| 03/14/02 - 21:05:14 |
| Posted By: |
Luisa Aponte aka Ronnie from East Harlem |
| Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon, Teen Valley, Green Acres -mid 60's |
| Message: |
If there's anyone who attended at the same time, would love to hear from you, David, Scott Ellis, Lil Bit, Sandy Lee, Cassandra, Jean, Benjie Cruz,
Julio Rivera, Lillian & Francis (Callaghy Hall). |
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02/17/06 - 01:35:19 |
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Posted By: |
Paul Feliciano |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon (ex scatercook / Birchaman ) |
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reading all those messages, and almost visualizing some of the events brings great joy to me. The Watermelon baby story is a classic one but vaguely remember. I do remember contests we had in the lake with a "Greased up watermelon" and the row boat races that also took place.
Now here's the memory that if any one remembers (guys only) then we were there around the same time. I am now 55 and I attented Sharpie around 1961 thru 1965 or somewhere around those yrs. I was a bed wetter and the beds at that time were bunk beds and made of wood and canvas. Well for one whole summer that I can remember I put some counselors and fellow campers thru some changes having soaked a canvas mattress is no joke. Then I was switched to the lower bunk and so on.
Another memorable espisode was one Sunday attending Sunday services in the outdoor chapel with huge railroad ties as our seats/benches. Well a couple of bees were humming/buzzing near my cousin Carlos Castro (carlito) and I as we were bowed and praying, I swatted them and one returned and STUNG me right smack in the lower lip. I let out such a loud yell/scream that the serviced ceased and I had to be rushed to the Infirmary at once. Anyone reading this and can remember such an incident "Please write back"
Oh those softball games we had on the fileds, those warm sweet cinnamon rolls on Sunday's as a treat and lets not forget the famous then "BUG JUICE"
Finally here, I am frantically looking for two - three pictures I have that my late mom passed on to me of me and my cousin in our swimming trunks and towels after a swim and the family visiting us (maybe a Sunday) we were in those big grassy fields under some ol tree.
Rest a sure when I find them I will submit for us to share. Oh well this is one GREAT idea and bless our friend Victor. By the way I have another cousin who's helped with this project as well his name is Hector Cruzado bless him as well.
Long live "Church Of The Crossroads" on East 14th Street N.Y.C. which was located around the corner from the Eye & Ear infirmary on either second or first Avenue
Peace to All and lets keep this spirit alive and hopefully hook up a mass reunion. Soon of course were getting older here.
Bye for now! Paul Feliciano (Cookie)
e-mail addr., P_feliciano@yahoo.com |
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02/12/06 - 14:48:00 |
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Posted By: |
Vicky Zaccara Sapiro |
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Subject: |
New Sharparoon Site |
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Message: |
It sure is great to see all of these great messages from Sharparoon people. I wanted to tell you all that there is now another Sharparoon site that Victor Gonzalez has started. Go to www.sharparoon.com and check it out. I will write more when I see that people are still on this site. HI EVERYONE! Vicky |
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04/06/06 - 09:18:44 |
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Posted By: |
Joe Montalvo |
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Subject: |
Sharparoon Pictures |
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Message: |
Hi Vicky,
I sent an email last week but did not hear from you. I hope this address is still good. I had mentioned Sharparoon pictures that my sister Lygie has and was going to post them on the website. There is a picture of you and Cleo which I will not post unless you are ok with that. Anyway, I am going to post the other pictures and maybe someone will recognize my sisters and I. My mother was the nurse at Green Acres, so my sisters and I spent many full summers in the late 50's and early 60's at Sharparoon. Thanks Joe (Junior) |
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03/05/06 - 16:06:47 |
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Posted By: |
Alpha Lupoletti Rogers |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon |
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Message: |
I cannot believe I found this website! I was in VT with a friend from camp,Nancy Kocsy Kozak(we met at camp at age 9) and we talked about someday finding our way back to camp. Today with time on my hands I did a little search and here I am. I hope you remember me from camp and Broome Street Tabernacle. Your dad married my husband and I at City Mission in 1969. How are you? How is your sister Joan. She was kind enough to send me a note after your mom passed away.
I just called my sister Donna and left her a message about this web site plus of course Nancy. Am anxious to look into Victor's website. |
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02/12/06 - 14:46:19 |
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Posted By: |
Vicky Zaccara Sapiro |
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Subject: |
New Sharparoon Site |
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Message: |
It sure is great to see all of these great messages from Sharparoon people. I wanted to tell you all that there is now another Sharparoon site that Victor Gonzalez has started. Go to www.sharparoon.com and check it out. I will write more when I see that people are still on this site. HI EVERYONE! Vicky |
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11/09/05 - 01:49:19 |
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Posted By: |
ultimatebet1 |
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Subject: |
hello |
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Message: |
my dad lived in new york. i found a little wooden statue made from wood that says, "camp sharpoon 1950"
did anyone know a john lewis from that time? |
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05/09/04 - 19:21:54 |
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Posted By: |
John and Bonnie Webber |
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Subject: |
Sharparoon |
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Message: |
It's great to know that there's a Sharparoon site out there. It's been so hard to contact people from camp over the years! John was there as a cook's helper, counselor, and SCD from about 1959 to 1964. Bonnie (McKnight)was a counselor there for 1964-65. John's brother, Tommy, was also a counselor there for several years. We would love to hear from so many people, including Judy Kneen, Mickey and Pam Ingram, Messerschmidts, Ronnie, Otelia, Bewah, and so many more. John's parents, Bill and Dibbie Webber, still live in NYC. We've been living in Madison, WI since 1980 and have two grown daughters. We'd love to hear from you!! Sharparoon was a very special place to us!! John's 60th b'day is coming up this June. We're having a b'day celebration for him on June 12th, if anyone would like to come!!! Keep in toudh and thanks for this website! |
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06/15/05 - 18:41:13 |
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Posted By: |
russ vaz |
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Subject: |
watermelon baby |
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Message: |
i also attended the camp circa 53..my sister was a counselor and always told me the "watermelon baby story was too scary for her to tell me...now she can't remember it..senior moments and crs and all..do you know the story? |
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02/16/06 - 16:19:30 |
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Posted By: |
Robert Melendez |
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Subject: |
Watermelon Baby Story |
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Message: |
My father was Gilberto Melendez who went to Camp in the 50's. He must have told me the story about 100 times if not more. Every time he told me the story, I would still get scared. He knew the story by hearing it from Pat Zaccara. The best time he told us the story was in the Old Manor House that sat of of Rt. 26. Michelle Rivera posted a message as well about the story, she is my cousin. Feel free to contact me, if you have any questions. |
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02/14/06 - 19:22:03 |
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Posted By: |
Michelle Rivera |
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Subject: |
Watermelon Baby |
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Message: |
My mom is Nellie Rivera-Arroyo and my Dad is William Arroyo. I too have forgetten all the great details of the story, But I can tell you who you can get the info from. Robby and Gilly Melendez. (My Cousins) NO ON IN THE WORLD TOLD THAT STORY BETTER THEN THERE FATHER. GILBERTO MELENDEZ, may he rest in peace. He is missed by many.
