Update 1-3-06

Hi,

 

I kind of want to start with my favorite letter this week, but kind of want to end with it, too.  In any case, here it is.

 

From Judy Zinger:      A small world story that I would like to share.  I have a cousin who owns a bagel restaurant in Margate, Florida, called "Zinger's Bageland."  A customer came into the shop and engaged him in conversation about the name "Zinger."  She asked him where he was from, and he said Woodmere.  She said that she grew up and went to her early years of school in that general area, in Valley Stream.  And she wanted to know if he knew a Barnett Zinger.  My cousin said that Barnett was his cousin, and the woman said that Barnett was her first boyfriend.  When she was six-years-old, he gave her a plastic ring, probably worth ten cents at the time, and she loved him.  It turned out that this woman was Gwen Camhi. 

    Unfortunately, my cousin did not get Gwen's current information other than that she now lives in New Jersey, nor did my cousin call us to let us speak with her.  If he had, I certainly would have made an effort to get some updated information on Gwen.  I remember her from elementary school, but I don't remember when she moved or whether she went to South High.  Barnett and I both thought this was a great bit of nostalgia, and I wanted to share it with those who remember Gwen.  Have a Happy New Year.

 

My next favorite letter, which was actually a series of notes from Ryki Zuckerman:  Of course, when I saw Carol Kauderer "doing well," it was twenty years ago, but I was still sorry to hear the sad news about her.  Geri Kaplan and Carol Krakow were friends of mine I'd also hoped to see again someday.  On a positive note, last year, Stew Justman, the valedictorian of the class of '66, won the PEN award for his essays "Seeds of Mortality."  Previous winners of this award include Annie Dillard.

    And, no, Keith Charney is not related to Arlene Charney.  But Keith's current e-mail address is:  sbbbronzo@atlanticbb.net

    I also watched the new version of Once Upon A Mattress and remembered most of the lyrics.  I think I used to have the LP, and, yes, I used to love that show.  When I was visiting my cousin in New Jersey this past May -- she runs a community theater in the West Orange area -- she had the song sheet for "Shy" out on her piano for one of her vocal students.  Also, was there a girl at South named Linda Sheldon who played Annie in Annie Get Your Gun?

    Happy Chanukah, and Happy New Year to all.

[Rich -- Yep, Linda also played Winifred in Mattress.  Reportedly, she retired from acting years ago.]

 

Another note from a Mattress fan, Peggy Cooper Schwartz:  I enjoyed Stu Borman's comments about Once Upon A Mattress in 1962.  I especially remember how fabulous the male lead, Bill Puka, was.  Does anyone know if he had a professional singing career?

 

And a note about Carol Kauderer, from Benette Steindam Pizzimenti:  I was very distressed to read about my friend, Carol Kauderer.  We went to college together and shared an apartment.  Of course Carol was involved in drama at Buffalo.  She starred in Sweet Charity and enlisted me to do the costumes. 

 

Various questions and news from Barbara Blitfield Pech:  First, I was just wondering if you have had any response to the January Lunch Cruise announcement?  From the 37th reunion notes, I have a fairly good idea of who is in Florida and where, and we hope to contact them about it. 

    Also, have you heard anything about the archive video that was made the night of our 40th reunion?  I would sure love a copy.  Any idea of availability or cost?  I was just telling Robin Feit that I am planning to go to the South's 50th anniversary celebration in March, though I am just ever-so-slightly concerned over the planned cafeteria breakfast.  It has taken over forty years to forget the memory and taste, or lack thereof, of such Senjun Hall delights as mystery meatloaf, tuna surprise on a shingle, and the ever-popular chow mean -- yes, I spelled that correctly.  Thank goodness for Ring Dings, and, yikes, where are  Molly and Leo when you really need them?  I still haven't had egg salad as good.  Then again, I also have never, never, never had a better burger than the Saturday Delights at Len's.  Any chance it's still around?  If it has moved, I will caravan for food.

    I have also gotten an e-mail from Sara Cohen, class of '69, who will be joining the Florida contingency and asked for the New York party details.  If I haven't previously mentioned it, Sara was my neighbor on Jasmine Lane, who I technically babysat for when she was eleven -- she was an only child.  My senior status of sixteen made it all okay.  She's now a grandmother.  Eek, isn't that something to think about?

    Finally, may this new year find you all bountifully surrounded by good friends and dear family living in peace, harmony, and the best of health.  2006 hugs.

 

[Rich -- as I wrote Barbara:  From what Claire Reinhart wrote in her note last week, it seems the school is planning to screen all the videos made for the archive on the day of the 50th anniversary party.  I have the name of the teacher who supervised the interviews, but not handy, and you could contact him to see if the interviews are available to be duplicated.  Also, Liz King Giordano, the principal's secretary, can probably give you his e-mail address. Her e-mail address is:  kinggiol@vschsd.org]

 

The third of four reminders requested by Terri Donohue Calamari for the new and improved ALUMNI WINTER BREAK:  Please join us in Naples, Florida on Sunday, January 15, 2006, at noon, to board the Naples Princess, a luxury yacht, for a luncheon cruise up Naples Bay to the Gulf of Mexico ($39.70 including tax and tip).  When you disembark from the Princess, beautiful, downtown Naples and the beach will be only steps away.  After sightseeing or a swim, join other alumni and faculty for an open house from  3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at my house before your ride home.  For more information, please e-mail me at:  terrcal@cs.com

