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Volume 19 No. 2Summer 2009

From The President . . .

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

Published by the NPHS Alumni Association

Mario Caruso, President,NPHS Alumni Association

Alumni Web site — www.nphsalumni.net

The community of North Plainfield suffered a great losson April 21, 2009 with the passing of Dr. Marie O'Brien.After serving the Borough's educational system for over56 years, Dr. O'Brien left a legacy of dedication, loveand passion for the English language that few educatorscan boast. If you could listen to some of the letterswritten by her former students at her service atSt. Mary's Church, it would give you goose bumps.These students were doctors, writers and professionalpeople who showed their appreciation to Dr. O'Brienfor exposing them to this love of writing, speaking,literature and the plain, good old English language.

Speaking personally, I am not a doctor or a highlyprofessional person but Miss O'Brien left a touch ofher Irish heart that is hard to explain. I swear, she musthave mastered the art of teaching by osmosis. WhenI found out who my English teacher was, I think I brokeout in a cold sweat. But after being in her class for ashort time, I felt comfortable with the class withMiss O'Brien and with a language that used to soundlike Greek to me. To this day I still have bad dreamsabout showing up in Marie O'Brien's class without myhomework but to my surprise, sixty years later I can stillrecite a passage from Macbeth.

To honor Dr. O'Brien for her dedication to teachingthe English language, on behalf of all of her formerstudents, the NPHS Alumni Association would liketo dedicate the Fourth Alumni Directory to the memoryof Dr. Marie O'Brien.

Personally, words are not enough to show my apprecia-tion for everything she has taught me, so I would liketo keep her memory alive through twenty years ofalumni newsletters. I'm sure there are many misspelledwords and errors but I am also sure she will forgive meseeing they were written from the heart.

PS: Congratulations, Class of 2009, on your graduationfrom North Plainfield High School.

Dr. Marie O’Brien

In her 56 year career at North Plainfield High School,Dr. Marie O'Brien taught three generations ofstudents how to write. As a teacher of English, headof the English department, and district supervisor oflanguage arts, Dr. O'Brien always stressed theimportance to students of becoming a good writer.

"The more you write,the be t te r you wi l lbecome" became Dr .O'Brien's rallying cry.

The Dr. Marie O'BrienExcellence in WritingAward was created tocelebrate Dr. O'Brien'sfiftieth year in the districtand to recognize the hugecontributions Dr. O'Brienhas made in that area ofteacher. That award has

been generously supported by generations of alumniwho gained a great deal in Dr. O'Brien classes.

Dr. Marie O'Brien held a Bachelor of Arts in Englishfrom Montclair State University; a Master of Artsfrom Columbia University; and a PhD. from IndianaUniversi ty of Pennsylvania. Even with thesedegrees, she never stopped learning and has amassedmore credits in graduate study than any otherprofessional in the district. The recommendationthat accompanied Dr. O'Brien's original placementpapers from Montclair State many years ago hasheld true for her entire career:

“She is enthusiastic and sympathetic . . . Herlove for teaching is evident, and manifests

itself in the attitude of her students.”

CONGRATULATIONS NPHS CLASS OF 2009

October 23, 1919 – April 21,2009

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The fourteenth annual NorthPlainfield High School AlumniHall of Fame Dinner will be heldon Saturday, October 3, 2009at the Italian American Clubin North Plainfield.

Each year, outstanding graduatesof NPHS are selected to enterthe Hall of Fame. This year'sinductees are:

Grover G. DeVault, 1948Military – MinistryCommunity Service

Grover DeVault has devoted hislife to the Military and Ministryas well as community service. Heis a highly decorated militaryofficer (LTC) and his recordsdemonstrate achievements andaccomplishments rarely reflectedby others. Legion of Merit andBronze Star for combat during 20years of active duty. Founder of theChristian Military Fellowship andthe International Assoc. of MilitaryChaplains, and is currently develop-ment of the chaplaincy of PA StatePolice force. Very detailed book ofaccomplishments will be availableat the HOF committee meeting.