I will do my best to get the story 1st hand from one of the twins and write back. |
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03/11/04 - 17:01:00 |
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Posted By: |
Norman White |
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Subject: |
Tom Lindquist |
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Message: |
Tom is a pastor in Sweden. He was a counselor in the Schaghtacokes in 1962 and again in 64. He will be in NYC in May. I am trying to gather some people who would like a little reunion and see him. Please write me. |
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03/11/04 - 17:03:28 |
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Posted By: |
Norman White |
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Subject: |
Tom |
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Message: |
I am sending a second message -- thought " subject" would be the lead message. Tom is Thomas Lindquist.
Hope to hear from some old timers.
Norman |
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06/07/03 - 20:17:02 |
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Posted By: |
MYRNA AND SUE MANZO (THE TWINS) |
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Subject: |
TRYING TO LOCATE CAMPERS 1945-1955 |
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Message: |
I am Myrna Manzo and my twin sister Sue were called Double Trouble at Sharparoon 1945-1955. I married another camper Alan Parker who attended in 1955. My husband died in the early 80's. My sister and I have been remembering the great times at Sharparoon and the many friends we made.
It would be great to have some contact once again.
Please let us know if you remember us and send us an update on your life thus far. Love to hear from you, Myrna and Sue, remember the old trout stream? |
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02/12/06 - 14:28:01 |
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Posted By: |
Vicky Zaccara Sapiro |
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Subject: |
Sharparoon - I made triple trouble |
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Message: |
Hi Myrna and Susan: Of course I remember you both. I wrote to you when I first found this site but I am afraid that your email address may have changed. I am so sorry to hear about Alan. I remember him well. Hope to hear from you. Vicky |
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02/26/06 - 21:19:14 |
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Posted By: |
Myrna |
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Subject: |
Dan Kuzyk |
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Message: |
Wanted to say that it has only been recently that Dan and I have been communicating. Thanks |
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03/05/06 - 20:44:10 |
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Posted By: |
Donna Lupoletti Reilly |
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Subject: |
camp days |
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Message: |
I well remember you, twins, and of course Vicki. Sharparoon days are some of my fondest memories. Talk a lot about those days with my sister, Alpha, and Evelyn Morrison Breheny. Recently we were looking at some pictures. The watermelon baby story is one of those never to be forgotten treasures and my four kids have heard it. Would love to hear from the people who made those days so special, Susie from Valley Stream and Renee |
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02/26/06 - 20:56:27 |
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Posted By: |
MYRNA MANZO PARKER |
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Subject: |
catching up |
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Message: |
Hello Triple Trouble, sorry about not responding, but I'm not a computer jock and never really had the boldness, so I let my son check it out for me. I did hear from Ariel and Dan Kuzyk and have been talking with Dan once a week. My sister Sue has been in Tampa for 10 years, I've been in Lakeland, 30 miles away, for 33 years. Thank you for remembering Alan. Please fill free to talk or e-mail, Myrna Double Trouble. |
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02/26/06 - 21:13:31 |
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Posted By: |
Myrna |
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Subject: |
this is corrected e-mail address |
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Message: |
needed to correct e-mail address, thanks |
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06/15/05 - 18:37:39 |
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Posted By: |
russ vaz |
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Subject: |
watermelon baby |
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Message: |
my sister was a counselor at the camp when i attended and she would always mention the "watermelon baby story" but also told me it was too scary for her to tell me..i also went ther circa 53 54 55 |
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05/22/03 - 15:39:43 |
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Posted By: |
George A. Crum |
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Subject: |
I was there too. |
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Hello to everyone, I might not remember people by name but I went to Green Acres from 1 month old(1957),to about age 5, and to Camp Sharparoon for 3 years(late 60's early 70's). I do remember the camp manager at that time was named Dicky Peas. I remember my counslers Tommy, Jessy, Patton,. Those were good times in my life. I found a picture of my sister in the infirmary at Green Acres looking threw the window. I plan to blow it up and give it to her as a birthday present. Does anyone who was there in the late 50's early 60's remember my parents George & Gertrude Crum. They would have been at Green Acres Camp. I still have my mothers camp sweat shirt. I still think of Dead Mans Mountain at Teen Vally. I do remember some of the girls(ladies),Vanessa(Tommy's sister),Deborah, Sugar Bear, Sandra, and Gina. The last time I saw Gina I was in the 59st train station in the 70's. I told her I'd see her at the reunion and then I got the flu and could not go. Well let me say goodbye. |
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09/13/02 - 20:34:14 |
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Posted By: |
Nancy |
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Subject: |
Thanks for your response |
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Message: |
Phil....
Please forgive me if I say that I do not remember you but I certainly remember your father. He spoke at my father's memorial service and I still have the original copy of his speech. Our fathers had a lot of respect for each other.
I was a camper for 3 years ...one year in Wilderness and two years in Westward Ho. I must have been 12, 13 14 yrs old. Then I was away one summer and then finally old enough to work at camp which I did for two years.
Do you remember Pat Zacarra? He was such a dear man...I loved him.. He baptized my oldest son for me many years ago. He has since passed on. I'm not sure if his wife is still alive or not..
What part did you have in the life of Sharparoon??? Were you a camper or on staff and what took you to Long House? That was not a City Mission camp but Christian Herald. I was only there two times and don't remember much about it.
Do you remember Norm White or Tim Greene or Clare Staff ??? They remain very close friends. Tim married my husband and I 34 years ago.
Are you the older or younger brother to Dave??
Gotta go for now.
Nancy |
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02/12/06 - 14:35:25 |
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Posted By: |
Vicky Zaccara Sapiro |
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Subject: |
Sharparoon |
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Message: |
Hi Nancy: I'm not sure if you will remember me but I sure remember you. Our parents were something else, weren't they? I remember your Dad with the greatest of love and respect. In fact I think of him very often when I slice a banana into my cereal. He taught me how to leave one piece of the peal on the banana so that you can slice it without getting your fingers messy. The things we remember!! I also remember staying at your house one day off in 1958 or 59. A group of us went together.
