New Website Features !

To mark the "re-awakening" of the Alumni website
we've added a new "look" and some new features:   Alumni Gallery: can't picture some of the names in the Alumni Directory ?
Open the Alumni Gallery and see what they looked like "back in the day".

History of the Alumni: ever wonder how we got back together and amassed
so much Camp Memorabilia ? Read the story of what happened in 2007.

The Jukebox: have a longing to hear some of the tunes that blared from our bunk radios in the '60s and '70s ? Just click on a tune in the Jukebox – no quarter required !

Message Posts by Topic: want to see every post about Mendy, Camp memorabilia or Colorwar... ? Just click on one of the 18 topics listed in the sidebar, under the Website Features list.

Welcome back to the Alumni Website !

Marc Rudnick's Bunk 9 Pic - 1966

Marc Rudnick, Waltham, MA's favorite Pokono Alumnus, sent us his bunk pic from 1966. Among the faces are: Hank Snow, Andy Moses, Mike Schlussel (whose dad was the chef), Bruce, Corey and Marc. If you can fill in the missing names, please send them to me.

LEN KALTMAN'S BUNK PIX – 1963-67

Len Kaltman (a contemporary of Paul Dubrowsky), sent us his bunk pix from 1963 - 67. Check out some of the familiar faces – Paul, Myron Weintraub and Jay Goldstein.
Do you recognize any others ?

Roberta Lamnin's Camp Pix – 1951-61

1950's Alum, Roberta Lamnin, brought us some surprises to this year's Reunion
(in addition to her enthusiasm about all things Camp-related).

She's also the Alum who lives closest to Camp –
13 miles away, in Dingman's Ferry, PA)

• She was there when the original owners (brothers Meyer and Saul Herman) ran the Camp
• She was a Camper of Judy Herman's (Dave Herman's older sister, and soon-to-be wife of Jerry Turner, Pool Head, and Camp owner right before Mendy)
• She has vivid memories of the Flood of 1955 (which took the life of more than 80 Walpack area residents
• She was a bunkmate of Vivki Dick (sister of Marty and Steve Dick)

Let's take a trip back in time to Prom Nite, Visiting Day, Picture Day and some post-Camp pix from 1985 – the view of the River from the Amphitheatre and the stone pillars at the entrance to Camp (how many of us made THAT trek to reconnect with the memories of our youth ???)



Part 2 coming soon:
Roberta was the guest speaker at the
2008 Walpack Historical Society Presentation.
The featured topic... Camp Pokono Ramona !

REUNION 2010 RECAP

It was another magical day for the 30 Alumni who gathered in Nanuet, NY, for our 4th Annual Camp Reunion.

Here's what we looked like... (14 pix)


(click HERE to view the Album

Here's who was there...

Caren Riback, Glenn Rosenblatt, Marsha Pressman, Brad Perlow, June Swerdlin, Michael Rich, Roberta Lamnin, Scott Greene, Stu Frankel, Peter Magelof, Howie Simms, Nanette Simms, Ron Gardner, Margo Bornstein, Mark Rubenstein, Rochelle Ginsberg, Warren Rubenstein, Bob Krinick, Joyce Plaut, Mindy Broser, Carol Pressman, Robert Plaut, Joyce Broser, Sharon Freeman, Bruce Beyer, Steve Mankofsky, Lynne Freeman, Fran Freeman, Randy Perlow

Here's what we had to say about the day...

- Great to see all the Camp alumni yesterday.
As always it was a special day for me.

- I had a great time... the pictures, the All-Around Camper plaques – what a hoot !!!

- It was a wonderful get-together... the food, the music, the pictures.

REUNION 2010 – ON-LINE PAYMENT

Sunday, Oct 24
1:00 – 5:00 pm
Regency Banquet & Conference Center
Nanuet, NY
(click here for travel directions)

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
1) press the "BUY NOW" button, below (pay screen 1 appears)
2) SCREEN 1: enter your credit card and address details
3) press the "REVIEW ORDER" button (pay screen 2 appears)
4) SCREEN 2: review the transaction details
5) press the "PAY NOW" button (you're all done !)
(you'll receive an e-mail confirmation of the transaction)

** If you need any help with the payment process,
call me @ 647-892-2063**

Who's Coming to the Reunion ?
Caren Riback, Gayle Weinstein, Glenn Rosenblatt, Marsha Pressman, Ellen Devens, Brad Perlow, June Swerdlin, Michael Rich, Roberta Lamnin, Scott Greene, Stu Frankel, Peter Magelof, Steve Marks, Howie Simms, Nanette Simms, Ron Gardner, Margo Bornstein, Mark Rubenstein, Laurie Gold, Rochelle Ginsberg, Warren Rubenstein, Bob Krinick, Joyce Plaut, Mindy Broser, Carol Pressman, Robert Plaut, Joyce Broser, Sharon Freeman, Bruce Beyer, Steve Mankofsky, Lynne Freeman...

THE REUNION IS... OCTOBER 24

We've chosen a date.
Now, we're just working on selecting a venue.

Details to follow by e-mail after Rosh Hashana.

Mendy and Pauline send best wishes to all the Alumni for a
"Very Happy -- Healthy -- and Content New Year"

SCOTT GREENE'S BUNK PIX - 1964 - 66

Even though Scott Greene attended Camp for only 3 summers,
he has razor-sharp memories of those days.
Check out his bunk pix and recollections !

Flashback to 1964: Marv Fleishman was Head Counselor; Jay Goldstein, Carl Slotnick and Richie Mandor were waiters. Mark Jonas and Hank Snow were Counselors.

Fast-forward to 1966: the Senior Boys lived in "S1", atop Bunks 1 + 2, making their own Camp activity schedule. Their Comedy Song, "The Trailer Men of Pokono", parodied the Bimmies' living accommodations: "...trailer men of Pokono... they live in buses where none will go...

Their well-planned raids often "landed" them in the bunks of Jamie Greissman and Diane Resnick.

