichardMcKenna Ralph Sorrentino andLarry Van Winkle Richard Mc-Kenna then transitioned us with ameaningful invocation to a fabulousfull course dinner

After the desert (or is it dessert)the frolic increased with a disc jockeyplaying the rsquo50s best tunes Pete andMaud King took to the floor andsashayed down the stroll line in fullsplendor Harold Brocolettis wifeNancy pulled many seat potatoes upand at least got them moving fromthe hips What a blast

The celebration was paused by JohnMuccifori and Wendy Way Drainawhich kept the number of cardiacarrests to a minimum for a bout withlsquoNPHS TRIVIArsquo Nick questionedwhether anyone knew of the person

in attendance who built the NPHSlogo that was on the front lawn ofthe school Without waiting andproud of his work that stood the testof time Vincent Agostino leaped upfrom his seat and hollered in hiswonderful Brooklyn accent ldquoI builtit in Mr Herons woodworkingclassrdquo John kept the questions flow-ing and the group got out of hand(typical for this class) and couldntwait to yell out their answers andreceive a coveted lsquoNPHS TriviaCertificate of Awardrsquo

The dancing resumed and by 1100the group disbursed satiated with abigger belly and swelled hearts filledwith memories of the past and hugsfrom each other

Sunday morning ended the reunionwith a wonderful brunch at theBridgewater Marriott All in atten-dance felt thankful for the efforts ofthe reunion committee for organiz-ing such a meaningful event and lookforward for the next one

THE NPHS Class of 1958 ndash 50th Reunionby

Vincent Lipani and Nick Rayder

From the Archives

The Vermeule Mansion at the cornor of Greenbrook Road and ClintonAvenue is undergoing renovations by the Friends of Vermeule

Page 10

Many of us first met on Fridayevening October 31 2008 atthe Italian American Club forpizza The pizza was late but thehigh energy level was fueled bymeeting old friends and the task ofmatching names to faces It was awonderful way to informally startour celebration

An early golfing on Saturday morn-ing was organized by Dave Hennfor those who wanted to chase thebouncing ball Only two did Also onSaturday morning classmates couldparticipate in the ldquo10th Annual Runfor Runawaysrdquo Later in the dayRalph Sorrentino lead a tour of theold and new buildingsat NPHS

The formal event was a dinnerdance held at the BridgewaterManor on Saturday night VincentLipani class president eventuallyinterrupted the cocktail hour witha warn welcome to all 105 return-ing alumni and guests Vince thenintroduced Mario and Mary AliceCaruso and Grace Roth Hodgewho were invited guests of honor

Then in sadness and with deeprespect Nancy JohnsonDeCristofaro Clara Darcy Ruvoloand Judy Snodden Richardson ledthe group in a memorial for ourdeceased classmates A largememorial candle was lit followedby special solemn readings and the22 names of our classmates

John Muccifori and Cynthia SmithLubeck helped moved the sadnessto joy as they presented Vince Lipaniand Mario Caruso with plaques high-lighting their contributions to the classand hard work maintaining the legacyand spirit of NPHS Mario Carusothe tireless originator and leaderof the alumni association since its

inception talked about the newweb site for NPHS alumni beingdeveloped (wwwNPHSalumninet)and identified the members of ourclass inducted into the Hall of FamePeter King Michael Leta RichardMcKenna Ralph Sorrentino andLarry Van Winkle Richard Mc-Kenna then transitioned us with ameaningful invocation to a fabulousfull course dinner

After the desert (or is it dessert)the frolic increased with a disc jockeyplaying the rsquo50s best tunes Pete andMaud King took to the floor andsashayed down the stroll line in fullsplendor Harold Brocolettis wifeNancy pulled many seat potatoes upand at least got them moving fromthe hips What a blast

The celebration was paused by JohnMuccifori and Wendy Way Drainawhich kept the number of cardiacarrests to a minimum for a bout withlsquoNPHS TRIVIArsquo Nick questionedwhether anyone knew of the person

in attendance who built the NPHSlogo that was on the front lawn ofthe school Without waiting andproud of his work that stood the testof time Vincent Agostino leaped upfrom his seat and hollered in hiswonderful Brooklyn accent ldquoI builtit in Mr Herons woodworkingclassrdquo John kept the questions flow-ing and the group got out of hand(typical for this class) and couldntwait to yell out their answers andreceive a coveted lsquoNPHS TriviaCertificate of Awardrsquo

