Update 1-9-07

Hi,

Lots of greetings.

First, from Jerry Bittman:  Just  wanted to drop a note saying that I'm out of the hospital.  I want to thank everybody for the phone calls and e-mail.
        As you are aware, we had a huge ice storm here in Nebraska.  The roads were like an ice skating rink.  I lost electricity on Saturday, and so did about 70% of the community.  Luckily, one of my daughters had power, so the next day, she had the police pick me up and take me to her house.
        Wishes to all for a Happy and Healthy 2007.
   
    From Peter Rosen:  First of all, when I read Barbara Blitfield Pech's note, I thought she was wishing us "continence," not "contentment."
        Secondly, I spoke to Jerry Bittman yesterday.  He's home now, doing okay, and he sounded good on the phone.  I think it would be best if we heard any further details directly from Jerry.
        Happy New Year to all.
   
    From Tom McPartland:  Happy New Year to all in 2007.  The best of good health and fortune to everyone.
   
    From Claire Brush Reinhardt and Roberta Brill Birnel:  We want to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2007.  All the best to all of you.
   
    From Peter and Kathy Shapiro:  It's never too late to wish all our friends a joyous and healthy New Year. Hope all is well with you and your families.  Warmest regards.
        Also, for a wry smile go to: llerrah.com/newyearwishes.htm
   
    From Amy Lieberman, to any folks living around Los Angeles:  The time has come to announce the release of TRAVELIN' LIGHT the latest CD from Billy Valentine.  Thursday, February 1st.  JAZZ @ THE VIC, 2640 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90405.  Phone:  888-367-5299.  Two sets -- 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.  Reservations required.  Cover charge.  Hope to see some of you there.
   
    From Emily Kleinman-Schreiber:  Hello everyone and Happy New Year.  It's a January springtime in New York.  I'm not complaining that the temperatures have been in the 60s, but it is very strange.  Tomorrow it's supposed to hit 70.
        The next Alumni Association's meeting is coming up soon.  If you're local, please try to join us.  Everyone is always welcome.
   
    From Steve Fishman '62:  Anyone like to get outdoors?  There is a group of avid hikers, here in Rockland County.  Our motto (or mine, at least), is:  "We who fear to tread where no man has ever feared to tread before."  Contact Steve Fishman at: eba55@aol.com
        Class of '62:  Onwards and Upwards... we are approaching heaven!
   
    From Jan Martin's automatic computer server:  Från den 1 januari 2007 heter vi Sveriges Ingenjörer.  Det innebär att samtliga e-postadresser ändrats. Det här mailet översänds automatiskt till mottagarens nya e-postadress.   För att du i framtiden ska nå rätt mottagare måste du ändra texten efter @ till sverigesingenjorer.se (enligt modellen fornamn.efternamn@sverigesingenjorer.se).  Besök vår nya hemsida http://www.sverigesingenjorer.se/ där du kan få mer information och hjälp.
   
    Very roughly translated, also  by computer:  From the 1 January 2007 am heating wes Sweden Engineers. The imply that all e-postal address changed.  This mailet send automatic to consignee nya e-postal address.  For that yous in the future ska attain right consignee must yous change text behind @ to sverigesingenjorer.se (under model fornamn.efternamn@sverigesingenjorer.se).  Attend ours nya ghastly http:/www.sverigesingenjorer.se/ there you are able poll more data and help.
   
    [Rich -- That may mean that Jan Martin's e-mail address has changed from:  Jan.Martin@cf.se  to Jan.Martin@sverigesingenjorer.se.  I'll try it and see.  But if anyone can translate better, or contact Jan, we'd probably all appreciate it.]
   
    Finally, highlights from the Alumni Association minutes from November 16, 2006, respectfully submitted by
    Roberta Brill Birnel, with special thanks to Paul DeMartino for recording the minutes of the meeting in my absence:
        The following members were present at the meeting: Booker Gibson, John Cunnane, Eileen Howell, Irene
    Sundal, Karen Grimm, Laura Ulric, Ken Ulric, Arlene Lynn, Paul DeMartino, Eric Spinner, Joe Anfora, Ray
    Richford, Emily Schreiber.
        Regrets on not being able to attend from Dennis Shapiro, Robbie Birnel, Claire Reinhardt, Irwin Kotcher, and BJ Peres.)
        There were two reunions held since our last meeting: Classes of '61 – '63 and Class of '66.  Seven new
    members joined and three mugs were sold.  Emily thanked Dennis, Paul and Robin for help with membership at the '61 – '63 event.
        Deirdre Gordon (teacher) and Lori Tintella (Assistant Principal) spoke to the Association about a benefit for alumna Eileen Flood, who is facing aggressive treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  They are in need of funds.  Contacts are Deidre at home (516-593-4429) or at South (516-791-0374).  It was agreed at the meeting to donate a check on behalf of the Association in the amount of $100 and to encourage others to participate in the benefit activities (held on November 25) and to make donations.
        In other news of helping alumni – Carol Shine '60 has suffered another stroke while visiting from Greece. She is in need of winter clothing and friendship.  The address is Carol Shine Horemis, Hempstead Park Nursing Home, Front Street, Hempstead (516-505-4565).  She is short and can use Capri pants, which wouldn't need alterations.
        Student Terence Wagner attended the meeting and showed us the hole in the courtyard where the pond will be.  Emily presented him the check for $200.  A tree will be planted in the spring.  One bench has arrived and the other is being made.  There will be a marker for the benches and tree.
        The Treasurer's report was presented.  We have $4,424.28 in our treasury, not including dues from five new members signed at the '66 reunion.
        Meeting dates for the first half of 2007 are:  January 18, February 15, March 15, April 19, May 17, and June 28.
        Karen Grimm baked for this meeting and has volunteered to do so again for our next meeting.
        Continuing with our discussions of "Acts of Kindness," representatives Susan Krell and Diane Otten spoke to the group about Roto Care.  It is a not-for-profit agency that offers primary medical care for the working poor who are without health insurance.  The organization manages soup kitchens and mobile medical units.  We discussed collecting over-the-counter drugs and non-drug items.  Our target date is Valentine's Day.
        We look forward to seeing more South Alumni at the meetings.  Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 18, at 7:15 in the library at South.