1964-66 TRIVIA QUIZ (hints in parentheses)
– What S1 Camper slept with his eyes open ? (RP)
– Who could "roll" his stomach ? (SL)
– Who used to put on a mask and put his head in a bowl ? (SD)

– What counselor wrote to parents, telling them how their kids were doing ? (HS)
– Who was Scott Greene's cousin (All-Around Camper in 1966) ? (SF)
– What job did "Slim" have ? (before Ira Mandor)

Some names to remember: Steve Michaels, Mike Briar, Mitch Glaser, Larry Meyers, Jeff Reiman, Mike Gross, Stu and Alan Packer, Larry Castle, Larry Wolf, Howie Werthheimer

Who remembers "Uncle Jerry" coming to their house to "sign you up" ?

BOB SILVERSTEIN PIX - 1971

Bob Silverstein's only summer at Camp was 1971.
Many of his bunkmates are current Alumni.
Here's a few pix that Bob sent us of that summer in Bunk 13.

A FEW MORE REUNION PIX

Can you believe it's been 2 months since the Reunion ?
Here's a few pix we haven't posted yet...
Enjoy !

JOEL GITTLEMAN'S BUNK PIC - 1967

Looks like "mop-tops", crew cuts and striped socks were in style during the summer of '67.
Here's Joel Gittleman's bunk picture from that year.

TOP (L to R): Michael J, Jerry M, Joel Gittleman
MID (L to R): David B, Howie R, Gary F, Andy Savin(?), Seth F
BOT (L to R): Howie F, Jeffrey T, Ronald May(?), Gary B, Danny A

MIKE ALEXANDER'S BUNK PICTURE - 1960

Not many of us were at Camp when Eisenhower was President,
but Carl Slotnick and Mike "Mickey" Alexander were.

Here's Mike's 1960 Bunk picture...
A bunch of "fresh-faced", wholesome-looking kids –
like they stepped right out of "Leave it to Beaver"...

ROBIN GREENBERG'S "SUMMER of '70" PIX

Kodak Instamatics, mini-skirts and vertical stripe bell-bottoms...
it must be the summer of 1970.

Robin Greenberg and Sandy Benjamin were "home friends" and bunkmates.
Robin sent us these pix - relaxing at Flatbrook Creek and Banquet Night.

ELYSE GITTLEMAN'S BUNK PIX 1966-71

Elyse sent us Bunk pix from her 6 summers at Camp.
They include a number of current Alumni.
Who can you identify?


(click here to view the Album)

MENDY'S REUNION PILLOWCASE

No Reunion would be complete without a signed pillowcase
to express how we feel about Camp and Mendy.

Here's what this year's looks like.

In the words of Peter Magelof,
"It was a very special time in our lives...
thanks to you"

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Warren Rubenstein, Richie Mandor, Todd Stracher + Amy Goldwert
---------------------------------

What are the odds that these 4 people would be photographed
– in the same pose – 37 years apart ?

Well, that's just one of the magical things about Pokono Ramona Alumni...
You just never know what might happen next.

REUNION 2009 - THE PEOPLE, THE PIX + MORE !!!

It was another magical day for the 53 Alumni who gathered in Central Park, for our 3rd Annual Camp Reunion.

We spent the afternoon under the shade of a giant Cedar tree -
regaling each other with stories of Koo Chin, Dining Hall chants,
Colorwar fakeouts, canoe trips, OPA tap-outs and hay rides...
and countless other memories from so many wonderful summers.

Here's what we looked like... (57 pix)

(click HERE to view the Album

Here's what we sounded like... (2 movies)





Here's who was there...
Steve Dick, Bruce Beyer, Rhonnie Broder, Laurie Milder, Ronnie Benvenisty, Randy Perlow, Peter Magelof, Jeffrey Birnbaum, Amy Goldwert, Margie Siegel, Paul Dubrowsky, Mitch Goldberg, Sue Langsam, Davey Greenberg, Marty Borell, Caren Riback, Alan Daly, Ellen Devens, Penny Langsam, June Swerdlin, Andrea Siegel, Rae-Ann Fischer, Nancy Auerbach, Warren Rubenstein, Paul Auerbach, Mark Rubenstein, Brad Perlow, Mitch Slutsky, Scott Swerdlin, Betsy Neustein, Howie Lorsch, Kerry Prager, Susan Wald, Steve Marks, Bette Goldwert, Howie Simms, Charri Goldberg, Nanette Simms, Shelley Brauner, Randi Zipperman, Stacey Caren, Elyse Gittleman, Todd Stracher, Mark Margulies, Jonny Heller, Sherrill Spatz, Michael Rosenthal, Richie Mandor, Lisa Mandor, Ron Gardner, Ernie Goldberg and Brad Dubrowsky.
(let me know if I missed anyone)

Here's what we had to say about the day...
- It was so wonderful seeing everyone after all this time. It brought back so many happy memories and good feelings.
At the end of the day I didn't want to leave.

- It was so wonderful reuniting with old friends, reminiscing and catching up on what has happened over the past 35 years.

- The reunion was really enjoyable. It was great to reconnect with people who were part of such a wonderful time in your life !

- It was great seeing everyone again on a beautiful, sunny day in Central Park. The location was great.

- It was a very special event for me.
A vibrant group of people we are !!!!

- I was enjoying myself so much that I nearly forgot I had a camera. I look forward to seeing you all at future reunions.

- It was a great Reunion !

Here's the Reunion Yearbook
(it's updated from last year's edition)
(click to download the Yearbook)


THEN AND NOW
Warren Rubenstein, Richie Mandor, Todd Stracher + Amy Goldwert
---------------------------------

What are the odds that these 4 people would be photographed
– in the same pose – 37 years apart ?

Well, that's just one of the magical things about Pokono Ramona Alumni...
You just never know what might happen next.

MENDY'S REUNION PILLOWCASE

No Reunion would be complete without a signed pillowcase
to express how we feel about Camp and Mendy.

Here's what this year's looks like.

In the words of Peter Magelof,
"It was a very special time in our lives...
thanks to you"

IT'S REUNION DAY !!!

