Update 3-28-06

Hi,

Some business, a couple of quick notes, then the wrap up of South's 50th birthday party.  First, the business.
   
Two parts here.  First, it's almost time to award the annual Booker Gibson and Vince Tampio Scholarships at South.  I didn't collect money for these last year because I had enough stashed, and I don't like keeping it in my personal account.  The current balance is Gibson:  $533.  Tampio:  $300.  Since the scholarships are for $500 each, obviously I don't need contributions for the award in Booker's name this year.  But I do need a couple hundred buck for Vince's.  That scholarship is almost completely funded by people who've promised to support it annually for ten years, and you should all know who you are.  But before you start sending me money, please write me to confirm your continued interest.  Then I'll pull the two hundred bucks in the most democratic way.
   
    Second part:  Now that we have the alumni association, it's interested in creating scholarships of its own, and I have a thought.  Our class created the Gibson and Tampio scholarships, but only guaranteed them for ten years because we can't promise how long we'll all be around and donating.  The alumni association is likely to be around for a very long time.  Also, they also have a bank account set up and a treasurer.  If the association is interested in taking over the administration of these scholarships, how would you all feel?  And can someone from the alumni association please ask this question at their meeting on Thursday and get back to me, so I can report to everyone else?  The people who've already generously pledged to support the scholarships can continue to do so through the alumni association, and South would be guaranteed an extension of both these awards.  I suspect that would make the modest Booker Gibson happy, and it might also do the same for the late Vince Tampio.  In any case, please let me know.  And if anyone who hasn't previously contributed to these scholarships would like to become a new donor, please let me know, too.  Thanks.
   
    Next, the notes, first from Al MacLeod:  If anyone is in the Albany, New York area on Thursday, March 30th, the South High Symphonic Band will be playing at the Empire State Plaza from 1:15 to 2:00 PM.  Admission is free.  I'll send you a review after they play.
   
    [Rich -- Good hearing from you, Al, and give my best to Albany.  I spent a frigid winter in nearby Troy once.]
   
    From a warmer climate and Barbara Blitfield Pech:  just a quick note to catch you up to my weekend visit with globe-trotter Bubbie Epstein and family.  I spent Saturday afternoon with Ellen, her brother, sister, parents and extended family.  Just a quiet gathering of 20 plus, and all this is before the big open house on Sunday.  We never got to sit down and see the South 50 DVD, but we all had a lovely visit.  Got to play with the baby, whose hair is amazingly the same shade of strawberry blond as her grandmother's.  Also, Judy Weber '66 and I are on for next weekend.  I do have the rest of the season open for lunch if
    anyone else will be  in town.  Hint hint.

    And the final South party  wrap-up, beginning with Emily Kleinman Schreiber's poem, which she read at the rededication.
   
    On South's Golden Anniversary

    When I think of gold I think of how
    It glistens in the sunlight;
    How things made of it are precious
    And become more valuable with each passing year.

    Today, on the day of South High's rededication,
    I think of how this building and its new inhabitants
    Glistened and sparkled and radiated excitement --
    Especially on December 19, 1955 -- its opening day

    I was a seventh grader when its open doors beckoned us.
    We entered into a spotlessly clean school.
    Everything was new -- the building, the students, the staff.
    We were happy to have our own school at last!

    Memories flooded into my mind
    As I thought of what to share with you today.

    I could see our skirts puffed out with crinolines,
    The cardigan sweaters worn backwards,
    And 2 pairs of bobby socks worn inside our saddle shoes,
    Making our legs look like telephone poles.

    I could hear noisy construction that took longer than expected,
    Sending grades 7 through ten to Central H.S. on split sessions.
    I could see timbers floating in the creek outside my window.

    I could feel us walking, a few years later,
    To the newly built Green Acres Shopping Center.
    It was an open mall back then,
    Where we hung out at the new Green Acres Bowl or Movie Theater (or Sunrise Drive-in).
    No more long walks to Rockaway Ave.
    Where we watched the double features, cartoons & newsreels.
   