The dancing resumed and by 1100the group disbursed satiated with abigger belly and swelled hearts filledwith memories of the past and hugsfrom each other

Sunday morning ended the reunionwith a wonderful brunch at theBridgewater Marriott All in atten-dance felt thankful for the efforts ofthe reunion committee for organiz-ing such a meaningful event and lookforward for the next one

THE NPHS Class of 1958 ndash 50th Reunionby

Vincent Lipani and Nick Rayder

From the Archives

The Vermeule Mansion at the cornor of Greenbrook Road and ClintonAvenue is undergoing renovations by the Friends of Vermeule

Page 11

Obituaries

Back Issues of Newsletters $100 ea Donation ldquoEstrin Scholarship Fundrdquo Donation ldquoFred Green Scholarship Fundrdquo Donation ldquoSunny Church Scholarshiprdquo Donation George Chip Mauro Fund Donation Winnie Letso Scholarship

Ralph Truppi 66 died July 212008 He was a 1959 graduate ofNPHS

Thomas Diehl 65 died August 182008 He was a 1960 graduate ofNPHS

George Popik 83 died August 292008 He was a 1942 graduate ofNPHS

Kenneth S Roe 9346-111208

Total enclosed(mail orders add $300 SampH for each order) $ _______________________

To become a member of the NPHS Alumni Association send in your lifetime or annualmembership donation payable to NPHS Alumni Association and mail to

To Become a NPHS Alumni Associat ion Member Just Fill T his Out and Return To Us

NPHS Class of

NPHS Alumni Association145 Cedar Street North Plainfield NJ 07060

This form may be reproduced

Name First

Home Phone

ZipStateCity

Last

Maiden Name

Address

Work Phone

1 yr New Membership $1000 1 yr Associate Membership $1000 Renewal 1 yr Membership $1000 Life Membership $6000 Life Associate Membership $6000 Class Donation $5000 Stadium Blanket $4500

Date of Birth

Images of America NP $1999 Hall of Fame Booklet $ 500 Canuck Coffee Mugs $1000 Donation NPHS

Scholarship Fund ___________

Todayrsquos Date

e-mail Fax

The NPHS Alumni Association suf-fered another great loss with thepassing of Kenneth Roe on Novem-ber 11 2008 Ken was 62 years oldand though he was not a graduate ofNPHS his wife Leslie Delgyergraduated in 1965 and Ken was asupporter of the Alumni Associationsince its inception in 1990 He will bemissed

John Sampore 67 died September8 2008 He was a 1959 graduate ofNPHS

Elmer Squier 87 died October 52008 He was a 1938 graduate ofNPHS

David Arthur Taylor 51 died Oc-tober 7 2008 He was a 1976 gradu-ate of NPHS

Margaret Jean Schenck Polotrak80 died November 13 2008 Shewas a 1946 graduate of NPHS

Rosanne DeAndrea Cucullo 87died December 6 2008 She was a1939 graduate of NPHS Rosannewas featured recently in the NPHSNewsletter as ldquoRosie the Riveterrdquoduring World War II

Rosanne DeAndrea and her sonabout 1942

Page 12

North Plainfield High SchoolAlumni Association145 Cedar StreetNorth Plainfield NJ 07060

How Do You Get YourNPHS AlumniNewsletter

The NPHS Alumni Newsletter ispublished four times a year season-ally year in and year out thanks tothe Alumni dues and donationsJoin the NPHS Alumni Associationannually in January of each year Ifyou have not been paying dues actnow Consider a life-time member-ship for $60Free issues of the Newsletterare placed in the NP PublicLibrary Municipal Building HighSchool and Caruso Haircutters

Images of America NPThe Images of America book on NorthPlainfield has been reprinted by popu-lar demand The 128-page bookcontains vintage photos of NorthPlainfield The cost is $1999 plus$300 shipping and handlingThe 1995 through 2007 NPHSAlumni Hall of Fame booklets con-taining pictures and condensed bi-ographies of Alumni Hall of Famemembers are available for $5 eachplus $3 shipping Back issues ofAlumni Newsletters are available for$100 eachPlease support the NPHS AlumniScholarship Fund Purchase the newNorth Plainfield and Its Neighborshistoric video VHS or CD $2500each plus $500 SampHMail your order and make checks payable to

