North Plainfield High School Alumni Association 145 Cedar Street, North Plainfield, NJ 07060

Published by the NPHS Alumni Association

Fall 2009 Alumni Web site — www.nphsalumni.net Volume 19 No. 3 From The President . . . 2009 Hall of Fame As we approach the 20th anniversary of the NPHS Alumni Association in 2010 a few things come to mind. Induction Dinner One, how fast the time went. Two, all the things we've accomplished in that time and, of course, how do we The 15th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner will be held at the keep this going. Italian American Social Club at 403 Somerset Street, North Plainfield starting at 6:30 PM and we are urging We can't do anything about the quickness of time. Just everyone to come out and support the new inductees. do all we can to take advantage of it, which brings us to Tickets are $30 per person and can be obtained by Number Two. With the help and support of all the sending checks with names of the guests to: NPHS graduates of NPHS we've accomplished all of our goals. Alumni Association, 145 Cedar Street, North Plainfield, We've established a good foundation for scholarships NJ 07060 or call (908) 756-2776 for more information. through donations and various fundraisers; such as, the Tables of eight, ten or twelve can be reserved if paid for "Images of America," the videos of "North Plainfield and in advance and sent in with the names. its Neighbors," the Alumni Walk of Honor and other projects which opened the doors to other goals such as The NPHS Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 1990 the World War II Monument and the NPHS Hall of with the first induction banquet in 1995. The purpose of Fame. Also, to keep in touch with our alumni we've had the Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor the outstand- the NPHS Alumni Newsletter and four editions of the ing graduates of NPHS in the fields of Education, Alumni Directory (every five years). Medicine, Science, Law, Athletics and the Arts. They serve as role models for the current students. As far as keeping the Alumni Association going, we have to keep doing the same thing we've been doing, only The actual Hall of Fame portraits and biographies are on a greater scale. Currently, we would like a good located in the new cafeteria at NPHS and is open to showing at the 2009 Hall of Fame Dinner on October 3, anyone wishing to visit. Each Inductee will have a brick 2009 at the Italian American Club (see article in next with their information inscribed on it and placed in column). the Alumni Walk of Honor located in front of the gymnasium across from Krausche Field. Current We still need the support of the Alumni to keep the winners of the Alumni Cup will also be honored scholarships going and to keep the Alumni Newsletter in with a brick. print and on the Internet. We are still offering member- ships at $10 Annually and $60 Lifetime. Due to mailing This year's inductees are: and printing costs we cannot send Newsletters out with Grover G. DeVault, 1948 memberships. Currently, the Newsletter is kept alive Military – Ministry – Community Service strictly by donations from the Alumni. To receive a complementary Newsletter in the mail, send a self- Grover DeVault has devoted his life to the Military and addressed, stamped (61¢) envelope to: NPHS Alumni Ministry as well as community service. He is a highly decorated military officer (LTC) and his records Association, 145 Cedar St., North Plainfield, NJ 07060. demonstrate achievements and accomplishments rarely In pencil, write what issue it is for. reflected by others. Legion of Merit and Bronze Star for Caution!! combat during 20 years of active duty. Founder of the Be careful of Web sites similar to the North Plainfield Christian Military Fellowship and the International Assoc. High School Alumni Web site – www.nphsalumni.net of Military Chaplains, and is currently development of If they ask you for a credit card, it is the wrong site. the chaplaincy of PA State Police force. Very detailed Mario Caruso, President, continued on page 2 NPHS Alumni Association Page 1 2009 Hall of Fame Induction Dinner continued from page 1 was in college administration initially regulatory approval in numerous book of accomplishments will be at McShea College Center countries of one medicine for arthri- available at the HOF committee at Allentown College. Beverly tis and one medication to prevent meeting. earned her BA at Moravian College organ transplant rejections. Joe is a and her MEA at Lehigh University. Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa Beverly (nee Gaston) graduate of Rutgers, and received Joseph A. Scarola, 1965 Kochard, 1969 his MD from Johns Hopkins. Joe Medicine Education and his wife the former Barbara Beverly is currently Vice President Dr. Scarola is the Assistant Vice Lombardo, have four children and for Student Affairs and Dean of President and Senior Scientific Ad- will be retuning to their home in Students, at Moravian College, visor for Drug Development for Collegeville, PA in March of 2009. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Worldwide. Bethlehem, PA. She has held this Terry Silverlight, 1975 He is currently responsible for de- position since 1990, and is respon- Music and Entertainment sible for Moravian's residence life, vising strategy and directing the clini- counseling, student activities, cal staff for development of drugs Terry Silverlight has been involved student conduct, career develop- for Wyeth in the challenging envi- with many facets of the music busi- ment, academic assistance, ronment of Japan. Joe joined Wyeth ness and has contributed his musical campus safety, Greek Life, leader- in 1988 after twelve years talents as a leader, composer, pro- ship development and many more of private practice. After joining ducer, arranger, drummer, author and activities. Prior to her position at Wyeth Research, he became involved educator to projects in almost every Moravian, she was the Director of with the development of investiga- style of music. tional medication, initially in the area Development at Albright College. Terry began his recording career at of arthritis and subsequently in organ Before her work at Albright, she the age of 14 when he played drums was the Assistant Dean of transplantation. He directed two suc- Students at Moravian College. She cessful programs, culminating in the continued on page 6 15th Annual NPHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Dinner Saturday, October 3, 2009 • Cocktails at 6:30 P.M. • Dinner promptly at 7:30 p.m. ITALIAN-AMERICAN SOCIAL CLUB • 403 Somerset Street, North Plainfield, NJ • 908 757- 0088 Early Registration: $30.00 per person • Cash Bar • Buffet Dinner Send and Make Checks Payable to: NPHS Alumni Association, Attn: Hall of Fame, 145 Cedar Street, North Plainfield, NJ 07060 Please return the form below to the above address no later than Spetember 29, 2008 After September 29th, Call Mario Caruso, 908 756-2776 or 908 755-4556 for tickets