Thought you would like to know that Victor Gonzalez has started a Sharparoon Blog and it is just getting under way. Go to www.sharparoon.com and check it out. |
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10/16/02 - 00:26:49 |
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Posted By: |
Sally Marane McCabe |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon - Cal Gertson |
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Message: |
I was a counselor (and candy store operator) at Camp Sharparoon in the summers of 1961, 1962 and 1963 and I remember Cal Gertson, John Messerschmitt (sp?) and many other staff. I have wanted to reconnect with any one who was there and (I hope) remember me. I was one of the many counselors who came to Camp Sharparoon from colleges in the Mid West. I went to Carleton College. I'm looking for Judy Kneen who was also a counselor there (from Duke University) and later my roommate in NYC. |
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05/09/04 - 19:57:22 |
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Posted By: |
John and Bonnie Webber |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon and Judy Kneen |
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Message: |
Hi Sally,
I remember you as a roommate of Judy's when Faye and I were Pine Hollow counselors under Judy as SCD in 1964. I know that that she married Steve Warner and they had a daughter, Nicole, who would be aobut 34 years old now. John and I have been looking for her too for several years. We have been settled in Madison, WI since 1980. I have kept in touch with Faye Robinson who is in Washington, D.C. Let's keep in touch. Bonnie McKnight Webber
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05/09/04 - 19:53:22 |
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Posted By: |
John and Bonnie Webber |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon and Judy Kneen |
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Message: |
Hi Sally,
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05/09/04 - 19:53:12 |
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Posted By: |
John and Bonnie Webber |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon and Judy Kneen |
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Message: |
Hi Sally,
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05/09/04 - 19:52:55 |
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Posted By: |
John and Bonnie Webber |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon and Judy Kneen |
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Message: |
Hi sally,
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05/09/04 - 19:52:55 |
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Posted By: |
John and Bonnie Webber |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon and Judy Kneen |
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Message: |
Hi sally,
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10/08/02 - 21:05:30 |
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Posted By: |
Phil Barry |
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Subject: |
Hi |
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Message: |
Nancy,
I was at Sharparoon between '63 and '69, except for '67 when I went to Long House. I knew Tim Greene, who worked with Dick Pease, and I remember Norm White, my Scatties head counselor (HC). Norm was a great help to my family in later years. I went to Long House I guess as a diversion from Sharparoon, and because my father thought it would be different, and it was. My memory of Long House in NH is lucid; I have wonderful recollections of that old New England farm. God bless you and your family. |
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08/13/03 - 16:56:06 |
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Posted By: |
Diana Contreras Shaler |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon |
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Message: |
I also was at Camp Sharparoon for a few summers during 1962 to 1968 or 69. I started as a Westward Ho camper and ended as a Pinehollow counselor. I remember Dick Pease. I think my SCD was a girl named Maria? I really have vague memories of the counselors. But I do remember some of the male counselors. There was Clarence Earl Walker (Iroquois Counselor), Tom Greene, Jose (figgy) Figueroa. I remember a tall counselor (I think his name was Cal or Carl). Was he SCD of the Iroqois? |
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03/11/04 - 23:31:53 |
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Posted By: |
Jose (Figgy) Figueroa |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon |
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Message: |
Diana.
I was Dover Plains Complex truck driver in 1968. In 1969 I accepted the job of truck driver again. However, two weeks into the summer a male counselor freaked out and quit. I was called to drive him to the train station in Pawling. On the way to the station we talked about each other's job. He told me he could do my job and I told I could do his job. I then turned the truck around and returned to Camp Sharparoon where we approached Dick Pease and told him we were willing to swap jobs. Dick agreed and I was sleep deprived the entired summer. In 1969 (Man landed on the Moon) Elba Melendez was a Pine Hollow counselor. She became my bride on Independence Day, 1970. Her brother, Jose, was Director of Green Acres the summer of 1970. He then left NYC Mission Society to take a job with US Dept of Labor in Boston. He is planning to retire this year.
I am the treasurer of Friends of Camping Plus, an alumni organization founded by Tessie Donahue and others in 1980. Our current member are :
Jose Melendez, Vinnie & Lydia Jenoure, Willie & Minerva Rivera,Ben Cruz, Raul & Shirley Sepulveda, Eli & Evelyn Saldana, Luisa Gonzales, Edna Greenfield,Luis Abreu, Tito Abreu and many others.
We meet three weekends a year at Camp Green Acres:Memorial, Columbus and Presidents' Weekends.
You are more than welcome to join us. |
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02/12/06 - 09:50:49 |
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Posted By: |
Donna Peterson Hearn |
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Subject: |
Remembering the Camps and Staff |
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Good Morning
I am so happy to find this website and read about names of folks who were at the camps then. I used to work in DuPlessis's Drugstore in Dover and remember many of you who came in to get supplies or bring the campers in for a soda or a sundae.
Today, I am the Town's historian trying to put together a memory book for our Bicentennial in 2007.
Camps were an important part of our Town's heritage. I would love to hear stories from camp and put them in a Chapter on the Mission Society Camps.
Pictures and stories would be SO Wonderful! Hope to hear from you.
Sincerely
Donna P. Hearn |
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03/29/04 - 14:29:53 |
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Posted By: |
Luisa Aponte |
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Subject: |
Hello Old Friend! |
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Message: |
In a previous message posted by Diana, I saw your name and could not believe I had finally found someone who was at Camp Sharparoon during the same time I was. I recognized the name Ben Cruz
(Benjie, back then) so I am thinking that you are the same "Figgy" I knew who spent countless hours chatting with me on the phone about camp. I do remember you had to wear dark glasses due to pink eye that summer. Say hello to Ben for me, would love to get more info in regards to "Friends of Camping Plus". |
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01/09/04 - 22:11:41 |
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Posted By: |
Mitchell Kaidy |
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Subject: |
Sharparoon Memories |
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By Mitchell Kaidy
The stubby, coal-burning New York Central train heading for Poughkeepsie, N.Y. slowed to a screechy stop along a quiet, leafy stretch of countryside cut by two sets of tracks. No building or evidence of activity greeted it—only a slim, vertical sign revealed its location “Dover Furnace.”
Then came the ringing voices and jostling figures of boys hauling off their suitcases, noisy, laughing, boys jumping out of three passenger cars to find two trucks waiting for them. One of the truck drivers beckoned them to heave their suitcases aboard and to start hiking the leafy, sunlit trail about two miles to camp, the hike serving as a useful introduction to life at Camp Sharparoon. When the trucks filled with suitcases, the older boys were advised to carry their luggage.
In the first of my six summers at Sharparoon starting in 1937, the camp stood proudly exclusionary. Under the criteria set by the New York City Mission Society, it excluded girls; excluded dark races, and excluded boys from Brooklyn and other boroughs.
The last exclusion should have, but didn’t, bar me and several of my Brooklyn friends. By pulling political strings, our group of five or six boys, ages 12 to 14, broke the barrier in 1937; but until the exclusionary policy was officially repealed several summers later, our small group comprised the only campers whose homes weren’t in Manhattan or the Bronx.
Set within hundreds of rolling acres in a wondrous valley surrounded by rock hills and a perfectly-oval lake, Sharparoon was not only a breathtaking revelation for urban dwellers but a rugged experience where maturing youth could test themselves against other youths as well as against the primeval countryside.
In that first year, 1937, a single electrical cable that connected to the Chief’s rustic cabin and to a tiny white clinic with siding and windows was the most visible evidence of civilization at the camp. Only irregularly staffed, and by non-medical personnel, the clinic was initially the only truly enclosed, house-like structure on the camp’s hundreds of acres.
For the rest, the roofed cabins were open, tent-like affairs, each with eight doubled canvas bunks where at night flashlights or candles were the only sources of light. One or two counselors, usually in their late teens, bunked with the boys. At night, under a full moon as the temperature dipped, the cabins’ canvas siding was rolled down, enclosing mosquitoes in such swarms that sleep in that valley became highly disturbed—if possible.
In those early years, I recall that spring water was at first supplied by a rushing stream that flowed down the rock face. So for at least several years earlier most of the water was drawn by hand; until a waterline was connected to the kitchen and to the main camp’s outdoor privies.
Underscoring the rustic setting, several huge, wood-fired kitchen stoves were kept leaping with burning wood in the loghouse dining room, so six days a week squads kept busy felling and chopping dead trees with axes and two-man saws. Volunteering for this work for several years, I took pride in wielding saws as well as chopping wood.
