Hoping everyone is well and if you've been affected by the hurricanes or floods or tornadoes, reach out if you need anything! This has been a rough summer/fall for many states.
Thanks to those who have made this edition possible. Scroll on through and get caught up on what is new with '76ers.....
where they had a Mad Magazine exhibit!
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Joe Cuhaj BOOK NEWS!
Where were you in 1969? This book will be a great read for those interested in the space program (especially if you grew up in a time when NASA really made some important strides) or just a history buff, check out "Everyone's Gone to the Moon: July 1969, Life on Earth, and the Epic Voyage of Apollo 11" by Classmate
Joe Cuhaj Author Page ! Read more about this wonderful offering at:
https://checkout.square.site/buy/H7FON7P6WYTWOUTJJQGJN3CLBe sure to check out his other
titles which include more history and his outdoor guides.
Joe's bio info includes the following achievements -
*Freelance writer / Author at
TravelAwaits.Com, Falcon Guides, History Press, Prometheus Books
*Writer / Author / Podcast Producer at Freelance writer / Author / Podcast Producer
Here's his website - he is a talented guy!
And now a few words from Joe himself -
" Hi, 76’ers! Hope you’re all doing well. I just wanted to let
everyone know about a new book I have coming out in April: The Pig
War and Pelican Girls: 21 Extraordinary Stories from American
History.
"The book – my 19th
– features fascinating little known and forgotten tales of American
history, like the story of the “cantankerous and capricious”
woman from Baltimore who was declared the “most dangerous of all
allied spies” by Hitler during World War II, how the U.S. and Great
Britain came very close to all-out war over the shooting of a pig,
and how a two girl army turned back an invasion of a small coastal
town in Massachusetts by the British Navy in 1814.
"The title is a bit
of a misnomer. There are actually an additional 21 shorter forgotten
bits of American history that Mr. Darlington never taught us.
"The book will be
available April 22, 2025, through your favorite book store and online
retailer.
"And if that wasn’t
enough, I have one more book that has been completed and is looking
for a publisher. It’s a cozy mystery titled “Dead Air”, a
murder mystery that takes place in a small radio station in 1943 in
which I get to kill everybody I didn’t like when I worked in radio.
JUST KIDDING!!!
"If anyone is
interested, you can download preview copies of “Pig War” and
“Dead Air” from my website, http://joe-cuhaj.com/giveaways.html."
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REMEMBERING CLASSMATES
......In memory of Debbie Stewart Nickerson, condolences are extended to her family on their loss. Below is the information I was able to get from Legacy.com
Deborah Ann Nickerson, 65, of Inverness, Fl, passed away on December 11, 2023, at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital, Inverness, FL.
Arrangements by McGan Cremation Service LLC, Inverness, FL.
Debbie on the right with her niece.
*****
Mike Cummings passed October 18th, 2024
Here are more details from https://www.brooksfh.com/obituary/michael-cummings
August 29, 1958 – October 18, 2024
Newburgh, NY
Michael Francis Cummings, 66, entered into rest on October 18, 2024. The son of Francis and Mary Cummings, he was born on August 29, 1958 in Teaneck, NJ. He married Michaela (Motherway) Cummings on January 26, 1985 in Wickford, RI. Michaela survives at home.
Michael was a graduate of Mahwah High School, and proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1976-1980. He was employed as an Ironworker for Local #11, Newark.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Michaela, at home; his parents, Francis Cummings of Suffern, NY and Mary Cummings of Lady Lake, FL; his two daughters, Kellie Anne Cummings and Kaitlyn Donai Cummings Bruna and her husband Franco; two grandchildren, Camilla (Cami) Kathryn Bruna and Grant (Butchy) Dante Bruna; and his siblings, John Cummings, Ed Cummings and Kathleen Cummings Forrester.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Wednesday, October 23 at St. Joseph’s Church, 149 Cottage St., Middletown, NY. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Middletown.
WEDDING NEWS!
Joe Fagan shares wedding photos~
Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Sam Fagan, September 2024, Seattle.
Here are Joe and his son Shane at the wedding
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And MORE WEDDING NEWS!
Paul Hydrean shares October wedding news -
"Well,
I haven’t shared in a while, but this past weekend in Paradise Valley,
AZ, home to Camelback Mountain saw the wedding of our youngest, son
Benjamin to Alexas. What a joyful event. Even their Mini Golden Doodles,
Charlotte and Gracie, were there to celebrate. We are so blessed to
have Alexas in our family and all of us in hers."
*****
MORE WEDDING NEWS!
Karen Beley-Feder and husband Bill are pleased to announce the marriage of
their daughter Kayleigh!
