Update 5-10-05

Hi,

First, a series of interrelated e-mails.

From Robin Feit Baker to Barbara Blitfield Pech, Eric Hilton, Robert Fiveson and others: While listening to Long Island cable news, I heard a report of a stabbing on the footbridge by Valley Stream South High. Apparently, it was a by nineteen-year old male, and they later caught him at Green Acres Mall. If I read more information, I'll tell you about it.

From Robert Fiveson to Robin Feit Baker, Barbara Blitfield Pech, Eric Hilton and others: In my humble opinion, it's only by the grace of God that it never happened while we were there.

From Eric Hilton to Robin Feit Baker, Barbara Blitfield Pech, Robert Fiveson and others: This is such disturbing news. I remember sneaking a smoke on that bridge, just to look cool (but I never inhaled), or hanging out after returning from Molly’s. It is so different in Valley Stream now. I was so distraught when I sold my parents' home on Avondale Street, but I needed a change of life after my brother Ed died, so I moved to Sarasota, Florida. The last time I visited Valley Stream, I drove down Rockaway Avenue and noticed how depressed the avenue looked. It’s just not the town I grew up in any longer, which is too bad, as I feel we all grew up in one of the nicest towns in America and could never have asked for a more wonderful place! This stabbing saddens me deeply!

From Mark Hillman, who was one of Barbara Blitfield Pech's "others," to Robin Feit Baker, Barbara Blitfield Pech, Eric Hilton, Robert Fiveson and others:  Hi to all. Bob Fiveson? As I might recall, didn’t you have a brother who hung out with Jay Turk, Ira Levy, and Richie McDonald?
   Also, a year ago, my overseas flight to Russia was delayed by a day, and I took a taxi to Green Acres Mall and then on to Jasmine Lane, where I once lived. My house was obviously not the same, and when I walked to da “bridge,” it brought back many memories of hell night between Omega vs. Delta, and man, oh, man, way too many beers.

From Robert Fiveson to Mark Hillman, Robin Feit Baker, Barbara Blitfield Pech, Eric Hilton and others: The guy who hung with Tuerk was me. I still do. We were brothers then and still are. Ira Levy and I are still as close as we were when we shared our first "out of the house and on our own" apartment in Far Rockaway (a dump where we had to stuff towels in the door jamb to keep the snow out, and we would rotate who got up at 5 AM to turn on the oven and all the gas jets to warm the place!) Ira is still in touch with Richie McDonald. Real friendships don't die; they just season and mellow like fine bourbon.

End of forwards. Over and out.

Next, also from Robert Fiveson, and possibly political or possibly comic; I haven't checked: Please post this in the next newsletter. It's a flash animation which explains why Bush's Social Security plan is perhaps not such a great idea. It is family-approved. http://www.bushin30years.org/view/winner.html?flash_id=87

From Paul DeMartino: Newsday called today about my reunion notice request. They will run it on Sunday, May 22. At least, let's hope they do. Also, I heard from Louise Wiemer and Jimmy Lorey this week. Both send their regards and their regrets as they will not be able to attend the reunion. I'll keep you all posted as things develop.

From Steve Cahn, class of '70: I will send on your reunion invitation to the mailing list for the class of '70.

[Rich -- I thanked Steve, of course.]

Some suggestions from another member of another class: I don't know if you're aware of a website called LongIsland.com. When I once tried a search on it, the site came up with ways to advertise class reunions. You might want to try it.
   Also, in addition to Newsday, you might want to advertise in The Long Island Press, which is back in publication.

From our detail man, Dennis Shapiro: The message from Paul in last week's newsletter could give the impression that everyone attending the Friday night party will have to pay $25.00. The $25.00 was only meant for those who could not attend Saturday and wished to come Friday night. I realize that the notes at the bottom of the newsletter clarify this, but some people might not check there so might get the wrong impression. I spoke with Paul about this, and he agreed, so I am just bringing it to your attention.
   Also, I think things are starting to pick up some, and that is a very good sign.

[Rich -- Notice corrected. Thanks. And good news about the pick-ups.]

Comment from a far younger, former South student: Pretty cool. Everyone is rising to the occasion. Also, a question: Last week, Barbara Blitfield Pech made reference to "Sen-Jun Hall" and "Molly's." What are they? Places? What kind? Please explain.

[Rich -- I explained. Which was far less painfully done than explaining to five SAT students I tutor what a phonograph was.]

