Memories of Lalor School ... continued
by Gale Szajna

The seventies...

There were still "Silver Teas" at the beginning of the decade but they soon stopped. Prayer continued but gradually the meetings became less formal.

During this time Mr.Pierson, Mr.Reed, Mrs.Warr and Mrs.Alito were Principals. Some of the teachers were Mrs.Jennings, Mrs.Gaudette, Mrs.Murphy, Mrs.Savko, Ms.Cimino, Ms.Nowack, Mr.May, Ms.Pie-Phys.Ed.and Ms.Bevolaqua-Music.  The PTA became concerned about the safety of the children and led a crusade of sorts to improve the street conditions in the area.  First Lafayette and Schiller Avenues were made one way streets.  In spite of this a young girl was hit by a car and as a result a crossing guard was stationed at Bow Hill Avenue and Andrew Street.  Another concern of the PTA was the safety of children on carnival rides.  Senator Joe Merlino, Assemblyman Fran McManimon, and PTA President Ed Forsthoffer successfully introduced "The Amusement Ride Safety Act" to the New Jersey State Legislature.  In addition, Mr.Forsthoffer began the Spelling Bee at Lalor School which soon became township wide.  This was continued until just a few years ago.
   
Glen Stevens fondly remembered having Mr.May for sixth grade.  Mr. May's teaching style really made an impression on him.   He also enjoyed the time he spent helping Mrs. Olson, the cook and Lou, the janitor. Joe Crupi said, "Mr.May loved baseball and would often come to watch me play in Little League".  Maryann (MacNicoll) Herncane was new to the area when she entered first grade. Her teacher, Mrs. Gaudette, "has made a lasting impression on her life.  She made her feel safe in a strange school with unfamiliar faces".  One of her fondest memories is of the talent shows that were held.   David Innocenzi recalls being a student during the "Bicentennial Celebration".  His class "made a huge mural depicting a Bicentennial theme and (it) was hanging in the auditorium for years."  He also "remembers his mother Marie being on the PTA Executive Board and hosting bingo games and silent auctions.  Of course the money raised was for the students at Lalor helping to provide guest speakers and programs pertaining to the Bicentennial of our country".  He also enjoyed the PTA hosting the annual spelling bees and talent shows.  David Innocenzi and Ed Forsthoffer,Jr. would later return to Lalor School and entertain the students with magic shows.  They are two of our "famous" alumni- Mr. Innocenzi is now the Vice Principal of Hamilton High School West and Mr.Forsthoffer is the Principal of an elementary school in Hillsboro Township.

In 1975 the school was almost shut down along with Maple Shade, Groveville, Wiley, Rowan, Farmingdale and a few others. The PTA campaigned heavily to keep our school open. After several years of uncertainty, ( because of such a low enrollment ) the school population gradually increased.    ...Safety for the children walking to school continued to be a concern so the PTA approached the Hamilton Township Police Department.  The outcome was a stop sign at the corner of Andrew Street and Barnt De Klyn Road.

Memories  continued...