RHS 1977 Reunion

A casual gathering, over this coming Thanksgiving weekend, at Smith Brothers in Ridgewood is how this was announced by Cindy Neidig Myer on Facebook a few days ago. Stay tuned for more details.

Joe Antonacci, Top 100 RHS Teacher of the 20th Century

Whenever an homage to a teacher comes across my desk I like to post it, even if I never knew the person or can't remember them. I realize that there were easily more than 100 people worthy of this distinction but not every teacher has a Boswell willing to put their observations into print.

I should probable call this "100 Most Inspirational RHS teachers of the 20th Century." good teachers inspire something inside of each of us which will prepare us for the life ahead.  As a former teacher of 40 years, Dorothy Rich, once said about what makes a good teacher, "It's about relationships between people, hopes and dreams, and about a future we can't even envision."

If teaching were just about tests and reading books then we would need inspiration all the more from our teachers. Thankfully, I grew up in an era were it was common to say, "go ask your teacher for the answer." Instead of in the current era where kids are told to use Google.

My teachers gave us tests and compelled us to read but also they were figures of authority and respect. Most could silence a room by raising an eyebrow, and if that didn't work they would just raise there voices. Once they had our attention they might add how disappointed they were with us for not paying attention immediately. This tactic the good teachers would use just often enough to teach us to be ashamed of ourselves for not giving the respect a teacher deserves. Though not too often as to make for a classroom devoid of fun.

This Top 100 Teacher was sent by current Ridgewood resident and class of 1977 graduate Tom Thurston.

You will have many well qualified and beloved teachers "nominated" for your Top 100. I would offer Joe Antonacci my 6th Grade teacher at the old Somerville Annex. Mr. Antonacci was the personification of the tough love male teacher of that era. He pushed and demanded you try your best. He was organized and disciplined and demanded the same from his students. But everyone in his class knew how much he cared. His teaching methods were innovative and he really made learning fun. When I look back at my years in the Ridgewood School System his name is right there with some of the other great teachers I had.

A couple of years ago Paul Ferraro and I had the pleasure of visiting with him when Paul was in town to play the Jets. It was great to see him (he hasn't changed a bit) and we talked very fondly of our "Somerville Days." Just a great guy and a great teacher.

Tom 

Late August Days

This used to be a quiet time in our lives. We had lost momentary contact with our friends due to different vacation schedules and the endlessness of summer days that typifies late August. College and K-12 didn't start until after Labor Day so we were left to our own devices as to how to best spend our time.

Given the chance now there isn't a reader among us who couldn't think of 10 or 15 things they would do with their time if offered another chance. Though back in those days we didn't have the Internet , Cable TV, or discretionary income, so we had to make our fun outdoors.

Of course, a backyard BBQ with our parents friends and families usually helped fill the void if we weren't on vacation as a family ourselves. During the BBQ we would play badminton, drink far too much soda, eat watermelon, and then hunt for fireflies. It was a routine we savored as it couldn't be duplicated at any other time of the year except late August.

I suppose we should all be so lucky as to be able to summon such quiet thoughts. Especially when it's easy enough to give a concerted look at the world around us now and be so easily reminded that our present lives are so very unlike the late August days we knew growing up.

RHS 1970 Reunion Update #4

The Oct 8-9 reunion is now 7 weeks away, and we are cranking. As we get closer, we will send more emails. Also keep checking what is new on the reunion web site (www.rhs70.myevent.com).

·         Tickets are now on sale! You can buy them with a credit card via the web site, or sending a check to Irene Nagy. Details on the “Purchase Tickets” page of the reunion site. Please purchase your ticket(s) ASAP. This enables us to plan, and ensures that you will have your custom name tag. Tickets to the Fri night Oct 8 event at the Elks Club will payable at the door. Cash bar. Price is still TBD, but will be modest.

·         Make your hotel reservations: The Main Event (and the center of other activities) is at the DoubleTree Hotel, Route 17, Mahwah, NJ. We have reserved a block of rooms at a special $99 rate for Fri Oct 8 and Sat Oct 9. The $99 DoubleTree rate (and guaranteed availability) expires Sept 8. So act now(201) 529-5880). Another hotel option: Super 8. This hotel is right next to the DoubleTree. It is less fancy, and it is cheaper. We have reserved a block of rooms for Fri Oct 8 and Sat Oct 9, rate is $65 single, $75 double. Offer expires Sept 8 ((201) 512-0800).

·         Attendance is strong. As of 8/16, 109 classmates have RSVP’d that they plan to attend (with spouses etc. total attendance tops 150!). Again, thanks. This helps us plan, and builds excitement. The response is greater than expected. If you have not RSVP’d, pls do.

·         Committees: Sally Rodman heads the Hospitality Committee. Kathy Lauerman leads the Decorations Committee. Those of you who volunteered will be notified shortly. Thanks for volunteering. We will let you know if we need additional volunteers.

·         Reunion Book: Wes Jenkins reports that he has received photos and/or update info from 241 classmates. Thanks for this. If you have not yet, pls send it to Wes wjenkins5@austin.rr.com.

·         We need a photographer – In addition to the digital cameras that most of us will bring to the reunion, we want an experienced photographer to take group and individual photos. If you are interested in taking photos on Friday and/or Sat nights, pls contact Irene Nagy (gardendesign@bellsouth.net). Thanks.

·         Calling campaign – This campaign to call all our classmates is still on, but has slipped (until we figured out some things). Those of you who volunteered to make calls, thank you. We will be in touch in time to start making the calls very soon..

·         Reunion web site has been updated for:

1.       Missing Classmates - Thanks to you, we continue to make progress finding classmates: down to 75 missing (from over 150 when we started!). Pls keep the help coming til we find everybody.( http://www.rhs70.myevent.com/3/miscellaneous5.htm)

2.       Classmates who have passed – Over the past six weeks we have added 3 more classmates: Donald Haring, Michalene Ryan, and Bruce Hillman. (http://www.rhs70.myevent.com/3/memorials.htm)

 

That’s all for now. Buy those tickets. Make hotel reservations.

 

RHS ’70 Reunion Committee:

Brian Corcoran

Irene Nagy

Rick Bowe

Website address: http://rhs70.myevent.com

Gene Ricci

If you attended Willard School between 1964 and 1979, you know who Gene Ricci (pronounced "Ritchie") is in all his glory. They held an annual flower sale for many years in his honor after he died and the front walk way to Willard is filled with flowers and trees that he would have appreciated.

If you were a guy then you probably felt his ring on the top of you head, never too hard as he had a soft touch, but hard enough to get your attention. This sort of behavior would be considered child abuse today but Gene Ricci got away with it because he would smile and rib the hurt if necessary. He was from another era, and one I like to reflect upon and which makes up the essence of this blog.

Thanks to Jim Schoneman for the picture.