I'm referring to places you go after graduating from high school. Some people travel the globe, while others are content to stay close to surroundings they know and love. Most people have no choice and end up somewhere else after graduation because their parents have emptied the nest and sold the house. It's hard to blame these parents as the lawn still needs to be cut, the leaves raked, and the sidewalks shoveled. Besides, they no longer have us close by to fret about to their friends, and sometimes directly to us.
The places I visited after graduation from RHS are easily categorized as being North American-centric. I took this path for 20 years and then settled back in northern NJ as a bachelor pursuing a new career as a network engineer. Shortly thereafter I met my wife and we moved into NYC. I consider my time away from my roots well spent but the return to my roots has provided me with more tangible and intangibles than my time spent away from the area I call home.
I suppose this is all entirely natural, and seems so to me. Enjoy the time in the places you go, and if you are lucky like me, revel in your return. Not a day goes by when I am not glad to be back, near to places I know, and to surroundings which helped make me the man I am today.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Make Way For Tomorrow
I believe it is good form for those making High School graduation speeches to include some sort of heartfelt advice. I can't say I remember any of the advice from my High School or College graduation speakers, but if I was given the chance to speak, I would talk on the subject of "Making Way For Tomorrow."
It is likely an easier subject to contemplate for graduates than the usual subject they are prompted to consider by their esteemed graduation speakers. As I vaguely recall they speak of the many years that lie ahead and that they have the choice to strive to fill them with promise for a better world. The graduates are reminded also that we are sure this promise is an essential part of the DNA, and has been nurtured by all the time they have spent in institutions of higher learning. This all sounds good and of course, it should be uttered at moments like these when friends and family are all wishing them well.
My only additional word of advice would be to include a reminder that they can do one thing before they begin the next step in life's journey, and that is to make way for the generation which is following right behind them. Make a gesture, however slight, which shows you fully accept the fact that your day in the sun on these high school grounds has come and gone. By acknowledging that you are no longer part of the social scene I believe will speed up the next generation's recognition that it is time for them to shine. I would encourage every graduating class to do the same thing. What's more, if they have the time, and can pass along some wisdom they have acquired about the next phase of life, then all the better. The point here is to communicate and to not dominate. I believe with the tools we now have this could be built into every curriculum. Why disenfranchise those alumni who have insights worthy of passing on to the next generation?
I ultimately advocate open communication between graduating classes and those who follow in their footsteps. I also realize the recent graduates don't have much time, but any small gesture during those care free moments in September of Freshman year at college could go a long way towards making sure that they current Seniors are making the appropriate decisions based upon the wisdom of their "forefather." Please correct me if I am wrong but I believe that is what made this country great.
It is likely an easier subject to contemplate for graduates than the usual subject they are prompted to consider by their esteemed graduation speakers. As I vaguely recall they speak of the many years that lie ahead and that they have the choice to strive to fill them with promise for a better world. The graduates are reminded also that we are sure this promise is an essential part of the DNA, and has been nurtured by all the time they have spent in institutions of higher learning. This all sounds good and of course, it should be uttered at moments like these when friends and family are all wishing them well.
My only additional word of advice would be to include a reminder that they can do one thing before they begin the next step in life's journey, and that is to make way for the generation which is following right behind them. Make a gesture, however slight, which shows you fully accept the fact that your day in the sun on these high school grounds has come and gone. By acknowledging that you are no longer part of the social scene I believe will speed up the next generation's recognition that it is time for them to shine. I would encourage every graduating class to do the same thing. What's more, if they have the time, and can pass along some wisdom they have acquired about the next phase of life, then all the better. The point here is to communicate and to not dominate. I believe with the tools we now have this could be built into every curriculum. Why disenfranchise those alumni who have insights worthy of passing on to the next generation?
