Archival Vault: Until June 26-09

150 Responses to “ABOUT THE SITE: Welcome, Updates, General Discussions, Comments”

  1. Okay folks, thanks for your patience, I have archived the most recent 850 plus comments from this front page, they are in three separate archive files on the menu, listed by date.

    This front page is now reopened with a clean slate for posting.

  2. Paul Skeens Says:
    June 15, 2009 at 4:31 pm e

    All cleaned and spiffed up Ken, Looks great.

  3. Not so fast, I think I just lost 850 comments, they did not upload onto the archival pages…have to see if I can recover them.

  4. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 15, 2009 at 4:39 pm e

    ken, does that mean i have to repost everthing from the last few months? also, looks like the site is running on mountain time.

  5. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 15, 2009 at 5:47 pm e

    Ken, if WordPress uses EMC as their storage vendor, you should be able to retrieve lost data, other vendors, i’m not so sure.

  6. Yeah Harry, you (and everyone else) will have to repost everything you posted to this front page since Christmas. The comments disappeared after being uploaded to the new archival pages. I can’t recover them. They are gone for good, no need to discuss this further, as there is nothing that can be done to recover them. There are limitations to this site, which is really a blogging site, not a social networking site, and well, we just discovered another limitation. Perhaps it is time to consider a different format for this site. It has grown beyond what can be accomodated by WordPress.

  7. Harry, they do not use EMC, they have their own storage system, it’s individual to each individual wordpress site. The reality is, the posts are gone, and cannot be restored. As I’ve said before this site is not really idea for a social networking site, which is basically what we have created here.

  8. Paul Skesne Says:
    June 15, 2009 at 7:10 pm e

    I see you got my email. Is it possible to recover them?

  9. Paul, thankfully I married a woman who is a computer Goddess and software Genius, Lorrie just helped me to recover all the lost posts, all 857 of them. I have them now stored in a documents file, which I will be able repost to an archival page here. We found the old front page from this site, through a Google search… apparently you can find old editions of webpages on Google if you know where to look for them, and have their original URL codes etc…

    Okay we are back in business. Be patient, and I will add those newly found posts to the archives soon.

  10. Sandy (Orme) Says:
    June 15, 2009 at 8:11 pm e

    HIP HIP HOORAY FOR LORRIE! YOU RULE!

    from on WWHS cheerleader to another!!!

    Ken you keep up the good work too!

    THANK YOU BOTH FOR ALL YOU DO!

  11. Peggy Marks DeBoard Says:
    June 15, 2009 at 8:44 pm e

    Sandy, I’m not sure if it was you who mentioned how long it took you to scroll through all the messages, if not, maybe the person who mentioned it will see this. When I click on one of the postings, I just click on Ctrl then End and it takes me to the bottom of the list. To go back to the beginning, just click on Ctrl then Home. If you already knew this maybe I misunderstood ’cause I’m kinda’ new with the computer but the classes I took did have some great tips.

  12. Peggy Marks DeBoard Says:
    June 15, 2009 at 8:49 pm e

    Inez,

    You mentioned your great vacations in Jersey and mentioned a ship store. I remember “The Lucy Evelyn” which was a huge sailing vessel beached on the bay in Ship Bottom, I think. It was a gift shop. Wonder if it is still there?

  13. Paul Skeens Says:
    June 15, 2009 at 8:59 pm e

    Hey Lorrie, THANK YOU for your tech skills!

  14. Okay here is the situation as it stands concerning the lost 857 comments, as I said I recoved them, however, I only recovered 824 of them, those up till June 9th, as Google does not save webpages on a daily basis, so the old page that was found on Google, which I was able to recover, was not current. It may be that Google updates weekly, so I will continue to check to see if a newer version of the deleted page surfaces on Google in the next few days. The 824 comments that were recovered, have been posted to a new archival page which can now be found on the menu. It is just a text document of the comments, so they will appear a little differently than they usually would, though they are still listed by date and name of poster.

  15. The Lucy Evelyn on LBI, burned a number of years ago and was destroyed. I just checked it burned in 1971.

  16. Inez (Reams) Janess Says:
    June 15, 2009 at 9:09 pm e

    Hey Ken,

    Did I miss a message that you were in the middle of archiving this page?

    I just posted (about 4 hours ago) about my family’s adventure (a two week boat trip from Manasquan Inlet to Lake Champlain in a “small” cabin boat) during the summer of 1967 when we lived on Remington Ave. It was quite an “adventure” and I thought some might find it interesting???
    Oh, well….. “I” enjoy my story… Ha Ha.

  17. Inez (Reams) Janess Says:
    June 15, 2009 at 9:28 pm e

    Hey Peg Marks De Board,

    I’m glad you got to read my “facinating boat trip story” Ha ha, it is by far one of my “best” memories!
    I just checked the “824 message” archive and it’s not there.

    Hey Ken,

    Bah Hum Bug! Ha Ha.

  18. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 16, 2009 at 1:44 am e

    Hey Harry,
    I replied to your last post you sent me but I guess it was lost in the shuffle… I noticed you said something about reposting all your posts since Christmas. How would you do that unless you saved all your posts? Did you save all your posts or is there some other way to find what we’ve posted? Does that make any sense? LOL..LOL.. I just confused myself there for a moment!!!! just kiddin… LOL..

  19. Paul Skeens Says:
    June 16, 2009 at 6:18 am e

    ????????????????????

  20. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 16, 2009 at 12:16 pm e

    Debbie, I said that in jest about re-posting from the last few months…Ken said he will try and retrieve the lost posts as stated above. how did your daughter’s graduation party go? i remember going to a couple of good ones after graduating from Wilson….1 @ Feltus’ and 1 @ Cavallo’s, then off to Rutgers for 4 years, then off to Manhattan for 29yrs….that’s a lot of time rehash in a couple of minutes….see ya hl

  21. Yes, Harry was speaking in jest, there is no need to repost comments from the last few months, 824 of the 857 comments have been recovered and are already on an archive page on the menu. I may be able to recover those from the past seven days too, when Google updates their archived pages again, that is if they “saved” a copy of this site prior to the comments being lost yesterday.

  22. Barbara (Maslanik) Thurber Says:
    June 16, 2009 at 1:40 pm e

    Ken, sorry about my request. Seems you had quite a time with it. I am glad Lorrie was able to help you out.

    Peggy it was me that asked Ken to archive some of this. Thanks for the info about using the CTL key to help out. I will know to use it from now on.

    Hey Sandy, how are you doing?

    Catch you guys later.

  23. Inez (Reams) Janess Says:
    June 16, 2009 at 1:40 pm e

    Hey Ken,

    Sorry, about the ramblings of an old woman.
    You are a good guy! Keep up the good work!
    Again, thanks for all your efforts!

  24. Inez (Reams) Janess Says:
    June 16, 2009 at 1:46 pm e

    Hey Paul Skeens,

    “?” to you, too.
    “Ha Ha” or “LOL” as the younger generation would say.

  25. Ken Barr Says:
    June 16, 2009 at 2:45 pm e

    Ms. Inez please let me know if you set up a blog site for your stories, I will gladly stop by and read up, I enjoy your thoughts, but agree with Ken as to relative content to this site.

    Ken thanks for sharing the info on Billy Haines Glad to see a few including you and your sister took the time to post a few words on the guest book, it will mean a lot to the family I am sure.

    Harry Phillies looking strong, long season to go but my eyes are watching, after all my Reds mean well, but don’t just have the whole baseball game thing down pat yet, LOL.

  26. Paul Skeens Says:
    June 16, 2009 at 3:24 pm e

    Hey Ines,
    Is THAT all I needed to do to get you to reply to one of my posts? I should have done that a l o n g time ago!
    Back at ‘ya ???????????

  27. Inez (Reams) Janess Says:
    June 16, 2009 at 3:50 pm e

    Hey Guys and Paul,

    Here’s one that is short; but I’m not sure so sweet.

    About 1969 or 1970, Cara and Debra were cheer leaders for the East Camden Marauders. That year the Marauders played againt the Somerdale Chargers and got there clocks cleaned. Were any of you there?
    Here’s the clincher: my older brother Jim Reamer (His last name is different because of a military paperwork snafu.) was the coach for the Chargers.
    Tell me you still like me, anyway. Ha Ha.

