James Nalepa:  

Life grew up in the BRONX, New York City....yes the Bronx....and because I had a Christmas birthday the Catholic School wouldn't take me because I was too young. So, I started kindergarten at P.S. 122 on Kingsbridge road( K -3). We lived at the Fordham Hill apartments and unlike kids today, my mom kicked us out of the apartment and we ran around by ourselves....going to Lotties , Doc's Drug Store, and Mrs Shaws playground......we also hasseled the girls at the Dayak Dance Studio. From what I understand, my friend Jackie Lynch still lives in the neighborhood. GO GIANTS. In 1965 my Dad got a job in Massachusetts and we moved to Framingham. I attended BrookWater Elementary from 4th-6th grade...and had the teacher than made the greatest impact on my life....John Hurley. He was a real man, Former Army Airborne Ranger Officer. Probably my greatest moment at Brook Water was when my best friend, Paul Miller, another NY refugee, got into a fight with the whole school because we were rooting for the Cardinals to beat the Red Sox in the 1967 World Series. We took a beating, as we should have, and that cemented our friendship. My longest friendship was fostered there....and we still stay in contact...Gary Paresky. Then came Junior High....for the first year I went to Winch Park School....and had a tremendous year in Division 7-27. We only had 19 kids and they were the most bright and creative group I have ever been in class with. Pat Callaghan, Paul Miller, Barry Shuffitt (RIP), Tom TADY Brady, Danny Clinckscale , Leanne Hamler, Susan Oaker,and others. I found my first true love that year.....un named here.....and she will be forever in my heart. Next, came the opening of the new MIddle School, WALSH, and most of the 7-27 crew became 8-15 and we had another spectacular year...with teachers like Jack JOHNNIE SHAUG Shaughnessy, Jim Walker, Mrs Sewell and Dyanamite Dave Harrow... We added Ferdie Taygan , Glenn McGeoch, Sandy Cronin and the unforgetable Prinkie twins to the mix. Stepping up to FNHS was something... I have great memories of teachers like Minicucci, Schlickman, Dargan, Ms OHara(she flunked me), Frau Rugo.....Stan Wade. Speaking of Minicucci...who could ever forget SAVAGE DAYS???...where have you gone Carl Jickelli ? My best Friend, Pat Callaghan turned this NY'er into a Celtics and Bruins fan. Sleeping out for two days at the Natick Mall in 1972 for Bruins playoff tickets was the an experience of a lifetime. JESUS SAVES, and ESPOSI...Expand for more