NPHS ALUMNI HALL OF FAME INDUCTION DINNER Maiden If NPHS Graduate Name ______Name Graduation Year ______Address: ______Telephone: (____) ______Home Zip ______Telephone: (____) ______Work

______Will attend the Induction dinner at $30.00 per person. List names and seating preference.

Reserved tables available for parties of 8, 10 or 12, if paid in advance. Please indicate request for table here: ______(# of people). For RESERVED TABLE ONLY list names of attendees here or use a seperate sheet of paper:______I am unable to attend but I am enclosing a donation to the NPHS Scholarship Fund. Amount enclosed: ______

Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope (legal size) with all inquiries or requests. Please reproduce this form and network Page 2

Gift Reunion Alert! Suggestions These suggestions are convenient 2008 Reunion Contacts ways for graduates to buy practical 1933 Art Lederer, 908 754-8252. gifts and, at the same time, contrib- 1934 Art Lederer, 908 754-8252. 1938 Contact Manny Ferri, 908 755-7413 or Edith Ruthenback ute to the NPHS Scholarship Fund. Brokaw, 908 722-5347. Choose from: 1943 Contact Harry Martin, 973 663-2410. 1948 Bob McCarthy, 908 322-6666. • “North Plainfield and Its Neigh- 1953 Contact Paul Carlton, 732 752-2666. bors,” a 90-minute video (also in 1958 Vince Lipani, 908 369-5623 (H), 908 359-4652 (W). DVD) history of the Borough. 1963 Contact Kathy Meden DeAngelis, 732 249-1791; $25.00 + $5.00 S&H Cheryl Meyer McDowel, 908 769-5951. 1968 Gerry Garatino Burns, 610 438-2788 or e-mail: • The Images of America books [email protected]. May 3, 2009, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Edison. about North Plainfield, $19.99 plus Combined Reunion with Class of 1969. $3.00 S&H. 1973 Ginny Gehander Carbone, contact the Alumni Association. 1978 Mark Fisch, 732 866-9512. • Commemorative or memorial 1983 Carol VanWinkle Mastrobatista, 732 560-9708. bricks in the Alumni Walk of 1988 Jennifer Bruscato, 908 479-6141 (H). Honor, 4x8 brick, $60.00; 8x8 1993 Carey Cwieka c/o the Alumni Association. brick, $85.00; 1998 Contact the Alumni Association. 2003 Contact the Alumni Association. • Annual membership in the NPHS Alumni Association, $10 annually 2009 Reunion Contacts or $60 lifetime; 1933 Art Lederer, 908 754-8252. 75th Reunion, June 25, 2009. • NPHS coffee mugs with woods- 1934 Art Lederer, 908 754-8252. 2009. June 25, 2009. man logo, $10.00 plus $3.00 S&H; 1939 Phyllis Clark Tebbs, 732 369-1686. 1944 Al Fasano 908 756-3974. • Stadium blanket, 60"x60," with 1949 60th Reunion. Mel Lerer, 732 873-1960 or ut NPHS olderS oplidn eO tree logo, $45. email: mjlerer @aol.com. October 17, 2009. Crowne Plaza, Somerset, NJ. (see page 8) Send checks payable to the NPHS 1954 Al & Fran Ellis 908 766-8489. Alumni Association, 145 Cedar St., 1959 50th Reunion. Bonnie Baron Shrager, 732 356-8808. North Plainfield, NJ 07060. October 8, 2009. 1964 Contact the Alumni Association. 1969 40 Reunion, Kathy Miller Senna 908 756-8255. May 2, 2009 (see page 9). We Are Searching For 1974 Marsha Ferri Clarke 908 788-8084. Photos 1979 Tom Zilli 908 709-4505-H 800 660-6952. The NPHSAA is searching for pho- 1984 Tom Miller 908 996-4689. tos taken in and around North 1989 Maria Price 908 237-0045. November 7, 2009 at Plainfield High School. All activi- Maggiano’s, Commons Way, Bridgewater. ties and all time periods are of inter- 1994 Contact Beth Kenderdine, 908 231-9595. est. Photos should be accompanied 1999 Contact NPHS Alumni Association. by captions and information about 2004 Contact NPHS Alumni Association. the donor. Good laser copies are suggested if you want to preserve Display Open the originals. Send to: NPHS Alumni Please visit the NPHS Scholar-Athlete display on the second floor of the Association, 145 Cedar St., N. gymnasium on Wilson Avenue. The display includes original Yale Cups, Plainfield, NJ 07060 Dartmouth Cup and PTA Cups donated to the Alumni Association.