  28. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 16, 2009 at 4:02 pm e

    yea Ken Barr, Phillies looking better away for some reason, however, they did defeat a fine tuned Beckett which the Yankees never could do….no matter where Beckett pitched. Phillies should go far this year, and hopefully the distance…..see ya, hl

  29. Dave Baker Says:
    June 16, 2009 at 9:05 pm e

    Paul Skeens, Just six little words, “BARRY WHITE… THE WALRUS OF LOVE”
    ??????????????????? LOL

  30. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 16, 2009 at 9:25 pm e

    Hey Harry Loeffler,
    Speaking of the Phillies…. I get so harrassed over here in San Antonio cause I still love my Phillies… My mom loved them too and it so happened that they won the world series around the time she passed away. I always tell everyone you can take the girl out of Jersey but you can’t take the Jersey/Philly out of the girl!!!!
    But on the other hand I’ll have to say I love my Spurs!!!! Go Spurs Go!!!
    LOL…LOL… (oy vey..) as you would have said…

  31. Just a reminder to everyone, there is no need to double post comments on more than one page. All new posts are updated several times a day and can be found listed on the page titled: “ZZZ…Most Recent Posts” If you posted a comment on one of the other pages, there is no need to repost it on the front page as most know to check the recent posts page for new posts and their location. Double posting uses up valuable web space on the site, which although free, is not unlimited.

  32. Ken Barr Says:
    June 16, 2009 at 11:04 pm e

    Bake, good to see you back on track I thought you dropped off the face of the earth, I was about to assign a task force from Ken, Ken, Barr and Brown to hunt you down, the sites just not the same with out your comments and observations, don’t stay away so long, you are missed. Talk about missing “WHERE’S GEORGE” not BUSH where are you Mr. G. ? You may have to make a call Mr. Brown.

  33. Inez (Reams) Janess Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 12:32 am e

    Hey Everybody,

    I’m going to my house in Lula, Georgia where I don’t have internet and I will only be able to post when I go to the library, so:

    So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Good Night,
    Adieu, Adieu to “You” and “You” and “You”!

    Mama Bear Inez

  34. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 1:36 am e

    Debbie, it’s not a good thing to call yourself a fan of any other team on this site other than a Philly team….I happen to be a long time Dallas Cowboy fan, but was labeled a ‘front runner.’ refer to the Eagles Football sector of this site. now, there’s 3 things i don’t remember from the past…..1] a Barry White album w/my name on it. 2] the use of the phrase ‘oy vey’, although i’ve heard that expression used many times in the past. 3] that we were ‘going out together’. if we were going out, where was it to? skating @ the Glendora roller rink on a Friday night? i didn’t bowl, so it wasn’t there. just curious…. see ya, hl

  35. Freddy Vesper Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 8:01 am e

    Debbie Irizarry,
    Is your sister Sharon married and if so what is her married name?

  36. Hey Harry, wasn’t it Pete DiCianni who used the phrase “Oy vey” all the time? Maybe Pete wrote your name on the Barry White album…LOL

  37. Inez, I moved the story you shared with us to the “Inez Janess” page, a better location for it on the site, rather than the front page.

    Debbie Farina Irizarry, since you had double posted the same post on the “Add Where You Are Page” and this front page, I removed the post from the front page. The original is still on the “Where You Are” Page.

    Just a reminder to everyone, to be sure to post your comments on appropriate pages. I sometimes find posts on pages that are totally disconnected from the topic that a page was set up for. If anyone wants a new page opened for a specific topic, just ask.

    I am thinking about opening a separate page for most of the random posts that get posted to this front page, and leaving this page just for announcements of new members etc… or comments concerning the site that everyone should read. This will prevent the need to archive posts, if they are on a separate page I can just close that page to comments when it becomes too full and open another general/random comments page.

  38. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 10:59 am e

    ken, haven’t heard from/seen P. Dicianni since the 10 year reunion….don’t even remember Pete saying oy vey….lol… my suggestion is that you add a page just for sports, since the topic does appear on this main page sometimes….and other teams besides the Eaglets…..this way all of the other ‘front runners’ can post their opinions.

  39. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 11:08 am e

    Freddy Vesper,
    No, Sharon is the only one out of 7 of us sibblings that never married. She is happily single and living in Delaware. Do you think you graduated with her? She is still Sharon Farina…

  40. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 11:17 am e

    Ken, sorry for the duplication. Thanks for removing it. Oh and by the way, it wasn’t Pete Diciani (Don’t know who he is…) that gave me the Barry White Album and it was Harry that used the expression, “OY VEY”… alllllll the time!!!! LOL..LOL..
    Maybe Harry stole it from Pete…LOL…LOL…

  41. Debbie, no problem. And if you need me to rattle Harry’s head to improve his memory, just let me know.

    Harry, I just opened a new page: “SPORTS CENTER – MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL etc…” It’s on the menu, so post away about anything pro sports, yeah even those pathetic Cowboys…LOL

  42. Nick Rapanotti Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 12:10 pm e

    Harry L., my good man. I hear yo do not remember your constant usage of “Oi Vey”? Is old age really setting in? LOL!

  43. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 12:38 pm e

    Thank you Nick!!! LOL..

  44. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 1:33 pm e

    all i can say is ‘oy vey’

  45. Paul Skeens Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 4:25 pm e

    Bake,
    Glad you’re BACK man! The best Barry was when Letterman had him saying all kinds of stuff into the microphone like “OOOOOOPRAAAAAAHHHHHH” and “Big ASSSSSSS HAMMMMMMMMM” LOL
    ???????????????LOL!!!

  46. Sandy (Orme) Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 4:44 pm e

    Well on our way to 857 more post! Keeping Ken busy.

    Hi to all.

    Barb: doing OK, just busy with family stuff. How’s the kitchen coming along???

    Later GATORS!!! (Naples, ahhhhhh can’t wait)

  47. Dave Baker Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 4:50 pm e

    MMMMMMM BABY! I LOVE YOU BABY! YOU CAN HAVE MY BABY!
    AND MY BABY”LL BE YO’ BABY, BABY! Or something like that! LOL
    That Barry sure had a way with words. LOL

  48. Dave Baker Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 5:03 pm e

    Ken Barr AKA “THE BOTANIST” LOL
    Much obliged for the kind words, Call off the search party, Take down the road blocks, Tell the “Sky Cowboy” (speaking of lost posters) to stand down, I was on a keystroke strike til Ron Henry posted again! LOL
    I’m not sure I believe you guys that George “The Ghost” Gumbrell has ever really posted here, Knowing what pranksters you guys are! LOL

  49. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 5:32 pm e

    Hey Dave, Sure Barry would have thought you did him proud… LOL…LOL… that was funny!!!!…LOL… He sure did have a way with words, that’s why I loved his music so much…LOL..LOL.. Except for the, you can have my baby part… Again, that was really funny! Thanks for the laugh… You probably made Barry role over in his grave…LOL..LOL..

  50. Dave Baker Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 5:41 pm e

    Debbie, You’re too kind, Barry’s a “Big Man” I think it would take a lot more than my sense of humor to make him roll over! LOL

  51. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 5:53 pm e

    To Harry… In response to your #3, all I can say is, “ouch…”

  52. Janice Lowe, Welcome to the site, and thanks to Tom for sending you the link! I think we have enough old Explorers here for a reunion camping trip now…LOL

    Hey Bake, I can vouch for the fact that George Gumbrell has been to this site, look back in the earliest archives – the first 50 (geez, we were niave back then, we thought 50 posts on the front page was a lot, so we archived them, we’ve gotten 50 here since yesterday) George was THE FIRST poster on this site, and in fact he was the spark that started this brush fire. He posted pretty regularly for a number of months. Not sure what happened to him, but I wish he’d find his way back here.

  53. Brother Barr the Botanist… Ken, this is a great Monk/Saint title for you. I like it! Bake is more of a genius than he realizes!

  54. Harry, are you trying to get out of having dated someone thirty five years ago??? Oy Vey is right!

  55. In addition to welcoming Janice Lowe to the site… I would also like to welcome the following (some of these welcomes may have been in the unrecovered posts from a few days ago):

    Debbie Farina Irizarry, Judy Hale, Bill Evans, Bill Skilskyj, Dennis Gringell, John Raletz, the Parrish family, Tom Lowe, Marguerite Angelastro, and Gary Schreyer. WELCOME ALL

  56. I also wanted to repost the link to the obituary for Billy Haines, 54, who grew up on the 32nd Street Hill (226). A number of people from the old neighborhood wrote touching tributes to Billy at the Courier Post site, they can be read there.

    Billy’s brother Charlie Haines, has visited and posted to our site.

    http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/courierpostonline/obituary.aspx?n=william-j-haines-bill&pid=128290717

  57. Peggy Marks DeBoard Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 10:11 pm e

    To All,

    Inez is back in Lula, GA and said if I was on the site I was to say, “Hi,” to you! No computer where she is so she’ll have to get to the local library to keep in touch.

  58. I’ve added a new page – Moorestown Mall – 60’s Postcards… check them out, there is even one of the monkey cage they use to have there in the late 60’s!

  59. Ken Barr Says:
    June 17, 2009 at 11:35 pm e

    Ken you are right I will wear the Botanist Title proud, Bake a Genius that may be a stretch….. awe heck it’s true…

    Bake you are a genius and the man. When I think of that plant I wonder what the street value was? I knew I was a business man at an early age I just didn’t realize how early.

