Update 11-6-07

Hi,

Some condolences, a note from two of our former teachers, a word about astronomy, the latest Alumni Association minutes, and no filler.  First, the sad news.
   
    Ellen Epstein Silver's visit west was cut short by her father's death last week.  From what Ellen said, he'd been failing for several months, but that still doesn't make it easier.  If you want to write Ellen directly, her address is:  alan.silver@tx.rr.com
   
    Next, regards from Ginny (Miss Ressa -- Social Studies) and Ed Schmidt (Social Studies).  It's nice to keep in touch with everyone and to stay informed.  We divide our time between East Hampton, Long Island, and Venice, Florida, with a lot of baby-sitting in between.  I teach the AARP Defensive Driving Course and have had a few South graduates in the class, along with the parents of one student.  I try to play tennis a couple of times a week.  Wishing everyone "Happy Holidays" with much happiness and good health!  Our e-mail address is:  ginnyedward@aol.com.
   
    [Rich -- The word about astronomy, and, no, I don't really care much about the subject, but, lately, it seems to keep seeking me out.  Yesterday, I read online about an exploding comet.  But once I found out that it was in the same constellation that has suckered me for several summers into watching barely existent meteor showers, I let it go.  Then, last night, the dog wanted out earlier than usual and got me out of bed at 4:00 AM.  And there, up in the eastern sky was a big U-shaped moon, and, what seemed inches away, a bright, glowing Venus.
        Venus seemed as big and bright as it had been last summer in the mid-evening sky, when I saw it seemingly inches away from a full moon.  Both times, the combination reminded me of that fake e-mail that's been making the rounds, which claimed there would be twin moons.  In reality, Venus has always been small and the moon many times larger, but they still do get your attention.  Or, at least, my attention.  The dog couldn't care less.]
   
    And highlights from the Alumni Association minutes of October 4, 2007, respectfully submitted by Roberta Brill Birnel.
        President Emily Kleinman Schreiber called tonight's meeting to order at 7:25 PM.  The following members were present: Roberta Brill Birnel, Karen Grimm, Eileen Howell, Linda Tobin Kettering, Irwin Kotcher, Enid Koss Parness, Claire Brush Reinhardt, Ray Richford, Emily Kleinman Schreiber, Eric Spinner, Terry Gunderson Kaiser, and Irene Sundal.  Regrets were received from Dennis Shapiro, who was working, and from Edie Mandel and Booker Gibson.  Our sincere condolences to Ken and Laura Ulric, who had to be in Florida due the death of Ken’s father.
        In Dennis Shapiro’s absence, Emily presented the treasurer's report.  Our balance includes five more lifetime members and 65 new paid members. For those members who have not yet sent in dues for this year, please do so as soon as possible.  Remember, a lifetime membership is only $100.
        Next, we discussed the unhappy necessity of replacing Dennis Shapiro as our treasurer because his work commitment does not allow him the time to complete his term.  As Alumni Association president, Emily can appoint someone to finish Dennis' term until our next election in the spring of 2008.  There were several suggestions made about how to alleviate Dennis' duties; however, none were practical.  We hope to have more suggestions at our next meeting about how to resolve this problem.  Eileen Howell suggested that we keep a petty cash fund of $50 for minor reimbursements.  This will eliminate the need for checks to be made out for only a few dollars.  The members present accepted this suggestion.
        Eric Spinner is ready to launch the Alumni Association's web-page.  We voted on the domain name ValleyStreamSouthAlumni.org.  Claire Brush Reinhardt made a motion, seconded by Irwin Kotcher, to approve the expenditure of $85 for a one-year contract and for Eric to register the name.  This was approved unanimously.
        Emily mentioned the 100-year anniversary of the opening of the Brooklyn Avenue School, which was attended by alumna Karin Schade Sofarelli.  She has sent Emily photos and a piece about the event.
        Upcoming events:
        The Class of 1973 will have its reunion on July 26th at Paparazzi in Westbury.
         Freda Wagner (Class of ’68) would like to know if anyone is planning a 40th reunion of that class.
        The classes of 1958 and 1959 are planning a reunion, but no definite plans have been shared with the Alumni Association.
        Joe Anfora sent an e-mail saying he will play the male lead in Silent Night, Lonely Night, a play by Robert Anderson.  The six performances are on the weekends of October 19th and October 26th, and the play will be performed at the Community Church of East Williston.
        On Saturday, October 13th, and Sunday, October 14th, Hofstra University will present The Remembered, a performance piece about Vietnam.  Featured in the drama written by Elliott Levine are slides taken from Letters on the Wall, a book by Michael Sofarelli, Jr., son of Association members Karin and Mike Sofarelli, '62.  Mike, a veteran of the war, was his son Michael's inspiration for creating the book.
        Old business:
        We discussed Acts of Kindness.  Again, the issue is what the particular focus of the Association should be.  One idea was to put together baskets or packages for families in need.  Ms. Henry said she would speak with South's social worker Karen Grant and to Assistant Principal for Guidance Services Lori Tintellla to set up a meeting with our committee in order to determine specific needs.  She said there are several service organizations at South that are working on projects for the holiday season and for the spring.  We expressed our desire to do something for the Valley Stream community in February.
        Emily also gave us an update about the health of Bernie O’Brien.  He is on the mend and kind notes can be sent to him via e-mail at:  ob11@optonline.net   We are all wishing him a speedy recovery.
        Before leaving South High, former principal Stephen Lando gave Emily a photo album and many photos from the 50th anniversary celebration in March 2005.  At our next meeting, we hope to put these into the album.
        Ms. Henry told us about some of the activities going on now at South:  class elections, a new Southern Bell faculty advisor, the seventh grade “Mix-It-Up,” which involved 125 students and 17 staff members.  Also, the Homecoming King and Queen elections are in progress.  Doesn't that bring back memories?
        Before calling for adjournment, we recognized the need for new trustees for the Association.  Only two of the original trustees, Eric Spinner and Ray Richford, regularly attend meetings.  Two new trustees were appointed:  Irwin Kotcher and Claire Brush Reinhardt.  We still need one more.
        Meeting dates for this school year:  Please mark your calendars now and try to attend some of these meetings.  Your participation is needed and will be appreciated.  All the meetings will be on the first Thursday of each month in the school library.  The remaining meetings this year are:  December 6th, January 3rd, February 7th, March 6th, April 3rd, May 1st, and June 5th.
        The meeting was adjourned at 8:45
        Post-minutes note:  Prior to the November meeting, Dennis Shapiro indicated that he was okay with staying on in the position of treasurer as long as we were okay with the fact that he can't be at all of the meetings.  We're okay with that.  Thanks, Dennis.