Page 3 Dear Alumni, Paul Carlton – NPHS 1953 Thank you very much for choosing In Touch me for the Dr. Herman A. Estrin Memorial Scholarship. Your gener- ous gift will help me pay for books Franklin Township Couple Sends Old and other expenses that I may have as I start my journey in college this School Ring To Its 'Lost' Owner Fall. Reprinted from the Hunterdon I am looking forward to studying County Democrat Early Childhood Education at East Stroudsburg University, and I am A Franklin Township couple (Mike touched that you chose to help me. Randazzo, NPHS Class of 1974 and his wife, Nancy [Carlucci] Sincerely, NPHS, Class of 1975) that loves a Antoinette K. Burns mystery, played a pivotal role in NPHS 2009 returning a long-buried high school ring to its rightful owner. Dear Alumni, In October of 2006, a PSE&G util- Buried for 29 years, the old high school ring was in perfect condition. I wish to contribute to the Dr. ity crew was digging on East Herman A. Estrin Memorial Schol- Elmwood Drive in South Plainfield, arship Fund. Enclosed is a check, The Randazzos contacted the re- when machine operator Jim Kelly made out to the NPHS Alumni As- noticed something glowing a foot porter to pick his brain. At first, sociation. down in the dirt – a South Plainfield Journal Sentinel reporter Jim Stingl Dr. Estrin and I seemed to follow High School ring from the Class of mentioned some of the avenues to pursue that had already been ex- one another from one school to 1980. The initials DSH were en- another during my schooling days. graved inside.He held onto it for hausted, but then, apparently in- trigued, he took up the search. After First at Grant School in South almost three years, eventually pass- Plainfield, then North Plainfield High ing it to a former SPHS student – calls to two wrong David Hunters, he sent an e-mail to the Randazzos School, and finally Newark College fellow employee Mike Randazzo of of Engineering (now NJIT). Franklin Township. If Mike hadn't saying he'd found the right one. Dr. Estrin gave me a head start in transferred to North Plainfield High Hunter had lived on the property preparing for a rewarding career in School for senior year, he would've where the ring had been unearthed. the "Bell System." I am pleased to been in the South Plainfield Class of But he joined the military after high assist NPHS graduates in going on 1974. school and relocated. He served in to higher learning so they may also Mike and Nancy started searching Iraq and is now retired and living in enter challenging and rewarding ca- for the owner online without suc- Morehead City, N.C. The Randazzos reers. mailed him the ring. cess. Next Mike visited the school, Sincerely, confirming from their stash of year- Hunter sent them an e-mail saying, Robert W. Messerschmidt books who the owner had to be – "I want to thank you so much for Class of 1949 David S. Hunter, the only one with going through all the trouble you Ed Note: Thank you for your those initials for that year. Some have to find me... Never thought I generous donation. attempts by their staff were made would see it again. So many years More Letters on Page 9 to find Hunter, but then the trail later, here it is. What a story to be went cold. able to tell everyone." WARNING On a recent rainy weekend, with Nancy sums it up: "Thanks to some If you are donating or joining the more online searching, a Wisconsin sentimental utility guys, with the help NPHS Alumni Association news article was found regarding of a curious long-distance reporter" make sure it is us, an attorney in Milwaukee who in- the veteran has his ring, but it's "still with our address: herited a ring collection through his a mystery how the ring hid below 145 Cedar Street, North Plainfield, father's metal-detecting efforts. ground all those years." If you have to use a credit card — it is NOT us. Page 4 Help the North Plainfield Education Foundation Raise Money for New Upper Krausche Synthetic Grass Athletic Field! You may know by now that the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders has awarded the North Plainfield School District