Update 5-7-02


Hi,

Thoughts from all over:

From Bernie O'Brien:  I wish I had the ability to put into words my thanks and appreciation to you for inviting me to your reunion.  Even though my stay was all too short, I was able to see many of the people I thank for making my years at Valley Stream South so gratifying.

From Booker Gibson:  I  wanted to let all of you know that it was the most memorable reunion I've ever been fortunate to attend.  You "girls" were so easy to recognize, while some "boys" were more difficult.  Love to all.

From Linda Cohen Greenseid:  Ellen Epstein Silver was right -- I'm really glad I went to the reunion.  I had such a good time seeing old friends that I hadn't seen in what feels like forever ago.  I felt the hours fly by, and there were so many people I didn't get to talk to or spoke with too briefly.  I was left with the feeling that we are a really nice group of people, and I will look forward to seeing all again at the next reunion.

From Lynn Nudelman Villagran:  I just got home today from New York.  I had such a wonderful time at the reunion.  It couldn't have turned out better -- all the planning really worked out perfectly (except, perhaps, for getting kicked out of the room on Friday night -- but it's a good story to tell my daughters).  I ended my New York visit with a trip to the WTC site yesterday -- it was emotional, but I'm glad I went.  

From Peggy Galinger Menaker:  Have still not come down from our wonderful reunion weekend and wanted to e-mail you to say, "See you in '05??"

From Barbara Blitfield Pech:   I thought I would share this with you -- some light hearted, yet interesting news clipped from the Monday edition of Newsday:  "Valley Stream South High Students wrap up left-over food from the cafeteria and deliver it to homeless shelter."  I hope it was more than milk and devil dogs.
      Also, I have arrived home, trying to stay ahead of my exhaustion and laundry from the weekend.  There are no simple thoughts that I can pull out to tell you all how wonderful it was to share these last few days, catching up on each other's lives and renewing good friendships.  I cherish the memories and look forward to seeing you all soon again.  And, while Miami is too quickly moving into what seems to be an early and hot summer, please do not let our weather stop you from considering a visit to The Pech Palace -- summer rates are in effect and many rooms with a good view are still available for mid-week and weekend visits.  You are cordially invited anytime -- the key is under the mat.

From Donald Faber:  Thought I'd drop a quick note before the sensory overload
completely fades -- I had the best weekend I've had in I don't know how long.  Was it our class?  I'm beginning to think so -- just how many truly wonderful, talented, and decent people we were (and are).  If there is anything resembling a time machine, let me set the dial for Valley Stream South circa '65.

From Andy Dolich:  The only thing missing from this past weekend's wacky, warm, and wonderful trip down memory lane was a visit from Ozzie and Harriet.  I'm eagerly looking forward to our 70th when only 3 people will still be breathing.

From Carole Ganz:  It was a wonderful time to reconnect with some pretty amazing folks.  When's the next one?  Just kidding.

From Kenny Nolan:  A great time was had by all, though I must admit that, at first, I did not have a clue as to who you were.

From Ellen Nudelman Davidson:  It was quite an evening.  It was great to see everyone.   

From Robin Feit:  It opened a floodgate of warm memories and happy thoughts.

From Larry Rugen:  A great hotel with great food and the guests were so very special.  Even with my broken ankle I was able to see Ray, Wes, Rosemary, Paul, Terri, Robert, Ellen, Irene, Steven, and others did stopped by.  Too bad I missed a bunch more, but I wanted to say hello to Rae, Robin, Lynn, Bernie, Joan, Frank, Peter, Jay and so many others!  Just wished the teachers would have made their way around the room.  And I must say, not only was our class of '65 a great class then, but aren't we all pretty darn good lookin' still today!

From Ira Mitzner:  A great weekend.  

From Steve Gootzeit:   I was looking forward to the reunion, but had no idea I would enjoy it as much as I did -- time stood still, even if our appearances didn't.  Several times, I actually stood back from the crowd and just tried to take it all in.  I always thought, as a group, that we were pretty bright, but did any of us realize how much those years meant before last night?  I didn't.  I am starting a Class of '65 fan club:  Would you each please send me the $1000 initiation fee and I will contact you (from Rio).  Also, Toni Rea told me that I shouldn't have stopped writing poetry.  You decide.

Blowin' in the Wyndham

Whose class this is, I think I know
I saw them many years ago
With faces fresh and spirits high
The world was theirs, they held it nigh

And now they come from near and far
They're upstairs, downstairs, in the bar
Mitzner, Kellman, Jonas, too
Who are these guys?  I need a clue.

I step outside, pick up a book
I'll jog my mind, I'll take a look
The names and words flow 'cross the page
But still no help -- is this old age?

The cover says "Class '65"
And now my mind has come alive
I made a wrong turn at the door
I'm from the class of '64.