Always happily anticipated news from Allen Moss in Maine:  Hello from Maine, folks. I wanted to e-mail and thank all the people who are working so hard to see that this year's reunion is a success in ALL ways. Our New England Valley Stream South High contingent will be ably represented in August by Dennis and Benette (Steindam) Pizzimenti, Judy Peters Sylvan, and me! Sorry I cannot be of more help in contacting people, but all the people who I have stayed in touch with are, fortunately, coming to the reunion!
   Well, after an incredibly snowy and cold winter (which I loved), we were all ready for the beauty of ... two weeks of continuous and torrential rain! My area got more than twice the amount of last year's rain, and many places got three-to-four times the amount. Fortunately, there was no major flooding, but our beautiful Kennebec and Androscoggin rivers were stunning to watch in all their power. I can only hope that all the rain will pave the way for some beautiful tree, shrub, and flower displays for the summer. I know I have to get off my butt soon and get going with lots of outside landscaping projects that I have been thinking about during the winter.
   During those long snowy and rainy days, I continued to enjoy Terri Donahue Calamari's surprise gift to me of some of the old-time television shows now on DVD. Terri, I've got to say, some of those were quite a revelation. They ranged from pleasantly nostalgic, to slightly creaky, to downright god-awful and embarrassing. But those were a form of sweet torture. It was quite a shock, though, to see good old Sky King looking a LOT older and paunchier than I remembered him as a kid. But THAT PLANE (The Songbird), what I wouldn't give to have that to take trips in!
   I continue to live up to my reputation for Allen "Living in the Past" Moss. Hmmmm, wasn't that the first cut from that great Steve Miller Band vinyl, "Sailor?" Come on, you former Valley Stream South High late '60s druggies, fess up and help me out! Anyway, it was a struggle, but I finally did some remodeling in my ranch house by actually replacing the ORIGINAL 1959 ceiling fixtures with beautiful brushed-brass-and-oak-blade ceiling fans. But I gotta tell you, I was having a genuine Woody Allen anxiety attack when it came to replacing my original 1959 linoleum bathroom floor. I realized the end was near when pieces of the floor started to get wedged in my vacuum! That, plus a few pointed comments to me like: "Get a life," "Time to move on," "You are NOT Theodore Cleaver even though you THINK you are still living in that era." So I have worked through another existential angst issue related to my desire to continue living in the 1950s, and I replaced the floor with some very nice contemporary ceramic tile.
   But I continue to add to my collection of Marx vintage play sets from our bygone Baby Boomer days. One of the rarest ones sold on E-bay a while ago for $5800.00 Original price at your local Sears-Roebuck in 1955 ... $7.98! Regrettably my collection does not contain anything of that high a value, but it certainly is lots of fun seeking these items out. It's sort of a form of antiquing, but on a smaller scale.
   Of course, I am looking forward to August and a chance to be with many people that I have only been e-chatting or talking to by telephone. I hope we will be able to see some teachers who did not make the last reunion, like Irv Saffrin and Janet Porter Rylander. It is already May and that great weekend will be coming up before we know it.
   I want to especially say to Grace Dibble that I KNOW, in my heart of hearts, that I will see you in August, and I am very much looking forward to it. It was a most wonderful experience talking with you at the last reunion. Let's plan on a repeat performance!
Best to all.

Finally, sad news from Roz Minsky Bobrow: Enclosed is the information from my mother's obituary. Please pass it on to the class. Thanks.
   Minsky, Helene, 87, died on Wednesday, April 27, 2005, in Long Beach, New York. Born in New York City, daughter of the late Kathryn (Schweiger) H. M. Jaret and Milton Hymes, of New York City, she leaves her beloved husband Joseph of 64 years; her sister Caryl and Bert Barruch, of Toronto, Canada; and her daughters, Marion and Lee Morgenstein, of New York City and Vermont, and Roz and Alec Bobrow, of West Hartford; her grandchildren Susan and Pete MacDonald; Marc and Kim Bobrow; Rachel and David Steinberg; James and Jen Morgenstein; and Stephen and Gabby Garschina Bobrow; and four great grandchildren Sydney, Jacob, Esperanza, and Luke. She was predeceased by her twin sister Mildred Bloom. A graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology, she was a fashion designer in New York City. After returning to work in the 1950s, she worked for Nassau County, Long Island, and retired in 1984 as Assistant Real Property Tax Assessor. Funeral arrangements were private. Shiva will be observed at the home of her daughter Roz Bobrow, 29 Winchester Drive, West Hartford, from Monday, May 2nd until Friday morning. Donations may be made to the Beth El Temple Library Fund or the donor’s choice.

[Rich -- Our best, of course, to Roz and her family]

Finally, the recently-updated 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
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
Former teachers comped for both parties, and we're trying to attract as many of
our former teachers as possible.
NOTE: If you just want to come to the Friday night party, a $25 contribution per person is
requested.
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 hotel's Phone Number is: 631-845-1000. Ask for the Reservations Desk and mention our class reunion discount. Hotel rooms should be $129/night.
The home page: http://hometown.aol.com/vssouth65

Rich