"Kayleigh Feder and Jason Krassowski where married on October 20th at St. Vincent DE Paul church in Sterling, NJ. Followed by a reception at The Primavera Regency in Sterling.
"They swiped right on Bumble 2/17/2019. The proposal was at Holland Ridge Sunflower Festival 10/1/2023.
"Karen and Bill are so happy to Welcome Jason to our family. Alexis and Blake are happy to get a big brother. The wedding was attended with the following 1976 graduates Robin Dexter-Meyer, Irene Bader Calotta, TJ Wilks and Debbie Demeduk. "
Dad Bill, Bride Kayleigh, and Mom Karen
Kayleigh with her Grandmother Rosemary Beley and Great Aunt Darryl Slicker Roukema
The newlyweds Kayleigh and Jason
The Bride's Family - dad Bill, brother Blake, Groom Jason, Bride Kayleigh,
sister Alexis, and mom Karen
Karen and Maid of Honor Kaliee
Wedding "newspaper" - what a great keepsake!
NOTE: green photos below are due to the special lighting!
76ers Chorus Line
Irene Bader Calotta and her husband Chas
These next 3 pictures are of classmates Debbie Demeduk, Karen Beley-Feder, Robin Dexter-Meyer, Irene Bader Calotta and in the back, TJ Wilks
TJ Wilks and Debbie Demeduk
and here's an end of the night shot
..more classmate fun from the wedding!
Submitted by Irene Bader Calotta -
Karen Beley-Feder and her family celebrated the marriage of daughter Kayleigh and Jason in October. Here are some pictures, including some of our classmates having fun at the photo booth!
In the photos left to right - Debbie Demeduk, Karen Beley-Feder, Robin Dexter-Meyer,
Irene Bader Calotta and up front is TJ Wilks
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ANOTHER AUTUMN WEDDING!
Wedding bells rang in September for newlyweds Andrea Sinnaeve and her husband Austin.
Proud parents Joe and Laura Sinnaeve are included in this photo.
*****
ANOTHER HAPPY WEDDING CELEBRATION!
Debbi Karpowich O'Connor shares this news from October 2024 wedding of their daughter Melissa.
"It’s been a whirlwind of a wonderful wedding weekend in Hudson, NY celebrating the marriage of
Melissa and Adam Gaynor! Much love and happiness to this new couple.
We are so happy and proud to add Adam officially to our family! 
"
Melissa and Adam
Melissa and and her dad Brian - Father-Daughter Dance to "Sweet Melissa"
Happy Bride's Parents - Debbi and Brian
Kiara and Kyle (Melissa's brother, son of Debbi & Brian)
*****
Summer Wedding!
Irene Bader Calotta tells us a story about her son and now-wife's journey down the aisle....
"My son, Joe would visit MaryAnna (my daughter) and Shawn (my grandson born 2016) often when MaryAnna’s husband would travel for work. In January 2019 my daughter gave birth to her second son, Brian and she hopeful that Joe would continue his frequent visits.
"Joe’s friend Mike told him he thought Joe would be a great match for Stevie (Stephanie) who he knew through his girlfriend, Anna. Mike took too long to set up a double date, so Joe said just give me her number! MaryAnna was happy that Joe and Stevie were a good match, but she missed Joe’s frequent visits, he was busy with Stevie.
"Thanksgiving 2022 started out fine, my daughter and her family were over as well as my son and other family. By midday I had a 102 fever, a test confirmed Covid. I could not believe I just exposed my family.
"Later that day Joe said he was going to have the “talk” with Stevie’s Dad. I protested that he would be exposing her family to Covid. He said they all were sick with it already and he had promised Stevie he would tell her dad, Kevin, his intentions prior to proposing to her.
"Next day when the phone rang, I was hoping to hear some good news. Instead, we were told Kevin did not make it through the night, he died of Covid at age 63.
"Out of respect for her family’s loss, Joe delayed asking Stevie until February just before Valentine’s Day. Their joy again would be dampened when Kevin’s mother died the next week and not long after his father. The losses delayed wedding planning.
"April 2024, I overheard Stevie telling MaryAnna they were planning on a 2025 wedding. A short week later I was told the date was set for July 18 this year!! Stevie found a cancelation at her favorite venue on what would have been her dad’s 65 birthday!!"
Here are some pictures Irene wanted to share -
Mr. and Mrs. Stevie and Joe Calotta
This group of bridal party and guests contains many MHS alumni -
MHS'08, bride's cousin, MHS'08, MHS'08, bride's sister, Band mate, Groom Joe (MHS'08), Bride Stevie, Anna and Mike, bride's friend, bride's sister, MHS'08, the last 4 are my son-in-law, Ian, MaryAnna our daughter (MHS'05) and grandsons and proud parents Chas and Irene.
