Why A Ridgewood High School Class Of 1977 Blog?

The World Wide Web has grown from a medium that people would simply read to one that people can read and respond to. This blog being linked to the rhs1997.net web site gives readers an appropriate place to log their comments and opinions on any topic they like, possibly reconnect with people that they have not communicated with in a long time, and/or organize events like our reunions.

The fact we are expecting to live longer than previous generations and that our children will one day move out to raise families of their own gave me the inspiration for the web site. I say this because I am pretty sure that it will be the people who knew us when we were young that we will want to reconnect with as we grow older.

Just my 2 cents. Your mileage will vary.

RHS 2006

Do You Recognize Any Of These Retiring Teachers?

I sure do recognize my eighth grade English Teacher, Mrs Berrian.


What's more the Interim Superintendent of the Ridgewood Schools was my first Physical Education Teacher, Mr. Titus.

If you check out the staff directory I bet you will find some of your old teachers. I can only tip my hat to them all for their dedication and perseverance.

Parkway South Shore Points

       This sign on Route 17 South never fails to stir my heart, especially during the summer months. Every time I see it I envision some grand time at the Jersey Shore. Of course, I always conveniently forget the sunburn and the sand that would have to be swept out of the car afterwards. These annoyances don't matter when I start to thinking about the waves, boardwalks, and carefree times a trip to the shore always symbolizes to me. I remember pretty clearly when it was that I started feeling this way. It was exactly 30 years ago, when my friends and I could make the drive down ourselves unsupervised by our parents. At first it was a feeling of daring that I felt. Now it has simply becomes a lovely routine. The times were not always good. There was the time Senior year when we cut classes and our car broke down at the shore. The parents of our driver had to be summoned to bring us home. In any event, the good times far out-weighed the bad. One of the best was the classic ride down to the shore after we graduated from RHS. We had been up all night as is the custom and we spent a glorious day in the sun and sand. I can't remember ever being so tired and happy all at once. I probably never will feel this way again, though I can always hope and dream. This memory in particular always crosses my mind whenever I see that sign: Parkway South Shore Points.

The 4th Of July in Ridgewood

     This day's activities begin early with the parade through the downtown shopping area. The locals will place their chairs on the street on July 3rd to save the best spots along the parade route. They also will put up their American flags to remember the original reason for having a celebration on this day. Though I don't make it back to see the parade as often as I would like I do tend to stand in the same place by the train station in order to be in easy walking distance to the Smith Brothers Saloon. You see, the 4th of July is the only day of the year when drinking beer in the street is condoned, let along encouraged. It is a rebellious act I admit but one that brings everyone a good bit of satisfaction and reminds me ever so slightly of the courage our ancestors in the 18th century had to have possessed to even consider fighting the strongest nation in the world at that time. This day's festivities end with the fireworks show at Vets. This display has grown so popular in recent years that admission is charged and parking is at a premium near all the good viewing spots like the high school football field and the high ground overlooking the town, often referred to as "the View." I really can't put my finger on why people remember the 4th so fondly but I'll hazard a guess that it has something to do with the official beginning of summer and a lot less to do with drinking on the street while watching a parade or the detonation of fireworks. It has much more to do with the hopefulness that the beginning of summer usually suggests. There are the summer vacations to look forward, school is out, and right on schedule we develop amnesia as to how hot and sticky July and August can be. It helps to be an optimist in general but in particular at this time of year. This is before the succession of hot and sunny days makes us long for some cool autumn nights. It is before the promise of our vacation is vanquished, and long before we wish the children were back in school. It is the 4th of July and everything is good. Here's hoping you still can look forward to and enjoy these moments. I succumb to their lure every year and am never disappointed when I recollect them on cold winter nights. Happy 4th of July!