Update 11-23-04

Hi,

Happy Thanksgiving. That was easy.

Some mail, first from Booker Gibson: This week, I attended a retired teachers meeting with Emily Kleinman Schreiber, class of '61, who is such a bundle of brains and energy. She remarked on your class again. A very important thing your class had was, of course, Vinnie Tampio, a person who knew something about the stage.
When the scholarship idea was first mentioned and my name was added to the list, didn't I mention that other teachers should be given consideration? I'm glad to hear more possible consideration is being given. At your 37th reunion, you all seemed pleased to see so many faculty members who had had a large impact on your lives. I believe I can even remember Joe Caruso helping build scenery or other projects.
Also, this is for the people like Barnet, Paul, the triplets, and many others who played in the band: Last Saturday evening, I was surprised while watching the annual presentation of the high school bands at Hofstra. (Remember those cold exciting nights?) All of a sudden, there was the South High Band in brand new uniforms (with capes). Naturally, I noticed a few Black kids in the band.
Bye for now.

Next, from Judy Hartstone: Maybe we can auction off stuff to raise money for the reunion, to offset some of the costs. I really can't see making this class a nonprofit organization with an ongoing life, which is what it sounds like it could turn into if we start sponsoring scholarships in various teachers' honor. Yes, we each have memories of teachers, good and bad. People can honor their teachers by sending them letters of appreciation. I'm sure South High could forward them. I know I was able to reach Miss Dillback and tell her how much I appreciated her giving me a solid foundation in the rules of grammar.

A cautionary tale, from someone who fortunately escaped, about some of those lesser teachers: I would like to start a fund to find some of our former "guidance" counselors. If they are dead, I suggest we use the money to dig them up. If they are not dead, perhaps we could start our next reunion with a bonfire. Certainly no more cruel than some of their "guidance," like when they told quite a number of us not even to bother applying to college, "because we were not college material."
Another cautionary note, more benign, from Dennis Shapiro: Until the contract for the 40th Reunion has been signed and returned, the hotel will not accept reservations at our lower room rate. So if you were thinking about making an early reservation, please hold off a couple of weeks. Thanks.

Ongoing advice from Zelda White Nichols: Several people took me up on my offer to e-mail them when I found medical information for their ailments. Unfortunately, I have not had the time to read as many e-newsletters recently, because we are getting our house ready to sell. But I did find this website today, and I would like to pass it on to everyone. Maybe it can be of some help. http://www.ceoexpress.com/html/member/indpharm.asp

Sad news from Barnet Kellman: Did you notice that society bandleader Lester Lanin died? It was mentioned in the Hollywood Reporter alongside Vaughn Meader's obit. It failed to mention that Lanin was Kenny Schwartzman¹s cousin.

A related question from someone we almost never hear from, Jay Gladky: Does anyone know whatever happened to Ms. Jennie Bono, one of our junior high math teachers?

[Rich -- I believe she died, relatively young, but I'd love to be told otherwise. She was my favorite math teacher, and Nancy Garfield occasionally invokes Miss Bono's cry for "a big, juicy eraser."]

Travel notes, from Barbara Blitfield Pech: I took a quick ride up to kid visit in Orlando last weekend. Scary and sad. Hurricane damage along I-95 from the Palm Beaches. Orlando devastating. Trees bent into submission. Leaves "scalped." Road signs twisted into "art work." If you ever need to make a quick stockpile of $$$$, invest in any company that manufactures roof tarps or shingles. Winter Park rooftops are all uniform "blue plastic" ... pretty in a Greek isle sort of way. Aye, carumba!
Weather news, lifted, illicitly, from a note from Linda Cohen Greenseid: We had a miserable winter, a crappy spring, a lousy, cold summer up until August, but we have had a gloriously beautiful autumn.

A completely silly link for constant flattery, should you find yourself in need: http://www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~geoffo/humour/flattery.html

Finally, part of a poem by Daniel Essman, from a recent memorial service:
The water is running out of the boat.
You tell me to bail.
But I tell you:
The water is running out of the boat.
We won't sink, though we are sinking.
I tell you:
I've seen level,
And I know,
The water is running out of the boat.
We will not sink, whether I bail or not.
The water itself is sinking.
Relax. We're safe.
Hear then. Now.

The reunion info:
When: August 5th, 6th, 7th (Friday night through Sunday noon)
Where: Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville, New York, 11747
Cost: $100 per person
Package Includes:
Friday night cocktail party with snacks and cash bar (7:00 PM -- Midnight)
Saturday night buffet with open bar & DJ (7:00 PM -- Midnight; Dinner at 8:00)
Lobby area with cash bar available both nights to continue parties
Teachers comped for both parties
Also: Hotel rooms available at $129/night
SEND: Checks to Dennis Shapiro. 495 Wateredge Avenue, Baldwin, New York, 11510. Please make them out to: VSS 40th Reunion.

Rich