Beverly (nee Gaston)Kochard, 1969

Education

Beverly is currently Vice Presidentfor Student Affairs and Dean ofStudents, at Moravian College,Bethlehem, PA. She has held thisposition since 1990, and is respon-sible for Moravian's residence life,counseling, student activities,student conduct, career develop-ment, academic assistance,campus safety, Greek Life, leader-ship development and many moreactivities. Prior to her position atMoravian, she was the Director ofDevelopment at Albright College.Before her work at Albright,she was the Assistant Dean ofStudents at Moravian College. Shewas in college administration

NPHS Alumni Hall of Fame 2009 Inducteesinitially at McShea College Centerat Allentown College. Beverlyearned her BA at Moravian Collegeand her MEA at Lehigh University.

Joseph A. Scarola, 1965Medicine

Dr. Scarola is the Assistant VicePresident and Senior ScientificAdvisor for Drug Developmentfor Wyeth Pharmaceuticals World-wide. He is currently responsiblefor devising strategy and directingthe clinical staff for developmentof drugs for Wyeth in the challengingenvironment of Japan. Joe joinedWyeth in 1988 after twelve yearsof private practice. After joiningWyeth Research, he became involvedwith the development of investiga-tional medication, initially in thearea of arthritis and subsequently inorgan transplantation. He directedtwo successful programs, culminat-ing in the regulatory approval innumerous countries of one medicinefor arthritis and one medicationto prevent organ transplant rejec-tions. Joe is a Summa Cum Laude,Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Rutgers,and received his MD from JohnsHopkins. Joe and his wife the formerBarbara Lombardo, have fourchildren and will be retuning totheir home in Collegeville, PA inMarch of 2009.

Terry Silverlight, 1975Music and Entertainment

Terry Silverlight has been involvedwith many facets of the musicbusiness and has contributed hismusical talents as a leader, com-poser, producer, arranger, drummer,author and educator to projects inalmost every style of music.

Terry began his recording careerat the age of 14 when he playeddrums on his brother Barry Miles'salbum, "White Heat", an innovativeharbinger of the fusion movement.Since then, he's performed all overthe world and has played drums on

gold and platinum recordings for BillyOcean, George Benson, NatalieMerchant, Freddie Jackson,Stephanie Mills, Tom Jones, LauraNyro, Anne Murray, Mel Torme,Jennifer Holladay, Phil Woods, TheFania All - Stars, The CTI All-Stars,Jonathan Butler, movie scores forOne Fine Day, You've Got Mail,Object of My Affection, Titus, Frida,Slaves of New York, What PlanetAre You From, and countless jinglesand TV shows. Terry has touredextensively with artists suchas Roberta Flack and theaward-winning, all-star, ManhattanJazz Orchestra.

Terry's drum book The FeaturedDrummer is published by MusicSales/Amsco/G.Schirmer with anaudio CD of Terry playing the exer-cises accompanied by John Patitucciand Barry Miles. Terry latest drumbook is The Stick Bag Book ofJazz, Funk, Fusion, published byMusic Sales.

TEACHER

Ethel Piness Abrams, 1935Education

Ethel started her professional careeras a Social Worker in Newark, aftergraduating from Cornell University.She married and raised two sonsbefore returning to the workforce asan English teacher at NPHS in 1964.Her career at NPHS spanned morethan 20 years, she taught English onevery level of jr. high throughseniors. She was a very popularteacher who helped students see therelevancy of literature to their lives.Ethel provided students with a num-ber of truly creative experiences.She worked with other teachers todevelop interdisciplinary units inEnglish. She was the driving forcebehind the development of the schoolart festival, dubbed "Creations." Shewas a mentor to both students andnew teachers, and she was a trulyunique educator. Ethel died in 2006at age 88.

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Reunion Alert!These suggestions are convenientways for graduates to buy practicalgifts and, at the same time, contrib-ute to the NPHS Scholarship Fund.

Choose from:

• “North Plainfield and Its Neigh-bors,” a 90-minute video (also inDVD) history of the Borough.$25.00 + $5.00 S&H

• The Images of America

booksabout North Plainfield, $19.99 plus$3.00 S&H.

• Commemorative or memorialbricks in the Alumni Walk ofHonor, 4x8 brick, $60.00; 8x8brick, $85.00;

• Annual membership in the NPHSAlumni Association, $10 annuallyor $60 lifetime;

• NPHS coffee mugs with woods-man logo, $10.00 plus $3.00 S&H;

• Stadium blanket, 60"x60," withNPHS older pine tree logo, $45.

