FEBRUARY 10, 2023

TO RESPOND WITH A COMMENT OF YOUR OWN, PLEASE WRITE TO OR CLICK ON WHSALUM63@AOL.COM. 

Hi “W-Chat Homeroom” Members, 

Carolyn Simons (WHS60/Columbia 61) joins all of the Weequahic family in morning a tragic loss:

Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour who was shot and killed this past week (Link to story) adjacent to her resident apartment complex was a 2010 graduate of Weequahic High School. A graduate of William Paterson University, she was elected to her first term to the Sayreville Council in November 2021. Carolyn

Bob Singer (1/61) shares promotional information for Philip Roth program:

NJPAC, in partnership with the Newark Public Library, is presenting Philip Roth Unbound March 17-19, 2023, a three-day series of readings, conversations and other events that celebrate, explore, examine and interrogate the life, work and legacy of Philip Roth on what would have been his 90th birthday. Highlighted events include staged readings of Defender of the Faith, Plot Against America, a sneak preview of a new theatrical version of Sabbath's Theater by John Turturro, a night of comedy at Hobby's Deli and panel discussions that use Roth's work as a springboard to talk about the role of outrage in art, what freedom means, who is able to tell whose stories, and more. All of the events are detailed here:  Link to Philip Roth Programs. Over 40 actors and authors will participate in over a dozen events.  Bob

Larry Koenigsberg (64) received comments on his note re: W-Wikipedia:

Paul Goff (58)

Sheri Ortner's book on the Weequahic class of 1958 is titled "New Jersey Dreaming Capital, Culture, and the Class of 58” published in 2003. Paul

Jack Lippman (50)

'Wee-qua-chick'? Ya gotta be kidding. Sounds like either slang that never quite caught on for a female WHS student or an affectionate diminutive, like the Yiddish boychik (little boy) as applied to a WHS student, many of whom were indeed boychiks.  Jack

Maureen Morris Edwards’ (1/64) memory of her dad received some attention:

Barbara Jelling Margulis (1/56)

Maureen Morris Edwards brought back fond memories. Bernie was the crossing cop on the corner of Bergen Street and Custer Avenue. He used to brace his arm and let us hold our feet up and get a ride across the street. I loved that. I also lived on Bergen Street so I got to see him often walking his beat. I think back on him often. Barbara

Larry Lewin (1/55)

I was moved to see your piece about your father, “Bernie the Cop.” I graduated from Peshine Avenue School in January 1951. I was a “Student Police Helper” on his corner of Custer Avenue and Bergen Street. Your dad was a wonderful friend to me and others. I clearly remember him allowing me and a friend into Untermann Field to see several Weequahic football games for free. I cherish his message and signature in my class autograph book, which I have attached below. Larry

Norman Maranz (Hillside 57)

Seeing the picture of your father was amazing. I lived at 402 Chadwick Avenue and attended Peshine Avenue School. I would cross Bergen Street at the Custer Avenue intersection and see your father every day. He truly was a great guy, very friendly and attentive to us kids. The picture is exactly as I remember him. Norman

Miriam Perlman Feldmar (6/57)

I was so happy that you wrote in to talk about your dad and, especially, to see a picture of him. I have thought about him many times over the years and they are lovely memories. I never forgot the warm, kind "Bernie the Cop" who used to cross me at the corner of Bergen Street and Custer Avenue on my way to and from Peshine Avenue School where I graduated in 1953. As I recall, he always had a smile on his face and I felt very safe because he was at that corner.  Miriam

Living W-Nostalgically: 

Gayle Jacobs (6/52)

Confession to make; I was captain of the Weequahic cheerleaders in 1951 and 52. To this day, never really understood football. I was supposed to call the cheers. Someone always had to let me know whether to “hold that line” or cheer go team go! Gayle

Richie Gerber (6/63)

To Paula Fincke Garrett (68), yes, I do remember your porch and it looks the same now as it did then. Every summer there are two flower baskets hung over the Chancellor Avenue side door. Richie

Deborah Williams-Lee (70):

My Husband and I read Jack Rudowsky's (1/49) account of his” Honor Flight” with a smile in our hearts. My husband served in Viet Nam in the late 60s and was blessed to be on an “Honor Flight” in 2017. His experience was just as awesome as Mr. Rudowsky described. The vets were all assigned a guardian for the day. The guardians made sure they wanted for nothing. From the time the flight left Columbus, Ohio they were pampered. As their plane taxied on the tarmac on their return, with their hoses two fire trucks created a tunnel of water through which the plane traveled. They were showered with gifts including an American flag. A band and entertainment played at the airport as we waited for the flight’s return. The music and celebration continued until every veteran was greeted. It was an incredible day for the vets, families and friends. Many tears of joy were shed. Thank you for sharing your story!  Deborah

Arnold Tillman (6/63)

In reply to Paula Fincke Garrett (68), definitely remember hanging out on your porch with you Mark, Kenny and Janice along with members of Sigma Alpha Rho. It seemed like I spent more time on your porch than at school. I will never forget when you and Janice would sing along with the record "Please Love Me Forever" by the Roommates. Arnold

Lou Gittlin (6/62)

The Phantom at Syds was no hot dog. It was just a hotdog roll with mustard, sauerkraut, sweet relish and hot relish. Lou

Clark Lissner (6/63)

Correction to Jacqueline Kaufer Klein’s (66) recent entry in the "WHS Note": Although (Shirley Alston and) The Shirelles had many wonderful 60s hits, the pop chart #14 hit, "Look in My Eyes," was recorded by The Chantels. It was written by Richie Barrett, a talented song writer who was part of the great Stax label of Memphis. Clark