Depending upon the weather we're either meeting at
Cedar Hill in Central Park, at noon (enter at 79th St and 5th Avenue)
or
the SUTTON PLACE RESTAURANT and BAR at 1 pm.
It's located at 1015 2nd Ave. (between 53rd and 54th Sts.)
------------------------------------
Starting at 9:30 am Sunday morning,
you can find out which location we'll be meeting at by:
a) listening to the pre-recorded phone message at: 212-348-9090 or
b) calling Randy, Brad, Sue or Susan:
- Randy Perlow: 732-779-5761
- Brad Perlow: 917-655-7600
- Sue Langsam: 336-339-3834
- Susan Wald: 954-234-5663

REUNION 2009 NEWS

The "Glade" at the base of Cedar Hill. (click to enlarge)
(ONLY 2 DAYS 'TIL THE REUNION)---------------------------------------
September 13 in Central Park
---------------------------------------

Who's Coming ?
the following 50 Alumni RSVP'd that they plan on attending:
Rob Enoch, Steve Dick, Bruce Beyer, Lisa Stutman, Rhonnie Broder, Laurie Milder, Joyce Broser, Ronnie Benvenisty, Robyn Shuldman, Randy Perlow, Peter Magelof, Bobby Ingerman, Jayne Daly, Jeffrey Birnbaum, Amy Goldwert, Mitch Nudelman, Margie Siegel, Paul Dubrowsky, Mitch Goldberg, Sue Langsam, Eliot Greenberg, Marty Borell, Caren Riback, Alan Daly, Ellen Devens, Penny Langsam, David Zellman, June Swerdlin, Andrea Siegel, Carl Slotnick, Rae-Ann Fischer, Nancy Auerbach, Warren Rubenstein, Paul Auerbach, Sheri Glaser, Mark Rubenstein, Brad Perlow, Mitch Slutsky, Scott Swerdlin, Betsy Neustein, Bob Fried, Howie Lorsch, Eric Kunkes, Kerry Prager, Susan Wald, Barbara Green, Steve Marks, Bette Goldwert, Howie Simms, Charri Goldberg, Nanette Simms

Want a "taste" of last year's Reunion ?
Click HERE
>

CITs - 1971

Elyse Gittleman sent us bunk pix from her 6 summers at Camp.
Here's a memorable group of gals - the CITs of 1971...

There's at least 9 Alumni among them: Elyse, Gayle Weinstein,
Nanci Siegel, Kerry Prager, Laurie Gold, Mindy Broser, Carol Pressman,
Caren Riback and Sheri Glaser.
Can you identify the rest ?

TOP: Tammy Schoenfeld, Jamie Suna, Rochelle Ginsburg, Sherri Glaser, Caren Riback, Marguerite FriedMIDDLE: Eve Stern, Carol Pressman, Karen Balaban,
Marsha Resnick, Gayle WeinsteinBOTTOM: Elyse Gittleman, Nancy Siegel, Mindy Broser, Laurie Gold, Kerry Prager
(Thanks, David Zellman !)

CENTRAL PARK MEETING SPOT

Reunion 2009 is only 3 weeks away !!!
We'll be gathering at a spot in the Park called Cedar Hill.
Here's a few pix of what it looks like.
Don't forget your blankets, lawn chairs and box lunches !

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO LUNCH ?

On his way to visit another alum, Dave Zellman stopped in to say "hi" to Caren Riback in NY.
Guess who also showed up... Gayle Weinstein, one of Caren's bunkmates from 1971.

Caren sent in this picture of their afternoon together.

LISA GOLDBERG'S CAMP PIX - 1965-68

New arrival Lisa Goldberg sent us some pix
from her summers at Camp (1965-68).
Any faces look familiar ?


(click here to view the Album)

START SPREADIN' THE NEWS...

We're looking for a Central Park venue for the Reunion.
What will it be -- the Boathouse, the Terrace, the Sheep Meadow, the Conservatory... ???


If you've got any favorites, let me know.
Meanwhile, here's "Old Blue Eyes" singing about our hometown.

GUESS WHO'S ON FACEBOOK ?

That's right ! We are.
The Camp Alumni are "popping up" everywhere in cyberspace.

Check out the Facebook Group that Laurie Gold created for us:
The Camp Pocono Ramona Group

Write on our wall, start a discussion topic, upload a picture...

Let's try to locate those Alumni who've "eluded" us for 2 years:

Amy Blitstein, Jory Saper, Ron Kertes, Steve Mankofsky, Alan Greenberg, the Gunzberg brothers, Alyce and Barry Gross, Judy Schutzman, Marc Leff, Sheri Steurenthal, Margo Bornstein, Randi Simon, Dennis Rudnick, Carla Bearse, Jeff Karpel, Greg Morris, Larry Sheldon, Mitch Lane, Robin Lax, Debbie Markowitz...

ALUMNI MAP - WHERE WE LIVE

I've been wanting to do this project for 2 years, now.
Thanks to Scott Bard, who located an editable Google Map application, I've been able to "flag" where 86 of us live.

Simply click on a red flag to see which Alum lives there.
In areas where alot of Alumni live, you'll have to "zoom in"
to see all the flags (click the "+" icon).
"Pan" around with your cursor to see more of the map.

Anyone who wants to be added to the map, just send me your name and the city (or town) that you live in !

It's amazing how close some of us live to each other.
See if you can locate those of us who live on other continents.



Click here to explore the map

REUNION 2009 SURVEY SENT OUT

As summer approaches, we're trying to "nail down" a date and location for this year's Reunion.

Please indicate your preferences and availability by responding to the survey that was sent to all Alumni on May 14.

We're hoping that Mendy will attend, as well as those
who couldn't make it last year and all those who've joined us
since last summer.

BOB FREID'S BUNK PIX 1963-1966

Bob attended Camp from 1963-66.
His stories (which can be read on the Camp Stories page) indicate the impact Camp had on him.

