Union Avenue Class of '69 70th Birthday Party Reunion

  Remember Mr. Dombrowski? There wasn't an eighth grade girl who didn't have a crush on him. Ok. Maybe one who recounted a story about him at our 40th reunion.  I think I have the details right. He either enlisted or got drafted, right? It was 1969, so it was Vietnam.  I don't remember this part, only someone else's recollection, but at one point, some point, he went around the entire class and said something nice about everyone. When he got to them (again, preserving identity not being woke) he said 'what can you say about a person named [insert name].' I wonder where he is now. Anyone know?

One of the things  I love about planning these reunions is that I get to chat with so many old friends along the way. This morning it was Leslee Scheckman. Each time, I'm transported back to our shared days at Union Avenue. I was in Fern's living room, playing on her ouija board. I was in Leslee's kitchen eating Kraft macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs, I was baking bunny cakes with Fran, I was listening to Gloria's sister Roberta's 45s in her attic playroom, I was meeting Mark Engel on the path that went from Webster to his street, I was watching college basketball at Lonnie's, I was sick at home when Eliot dropped off my wristlet on the way to his bar mitzvah celebration, I was swimming in Joey Correia's pool. One conversation stood out among the others. It's haunted me since we had it. Maybe because, now that I'm retired and working as a lunch aide in an elementary school, I see it with my 70 year old eyes. But one of our classmates, probably mo...

Sorry. No yesses. Just two nos. Natalie Krietzman messaged me over the weekend to let me know she won't be attending, and I had a text chat with Ellen who really wants to be with us but can't make it work.  With Ellen's permission, I'm sorry to share the sad news that she lost her beloved husband Charlie this past February.  Included below is a link to his obituary.  Charles Noble Sincere condolences from The Class of '69, Ellen. Rest in Peace, Charlie. 

Here's what happened yesterday:  Fern replied to a snail mail I sent, also via snail mail. We had a lovely text chat and made plans to phone chat this weekend. As of now, she's a maybe.  I also chatted with Ellen Aranoff. She'll be returning from a vacation the day before our reunion, and she said that if she can find a dog sitter, she'd come. So check back for her status.  On the disappointing front, Eliot wasn't able to change his family vacation, so he sent his regrets. And I'd asked him to contact Marla (who better), who also won't be attending.  Also yesterday, Lonnie and I narrowed down the menu and cost. It will be $35 person. We're providing food and soft drinks, but please feel free to BYOB.  Oh! I almost forgot! I've invited a secret guest. Not certain yet of their status. But I won't tell, even if I know. Because. It's a secret.  (Pictured below: me and Lonnie at the Irvington High School All Class Reunion this past summer)

Yesterday Lonnie confirmed that Paul G and his wife are coming to our reunion. Gloria is still waiting to hear from Paul P.  When Lonnie and I first planned this, we discussed where we should hold it, the intention being, if we were too big a crowd we'd have it out. Since we're going to be a more intimate group, and since they offered, we're having it at Lonnie's house. Sort of like the old days of parties in his basement.  After talking yesterday, Lonnie and I decided that he'd take care of ordering food, etc. Were planning on sandwiches and snacks and of course a 70th birthday cake. We're not calling this a 'potluck' but if you'd like to bring something for the table or beverage cart, please do. We'll try to let you know the cost in advance, but we'll all settle up with Lonnie at the party. I'm sure he can accept any cash app. Real cash is okay too. I had a busy day yesterday, because I also had a very pleasant text chat with Eliot. He...

Maybe I should start with who's not coming. The committee confirmed the following won't be attending: Debbie Addario. Louie Baldwin, Carlotta Benevides. Michelle Bono. Joey Correia. Mark Engel. Fern Ehrlich. Ann Lubell. Shelley Rosenbloom. Chris Strohmenger. Here's who might come: Ellen Aranoff. Fran Cowan. Marla Potsdam. And here's who's confirmed: Gloria Birn. Eliot Fried. Lonnie. Jeff Komrower. Me. Meryl Miller. Jack Ribeiro. Leslee Scheckman. Marty Tarabar. Matthew Wolf. Larry Zarra.  So we're going to be an intimate, casual group. Peter Biedermann, the Boubs, John Ficula, Gina G., 

Check back after the weekend for a who's who of who we found. If you're reading this, and still in touch with any of our classmates, please let them know.  

Sunday, November 2nd 2:00 PM Lonnie H's House Vorhees, NJ The Union Avenue Class of '69 is turning, or has turned 70, and we're gathering to celebrate! More details to follow.