Update 12-21-04

Hi,

Merry Christmas. Of course, everyone's properly busy celebrating, so just a few notes, some travel filler, and then we're out of here.

First, Nancy Garfield and Fran Bellucci Johnson have nicely agreed to coordinate the bios again, as they did for the last reunion. This will eventually allow me to update what's online on the home page, and we'll try to print a booklet out again, too. But that depends on getting the money or gathering the favors. Still, there's no reason even to think about this till spring.

Second, another entry in our guidance counselor series, from a surprising source, Barnet Kellman: When I first saw a beef about a guidance counselor appear in the newsletter, I was tempted to add my story -- but who knew such a floodgate would be opened. Now, I’m a little reluctant to pile on, but let the truth be told I say!
After we took our first standardized test in junior high, my guidance counselor -- whose name I blissfully don’t remember -- told me I had no aptitude for understanding spatial relationships. Therefore, I couldn’t take geometry; therefore, I couldn’t be in the college preparatory program. I’m very grateful that my parents and I paid no attention to this advice, and I've always told my kids this story as an example and lesson of how you can't let yourself be defined by others, including teachers. What were those counselors thinking!?

Third, Barnet also adds: Since we’re always going down memory lane, does anyone remember the New York television weather girl who always signed off by saying, “Have a happy.” What was her name?

Fourth, as Donald Faber put it, "Happy Holidays -- I thought I'd add a little something to brighten them up." The website he suggests you all take a moment to visit is at: http://i.euniverse.com/funpages/cms_content/5367/mjs_fave_things01.swf

[Rich -- To be honest, I didn't play all of this because my dial-up connection is too slow. So I hope what I didn't see is merely cute and not offensive. If so, don't blame Mr. Faber; I should have checked.]

Next to last -- and here's the filler I've kept stashed -- further travel notes from my friends Melody and Ken Eckhart, based in Singapore for a few years. First, from Melody: This past weekend, we planned a trek into Malaysia. The day was terrific, a little overcast and not raining, perfect for a hike in the jungle. This was the jungle where people from Singapore hid from the Japanese during the invasion at the end of WW II. Mid-day, our guide told us we had walked about 10K, and all upmountain! It was extremely strenuous, and at one point so slippery that if it had rained, we never would have been able to attempt the last stretch. But we made it to the top, and what was the view? Nothing. We were trapped in a bowl of trees. Everyone was amazed, and most of us said that we never would have done the climb had we known. Funny, how I never thought of climbing a mountain without being able to see something from the top.
The climb down was almost harder than the climb up. It just didn't take as long. We were all sore, and the only thing that kept me going was that we had invited an older couple to go with us. He was 66 and, most of the time, kept ahead of us.
Dinner was well deserved, at a Chinese restaurant in Koto Tingga, and many bottles of Tiger beer were consumed. The food was good, but, sorry, no matter how hungry I am, I still cannot eat the fish or chicken heads with the eyes staring at me.
Last Thursday night, we were invited to dinner by friends of Ken's. They've rented an old "Black and White," the style of homes built in the 1920s by the British. They're now owned and maintained by the Singapore government, so the houses are still grand -- open, and beautiful, on lush properties. The floor plans ramble on forever, rooms have high ceilings and every doors a transom -- these used to be open before air conditioning. You get a terrific sense of how the upper military lived at that time and understand why they were so reluctant to give up this colony.
We're learning more every day about the culture and about the ex-patriot group. It's eye-opening and, as with other places, you have to consider the source of everything you're told. Also, because we're in such a small, confined society, everything seems magnified and more intense. It's a learning experience, not only about others, but also about ourselves.
Last week was a big holiday, one I suspect none of you have ever celebrated and probably didn't even know existed. It's called Deepavali, which is translated as "Festival of Lights," and it's the celebration of good over evil in the Hindu religion. In a way, it's the Hindu version of Christmas, with lights strung every where, all businesses shut down, and everyone given the day off. This is also the time when young men go into trances and walk on hot coals. Plus, they have large wooden devices that they put over their heads. These hang down over their bodies and pierce nails into their skin. Supposedly, it doesn't hurt, though I've never witnessed this personally, just heard about.
Next time, I will report on my elephant ride.
Ken adds: You can't imagine the old "Black and Whites" until you see them. It's like going back 75 years, to the height of colonialism. Also during Deepavali, a friend of mine took me to the Singapore Island Country Club for golf. There were unbelievable views of the scenery across the lakes, and though most golf courses here are pretty rustic, this one was in good shape.

Finally, the repeating 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
Phone Number: 631-845-1000, during daytime business hours. Ask for the Reservations Desk and mention our class reunion discount. Hotel rooms should be $129/night.
Reunion 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
SEND: Checks to Dennis Shapiro. 495 Wateredge Avenue, Baldwin, New York, 11510. Please make them out to: VSS 40th Reunion.
Also: Since there are a limited number of Friday night hotel rooms being held, please e-mail Dennis Shapiro when you've made your reservations so he can lobby for more. His e-mail address is: dshapiro@optonline.net

Rich