Kathy West (Elwell)

Kathy West (Elwell)
My earliest memory of Basking Ridge is meeting Kathy Shears. I was 3 and she was 5 and we had just moved in at 21 Spencer Rd. on June 2, 1950. We lived on a street with kids to play with, we rode bikes, played badminton, watched for Sputnik at night in the backyard. The Kiwanis Fair! My mom helped making hamburgers in the food booth. Christmas Eve on the square....one of the best memories ever!
I remember going to the Presbyterian Church for kindergarten. Miss Wells?
Kathy and I walked to Maple Avenue School, sometimes stopping at Cerino's for a snack to have later.
Maple Avenue memories.... milk and ice cream were 6 cents Candy Crater stirred her ice cream so that the chocolate and vanilla mixed together. It looked so cool! Mrs. DeWitt's office was at the very top of the school? We played Davy Crockett at recess.
4th grade moved us across the street to the Methodist Church. Ms. McCartney. We learned Spanish and learned to square dance.
5th and 6th grades at brand new Cedar Hill School. It was my first time riding a school bus. Ms. McCartney again! The Blue Streak I've told my kids (who are teachers) about that many times. What fun we had..handing out Good & Plenty so we wouldn't get air sick!! 6th grade...Mr. English....did we do a Christmas play? Vague memory of playing Mary... Dance school at Barn Studio every Wednesday
On to Oak Street for 7th and 8th grades. I remember a talent show....doing the hula (what was I thinking) in front of everyone. With some guys....
Then Ridge High. Making the cheerleading squad was huge! We had a lot of fun cheering for football and basketball. Riding the bus with the basketball players...making cookies for them for the trip home - win or lose. There was the Holly Ball, prom, baking cakes for each other for birthdays, sitting on the steps at lunch
I have a special memory of a teacher who made such a difference. Mr. Meys came to the calling hours when my mom died. I have told my teacher children about that many times and they, too, attend important events of their students. It made a difference so many years ago and it matters now. Thank you, Mr. Meys.
March 5, 1964. Met Rich Elwell. His family moved to BR from Atlanta He talked with a slight southern accent I met him in the Guidance Office Mrs. Hull asked me to take him to his next class The rest (47 years) is history!!