Like the rugged setting, food at this economical camp was legendary in its simplicity and just as legendary in its sparseness, rarely quelling young appetites. To stave off ravening hunger, many a camper swept off with slices of bread and apple butter to tide him over to the next meal.
Huge “Powerhouse” chocolate bars selling for a nickel came to the rescue, filling ravening appetites from the camp store as fast as they could be supplied from the nearby villages of Dover Plains or Pawling, N.Y.
The philosophy of the New York City Mission society was to take the boys off the not-so-mean streets and introduce them to a rugged outdoor life reinforced with religious training. So while testing the young campers with a schedule of competitive sports-- swimming, soft and hardball, touch-football, races, and strenuous competitions--the religious component was never minimized.
To extend the camping privilege to as many boys as possible, the Mission Society pegged rates lower for campers who remained only two weeks--$8 per week. After two weeks, the rates were almost doubled to $15 weekly.
One highlight of the two-week periods was a strenuous competition known as “Capture The Flag.” According to instructions that remain in my possession for a contest on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 1939, the “Mad Russians” were to wear white handkerchiefs tied around their arms, distinguishing themselves from the “Nazis” who wore no handkerchiefs. The “Mad Russians” flag stood in the parking area, while the “Nazis” flag stood at the baseball pitchers’ box.
The typed notice awarded five points for capturing the enemy’s flag and placing it on the play lodge porch, warning “No Slugging, No Strangleholds, No Kicking, and No Throwing of Missiles.”
On the bottom, the notice included the following warning: “One entire side shall be docked one point if one of their men is caught using unfair tactics such as the aforementioned slugging, kicking, etc.” That encounter is still vivid to me, because I bear scars on my left side caused by being dragged, while clutching the flag, across a partially- buried stone.
Rugged though they were, those sports constituted the fun part of camplife in that pre-World War 11 period, and constituted only a phase of the physical demands. In most Summer camps, the maintenance work was performed by a paid staff. Not at Sharparoon. The daily work schedule is reflected in the names of the worksquads—Wood from Woods, Wood Carrying, Wood Chopping, Kitchen, Garden, Sanitation, Campus, Lake, Road, Incinerator, Athletic Fields, and Dish Squad.
Of these the Dish Squad was the most time-consuming, since, despite the dysfunctional or absent hot water, three times daily, including Sunday, all dishes, pots and utensils were washed and scrubbed by hand. One Summer, I signed up for this trial of cracked skin and broken fingernails. The reward was eight weeks of free camping.
Sharparoon never forgot or minimized Christian self-fulfillment, and, although hymns and prayers at meals served as daily reminders, Sundays were officially the Lord’s Days. Each Sunday, the open-air chapel with rustic benches located in a setting that looked across the lake, rang out with hymns and prayers that reverberated across the water and disappeared into the pine woods.
Self-improvement was further pursued in such areas as meeting Red Cross qualifications for Senior as well as Junior Lifesaving badges. Too young to pursue the Senior badge, I swam, retrieved rocks and righted swamped canoes on my way to gaining the Junior badge in 1939.
But it was understood that the campers would also strive to achieve entry into a select circle. That was the CS and CS Circle-- black-and-red felt-cutouts that were worn on shorts, shirts or bathing trunks. These, based on both athletic achievements and hiking prowess at night without a compass, were highly-regarded and highly-pursued.
To this day, those felt red-and-black badges viewed in my old trunk revive those endless Summer days of Christian sharing and striving for self-improvement.
###
(A journalist, Mitchell Kaidy of Rochester, N.Y. contributed articles with a team of reporters in 1963 that won a special citation from the Pulitzer Prize Committee, and in 1993 he won a Project Censored Award. He was a combat infantryman in World War 11, and is listed in Who’s Who in America, 2004.)
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03/21/04 - 12:39:00 |
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Posted By: |
Hector Cruzado |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon |
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Message: |
I also attended camp sharparoon. I remember The DickPease who went on to become pastor at our Church of the Crossroads in New York city. There was also a counselor named Dave, which I suspect is the columinst Dave Barry who writes for the Miami herald. |
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08/29/02 - 21:34:17 |
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Posted By: |
Nancy Gertsen Stansfield |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon |
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Message: |
I've been searching for a long time for a site for Sharparoon and every time I do all I can find is Dave Barry's columns that refer to Sharparoon and one site that is all Camp Minisink. Where are all the counselors and campers from Sharrparoon??? My father Cal Gertsen (Mr. Cal) was the director in the late 50's and early 60's. Does anyone remember him??
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01/26/05 - 15:33:26 |
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Posted By: |
Henry (Butch) Bockelman |
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Subject: |
Yes I Remember |
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Message: |
Dear Nancy,
I was sitting in my den browsing the internet and decided to type in Camp Sharparoon and the next thing I know, I'm reading about you wondering if anyone out there remembers your dad. Those days at camp were possibly the best years of my life with you, me and Glen. How often I wondered what happened to all those people the we got so close to when we were all at camp together. I have tried to find several people over the years with no avail. After my parents moved from Camp to Pennsylvania we lost track of most of our friends from Camp. After my parents moved to Florida on one trip I did see Patty Zaccara for a day. I learned from my mom that he died. I often wondered about what happened to you and Glen. I can't remember if I saw either of your parents when I went to George and Edith Viverberg's funeral. That was so many years ago. I visited camp about 2 years ago. My wife and I go camping at a state park in Conn. We cross Bulls Bridge to get there and its about 20 miles north. The one day we rode over and stopped in and they allowed us to go up and visit camp. We hiked to Little Sharparoon and stopped and saw some of the old camp sites. I looked so small compared to how I remembered it. I hope you read this and I hear from you. How is Glen? Do you guys still live in the New City Area? I live in Pocono Pines, Pa in the same town that my parents moved to when they left Sharparoon. Your dad helped my dad get the job at Lutherland which was here in Pocono Pines.
I hope to hear from you. My email address is hbockel@ptd.net |
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03/05/06 - 16:19:44 |
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Posted By: |
Alpha Lupoletti Rogers |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon |
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Message: |
I remember your parents Butch and I remember you and your sister Hannalora. I did see your parents in Pa quite by accident years ago. My husband and I went to a resort for a weekend and bumped into them. It was a nice surprise. I was in Vt with a friend I met at camp( when we were 9)this past January and we talked about camp and your name did come up. The friend is Nancy Kocsy Kozak. I just called her and left a message. She lives in California and I live in Georgia. Does any of this ring a bell? How is your sister? |
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02/26/06 - 21:09:38 |
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Posted By: |
MYRNA MANZO PARKER DOUBLE TROUBLE |
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Subject: |
I remember your parents Butch |
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Message: |
Just wanted Butch to know that Myrna and Sue Manzo remembered your parents. Thye were wonderfull. Myrna |
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08/20/03 - 01:24:43 |
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Posted By: |
John Hales |
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Subject: |
An old Sharparooner |
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Message: |
Hi Nancy: Your Dad and Mom were special friends to me. He recuited Tom Fell and I from Beloit College to come to that special place in upstate NY. I would love to hear from you. |
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09/09/03 - 09:46:27 |
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Posted By: |
Nancy Stansfield |
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Subject: |
Response to your posting |
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Message: |
Hi John and Suzanne,
How suprprised I was to see you posting on this site. I did send you an e-mail around the end of August. I hope you received it. If you did not...please let me know and I will re-send it.
