Update 4-26-05

Hi,

More good ideas about the reunion, pretty much in the order they arrived.

From Emily Kleinman Schreiber: I certainly understand your dilemma. I really sweated the class of '61's Big Birthday Bash -- we'd guaranteed 90 people and only 60 paid. Luckily, it was at the Knights of Columbus in Oceanside, and we'd had a few other reunions there, so they lowered the minimum.
Also for your information: we've been involved with two multi-class reunions. '61, '62, and '63 had their 1-2-3 Reunion back in the '90s, and the classes of '58, '59, '60 had their Blast From The Past. I also convinced their organizers to let my "younger" class of '61 have a "Blast" with them in 2000. Mixed grade reunions are fun for people who had friends in the other grades, but some other people were turned off by it. Personally, I thought it was great, since I hadn't seen many of the "older" classmates in so many years.
   I've already sent a notice to my class, so you may be hearing from some of them as we are a very partying group and there might be some people who'd enjoy hanging out with you younger folk (tee hee!) or just having a party to go to. Empathetically yours.
   Part of Emily's invitation to her class: Several years ago I CRASHED the class of '65 reunion (I was really invited!) I stayed a short time and met some of the teachers I hadn't seen since our South days -- like Mrs. Margolin, Mr. Schmidt, and Mr. Caruso. And it was fun to see that I really don't look any older than the "girls" who are four years younger than we are. So go, if you want to help the class of '65 celebrate their 40th!

[Rich -- We thank you for passing on the invitation, Em, and we'll try not to look too much younger.]

From Jerry Bittman: Are all you people blind? You are concerned about losing money on the reunion. Easy Solution -- just advertise that you are going to have Linda Iaquinto in a $10.00 kissing booth, and people from all over will flock to the reunion. BRILLIANT!

[Rich -- As I wrote Jerry: Linda's husband, Dennis O'Hara, would hurt us.]

From Jay Gladky: Please remove me from the mailing list. Thanks.

[Rich -- I'm not sure if Jay doesn't want to be contacted by his old friends, or if he just doesn't want to hear weekly from me. So react appropriately.]

From Nick Messina: I enjoy receiving your e-mails. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the reunion. As a suggestion, for the whatever it's worth -- did you ever consider approaching our sister schools (North and Central). They will also be celebrating a 40th. I recall there was a big rivalry with North, but, hey, things change in 40 years. It may be last minute for North and Central folks, but we already have the venue, and all they need to do is round up the troops. (Sorry, about that -- you can take the man out of the military, but can't take the military out of the man!) Maybe they can arrange a breakout session (hospitality suite) for themselves, then, afterwards, everyone can drink together, dance together, and eat together. (Hey, the worst that could happen is a good old fashion, Animal House food fight!)
   Just a thought. Good Luck.

[Rich -- It's a good idea, Nick. Thanks. And I'll wear an old suit, just in case the desserts start flying.]

From Ellen Nudelman Davidson: Steve and I have a wedding to attend on the Saturday night of the reunion, but we'd be interested in just coming on Friday night if you open it up to a separate charge for that evening. And thanks for all that all of you are doing to organize everything.

[Rich -- My instinct is to say, "Just show up on Friday night," but I suspect that our volunteer accountants, Paul DeMartino and Dennis Shapiro, would clobber me faster for saying that than Dennis O'Hara would get Jerry Bittman for kissing Linda Iaquinto. So I'm suggesting the 25 bucks each that was mentioned last week. Anyone else have any suggestions for the Friday night cost?]

From Linda Cohen Greenseid: Sorry, I meant to respond to last week's intelligent plea. I love the way you put it out there for us to solve ourselves. I must say it worked. I really had not planned to go, but your description of the unenviable position our organizers were in, and my friend Ellen Epstein Silver's charming urging, changed my mind. Dennis will have my check early next week. See you there.

[Rich -- Of course, I get to see Linda when she's in LA visiting her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Now, everyone will get to see the baby's pictures.]

From Dennis Shapiro: Just to let you know that I received checks from Steve Gootzeit and Carol Ewig Duran, and an e-mail from Barbara Endy. Barbara feels terrible about what is happening, and she will be sending in her money. She will also try to pick up some people along the way. It seems that people are starting to wake up to what is really happening.

[Rich -- Henry, Steve, Carol, Barbara, Linda. 46 to go.]

