Sandra Patterson:
CLASS OF 1961
Collingswood High SchoolClass of 1961
Collingswood, NJ
Oaklyn Junior High SchoolClass of 1958
Oaklyn, NJ
Sandra's Story
My husband Bruce and I live on Cedar Lake, one of the small lakes in Denville, NJ. Graduated from Glassboro State with a major in Junior High Education. Spent 25 years and 4 months (but who's counting) as a middle school teacher in classrooms in the state of NJ and said , "Give me my pension, I'm out of here." We moved from Cherry Hill to the cottage on the lake, and I realized I had no one to play with. My North Jersey friends were still teaching and those who had kids had gone back to work. I figured I better find something to do to keep me out of trouble. That 's how I landed in the adolescent psych unit at St. Clare's Hospital 24 years ago. I love my job tutoring at the hospital. It's the most rewarding, challenging, frustrating teaching I have ever done. The frustrating part comes from dealing with the schools, counselors and teachers. God willing, I'll be back in September.
In '93 we knocked down the cottage and built our dream house. It may not be a design for everyone, but we like it. The flotilla has grown to four boats, all powered by wind, oars or paddles. No motors allowed., not even electric!
Currently we share our home with 2 Brittanys. Tracer earned his show championship, Junior Hunter, and CGC. He's 13 now and was blinded by sards 2 1/2 years ago right before we had to let his best friend, our 15 year old Golden cross the Rainbow Bridge. Our breeder suggested we might like to have Ivan, a 9 year old retired show dog, move in to be a companion to Tracer. They do fine together.
After retiring, Bruce became active in the VFW (he is a Vietnam vet) and P.R.I.D.E. council in town. I don't play well with others and want no part of the politics of groups and/or committees. So when a function comes up and volunteers are needed, Bruce and I show up as a team and do what needs to be done river clean-up, build a play ground, triathlon spotter, parties for vets from Lyons VA Hospital or Christmas parties for the children at Picatinny Arsenal you are sure to find us there. Bruce's activities earned him one of the spots of Volunteer of the year for 2014.So proud of him for all he tries to do to help our community.
For the past 10 years or so our travels have been taking us to visit friends in Naples, FL in May, and we always spend part of the time on Sanibel Island, a favorite destination. August is fo...Expand for more
r ME with time spent at Leens Lodge Last year we fished the St. Croix River btwn USA and Canada. Best spot ever. This year we hope to return to P.E.I. for a third Shellfish Festival Weekend in Sept.
Ken Vander Slice has kept me posted about the possible closing of the Oaklyn Public School. I breaks my heart to think that Oaklyn kids may have to go to Collingwood for all grades of their education. If OPS is operating this year, do you think you could help out by joining the PTA for $5.00 ( or whatever you might be able to afford) to help the efforts of the parents who are trying to hold the school together?
Update: 8/14/16 We still share our home with two Brittanys: Ivan the 10 yo retired show dog and Ranger a 3 yo total wacko. Ranger came to us last October after Tracer crossed the Rainbow Bridge in August.. Ranger was rescued from CO; one owner passed and the other could not handle all the Britts in their kennel alone, so we were honored to be asked to take on another dog who needed a home. Getting to be a pro at breaking in adult dogs who have never lived in a house before. The secret? Have a dog who already knows the ropes.
Bruce is still active in the community and was named one of five "Living Treasures of Morris County in 2016." We still are a team in most activities. The town resurrected the sports field across from the Denville VFW Post, installed a flag pole and lights, and the Beautification Committee landscaped the area. So when the Mayor called Bruce and said, "I need a favor" Bruce landed a position as the Mayor's alternate on the Library Board.
Praying for a good CAT scan in November so I can celebrate 5 years lung cancer free. The top lobe of my right lung was removed - no chemo, no radiation. There are still a few spots in other areas but they haven't been doing much for nearly five years so all has been well.
Have a grand 55th Reunion. Once was enough.
We recently had to let Ivan, our retired show dog cross the Rainbow Bridge. It doesn't get any easier and we only had him for a few years. Ranger is now 3 and a real character. Sorry if my dog news bores some people, but we were not blessed with children.
I made it! Five years cancer free! One day at a time.
It amuses me when I see who and how often some of my classmates have checked this profile. What are expecting to find? Try an email.
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