an Open Space and Recreation grant in the amount of $1 million. This money is dedicated to the installation of a synthetic grass playing surface on Upper Krausche Field. The grant will pay for excavation of the prop- erty, the sub grade, and drainage and the installation of synthetic grass field. The artificial grass athletic field is tufted fabric with a polyurethane coating. The grass is 100% cryo- genically-processed rubber granules. Construction begins on the renoveations to Krausche Field The field will have permanent lines inlaid for soccer, football, field The North Plainfield Education Foun- tion today specifically for the Reno- hockey, softball and baseball. New dation is working on projects to fin- vation. Several very interesting do- interior fencing and gates are also ish the infrastructure of the field nor recognition programs have been included in the project. When com- after it is installed. Their goal is to created in order to reward those plete, the football field will be moved raise money that will provide for who help them get the job done! upgrades and/or replacement for the closer to the home bleachers and E-mail any questions to: following: concession stand, there will be a baseball diamond in [email protected] or call Bob scoreboards, field lighting, sound the northeast corner and a softball Goellner, President at 908-561-0940. system, landscaping, bleachers, and diamond in the northwest corner. Also, checkout their website @ other projects. The sale of advertis- Construction has now begun and is www.npefnj.org. slated for completion in October! ing along the fence lines and dona- tions by generous North Plainfield If you wish to make a donation, school alumni will also assist the please use the form below and mail Clubs for Kids Foundation as it helps create a pre- to the North Plainfield Education miere facility that will be the center- Foundation (all donations are tax The NPHS Alumni Association is piece of the community. They clearly deductable). Credit card donations offering free golf clubs to North need the help of all of our alumni! are accepted. Call the number above to utilize this service or it is available Plainfield High School, Middle How Can You Help? Join the on their website for your conve- Krausche Field Renovation Com- School, or Borough students nience. A receipt will be sent to you mittee (KFRC) and/or make a dona- who are interested in playing golf but for your tax records. cannot afford clubs to get started. Make checks payable to: Krausche Field Renovation Committee [KFRC] Contact Frank Caruso, Class of ’49 And send to: N. PLFD ED. FOUNDATION P.O. Box 7284 Watchung, NJ 07069 at: 908 756 2776. Please indicate the amount of your donation $ ______The Alumni Association is also of- Name ______fering excess clubs to the Address ______"First Tee Organization" and to the City ______State ______Zip ______Lyons Veterans Administration in Phone ______E-Mail ______Lyons, NJ. NPHS Class of ______Visit our Web site: http://www.npefnj.org Page 5 winning, all-star, Manhattan Or- every level of jr. high through se- Hall of Fame chestra. niors. She was a very popular teacher who helped students see continued from page 2 Terry's drum book The Featured the relevancy of literature to their on his brother 's album, Drummer is published by Music lives. Ethel provided students with "White Heat", an innovative harbin- Sales/Amsco/G.Schirmer with an a number of truly creative experi- ger of the fusion movement. Since audio CD of Terry playing the exer- ences. She worked with other teach- then, he's performed all over the cises accompanied by John Patitucci ers to develop interdisciplinary units world and has played drums on gold and Barry Miles. Terry latest drum i n and platinum recordings for Billy book is The Stick Bag Book of English. She was the driving force Ocean, , Natalie Jazz, Funk, Fusion, published by behind the development of the school Merchant, , Music Sales. art festival, dubbed "Creations." She , Tom Jones, Laura TEACHER was a mentor to both students and Nyro, Anne Murray, Mel Torme, Ethel Piness Abrams, 1935 new teachers, and she was a truly Jennifer Holladay, , The unique educator. Ethel died in 2006 Fania All - Stars, The CTI All-Stars, Education at age 88. Jonathan Butler, movie scores for Ethel started her professional career One Fine Day, You've Got Mail, as a Social Worker in Newark, after Object of My Affection, Titus, Frida, graduating from Cornell University. 