From Denise Frango Baxter:  I had a really nice time at the reunion.  It was fun seeing everyone.  Anyone who could not make it, I am sure I speak for all who attended, you missed out on a weekend to remember for a long time.  I hope we will all continue to keep in touch.

From Irene Augustin Wehn:  Wasn't it great!  Eve and Olga stayed at my house and we stayed up till three talking.

From Paulinda Schimmel:  Just wanted to let you know I had a great time.  I loved seeing people I hadn't spoken to since high school and spoke to people that never even knew I was alive back then.  I'm glad I came even though my traveling plans kept getting revised as planes were delayed and not landing where they were supposed to.  Returning to L.A. was as much an adventure as the reunion.  Have a reunion here so I don't have to deal with airplanes.  I'll even help!

From Alan Finder:  Something just took off and in the process provided about 140 of us with something of extreme value.

From Judy Hartstone:  Finally got home Thursday, sporting a terrible cold which I hope other people did not catch. Now catching up on all the work that a week off leaves me with.  And totally out of my rhythm.  It's like the reunion is playing in the back of my mind all the time.

From Peggy Cooper:  The reunion was all that we dreamed---and more.  We're all very grateful to have been there.

From Ed Albrecht:  Sorry I missed the reunion. Sounds like everyone really enjoyed themselves. I asked Barbara Blitfield Pech to fill me in.  I will plan to attend a mini in the near future.

From Diane Fruzetti:  I had the time of my life.  I hope I am not kept waiting more than 3 years for the next big reunion!  Perish the thought.  I am ready now!

From Carol Bunim Okin:   It's been almost a week since our gala reunion, and I still haven't stopped smiling!  It was so wonderful to see old friends and favorite teachers and reminisce about the good ole days.  Can't wait for the next one.  Be well, everyone!

From Hy Rosov:  If I am still walking on two feet and can see and hear, I will damn sure try to make the next one, wherever it is.

From Linda Iaquinto O'Hara:  The party was great.  Den and I had a terrific time seeing so many of our old classmates and friends.  
                                                                                                           
From Jay Kinder:  It will take me weeks to absorb all of the conversations and information and relate them to my high school memories.  My vote is to have the next reunion in five years.  

From Marc Jonas:  A masterful job

From Stu Kandel:  Wow is right.  It was an intense weekend of renewing old friendships.  I found out this past weekend that old friends are the best friends.  The old memories were, as the commercial says, priceless.  If I have a vote, it's for a 40th in 3 years, or for that matter I'm free next weekend.

From Jane Ruzow Tiell:  It was wonderful seeing everyone again.  So glad I decided to come.

From Grace Dibble Kincade:  I feel so fortunate to have been able to renew friendships and acquaintances.  It was a totally positive experience, and I hope we get to do it again soon!  

From Nancy Garfield:  So great to see all of you.  Everyone seemed to have a super time.  I know I'm ready to work on our 40th, but right now I'm going to just sit on my couch and read.

From Ellen Epstein Silver:  What a weekend.  It was magical.  I can't seem to stop smiling as I replay it in my mind (over and over).  It met every expectation -- that trip down memory lane, the comfortable feeling of being with people who thought like you, lived life like you did, and shared the experiences of growing up in suburbia near the ocean yet a train ride away from the thrill of Manhattan and all the culture it had to offer; the semi-difficult times going through puberty, hoping the opposite sex was interested, and worrying about taking the SATS, and of course the unthinkable period when we witnessed the gloom and doom of the assassination of President Kennedy, and the weekend we were all glued to our television sets.  I so enjoyed renewing old friendships, making new ones, catching up on the last 37 years, and hoping that we all have our little mini-reunions around the country when we visit a city where we know one of "us" lives.  Also, hopefully we'll plan the big FOUR-0 with the same enthusiasm we had for this one (though let's make it in a hotel on a beach).  Still, wherever it is, count me in.  Meanwhile, if any of you pass through the Dallas area, I hope you'll look us up.

From Marilyn Horowitz Goldhammer:  A good time was had by all.

From  Dennis Pizzimenti:  Benette and I enjoyed this.  Bittman, that was funny.  Shame on you, Rosen.  It was so "Taxi."

From Janet Hernandez:  I  know tomorrow starts the great reunion weekend of our class of '65 and I'm sorry that I am not able to make it.  But my thoughts will be
with you all, and I hope to be able to be at the next one in a few years.  In one of the e-mails someone mentioned the school song.  Yes, I still have my yearbook, and I remember the song.  I sometimes even think of it out the blue and start to hum it.  I guess a lot of songs from years gone by just pop up in our minds, and we all think about that time, when we can.