Send checks payable to the NPHSAlumni Association, 145 Cedar St.,North Plainfield, NJ 07060.

GiftSuggestions

2009 Reunion Contacts

2008 Reunion Contacts1933 Art Lederer, 908 754-8252.1934 Art Lederer, 908 754-8252.1938 Contact Manny Ferri, 908 755-7413 or Edith Ruthenback

Brokaw, 908 722-5347.1943 Contact Harry Martin, 973 663-2410.1948 Bob McCarthy, 908 322-6666.1953 Contact Paul Carlton, 732 752-2666.1958 Vince Lipani, 908 369-5623 (H), 908 359-4652 (W).1963 Contact Kathy Meden DeAngelis, 732 249-1791;

Cheryl Meyer McDowel, 908 769-5951.1968 Gerry Garatino Burns, 610 438-2788 or e-mail:

grib68@ren.com. May 3, 2009, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Edison.Combined Reunion with Class of 1969.

1973 Ginny Gehander Carbone, contact the Alumni Association.1978 Mark Fisch, 732 866-9512.1983 Carol VanWinkle Mastrobatista, 732 560-9708.1988 Jennifer Bruscato, 908 479-6141 (H).1993 Carey Cwieka c/o the Alumni Association.1998 Contact the Alumni Association.2003 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 Cups,Dartmouth 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., N.Plainfield, NJ 07060

1933 Art Lederer, 908 754-8252. 75th Reunion, June 25, 2009.1934 Art Lederer, 908 754-8252. 2009. June 25, 2009.1939 Phyllis Clark Tebbs, 732 369-1686.1944 Al Fasano 908 756-3974.1949 60th Reunion. Mel Lerer, 732 873-1960 or

email: mjlerer @aol.com. October 17, 2009.Crowne Plaza, Somerset, NJ. (see page 8)

1954 Al & Fran Ellis 908 766-8489.1959 50th Reunion. Bonnie Baron Shrager, 732 356-8808.

October 8, 2009.1964 Contact the Alumni Association.1969 40 Reunion, Kathy Miller Senna 908 756-8255. May 2,

2009 (see page 9).1974 Marsha Ferri Clarke 908 788-8084.1979 Tom Zilli 908 709-4505-H 800 660-6952.1984 Tom Miller 908 996-4689.1989 Maria Price 908 237-0045. November 7, 2009 at

Maggiano’s, Commons Way, Bridgewater.1994 Contact Beth Kenderdine, 908 231-9595.1999 Contact NPHS Alumni Association.2004 Contact NPHS Alumni Association.

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In Touch Paul Carlton – NPHS 1953

continued on next page

A note fromBarbara Green Ellige:Class of 1969

Our reunion was held May 2, 2009.

It was fabulous!

Thanks to all those who made itgreat and all the efforts of you inN.P.H.S.

A great school and we're its Legacy!

* * * *

Dear Alumni Association:

Thank you so much for fitting mewith a great set of golf clubs. Thatwas a great thing of you to do.Hopefully, I can see you at mymom's office soon.

Sincerely,

Alex Clark (son of Dr. Jane Ligums)

* * * *

Dear Alumni,

I am a Life-Member and would likevery much if I could receive theNewsletter on my daughter's com-puter. She lives with me so therewould not be a problem.

Her e-mail address is:MSLRanger@aol.com (all oneword).

I enjoy the Newsletter and you aredoing a great job!

ED. NOTE: Sorry, we are notable to E-mail the Newsletter,but our Web site address is:www.nphsalumni.net.

Sincerely,

Andrea Ranger1808 South Central AvenueSouth Plainfield, NJ 07080

Dear Alumni

This is letter number two requestingthat the information on our reunionsis placed on list permanently so thatclassmates are up to date.

Last note for 2009, you promised youwould put it on Reunions, page 3 list:

Anita Schord, Class of 1947247 Jefferson AvenueNorth Plainfield, NJ 07060908-756-5149

Thank you again for doing this – onboth printed and computer.

* * * *

Dear Alumni,

Thank you for the Newsletter,Winter 2008/2009.

I was thrilled to see my sister's photoand her son, Donald's, on Page 11.

Yes, she was "Rosie the Riveter"during World War II. Her husband,Dan, was away serving in the Army.