From Marc Jonas: Found this when going through memory lane with my mother (a grade school photo of Marc, Andy Dolich, Bobby Fisher?, and someone else in little winter coats and hats). Hope all is well.

[Rich -- And I'd love to say that I've already posted this photo on the home page. But, actually, I just took a whole lot of photos off the page when I finally deleted the old, still-frozen site. As I mentioned several weeks ago, I'm in the process of rebuilding the Contact Information / Bios / Current Photos section of the home page, and it will take me several months. Part of this is 'cause I'm lazy, but the main reason is it's very mouse-finger-intensive work, and my joints aren't all that flexible.]

From Paul DeMartino: I have not yet mailed Newsday the request for a Valley Stream South Reunion of the Classes of the 60s and was hoping to hear what others had to say. Also, my sister Elaine, class of '67, tells me that while she is interested, she is not really in contact with her classmates. Does anyone know how we can send direct notes to other classes inviting them to participate? I'm aware that some classes have their own websites, and we can contact them immediately. It is the other classes without such Internet access that present the challenge. We need classmates and their younger / older brothers and sisters to make some calls.

[Rich -- I'm in contact with several classes, and they'll be notified. But, as Linda Cohen Greenseid pointed out, a personal call from a friend is often the best encouragement. Plus, it gives you a chance to catch up.]

On a different, far more serious subject, some news from Grace Dibble Kincade: I know I haven't written in a while, but I do enjoy reading the newsletters. My main reason for writing is to let you all know that after eight wonderful years as a cancer survivor, I have a recurrence of my breast cancer; it's now metastasized in the lining of my lungs.
   I have survived this once and plan to do it again. I have a wonderful support system from family and friends all over the country. Two of those that I can count on are Barbara Blitfield Pech and Ellen Epstein Silver, and I would not have them back in my life if it had not been for our 37th reunion. Both understand the impact of a cancer diagnosis, and both are two of the most caring people in the world. Barbara called immediately and sent me a wonderful care package. I was also able to have a great visit with Ellen last week while visiting my family in the Dallas area. I only wish we could get together more often.
   Depending on my chemo schedule and on how I am feeling, I may still try to make the 40th reunion. Of course, that will be a fairly last-minute decision. Meanwhile, my best wishes to all.
Ellen Epstein Silver follows up: Grace is very upbeat, I think she looks great, and I told her so. 

[Rich -- And as I just wrote Grace: she's in my thoughts, and I know that she's in other people's. If you'd like to write her directly, her e-mail address is: glkincade@sbcglobal.net]

Finally, some long overdue recognition for Robert Fiveson, from the Washington (DC) Times, April 21, 2005: 1979's 'Clonus' predicts medical-ethics nightmare
   An isolated clone farm provides the antiseptically sinister setting for Clonus ($19.95), a distressingly prescient 1979 sci-fi gem rescued from obscurity by the international specialists at Mondo Macabro (www.mondomacabrodvd.com). It's our ... DVD pick of the week.
   Secretly financed by government honchos who harvest unwitting victims for organ replacements, Clonus is run like an Olympic training camp, where the brain-washed young-adult clones hone their bodies to athletic perfection, all in the hopes of an eventual graduation to "America."
But when smarter-than-your-average-clone Richard (Tim Donnelly) happens upon a stray Old Milwaukee beer can, that random discovery kick-starts a quest that threatens to expose the wide-ranging conspiracy.
   Clonus (originally Parts: The Clonus Horror, which is still the on-screen title) works best when focusing on the chilling clone farm and its poignant, doomed residents. The film's third act seems a bit rushed after the brilliant buildup, but Clonus recovers in time to reach a disturbing climax.
In addition to fine turns by Mr. Donnelly and his clone squeeze, Paulette Breen, Clonus benefits from a veteran cast that includes Peter Graves; Keenan Wynn; and "Bewitched" alum Dick Sargent, uncharacteristically cast as Dr. Jamison, Clonus' coldblooded commandant.
   Mondo Macabro's pristine widescreen transfer represents a vast improvement over Lightning Video's long-vanished VHS version. A revealing audio commentary by, and separate lengthy interview with, debuting feature-film director Robert S. Fiveson round out the extras. Though largely overlooked in its time, this low-budget labor of love receives a much-deserved second life here.

The repeating reunion information (temporarily minus the attendee list for lack of space):
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