From Eric Hilton:  It’s Sunday, 10:48 PM, and I’m flying back to Sarasota on Jet Blue’s “Flight from Hell.”  At 25,000 feet over Hershey, PA, lightning starts striking both sides of the aircraft, and passengers start to panic.  While people were screaming and running in the aisles, I sit calmly in my seat, quietly fitting the air sickness bag over my head and praying that we land safely into the “Hershey Kiss” Factory, where as a kid, I got my hand caught in an antique chocolate display case while on a tour with my Brooklyn Avenue Cub Scout Troop.  As punishment, they made me ride in the back of the bus with Weird Stuart, a rather large kid who wore his sneakers on the wrong feet and liked to eat small frogs from Mill Pond.  So I’m flying in this vehicle of terror, and as people in the aircraft are preparing for the worst, I casually lean back and think about one of the most wonderful weekends I can ever remember, with people who helped make my childhood and adolescence a wonderful experience, all gathered together.  When I flew up to New York, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  1965 was such a long time ago, my brain cells are only functioning at 48%, and I can’t remember squat.  I have always dreamed of going back to my high school reunion as a famous movie star, a rock musician, an astronaut, or a cowboy (as a little kid, I worked in my uncle Ben’s deli and always dreamed of owning my own Pastrami ranch... what did I know?)  After seeing some very impressive bios, I was feeling a bit insecure as I had not reached the financial status of most.  Deciding not to remove the entire $28.67 from my savings account and purchase the new flashy stainless steel sports jacket I had seen in Home Depot (it was the kind you had to screw together) instead, I wore what I had.  But from the time I set foot in the hospitality suite on Friday and picked up my photo badge, until the time I left on Sunday morning, people were screaming out my name, hugging and kissing me and all asking the same question... Who are you???  The entire weekend turned into a mutual hugging and kissing walk down memory lane.  There were old friends like Donald Faber, who reminded me of things that we had done together in the Cub Scouts, names of people who had passed away, and stories of the wonderful times we had at South.  I remember the many times 12 of us would get in my ‘55 Oldsmobile, go to “Talbor’s Liquor Store” and buy Boones Farm apple wine with the fake ID’s we made in print shop.  As I got older, more refined, and became a “Gourmet Navy Chef," I learned about the fine wines that went with the epicurean meals I would prepare.  Now that I am 55, the most important thing I need to know about fine wine is will it mix well with my prune juice?  I can’t tell you how great it was to see our former teachers who meant so much to me.  The one thing I didn’t see was anyone with a big ego, as everyone bonded so well and reminisced about the past.  I also couldn’t help but notice what a handsome group of people we were, as everyone looked so wonderful.  In fact, the women looked so good that some of the guys still tried to get them into the back seat of their rented cars by using the same old trick we used in the South High parking lot... pleading and begging!  I especially want to thank Diane Fruzzetti for informing me about the reunion, my wife Gilda for making me go, and a special thanks to Grace Dibble for bringing in all of the Brooklyn Avenue photographs of us growing up, and the photo of me in my cub scout uniform.  Cynthia Ingolia, on her way out, thanked me for remembering her, which brought tears to my eyes.  I, too, was grateful that Cynthia and others remembered me fondly.  This truly will be an event I will never forget!  The only thing that I really want to know is this…can we do this again next week?

Finally, there are several finallys this week:
      First, sorry about that virus scare.  I'm an idiot.
      Second, there are now 70 reunion photos on the home page.  There would have been another 50, but I was fighting off an idiot virus scare.  Still, more photos should be there soon.  RoseMarie Cassillo, who took all the first batch, pointed out that the ones she sent me are much clearer than the ones I posted.  That's because the ones I post have to work on everyone's computers so are relatively small and at a low dpi (that's computer jargon for stuff I only vaguely understand).  But if there's a picture you especially like, ask the person who took it to send you a more detailed version.
      Third, Lynn Nudelman Villagran has a very sensible approach to figuring out which additional photos to send me:  wait and see what's already been posted, and if you have some neat photos that aren't there, send them on.  If you don't have a scanner, send me prints, and I'll return them.
      Fourth, Paul did the accounting and discovered we were ultimately thirty bucks underfinanced.  We would have come out ahead if I hadn't decided at the last minute to tip the head waiter and the hospitality suite cleaning crew (that, alone, should get me into heaven, should there be one). In order to make up this enormous deficit, Paul considered asking everyone to send him a quarter, though, of course, it would cost an additional thirty-four cents each for us to do that.  So for the moment, he's extending us a limited credit at no interest.  What a guy.
     Fifth, about the updates:  as long as you keep sending me things to pass along, I'll keep harassing you weekly.  I've even spoken with a couple of people who can sub for me if I want to try resuming crossword puzzles.  So if you want to hear from us, we've got to hear from you.
      And, last, yeah, I guess we seriously need to consider 2005.  But not today.


Rich