2009 NPHS Alumni Slaves of New York, What Planet She married and raised two sons Scholar-Athlete Are You From, and countless jingles before returning to the workforce as and TV shows. Terry has toured an English teacher at NPHS in 1964. Recipients extensively with artists such Her career at NPHS spanned more Branny Orak, son of Jimmy and as and the award- than 20 years, she taught English on Newly Orak, has lettered in Varsity Tennis for four years. He has ex- celled in the classroom while pursu- ing a demanding Honors and Ad- Future Hall of Famers and vanced Placement schedule, and is ranked in the top 10% of his class. Alumni Cup Recipents Branny is a member of the National Honor Society, French Honor Soci- ety, Treasurer of the Senior Class, and is the Sports Editor of the school newspaper. He balances athletics and academics with a number of other activities such as President of the Peer Leaders Club, Latin Dance Club, Art Club, Ski Club, Interact Club, and is a Canuck mentor. Noelle Hynes, daughter of John and Cindy Hynes, has earned Var- sity letters in basketball, track, and cheerleading. Her leadership, com- mitment, and experience have helped her to be elected Captain of the basketball team this year. Through- out her career, Noelle has received numerous awards recognizing her athletic achievements. Academi- cally, she ranks in the top 10% of her class, is a two year member of the National Honor Society, is a four year member of Heroes and Cool Kids, Math League, and volunteers as a tutor. Page 6 Jack Gardner Class of 1956 Memorial "Jack's Kids" Fundraiser A long-running softball tournament ’56 of North Plainfield, has raised tournament, but that was just one benefitting children in need spon- more than $675,000 with the help of element of the day-long event. As sored by Somerville Elks Lodge 1068 donors and volunteers with more the teams finished, participants and took place on Saturday, July 11, 2009. than 97 percent going to local fami- the public at large were invited back lies. to the lodge at 375 Union Avenue, Softball games across Somerset where there were children's activi- County made up the 17th Annual Among the children being helped ties, as well as food and drinks. Jack Gardner Memorial Softball this year are three months old Donations for the festivities were Tournament as well as festivities at Isabella Woodward, who is battling $10 per person or $25 per family. the Elks Lodge afterward benefit- hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, optic ted, "Jack's Kids" -- youngsters who atrophy in her right eye and blind- When the games ended as many as have received medical help from the ness in her left eye. Meanwhile, 1,000 people packed the facility for money generated by the event hosted Emily Kavanaugh, a 6 year old adop- the entertainment and presentations by the Lodge and the Jack's Kids tee exposed to drugs before birth, to the winning teams and the families Committee. has cerebral palsy, global develop- being assisted. mental delays and a sensory pro- The committee, named for the late cessing disorder. Somerset County Prosecutor's Of- New Member of Alumni fice detective and Somerset County More than 80 teams began playing jail warden Jack Gardner, class of on 80 different fields as part of the Newsletter Staff Vernon Tuitt III is a 2005 North Plainfield High School Alumni who recently graduated from the NPHS Alumnus Celebrating in Colorado University of Hartford. He is an aspiring writer looking to break into the world of publishing and study the field in graduate studies. In his spare time, Vernon volunteers his services at the North Plainfield Memorial Library. To contribute articles to the News- letter, contact him by e-mail at [email protected]

