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https://youtu.be/exLGER0EyrQ

 

 

 

 

READY SET GO...

DON'T MISS THE HPHS69 55TH REUNION

MAY 2 - 4, 2024

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ

 

 

 

 

It is with great sadness to let you know that we lost Jeff Hegedus on  Sept 4, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

WELCOME TO 2021

WE HAD A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY CALL. IF YOU WANT TO WATCH IT, PLEASE GO TO THE FOLLOWING LINK.

STAY SAFE EVERYONE!

WEAR A MASK!


https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/74vQtsnKM6maAjRhVqBL3Y5PBEM5diBKUxmfV_SF6CCpzBH4zMca_j-Nwpk36lbe.4Q3kyoyMgcG9S_d6 




 


 

Frog Prince: First Grade, Lafayette School

Who else can you name????

 


Jeff Hegedus set us straight on the history but we're still having trouble IDing the kids on the stage.

I see a very interesting photo on the HPHS69 website.  I possess the same photo except from Mrs Keiper's first grade class.  The photo you posted is with Mrs Clayton's first grade class, I believe.  The group in front of the stage are from Miss Lindquist's 6th grade class who acted as the chorus for this production.  None of those are first graders.  So, no Fred, Chris or Jill.  They are all 6th graders and we were first graders at the time.  I was very much a part of this production and will send in my photo as soon as I can find it.  This photo makes it kind of hard to pick out our classmates unfortunately.  Would love to see the original.

 

 

 


 

Welcome to 2020!

 

 The following videos were shown on May 2, 2019, at our HPHS69 Celebration Dinner.

 

  Growing up in Highland Park - Pictures from our Past - was put together by Deborah Miller - a series of pictures from our childhood, several of which were sent to us by classmates. Many of these pictures were also incorporated into our Reunion Program Book. The link follows: 

https://youtu.be/zJ-DaGoaRyg

 

 Kenny Shure filmed a video in 1969 - a wonderful remembrance of Highland Park with some other surprise guests. Barbara Julius added and synchronized the best music to it and now it really rocks!!  

https://youtu.be/hCTWBO7eOzs

 

  On the first anniversary of our 50th reunion, "50 plus 1", Don Lefkowits led a zoom reunion with about 60 plus of our classmates, some of who had not been able to attend our reunion in 2020.  You can watch the video of the call by going to the link below and also put in the password.

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/1fV7K7Hprm9Oc4Hu1GznS_ImA9vPX6a80SFK_vVYxRufUZuyPVXCm5b96fpEf9j9 

Password: 8v#d83zu

Barbara Julius put together a video that included several of our reunion photos (for all Celebration photos please go to the "Celebration Photo Gallery" drop-down).  The video can be found at the end of the Zoom call. 

 

  Zoom Holiday Celebration - December 20 @ 4 pm EST

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/74vQtsnKM6maAjRhVqBL3Y5PBEM5diBKUxmfV_SF6CCpzBH4zMca_j-Nwpk36lbe.4Q3kyoyMgcG9S_d6


 

September - December 2020

Gerry Niederman  

It is with great sadness that we recently (Nov 2020) learned of the unexpected death of Gerry Niederman, husband of Nancy Solow, who also is an HPHS graduate. During the last several years, Gerry and Nancy lived in the Denver area, where Gerry was an attorney. He was passionate about expanding healthcare for all and of course, our NJ poet, Bruce Springsteen. Gerry and Nancy recently moved to the west coast, the San Diego area, to be close to the ocean and warmer weather. Gerry and Nancy have three grown children, Alicia, Ian, and Olivia. If you would like to reach out to Nancy, you can find her now on Facebook. and on this site. May Gerry's memory be a blessing and comfort to his family and friends. https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/18987860/Gerald-Alan-Niederman/San-Diego/California/Am-Israel-Mortuary

 

Bernice Frant Bernstein

Bernice Frant Bernstein, who was the librarian at Highland Park High School for over 27 years, passed away at the age of 91 on November 15. Bernice was a first-generation American and in 1947, was the first of many Aaron Family members to graduate from HPHS. Bernice, the wife of the late Dr. Eugene Bernstein, has three children, Andy (the Voodudes), Bobby (Cary Prince), and the late Jill Bernstein Welsh; three grandchildren, Matthew (Karen) Welsh, Jackie Welsh, and Max Bernstein (son of Bob Bernstein and Cary Prince), and two great-grandchildren (parents are Matthew and Karen Welsh). In the Class of 1969, her cousins included Debbie Miller and Sharon Frant. After retiring, Bernice stayed active in the Highland Park Historical Society, Highland Park Arts Commission, and Hadassah. She was the Aaron Family genealogist and enjoyed working with Debbie on their family research, reunions, and newsletters. Pictured above, the last Aaron Family Reunion. Bernice is in the center with the beige sweater. She will be greatly missed.                         https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/bernice-bernstein-obituary?pid=197128243