    I must also add folks that I have scene the George Gumbrell posts first hand. Although Ken Brown is very talented I believe they were authentic. In fact it is because of George and a kind invite to this site that I hang out here now and dropped my subscription to another pay site. I guess technically George is responsible for me saving big money (more like chump change) but money none the less.

    Nick we didn’t take a vote but I guess we can consider “Bowling” a sport and you are welcome to add thoughts to the new sports page, which Kudos to Brother Harry “I didn’t date her” Loeffler for getting Ken to set the sports page up.

  60. Paul Skeens Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 7:21 am e

    Hey Kenny,
    I remember that cage. I think they did that to “out-do” the birdcage at Cherry HIll Mall.
    Ken Barr,
    You were an Entrepreneur even at that early age. While we were bugging our parents for pennies and dimes to go to “Jacks” on 36th st, you found a way to earn your own “candy money.” And Yes, I too have seen the actual George Gumbrell posts.

  61. Freddy Vesper Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 8:06 am e

    Debbie,
    Thanks for the reply, I thought perhaps Sharon was a person I knew but she is not. The name does not sound familiar but I graduated WWHS in 1967.

  62. Paul, yeah caged monkeys were always more impressive in my mind than caged birds. I recall now why they removed the monkey…. someone taught him to use sign language, and he was known for flipping people the bird on occasion. I think I have a picture of that someplace in my files…LOL

    Not only are the George posts here at the site authentic, but I did speak with George on the phone last Summer. I have tried that number, in recent times, with no success. I do know George was in the process of moving, maybe he’s gone native in the wilds of Vermont and has no Internet access now. Maybe we need to air drop RussMac into the Vermont wilderness, on a search and recovery mission for George. I even watched the initial episode of “I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here” just in case George was on that show. He wasn’t.

  63. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 9:31 am e

    Hi Freddy,
    You’re right cause Sharon didn’t graduate till “72″.

  64. Debbie, your sister Sharon might have known my brother Bill “Mike” Brown, he graduated in ‘72 also, passed away in ‘78.

  65. Dave Baker Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 9:56 am e

    Ken, I have read the archive posts of “The Gumbrell Ghost” and have no real reason to think that you or any of the other cast members of “Stand by Me” would fabricate such an adventure, However, Perhaps we should give the “Sky Cowboy” a GPS coordinate and drop him into the lush pines of Vermont for a little recon just to squash any thoughts of conspiracy I may have evoked, What say you? Ball’s in your court, Pass, Dribble or Shoot! LOL

  66. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 1:28 pm e

    ok, Debbie Farina, i just spoke to my sister Anna in Ormond Beach, Fl. i asked her about the oy vey, and not only did she confirm what you said, but she rattled off about 100 other idiosynchrisies about me that she didn’t like from back then….i think she’s tightened me up a million times over the years. what are sisters for but to keep their only brother in line….lol anyway, sounds like you have a great family life, and i know how rough things were back then, as ‘home was on my back’ during my college years….see ya, hl

  67. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 1:32 pm e

    p.s., excuse my spelling, i know idiosynchr’o’sies is spelled with an o.

  68. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 2:56 pm e

    Ken, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I know what it’s like to lose a loved one. My mom passed away 2 years ago. It’s still hard for me to accept it. I’m going to ask Sharon if she knew him. That’s the year I graduated in “78″. He’s probably in her yearbook if she still has it.

  69. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 3:07 pm e

    Hey Harry, tell your sister Anna thank you. I know I just turned “50″ and I do have a little selective memory here and there, but, there are some things I remember from 34 years ago….LOL.. Unlike you I might say…..LOL.. All I have to say is, “Ginkoba”…
    Thanks for sharing that you called your sister… You didn’t have to admit that. You could have just let me think I was gone senile since I just turned 50 and all!!!!! LOL..LOL..
    Have a blessed day..

  70. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 5:21 pm e

    welcome to aarp age Debbie Farina…..how’s youre eyesight? mine got a little weaker about 9 yrs. ago…..for reading…..distance is still eagle eye caliber. lol

  71. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 5:35 pm e

    p.s., Happy 50th birthday……………..

  72. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 7:08 pm e

    Thanks for the belated birthday wishes… And as for my eyesight, that was the first thing to go when I turned 40!!!! It was as if the warranty ran out at exactly 40 years!!!! LOL..LOL.. Now at 50 all my other warrantees are running out!!! LOL..LOL.. But that’s okay, as long as my mind set stays young I’ll always be young at heart on the inside… That’s what counts huh?
    All my friends, co-workers and students at school tell me I don’t look 50 but I have to say, I sure feel it!!!! LOL.. Some days I feel like I’m 90!!!!
    Oh well, enough of that now….. One thing I don’t remember was your birthday so how old are you now? You did graduate 2 years before me so does that make you 52? I do remember what the M. in your middle name stood for. Back then you would never tell anyone what it meant. That’s probably something else you don’t remember huh?????? LOL…
    That’s okay, I understand, old age….LOL…LOL…
    Oh well, gotta go… Time to make dinner…
    Did you graduate with Michael’s sister Teresa Irizarry? They lived on 20th street in Cramer Hill. She lives in El Paso now. She’s been in the military ever since graduating from high school. She just recently retired from the Army. I can’t remember if she graduated in “76″ or “77″. I asked Nick Rapanotti but he didn’t remember if he graduated with her or not. Okie dokie, definitely gotta go now…
    Take care and don’t forget the Ginkoba!!!
    P.S.
    one other thing I don’t remember is where you lived…LOL… talk about selective memory!!!! Pretty bad huh?

  73. Someone else on this board turned 50 before me? LOL

  74. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 7:40 pm e

    wow, don’t rush me into 52…just turned 51 March 25th….lol feel the same way @ 51, like i’m 90 too. or 92 even. disc bulges/hematoma on top, hernia, h.b.p. will do that to a person…lol got the h.b.p. under control, but they won’t go near the disc bulges/hematoma. umbilical hernia is pending. hey ken maybe we can also start a header for web md…. the ‘Wilson alumni medical question/answer forum’ given the fact that most of us are aarp age. lol… the ‘M’ you remember….some ‘call me the gangster of love’ no French blood in me, from the multi-millionaire $ Frenchman my pop worked for way back when. maybe i should take ginkoba, your memory seems very sound.

  75. Hey I’m heading towards 51 on 9-11, never felt better in my life. I can fix all your aging problems, I’m a trained gerontologist – LOL More flax seed and tea, less diet soda and beer, and more Tina and Barry….hahahah

  76. Okay our site now has music…I must say I stole this idea from Steve Bellitz, who has a thriving DJ gig on FaceBook. He won’t mind, he went to Davis…then to Camden High! I may have to hire Steve to come spin some tunes here. LOL

  77. Paul Skeens Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 9:06 pm e

    Ken, Ken Barr, Harry, Bake, Debbie, and all the rest of the regular “posters,”
    I just wanted to call your attention to something we may have overlooked. I noticed an earlier post by Ines Reams Janess where-in she says she may not be a regular anymore, and a comment by Peggy Marks Deboard confirming this.

    I didn’t want Ines’ important post to be overshadowed by talk of the monkey cage, “oy Veys,” “suspicious weeds,” and Barry White! It is not proper and fitting for someone of Ines’ stature, who has contributed so very much to this site. I hope that she is able to contribute more on a regular basis, as she has in the past, and hope everyone will join me in encouraging her to do so.
    Thank You Ines for all of your great memories and pictures you have given us! And hope that you will continue to provide us with more.

  78. I’ve added one more musical treat… THE HORSE – WWHS Marching Band Fight Song. I found a Youtube presentation of the original Cliff Nobles and Company 45 rpm recording of THE HORSE, which apparently was not just Wilson’s marching song, but also for the U of Wisconsin, and a number of other high schools and colleges!

    The song can be found on the menu under – The Horse…

  79. Paul, yes, thank you for reminding us all of Inez’s departure. I realize the site has been busy lately, what with deleted posts, recovered posts, the addition of the Sports Center which seems quite popular, the missing monkey mystery at the Moorestown Mall, the special concert appearance by Tina and Barry, the rise to near Sainthood of Brother Barr the Botanist, and the recovery of Harry’s memory and the acknowledgement that perhaps he did indeed once date Debbie, and even signed a Barry White album for her. Oy Vey, have I forgotten anything? Oh yes… discovering the original recording of THE HORSE, that should really get everyone around here pumped up, especially Bake who has agreed to dust off his dancing skates and do a few laps to the WWHS fight song!

    Really though, we wish Inez a safe transition to her Georgia home, and here’s hoping the local library there has online access so she can continue to post here!

