Author: Ken

IHS Class of 1971 Reunion 50+

The 50+ Reunion Team: L-R Laura Krampetz, Karen Mericle, John Manning, Rhonda Goldberger, Mike Emanuele, Ken Ronkowitz, Vita Venturi, Manny Fernandes. Missing: Terry Masucci, Karen Long, Tom Trokan

Our reunion after 3 years of planning, one year postponed by a pandemic, and 51 years after graduation came off without a hitch on October 1, 2022.

Thanks to all who help us along the way and everyone who attended.

Irvington Park

Irvington Park is a mid-size urban park located in a densely populated township, and so it serves as a much-needed recreational area. It is a 24.38-acre park bordered by Lyons Avenue, Grove, May, and Augusta Streets. It is the twelfth largest park within the Essex County system.

There are lawn areas framed by red oak, mulberry, dogwood, elm, and ash trees. A small 1.65-acre pond fed by an artesian well provides fishing and model boat sailing.

This park was purchased for $56,000 in 1906. Construction began almost immediately in order to ready the pond for ice skating in the winter. The proposal was to develop the park along playground lines. The design was completed by the Olmsted Brothers and the park officially opened in the summer of 1913.

In 1914 an addition was approved that included ballfields, tennis courts, and broad lawns sloping to the west from Grove Street to Augusta Street. Work on this portion, including a new fieldhouse, was completed the following year.

The appearance of the park has changed little over the years. A 1979 grant provided $724,600 for site and building improvements.

https://essexcountyparks.org/parks/irvington-park/about

Model Yacht Club Pool And Building, Irvington Park
Some of the park’s frequent visitors from our youthful days. From left front: Mike Sikora, Yvonne Russamano, Bernie Sikora, Kathleen McMinn, Ron Masur, Peter Bronzino. In back: Glen Conrad, Frank Bellis,  Linda Dispenza, Nancy Walker

Reunion 50+ Is a Month Away

We are just about one month away from our 50+ Reunion Party on October 1 at the APA Hotel in Iselin. NJ.   As of today, we have 125 people coming to the party to relax, have fun and reminisce about growing up in Irvington.   While we think that is a remarkable number to be getting together after 51 years, there are a number of you who previously indicated you wanted to come, but who have not yet registered.  

We recently came across this blog 50 Reasons Why You Need To Go To Your 50th High School Reunion | HuffPost Post 50 which lays out some reasons why you might want to join us.  Some are corny but some are spot on. 

If you’re not attending, know you will be missed.    

Last minute decision to attend? We must have your money by 9/15/22. Email the team at ihsclassof1971 at gmail.com