To receive a complementary Newsletter in the mail, send a self-addressed, stamped (61¢) envelope to: NPHS Alumni Association, 145 Cedar St., North Plainfield, NJ 07060.

Donald "Tuck" Tucker, Class of 1957, Ed Rayder, Class of 1960 and In pencil, write what issue Nick Rayder, Class of 1958, celebrating birthdays in it is for Crested Butte, Colorado Visit the North Plainfield High School Alumni‘s Web Site at: www.nphsalumni.net Page 7 NPHS Class of 1949. . . LASS ESSAGES announces arangements have been C M completed for its 60 Year Reunion The Alumni Association invites graduates to use this page for which will be held on Saturday, Class, Reunion or other messages.. October 17, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly the Marriott Send messages to: NPHS Alumni Association, Hotel) on Davidson Avenue in 145 Cedar Street, North Plainfield, NJ 07060, Somerset, NJ, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 Attn.: Newsletter pm. A letter with full information The Class of 1962 will be mailed to classmates within Yearbook the next few months. NPHS Class of 1962 Reunion was Donation held October 20, 2007 at the For further information please con- The Alumni Association has offered Vermeule Mansion. Contacts are tact Mel Lerer at 732-873-1960, or to the Friends of Vermeule a set of Ray Bersch, 908 229-5886 or e-mail at: [email protected]. NPHS yearbooks to be displayed for [email protected] and Mary public viewing at the Vermeule Diehle 908 359-7161. NPHS Class of 1947 Mansion on Clinton Avenue and Contact Anita Schorb, 247 Jefferson Greenbrook Road. Class of 1959 Avenue, North Plainfield, NJ 07060. The collection will be as complete as 908 756 5149. possible dating back to the 1920s NPHS Class of 1959 50th Reunion. and will be kept current annually. October 8-10, 2009 1980 Class Reunion contact: [email protected] If anyone has extra yearsbooks they North Plainfield area contact: Bonnie do not need or if you want to replace Baron Shrager 732-356-8808. 732-713-3030 a lost yearbook, contact the Alumni Emil: [email protected] 1945 Class Reunion contact: Association, 145 Cedar Street, North Pat Allegar 908-889-4712 or Plainfield, NJ 07060 or phone 908 Harry Krausse 908-757-6654 756 2776. Classes of ’33 to ’35 NPHS Classes of 1933 to 1935 will hold their next reunion Missing Year Books on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at the Include: Dunellen Hotel on Washington Av- enue, Dunellen, starting at noon. Any- 1939, 1940, 1949, 1951, 1959 and one interested should contact Art 2008. Shore Canuck Lederer 908 754-8252. Club If anyone has a year book they would like to donate, please contact Class of 1949 Yearbook The Shore Canuck Club held its the Alumni Association. annual reunion on Thursday, May Mel Lerer, NPHS Class of 1949, is 14, 2009 at the Crystal Point Yacht looking for an extra yearbook from Club in Point Pleasant, NJ. Ap- his class. If anyone knows of any, NPHS Class of 1949 proximately one hundred graduates please contact The Alumni Associa- of North Plainfield High School liv- 60th Reunion, has been set for Octo- tion, 908 756-2776 or carusodesign ing at the shore attended. ber 17, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza @comcast.net (formerly Somerset Marriott), 110 The next shore get-together will be Davidson Avenue, Somerset, NJ, held on Thursday, May 20, 2010. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Class Contacts The Crystal Point Yacht Club is We need up-to-date Class Lists for located on the Manasquan River More information to Class, forth- the next NPHS Alumni Directory. next to the Route 70 bridge. coming. On a disc, if possible, or a hard copy. For more information contact: Joan Contact Mel Lerer (732) 873-1960 Send to: NPHS Alumni Association, McCarthy Williamson at 732-899- 145 Cedar Stree, North Plainfield, or [email protected] 0009. NJ 07060 Page 8 From the NPHS Principal's Desk More Letters on Page 4 Dear Alumni, Plainfield High School. Dear Alumni, The school year is about to begin Even in the down economy the The enclosed check is for my dues, and your Alma Mater is ready to Canuck spirit is alive and well. Over plus a donation. receive a new class of "Canucks". the summer I have been contacted I enjoy being able to see the News- The school has been spruced up by various alumni with questions on letter on my computer. You guys are over the summer and the new syn- how to start up scholarships in either doing a great job and I congratulate thetic turf field is being put in. Teach- the name of a loved one or for a you all on hanging in there. I know ers have been in all summer updat- graduating class. This spirit of gen- how much work you all put in. ing the curriculum and new texts erosity is what makes North have been adopted. Plainfield High School such a spe- I am fine and I get to see Holly and cial school. Steve quite often . . . still love Cali- Students have already begun fornia, but still have a soft spot in my to show their faces around campus Once again I feel privileged to be heart for the “good old days” and in anticipation for the new school the principal of North Plainfield High NPHS. year. Our fall athletes have begun School. As I wear NPHS apparel their summer workouts and we count around the state, I'm met by alumni Love to