Joe College autobiography; 1970 and 1971

I turned 13 years of age in 1971, and rock'n'roll was seeping in and taking over my core. Hockey would retain its magic for another few years, but music was pounding in my heart and girls were always on my mind. My family moved from New Street in Burlington to 455 Maple Avenue, close to the Mohawk Canoe Club on Lake Ontario.

During Grade Five and Grade Six at St. John's School on Brant Street, I was very fortunate to have been taught by Mrs. Elizabeth Koteles, and she was the most inspiring teacher I ever had. She taught me to question authority, and to back up my statements with facts, and that was all I needed to really give this life a wholesome, whole-hearted shot. The next year I had Mr. Heffernan and in Grade Eight I had Mrs. Pat Clatworthy, and though they were valued, very professional educators, I had been spoiled by Mrs. Koteles. I remember one year she took us on 8 field trips, to museums, art galleries, Ontario Science Centre, all kinds of great places. For a boy who now lived with his mom and sister in an apartment block, these trips were manna from heaven. and in art class we didn't just paint, we did sculpture, paper mache, collage - she was the best!!!