Some Alumni Association news from Emily Kleinman Schreiber:  Hello to alumni of South High School.  Many new alumni e-mail addresses have been sent to me during December.  Therefore, I'm sending out the membership application so that they'll be able to become charter members of our new Valley Stream South High School Alumni Association.  Again, if you'd like an application, please write me at cre8em@aol.com  

     Also, if you're a reunion organizer for your class, and you've shared our Alumni Association. information with your classmates, please let me know.  And please let everyone know that the upcoming 50 Year Celebration of the opening of our high school back in December 1955 will take place at South on Saturday, March 11th, starting at around 11:00 AM.  If you've sent in your $15 membership dues, thanks.  If you haven't, know that we need everyone's support in order to present scholarships to deserving seniors.  Finally, please pass on this note to other South High Alumni.  And Happy New Year.

 

Related, from Claire Brush Reinhardt:  I received this information from Emily Kleinman Schreiber, president of the newly formed South High School Alumni Association.  If you are

planning on attending on March 11th, please let me know, and we will try to put together some kind of get-together for that evening.  I really look forward to seeing you then and at our class of '61 reunion that is planned for October 2006.  Hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your families, and I wish you all a happy and healthy 2006!

    The following letter from South's principal, Dr. Stephen Lando, gives you information about the upcoming 50-Year Celebration. 

From Stephen Lando:  Dear Friends.  I am writing in response to the overwhelming interest in receiving more information about events commemorating South High School’s 50th anniversary. Therefore… Save the date!

    The culminating event for South’s golden anniversary celebration will take place on March 11, 2006.  It is our goal to provide past and present members of the South community with a day-long opportunity to gather and commemorate 50 years of excellence.  Although not yet finalized, plans for the day include the following:

    Welcome back brunch and building tours to begin at about 11:30 AM (following the PTA Council’s Legislative Breakfast.)

    Day-long concert with performances that highlight each decade.  Alumni, current students, and faculty (current and retired) will be invited to participate.  Anyone who is interested in performing should complete the following form and return it to:  50th Anniversary Celebration, c/o Valley Stream South Junior-Senior High School, 150 Jedwood Place, Valley Stream, New York 11581.  Participation will be determined by the number of performance requests received.

    Silent auction to run throughout the day.  In keeping with South’s tradition of community service, proceeds will go to “Make a Wish” and Hurricane Katrina relief.  Last year, a similar format raised more than $10,000 for tsunami relief.  If you are interested in donating an item or service, the following form may also be used for this purpose.

    We are considering hosting an intergenerational dance following the concert.

    Formal re-dedication of the building.

    Gathering opportunities for each decade of graduates.

    Be sure to join us and “schmooze” with your classmates!  You may wish to purchase an engraved brick (which will become a part of a permanent walkway) or commemorative T-shirt.

Yes! I’d like to contribute to the celebration.

Name

Street

Town/State/Zip

Email

Phone

I am interested in performing songs from the (circle one) 50’s 60’s 70’s 80’s 90’s 2000’s

Play list:

I would like to donate to the silent auction:

Item/Service:

 

A note forwarded by Robert Fiveson from Barbara Dorin Hayden:  How come I can't find any official information about the South reunion?  Is it mostly the class of '65 organizing?

Why can't I find anything on Classmates.com?  Is there a particular hotel?  Evening activities?  A prom or a wrestling match?  Inquiring minds want to know and want to go.  And my friends Leslie, Betsy, Jackie, Robin, and Deena, all class of '67, want to go, too.

 

[Rich -- as I wrote Barbara:  I don't know if the 50th Anniversary information is posted anywhere on Classmates.com.  If you're a member of that site, it would be great if you could post it.  Our class kind of decided to bypass Classmates a couple of years ago, because many people put their names on their alumni list, but they don't pay to pick up the messages.  So it's not a dependable way to distribute information.  Instead, we started our own class network, and many other classes seem to have done the same.]

 

From Betsy Fels Pottruck:  Please add me to your weekly update list, since you seem to be the class that keeps up with the most information.  Thanks a lot.

 

A note that Alan Finder had a very nice article on education in this weekend's New York Times.  The article can probably still be read at nytimes.com

 

Finally, from Allen Moss in Maine:  Hi, folks.  What a rollercoaster ride of emotions I took with the last newsletter.  Bittersweet memories for sure.  Remembrances of lots of laughs with great folks regarding Once Upon a Mattress.  I think Terry Donohue, a few other folks, and I were involved with the ticket committee for that one.  What an incredible joy to watch Mr. T. work with a great cast day after day after school, guiding, supporting, encouraging, and yelling (!) and then it all came beautifully together on opening night.  Thanks Stu for your memories which helped revive mine. 

    But then, the sadness of hearing about the untimely death of Carol Kauderer.  That wonderful smile and husky laugh of hers filled many an hour of mine when we chatted during or after school.  A warm and wonderful person.  A loss for all of us who were fortunate enough to know her. 

    On this brink of another year, it is a great time to give thanks for all things that have brought joy and happiness in your lives and to wish for them to continue in 2006 and beyond.  Hugs to all from my very cold little town of Brunswick!