While rummaging around his basement recently,
look what he found !
Thanks to his son for scanning and uploading them.



(click here to view the Album)

NANCY AUERBACH'S CAMP RAMONA T-SHIRT

Nancy and her brother Paul just arrived with some pix and memorabilia.

Look what she found somewhere in the basement !

PAUL AUERBACH'S CAMP PIX - 1970-72

Paul and his sister Nancy just arrived...
and look what they brought - faces and places from 1970-72.



(click here to view the Album)

PASSOVER WITH MENDY

Hi All,

My family and I just spent a fabulous Passover Week at one of Mendy's Passover Hotels... just miles from Camp in the Poconos.

It was a treat to spend time with Pauline, her daughter Suri and her family... topped off by an appearance from Mendy !

First, we gave him a time-honored Dining Hall "Dedication"... followed by his Passover greeting to the Alumni...

See them both, below !

A HAPPY + HEALTHY PESACH TO EVERYONE

Everything's been cleaned, covered or put away... you've dug out those old "Maxwell House" Haggadahs... the matzah balls and brisket are all cooked... the Manischewiitz is in the fridge... nothing left to do but wait for Uncle Max and Aunt Minnie to arrive with a box of macaroons and some gifts for the kids.

It's that time of year again... May it be a healthy and happy one for all the Alumni and their families.

STILL HERE !

Hi All !
Hope everyone is doing well and keeping those
rekindled Camp friendships going.

I haven't abandoned the site - just temporarily unable to devote time to it due to job-search
(and because I've "run out" of new items to post).

We've had 10 recent check-ins: Leslie Fink, Sharon Freeman,
Gayle Weinstein, Jordan Fox, Laurie Gold, Sherry Levenson, Annette Ernst, Mike Alexander, Bruce Fisch, Steven Marks,
Jeff and Rob Enoch.
(e-mails links have not been set up yet)

No word on Reunion 2009 yet.
Is there interest in returning to Camp for an afternoon ?
(other suggestions welcome)

May all be well.

Randy

MARK RUBENSTEIN'S CAMP PIX - #2

Mark sent us some more Camp Pix !!!

Check out the Pool, Visiting Day, Warren Rubenstein's bunkmates and even 2520 Batchelder...



(click here to view the Album)

COLORWAR ROSTER - 1962

DO YOU REMEMBER ?
Myron Weintraub + Marty Richman's Maroon New York, New York vs Steve Dick + Larry Kressel's Grey King Arthur...
Camper Generals Allen Teller and Mike Rozen...
That points were awarded for Mess Hall decorum...
The Colorwar Track Meet...
The "pass the Grapefruit" relay for the Indoor Games event...

Check out Sol Schwartzberg's 1962 Colorwar Booklet and read about all the activities of Colorwar '62 and see who was on Grey and who was on Maroon.

There were plenty of Alumni there... Big Mess, Davey Greenberg, Robert Plaut, Carl Slotnick, Sol Schwartzberg, Mindy + Joyce Broser and Marlene Adwar.

(click on the image to download a PDF of the Colorwar Roster)

COLORWAR ROSTER - 1963

DO YOU REMEMBER ?
Steve Dick + Myron Weintraub's Maroon Planet Nooram vs Marty Richman + Sol Schwartzberg's Olympians...
Camper Generals Glenn Felton + Carl Slotnick...
The team flag that each team was required to have at the head of Lineup...
That 25 points were awarded daily for sportsmanship, spirit and conduct...
The Colorwar Canoe Races...

Check out Sol Schwartzberg's 1963 Colorwar Booklet and read about all the activities of Colorwar '63 and see who was on Grey and who was on Maroon.

There were plenty of Alumni there... Bob Fried, Big Mess, Davey Greenberg, Robert Plaut, Jeff Mendelson, Richie Marmaro, Mindy + Joyce Broser, Joyce Plaut, Kerry Prager, Stacy, Jamie, Diane, Rae-Ann, Judy Oliner and Marlene Adwar.
(click on the image to download a PDF of the Colorwar Roster)

DELAWARE WATER GAP MAP from the 80's

Look what Alan Fromm discovered with his Camp pix...
a map of the Delaware Water Gap area from the early 80's.

(click on the image to download a PDF of the map

POKOMONA PRESS - 1960

DO YOU REMEMBER... ?
The Choo-Choo-Wa-Was and the Onokops...
Barn Dancing with the Pokono Squares...
Bowling in Middletown...
Summer Stock at the Grist Mill Playhouse...
The Maroon French vs the Grey Navy...
Carnival Concession Booths...
Candle-lighting...
Harriet Brand and Jay Goldstein as Best All-Around Campers...
Steve Dick as Buffalo Bill in Annie Get Your Gun...
Intercamp Games against Camp Massad...

Check out Rae-Ann Fischer's 1960 Pokomona Press and read about these and other memories from the summer of '60 -- the songs of Girl-Boy Sing, Colorwar Sing, Last Will + Testament The Gossip Column and Advice to the Lovelorn.


(click on the image to download a PDF of the Pokomona Press)

COLORWAR ROSTER - 1964

DO YOU REMEMBER ?
Myron Weintraub + Mark Jonas' Maroon Robin Hood vs Sol Schwartzberg + Howie Aronson's World of Disney...
Camper Generals Jon Zarrett + Ronnie Gelber...
That mandatory rest hour conduct was: silence, shoes off, resting on bed...
That points were awarded for Milk Call decorum...
That mail was collected from each Camper at supper lineup...

Check out Sol Schwartzberg's 1964 Colorwar Booklet and read about all the activities of Colorwar '64 and see who was on Grey and who was on Maroon.

There were plenty of Alumni there... Big Mess, Robert Plaut, Jeff Mendelson, Richie + Mark Marmaro, Carl Slotnick, Bob Fried, Richie + Ira Mandor, Joe Turner, Eric Kunkes, Peter Zucker, Mindy + Joyce Broser, Joyce Plaut, Kerry Prager, Carol + Marsha Pressman, Stacy, Jamie, Diane, and Shelly Rawitz.
(click on the image to download a PDF of the Colorwar Roster)

DIANE RESNICK + BARBARA GREEN - 1993

Here's an oldie (but goodie) !

