DECEMBER 15, 2023

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

HOLIDAY HIATUS TIME AGAIN. BEST WISHES TO ALL FOR AN ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY AND FOR GOOD HEALTH AND GOOD FORTUNE IN THE NEW YEAR, 2024. THE NEXT “WHS NOTE” WILL BE DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ON JANUARY 12, 2024.  



Hi the Megabytes of Weequahic Data,   

David Schreiber (1/56) and Bernie Kotkin (1/56) mourn the loss of a classmate and friend:



It is with great sadness that I report the passing of my friend and classmate Joel Dames. Joel passed away recently in Greater Seattle, WA, where he and his family resided for many years. Joel lived on Weequahic Avenue, the same block I resided, and we saw each other frequently. My fondest memories of Joel are the many musical sessions we had at Errol Meisner’s home, also on Weequahic Avenue. While Errol tooted his trumpet and IZ banged on the keyboards, Joel played a melodic sax. Perhaps our best performance was playing “I Love You a Bushel and a Peck” from the smash Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls.” 

Unfortunately, we lost touch for many years but reconnected 12 years ago when Laura (Hillside 59) booked a trip to Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria to celebrate our 50^th Anniversary. Joel and his lovely, artistically talented wife, Hitomi, met us as our ship disembarked in Seattle. We spent quality time reminiscing and devouring an extremely tasty meal at a Japanese restaurant. We reconnected five years ago when Laura and I attended the Bar Mitzvah of an Israeli friend in Seattle. Joel was a bit frailer but just as enthused about spending time with his Weequahic bud. Unfortunately, he suffered a major stroke shortly after and spent considerable time in a nursing home until his passing. 

Joel lived a very interesting life. A multitalented person, Joel was an accomplished photographer and psychoanalyst. He met his Japanese wife, Hitomi, almost 50 years ago when he lived in Japan teaching English. Hitomi, a gifted artist, has exhibited and sold many works of art. They moved to the states a few years later and had one daughter, Hiromi, who co-starred in the hit TV series “Hannah Montana” opposite Myley Cirus.  

Although 73 when I reunited with Joel for the first time, the years disappeared and we were teenagers again as we laughed at the adventures and friendship which shaped our lives – for the better. Rest in peace, Joel, and deepest sympathy to Hitomi and Hiromi. David

Joel and I lived across the street from each other on Weequahic Avenue during our high school years. During that period, we were great friends and enjoying music and sports activities together. After high school we drifted apart. Joel went on to Japan as a teacher. Some years ago, he returned to the Seattle area and became, along with his wife Hitomi, a professional photographer. Joel and I reconnected at our high school reunion in 2009 and stayed in occasional contact since then. Bernie

Elaine Hersh Krusch (6/50) tells of a “Small Weequahic World” adventure and seeks an assist:  

At a luncheon hosted by a savings bank, I sat next to a woman from the 1960 class of WHS. We shared memories and books we are reading. I don’t recall her name or contact information. I would love to hear from her again. I want to tell

Her that I am now reading Indignation by Phillip Roth. My e-mail address elarkr@icloud.com. Elaine

Rona Mark Hodes (1/63) reaches out to WHS alumni in the Bay area:

I am considering a move to the San Francisco area. Would like to connect with any Weequahic alumni out there to help get a feel of life in the SF environment. Hoping to hear from you. My email is rhodesest@yahoo.com. Rona

60^th Joint Reunion, WHS 62-64 gets further attention:

Ethel Benjamin Shuken (6/62)

Just wanted to add my two cents regarding the Classes of 62, 63, and 64 Joint Reunion. It covered my sister Rochelle (6/64) and brother-in-law David Kaplan (would have been Class of 63, but moved before WHS graduation) and myself!



Many thanks. It was wonderful connecting to our Weequahic family. We saw dear old friends and made some new ones. Made the trip from our home in Toronto, Canada worthwhile.

The committee did a terrific job. Everyone was happy to be there and put the world on pause for a little while. Thanks especially to my classmate Bonnie Zunk Vogel for taking the time to call and speak with my husband Barry and then later, me. She convinced us to attend. Barry, by the way, had a great time even though no one recognized him. He went to high school in Toronto.

Stay well classmates. Cheers to Weequahic. Ethel

Steven Epstein (6/63)

From the land of corn and beans (Illinois), A “huge thank you” to the reunion committee from those unable to attend. It was great to put a name to the faces in those pictures printed in the newsletter. Very emotional to see people that I started kindergarten with and finished high school with.

Now about that picture from the reunion that appeared in a recent “WHS Note?” I’ll call it “The Triplets.” To Chris Pervall (6/62), as much as I admired you, I don’t think you could front guard Bob King today. To my tall old friend Calvin Schwartz (6/63), you look like you could blend in here in the land where ethnic food is not lox and bagel, but biscuits and gravy. To Larry Layton (6/63), with your hat on you looked just like you did in high school. Further, Coach Fein was right, for that team you were a small forward not a point guard. Remember there is no I in team. Truly enjoyed being Team Manager. My best to all my ex-Weequahicites. Steve

Sharing some Weequahic High School related thoughts: 

Margie Buman (60)

 To Jac Toporek (6/63) regarding your note of never attending a WHS football game during your years at Weequahic. Ah, my friend, then you missed the joy of being so cold at the Thanksgiving weekend game every year. Also the glorious celebration when we finally won one game in four years, which was likely Hillside High; but someone please correct me if I’m wrong.

The joke I heard as to why the better footballers at Weequahic never tried out for football was that none of the mothers wanted their future surgeon sons to hurt their hands. 

People asked why a chose to go to college at Michigan State and one reason, honestly, was they had a football team that won. At this point in my life, I still go to Homecoming at MSU and to the Homecoming Game. Not so good this year, but for the past five years it was great to be the winning team. Margie

Nelson Drobness (Vailsburg 66)  

I didn't go to Weequahic (once for summer school). My mother was Weequahic, Class of 1936. Sure, I remember the Bunny Hop. First, they were by Bernheim's Funeral Parlor, on Chancellor and then they moved a few blocks east across the street from Weequahic. Only 1 thing, I thought my cousin, Dave Aronow, owned the place

If I remember correctly, Halem's was at the northeast corner of Chancellor and Fabyan Place. My uncle lived on Schley and was a regular at Halem's. I vaguely remember going to the Bunny Hop, opposite Untermann Field, and seeing my cousin, Dave Aronow.  Nelson

Audrey Marcus Berton (6/63)

Interesting having certain items back in "the day." One was considered rich is their home had carpeting. It reminded me of a great line from Woody Allen's first album when he was a stand-up comic. He mentioned his neighbor's values were, "God and carpeting." I have the album and it is truly a masterpiece of

satire and comedy. Audrey