North Plainfield High SchoolAlumni Association145 Cedar StreetNorth Plainfield NJ 07060

All net proceeds benefit the NPHSAlumni Scholarship Fund

The NPHS Newsletter is published quarterlyfor the Alumni of NPHS by the NPHS AlumniAssociation 145 Cedar Street NorthPlainfield NJ 07060 ndash 908 756-2776Web addresswwwnphsalumninetPresident Mario Caruso (rsquo51)Vice Pres Gerry Burns (rsquo68)

Fred Sheeler (rsquo63)Secy Joanne Mangione Santonastaso (rsquo64)Treas Bob Kirchberger (rsquo65)Trustees Paul Carlton (rsquo53)

Steve Novak (rsquo65)Scholarship Steve Novak (rsquo65)Membership Gerry Garatino Burns (rsquo68)Alumni Hall of Fame Bob Kirchberger (rsquo65)WWII Monument Lou Caruso (rsquo41)Newsletter Howard J Bollin (rsquo51)

Paul Carlton (rsquo53)Daniel Caruso (rsquo75)Mario Caruso (rsquo51)John MaimoneGail McKennaFred Sheeler (rsquo63)

Web Site Daniel Caruso (rsquo75)

Winter 20082009

To receive a complementaryNewsletter in the mail send aself-addressed stamped (59cent)

envelope to NPHS AlumniAssociation 145 Cedar StNorth Plainfield NJ 07060

In pencil write what issueit is for

Page 12

North Plainfield High SchoolAlumni Association145 Cedar StreetNorth Plainfield NJ 07060

How Do You Get YourNPHS AlumniNewsletter

The NPHS Alumni Newsletter ispublished four times a year season-ally year in and year out thanks tothe Alumni dues and donationsJoin the NPHS Alumni Associationannually in January of each year Ifyou have not been paying dues actnow Consider a life-time member-ship for $60Free issues of the Newsletterare placed in the NP PublicLibrary Municipal Building HighSchool and Caruso Haircutters

Images of America NPThe Images of America book on NorthPlainfield has been reprinted by popu-lar demand The 128-page bookcontains vintage photos of NorthPlainfield The cost is $1999 plus$300 shipping and handlingThe 1995 through 2007 NPHSAlumni Hall of Fame booklets con-taining pictures and condensed bi-ographies of Alumni Hall of Famemembers are available for $5 eachplus $3 shipping Back issues ofAlumni Newsletters are available for$100 eachPlease support the NPHS AlumniScholarship Fund Purchase the newNorth Plainfield and Its Neighborshistoric video VHS or CD $2500each plus $500 SampHMail your order and make checks payable to

North Plainfield High SchoolAlumni Association145 Cedar StreetNorth Plainfield NJ 07060

All net proceeds benefit the NPHSAlumni Scholarship Fund

The NPHS Newsletter is published quarterlyfor the Alumni of NPHS by the NPHS AlumniAssociation 145 Cedar Street NorthPlainfield NJ 07060 ndash 908 756-2776Web addresswwwnphsalumninetPresident Mario Caruso (rsquo51)Vice Pres Gerry Burns (rsquo68)

Fred Sheeler (rsquo63)Secy Joanne Mangione Santonastaso (rsquo64)Treas Bob Kirchberger (rsquo65)Trustees Paul Carlton (rsquo53)

Steve Novak (rsquo65)Scholarship Steve Novak (rsquo65)Membership Gerry Garatino Burns (rsquo68)Alumni Hall of Fame Bob Kirchberger (rsquo65)WWII Monument Lou Caruso (rsquo41)Newsletter Howard J Bollin (rsquo51)

Paul Carlton (rsquo53)Daniel Caruso (rsquo75)Mario Caruso (rsquo51)John MaimoneGail McKennaFred Sheeler (rsquo63)

Web Site Daniel Caruso (rsquo75)

Winter 20082009

To receive a complementaryNewsletter in the mail send aself-addressed stamped (59cent)

envelope to NPHS AlumniAssociation 145 Cedar StNorth Plainfield NJ 07060

In pencil write what issueit is for

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