Longtime friends and bunkmates (Diane Resnick and Barbara Green) got together for Barb's Birthday in NYC.

BANQUET MENU - 1964

DO YOU REMEMBER ?
The excitement of getting all dressed up...
The Banquet Dinner of Roast Turkey...
The anticipation as the awards were being announced...

Check out Rae-Ann Fischer's 1964 Banquet Program and read some of the beautiful messages written to her by her bunkmates and friends - Charlotte, Holly and Adrienne.


(click on the image to download a PDF of the Banquet Menu)

MARK RUBENSTEIN'S CAMP PIX - 1971

Alumni are still discovering Camp "treasures" in their attics.

Check out the pix of the Rubenstein brothers, Paul Targoff, Stan Fligner, Stu Winefsky and Dennis Itzkowitz that "Ruby" sent us.



(click here to view the Album)

COLORWAR ROSTER - 1965

DO YOU REMEMBER ?
Myron Weintraub + Mark Jonas' Maroon Circus vs Hank Snow + Howie Aronson's Grey Spirit of '76...
Camper Generals Mitch Goldberg + Rae-Ann Fischer...
That first night curfew was 4:30 am for those making mess hall decorations...
That points were awarded for team observance of the Sabbath...
That Sing took one hour and was worth 150 points...
The Apache Relay event "hop from Bunk Z to the Ping Pong tables"...

Check out Rae-Ann Fischer's 1965 Colorwar Booklet and read about all the activities of Colorwar '65 and see who was on Grey and who was on Maroon.

There were plenty of Alumni there... Ernie + Bernie, Lisa + Bobby Ingerman, Bob Fried, Peter Zucker, Stu Winefsky, Richie + Ira Mandor, Steve Tirsch, Richie Marmaro, Richie Hofflich, Mindy Broser, Carol + Marsha Pressman, Caren Riback, Stacy, Jamie, Diane, and Judy Oliner.

(click on the image to download a PDF of the Colorwar Roster)

JUNE SWERDLIN'S SPRING GET-TOGETHER - 2008

Guess who got together just a few weeks before last summer's Camp Reunion ?
Bunkmates Pam Green, June Swerdlin and Mindy Duboff...

POKOMONA PRESS - 1966

DO YOU REMEMBER... ?
Mark Marmaro, Dave Polansky and Andrea Kupner as the Black Robes...
Hank Snow's Grey Jules Verne beating Mark Jonas' Maroon Old Testament by only 5 points (1044 to 1039)...
Jerry Turner running the Waterfront...
George Selby faking a broken leg to break Colorwar in an ambulance...
Maroon's "Noah's Ark" and "10 Commandments" Dining Hall decorations...
Paul Dubrowsky and Jeff Jonas singing in the Variety Show...
Marsha, Jamie and Alan B. in The Sound of Music...

Check out Rae-Ann Fischer's 1966 Pokomona Press and recollect these and other memories from the summer of '66 -- the songs of Girl-Boy Sing, Colorwar Sing and the Last Will + Testament of Campers Marty Borell, Stu Winefsky, Steve Lieberman, Jonny Heller and Bruce Beyer.


(click on the image to download a PDF of the Pokomona Press)

BOBBY INGERMAN'S SIGNED PILLOWCASE - 1967

See what Bobby's Counselors and friends had to say, as the summer of '67 ended... Richie Marmaro, Marsha Pressman, Steve Tirsch, Marc and Jeff Jonas, Bob Biederman, Marv Winefsky and Stuie Wittner

ELYSE BAUMAN'S BUNK PIX

Look what Elyse sent us from 1967-68 !!!
(they're also in the Bunk Pictures Album)

LISA INGERMAN'S CAMPER REPORT - 1970

Check out Lisa's 1970 Camper Report...
she was an active participant in swimming, dance, boating and volleyball...and also some unusual activities...

College Bowl, Dating Game, Newlywed Game, Counselor Hunt,
Treasure Hunt and Gripe Session.
Who remembers those activites ?

(click on the picture to download a PDF of Lisa's Camper REPORT)

WARREN RUBENSTEIN'S BUNK PIX - 1972 + 73

Check out Warren and his "All Star" bunkmates from Division 6
from 1972 and '73...



(click here to view the Album)

CAMP YEARBOOK - 1969

DO YOU REMEMBER... ?
The Awards Banquet (11 Alumni were winners)...
The Wizard of Oz... The Talent Show...
Watermelon Leagues... Square Dancing...
Overnights... Swim Meets...
Mark + Honey and the "Aqua-Bimmies"...
Maroon "Heroes of the Old West" vs Grey "Horror Films"...

Check out this treasure that Susan Wald sent us and recount some of the wonderful memories of the summer of '69


(click on the image to download a PDF of the Yearbook)

MORE SUMMER REUNION PIX !!!

Just when the "Reunion high" was wearing off,
June Swerdlin sent us her Reunion pix !

Here's a short trip down memory lane... to that magical day in July,
when it was 1973 all over again.



(click here to view the Album)

POKOMONA PRESS - 1967

DO YOU REMEMBER... ?
Rollerskating on the tennis courts... Division 2 Boxing Matches...
Alice in Wonderland... Sunday morning "Fishing Club"...
Myron Weintraub as Athletic Director...
Bob Biederman as Waterfront Head...
Girl's Division 5 "Yenta Bentas"...

Check out this treasure that Lisa Ingerman sent us and recount some of the wonderful memories of the summer of '67


(click on the image to download a PDF of the Pokomona Press)

NYC GET TOGETHER - 9/25/08

Last Thursday, 14 of our fellow Alumni got together at a popular mid-town restaurant for an evening of reminiscing and re-connecting.