I ultimately advocate open communication between graduating classes and those who follow in their footsteps. I also realize the recent graduates don't have much time, but any small gesture during those care free moments in September of Freshman year at college could go a long way towards making sure that they current Seniors are making the appropriate decisions based upon the wisdom of their "forefather." Please correct me if I am wrong but I believe that is what made this country great.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
RHS Class of 1976 35th Reunion
From my pal Mitch Morrison:
So far, the following classmates have paid for the RHS Class of '76 Reunion which will be held from July 15th-17th 2011; Barbara Bird Schneider, Ann Brogan Barbi, Kathy Belleza Gabrielle, Mitch Morrison, Mark Moscarello, Cheryl Roelke Finger and Liz Rubenstein Fuentes. Please send your $100/person check asap (made out to Kathy Gabrielle) to: Kathy Gabrielle; 396 Frances Place, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 Thanks!! Mitch
Monday, September 06, 2010
Willard Class of 1964 Reunion Reception
Location:
Home of Judy Hall Saydah
228 Hamilton Ave.
Glen Rock, NJ US
When:
Friday, October 8, 4:00PM to 8:00PM
Phone: 201-447-6158
The Willard Reunion Team invites YOU to join your Willard classmates for an INFORMAL DINNER BUFFET prior to the RHS '70 gathering at the Elk's Club.
$25.00 per person will be collected at the door. It will cover the cost of food, beer, wine and soft drinks. You may bring additional beverages if you so choose. A tour of Willard is also being made available from 3:00 - 4:00 pm. We are hoping to arrange rides from the Double Tree in Mahwah, to Willard, on to Judy's, the Elks' Club and back to Double Tree. Your favor of a reply for dinner as well as for the Willard tour is requested!
Questions or RSVP to Judy Hall Saydah, rejj21@optonline.net or Susan Main, Susan@ramscoinc.com.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Labor Day
It used to be a part of our lives that school (K-12) began after Labor Day. This was a common experience no matter where you grew up in these United States.
Now it is the norm for school (K-12) to start before Labor Day in order to allow for Snow Days and for Religious holidays which fall in early September. There is nothing wrong with this change as it's just a sign of the times.
The last days of August and those before Labor Day were always times of great confusion. We knew we would be seeing our friends soon on the first day of school, though we didn't have the communications networks that we have now. To pick up a phone was a moment, for both boys and girls, filled with great trepidation. We usually just waited the days out and enjoyed the quiet in our neighborhood. An occasional BBQ with friends of the family was always on the schedule, though it felt like a stopgap and the real action began with the start of the new school year.
Kids today start (K-12) ((not to mention College)) before Labor Day and then have a break which I cannot fathom. To me, it only increases their anxiety, as there is another gap in the schedule. To reduce anxiety it might be better to keep the old way of opening school. We had snow days and religious holidays to account for in my day, but we had greater continuity and a timetable which allowed for the re-establishment of face-to-face friendships. Maybe this all doesn't matter in age where communication is omnipresent. This is just my 2 cents.
Now it is the norm for school (K-12) to start before Labor Day in order to allow for Snow Days and for Religious holidays which fall in early September. There is nothing wrong with this change as it's just a sign of the times.
The last days of August and those before Labor Day were always times of great confusion. We knew we would be seeing our friends soon on the first day of school, though we didn't have the communications networks that we have now. To pick up a phone was a moment, for both boys and girls, filled with great trepidation. We usually just waited the days out and enjoyed the quiet in our neighborhood. An occasional BBQ with friends of the family was always on the schedule, though it felt like a stopgap and the real action began with the start of the new school year.
Kids today start (K-12) ((not to mention College)) before Labor Day and then have a break which I cannot fathom. To me, it only increases their anxiety, as there is another gap in the schedule. To reduce anxiety it might be better to keep the old way of opening school. We had snow days and religious holidays to account for in my day, but we had greater continuity and a timetable which allowed for the re-establishment of face-to-face friendships. Maybe this all doesn't matter in age where communication is omnipresent. This is just my 2 cents.
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