Jim Valkenbergs Memories


Since this is being written for a Mahwah High School class directory I should talk about that a little. Frankly, high school is somewhat of a blur to me. It almost seems like a different life. When contacted by Gloria Klaschka-Pease in early 2012 I was tempted to leave those memories behind as they have been for almost 50 years. But I was drawn to the words Gloria wrote and the thoughts of actually seeing how some of my classmates actually turned out. I found myself looking through the 1963 Keneu (can hardly believe I found it) and wondering how I actually got away with 4 years and did almost nothing. Gloria told me that “there was a kinship that time could not erase” and urged me to consider attending the 50-year reunion in 2013. Although my memories of those 4 years in Mahwah are faded and weak, I think she is right. I enjoyed looking at the class directory Gloria has on-line and actually was saddened at learning of some of those classmates that have passed on. There is a feeling there, someplace deep and finding it is certainly more pleasurable than I would have imagined. Here are a few of the memories that come to mind…
I remember Jim Bengaff. If one can have a “best friend” then Jim was mine before Mahwah and during our high school days. I have seen him a few times since graduation and know he has two beautiful daughters and several grandkids now. I know his wife died very young and can only imagine the pain. He lives in Vermont and I live in Nevada and the odds of actually seeing him again are long… but in Vegas we sometimes bet on long odds and maybe he’ll come to the 50-year reunion.
I remember Barry Fowler and playing football in his back yard and his Mother’s cookies.
I remember Spanish Club and wish I had paid more attention. I could use it now!
I remember Sally Ahrens & Merry Monaghan (my picks for the 2 prettiest girls in class),
John Lisack’s accordion, and Gigi Jordan who didn’t go to Mahwah but did attend grammar school in Allendale. I had a childhood crush on her.
I remember Karen DeGraw and her beautiful singing voice.
I remember Dottie Wilson… how could one forget the police chief’s daughter.
I remember Jack Curzon… we stood at the same bus stop in the morning for years.
I remember Karen Horton who’s Dad had an electronics store or a TV repair shop or something like that.
I remember a pool table in Art Klein’s basement.
I remember Bob Kiehl’s big house.
I remember Pattie Thurston and Susie with the wonderful freckles (or was that Skip Kelly with the freckles?).
I remember Cal Eriksen (because he lived close to Bengaff)
I remember the public swimming pool in Allendale with the raft in the middle and how you could get under there and pretend no one knew.
I remember little league baseball and Bob Tamagny’s Dad who said I couldn’t throw hard enough to pitch… he was probably right.
I remember Mr. Deer’s science class and how I never knew why he left Mahwah so suddenly.
I remember Mrs. Eddy’s English class… she was very kind.
I remember Mr. Filardo’s Driver’s Ed class on the back roads in Mahwah… whew… that was close!
I remember Mr. Herold’s mnemonic device to help us remember the 12 major nerves in the brain … “On Old Olympus’ Towering Tops a Finn And German Viewed All Hops”… but except for Olfactory, I have no idea what the other nerves are!
Then there was Miss Klug’s chemistry… that’s all I have to say about that.
Now that Gloria Klaschka has kindled my Mahwah spirit (just a little) I am enjoying the memory of those long forgotten times and find that there were some good things after all. I hope to thank Gloria in person in 2013.


Jim Valkenburg

** No thanks needed! Just buy me a cherry coke and fries at Doc's Sweet Shop Jim!
Gloria
If you would like to respond to Jim's Memories and share some of your own with him, his contact information is:: Jim Valkenburg
3685 Willow Bend Ct.
Las Vegas, NV 89121
jamesv13@cox.net
(702) 434-9858 Home
(702) 460-8139 Cell





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