There on the previous page 10 - thatmansion was on the opposite cornerof our first home. It is still there -corner of Greenbrook Road andClinton Avenue.

That is really unbelievable. Broughtback many memories. My husband,Pat, worked hard in refurbishing thathouse-it was beautiful when hefinished! Many memories.

I will become a member of the NPHSAlumni Association and also haveto tell you-I still have my "Canuck1936" Year Book plus the corsageI wore at the graduation.

Thank you, for all these memories!

J. Louise Petrella

Dear Alumni,

On behalf of the Clearing House ofNorth Plainfield High School, I wantto take the opportunity to thank youand your foundation/organization foryour participation in awarding muchneeded scholarships to our highschool students. During this diffi-cult economic time where extramoney is hard to come by, some-how you and your organization wereable to raise enormous amounts ofmoney to go toward senior scholar-ships. Because of your generosity,a total of nearly $144,000 in schol-arships was awarded to 83 studentsthat will enable them to attend thecollege of their choice. No matterhow much your organization wasable to donate toward scholarships,it was greatly appreciated by therecipients and their families, and bythose of us involved with the Clear-ing House.

I want to wish your organization/foundation continued success in allfuture endeavors and I look for-ward to your participation in theClearing House once again nextyear and in the years to come.Without your participation, theClearing House of North Plainfieldwould not be as successful as it hascome to be over the years.

Most sincerely,Adrienne GraubardChairperson

* * * *

Dear Alumni

We are happy to welcome VernonTuitt III, NPHS Class of 2005, tothe writing staff of the NPHS News-letter. Be sure to read his article onthe NP Street Fair on page 6 and 7and catch his bio on page 9. Ifyou have any news or historicalarticles, his e-mail address isvtuitt3@yahoo.com.Mario Caruso

Visit the North Plainfield High School Alumni‘s Web Site at:

www.nphsalumni.net

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Dick Williams, a 1962 graduateof North Plainfield High Schooland a lifelong resident of SomersetCounty, was presented withthe "Citizen of the Year" awardrecently at the Somerset CountyBusiness Partnership AwardsDinner at the Martinsville Inn.

Sometimes referred to as, "Mr.Somerset County," Williams washonored for serving eighteen yearsas Somerset County's administrator,overseeing a $214 million budgetand more than 1,000 employees.

"I don't necessarily deserve it,"he said, explaining the county's

smooth operations are mostly dueto the quality of the departmentheads and the employees.

Among the biggest accomplishmentsduring his tenure, Williams liststhe County's recycling program -the only program that touchesall county residents.

Other accomplishments includethe construction of TD BankBallpark in Bridgewater "at nocost to the taxpayers" and theCounty's purchase of Natirar, the500-acre former estate of the lateKing Hassan II of Morocco, inPeapack-Gladstone.

Raised in North Plainfield, Williams,who calls himself a "BoroughKind of Guy", said he enjoysthe quality of life offered inSomerset County's towns.

The newspaper article about DickWilliams found in the Courier-News, Sunday, April 19, 2009 wastoo long and too important to becondensed. The entire article canbe found on our web sitewww.nphsalumni.net.

Click on Dick Williams

Dick Williams, Class of 1962Somerset County “Citizen of the Year”

The Somerset County Board of Cho-sen Freeholders has awarded theNorth Plainfield School District anOpen Space and Recreation grant inthe amount of $1 million. This moneyis dedicated to the installation of asynthetic grass playing surface onUpper Krausche Field. The grantwill pay for excavation of the prop-erty, the subgrade, and drainage. Italso includes synthetic grass withpermanent lines inlaid for soccer,football, field hockey, softball andbaseball. New interior fencing andgates are also included in the project.Construction is to begin on or aboutJuly 7, 2009 and be completed forthe opening of school in September.

The project will move the footballfield closer to the home bleachers,with a baseball diamond in the north-east corner and a softball diamond inthe northwest corner.

The artificial grass athletic field istufted fabric with a polyurethanecoating. The grass is 100% cryo-genically-processed rubber granules.

The North Plainfield Education Foun-dation is working on projects to en-hance the field installation. Our goalis to raise money that will provide forupgrades and/or replacement for thefollowing: concession stand,scoreboards, field lighting, soundsystem, landscaping, bleachers, andother projects. The sale of advertis-ing along the fence lines and dona-tions by generous North Plainfieldschool alumni will also assist theFoundation as it helps create a pre-miere facility that will be the center-piece of the community.