 

Sandra Linzer

Sandra Linzer, mother to our classmates, Meryl (Elinson) and Debbie Linzer, died with her family around her at 95 years young in her home in Santa Cruz, CA. Sandy and her first husband, Aaron Hochstein, moved to Highland Park in 1956, with their children, Meryl and Danny (class of 1972). Aaron passed away soon after, and Sandy was left as a widow needing to support her children. Sandy then founded and directed the outstanding pre-school at the Highland Park Jewish Community Center for over 30 years. Sandy eventually met a wonderful man, Bob Linzer, who also had three children - Jeff, Ricky, and Debbie - and the Linzer clan became a blended family all moving into Sandy's home on North Sixth Avenue in Highland Park. Sandy had a long life filled with many happy times. She had a big heart and a wonderful unique laugh. Please go to the following link, a read this loving tribute to this extraordinary woman. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/santacruzsentinel/obituary.aspx?pid=196766692

 

 

Aren't they Adorable - Mazel Tov!

Born to Lindsay Mironov Rothman, the daughter of the late Arlene Mustakis, and Seth Rothman, a new baby boy, Jacob Alexander on April 6, 2020. Jacob joins his older brother, Ethan, pictured here holding Jacob. Lindsay, Seth, and her children reside in West New York, New Jersey.

 

 

 

 

 "Stayin Alive" -- Shelley (Kuchin) & Arnie Rosenberg returned in January from a three week trip to Australia and New Zealand. There were so many unforgettable moments but some of Shelley's favorites were getting to hold a baby koala bear and holding a baby Joey. In the "it's a small world" category, it turns out that Shelley Garten's cousins were on the same tour and met up with Shelley and Arnie!

 

 

 

Louie and Susan Triandifilou

After our memorable class 50th Celebration was over in May, Lou and his wife Susan did some traveling to see family. In the late fall, after the Orioles season ended, (in his retirement, Louie works for the Baltimore Orioles baseball team), the Triandifilous went to Chicago, to visit their son and family which was followed a few months later by a Thanksgiving feast hosted in Baltimore by their daughter for the whole family. In early February, Lou's family converged on Florida for a nephew's wedding on a beach in the Florida Keys. Lou reports, "We drove down with our bikes, stopping along the way to hit some trails, and then rode near Key West. Beautiful scenery, and a very interesting little town. We're sure happy to get that in before returning home to the chaos (of the pandemic)." A few of Louie and Susan's pictures follow.  

 

 

A Big Mystery? We've been trying to figure out when this photo was taken and under what circumstances. The few people we recognize don't seem to know. Can you help? We think it was taken in Donaldson Park. Donnie Lefkowits' mom was the teacher. I think we see Dimi, Helen Wright, Linda Burger, Aviva Feller, possibly Dennis Spar....and then who else???? But it doesn't seem to be a class photo...but what was this all about. No one seems to remember!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catching up with...Judy Cohen could not join us for the reunion but posted this great picture of her with her significant other's grandson. Judy lives in Ypsilanti Michigan.

 

 

Mitnick & Pochesci

Stuart Mitnick, who several of us had for high school chemistry (he was just out of college), showed up at the Pino's luncheon event on Friday, May 3. One of the reasons was to touch base with his former student, Linda Pochesci. Since Linda was not able to attend our reunion, Stuart tracked her down through our website and commissioned Linda to do a wonderful painting for him which is pictured below. Stuart still lives in the Highland Park area and can be reached at stuartmit@aol.com

 

 

Betsy Smith

Betsy Smith recently retired from her job as a psychologist for a college. Betsy lives with her partner, Berit Pratt, in Cambridge Mass with her two daughters: Lily And Mei Lin, one dog, Maisy (labradoodle), and one cat, Gato. In answering our website question, "what have you been doing since high school?", Betsy's response highlighted a wonderfully satisfying life that she will continue to enjoy in retirement. "Wayward adventures/misadventures for a few years after high school. Found my way to nursing school and later grad school in psychology. I worked in an LGBT oriented health center for years and now I work in a college counseling center. My life is filled with wonderful friends, a close family, and good health. My life has been shaped by a deep commitment to social justice and working in various ways to try to make the world a better place." We wish Betsy wonderful adventures and continued good health in the coming years.

