Update 6-13-06

Hi,

A series of notes, pretty much in the order they arrived.

From Emily Kleinman Schreiber:  A little typo.  Amy Miller and I were in Newark, New Jersey, not Neward.
   
    From Hy Rosov:  Thanks for the update.  I always enjoy reading the summary of events and the news of former students.

    From Peter Rosen:  A few words of congratulations and encouragement to Paul Zegler.  I had my hip replaced twelve years ago, a year after Bo Jackson, and he was my inspiration. I still jog regularly, although a lot more slowly, and my hip feels great.  This week, I will be taking part in a CNN special on "Boomeritis," and I will be filmed working out as well as showing old sports pictures from high school.  Thanks to Hiram Rosov I have them to show. It looks like the news story will air on CNN this Sunday night, Father's Day, some time between 10:30 and 11:00 PM Eastern time.  I hope I can stay awake to watch it.  Meanwhile, Paul, keep up the great effort.  I miss you.
   
    From Andy Dolich, about Paul's comment regarding his hip replacement and Bo Jackson:  Zig, I played in a Pro-Am golf tournament with Bo two weeks ago, and he can't hold a candle to you as an actor or corporate pitchman.  He wishes you a speedy recovery.
   
    From Grace Dibble Kincade:  It was nice of Barbara to pass on the good news of our daughter expecting her first child.  But I was so sorry to read about Gayle Ulrich's brother.  Cancer is so insidious.  I had been taking a colon cancer drug called Avastin since last summer.  It was being donated by the drug company because my insurance wouldn't pay the $4000 a dose, twice a month.  That was appealed many times, and the answer was always the same, "No."  In April, my donated Avastin was no longer available.  Since then, there has been a definite decline in my health.  My wonderful doctor went back to the drug company with some of my tests, and they have agreed to continue my treatments!  I begin again next Wednesday.
        My husband and I are also about to celebrate our 30th anniversary by going to New York.  Our daughter and her husband live in New Rochelle.  I don't know about visiting Long Island, but we will be in the city a couple of times.  Good health and happiness to all.
   
    A sad note came the next day from Barbara Blitfield Pech:  I just got a note from Grace Dibble Kincade, saying that her mom passed away this morning.
   
    [Rich -- Of course, I'm sorry to hear that.  And I'm sure we all send our best wishes to Grace and her family.]
   
    Again, from Emily:  The awards assembly at South went very well.  Booker got a standing ovation.  That made all us "oldsters" very happy.  Linda Tobin Kettering spoke for both Vince and Booker, and she did an excellent job letting the students and parents know about those exceptional teachers.  Joe Anfora, class of '71, donated $500, and he was there with me to present it to Melanie Shuldiner. (The criteria for the scholarship:  graduating senior, financial need, student activity participation, and demonstrated good character and school spirit.)
        Melanie was happy.  We were happy.  Joe thanked me for starting the Alumni Association and for giving him the opportunity to give back to South.  He was given a PTA scholarship back in 1971, which enabled him to go on to college.  He was the first in his family to do so.
        If anyone else would like to send in a donation to be placed in our Scholarship Fund, please don't hesitate to do so.
   
    From Liz King Giordano:  Everything at the awards assembly went very well.  Joe and Emily came to present the Alumni Association scholarship, and it was a proud night for the students and their families.  It was a hectic day today, with last day of classes and senior pranks.
   
    [Rich -- Senior pranks?  Gee, we could never be that disrespectful.]
   
    From Booker Gibson: I was going to write you last night, but I wanted to wait till this morning when I had my thoughts together.  Liz King Giordano let me know in advance that she would schedule me early in the program, so I wouldn't have to sit through the long night.  And no sooner did I sit down, when suddenly Linda Tobin Kettering was announcing the Vince Tampio Award.  For the last two weeks, I've been using a cane and it seems awkward, so I handed it to Mindy Fiveson, who was seated next to me.  When Linda introduced me, it prompted too much applause!  After I finish this letter, I plan to thank her and ask her to tone down her introduction.  I still get choked up a bit.  After the two awards were presented, I went to the back of the auditorium and sat with my wife for a while.  She was happy that some of the former Forest Road students recognized her as their music teacher.
        All in all, it was a wonderful night.  I'll never be able to thank the class of '65 enough.  I still rave about you to anyone, and last night was typical since other South alumni were there for their youngsters' awards.  They couldn't believe what your class does, especially the weekly newsletter.
         
    From Linda Tobin Kettering:  The awards ceremony went very well, and they actually put Booker and Vince's awards in the early part of the evening.  Also, the entire evening went faster than last year's, so it wasn't too painful.  Booker did say that I need to edit his introduction next year, as he gets embarrassed by the background story and accolades.  But both the recipients seemed very pleased by their awards.  Your class really deserves kudos for starting these scholarships.
        On another note, I recall that someone in your class was looking for Doris Cohen.  If it's the same Doris, and I believe it is, her mother still lives at 78 Forest Road in Green Acres / Mill Brook.  That's down the block from me.  Doris has been there a lot lately, helping her mother through some health problems.  I believe Doris lives in New England, and if I see her again soon I'll give her your e-mail address.
        A little more information on Doris:  She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, and is a freelance editor.  She used to be a newspaper editor.  She comes in about once a month to see her mom, so letters sent to her there would probably get to her.
   
    [Rich -- Thanks.  That's great.  I also asked Linda if she'd mind sharing the introductions she used for Vince and Booker's award presentations.  I'll have them here next week.  Linda also mentioned that she's a real estate broker with her own company, Linda Kettering Realty, which specializes in Mill Brook.  In fact, she said, "99.9% of the homes I sell are in Mill Brook.  So, if any alumni still have family or friends living in Valley Stream, I'd be happy to help them with any real estate needs."]
   
    Finally, still more from Emily, from the newly initiated, quarterly Alumni Association newsletter:
        First, remember the next Alumni Association meeting is on this Thursday, June 15th, at 7:15 in South's Faculty Cafeteria
        Second, I want to thank those of you who have already joined the Alumni Association. With your support, our goals will be realized.  In addition to monetary support, so many of you send me e-mail messages that express such heart-warming feelings. I save them all.  Many of you have also shared some excellent ideas with me regarding the moving ahead of our newly activated association. In turn, I bring these suggestions to the Board of
    Directors and Trustees.  You have given me reason to smile and I feel proud to be your president.
        Third, upcoming reunions:
            Classes of '74, '75, and '76
            Lido Beach party at Mushroom Park
            Sunday, August 13, 2006.  10:00 AM -- Sundown
         
            Classes of '61, '62, and '63
            October 28, 2006
            Oceanside Knights of Columbus
            Also, an informal brunch on October 29

            Class of '66
            November 11, 2006
            Long Island Marriott, Uniondale
            Also, plan on November 10.  More to be announced.
   
        Fourth, please send me the dates of any other reunions which are in the works, plus the contact information.  I'll pass it on.
        Fifth, order a free bracelet kit.  There's no charge, and you'll be helping Cervical Cancer Research.  The website is:  maketheconnection.org/order_beadkit/thank_you.asp
        Last, Summer Fun!  Theater Party?  Picnic?  We need your ideas!  Are you interested in attending a performance at Westbury?  The Peter, Paul, & Mary show in August was suggested.  Or perhaps one of the other theater groups on the Island?  Or do you want to see the Tony Award winning Jersey Boys on Broadway?  Would you just like to get together for a picnic?  Please let me know if there is an interest, or if you have any other ideas.  Again, my e-mail address is:  Cre8em@al.com