In attendance were dinner hosts, Marty Borell and Marsha Pressman, Davey Greenberg, Mitch and Ernie Goldberg, Paul Dubrowsky, Joyce Broser, Rae Ann Fischer, Bruce Beyer, Peter Magelof, Alan and Ronnie Benvenisty, Diane Resnick and Jeffrey Birnbaum.

If you were there, leave us a comment below, with your recollections and reflections on the evening.



(click here to view the Album)

ALAN FROMM'S CAMP PIX - 1970-73

Last summer, Alan sent us some fabulous pix.
Look what he "dug up" this summer !!!



(click here to view the Album)

POKOMONA PRESS - 1970

DO YOU REMEMBER... ?
Visiting Day Carnival... Swartswood Beach
The Talent Show... West Side Story...
OPA Campfires... Bowling at Colonial Lanes...
Horseback Riding at Spring Valley Farm...
Intercamp Games vs Log + Twig and Kittatinny...

Check out this treasure that Susan Wald sent us and recount some of the wonderful memories of the summer of '70


(click on the image to download a PDF of the Pokomona Press)

MENDY'S ACHIEVEMENT PATCH COLLECTION

Does anybody have an Achievement Patch for Archery,
Track + Field or Handball... Mendy does !!!

Look what he handed me at the Reunion... the last batch of Achievement Patches, which he's saved for 35 years.

DIANE RESNICK'S CAMP PIX

Check out Diane Resnick's Camp pix from the mid-60's...

AMY GOLDWERT'S CAMP PIX - 1970-73 (Part 2)

Here's PART 2 of Amy G's Camp pix...
(the first 52 pix are NEW)



(click here to view the Album)

STACY'S CAMP PIX - 1967 + 68

Look at the collection of pictures from the late 60's that Stacy sent us !



(click here to view the Album)

BOSTON GET TOGETHER

Guess who got together in Boston recently, after 38 years...
Eric Gershon + Mona Fromm.
By all accounts, it was a great reunion.

LONNIE SIEGEL'S CAMP PIX: 1970-73

Check out what Lonnie Siegel sent us...
Visiting Day Pix, Bunk Pix and Camp Memorabilia

AMY GOLDWERT'S CAMP PIX - 1970-73 (Part 1)

Here's Part 1 of Amy's Camp picture collection (86 in total).
There's Alumni we haven't seen before and some great group shots -
rollerskating... mudsliding... Colorwar meeting...
hanging out on the bleachers... dressed up for banquet.

Stay tuned for Part 2 !!!



(click here to view the Album)

ERIC GERSHON'S CAMP PIX - 1970

Here's some of Eric's activities during the Summer of '70...
Check out the Photo Booth picture taken in Monticello !!!

1973 PROPERTY APPRAISAL PIX

While we were getting ready for the Summer of '73,
the Federal Government was busy preparing to buy out the landowners
in the area - including Mendy and Harold.

They sent appraisers to take pictures, draw diagrams and measure
all the buildings on every property.

Due to some unbelievable "luck" (Don Stieh from the WHS and
Michelle Jacques from the NPS), we have those original pictures and diagrams to look at.

So, if you want to see what was written on the stone pillars at the entrance to Camp, find out how tall the handball court was, see the
Dining Hall or count how many walls the Roundhouse had...
download the PDF and have a look.


(click on the image to download a PDF of the Property Appraisal Pix)

SYLVAN + BETTE GOLDWERT BUNK PIX

Here are some more Bunk pix from 1970-71

WEST COAST GET-TOGETHER

Guess who introduced themselves as Pokono and Ramona at
Bernie Goldberg's California eyewear store, recently ?

None other than those merry pranksters...
Sue Langsam (L) and Jayne Daly (R) !!!

All had a good laugh and a nice Reunion.

Next stop... Encino ?

THERE'S MORE TO COME !!!

Post-Reunion doldrums... NO WAY !!!
We've still got lots of pictures and memorabilia to post.

Wanna see the 1969 Camp Yearbook... the 1970 Pokomona Press Visiting Day handout... songsheets from Colorwar Sing ?

Stay tuned... it's all coming !!!

Also... we're testing out an "Alumni Chat Room", for groups of Alumni to "chat" with each other, in real-time. If it works out, we'll be able to have "All-Camp Socials" in the Chat Room for evening activity.

Where and when should we have our next get-together ?
Click here to post your ideas. Will it be a cruise to Dave Herman's place in St. Croix... a ski lodge weekend at Hunter Mountain... Shabbos in the Catskills with Mendy ???

REUNION 2008 RECAP

We had a great time at Camp !!!

Here's some video of Mendy shmoozing with
David Zellman + Warren Rubenstein:




Here's some of the pictures we took...

(click HERE to see larger-sized pix in the Reunion Album)

Thanks go to the following Alumni, who sent in their Reunion pictures: Brad Perlow, David Zellman, Shelley Brauner, Lonny Siegel, Alan Fromm and Alan Wald. Whoever has Reunion pix they'd like to post, please send them to me
Here's what we had to say about the day:
- I think everyone had a great time seeing old friends. I know I did.

- The reunion was so amazing! I don't really have words to describe the feelings that I still have.

- What a great time. I am still sorting out the memories... and they are just getting better ! I am looking forward to the next gathering.

- WOW ! Very sentimental day ! It was so great to see everyone - talk and laugh... remembering things I have not thought about in years. Best of all - we all went back in time and laughed about wonderful times we had in the seventies !!!
- For a few hours we were able to step back in time and walk the hallowed ground of Camp with our friends and memories of the past. It was a special day.

- Great day. Great people. Great memories. Seeing everybody reminds me how special our summers together were. It was really wonderful seeing all. This should not be the last time we all get together. We should all continue to enjoy the good times.

- Who would have thought that so many people would travel from all parts of the country to share their memories and love for one another? Although it was 35 years, it almost seemed like yesterday.

