Update 6-2-09

Hi,

A message, a pair of cultural notes, a trio of reminders, and the minutes from the March Alumni Association meeting.
   
    First, a reason Facebook may turn out to be useful for us -- a note sent through that site from someone some other people have been wondering about.  From Valerie Nelson Gillen:  Hi, all.  We had a new granddaughter yesterday.  Very exciting.
   
    Second, from Eileen Gunderson Gelet:  A month-or-so ago, Mary Sipp Green mentioned that there was an article about her and her paintings in the May issue of American Artist.  Having grown up living next door to Mary, I went right out and bought a copy of the magazine.  I know almost nothing about art, but it was very exciting reading the article.  In it, several of Mary's paintings were pictured, and the article said that they were courtesy of the Wally Findlay Gallery in Palm Beach.  Since I happened to be in Florida at the time, I took a lovely ride up to Worth Avenue to the Wally Findlay Gallery.
        What a fabulous experience.  Mary's paintings took my breath away.  They are so beautiful and her colors – oh wow!  They blend and fade into each other, and the landscapes are just the most beautiful you can imagine.  It was truly a thrill to see Mary's work in such a beautiful gallery.
        By the way, the people at the gallery are charming and so patient.  It was like having a private tutorial at an art museum.  There is a Wally Findlay Gallery in New York, a second one in California, and of course the one in Palm Beach.  If you are ever near one, I strongly suggest stopping in.  It will be a lovely experience.
   
    Third, and this may already be sold out, but for those people in Los Angeles:  Jazz at the A Frame presents Billy Valentine & Trio on Sunday, June 7th, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.  With Stuart Elster, piano, Kevin Axt, bass, and Ray Brinker, drums.  Attendance is by reservation only.  Please reserve seats by calling:  310-659-9169.  The donation is $35, which includes beer, wine, soft drinks, and a light buffet.
   
    Fourth, a reminder from Claire Brush Reinhardt:  This summer's Booker Gibson night at the Irish Coffee Pub is on Wednesday, July 1st, starting around 6:30.  The Pub is at: 131 Carleton Avenue, East Islip, New York 11730, and reservations may be made by calling:  631-277-0007.  You may also check the Pub's web site at: irishcoffeepub.com for more information about the restaurant and for directions.  Booker will be at the piano, surrounded by old friends and maybe some new ones, so please come join us.
   
    Fifth, this month's Alumni Association meeting should be this Thursday, June 4th, at 7:15 PM in South's library.  But please check with Emily Kleinman Schreiber to be sure.
   
    Sixth, if you happen to be in the area, this year's South High Senior High Awards Night is on Wednesday, June 10th, I think starting at 7:00.  Admission is free, but bring a cushion for your chair.
   
    Finally, highlights from the March 5th Alumni Association meeting minutes, respectfully submitted by Roberta Brill Birnel
        Emily Kleinman Schreiber called the meeting to order at 7:25 PM.  Present: Roberta Brill Birnel, Paul DeMartino, Booker Gibson, Eric Hilton, Arlene Ainbinder Lynn, Claire Brush Reinhardt, Ray Richford, Dennis Shapiro, and Eric Spinner.  Regrets were received from:  Karen Grimm, Eileen Howell, Irene Sundal, Barbara Peres, Enid Koss Parness, Linda Tobin Kettering, and Ken and Laura Waxman Ulric.
        Eric Spinner told us about his trip to Bulgaria with eight students.  They took part in a Virtual Enterprise program at a trade fair during their seven days in Sofia.
        Thank you to Roberta Brill Birnel for setting up and completing the alumni membership database.
        Dennis Shapiro presented the Treasurer’s report, which is on file.  There were several donations.  For those who have not yet sent in this year’s dues, please do so as soon as possible.  And remember a lifetime membership is $100.  All Association dues are tax deductible.
        There has been no decision on an Association donation to Adriana Tringone’s charity.  However, people may make their own donations, and we will find out how and when this is best done
        The Scholarship committee will meet at 3:00 PM on April 2nd at South.  Members will read and discuss student entries and submit their recommendations for the 2009 scholarship(s) to be given by the Association.  Maureen Henry has approved the meeting.
        Claire Brush Reinhardt reported that there was no School Culture committee meeting last month.
        The Valley Stream Central High School District presents a Distinguished Alumni Award every year.  Association members expressed an interest in past recipients and wondered how the honorees are selected.
        Greg Peddle will be Interim Assistant Principal at South from the end of March to the end of this school year.  Present Assistant Principal Lori Tintella will be on maternity leave.
        South High's Career Day is set for March 24th, and there was some discussion about why the assembly is only for ninth graders.
        A Health Fair, which will bridge activities between departments, is planned for April 25th.
        Three upcoming reunions:
        Class of 1964 – October 2009
        Class of 1959 – Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the Knights of Columbus in Oceanside.
        Class of 1984 at the Hyatt Regency Wind Watch Golf Club.  For details, please write Nancy Russo-Rumore at: n.russorumore@verizon.net.
        Also, please send any information regarding reunions to Eric Spinner at: espinne@schools.nyc.gov   That way it can be posted on our web site.  And please send reunion information to Emily, so it may be included in the Alumni Association bulletin.
        The PTA Legislative Breakfast will be held on March 14th.
        The District Music Festival will be held on March 13th.  On behalf of the Association, Emily has placed an ad for $35.
        In May, look forward to World Culture Night.
        Service Day at the South will be on Sunday, March 29th.  The Association has given $50 for bagels for those volunteering in this worthwhile effort.  Some of the scheduled sites and participating groups are:
        Ronald McDonald House – a dinner will be served,
        Athletic Leadership Council
        Honor Society members and parents
        Hewlett House – Project Green, planting by Key Club and Honor Society members, and a boutique with proceeds going to Hewlett House.
        An update on the head shaving fundraiser and the Battle of the Bands under the aegis of teacher Jeff Hsi shows that they have raised about $17,000 for St. Baldrick’s Children's Cancer Fund.
        A motion to adjourn was made by Ray Richford and seconded by Eric Spinner.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM.
   
    The South '65 e-mail addresses:  reunionclass65.blogspot.com
   
   
    Rich