The picture above is of Betsy with Andrea Hollis at our 50th Celebration.

 

 

Mini-Reunions

Every month or so, Louie Triandifilou drives up from Baltimore, to have lunch with his high school classmates, Jeff Hegedus, Jim Combs, and Alan Weisblatt. Jeff and Jim live in the Philadelphia area. And, Alan drives in from Middlesex County. Thanks to Alan for taking this photo and sending it along - next time, get someone at the restaurant to take a picture of all four of you! 

 

 

 

 

 


Life Cycle Events - 2020

It with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of Lenny Dinnerstein's wife, Cathy, who fought a brave battle with ovarian cancer for twelve years...but continued to live a full life with wonderful family and friends.

 


 

  To Eddie "Munk" Stephenson, our heartfelt condolences on the passing of his dear sister, Shirley. Shirley was lucky to have gotten a gift of a lung transplant that enabled her to live a longer life - but she will still be missed greatly by her family and friends. 

 

 


 

To Lynn Giles Applegate, condolences on the passing of her sister, Judith Giles Grimes, Class of 1966, on December 5. In addition to Lynn, she leaves three children and three grandchildren. 

 


To the family of our classmate, John McGann. John was such a nice man and had suffered from dementia in recent years. Prior to his illness, he enjoyed working with the team which helped to put on our class reunions.

The following is from his obituary:

"John McGann died on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at sunrise after a long illness. He was born in County Sligo, Ireland, to the late Peter and Catherine (Herity) McGann and came to America as a young child. John grew up in Highland Park where he graduated from Highland Park High School in 1969. He also lived in North Brunswick, and then Milltown. He worked at Bell Medical before retiring and was a member of the Teamster's Union. John loved the Yankees, travel, and being with his family and friends. John is survived by his wife, Barbara (Wilfong) McGann, his daughters and son-in-laws Kristin and David Cavuto and Erica and Matt Kensinger, and four grandchildren, Elliot, Isaac, Emily, and Andrew. He is also survived by his brother Pat McGann and his wife Cheryl, as well as his two nephews Ryan and Kevin and their families."

 

 


HPHS CLASS OF 1969 NEWS

October-November 2019


 

FREDDY KAPLAN INDUCTED INTO THE HPHS HALL OF HONOR

On October 25, 2019, Dr. Frederick Kaplan (or Freddy as we know him), was inducted into the HPHS Hall of Honor along with 8 other worthy alumnae. On Saturday, October 26, Fred was recognized at the HPHS Homecoming Football Game. More info and pictures on this event can be found at the "Hall of Honor" tab.

 

GOINGS ON...

Congratulations

    Congratulations are in order for Bonnie Dworeck Krentzman and Bob Zilinski both of whom recently became grandparents - separately of course! Two baby boys! In Bob's case, his first grandchild and Bonnie's fourth!  

    Congratulations to Linda Pochesci whose daughter, Lauren, recently married. 

 

Condolences

    To Barbara Julius, who recently lost her sister, Arlene. Like Barbara, Arlene was a graduate of HPHS (Class of 1967), and a graduate of Princeton University, the class of 1971. Arlene was a gifted computer programmer and a lover of crossword puzzles. Arlene is survived by Barbara, Barbara's husband, Marc Silberberg, her niece Molly, and nephew Jesse. May her memory be a blessing.

   To Donnie Lefkowits on the loss of his father, Stu. Don's wife, Laura, wrote a touching tribute on Facebook. The following is from that tribute: "My father-in-law, Stu Lefkowits, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, just two months shy of his 97th birthday. He was among the finest of the Greatest Generation, navigating a B24 bomber through 51 missions in Europe during WWII, marrying his childhood sweetheart, raising 3 children in an idyllic small town in New Jersey, and working as a tax accountant for Johnson & Johnson."

     To Ruthy Solomon on the loss of her mother, Helen. Helen was a long time member of the Highland Park Conservative Temple - Congregation Anshe Emeth, and was active in Hadassah and the Temple's Sisterhood. She also worked with many charitable organizations. At 100 years old, at the time of her passing, Helen was one of the oldest residents of Highland Park.

      To David Merrill on the recent passing of his mother, Sonya, known as "Sunny."  As a long time member of the Christ United Methodist Church, Mrs. Merrill participated in many church activities including Bible study. An avid reader, Mrs. Merrill was a master of crossword puzzles. Mrs. Merrill leaves behind two sons (including David), daughter-in-laws, married grandchildren and even some great-grandchildren.

