Donna Kachler:  

Just to explain why I have Oxford Hills School on my list... My mom is originally from Maine & graduated from Norway High School. Sometime after Nursing School in Portland, he married my dad who was from New Jersey, moving there in 1947 and has lived there ever since! My grandparents lived in Norway, Maine while I was growing up so I spent most of my summers with them well into HS when I would visit for a few weeks. With all those years of spending time there, it was like a second home and along with that, my share of friends! Hence, my name on the friends/family list of the years that I had friends in the HS at Oxford Hills! My grandparents; Herbert & Marjorie Hill, are gone now and my Mom and I don't get up that way every year but when I do, it is nice to see some of the friends and family I still keep in touch with! Last time I was up was July of 2006 and went with one of my brothers, my Mom and my four daughters (John, my husband, stayed home to work) and I sprained my ankle (first time ever) visiting the relatives in the West Paris Cemetery! Didn't get to Maine this past Summer but my brother drove my Mom up for her Annual Reunion at least! My oldest is planning to do her Thesis Film near by so if she has to re-shoot something, it's not far from home. Update~She shot her film; in honor of my Mom, in LBI, CT and Fair Lawn at my childhood home on 31st St and our neighbor's house for the interior! She won a Alumni Memorial Scholarship award which helped reimberse her for what it cost her to make the film! In addition to that, life is good and busy! I got my AA in Child Study (from Mount Ida) but only taught while persuing a BA (didn't finish~teaching at the time didn't make enough $) and after I had my first 2 out of 4 daughters in a local Nursery School! You can say I utilized my degree bringing up my daughters, being a Girl Scout leader and CCD teacher! I have been a PTA President (3 years at the Middle School) and Chairperson for too many committees to mention! My life right now is having 2 in college(update ~ see below) and 2 in HS, being a PROUD Band Parent, volunteer and since I don't have to be a Catechist this year since my youngest will receive her Confirmation May '09, I help where I can in church. 2 of the older ones are on the Adult team for Antioch, so I am proud of that too! I will be going across the "Pond" for the first time this Spring with the younger 2 & their HS Marching Band (One is in Color Guard & the other, Percussion) to London and Scotland! All four of the girls have been in the band! The band is Scottish themed & includes some bagpipes (my 2nd oldest played them when she was in it as well as being Drum Major her Senior year)! My oldest will be going to Italy this Summer for a school workshop to meet with Italian Film makers! Update ~ The trip was amazing... REALLY loved London the best... clean and the the people are wonderful! Shrewsbury was great too... small town atomosphere and beautiful! If our dollar was worth more there, I'd go again in a heartbeat! Endinburgh, Scotland wasn't as great as I thought it would be but going to the castle where they have a Military Tattoo every Fall, was worth it! My oldest went to Milan and Rome and with the exception of her luggage coming home on another flight, she had a spiritual experience! She fell in love with Milan and was offered to return to study for her Masters under a Professor there... we'll see! Update~ My oldest graduated college on May 15th at Radio City Music Hall! Looking for work and may go to LA this Fall to work! My 2nd oldest is now home & will be commuting her 3rd year (her choice)in addition to switching her major to English! Besides being a MOM... that is my full time job, I have been lucky not to have to work more than a part time job since I have had the girls. You can say I am a Jill of all trades! It's mad money for me and my latest job is going on 2 years now working perdiem for a local car dealer (paid for my trip plus spending money)! It's perfect for me right now! Update~Just went on 3 years! Had thyroid cancer surgery in Spring of 2001. Doing great but have to have full body scans every 2 years to be sure! Just a reminder that it could always be worse! Can only go forward! One of my favorite quotes is ~ "Everything happens for a reason" and I am humble about my cancer when there are others that have to deal with more. I live only about a 1/2 hour from Fair Lawn and shop often in the Paramus area! Growing up only 5 minutes from the Mall spoils you! Now I have to plan my shopping trips but am used to it! Living in West Milford now for 24 plus years, you have to sacrifice the convenience of the Malls for the appreciation of the Countryside! Even though I live in the center area of our...Expand for more