How Can You Help? Join the NorthPlainfield Education Foundation,make a donation today specificallyfor Krausche Field Renovation.

E-mail any questions to:noplfdedfnd@yahoo.com or call usat 908-561-0940

If you wish to make a donation,please use the for below and mail tothe N. Plfd Ed. Foundation (all dona-tions are tax deductable).

North Plainfield Education Foundation To RaiseMoney for Kraushe Field Renovations

Make checks payable to: Krausche Field Renovation Committee [KFRC]

And send to: N. PLFD ED. FOUNDATION P.O. Box 7284 Watchung, NJ 07069

Please indicate the amount of your donation $ ___________________________________

Name ______________________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State ________ Zip _____________

Phone __________________________ E-Mail ____________________________________

NPHS Class of ______________________________________________________________

Visit our Web site: http://www.npefnj.org

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by Vernon Tuitt III, ’05

Patrons from North Plainfield andother inhabitants of Somerset countyattended the Annual North PlainfieldStreet Fair on Somerset Street. Thefair itself began at noon and lasteduntil 5 pm, and the turnout was amaz-ing. Within an hour of the fair's

commencement, the street waspacked with children, teens, andadults alike; some from the sur-rounding neighborhood, and somefrom the far reaches of NorthPlainfield. With great music, deli-cious food, and a lovely atmosphereof. It is safe to say that the fair wentoff without a hitch.

Various members of the communityset up their tables to show theirappreciation for North Plainfield bygiving information and holding craftsessions. One table in particular washome to Meredith Hoyer, Head ofYouth Services, hailing from theNorth Plainfield Memorial Library.Their table was devoted to handingout information about the summerprograms held at the library andletting the children participate in anarts and crafts session with beads.When asked how she though thisaffected the community at large,she said;

'The goal of the reading clubs areto get kids to break the gap betweengrades since a lot of them don't readduring the summer months.'

And with the theme 'Be Creative',reading is a big part of that. Thepresence of the library staff shows

North Plainfield 2009 Street Fair

Bob Goellnerand

Fred Sheeler,manning the

Krausche FieldRenovationCommittee

booth.

Some of the crowd who enjoyed the Stree Fair alongSomerset Street

L to R: Jim McGarry, Florence Mannion, andPatrick Scaglione, Class of 1982, running for the

Somerset County Freeholder

ED NOTE:

More pictures can be viewed at

www.nphsalumni.net

Click on NP Street Fair

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that they want to be more than just alibrary, but 'a community center thatprovides for its people' as Meredithstated.

Another table that seemed to bevery buzz worthy was the NorthPlainfield Education Association.With 510 members, the group is aspart of North Plainfield as the peoplein it. Roger Graubard, a NorthPlainfield High School Alumni andco-president of the Education Asso-

ciation, seemed to believe that 'anysuccessful community is a blend ofthe people who live, work, and vol-unteer'. When asked for his opinionon the fair and how his tables' par-ticipation played into it, his answerwas intriguing.

'Any successful community is ablend of the people who live, work,and volunteer in it. Living isn't justhanging out in your backyard or inthe house. It's taking in the whole

community and participating with it.'

With the community-based tables,various food and drink choices, andgeneral focus on North Plainfield asa whole, one might ask what thepoint of it all is, and Roger Grobbardwould reply,

'We want to send a message to thecommunity that we are totally in-volved in the conglomeration of townspirit.'

Vic

DeMarsi,

Class of

1957

at the

Chili

Cookoff

Jim McGarry, Florence Mannion, andCongressman Leonard Lance

Officer Joe Stopinski Class of 1984, andNPHS Head Football Coach, Bob Lake,

Class of 1991

North Plainfield Education Association

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CLASS MESSAGESThe Alumni Association invites graduates to use this page for

Class, Reunion or other messages..

Send messages to: NPHS Alumni Association,145 Cedar Street, North Plainfield, NJ 07060,

Attn.: Newsletter

The Class of 1962NPHS Class of 1962 Reunion washeld October 20, 2007 at theVermeule Mansion. Contacts areRay Bersch, 908 229-5886 orraybersch@optonline.net and MaryDiehle 908 359-7161.