- What a FANTASTIC day this has been... seeing everyone again brought back a flood of fond memories, and it was absolutely wonderful connecting with everyone again! Let's try not to let another 35 years go by till we all get together like this again! I honestly don't think I am going to be able to sleep tonight... I am going to be playing back in my head all the pictures I collected today...THANK YOU ALL for helping to make this day such a special one that I will cherish always! I can't believe how much fun it was, and how the memories just came flooding back... I think the best part of the day was being able to see - and touch - the people that we were so close with and still feel that connection that time could not sever. The people I reconnected with are still the same people I loved at 14, 15 and 16.

- What a great day!!! I can't even believe that it actually happened. It was just wonderful seeing everyone after such a long time. Seeing Mendy and Pauline was just the topping on the cake. Being at Camp just brought back many, many fabulous memories.

- The reunion was great. We all share a common bond of fond memories and affection for Camp. It was a fantastic feeling being on the campgrounds again.

- I feel truly blessed to have reconnected with all these wonderful memories and people. It was so much fun and I can't wait to do it again.

- I had a blast at the reunion. Seeing such great friends and catching up as if mere days instead of decades have gone by, was heartwarming.

- My first intense moment was seeing the sign to "Flatbrookville". When I drove into the parking lot I thought of how I stood there every Visiting Day waiting for my parents to arrive. Mendy and Pauline made the day complete. Spending the day with all of you was truly worth everything. What a great day.

- What a wonderful day it was. I so enjoyed seeing everyone and it was almost surreal to actually be on the campgrounds. As I know all of you feel, the years we spent at Camp were something special. It really was a beautiful place to spend our summers growing up. At least for a few hours on Sunday it felt like time stood still. I hope we will see each other again soon.

- It's two days later and I'm still smiling! What a wonderful day! From the second I arrived, it smelled exactly as I remembered it. I knew I was home again. How wonderful it was seeing old friends from summers that I will never forget. Hearing Richie Mandor's voice... I closed my eyes and it was 1971 again. As the sun was setting I didn't want to leave... I was ready for evening activity and a trip to the Canteen in the Social Hall. It was a day I will cherish forever.

- What an amazing day!!! Very emotional. I LOVED seeing everyone. I agree with all of you... It brought back such wonderful memories of our youth.

- It was truly an amazing day, one I'll never forget. It was a magical experience for me. Thanks to everyone who shared their memories and their joy. I hope to see you all again soon.

- And from Mendy and Pauline: Everything was SUPERLATIVE!!! Not enough words in the dictionary to describe what a wonderful morning you gave Mendy and I. We didn't get home til 1 am and haven't stopped talking about how emotional and marvelous it was seeing everyone - a day to remember!!!

The REUNION Yearbook

(click on the picture to download a PDF of the Yearbook)

Here's who attended:
David Zellman, Paul Dubrowsky, Joyce Broser, Mindy Broser, June Swerdlin, Scott Swerdlin, Marsha Pressman, Peter Magelof, Marty Borell, Alan Wald, Susan Wald, Alan Fromm, Dale Fromm, Annie Berman, Bob Kolber, Mark Rubenstein, Warren Rubenstein, Howie Simms, Bruce Beyer, Bobby Ingerman, Caren Riback, Barbara Green, Mitch Nudelman, Eric Kunkes, Diane Resnick, Jonny Heller, Amy Goldwert, Sylvan Goldwert, Eric Gershon, Nanci Siegel, Geoff Schlackman, Brad Perlow, Randy Perlow, Alan Daly, Richie Mandor, Lori Slutsky, Jamie Greissman, Davey Greenberg, Mark Stuttman, Shelley Brauner, Nanette Simms, Joyce Plaut, Ronnie Gold, Karen Gold, Sheila Kuflick, Barbara Zellman, Laney Mehlman, Mindy Duboff, Mark Margulies, Margie Siegel, Ron Gardner, Lonny Siegel, Robert Plaut, Bob Fried, Lisa Ingerman and Linda Berman

(let me know if I forgot anyone)

WHAT'S THIS A PICTURE OF ?

(click on the picture to see an enlarged view)

It's where we'll be headed in just 4 DAYS... Camp.
Through Siberia, past the totem pole, down the road,
past the handball courts and to the Roundhouse.
See you there !!!

Here's some "mood music" about the weather we're hoping for...

BUNK 5 REUNION - JUNE 19, 2008

Look who got together recently...
the "Legendary" Bunk 5 Campers of Davey Greenberg.
It was a memorable evening at the Palm Restaurant, in Manhattan. In attendance were Mitch Tanzman, Steve Tabor, Steven Yellin, Ronnie Gold, Mike Messenger, Zac Levokove and Lonny Siegel.

As Lonny Siegel recalls, "much of the evening was spent re-telling the wild antics of our group... the many fires we built (in and out of the bunk), our Counselors and bunkmates, how we were robbed of our final year as Senior Campers and speculation about who would have won the awards of 1974.

We all plan on staying in touch and getting together again in the future.

HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY !!!

It was exactly one year ago - June 5 - that we launched the
Alumni Website.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of many people, who conceived it, nurtured it, fed it and helped it grow... here we are - one year later - with 158 "found" Alumni, 25,000 website visits, 600 pictures, 3 Reunions and many friendships rekindled.

For all of us, here's a little Anniversary present (and some music).
(click on the music, then on the image)

MENDY'S REUNION RSVP

Hear Mendy tell us that he and Pauline are planning
to attend the Reunion !!!

SUSAN WALD'S SWEET 16 PARTY PIX - 1974

It was the Spring of 1974. Camp was officially closed and we were all heading in different directions. This might have been the last time that so many of us were together in the same place - and sharing a special moment in a young girl's life.

SUSAN WALD'S SIGNED PILLOWCASES - 1971-73

What's read, white & blue and full of names ?

A signed Camp Pillowcase, of course. !!!
where else could you find such deeply felt thoughts as these...

- "Diamonds may glitter, roses may die - friends may forget you, but never - I"
- "I really loved having you to share my summer fun with"
- "It was great knowing you - you were one of the people that made my summer great."

Re-live a bit of those feelings that we expressed to friends (and had them express to us) in the waning days of Camp, as we "take a peek" at Sue Wald's signed pillowcases from 1971-73.