Let's get in touch again as we did for many years.
God Bless
Nancy |
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09/19/02 - 21:15:03 |
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Posted By: |
Steve Reiss |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon |
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Message: |
Hi Nancy,
My name is Steve Reiss and my brother Bob and I were Counselors at Camp Sharparoon while your father was Camp Director. I spent several years at camp, first as a Camper (’51, ’52 and ’54), then as a Counselor in Training (’55), then as a Counselor’s Aide(’57) and finally as a Counselor (’58, ’59 and ’60). I remember your mother (who worked in the office) and you as a little girl. However, I not sure if you also had a sister.
Both Bob and I had a deep love for Sharparoon. When we were teenagers and camp was closed, we would take the train to Wingdale, walk along the tracks to Dover Furnace and spend the day hiking around the camp property. About eight years ago, while mountain biking in the area, I stopped in to take a look. The old dock was gone but the Mess Hall and other buildings from the 50’s and 60’s were still there. The ‘S’ was still visible on the ‘S’ rock.
I have hundreds of negatives and many pictures of camp. Maybe the New York City Mission society WEB site could add a page showing our old Camp Sharparoon.
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03/21/06 - 17:33:01 |
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Posted By: |
Glenn Gertsen |
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Subject: |
Your 4 year old message |
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Message: |
This is in response to a message you sent to my sister Nancy back in '02. No, she doesn't have a sister. But her brother (me) was working at the camp the same years you were a counselor. I never worked as a counselor myself, but I always felt the highest respect for the people that did. I worked as a supplement for the counselors and Sharparoon overall. Two years in maintenance, one as dishwasher, and another as 3rd/4th cook. Henry (Butch) Bockelman and I were co-workers those years. Sharparoon has been a big factor in so many of our lives that it is wonderful to see the new site. Maybe you'll see this message, maybe not. But thanks for helping to renew the memories. |
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02/12/06 - 14:42:29 |
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Posted By: |
Vicky Zaccara Sapiro |
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Subject: |
Hi Steve |
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Message: |
Wow! Your letter sure brought back memories. I hope you still check out this web site. I remember you and your brother so well. We were all campers and counsellors together. I was there from 1948 to 1960. I won't write much now because I want to see if you receive this, then I will fill you in. Great to see your name. Vicky |
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03/11/06 - 09:01:35 |
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Posted By: |
Cleo Dreyer Roberts |
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Subject: |
Great Memories |
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Message: |
Hi VickySue, I just received an email from Irene about this web site and John (same one) and I were so happy to see your name. I hope that you respond and we can reconnect. Sharparoon is still one of my best experiences of my life. I will wait to hear from you before going on---too much. It was great to see Steve Reiss's name, the Manzo twins, (I found a wooden hanger with their name burned on and have kept it for a memento) I have a picture of the pine road which we walked up from Dover Furnace after arriving from Grand Central Station every summer.(1949-1961) on my fridge and many more like Steve! Tiger Lilies are still my favorite flower evocating memories of seeing them on the road on those long walks past Vincent Farm. After my father died we found postcards from Sharparoon dated 1929 from my father's brother. Our address is 321 Huron AVe, Cambridge, MA 02138. Vicky the last Christmas card years ago mailed to you from us was returned from Virgina. We have stayed in touch with Janet Jemmott and Bob Moses for the last 30 years! Ok, enough, until I hear whether this has gotten through. |
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03/16/06 - 03:13:04 |
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Posted By: |
Sandra Jenoure |
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Subject: |
Janet |
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Message: |
Hi Cleo,
I don't know if you remember me but I remember you. I have been wondering about you and about Janet. She was my counselor in Pine Hollow as was Vicky. I am the Green Acres Nurse, Mary Jenoure's daughter. Please pass my e-mail address along to Janet. I would really be interested in contacting her. Thank you.
Sandy |
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04/01/06 - 10:25:50 |
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Posted By: |
Ruth Susarret-Daniel |
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Subject: |
I remember your parents so well |
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Message: |
Hey Sandy, I remember your mother especially - Yes, this is Delia's twin sister, Ruth. I had a blinding migraine headache at Green Acres once. I was sick for two days before finally going to see your Mother.
She cleared out her bedroom of children, and fresh laundry, closed all the shades, put an ice bag over my head and eyes and had me lie down with my feet elivated. I slept for hours but woke up headache free! No one was around when I finally woke up. She was my hero. I still can rid myself of migraines that way. (I did yesterday!)
Both your parents were very special to our family. Always will be! Hugs all around!
"Them bones gonna rise again!"
ruth |
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05/20/04 - 17:54:06 |
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Posted By: |
Fred (Coco) Ramirez |
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Subject: |
Love To See The Pictures |
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Message: |
Read my posting I was at Sharparoon. I would love
to see pictures of the old buildings the lake the
dock. The old buildings. I would love to visit. |
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05/20/04 - 17:45:26 |
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Posted By: |
Fred (Coco) Ramirez |
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Subject: |
I was at Sharparoon |
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Message: |
I started to go Sharparoon in either 1959 or '60
I have thought of this wonderful camp often.
I am so very happy to have found this website.
I remember that one year that I was there we did
our version fo West Side Story that anyone remember that. I worked the lights. I would love
to see old pictures of the camp the mess hall
the rec hall, the late. Anybody have any.
Please write back. |
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09/08/02 - 22:52:58 |
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Posted By: |
Phil Barry |
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Subject: |
Sharparoon |
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Message: |
Nancy,
Your dad was Cal Gertsen, and mine was Dave (Dr. David W.) Barry. Sure I remember Cal. I remember him when he ran the camps, when Dick Pease was the assistant director, and when he moved on to Camp Long House in New Hampshire, where I attended during the summer of 1967. Cal was a real "straight shooter", and a good man. I remember when he passed on. My brother Dave is a writer in Miami, as you referred to. My sister Kate is out in LA, but has not fared so well; she's had some troubles. It was all so long ago, I don't know where everybody is. But the memories don't die, they all keep coming back. I'll never forget Sharparoon - the camp, the lake, the hikes, Blue Mountain, Lost Lake, the slag furnace, the iron ore lake. It goes on and on! |
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09/25/02 - 07:27:06 |
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Posted By: |
Norman White |
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Subject: |
sharparoon |
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Message: |
Ear Phil,
I was at Sharparoon 61 - 63. I do not know if you weer a camper, but Dave worked with me. I was the SCD of the Skatties '63 and Dave was the Aide. I have corresponded with him a couple times and read his column and books.
Kate was in a group home I directed in Westchester. At that point I spoke with your father many times.
I was fortunate to be able to work year around with Cal when he went to Christian Herald. I then went to social work school and worked in that filed wheer I encountered Kate and your father. I am now a minister in New Hyde Park NY.
Norman White |
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08/20/03 - 01:39:36 |
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Posted By: |
John and Suzanne Hales |
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Subject: |
Sharparoon - Long House - Mount Lawn |
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Message: |
Am now proud Grandpa of 5 grand children from children Catherine and Erik. Have many rich memories of work with Cal and Alice and staff and three camps mentioned above. I could go on at great length -- the memories are strong and the pictures and movies still are reminders of summers filled with anticiaption, challenge, fun, heartache and spirit growth. From time to time I think of all of you and am thankful that our Father's plan included you as part of life's blessings.