  80. Ken Barr Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 9:42 pm e

    Paul, Indeed regarding Ms. Inez, her temporary departure from the site was not predicated on the re directing of her lengthy post, after all history will show that Ken and I are probably the longest winded posters at times and if that were the basis we would have been ok I would have been exiled months ago, LOL. (I hope I am not the only one laughing there) Anyway it just was a timing issue that looked like she was run off or something, but clearly not the case as I personally understand it from her. I also was fond of her postings (except perhaps one picture but I want go there) and her input certainly was thought provoking and jarring some memories up for me for sure, I hope she gets back on soon

  81. Ken Barr Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 9:44 pm e

    Oh yea, and Harry, don’t cave in man, if you don’t recall you don’t recall look how well it worked for Clinton and George W.

  82. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:05 pm e

    ken barr…..lololololololololololololololololololo

  83. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:19 pm e

    LOL…LOL… Ya’ll are CRAZY!!!! I never thought one little remark about a Barry White album would have grown into such a conversation piece…LOL… I don’t think I knew any of you guys except for Harry but if I had I probably would have been laughing my head off cause ya’ll are nuts…LOL…
    Thanks for sharing the video… Brought back lots of memories. That’s one album I don’t have of Barry’s. I think I’m gonna ask my neighbor if I can borrow their turn-table so I can pull out my good ole Barry…
    Oh well, I think I better stop replying for a while. Don’t want to take up too much space.

  84. Sandy (Orme) Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:43 pm e

    Hi All!

    Debbie, looked in my year book, Teresa must have graduated in ‘77, she isn’t listed in the ‘76 year book. I did find a picture of a T.Irizarry for Girls Basketball Varsity, did she play BB? Congratulate her on her retirement from the Army. My son just got back from Iraq. God Bless all the Troops!

    Ken: the song The Horse was a torture for the cheerleaders! We loved ” Hey Hey Na Na Say Goodbye(Wilson High istead of Goodbye) Now that was a song to march too! Every time I hear it I remember all the football games WWHS won! Except the championship in AC against Sterling. Our Sr. Year too. We had pictures in the Courier-Post also, football players, band members and something else or someone else, can anyone remember what or who it was?
    Go ahead I dare you all to remember. (Lorrie don’t say a word if you remember) let’s see how bad their memories really are! LOL

  85. Sandy (Orme) Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:50 pm e

    I should have said was a torture for ME not all the cheerleaders. lol

  86. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:57 pm e

    hey Sandy, did i date you in high school too? lol

  87. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 18, 2009 at 11:08 pm e

    Hi Sandy, I’ll tell Michael (my husband) to relay the message to Teresa. My husband Michael is in the Air Force Reserves and has served two tours to Iraq already. He just returned in October. Almost missed our daughters wedding. His unit left in February and she got married in March. They sent his unit out and allowed him to wait and leave the day after her wedding, thank God… His first tour to Iraq he missed our oldest daughter’s high school graduation.
    When he was in the Marine Corps they weren’t so family oriented. He missed the birth of our first child. He didn’t even get to see him till he was 4 months old, then he missed his first birthday, our oldest daughter’s first birthday… etc… Tell your son I said thank you from the bottom of my heart for his sacrifice. I know what a sacrifice it is being a military wife. Michael has two more years to make it to 30 and I’m ready for him to retire from it. I want him to retire now but he wants to make it to 30 years. In the mean time I just pray constantly that he won’t be sent out again. I can’t deal with another tour. Getting too old to deal with all this…
    Tell your son he is in our prayers and God bless ya’ll for your support.
    Debbie )

  88. Sandy (Orme) Says:
    June 19, 2009 at 1:39 am e

    Harry, No, you didn’t. You never asked either, that I can recall. Your memory is still ok in that area, but you did write a very nice note in my yearbook, never saw you after, so Thanks for the kind words.

    Debbie, hope all is goes well with your hubby and he never deploys again!
    We’ll also keep him in our thought and prayers.

    later GATORS:-)

  89. Charlie “Skeeter” Moy Says:
    June 19, 2009 at 6:20 am e

    E,Camden Marauders,

    I went out for the team around 1955,I think.

    Back then they went strictly by age,weight was not a factor.
    Although I was old enough,I only weighed about 60 lbs…& was less that 5 feet tall.
    I lasted two practice sessions….LOL

    However …as I remember it,from 1955 thru 1957 The E,Camden Marauders had a very good team ,was THEE team to beat & nobody cleaned their clocks !

    My friend,Bill McKnight played for them, he lived on 32nd st, a few doors from Merriel Ave.

  90. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 19, 2009 at 9:21 am e

    Sandy, were you at the 10 yr reunion? if so, we probably just had no communication….i remember being upset about the class members we had lost that were posted on the big white chart…..anyway, i surely don’t remember what i wrote in your yearbook, glad you approved though. wow, it’s been about 23 years since that reunion, i beleieve there was going to be some sort of 25th yr reunion, but 9-11 put a stop to it…..lost many friends/acqaintances to 9-11 from work/college….never forget!

  91. Sandy (Orme) Says:
    June 19, 2009 at 11:04 am e

    Harry, I was at the reunion and also helped organize it so I was pretty busy. I saw you but you there, but never got a chance to say “hi”. Never heard about the 25th, 9/11, will always be in our hearts and minds. I’m afraid it will become a distant memory to some people. Take care, Sandy

  92. Sandy, I just compared notes with Ken Barr and also checked the yearbooks, and the game against Sterling was Junior year, Wilson lost 15-12. Wilson did not play Sterling senior year according to the yearbooks. And I think Ken Barr has the answer to your mystery memory question…. ROOOOAAAARRRRAR is all I’ll say LOL

  93. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 19, 2009 at 3:06 pm e

    For those of you that didn’t know what a “gerontologist” was, like myself, here it is…

    ger·on·tol·o·gy (jěr’ən-tŏl’ə-jē)
    n. The scientific study of the biological, psychological, and sociological phenomena associated with old age and aging.
    ge·ron’to·log’i·cal (jə-rŏn’tə-lŏj’ĭ-kəl), ge·ron’to·log’ic (-lŏj’ĭk) adj., ger’on·tol’o·gist n.

    Just what we all need…LOL.. Sooooo, does that mean we all get “FREE” counsel on this site…LOL..LOL..

  94. Paul Skeens Says:
    June 19, 2009 at 3:31 pm e

    Debbie,
    This site is a FULL SERVICE site. We are quite fortunate, it comes “pre-equipped” with our own geriatric Counselor….Ken Brown. That is his specialty. I urge you to take full advantage of his FREE counseling sessions.

  95. Ken Barr Says:
    June 19, 2009 at 3:45 pm e

    And Paul dont forget our cracked up legal team of Ken Ken Barr and Brown for all your cyber legal farces.

  96. Ken Barr Says:
    June 19, 2009 at 3:46 pm e

    Yes Sandy I think it was a 4 legged visitor for sure

  97. Paul, while you speak much truth in your post, I must add that at one time I was a trained professional gerontologist, but having stepped away from that to be a full time stay at home Dad, I admit I started to miss counseling the old folks so I came up with the idea for this site, where I knew I would have a steady stream of aging friends from the same era and place, with perhaps, some memory problems, that I could offer my services to while sharpening my dormant skills. LOL

    Now eat your flax seed and sip your tea, and step away from the processed foods and Crystal Lite drinks.

    As for our little cottage industry in law… the firm of Brown, Barr, Ken & Ken, yes we will handle all your legal needs with the exception of bail… we will not post bail for any of you!

  98. Another photo has been submitted to the site, this one anonymously, which certainly indicates it is probably controversial in some way. The photo can be found on the menu under – Nick Rapanotti’s Private Bowling Lane.

    And NO… I will not reveal my sources, and the law firm of Barr, Brown, Ken & Ken stands firmly behind that decision!

  99. Ken Barr Says:
    June 19, 2009 at 4:54 pm e

    I tip my hat in agreement Ken on both of your postings, except the flaxseed thing, I am still looking into that, LOL

  100. Sandy (Orme) Says:
    June 19, 2009 at 5:04 pm e

    Ken Barr, has the answer of who or what the pics were about? That’s the question, not who won, but whose picture was in the Courier-Post. Hint: 1 picture, 2 people.

  101. I’ve opened a page for Gary Papa – Channel 6’s Sports Anchor who sadly, passed away this afternoon. Gary was the best when it came to sports coverage in the Philly/South Jersey area. Post your memories of Gary on the page – Gary Papa – Channel 6 Sports.

  102. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 19, 2009 at 6:03 pm e

    Hey Ken, what’s wrong with the Crystal lite drinks?

  103. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 19, 2009 at 6:35 pm e

    Debbie, you said y’all a few posts back….did you pick up the Southern drawl while living in Texas? y’all replacing ‘you,” 3rd person plural. how’s the pecan pie down there? lolololololol

  104. Debbie, the problem with drinks such as Crystal Lite, especially with those that are getting up there in years, is that it contains Aspartame, which can cause some symptoms in older folks – headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, vertigo, blurred vision, insomnia, and even memory loss. Probably a glass now and then is not going to harm you, but I know of elderly individuals who will drink some of these drinks with Aspartame everyday, and they drink it in place of water. Next time you are in the supermarket, take note of the elderly in the instant juice mix aisle, they love this stuff. Mixing Aspartame with some medications can also be harmful, especially for older folks who may have pre-existing problems that include some of these symptoms. There have been cases of Aspartame overuse causing MS like symptoms also.