all, on adding to the championships that who introduce themselves and tell Sandy Neier, Class of 1939 you have brought to the school. Rest me stories of good old NPHS. This assured that the current "Canucks" pride is what keeps traditions alive are well aware of the academic and I'm proud to be apart of it. and athletic excellences which Please feel free to contact the main are the trademarks for North office if I can assist you in anyway. Go Canucks! Saving History Sincerely, Recently, seven 4'x5' Enlarged, Jerard W. Stephenson framed photographs were donated Principal Holly and Sandi Neier to the Borough by the Alumni Asso- ciation to be displayed at different locations throughout the community. See page 5 for complete story These historic photos were repro- duced from the "Images of America" book about North Plainfield and were hanging on the walls of the Acme Market on Rt. 22 and Grove Street. They were rescued from destruc- tion when the Acme Market closed approximately four years ago. One of the photos shows Mayor George McCusker cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremonies of the Acme in 1955. Two photos are hanging now at Somerset School and North Plainfield High School. The photo of the Vermeule Mansion will hang there. The other photos of the Clock Tower "Gate House", a veiw of Somerset Street, Moldenke's Castle, McCutchen Home, and the original North Plainfield Library will be displayed at the newly renovated Borough Hall. Page 9 Obituaries Niko Left His Mark on Patti McHugh DeMatteo, 64, died July 6, 2009. She was a 1962 gradu- North Plainfield ate of NPHS. (As reported by the Courier News on August 23, 2009 Donald Hampson, 69, died July 10, Written by Harry Frezza) 2009. He was a 1958 graduate of NPHS. The visitor sidelines will really He called his Canucks "mansters," never quite be the same at North half-monsters. He referred to the Frank Butrico, 75, died July 20, Plainfield's Krausche Field. The lineman as "hogs," he told the 2009. He was a 1952 graduate of post game review of a Canuck backs to "smell the goal line." He NPHS. win or loss - whether home or on tormented us who picked against Carmela Donaruma Loeffler, 83, the road - won't ever quite be the the Canucks, but also opened the died July 28, 2009. She was a 1944 same, or the coach's post game passenger side door of his truck graduate of NPHS. snack at the Sunset Diner in Green to let my colleague Jerry Carino Fred Scharnikow, 76, died August Brook. John Niko won't ever be escape the cold at halftime of a 7, 2009. He was a 1952 graduate of there again. North Plainfield loss to Raritan in NPHS. the Central Group II playoffs a Niko (54) died in his sleep at few years ago. John Niko, 55, died August 14, home a week ago Friday. John, 2009. He was a 1973 graduate of who'd been chief of the Somerset He never let North Plainfield NPHS. County Jail, had told friends he coach Bobby Lake get too far wanted to go just like he did - away without some kind of "sug- Hilda Hess Baron, 95, died June quick, in his sleep, not in some gestion," of a play that might have 10, 2009. She was a 1931 graduate of NPHS. hospital bed with tubes and ma- worked better. A week after a chines connected. He suffered a brutal 19-15 home loss to Eugene “Gooch” Sikanowicz, heart attack; friends said diabe- Hackettstown last year, the 79,died September 4, 2009. He was tes probably was the accomplice. Canucks went to Blairstown and a 1948 graduate of NPHS. walloped North Warren 54-19. "We just never thought it would When Lake and Niko parted ways be this soon," said his lifetime for the night after the routine friend Dan Battista. Notice snack, it wasn't the North War- John Niko wore the maroon and ren game that Niko allowed Lake The NPHS Alumni Association has established a new Web site: white of North Plainfield High to revel in, but of one or two plays www.nphsalumni.net starting in the School for life. He never let the that had doomed North Plainfield's summer of 2008. You will be able to grass and dirt of Krausche out of chances the previous week. view the Alumni Newsletter and his system. He wrestled, played "That was Neek," Lake said. eventually other alumni news and football. His Canucks' varsity events. jacket that looked worn, but solid Many visitors came through the for being more than 35 years old front doors of Bongiovi's and To help defray some of the was displayed at his wake Friday talked about a memorable guy. expenses of the Web site, we are at Bongiovi Funeral Home in Some of the conversation was of offering advertising space to those Raritan Borough. his high school days - greaser interested. day, football games, foot long subs Under it was a Canucks maroon You can advertise your class, that he and teammates devoured. and white football jersey, No. 72. business, or events, etc. For more The pictures on the bulletin board On a nearby table was a picture information contact: NPHS Alumni - many of John smiling with Association, 145 Cedar Street, of a recent team picture of the friends, family, teammates - told North Plainfield, NJ 07060 (908 756 Canucks after a holiday win over of a very happy life painting with 2776) or e-mail to: South Plainfield. In the upper- a base color of maroon and white. right hand corner was Niko. [email protected].