(click on the picture to download a PDF of all the pillowcases)

SUSAN WALD'S CAMP PIX - 1969-73

See pix of Campers and Counselors we haven't seen before:
Stephanie Stracher, Arna Kunofsky, Phil Kaplan, Sheri Glaser,
Lisa Fine, Debbie Markowitz and many more...

Susan has sent us a "whopping" 80 new pictures !!!
(see them in this slideshow or the FACES Web Album)

SUSAN WALD'S CAMP MEMORABILIA - 1971-73

Certificates... plaques... plates and pillowcases.
Sue Wald has sent us her "impressive" collection of awards and memorabilia. No wonder she was BAAC in 1972 !!!

SUSAN WALD'S BUNK PIX - 1970-73

See the girls of Bunk 24
as they grew into young womanhood from 1970 - 73.

SUSAN WALD'S SIGNED PLATES - 1971-73

What stories are "hidden" behind each signature on these plates ?

Was plate-signing an OPA initiation ritual or just a
memento of Camp friendships ?
- Why did Richie Marmaro sign as "Joe Namath" ?
- What prompted Richie Siegel to nickname himself "Cazzie" ?
- What's the connection between Phil Kaplan and "Oscar Homolka" ?
- Who were "Running Bear" and "Smashing Bonamolo Jr" ?

If you know the stories behind these mysterious
"hand-inscribed paper discs", enlighten us !!!

Lonny Siegel writes: OPA "initiation" required one to collect a number of Counselor signatures, in addition to maintaining a "vow of silence" for the day. You were allowed up to 3 infractions, which were denoted by notches on a stick worn around your neck
(click on the picture to download a PDF of all the plates)

WOODSTOCK MEETS WALPACK - 1970

Back when Vietnam, Kent State and Richard Nixon were making headlines... Jefferson Airplane, Jethro Tull and James Taylor ALMOST played a concert just up the road from Camp.

Here's the story of "The Music Festival that Never Happened"...

(click on the picture to download a PDF of the story)
Scott Swerdlin was on his way back to Camp - just sitting in the back of the Red truck with the rest of the Division 5 Boys - revelling in the 6-4 win against Logs and Twigs' Softball Team. Crossing the Dingman's Ferry Bridge, he glimpsed several signs along the road proclaiming, "FESTIVAL CANCELLED". "What's that all about ?", he wondered. No sooner did he stop to ponder the matter when his concentration was broken by the sounds of First Call resonating through the forest. It was almost time for Lunch. The mystery would have to wait - for now.

Scott would finish the summer (and the decade) without finding out just what the mystery was, but he never stopped wondering...

Fast forward 38 years... Scott's chance re-connection to some old Campmates via internet... a history buff's chance discovery of some Campers who spent summers right in the heart of his cherished boyhood home... a flurry of e-mails... and the story of the "Music Festival that Never Happened" begins to take shape...

Let's watch it unfold as we read the recollections of Don Stieh, the history "buff" who was there...

------------------------------

It was the summer of 1970. I had just finished my freshman year at Rutgers. Kent State, Earth Day, and Vietnam War protests were all fresh in my mind. The Generation Gap was in evidence everywhere - it was the Establishment against the Counterculture... and the "battle lines" were about to be drawn in our own little corner of the world - Walpack Township.

Having missed Woodstock the previous summer, my friends and I were psyched for the Harmonyville Music Festival - 6 days of Rock 'n Roll by some of the biggest names in Rock - Jefferson Airplane, Jethro Tull, Richie Havens, Chicago ! Even as we looked forward to it, we knew the devastating effect it might have on our magnificent valley - several hundred thousand people trampling through our backyard could wreak havoc on the environment. I was torn, but still eager to party !

The site of the Festival was the Radcliff Farm, right along the River and 2 miles North of Flatbrookville, on Old Mine Road. My family's place was in Walpack, just 5 miles upriver.

Most of the community was dead set against the Festival. After Woodstock, the images of mud-soaked humanity, roads clogged for miles in all directions and mountains of trash were nightmares we didn't want. Public pressure quickly developed to head off a repeat of that "disaster".

As word of the Festival spread, the outside world discovered Walpack ! Eager Festival goers started showing up early. Townspeople began to complain about naked hippies wandering around and swimming in the river. One man even claimed to have run off a trespasser with his rifle.

Eventually, the State got involved and a Court Injuction was issued, prohibiting the Festival from being held. The rationale was that Walpack was an isolated area with minimal public services, no method of crowd control and no way to ensure the health and safety of several hundred thousand Festival-goers. Newspapers featured the picture of a Police cruiser parked on the Flatbrookville Bridge, showing that it was only a single lane road, and couldn't possibly handle the volume of traffic the Festival was sure to generate.

As part of the Injunction, the Festival promoters had to advertise its cancellation. Signs were posted on all area roads.
On the two weekends leading up to the festival, all roads into Walpack were blocked by State Police - to keep out hippies and other "undesirables". I kept a copy of our Walpack Township tax bill on me at all times to show that I actually lived in the area, in case I was ever stopped by Police.

August 4th came and went without fanfare. The much ballyhooed festival never took place. All the hullaballoo died out rather quickly after that, and life in Walpack returned to "normal". Although he Establishment had won this round, and protected us from the much feared "hippie assault" on our environment... it would be the Establishment itself that would eventually destroy the Walpack we knew and loved... in their pursuit of the Tocks Island Dam Project. It would take the environmental movement - itself, an offspring of the counterculture, to eventually defeat the Dam project... but not until after we were dispossessed of our community.

------------------------------

And so, the circle closes. One boy's curiosity turns out to be an entire chapter in another man's life and their convergence, 38 years later, solves a mystery for one and leaves bittersweet memories for the other. But out of this convergence, another chapter is opened in the History of Walpack... that of Camp Pokono Ramona.

(thanks to Scott Swerdlin for pursuing his long-time curiosity about this event, and to Don Stieh, of the Walpack Historical Society, for bringing the details to light)