  105. Debbie, you’re in San Antonio? My sister Laurie Brown (Freeman), she posts here, and was two years behind you in school (she graduated ‘80 from CCHS, went to Davis but not Wilson) has lived in Burleson, Texas since 1982… near Ft. Worth.

  106. Dave Baker Says:
    June 19, 2009 at 9:14 pm e

    Mr Mom,
    Papers melt in a Maytag Dryer, Crayons go up one drawer higher, Rewind Barney for the fifteenth time, Breakfast six, Naps at nine,There’s bubblegum in the baby’s hair, Sweet potatoes in my lazy chair. LOL

    WOAHHH! Aspartame, can cause some symptoms in older folks – like headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, vertigo, blurred vision, insomnia, and even memory loss. Wow you just described my last marriage! LOL

    Dear Doctor Ken,
    You still haven’t answered my question of flaxen haired maidens being a substitute for flax seed.
    Curious in PA
    LOL

  107. Dave, your memory is indeed shot, as I answered that question months ago! I’m sure if you search the several thousand comments archived, you’ll find the answer. And drink something with Aspartame, just this once, you will need the insomnia to get through all those archived posts. Okay I’ll play nice just this once and repeat myself for your benefit, flaxen haird maidens are only a substitute for flax seed if they can lower your cholesterol. As always send the check to Barr, Brown, Ken and Ken.

  108. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 20, 2009 at 3:58 am e

    Ken, you’re sister was graduating at the time I was getting married in “80″, then when she moved to Texas I was still living in Hawaii. I moved back to Jersey from Hawaii around the end of “83″. They sent my husband on another deployment at that time. He was in the Marine Corps then. After he got back we stayed in Jersey for a few years then he wanted to move here to San Antonio. We’ll be here 23 years in December. Texas is HUGE!!! Does she like it where she’s at? It took me a long time to get used to it here. I still miss home!!

    As for the Crystal lite I never realized all that!!! Maybe that’s what’s wrong with me…ha…LOL.. Hey, I gotta have some excuse…LOL..

    Haven’t talked to my sister Sharon yet to see if she knew your brother.

  109. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 20, 2009 at 4:29 am e

    Harry, hate to admit it but yes some things are wearing off on me from Texas. Everyone makes fun of me the way I talk when I say you’s guys or water, or parlor (living room), coach (baby stroller), pocket book (purse). They constantly ask me to talk or they’ll ask me where I’m from. They can still notice an East Coast accent on me but I don’t think I have one. Every once in awhile I slip out with ya’ll…LOL.. Didn’t even realize I did that in my last posts… Uh oh, the Jersey may be leaving the girl afterall…LOL.. Nah… never….LOL.. I won’t let it…
    It’s funny cause when we go home to visit, the family laugh at my kids cause they talk like Texans. Mikey was 4 years old and Leilani was 4 months old when we moved here and Mandy was born here in San Antonio so my kids talk like Texans…LOL.. I’ve been here 23 years but I still think I talk like back home except for a few ya’lls….LOL..
    When I lived in Hawaii and moved home everyone cracked up because I talked like them over there. When they talk it sounds like they’re always asking a question. Their sentences always go up at the end like a question. I never realized that either till they all made fun of me when I went home. Luckily that wore off!!! Over here I don’t care where I am someone always asks me if I’m from New York!! I tell them nooooo, I’m from New Jersey…
    When Michael came back from Iraq on his first tour the news guy over here was interviewing us and here, come to find out he was from New Jersey. His name is Bill Taylor. He interviewed us and he started out with saying, “so how you’s guys doing!!!”. He was joking with us cause he knew we were from Jersey..LOL.. After the interview he talked to us for a long time telling us the places he found over here where we could get pizza and cheesesteaks like back home. It’s hard to find that. One thing we can’t get that I love are panzorratti’s, and tasty cakes… When we go home to visit all we want to eat are cheesesteaks and panzorratti’s… Oh man, my mouth is watering right now just talking about it.. You don’t know how good you got it till you can’t get it!!!! Oh, one other thing too is yum, yum. At least that’s what we used to call it back home. It’s the Italian water ice. I used to always get it at the Pennsauken Mart. When we were kids we used to rent the keg and go around selling it around the neighborhood yelling, yum, yum, yum yum!!!!!! They were the days….
    Wow… I get so sad sometimes reminicsing cause the years just flew by…
    The house that I was born and raised in is no longer there. The whole block is just gone… I cried when I saw that. It just looks like a big open field!!!! All the memories in that home and not to be able to even go back to see it again really saddens me. Oh well… the memories will always remain in my heart..

  110. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 20, 2009 at 4:30 pm e

    hey Debbie, i posted in the past about a trip i made to Cramer Hill about 10years back w/friend from college….the bottom line is the saying ‘you can’t go back home’ applies to where we grew up…..i almost cried too when i saw the condition of the area…anyway, let me know if you received the e-mail i sent you….i intentionally only allow people i want to e-mail me because of security reasons, and i don’t get bombarded with spam mail, except the ones that aoHell jams thru since they’re paid to do so……lol take care, hl.

  111. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 20, 2009 at 8:06 pm e

    Was the email a photo of your nephew in Iraq? If so, I was wondering who that was from… Yes, I received it, if that’s the one you’re talking about. I replied and asked who it was but I guess you didn’t get it..
    Talk to ya later…

  112. Harry M. Loeffler Says:
    June 20, 2009 at 8:22 pm e

    glad you got the photo…..ya mean i forgot to put my name in the e-mail? must have been running late for work……wonder if your husband recognizes him? i know, it’s a lot of area to cover between Iraq/Afghanistan…..

  113. Sandy (Orme) Says:
    June 20, 2009 at 10:07 pm e

    HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL!

    Hope everyone has a wonderful and enjoyable day!

  114. Happy Father’s Day to all the DADs who post on the site!

  115. Dave Baker Says:
    June 21, 2009 at 12:00 pm e

    Hope you’re not up on a rooftop
    fixing a crooked shingle,

    Or underneath the kitchen sink
    giving the pipes a jingle,

    Hope the lawn’s already mowed
    with perfectly trimmed hedges,

    On Father’s Day, A handy man
    shouldn’t have any rough edges!

    Hope all you Dads have a relaxing Father’s Day

  116. Barbara (Maslanik) Thurber Says:
    June 22, 2009 at 11:04 am e

    Sandy, the kitchen is finally coming along. Still a few weeks to go though. Can’t wait…

    Hey Johanna, girlfriend, where have you been? You need to check in and catch up.

    Big Hello to Janice Lowe. What have you been up to?

    Check back later.
    Barbara

  117. Barbara (Maslanik) Thurber Says:
    June 22, 2009 at 11:27 am e

    Ken, I just listened to The Horse song and it brought back the memories. However, Sandy is right. All of us who were part of the band, whether you were a cheerleader or majorette we really liked marching to the other song “Hey, hey, na, na, say Goodbye”. This song had a better beat to it.

  118. Bruce Scholz Says:
    June 22, 2009 at 6:21 pm e

    Warren Smith,
    I spoke to my Sister Bev and my Father this weekend. Bev says she remembers you well. Was happy to hear from you. She asked me to re-send this site to her. Mom and Dad are doing great. They just celebrated their 60th anniversary last week. Was your sister Karen in my Davis 8th grade class ‘70/’71?
    Inez (Reams) Janess,
    Was your boat in Shelter Harbor Marina in Beach Haven? What years were you there? My parents had a boat on “C” dock during the late ’70’s and early ’80’s before the marina went “condo”. I was a commercial clammer and would bring clams in to sell to the “Residents”. Those were good times.

  119. Warren Smith Says:
    June 23, 2009 at 12:13 am e

    Bruce Sholz,
    Thanks for your response. Pass along my congrats to your parents and tell Bev it would be great to hear from her. Wether it be here or on Facebook, or Classmates, I’m on all three. As for Karen, yes she is my younger sister, and she would have been in Davis at that time. Part of what makes this site so much fun, is that you hear names that you recognize or right away you think of someone that is a sibling of that name. That was a wonderful part of the time and place that Camden was when we were growing up. Families growing up together. It was great !!!

  120. Bruce Scholz Says:
    June 23, 2009 at 7:05 am e

    Ken,
    I noticed on your Facebook page that we were born two days apart! Where were you born? If you were born at Lourdes, we were probably roommates in the maternity ward as thay would keep the Moms and babies for like a week back then! Whenever I do something stupid, my Dad says they must have switched babies on him. Hmmm….