     To Barbara Kovach Hochman on the loss of her mother, Eleanor Wilson. After retiring from the financial services division at AT&T, Mrs. Wilson loved to cook as well as design and create Christmas accessories. Including Barbara, Mrs.Wilson leaves behind two daughters, two sons, a granddaughter, and of course, her two dogs, Cricket and Sagi. 

 

 

Please send your news items about momentous occasions, family travels, adventures, volunteer work, graduations, awards, business ventures, etc. to Debbie Miller at demiller4216@yahoo.com. We will be sending an email out with new content about three times a year. Thanks.

 



HPHS CLASS OF 1969 NEWS

May 2019

 

THANKS!

Thank you to all of our classmates who sent in their photos from the HPHS69 Celebration. Many of them can be found on this website.

A very special thank you to the HPHS69 Celebration Planning Committee -  Shelley Garten,  Barbara Julius, Debbi Beaudrow Kephart, Bonnie Dworeck Krentzman, Donnie Lefkowits, Debbie Miller, Patty Owens and Bob Zilinski for their work on the Celebration. We are also appreciative of the Celebration Book sponsored and produced by Barbara Julius. All classmates that submitted a profile or attended the reunion received a copy of this wonderful remembrance. 

 

 

 



LIFE CYCLE EVENTS - January - June 2019




 

 

Arlene Mustakis: Our classmate, Arlene Mustakis Treslar, passed away on May 14, 2019. Arlene lived in Boynton Beach, Florida and worked in the military admissions office of Purdue University Global. She leaves behind two children, one grandchild, a close-knit family, and many friends. In one of the recent Facebook posts, her boss mentioned that her nickname was "Jersey."  Once a Jersey girl, always a Jersey girl! May you rest in peace Arlene and may your memory be a blessing to all that knew and loved you.

Arline Schwartzman: Mother of our classmate, Paula (Metz), the late Roberta (Kirsch), Teri (Beck) and Sheila (Weber), and wife of the late Henry Schwartzman passed away at her home on May 21, 2019.  https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/mycentraljersey/obituary.aspx?n=arline-schwartzman&pid=192943986&fhid=13962Paula's parents, Henry and Arline Schwartzman, were very generous and contributed to many charitable causes. Among them, they funded the Arline and Henry Schwartzman Library at the Highland Park Conservative Temple which offers resources that promote Jewish literacy and the Henry and Arline Schwartzman Courtyard at the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital (formerly Middlesex Hospital) in New Brunswick.

Albert Pishioneri: Father of our classmate, Larry Pishoneri, passed away on May 13, 2019, at the age of 98.  He leaves behind Larry and two other children. From his obituary: "Mr. Pishioneri was a proud veteran and served in World War II as an Aerial Gunner, completing a tour of duty with the 446th Bombardment Group, 707th Bomb Squadron, and the 2nd Air Division of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in England, 1944 & 1945. He later wrote a book, “ Me, Mom and World War II”, which documented both his 35 missions over Europe and his loving, long-distance communications with his mother at home in Ellwood City.  Later, he taught  history at Jamesburg high school and was a football coach."

John Zawadsky: John attended Hamilton Elementary School and continued at Highland Park High School through his sophomore year. He then moved to Wisconsin with his family, attending the University of Wisconsin undergrad and law school. When Deborah Miller was tracking down classmates she found John's picture on Linked In. Although he looked very different than what she remembered from 50 plus years ago, the eyes, the window to the soul, was the same. At the time of his death, John was married and had four children and one grandchild. He was a principal at the Rinehart Law Firm: 

"John H. Zawadsky, who passed away on February 23, 2019, was the chair of Reinhart’s Labor and Employment Practice in our Madison office where he also led the firm’s Construction Industry group. For over three decades, John provided exceptional legal representation to a broad range of corporate clients involved in labor crisis matters. His extensive experience and extraordinary knowledge of Labor and Employment matters earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of the most experienced traditional labor attorneys practicing in the nation."

Ed Totland: We lost another classmate. Eddie Totland, a member of the class of '69, passed away in June 2019. Ed had recently retired from St. Peter's Hospital where he had worked for many years. The words of love and sadness in losing Ed by his many friends on his Facebook page demonstrate how he was loved and was so very special. 

 

 

 

SEND YOUR NEWS ITEMS TO DEBBIE MILLER AT DEMILLER4216@YAHOO.COM