Class of 1959

Class of 1949 YearbookMel Lerer, NPHS Class of 1949, islooking for an extra yearbook fromhis class. If anyone knows of any,please contact The Alumni Associa-tion, 908 756-2776 or carusodesign@comcast.net

Class ContactsWe need up-to-date Class Lists forthe next NPHS Alumni Directory.On a disc, if possible, or a hard copy.Send to: NPHS Alumni Association,145 Cedar Stree, North Plainfield,NJ 07060

Classes of ’33 to ’35NPHS Classes of 1933 to 1935will hold their next reunionon Thursday, June 25, 2009 at theDunellen Hotel on Washington Av-enue, Dunellen, starting at noon. Any-one interested should contact ArtLederer 908 754-8252.

Class of 1968 andClass of 1969

Combined ReunionReunion Dinner/Dance was held onSaturday, May 2, 2009, 7 pm to 12midnight at the Crowne Plaza Hotel(formerly The Clarion Hotel), Route27, Edison, NJ

Reunion Breakfast Buffet was heldon Sunday, May 3, 2009 at the samehotel 9 am - 12 noon

Contact persons:

Class of ’68, Gerry Garatino Burns,e-mail: gerib68@rcn.com.

Class of ’69, Kathy Miller Senna,e-mail:sennak336@gmail.com

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 1920sand will be kept current annually.

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 4'x5' Enlarged,framed 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 America"book 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 GeorgeMcCusker 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, Moldenke'sCastle, McCutchen Home, and theoriginal North Plainfield Librarywill be displayed at the newlyrenovated Borough Hall.

1980 Class Reunion contact:michael.esolda@comcast.net

732-713-3030

1945 Class Reunion contact:Pat Allegar 908-889-4712 orHarry Krausse 908-757-6654

Missing Year BooksInclude:

1939, 1940, 1949, 1951, 1959 and2008.

If anyone has a year book theywould like to donate, please contactthe Alumni Association.

NPHS Class of 194960th Reunion, has been set for Octo-ber 17, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza(formerly Somerset Marriott), 110Davidson Avenue, Somerset, NJ,1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

More information to Class, forth-coming.

Contact Mel Lerer (732) 873-1960or mellerer@aol.com

NPHS Class of 1959 50th Reunion.October 8-10, 2009

North Plainfield area contact: BonnieBaron Shrager 732-356-8808.

Emil: bbshrager@comcast.net

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From the NPHS Principal's DeskNPHS Class of 1949. . .

announces arangements have beencompleted for its 60 Year Reunionwhich will be held on Saturday,October 17, 2009 at the CrownePlaza Hotel (formerly the MarriottHotel) on Davidson Avenue inSomerset, NJ, from 1:00 pm to 5:00pm. A letter with full informationwill be mailed to classmates withinthe next few months.

For further information please con-tact Mel Lerer at 732-873-1960, ore-mail at: mellerer@aol.com.

Dear Alumni, Summer is upon us and the stu-

dents, faculty and staff are gettingready for the end of the school year.Final exams are fast approachingand the library is packed with stu-dents studying hard and teacherspreparing their assessments. College acceptance letters have ar-rived and the seniors, for the mostpart, have chosen their colleges.Today's Canucks are following thegreat tradition that you have set bybeing accepted into the finest insti-tutions of higher learning that ournation has to offer. The seniorshave demonstrated that they are pre-pared to step out of the protectiveconfines of NPHS and take on theworld. This year the school raised $16,000for the Cancer Institute of NewJersey. The bulk of this money wasraised at "Canuckapalooza." Thisevent saw the school and commu-nity coming together on the footballfield. A battle of the bands, taste ofNorth Plainfield and a step-for-the-cure (walkathon) took place simul-taneously with over 1,000 middleschool and high school students at-

tending. The students were alsotreated to dancing, athletic competi-tions and inflatable rides inside theschool. I look forward to seeing alumni

walk the fields surrounding the schooland watch the current Canucks liveup to a proud tradition of academicand athletic excellence. Please feelfree to contact the school if you wishto visit with former teachers or walkthe hallways once again. Go Canucks! Sincerely, Jerard W. Stephenson

Principal

We are writing for a very impor-tant reason - the success of NorthPlainfield High School's ProjectGraduation 2009. Plans are beingfinalized for this year's SeniorSmash. Senior Smash is an all nightactivity for the senior class, heldon the night of graduation, June 23,2009.