  121. Hey Bruce, I’m a Cooper baby! I did however share the maternity ward with Kathy McTaggart, who was in my Kindergarten class at Davis. She and I were born just a day or two apart also, and our Moms met while spending that long week at Cooper. I think they shared a room. I still have the newspaper notice that shows myself and Kathy listed as being born at Cooper. The McTaggarts lived near 36th and Westfield in the early Davis years; she transferred to St. Joe’s around third grade, then went to CCHS. Maybe she will find this site one day. Johanna Shirk (Fanelle) who posts here, knew Kathy at both St. Joe’s and CCHS.

  122. Inez (Reams) Janess Says:
    June 23, 2009 at 4:19 pm e

    Hey Bruce Scholz,
    Yes, our boat was in “Shelter Harbor”. I was trying to remember the name of the marina yesterday and now you tell me, thanks.
    Dock “C” sounds familiar. I know that we were half way along the last dock by the wooden fence and the restrooms.
    We were there for 1967 – 1969 then moved to Harbor House Marina in Ocean City in 1970 – 1972.
    Yes, those were good times!

  123. Inez (Reams) Janess Says:
    June 23, 2009 at 4:37 pm e

    Hey Ken Barr,

    I noticed in one of the past posting that you are having a CD done of your Gospel Music. Is it ready, yet? When it is ready, where can we get it?

    I had a tape of Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter, singing “This Train” (I think that’s the title). Well, I cannot find it and really miss listening to it!
    I especially like to listen to country gospel music when driving on long trips!

    Of course, for variety, my CD “The Best of Roy Orbison” gets me where I’m driving to, in no time…. as does “The Best of of Don McLean”!

  124. I deleted the two “musical” additons, the Barry White and Tina Turner post, and the page with The Horse on it, they were causing the site to slow down whenever I went to update things. Anyone interested in such songs/videos, you can find most anything on YouTube.

  125. Ken Barr Says:
    June 23, 2009 at 10:33 pm e

    Ms. Inez should be out late September, mostly in Christian Bookstores in the Midwest, however we may be able to order it through the church web site we are setting that up. In addition there will be a web cast of our Sunday Morning message beginning in July, you can listen for it on Thursday’s at 11:30 a.m. at http://www.lighthouse-radio.com should be 1st week in July to start the broadcast. I will get you a copy of CD when its ready just email me an address to send it to and I would be delighted to replace your Johnny Cash, although I am no Johnny Cash, LOL. I love Don Mc also he has some great stuff.

  126. Paul Skeens Says:
    June 24, 2009 at 8:49 am e

    I don’t know if anyone remembers “Sgt. Randazzo” from Davis School. He used to come into the classrooms with a miniature traffic light and do a safety presentation. He also organized the Safety Patrol and did presentations on stranger danger. He passed away on Monday, June 22, ‘09 at the age of 89. He has been retired since 1975. The information is in the Obit section of the Courier Post today

  127. Sandy (Orme) Says:
    June 24, 2009 at 9:46 am e

    I remember him with great fondness. He was so nice and let me know I could trust policemen. We had a gathering on a Saturday, which was a big deal, at Sharp School for our bikes to be registered with the police dept. Sgt. Randazzo was there to take charge and he did a great job with all of it, no helmets, but lots of other advice on bike safety. My he RIP.

    I also lost my first dentist on Father’s day Dr. Zembrowski, age 85, who practiced on Haddon Ave, for over 50 yrs! Thanks for all the brushing tips! RIP.

  128. Paul, I remember Sgt. Randazzo and the miniature traffic light. Was he also the officer who showed the 16mm film in the auditorium about the effects of drunk driving? It was one of those classic public service films of the 50’s and 60’s, and it showed individuals in a controlled setting drinking various amounts of alcohol and the effect it had on them… i.e. what one drink does, two, a six pack, a bottle of vodka etc… The movie ended with a dramatic shot of the aftermath of a car wreck caused by alcohol consumption. Anyone remember that film? I think they showed it to the middle school students.

  129. Ken Barr Says:
    June 24, 2009 at 2:39 pm e

    Paul thanks for sharing, I too learned a lot from those meetings we had with him, I agree with Sandy it helped us understand and not be afraid of the police. Ken I remember the movie, your low budget PSA, low paid actors but the accident impacted me the most, Kudo’s to them for the shock value at least for us. Sadly now a days the children are not phased by such things as their shock level has changed due to exposure of TV and the portrayal of shocking things being cool.

  130. Paul Skeens Says:
    June 24, 2009 at 4:54 pm e

    Ken Barr,
    You are very right about our kids being immune to anything that was once considered shocking. It is the TV, music, video games and movies of today that does a great deal of damage that people do not realize.

  131. Dave Baker Says:
    June 24, 2009 at 7:29 pm e

    Paul, Thanks for the 411 on Sgt. Randazzo as a former Saftey Patrol member I remember him well, Another one of our role models that have left a valuable impression on us. You and Triple B are right about kids today, I would even go as far as to say that they are numb to the consequences of their actions and know full well that they don’t have to be responsible for them, (not all of todays kids but a vast majority) How many of you remember when we were younger if you did something wrong your name was posted in the newspaper, Not today my friends that would embarass the youth of today, I always thought that was the point!
    Today you can be DUI and commit vehicular manslaughter and only get a 30 day sentence, If you’re a role model and have the ducks to get a good lawyer, I can’t tell you how much that makes me scream at the TV!
    I’m grateful we had our childhood when we did, We truly were blessed!

  132. Charlie “Skeeter” Moy Says:
    June 24, 2009 at 8:28 pm e

    Barr,
    “You are very right about our kids being immune to anything that was once considered shocking. It is the TV, music, video games and movies of today that does a great deal of damage that people do not realize.”
    ********************************************************
    Ah …yes,it seems we older people,parents ,tried to warn you about that long ago…how it was bad for children,a slippery slope ,but no one listened & we were made fun of.
    I guess Tipper Gore wasn’t far off the mark after,eh?…LOL
    Sorry,couldn’t resist an “I told you so on that one…we saw it coming.

    LIVE & LEARN.

  133. Dave Baker Says:
    June 24, 2009 at 8:39 pm e

    Skeeter, A lot of the things nowdays TV, Video games, Movies etc… do contribute to the damage of the youth today, However at some point they have to make a decision wether it’s right or wrong when confronted with a situation regardless of their influences, I watched Yogi Bear on a regular basis and never once thought about stealing a PIC-A-NIC Basket! LOL

  134. Paul Skeens Says:
    June 24, 2009 at 8:44 pm e

    Bake,
    VERY well said!!!

    Skeeter,
    We owe you and your generation a great big “YOU WERE RIGHT!” I would give almost everything I have to spend 5 minutes with my Mom and Dad
    just to tell them how right they were about EVERYTHING!

  135. Dave Baker Says:
    June 24, 2009 at 8:52 pm e

    Paul,
    “We grow old too soon, And smarts too late”
    An old PA Dutch saying

  136. Ken Barr Says:
    June 24, 2009 at 10:13 pm e

    Great choice of words guys:
    Paul: kids being immune to anything that was once considered shocking
    Bake: they are numb to the consequences of their actions
    Skeeter: Ah …yes,it seems we older people,parents ,tried to warn you about that long ago
    The Dutch: We grow old too soon, And smarts too late

    Skeeter: No matter how good the message, you have to want to receive it. When ” Nike ” came out with their Tee-shirts all the kids had to have them. Their Logo and the words….. ” No Fear ” this began a spiral trend downward and out of control. I agree Paul we all thought we knew more then our folks and they were out of touch and we have since seen they knew a whole lot more then we wanted to realize at the time. But today our children the youth in our children and grandchildren are taking it a step farther. They know it all, they think they an do it all, family doesn’t count at all, concern for their parents, elders, themselves all gone by the weigh side. It appears as you all have touched on is they think they are untouchable, it wont happen to me, I am above this or that. This is not a commentary on all youth but the percentages lean towards the negative I am sad to report. I council a lot of families and it usually comes back to one main theme…. a complete lack of respect.

    We can’t and won’t change things overnight, but we have to keep talking about it, working on it and never stop loving and cherishing the very children and grandchildren God has blessed us with

  137. Whoa guys… surely you are not writing off a whole generation because of a few bad kids with dysfunctional parents from OUR generation are you? Blaming their music, TV, video games, and a Nike slogan?

    As a parent of two high school teens, and another in middle school, I need to stand up here and defend this younger generation. You can’t blanket a whole generation with generalizations, ESPECIALLY when the reality is that the great MAJORITY of today’s youth lead very positive lives, are hard working, studious, responsible, caring, decent, respectful kids.

    Yes there are a few kids in every school and every community that are involved in negative behaviors; and yes there are pockets of urban and even surburban areas in this country where the bad outnumber the good, but the numbers are not as great as you believe, and there is not a runaway slide towards the dark side with today’s youth.

    The majority of the youth today are taking a harder course load in middle school, high school, and college than previous generations. Most of us went to WWHS in the 70’s, I don’t recall any AP classes for any students, even if you were “college prep.” Many kids come out of high school today with a number of AP (college credit) classes on their transcripts.

