Update 3-22-05

Hi,

Happy Easter, of course. And Passover, when it turns up. Meanwhile, a fearlessly cheery animated greeting from a friend who sends these kind of things. And, no, it's not Mr. Fiveson: http://www.grayace.com/dex/bunny.html

Also, from Jean Cohen Oklan: My husband and I will be driving to New York City for a gig that my son, Ezra, is having on Saturday, March 26th, at 9:30 PM at Don Hill's TISWAS, 511 Greenwich Street, on the corner of Spring Street. National Public Radio is going to be there, videotaping the band for a show pilot to possibly air April 15th on Showtime. The NPR camera crew spent all day yesterday in Burlington, Vermont, interviewing and getting to know the guys in the band.
   If you can make it to Don Hill's (and I hope you can), mention at the door that you are there to hear GOP (Ghosts of Pasha). And realize that you will be supporting a group of guys who went to school for performance, and who have had this dream ever since they can remember.
   They sound great, albeit loud. These days, gigs at rock clubs in New York City only last about an hour, so you'll only need your earplugs in for a short time! Please come out and support the band. I'd love to see you there!

A slight correction from Jean: I mentioned that my son's gig is being filmed for a show pilot, but I didn't mean to make it sound like a reality show. It's not, in the sense that my son's band will not be competing with any other bands. This show will profile American lives, and it's a pilot for a spinoff of the popular (and terrific) NPR program called "This American Life" with Ira Glass. Calling it a "reality show" doesn't do it justice!

From Peter Rosen: Still love these Tuesday mornings sitting with a cup of coffee, reading the updates. Do you think the time has come to start listing the names of those who have said "yes" so far for the reunion? It might spur others on. Can't wait to see you and everyone else.

[Rich -- Yep, the list will start running soon after Easter, when Dennis gives me an update. As I mentioned last week, we don't want to get people too excited too early.]

A tax note: Someone recently asked if I could send a note confirming a donation to the Vince Tampio scholarship fund. Of course, I can, and I'm sorry I didn't think of it sooner -- that's why I never became an accountant. I can also send notes confirming Booker Gibson scholarship contributions. Just ask. Unfortunately, going to the reunion isn't tax deductible, except it you're doing it for a science project.
   From a little bit of accidental research: Ricky -- that would probably be Rick now -- Blumenthal was in the class of '70.

Finally, a story I've just been reminded about: When I was in my early forties, I lost a filling in one of my molars. I was nowhere near home, so had to use a dentist I got on recommendation. His receptionist was great about working me into their busy schedule, and as I sat in the dentist's chair, I was asked what kind of pain killer I usually used: "Gas? Novocain? Is there anything you're allergic to?"
"Pain killer?" I asked. "It's just a filling."
"But we always use pain killers," the hygienist told me.
"Why? I've never had them. I've just sort of gripped the hand rests and signaled to the dentist when it was getting too much."
"You're kidding," the dentist put in. "How long has this been going on?"
"All my life. I've only ever had one dentist. He just retired."
"And a good thing, too," he laughed.
Such was the legacy of Eddie Zuckerman

The repeating reunion information:
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
The home page: http://hometown.aol.com/vssouth65

Rich