Family - Left to right, Brian, Ian, Shawn, MaryAnna, Stevie, Joe, Irene and Chas
*****
CONGRATULATIONS to all the happy couples and families!
*****
Happy Birthdays!!
April 20 Birthdays Celebration at the
Mahwah Bar & Grill
In attendance were:
Lynn Savino, Todd and Ada Cochran, Glenn and Pat Kaplan, Randy and Andrea Swickle,
Jim and Lidwin Goodwine, Patty Menz, Mike Grattini, Jean Branna, Paul Lange, John Baker
*****
*****
More Classmate Good Times!
Part 1 - From me (Sue)
While I do not like to be photographed, I couldn't let this lunch pass without having the server take our picture on October 1st.
Here's classmate Joe Sinnaeve and his wife Laura (on the right). We met up for lunch in a small town called Strathroy, Ontario as they were driving through on their travels.
It was so nice to see them!
On the left is me and my husband Tony.
Part 2 - photos from Joe Sinnaeve as they traveled
Joe and Laura continued on their vacation, taking in the lovely sights and sounds and
enjoying their nice get-away; enjoy the photos they submitted~
*****
Colorado Fun
Donna Tevis shares pictures of doing what she loves!
Riding above Lake Henry at 11,000 feet.
JJ is her 23 year old gelding
The Fall Gather
Elk on Donner's hay meadow
Fall in the Rockies
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NJ Landmark Update
Joe Fagan sent some pictures -
"the old Fireplace was torn down and now there’s a Chick-fil-A
in their place. They kept one of the bricks and posted it on the wall
which is really nice thing to do."
Inquiry
Irene Bader Calotta mentioned that the Mahwah Public Library does not have
a copy of our 1976 yearbook in their inventory.
Should anyone be interested in donating their copy,
please contact the library at
100 Ridge Rd. Mahwah, NJ 07430 or phone
201-529-7323 or email to info@mahwahlibrary.org
*****
Sew much fun!
It's no surprise that Linda Swickle Everett is still quilting and sewing after all these years.
Take a look at some recent projects!
1. This colorful quilt is loved and enjoyed.
2. Linda modeling a jacket from thrifted Kantha quilt.
3. Linda says about this design, " same jacket, but with a hood,
made from a quilt I made specifically for the jacket -
this is so cozy!"
4. Owl stuffies for her work craft exchange.
5. A mini quilt for a friend's b-day
6. Some candy corn stuffies for her work Halloween party.
*****
FAMILY TIME!
Ron Kort and his wife Kim have been enjoying grandsons Jackson, Brayden and Collin.
And exciting news for the family is that there will be another grandson soon -
due in March 2025!
*****
TJ Wilks and Debbie Demeduk
Summer Fun
Debbie (right) and her daughter Emma enjoying their annual Seaside Heights trip
Camping Fun, TJ is hard at it
Lake Ontario- Thousand Islands where they camped this summer
They attended Debbie's cousin's son's wedding in Colorado
And they stopped to visit Fort Morgan, Colorado
that was featured on TV's Hometown Makeover
*****
Now for the regular class business -
Please keep me advised on your current email and postal addresses so that the database is up-to-date. If you have moved please shoot me a note with your new address/contact info.
Currently these are the folks that we
don't have any contact info on, perhaps you know how to reach them; if so, please pass along this email address and have them contact me so they can be added to the mailing lists.
mahwahhighschool1976@yahoo.com
Here is the list of classmates with no contact info: no postal address or email address:
Carol Beynon
Cathy Burns
Debbie DeGroat
Tricia DeJean
Jonathan Gant
Steve Hafner
Bob Iannacone
Mark Jablonski
Steve Jacob
Fred Mann
Dennis Murphy
Elise Pendleton
Bob Philpott
Karen Schmidt
Bob Whitman
Ken Yaffey
Basically if you can help locate any of the classmates or know of some who haven't been receiving our emails, please have them contact me. As we get closer to a possible 50 year reunion it would be great to have contact info in place. Email is a cost effective way to contact everyone with the goings-on.
Thanks in advance.
*****
A reminder - we have a private class group on Facebook, please visit and join if you are on FB.
Mahwah High School Class of 76:
Also there is a group called You know you are from Mahwah if:
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If you have a business or website/social account that you would like to share with the class,
please do and I can include it in further editions!
*****
That should do it. The next edition of the blog will be in March 2025.
As always, thanks for your contributions and for reading this.
And excuse any strange formatting as this Blogger set-up seems to have a mind of its own some days!
Take care,
Sue
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