    Most every kid that graduates from a high school in New Jersey is required to participate in community service projects to graduate…structured volunteerism… something not required of our own generation. And you know what, today’s youth gets involved and remain involved not because it is required, but because many are into the whole concept of giving back and volunteering their time and skills to causes they feel passionately about.

    As for other areas of concern… recreational teen drinking and drug usage, it is amongst most teen demographics, percentage wise, lower than it was in the 60’s and 70’s when the drinking age was 18, and usually half the senior class was of “legal” age and there were even open bars at the prom. Most of today’s teens are not sitting around in their basements listening to music, wondering how they can score a six pack. The reality is, many want nothing to do with alcohol, let alone drugs, not just in high school, but at the college level. Look at FaceBook, it’s not the teens sending cyber drinks to their friends, it’s their middle aged parents. Fact is, the middle aged and older generation have turned many youth off of social drinking…. they see their parents sitting around drinking a few beers or having a few glasses of wine after work, and not being very productive, and they want no part of that life.

    And while we are on the subject of the Internet, since the consensus seems to be that it corrupts today’s youth, here’s the reality as I see it, as a parent of teens… teens are using the Internet for social networking, allowing them to connect with other kids in a way us older folks were never able to. Kids are connecting across racial, gender, economic, ethnic, and clique boundaries that in previous generations kept groups of friends very isolated from others who might be different. The type of networking kids do today, online, is actually breaking down the prejudices that kept kids in previous generations from associating with kids that were “different.”

    The bottom line, kids today are more accepting of others, and more inclusive of kids who are different than themselves. It’s not the youth of today who brands all Muslims as terrorists, because the youth of today, even if they are a Christian or a Jew, or profess some other spiritual faith, probably have some Muslim friends on their online buddy list. It’s their parent’s generation that labels and looks at those that are different due to ethnicity, religion, orientation, beliefs, etc… with suspicion. Ditto for sexual orientation, talk to today’s youth, they are not concerned if so and so is gay, it makes no difference to them, they don’t avoid befriending someone just because their sexual orientation differs. They see it as a private matter. They don’t judge and condemn those that are different, nor do they try to dictate how others should live, which seems to be the preoccupation of the middle aged and older generations.

    As for Music being a bad influence. The bottom line is, all generations find and embrace music that previous generations will label as harmful. Bottom line, yes there is negative music out there, but not all kids are listening to it, or are they influenced by it, and not all rap is negative, neither is all heavy metal, or emo music. Fact is, the youth of today have wide ranging tastes in music, moreso than previous generations. My kids have exposed me to some really great music I was not even aware was out there. They seek out and listen to music from many genres, from many corners of the globe, because they can do so easily online. They are more tuned into music, and a wider variety of music, than any other generation. And they are not all online seeking out the nasty lyrics from a few rap songs that Tipper Gore warned us about. They are on YouTube, seeking out music from around the world, or more often, creating their own music… most of which is quite creative and innovative.

    TV watching. Sorry to inform you, but ask most teens, and they will tell you they don’t have time to sit in front of the TV for hours on end each night, mindlessly watching inane programs. Most are too busy with hours of homework that is required for their Honors and AP classes. My kids watch probably an average of four hours of TV a week. And I assure you, that is typical of their peers. So who is mindlessly watching the junk on TV, where do all those numbers in the Neilsen ratings come from…yep the middle aged, and OLDER generation. They make up the majority of TV consumers.

    Anyway I leave you with this, before you blame the youth of our great nation with its ills and downfall, think of this… who is responsible for the economic mess (which our youth will inherit) this country is in? Yep, overspending, greed influenced, living on credit middle aged Americans. Who is responsible for this war in Iraq, that our 18, 19, and 20 year old youth are fighting in, and dying in? Yep, middle aged America. And you know what… today’s youth are willingly volunteering for military service and willingly fighting in a war not of their making, because of their sense of responsibility to country. Yet the very generation that has led us into this war in Iraq, was the same generation that back in the 60’s, were radically against the military, and in large numbers found ways to avoid the draft and service to America. Think about it, there is no draft today, yet every branch of the military has new recruits out of high school, who VOLUNTEER to serve their country! How many from the 70’s generation willingly volunteered to serve their country? RussMac and I had this discussion once… not many from our generation in the 70’s enlisted in the military. Enlistment was probably at an all time low. But the kids of this generation are doing so, and to fight in a war they had nothing to do with starting.

    The list of social ills that are NOT the fault of today’s youth, goes on and on… online pornography… it’s not teens looking at it and fueling that multi-billion dollar business, it is for the most part middle aged men. Online gambling… ditto, though the numbers are about even for middle aged men and middle aged women. Using the Internet for illicit purposes… fraud, identity theft, child porn, yep again it’s middle aged Americans, not teens. Ditto for all the inane “games” (Mafia Wars, Farm Life etc…) on sites such as Facebook… the teens don’t play them, but their parents are addicted to them!

    And remember this, behind every screwed up, dysfunctional teen with issues…. most likely you will find a screwed up homelife run by… yep screwed up dysfunctional middle aged parents!

    Enough said. Rather than blasting today’s youth and writing off a whole generation, embrace the positive lives the majority of them are living… and learn a few things from them too… they are the most technologically competent generation ever, they grew up on technology and know how to use it in ways us older folks still shake our heads at. They are the future, encourage them, support them, respect them, and learn from them.

  138. Ken Barr Says:
    June 25, 2009 at 12:31 pm e

    Ken, I thought I was the only one to take his fingers on an aerobic adventure,LOL. I don’t think anyone is writing off an entire generation, if you read closely and associate some time lines. It appears you have been blest with children, surrounding themselves with other a like children that are on the right track and possibly in a demographic area that has a stronger focus on positive influences. We can and will choose to disagree on the percentage to positive and negative influences, with my basis being on the Midwest and intercity senses’ and many family and friends in the education system. With my brothers wife a teacher in N.J. and mine here, there is clearly a different approach to the education system, with N.J. taking a stronger desire on goals where the Midwest is just getting them through. Your comment of ” dysfunctional middle aged parents ” really is PARENT the divorce rate is through the roof and single parenting on the rise, grandparents raising children is more the norm, to call it a family is some what of a stretch. Children having children on the rise and quicker every year. My extended family on my wife’s side has 3 Nieces with pregnancies in High School and only 2 married from it and 1 of the 2 divorced after 2 years and the 3rd still not married with the child at age 8 dysfunctional home life or broken home life, is popping up everywhere. Our drop out rate is higher here then anywhere in the country.

    As a good note, we will count on your family and families a like to mount a stance and rise up to keep our country a going and as I stated ” never stop loving and cherishing the very children and grandchildren God has blessed us with “

  139. Debbie (Farina) Irizarry Says:
    June 25, 2009 at 12:36 pm e

    Amen Ken… I totally agree with all you’ve shared. It’s so easy to blame the child for everything they are doing, but working in the school district myself I see how many children are left to fend for themselves and raise themselves because so many parents are just into themselves. So many parents are more concerned about their social lives and their careers that they totally forget about the responsibility they have in raising their children. They seem to think that the schools and the churches will help to raise their children as to take the burden off their shoulders.
    I have to say, me and my husband have been so blessed with our children the way they turned out in a world like today. But on the other hand we take the responsibility of teaching them and guiding them ourselves and not expecting the schools and the churches to take up the slack. It all begins at home and it has to begin from the time they are babies, not when they are teenagers and they are already set in their ways.
    I feel so sad for some of the students I come across in school seeing how they are struggling in their lives. Things are hard enough now adays for a child to grow up in this world and not to have parents to guide them or show that they love them is devastating to most of them. They need that support and guidance which most do not have these days, again due to parents caring only of their own concerns. I am not saying this of all parents so please don’t think I am bashing all parents. I am a parent and a grandparent. We just need to realize that behind every action there is a reason or better yet a story. What we need to do instead of giving up on these children is pray for them and their parents and our Country and it’s leaders. And like you said be a positive role model for them because God knows so many of them don’t even know what that is. There’s a quote I love that I keep on my office wall and that is, “It’s easier to build a child than repair and adult…” Our children are our future and it’s up to us to build them up so that they don’t end up like so many dysfunctional adults today. Thank you for your reminder of that. I pray for those parents that are struggling with children mentioned in some of the previous comments. All I can say is to LOVE THEM, LOVE THEM, LOVE THEM… That’s really all kids want today. If you ask them they will also tell you they wanted the discipline but never got it. I work with high school students. I hear their stories and I get to deal with some of the parents and then I get to see why the child is like he/she is….
    Like you say Ken, some of the parents are worse than the child. Any wonder why they turn out like they do. It’s not the world’s responsibility to raise our children, it’s ours…
    Remember, “It’s easier to build a child than repair an adult…”

  140. Ken Barr and Debbie, thank- you both for your well thought out and insightful comments.

    Debbie makes an excellent point about the need for parents to be better role models for their kids, and indeed it does all start in the home, and at birth. Dysfunctional homes, as both Debbie and Ken have pointed out, breed dysfunctional kids and the result will be troubled teens, many of whom it may be too late to help.