Page 10 It’s Here!!! The Video History of North Plainfield, New Jersey “North Plainfield and Its Neighbors” Produced by: Channel 35, Fanwood, NJ and George Weiss for the North Plainfield High School Alumni Association Narrated by Antoinette Rinehart, NPHS Class of 1943 and Dedicated to the Memory of Marion Blair Milne, NPHS Class of 1919 90-minute VHS of Vintage Photos and Historical Dialogue • This will help preserve the Heritage of North Plainfield It will make an Ideal Gift All Net Proceeds to Benefit The North Plainfield High School Alumni Scholarship Fund Topics: Washington House 1727 • Early North Plainfield . . . When it was “Warren Plains”– 1734 Old-time Somerset Street, Washington Park, Police Department, Fire Department, Rescue Squad, Hotels, Schools, Trolleys, Washington Rock Watchung:Wilson’s Quarry, Moldenkes Castle, Hyde Estate, Watchung Lake, Johnston Drive, Wetumpka Falls, Upper Somerset Street, Wilson Memorial And Much More Special Price: $25.00 (Please include $5.00 for S&H for mail orders) Send coupon below to: NPHS Alumni Association, 145 Cedar Street, North Plainfield, NJ 07060

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NPHS Alumni Association, 145 Cedar Street, North Plainfield, NJ 07060 All Net Proceeds to Benefit the NPHS Alumni Scholarship Fund Page 11 The NPHS Newsletter is published quarterly Images of America, NP How Do You Get Your for the Alumni of NPHS by the NPHS Alumni The Images of America book on North NPHS Alumni Association. 145 Cedar Street, North Plainfield has been reprinted by popu- Plainfield, NJ 07060 – 908 756-2776. lar demand. The 128-page book Newsletter? Web address: contains vintage photos of North The NPHS Alumni Newsletter is www.nphsalumni.net Plainfield. The cost is $19.99 plus published four times a year, season- President: Mario Caruso (’51) $3.00 shipping and handling. ally, year in and year out, thanks to Vice Pres: Gerry Burns (’68) The 1995 through 2009 NPHS the Alumni dues and donations. Fred Sheeler (’63) Alumni Hall of Fame booklets, con- Join the NPHS Alumni Association Sec'y: Joanne Mangione Santonastaso (’64) taining pictures and condensed bi- annually in January of each year. If Treas: Bob Kirchberger (’65) ographies of Alumni Hall of Fame you have not been paying dues, act Trustees: Paul Carlton (’53) members, are available for $5 each now. Consider a life-time member- Steve Novak (’65) plus $3 shipping. Back issues of ship for $60. Log onto the NPHS Scholarship: Steve Novak (’65) Alumni Newsletters are available for Web site at www.nphsalumni.net Membership: Gerry Garatino Burns (’68) $1.00 each. Free issues of the Newsletter Alumni Hall of Fame: Please support the NPHS Alumni are placed in the NP Public Bob Kirchberger (’65) Scholarship Fund. Purchase the new Library, Municipal Building, High WWII Monument: Lou Caruso (’41) "North Plainfield and Its Neighbors" School, and Caruso Haircutters. Newsletter: Howard J. Bollin (’51) historic video, VHS or CD $25.00 Paul Carlton (’53) each plus $5.00 S&H. To receive a complementary Daniel Caruso (’75) Mail your order and make checks payable to: Newsletter in the mail, send a Mario Caruso (’51) North Plainfield High School self-addressed, stamped (61¢) John Maimone Alumni Association envelope to: NPHS Alumni Gail McKenna 145 Cedar Street Association, 145 Cedar St., Fred Sheeler (’63) North Plainfield, NJ 07060 North Plainfield, NJ 07060. Vernon Tuitt, III (’05) All net proceeds benefit the NPHS Web Site: Daniel Caruso (’75) Alumni Scholarship Fund. In pencil, write what issue it is for

North Plainfield High School Alumni Association 145 Cedar Street North Plainfield, NJ 07060

Fall 2009

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