    Next, Emily's speech, as president of the alumni association, later that day at the gathering in the gym:

    Memories is what today is all about.  The most important ones are of the people --
    The close-knit groups of students, teachers, and administrators who made South into a school where risks could be taken, knowledge acquired and friendships cemented.
         Our first principal, J. James Bergen, was so much more than the Chief Executive. He understood and cared deeply about the human aspect of those in his care -- he promoted racial and gender equity.
         Three examples of that were shared with me and they are as follows:
    Back in the mid-fifties when he needed to hire teachers, he met our beloved Booker T. Gibson.  I imagine he noted the ready smile, the infectious laugh, and the talent and knowledge in his subject area.  He saw him as a people person, and he gave him the chance to prove his worth.  Aren't we glad he did?!
         Helen David told me how she walked to South with her little daughter to inquire about job opportunities.  Mr. Bergen, on the spot, took her into his office, sat her daughter on his lap, and conducted the interview.  She became the first woman in the Science Department, despite the fact that Mr. Stem, the deparartment chair, protested vehemently. 
         The third story I'll share is about Clara Hoogenboom.  One day in the early '70s, she decided to wear pants instead of a skirt.  There had been a strict dress code for students and staff -- and pants for women wasn't in it.  Mr. Bergen said nothing.  After that, the other female teachers followed suit.
         In the early years, the South High spirit was electrifying.  The bleachers were full at all games -- the bonfires, floats, parades, twirlers, cheerleaders and coolettes gave us the opportunity to show our teams that we were behind them all the way.  Who could ever forget the exciting North-South rivalry?
         When I left South, I was prepared for college.  I'm so happy to see Irving Saffrin, here today because it was in his class that we learned the art of note taking.  We all moaned and groaned when we had to recopy those notes and illustrations every night. Those black marble notebooks are still cherished by many of us -- I brought mine here today!
         Now, as I end, I want you to know that you will receive a copy of the 40 page Memory Journal when you join the newly reactivated Alumni Association.  Don't miss the opportunity to take a stroll back into the early days of South.  As the President of the Alumni Association, I wish you all a wonderful day.  Don't forget to buy an Alumni  Association mug, and thanks for coming back to South!
                 

Finally, highlights of minutes of the alumni association's March 9th meeting.  As always, respectfully submitted by Roberta Brill Birnel, secretary:
    The 27 people in attendance introduced themselves: Roberta (Brill) Birnel, John Cunnane, Paul DeMartino, Booker Gibson, Karen Grimm, Eileen Howell, Irene Sundal, Linda (Tobin) Kettering, Irwin Kotcher, Nell Landman, Ross Lipsky, Edie Mandel, Linda Marlowe, Barbara (Peres) Napolitano, Bernie O’Brien, Enid (Koss) Parness, Claire (Brush) Reinhardt, Ray Richford, Nancy Russo-Rumore, Emily (Kleinman) Schreiber, Mike Scully, Eric Spinner, Vincent Viviano, Laura Ulric, Ken Ulric, Effie Xenos, Arthur Yngstrom, and Pat Yngstrom. (Mary Ann Riccio, and Elaina (Riccio) Garces apologized that they wouldn’t be able to stay – due to illness.)
    Emily passed around the completed Memory Book. Three hundred copies are being printed by ISC at Memorial at no cost to our association.  A copy will be given to each association member, and non-attending members will receive one by mail.  Once again, super work!  Irwin Kotcher brought some of the ordered 144 mugs, which will sell for $5.00 on March 11th. Thank you, Irwin!   There was a great deal of discussion about whether or not to serve coffee at the reception. The vote was in favor and several people volunteered to bring their own urns.
    According to Nell Landman, decade signs are being made by current South High students.  As of tonight, 200 people have paid for the luncheon.  Nell also reported that children aged five and under attending the luncheon with their parents will not be charged. Children six and older will be charged the same price as adults.  Mr. Bergen’s granddaughter will unveil the painting of the old South High School.  Copies of the Legend will be on display during the day.  Flowers will be given to dignitaries and faculty.  More than 100 items have been donated for the silent auction, including 2 quilts made by Amy Miller. In addition to the association mugs, magnets (Junior class), lanyards (Student Council), the 50th anniversary DVD (200 copies have been made by teacher Ross Lipsky), and a 6 to 8 page insert of past yearbooks (Advisors) will also be on sale.  All proceeds from the auction will be split, with half going to Katrina Hurricane Relief, and half to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
    Copies of faculty photos from old yearbooks were used by members tonight to make a poster board honoring those teachers who have retired.  Now we know why Emily requested that we bring scissors and glue to the meeting.  Treasurer Dennis Shapiro was not present tonight, but Emily reported that we have more than $2000 in our treasury.  There was a discussion about new committees, which will begin working after March 11th. Paul DeMartino will work on our federal government's 501C3 -- not-for-profit application.  The bylaws and constitution will also be created.
    Members were reminded that our next meetings are as follows:  Thursday, March 30th; Thursday, May 4th; and Thursday, June 1st, all at 7:15 p.m. in the South High School library.  Please note:  The March 30th replaces the previously-scheduled April 6th meeting, which had to be rescheduled due to a conflict.