MAY 30, 2024

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

Hi Alumquahic of the Orange and Brown, 

Marvin Rausch (Hillside 56) has been added to the “WHS Note” subscribers’ list at beechmtn5@yahoo.com.

Larry Weisenstein (Linden 56) writes, “I’m lucky enough to have married Arleen Traberman, Class of 1958, 63 years ago.”  

WHS Class of 1994 alumni interested in attending their 30^th reunion, contact Arlene Ramsey for information and final payment extension (973-855-2333).  

Reports of loss of a WHS Alumni:

Rosemary D’Alesio Fisher (65)

I am very sad to report that George Joseph passed away suddenly on April 24, 2024. Those of you who knew George remember him always being the life of the party; always had the girls all around him. He was affectionately known as "Elvis" because he knew everything there was to know about “The King.” George was proud to tell everyone he was born on the same date as Elvis (January 8). 

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Carol, and two sons, Timothy and Christopher, as well as two granddaughters (Britney and Kaitlyn). Goerge was my friend since Clinton Place Jr. High. I will forever miss you my dear friend. Rosemary

Barbara and Myra Spindel

We wanted to share that our mother, Sally Schanerman Spindel, Class of 1960, died on May 8th at her home in Surfside, FL. In addition to being a proud graduate of Weequahic, Sally returned to the school to teach Spanish and French for two years after receiving her BA in Romance Languages from Boston University. Throughout her life, she spoke fondly of her experiences at Weequahic, as both student and teacher. Our mother’s obituary appears at Obituary for Sally (Schanerman) Spindel. Barbara and Myra

Rosemarie Meola Cerone Lindia (66)

My brother Joe Meola, Weequahic Class of 1960, passed away this past February. Rosemarie

"It’s Elementary,” schools, that is: 

Barbara Lerner Blumberg (60)

I don’t know how many Weequahic Alumni went to Avon Avenue School. My family lived at 38 Rose Terrace. My fondest memories are being in first grade with Ida B. Sabelotski (later Sabel). She was an amazing teacher. We even planted a vegetable garden on a plot near the playground. That summer, I ate radishes right out of the ground. Those were the best. Barbara

Matthew Benoun (6/62)

I graduated from Peshine in 1958. Peshine teachers were great. We all behaved ourselves and the teacher was in charge. Nobody ever used curse words. Life was great. Wonder if Chancellor, Maple, and other elementary school students back then have similar recalls? Matty  

Jeff Golden (6/63)

Sharon Rous Feinsod (66) tells of a snake from the Newark Museum at Peshine Avenue School. I have a related story, but it’s not from Peshine, nor even from Weequahic. Sharon’s commentary brought back the memory.

When I was about 6 or 7 years old, my parents sent me to Saturday art lessons at the Newark Museum. One day we were going to draw animals. Maybe the teacher thought that, being city kids, we didn't know what animals look like. So, first they brought us to the behind-the-scenes area of the natural history section where the teacher took some small animals out of their cages and aquariums to show us. At one point he took out a snake, held it up, and asked, "Who wants to touch the snake?" 

All the kids declined.  My thought was that “This guy is a teacher. A teacher wouldn't let you do something that's going to hurt you." I said, "I'll touch the snake." He held the snake out and I touched it and he said, "See? It’s not slimy" (not that I thought it would be).

Then the teacher asked if anyone else wanted to hold the snake. Again none of the kids were interested. I said, "I'll hold the snake," and the teacher draped it over my shoulders. Snakes are cold blooded animals, and, while the teacher was talking about the snake, the snake was enjoying crawling all over this warm little body. He crawled into the pocket of my shirt, figured out that it was a dead end, and crawled back out. But, as he did, he flexed his body and tore my pocket. 

We returned to drawing animals. At the end of the day my father picked me up. When I got home, my mother wanted to know how I tore the shirt. Even though I told her I did not tear my shirt, she said, "But your pocket is torn. How did it happen?" I answered that a snake tore my shirt. My mother didn't believe me, was very angry and didn't understand why I would lie to her about this and insist that a snake did it. 

The next Saturday my father was required to come into the class with me and ask the teacher if a snake had torn my shirt. The teacher confirmed that indeed one did, and I was exonerated. Maybe this was the same snake that Sharon Rous Feinsod met a Peshine? Jeff

Bill Pollak (1/53)

When I attended Peshine Avenue School, the Principal was A.J, Frey and the Vice-Principal, Mrs. Icorne. Mrs. Keane taught Music on the fourth-floor. Auditorium teachers were Mrs. Nass and Mrs. Bookbinder. Math teacher was Mrs. Johnson. J.C Kevlin taught shop. Other teachers were Bisson, Heck, Kehrer, Murchio and Armstrong. Herman was the janitor.

Teaching Gym were Mrs. Sosnow, and J.J O'Sullivan. It was purported that O'Sullivan was an Olympic gymnast. He taught parallel bars, horse, and rope climbing exercises. On the cinder surface playground, with a big tree in the middle, he has us play softball. If you threw your bat when you swung, the next time at bat you had to hit with your other hand. Tough guy! Bill

Maureen Morris Edwards (1/64)

These photos are from a dance class at Peshine, 1952 and 1953. The teacher's name was Mrs. Freidman (I think). Performances were in the evening so that parents could attend. I'm sorry to say I can't identify any of the other girls. Maureen

And these are some of my favorite W-items: 

Harlene Gelman Horowitz (6/58)

When I read in the weekly newsletter names of the teachers that we all were so lucky to have had, it makes my heart sing. And then there’s the articles about Dr. Lohman who was so close to the Gelman family. How lucky we all were to live in the best of times. If only our grandchildren and their children could be so lucky. Thank you for the wonderful articles. I will try and be part of it as much as I can.

I think I mentioned in one of my earlier comments that my family-owned Brookside Swim Club. There were so many Brooksiders that were Weequahic graduates. So, for you Brooksiders out there who have written about the Club, my brother Lewis and I love reading about you and thanks for the memories. Harlene

Vanessa Jefferson (71)

My dear alumni (ae) who preceded me at WHS, I love that you share your experiences and memories; heartwarming and yet, sometimes sad. You constantly reminded me of the reason why I have always loved Weequahic High! Thank you! Vanessa

Marc Tarabour (6/63)

Every Friday I read the newsletter, and inevitably there is an announcement of the passing of a loved one or classmate. Recently it was my classmate Howard Frank who lived on the block where I grew up and whose family I remember so fondly. My thoughts and prayers are for his family, especially his sister Marylin.

After our 60th reunion last October, the reunion committee of the Class of 63 talked about the next event being an 80th Birthday party in 2025. The party for our communal 70^th Birthday was a blast, and our 80th will be very special for sure. We will celebrate the friendships that grow more special as Father Time ticks along. And we will reminisce all we have sadly lost. Meanwhile, we have our shared memories and experiences weekly in the “WHS Note.” Marc