In fellowship,
John
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04/21/04 - 11:54:44 |
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Posted By: |
Darrio |
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Subject: |
love mount lawn camp |
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Message: |
i love mount lawn camp im going to try in work there because im 17 years old i love being around trees in everything so much memorys. |
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03/10/04 - 14:40:12 |
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Posted By: |
Luisa Aponte |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon |
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Message: |
Hello John & Suzanne!
Were you guys either a married couple or dating while you were counselors? Mid 60's ? If so then you are the guys I've often thought about all these years. Suzanne had a short haircut sort of pixieish, John, curly brown hair? Thanks for being so kind and wonderful. |
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10/08/02 - 21:15:23 |
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Posted By: |
Phil Barry |
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Subject: |
Hi |
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Message: |
Norm,
Sure I remember you, Norm. You were the SCD ("small camp director"?, I think) and I was in (I think his name was) Norm Chubb's cabin at the far end of the place. Scatakazoo! I remember Dave wearing a band-aid on his forehead because some sinister "big brother" alien life form had taken him. This of course had double meaning for me, since he actually was my big brother! Eventually, of course, Dave was actually taken by aliens, but that's another story. I mentioned to Nancy G that I was at the Christian Herald camp Long HOuse in NH in '67. I ended up in Atlanta GA working for an evil American corporation. Thanks forever for helping my sister. |
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05/09/04 - 18:07:56 |
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Posted By: |
Norman White |
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Subject: |
rEPLY TO YOUR NOTE |
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Message: |
Dear Phil,
I was at Long House too -- '65 - 70 until it moved to NY. I did not remeber you from the Scatties but then you were at the teen camp. That was a very differnt place.
My niece, Sara, who was the AD for your brother's movie spent a whole day with him while he was on the set. All he wanted to talk about was Sharparoon. My brother Bill was at the camp 60 - 61 and brought me there. The rest is history. Thanks for the comments.
Norman |
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10/22/05 - 12:01:45 |
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Posted By: |
Fen Loomer |
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Subject: |
Long House |
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Message: |
Greetings, We have never met, but I know about you from others at Christian Herald, Cal Gertsen, Al Hampton and others. I was president of CH and its ministries from 1971 to 1986. I was very interested in reading the references to the Long House and the experiences which were listed. I hope all your memories of Long House are positive.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fen Loomer
Sunset Beach, NC
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04/12/02 - 17:32:31 |
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Posted By: |
Courtney A. Bennett |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon |
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Message: |
Greetings,
Its great to hear from Sharparoon Alumni. I currently work for New York City Mission Society and would like to help you reconnect. Please contact me at 212-674-3500 Ext. 201.
By the way, Scott Ellis is my cousin.
Maybe it is time for a Camp Sharparoon reunion.... |
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08/06/05 - 18:28:38 |
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Posted By: |
Gene Logan |
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Subject: |
reunion |
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Message: |
Would like to get together with some of the old crew from 1965. Chuck Salsburg is one name I remember.
Gene Logan |
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10/18/05 - 16:15:15 |
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Posted By: |
petmama1217 |
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Subject: |
chuck |
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Message: |
are you from NJ |
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03/04/03 - 05:17:56 |
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Posted By: |
Benita Lovett-Rivera |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon |
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Message: |
(Freezing) NYC Greetings to everyone!
Please tell those who had a part in putting together this web site and message board how well received it is! It's a joy to recall wonderful summer memories of long ago, and searching for alumni names that make me go back in time with a knowing smile.
Back in the day, when I worked in Sharparoon and Teen Valley (summers of 73-76), Rev. Dick Pease and Cynthia ? were the camp directors.
Started out as a counselor in Teen Valley, then moved to the little girls' unit at Sharparoon. The following summer, I was a Unit Head for the oldest girls. (Dag- I can't remember the unit names!) Finally, in '76, I headed up Arts & Crafts and had a crazy time with those @#$%&* bats!!.
Some people knew this, others didn't - Got permission from City Mission to hold my wedding on the hill overlooking the lake once the kids and staff had departed at the end of the summer in 1976. Husband Ron had worked on the other side of the lake at Metropolitan Baptist Camp where we met in '72). Had a 3-day honeymoon on Sharparoon's camp grounds with a ton of friends and family, and we all stayed in the Infirmary or in the rooms over the main Lodge until we returned home to San Diego. It was wild!
Needless to say, Sharparoon was/is a very special place for me. Besides having a beautiful wedding album of what my kids call "hippie-type" photos, I've got incredible mental snapshots of the Piney Woods, paths to Green Acres, Iroquois Unit, the Kwonsit Hut, Teen Valley, the Furnace, incredible slate rocks and that big bell outside of the Dining Hall, forever planted in my mind. As a counselor, I remember taking my girls to climb a tall platform somewhere near Green Acres and sitting up there, looking out at the greenery, reading poetry to them. Sometimes we would sit for an hour on the ground in the cool of the Piney Woods just being mellow, telling stories or talking about the wonders of nature...in recognition of how fortunate we felt to be away from the hot streets of the city.
Great memories came with great campers and an excellent staff that hailed from all over the U.S. It's been so long that I can't remember them all, but some of my best times were spent with these folks:
Terry Jenoure (from Green Acres. Think of you often. Regards to your family. Next time you're in NYC, please get in touch.)
Kristy Lowe (Been SEARCHING for this sister. Last heard from in the 80's when she moved to Maryland, but owe her an apology for ever losing contact),
Karen Pryor (have run into her and her son in NYC every now and then. It's always great to see her! Same deep voice and crazy way of being. Got her phone number here some where...),
Suki ? (What-up, Suki?)
Vinny Jenoure (my best to you sweetie, hope you are well)
Ditto for the Arrington Brothers (James and Dana)
Warren ? (a brainey brother who I thank for introducing me to Bob Marley!)
Scott Ellis (ran into him mid 80's- on Staten Island? Seem to recall that he worked for a bottled water company....Smart brother, musta' known we'd soon all be drinking the stuff!)
Stephanie (Nazalima? Sorry about the spelling. A spirited, beautiful sister I ran into
in a Chinese Restaurant in Brooklyn about 7 years ago and would like to reconnect with...)
The 2 Yvonne's: Washington and Matthews.
Shelly Rice (have been getting great info emails from her recently...)
Frenchie Smith (My man LIVES for the woods - and has moved his family to the Poconos! Been close since we were 16 and worked together at Camp Madison Felicia- from Chelsea's Hudson Guild. Have to tell French to check out this message board.)
Saw Susan on the subway at 86th Street and her brother Michael (Brathwaithe?) in a club some years ago, too....
Early senilety takes hold and I've forgotten too many other names, yet still see their faces and hear our shared, youthful laughter.
Please count me in to help with a reunion.
Peace and blessings to all that made such strong and joyful memories for many of us in Dover Plains.