Costs rise each year and we an-ticipate this year's program to be inexcess of $15,000. North PlainfieldHigh School has enjoyed the safetyof a successful, rewarding, all nightalcohol and drug free party formany years and we hope to con-tinue this for the future classes ofNPHS. If you have supportedProject Graduation in the past, wegreatly appreciated your help andhope that you will continue to sup-

port this worthwhile project. If youhave never participated in this worth-while cause, it is our hope that youwill support us.

When you join with other alumni,community members, businesses, andorganizations as a contributing mem-ber of Project Graduation, you will bepart of a team dedicated to providingthe best possible opportunities for ouryouth.

Sincerely,

NPHS Project GraduationCo-Chairs 2009Leslie Coderleslie.coder@verizon.netAnne Fellinafellin@comcast.net

Project Graduation Seeks Support

Vernon Tuitt III is a 2005 NorthPlainfield High School Alumniwho recently graduated from theUniversity of Hartford. He is anaspiring writer looking to breakinto the world of publishing and studythe field in graduate studies. Inhis spare time, Vernon volunteershis services at the North PlainfieldMemorial Library.

New Member of AlumniNewsletter Staff

The NPHS Alumni Association is

offering free golf clubs to North

Plainfield High School, Middle

School, or Borough students

who are interested in playing golf but

cannot afford clubs to get started.

Contact Frank Caruso, Class of ’49

at: 908 756 2776.

The Alumni Association is also of-

fering excess clubs to the

"First Tee Organization" and to the

Lyons Veterans Administration in

Lyons, NJ.

Clubs for Kids

Invest In The Future of

North Plainfield High

School

Support The

Scholarship Program

NPHS Class of 1947Contact Anita Schorb, 247 JeffersonAvenue, North Plainfield, NJ 07060.

908 756 5149.

Page 10

NoticeThe NPHS Alumni Association hasestablished a new Web site:www.nphsalumni.net starting in thesummer of 2008. You will be able toview the Alumni Newsletter andeventually other alumni news andevents.

To help defray some of theexpenses of the Web site, we areoffering advertising space to thoseinterested.

You can advertise your class,business, or events, etc. For moreinformation contact: NPHS AlumniAssociation, 145 Cedar Street,North Plainfield, NJ 07060 (908 7562776) or e-mail to:

carusodesign@comcast.net.

ObituariesDr. Lawrence Furnald, Jr., 84,died April 24, 2009. He was a 1942graduate of NPHS.

Herbert Terry, 89, died April 19,2009. He was a 1937 graduate ofNPHS.

John Mallon, 34, died April 14,2009. He was a 1992 graduate ofNPHS.

Marjerie McWhorter Jones, 70,died in May 2009. She was a 1957graduate of NPHS.

George Casky, 77, died in May of2009. He was a 1950 graduate ofNPHS.

Dr. Marie O'Brien died April 21,2009. See Obituary on Page 1.

Bill Bori, 73, died May 28, 2009. Hewas a 1953 graduate of NPHS.

Carmela Fabiano van der Putten,74, died June 6, 2009. She was a1953 graduate of NPHS.

Marie Taranto Sorrentino, 67, diedMay 28, 2009. Marie is the wifeof Ralphy Sorrentino, Vice Principalat NPHS.

Hilda Hess Baron, 95, died June10, 2009. She was a 1931 graduateof NPHS.

Daniel Taylor, 76, died June 26,2009 He was a 1951 graduate ofNPHS.

The Shore Canuck Club held its annual reunion on Thursday, May 14, 2009at the Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant, NJ. Approximately onehundred graduates of North Plainfield High School living at the shoreattended.

The next shore get-together will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2010. TheCrystal Point Yacht Club is located on the Manasquan River next to theRoute 70 bridge.

For more information contact: Joan McCarthy Williamson at 732-899-0009.

Shore Canuck Club

The North Plainfield School Districthas proudly announced the follow-ing 2009 Teachers of the Year.