    Ken also points out, rightly, that this issue does have a great deal to do with the demographics of different geographic areas, and dysfunctional families/teens may be more apparent in some areas, whether urban, surburban, or rural. But again, it all comes back to parenting…. which I think everyone agrees on, is the most important factor in raising emotionally healthy kids with positive attitudes. It is afterall, the sense of connectedness and belonging to family and neighborhood that has influenced so many of us adults who came out of East Camden, to be the positive parents and role models we are today with our own children.

    And good things are still coming out of Camden, despite the city’s decline in the years since most of us lived there. The good that still surfaces, does so through the many talented kids who have chosen to live a positive productive life, despite their surroundings.

  141. Inez (Reams) Janess Says:
    June 25, 2009 at 6:32 pm e

    Hey Ken,

    Is the photo of the girl and 2 guys in the “funny hats” clear enough to post?

    I’d love to know “why” they were wearing those hats…..
    Do you think Kenny Barr and his plant had something to do with it?

  142. Ken Barr Says:
    June 25, 2009 at 6:33 pm e

    Debbie, thanks for your comments in a way you must see some horrific situations by the H.S. Level. My wife teaches 2nd grade and has for 25 years now and she tells me at dinner tonight the decline in grades are devastating only 50% at best do B and above work. You should hear some horror stories at dinner sometimes, and yes the parents think the raising of the kids rests on the shoulders of the teacher and yet the homework just doesn’t seam to get handed in and in fact she tells me in one case it was turned in, in the parents handwriting. Thanks again for your comments it is clear it all starts in the home. Clear evidence of that is the success stories of your children and Mr. Browns, it’s the parental efforts that your children shall we say are gonna make it, and maybe make it big. But the best thing is that you guys parented them into having a fighting chance.

    Mr. Brown, good Doc on u-tube gives us a little hope for what is usually painted as a hopeless situation. I think it’s great to be proud of the strides our children and grandchildren make and equal pride for the input and difference you have made in their lives. Sadly the other side of the coin not so promising as Debbie said we need to pray and love those with larger struggles then most. Paul, back to work, look forward to more of your point of view later when you have the time to drop in again.

  143. Ken Barr Says:
    June 25, 2009 at 6:38 pm e

    Ms. Inez, I know nothing, I see nothing…. what hats? LOL

  144. Dave Baker Says:
    June 25, 2009 at 8:22 pm e

    Ken,
    We have awakened your passion, That my friend is part of the point.
    Triple B touched on the demographics and that is right on point. I don’t believe that any of us feel that all kids today are the entire problem, We grew up with stay at home mom’s for the most part, There is no such thing as a one person income to make it today, Let alone a one parent household to raise children. Your passion for family will no doubt be passed down for generations to come, For you have provided your children with a moral compass of sorts, Family, Faith, and ethics.
    Demographics play a great part in what seems to be a breakdown in our society, I’m by no means preaching gloom and doom for America, Every generation has their duty to carry the torch of what this great country is and can be, In some respects that torch’s flame has been allowed to flicker and not glow as it did in our childhood. However I must state that “What’s accepted today… Becomes common place tomorrow”

  145. I just wanted to say that everyone who has participated in this discussion has provided much insight into the youth issue from various angles, and in doing so, we all gain a fuller understanding of the issue.

    Paul brings insight not only as a parent of three great kids, but also as a police officer of more than thirty years. He has seen things most of us have not, he sees first hand the many domestic variations kids are raised in, the home that are dysfunctional, the homes that are not, the homes that have parents who will make your skin crawl, and the homes that put the Cleaver’s to shame. Pastor Barr offers another perspective of today’s youth, as a minister who works with families that are often in spiritual crisis, and from a geographic area, that is perhaps, very different on the socio-economic level than what many of us have been exposed to. Debbie’s views are formed from her experience as a mother and grandparent, and as an educator working in a high school. My perspectives come from being a stay at home Dad who has been involved with his kids daily life from day one. Bake’s experience too comes from being a parent himself, who has already successfully raised kids to adulthood, kids who have turned out to be well adjusted, engaged in life adults, and who are a testament to his parenting skills. Skeeter bring his “old school” wisdom and his experiences as a parent and grandparent. We all bring our personal experiences to the individual perspectives we have shared here. And from all of these views, we all gain a fuller picture of today’s youth,

    I think we are all in agreement that not all of today’s youth are troubled and headed towards adulthood as irresponsible, unengaged, dysfunctional people. And while there will always be exceptions, in every family, school, and community, we can rest assured that the majority of today’s youth will grow up to be productive, involved, caring, responsible citizens, we can all be proud of.

  146. A final thought, I still assert that it is the adult population that we need to take a hard look at… because much of what can be viewed as negative influences come to our kids from the adult world… parents need, as Paul has expressed, to be the first line of defense against those negative influences. But on a larger scale, adult society as a whole needs to be more accountable… it is adults running the TV stations, producing the negative films, music, and websites, and adults who set the parameters by which we run not only our families and schools but our communities. And when adults rise up to be citizens we should be able to point to as role models, but then end up falling far short…. and this includes our elected officials… one only has to look back to yesterday to see that another elected official, another official on the national scene, has fallen because of his personal behavior and dysfunctional life. As adults we have to pause and give more thought to the people we elect to lead us… and then you won’t get those questions like the ones I get from my own teens every few months when another political leader falls in shame…. “Why do you adults keep electing these fools?”

    It has been said that the youth vote is largely responsible for the election of Barak Obama. And regardless of what one thinks of Obama’s political ideas, in this election, the youth vote got it right, they aligned themselves with a President who places family front and center. His relationship with his wife and kids is one parents can take a lesson from. It is a testament to what a great marriage and great parenting can be. And I’m sure that as his presidency progresses, his impact on the important issue of family is going to be big. This is the type of leadership role model this country has been lacking… hopefully it marks the beginning of the end of electing leaders whose personal lives and family lives are dysfunctional and falling apart.

  147. Ken Barr Says:
    June 26, 2009 at 10:36 am e

    I agree Ken I think we all can share a common sense of concern for the children and for the adults responsible for providing them leadership and direction. Everyone’s input for me was enjoyable and thought provoking and each having their own special insight to the issue. It all goes to show you we can step back for a few from the slap stick fun of this site and enjoy an informative discussion, proof for me this site is important to all of us.

  148. Amen to that Brother Ken! What is quite clear is many of us are passionate on issues concerning the youth of our world.

    Inez, the photo of the three individuals with hats is quite blurry, but I have not posted it for another reason – none of the individuals pictured have ever visited the site. I don’t want to post a picture, which may, like other mystery photos we have posted, take on a life of its own with speculation and conspiracy theories. Ken Barr mentions the slap stick fun we have here, and that is all good, but it has always involved comments on mystery photos wherein the subject of those photos (namely Ken, Bake, RussMac, myself, and Nick) are here to give their input. If any of those guys ever objected to the photos or the comments, they all know I would take them down at their request. It is for that reason that I do not like to post single photos of people who have not been to the site. Class photos, or photos of large groups at school events, or from sources that are in the public domain are a different story, and I have no problem posting them. I have come across a number of wonderful photos of individuals who grew up in East Camden, but I will not post them if the person has not been to this site, and I don’t have their permission.

  149. Ken Barr Says:
    June 26, 2009 at 5:43 pm e

    I know we all are sadden by the losses of top icons we grew up with, Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Somewhere along the line they each crossed our paths in life through radio, T.V. and Movies. I admit shamelessly that I enjoyed the work of MJ and in many ways he had a brilliant mind for music and never let his fans down in an effort to entertain. His personal life certainly was cause for me to be praying overtime for him, but I allowed myself to separate the performer from the less that accepted lifestyle, not passing judgement just stating I didn’t agree with everything he did, said or portrayed.

    I take this moment to add this here as we need now turn to praying for the children he leaves behind, on one hand maybe they have a real chance now and on the other hand they may be caught up in the shadows of MJ’s life as a whole that could haunt them the rest of their lives. I am also guilty of having my Farah poster still pretty much intact, marriage prevented me from keeping the Playboy coverage but I still got to keep the poster (rolled up in the closet) non the less. For Ed, well I never did win any Publishers Clearing House nor ever knew anyone that did, so in effect he didn’t have much effect in my life. In all cases I ask God for comfort for each family

  150. Ken Barr Says:
    June 26, 2009 at 5:54 pm e

    Bake… hitting the nail on the head. it applies to all aspect of life, you stated:

    ” However I must state that “What’s accepted today… Becomes common place tomorrow ”

    To quote the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz…. ” aint it the truth, aint it the truth. “