- Benita
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03/29/06 - 00:04:12 |
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Posted By: |
Pat Gittens |
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Subject: |
Many Sharparoon, Teen Valley and Green Acres Memories |
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To Benita, I'm Stephanie's sister, she's fine and I'm going to pass along this website and your request to her.
As I read through all of the messages, there are massive amounts of snapshots going through my mind and shivers thorugh my body. almost every message has mentioned a name or place up at the camps that I know.
I went to Green Acres with my mother for many years ( and eventually with my brother Rodney and sister Stephanie) ... Pine Hollow ( someone in an earlier message mentioned Judy- she was my 2nd counselor during my 2nd year there... Phyllis was my first counselor)and I was in Ah Wilderness for 3 years- going on to be a CIT at Teen Valley, CIT @ Sharparoon and then Jr Couselor/Counselor at Green Acres ( talk about a full circle!)
It's impossible to comment on all of the messages and I can because I remember so many of the people who are mentioned or wrote in. But here are some names that I haven't seen mentioned: Lotus Do, Donald (Ducky)York, Viola York-Lockman, Debbie York, Rachel Vasquez,Bob Edwards and his family, Doug Ware, Paul Mixon ( good friends with Scott Ellis) , Rita Bayron,Martha & Katie & Mary Shakelford,Elena Morales, Ray Velasquez,Debbie Edwards, Debbie Brown, Harold ( GA) ,Essie Carrington, Linda ( MOusie) Viney, ....That's enough for now.... the next message will have more and the WATERMELON BABY story!
Love you all!
Pat Gittens |
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03/30/06 - 15:26:39 |
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Posted By: |
Luisa Apon te (Ronnie) |
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Subject: |
You must get in touch with me! |
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Does the Knickname Buttons mean anything to you? you were in Teen Valley with me,Lotus,Ducky, Russell,Little Bit,,Julio,Ray,Frankie,Esther, Marshall Conrad Hughes the 3rd, Frenchie, Rose, Willie Dupree, Willie & Rose (bro & sis) I can go on and on. I do remember you as if were yesterday! Please e-mail me Asap. Looking forward to hearing from you
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03/24/06 - 02:25:10 |
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Posted By: |
Joseph Middleton |
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Subject: |
mission society camps 72 - 76 |
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Message: |
Hello Benita and all the wonderful voices from the past that I am hearing as I read these postings at this newfound site. And the names and faces....Neftali...Rory....The Jenoure Family...
Vinny and Maria...Milagros...The Pease Family etc.
I used to pu together slide shows (to music) as part of Green Acres Programing....Kathy w/new babywas the Director when I worked as Program Director in 76. I was first a truck driver and then a counselor in teen valley in previos years.
Just pumped to make contact with this part of my life. |
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03/04/03 - 05:04:21 |
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Posted By: |
Benita Lovett-Rivera |
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Subject: |
Camp Sharparoon |
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Message: |
(Freezing) NYC Greetings to everyone!
Please tell those who had a part in putting together this web site and message board how well received it is! It's a joy to recall wonderful summer memories of long ago, and searching for alumni names that make me go back in time with a knowing smile.
Back in the day, when I worked in Sharparoon and Teen Valley (summers of 73-76), Rev. Dick Pease and Cynthia ? were the camp directors.
Started out as a counselor in Teen Valley, then moved to the little girls' unit at Sharparoon. The following summer, I was a Unit Head for the oldest girls. (Dag- I can't remember the unit names!) Finally, in '76, I headed up Arts & Crafts and had a crazy time with those @#$%&* bats!!.
Some people knew this, others didn't - Got permission from City Mission to hold my wedding on the hill overlooking the lake once the kids and staff had departed at the end of the summer in 1976. Husband Ron had worked on the other side of the lake at Metropolitan Baptist Camp where we met in '72). Had a 3-day honeymoon on Sharparoon's camp grounds with a ton of friends and family, and we all stayed in the Infirmary or in the rooms over the main Lodge until we returned home to San Diego. It was wild!
Needless to say, Sharparoon was/is a very special place for me. Besides having a beautiful wedding album of what my kids call "hippie-type" photos, I've got incredible mental snapshots of the Piney Woods, paths to Green Acres, Iroquois Unit, the Kwonsit Hut, Teen Valley, the Furnace, incredible slate rocks and that big bell outside of the Dining Hall, forever planted in my mind. As a counselor, I remember taking my girls to climb a tall platform somewhere near Green Acres and sitting up there, looking out at the greenery, reading poetry to them. Sometimes we would sit for an hour on the ground in the cool of the Piney Woods just being mellow, telling stories or talking about the wonders of nature...in recognition of how fortunate we felt to be away from the hot streets of the city.
Great memories came with great campers and an excellent staff that hailed from all over the U.S. It's been so long that I can't remember them all, but some of my best times were spent with these folks:
Terry Jenoure (from Green Acres. Think of you often. Regards to your family. Next time you're in NYC, please get in touch.)
Kristy Lowe (Been SEARCHING for this sister. Last heard from in the 80's when she moved to Maryland, but owe her an apology for ever losing contact),
Karen Pryor (have run into her and her son in NYC every now and then. It's always great to see her! Same deep voice and crazy way of being. Got her phone number here some where...),
Suki ? (What-up, Suki?)
Vinny Jenoure (my best to you sweetie, hope you are well)
Ditto for the Arrington Brothers (James and Dana)
Warren ? (a brainey brother who I thank for introducing me to Bob Marley!)
Scott Ellis (ran into him mid 80's- on Staten Island? Seem to recall that he worked for a bottled water company....Smart brother, musta' known we'd soon all be drinking the stuff!)
Stephanie (Nazalima? Sorry about the spelling. A spirited, beautiful sister I ran into
in a Chinese Restaurant in Brooklyn about 7 years ago and would like to reconnect with...)
The 2 Yvonne's: Washington and Matthews.
Shelly Rice (have been getting great info emails from her recently...)
Frenchie Smith (My man LIVES for the woods - and has moved his family to the Poconos! Been close since we were 16 and worked together at Camp Madison Felicia- from Chelsea's Hudson Guild. Have to tell French to check out this message board.)
Saw Susan on the subway at 86th Street and her brother Michael (Brathwaithe?) in a club some years ago, too....
Early senilety takes hold and I've forgotten too many other names, yet still see their faces and hear our shared, youthful laughter.
Please count me in to help with a reunion.
Peace and blessings to all that made such strong and joyful memories for many of us in Dover Plains.