North Plainfield High School: AmySix (Choral Director)

North Plainfield Middle School:Corinne Laurie (Health & PhysicalEducation)

Somerset: Camille Ragin (Math)

West End: Jonathan Scott (Music)

East End: Alexis Holbrook (SpecialEducation)

Stony Brook: Dana Kim Garguile(Special Education)

Developed in 1985 to acknowledgeteachers who exhibit outstandingperformance in education. Membersof the community, parents, studentand colleagues make nominationsfrom each school annually.

A committee comprised of repre-sentatives from the community,Board of Education, and former hon-orees read the letters of nominationand meet to select one teacher torepresent each school in the district.

The 2009 honorees met together fora luncheon at Giovanna’s Restau-rant on June 1st with SuperintendentDr. Marilyn Birnbaum, Assistant Su-

North Plainfield School District 2009Teachers of the Year.

perintendent Dr. Robert Rich, Boardof Education President Lind Bond-Nelson, and Board Member TomAllen, as well as their respectivePrincipals.

On Wednesday, June 17th there wasa ceremony in the East End SchoolCommunity Room to officially honorthe 2009 Teachers of the Year. Thepublic was invited to attend.

WARNING

If you are donating or joining the

NPHS Alumni Association

make sure it is us,

with our address:

145 Cedar Street, North Plainfield,

If you have to use a credit card —

it is NOT us.

Page 11

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 theNorth Plainfield High School Alumni Association

Narrated by Antoinette Rinehart, NPHS Class of 1943and 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 PlainfieldIt will make an Ideal Gift

All Net Proceeds to Benefit The North Plainfield High School Alumni Scholarship FundTopics: 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

Name _______________________________________________________________________________________ (circle one) Graduate (Year) __________________ Non-graduate

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________________________________________________________________ State ______________ Zip ________________________

Work Phone ___________________________________________________________ Home Phone ____________________________________________________________

Email ________________________________________________________________ Fax ___________________________________________________________________

Quantity ____________ @ $25.00 $ ___________________

+ $5.00 S&H (if mailed) $ ___________________

Total $ ___________________

Make checks payable and send to:NPHS Alumni Association

145 Cedar Street, North Plainfield, NJ 07060

“Images of America” Series

Order Now!PICTORIAL HISTORY OF NORTH PLAINFIELD

Name: _______________________________________________ Graduate Year: _________ Non-graduate

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ________________________________________________ State: ______________ Zip: _____________________

Work Phone: ( )________________________ Home Phone: ( ) _________________________________________

e-mail: _________________________________________ fax: ( ) _________________________________________

_______North Plainfield books, $19.99 each = $___________

Total $___________

Make checks payable to and send to:

NPHS Alumni Association, 145 Cedar Street, North Plainfield, NJ 07060

plus $3.00, S&H

All Net Proceeds to Benefit the NPHS Alumni Scholarship Fund

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 donations.Join the NPHS Alumni Associationannually in January of each year. Ifyou have not been paying dues, actnow. Consider a life-time member-ship for $60. Log onto the NPHSWeb site at www.nphsalumni.netFree 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 $19.99 plus$3.00 shipping and handling.The 1995 through 2009 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$1.00 each.Please support the NPHS AlumniScholarship Fund. Purchase the new"North Plainfield and Its Neighbors"historic video, VHS or CD $25.00each plus $5.00 S&H.Mail 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 – 908 756-2776.Web address:www.nphsalumni.netPresident: Mario Caruso (’51)Vice Pres: Gerry Burns (’68)

Fred Sheeler (’63)Sec'y: Joanne Mangione Santonastaso (’64)Treas: Bob Kirchberger (’65)Trustees: Paul Carlton (’53)

Steve Novak (’65)Scholarship: Steve Novak (’65)Membership: Gerry Garatino Burns (’68)Alumni Hall of Fame: Bob Kirchberger (’65)WWII Monument: Lou Caruso (’41)Newsletter: Howard J. Bollin (’51)

Paul Carlton (’53)Daniel Caruso (’75)Mario Caruso (’51)John MaimoneGail McKennaFred Sheeler (’63)Vernon Tuitt, III (’05)

Web Site: Daniel Caruso (’75)

To receive a complementaryNewsletter in the mail, send aself-addressed, stamped (61¢)

envelope to: NPHS AlumniAssociation, 145 Cedar St.,North Plainfield, NJ 07060.

In pencil, write what issueit is for

Summer 2009

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