- Benita
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06/18/03 - 19:20:48 |
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Posted By: |
Jannette Bonnette Walker |
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Subject: |
Camp Madison-Felicia |
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Message: |
Benita, great to see you are still in touch with Frenchie. I was a counselor in Blue bunk, was in service corps with Allan Dindas, Remember Rickie who thought her little son was the only child on earth. Bunny, Sundance of red bunk.. The infamous Whoopie Goldberg, Edgar, Sasha and Harry. Well, I got my masters at hunter in 93 and guess who was in one of my classes? Edgar. He is a high ranking nyc detective who was working on a Master in Public administration at the time. I wonder what happened to Reynold Rohan? Remember, Jeffrey Branch. Anyway, I am the mother of a 23 year old Fisk University Graduate and a 4 year old. I live in Jamaica. Last time I saw Frenchie was on 23rd, street. He was doing some work at the school for the deaf or with kids in some way. I buried my mother at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Adams Corners last Saturday. My heart, my growth had a lot to do with Madison Felicia. I only wish times were such that My children had the opportunity to experience the Open Shed and Camp council or bullet hole. I am 47 years old now and these things a great part of who I am. Peace to you. email me. lets keep in touch. Bunny lives in PA and is married now. but I have lost touch with her. |
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03/22/06 - 17:25:51 |
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Posted By: |
Chris Butcher |
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Subject: |
Former Camper - Orange and Blue Bunks |
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Message: |
I was a camper at Madison Felicia in the summers of 72/73. I remember Tex, Jefferey Branch, Howie, Nancy, Floyd and the Lemon Sisters. My brothers and sister were also campers there for several years more than me. I also worked there in 1982/1983 in maintenance. The dynamics of the camp had changed significantly by then; no more Grandmas, the lake was gone from behind the burned down gym and there were no more animals. Open shed was still there and I understand the entire site has been bought by the YMCA. I have some pictures I would love to post from the days as a camper there. Any suggestions? |
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04/05/04 - 21:22:47 |
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Posted By: |
johnny arcane |
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Subject: |
camp madison-felicia |
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Message: |
just got into one of those return-to-the-past kicks and thought i might take a virtual trip back to madison-felicia. I was a counselor there in 1967 and 1968, i think. My camp name was Poppa Jim. I remember Karen who i only found out was whoopi a few years ago. She called me on the phone once,and wrote me a letter which i have lost. My closest friend was Amy Davis but I've also lost track of her. Others: Kate Miller, Judy Wolberg, John Thurman, Ursy Ross, Michael Goldstein, Alan and Ricky Dindas, Peter Roman, Evie Talmus, if i keep stretching i might come up with some more. |
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04/25/04 - 17:41:43 |
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Posted By: |
judy wolberg |
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Subject: |
It's a rainy day...... |
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Message: |
What a trip seeing a poppa Jim note! Are you still making music? I loved that song!
I have a 27 year old son who's a song writer and was a major camper (different camp)love to have that energy around. Also have an 11yo daughter and 16yo son. Work as a midwife in Boston. Lost touch with Ricky and Allen a long time ago. Kate Miller-haven't seen since my wedding (about 30yrs ago).Have known Cathy Aleen through thick and thin.
So- love to here where life has taken you.
Judy
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11/26/04 - 19:02:25 |
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Posted By: |
Amalia Wolfe |
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Subject: |
MOM |
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Message: |
hi mom i didn't no that you still wrote things on this site! ha haha i found you! tell me when u get this message!
bye mommy!
Love , Amalia and Grandpa! |
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04/25/04 - 17:39:11 |
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Posted By: |
judy wolberg |
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Subject: |
It's a rainy day...... |
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Message: |
What a trip seeing a poppa Jim note! Are you still making music? I loved that song!
I have a 27 year old son who's a song writer and was a major camper (different camp)love to have that energy around. Also have an 11yo daughter and 16yo son. Work as a midwife in Boston. Lost touch with Ricky and Allen a long time ago. Kate Miller-haven't seen since my wedding (about 30yrs ago).Have known Cathy Aleen through thick and thin.
So- love to here where life has taken you.
Judy
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05/03/04 - 01:14:50 |
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Posted By: |
Poppa Jim |
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Subject: |
yikes |
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Message: |
wow, that was a kick in the pants. Judy Wolberg. Amazing! I've been in touch with Mike Fox in California and someone named Sarah Weinig who was a counselor a year after I left. And now Judy Wolberg. I remember you very well. A midwife in Boston is definately someone you might have become.
I have two sons, 24 and 21, both write songs. My wife Claire is writing her first novel. Me i'm into sewage. I live in Portland, Oregon and travel all over the United States inspecting sewage treatment plants. The songwriting has slowed down to a trickle but it still happens sometimes. Go to sagearts.com and order a copy of a CD called Arcane by David West. I wrote 5 or six of the songs on it. Also you can try crayonorchestra.com. That's my youngest son's website and he has a couple of my songs posted.
It would be great to hear more from you.
Poppa Jim |
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10/10/03 - 15:46:02 |
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Posted By: |
Lenny Gianitsos |
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Subject: |
Camp Felicia at Madiason |
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Message: |
Reading your message brought back fondest memories of my summers at Camp Felicia, circa 1950 thru 1955. I'm not sure when we combined with Madison, but I do remember at Felicia we swum in a "creek" at madison we had a hugh pool. I had such fun at these camps that I always regreted coming home at the end of one of our "trips". There were three trips each summer each lasting three weeks. Occasionally I managed to attend two of them but never all three. The last trip of the summer was especially memorable as the entire camp sat around the camfire the last night of camp singing songs like "so long its been good to know you" and the kinship everyone felt was overwelhming. During these trips I toasted my first marshmellow, learned how to swim, went frog hunting, was taught the difference between poison ivy,zumac,oak, received my first kiss, and learned to love the great outdoors. There is so much more but It was some time ago, and I've forgotten so many names. I do remeber that the camp trips were helped along by Mrs Van Bell (a living Saint) associated with the Hudson Guild where I spent so much of my youth. I'm embarrased that I can't recal any of my camp counselers names, but some of my fellow campers and good friends were Manuel& Anthony Martinez, John Boldt, Robert Laken, and Michael Albronda. I also remember that the camp Laundress had a son assigned to our group who played the trumpet. I wish I could thank all the people who worked in the camp because they were all heros and wonderful role models. I am not going to get overly sentimental or mundane so let me share this moment with you. There was an outing of the entire camp in the woods one evening. The drink of choice was Grape Juice in those hugh steel containers. Someone brought along a transistor radio. All of a sudden a song was played we had never heard before & all of the Female counselers started dancing spotainiously to this loud driven new sound. Some of the Male counselers joined them and eventually the entire camp was trying to keep up with this super hyper music. It lasted less than three minutes but i will never forgeot the moment. The song was "Crazy Man Crazy" by Bill Haley and the Comets, and preceeded their signature song, Rock Around The Clock by at least one year, maybe two. I now belong to a Gymnastic Organization coaching basketball and assisting wherever I can. We have a Summer Camp. When I'm there, occassionally in the evening or at twilight I close my eyes, take a deep breath and swear I can smell those roasting marsmellows and taste that grape juice. |
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07/08/02 - 11:45:41 |
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Posted By: |
Luisa Aponte (a.k.a Ronnie ) |
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Subject: |
Soooooo good to hear from you! |
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Message: |
For some time I had this strong desire to reconnect with the friends I made at Camp Sharperoon. Well this week-end I took my first step towards that venture, I drove up to the camp!. Of course I started by photographing the entrance, drove by Green Acres and then headed to Camp Sharperoon. I was greeted by your camp director Craig and explained why I was there. He probably thought I was a little looney, but I hope I made it clear that I was just a little nostalgic and missed my friends. Please understand that for a little girl from East Harlem who had never been any further than the corner playground, Camp opened up a whole new world for me, filled with so many wonderful people. Looking forward to hearing from you soon, call or use my firm e-mail address or call me 212-758-7600 laponte@ccmlaw.com. Pleae say hello to Scott, I pray all is well with him.
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