Update 7-26-05

Hi,

Lots of mail, as there should be, since we have this party coming in less than two weeks.

First, from Dennis Shapiro: Carole Ganz will be attending the reunion with her husband. Ellen Nudelman Davidson will be there Friday night. And these are the new guests from other classes: Tom McPartland and his wife '64, Patrick Yngstron '67, Mark Hillman, '69, Bill Taylor '69, and Ronnie Sherman Hirsch '69. Also, Alison Altman and Andy Dolich both sent regrets that they cannot attend, but they also sent checks to support the reunion.

From Paul DeMartino: Dennis Shapiro, Robin Feit Baker, and I met recently with brothers, Artie '69 and Pat '67 Yngstrom to discuss reunion plans. They are both attending, are very much interested in helping out with recruitment from their classes, and promised to contact as many people as possible. They are apparently in contact with many former classmates from various classes. We will be getting back with them next week. I'll keep you posted on their progress.

From Bernie O'Brien: I was able to contact Joe Caruso. He will contact Ed and Ginny (Ressa) Schmidt and try to reach Don Hicks. I also spoke with Irv Saffrin, and he hopes to come with me on Friday. I will drive him out as he has had three operations in the past year and turns 86 in September. I'll let you know as soon as I get a confirmation.

From Patricia Gaffney: Hi. I was wondering if the reunion is still taking place. My e-mail address has changed. It is now: pattyvillequilt@aol.com  Please let me know as soon as possible, so I can send the money to go.

From Danny Stellabotte: Was just talking to Dennis Shapiro regarding the reunion. I have been out of touch for a while. Here is my e-mail address at home: allie3j@aol.com Hope to hear from you soon.

From Martha Morenstein: I may make an appearance, which I wrote in my note to Dennis Shapiro when I sent in my check. It depends on a bunch of things. My husband, son, and I just returned from an amazing 16-day trip to the National Parks/Monuments in the West and Southwest (Zion, Bryce, Mesa Verde, Arches, Grand Canyon). My idea of natural beauty is forever changed.

From Booker Gibson: One day this week, I plan to call Sherry Finkel. She lives about a mile from me, and I will invite her here to rehearse the song Vince Tampio and I wrote (and check the best key). She's not "shy" at all. That's why she played Winifred in Vince's second production of Once Upon A Mattress so well.
My wife isn't coming to the party, but I think Sherry's husband Neil might want to. He was deeply "hooked" in the dramatics club backstage. Also, I had about 100 copies of "Even In A Crowd" printed, to give to anyone who'd like one.
And, due to my recent visibility at South, I've been put on a large committee that's planning the 50th Anniversary of the school this year. I think March 11th will be the culmination of it. The committee didn't want it on a football weekend. Principal Steve Lando wants people "like me" to come up with pictures of outstanding graduates to line the first floor halls. He's heard of Barnet Kellman, Debbie Oppenheimer, Andy Dolich, and I tried to explain Amy Lieberman. She once sent me e-mail explaining her great position as a casting director. Also Bob Fiveson would be a fine person, if I can find the e-mail that describes his work.
I've got until about August 31st for the next meeting, so if anyone has any ideas, I'd appreciate them. From opening day of school in September, I believe Steve wants to gradually put up exhibits. He's got a large group of paid staff working on this project, so I'm not alone.
Also, I still play professionally on Friday nights, so I can't come to the parties on both nights. But I'm looking forward to Saturday.

From Liz King Giordano, assistant to South's principal Stephen Lando: I spoke with Dr. Lando, and he is trying to clear his calendar for your party on Saturday night. He has a vacation planned with his family, but may be returning home Saturday afternoon, which might give him enough time to get to Huntington on the 6th. And I think I'm free. I just have to check with my husband, in case he forgot to mark something on our calendar.

From Emily Kleinman Schreiber '61: I'm still trying get some of my '61 classmates to attend Friday night. Meanwhile, I've heard this, from Claire Brush Reinherdt and the '62 people: Roberta Brill and I are going Friday and Saturday. Pete Shapiro is trying to come from California, and Patrick Henry from Pennsylvania (and bringing a few others). Ray Buckley is coming Friday night. Tony Martino, John Marmaro, and maybe a few others are coming Saturday. Lanie Statsinger is coming Saturday night. I have heard from a few others who cannot come from far distances, but want to be remembered the next time something is planned.

Some You're Welcomes when I said Thank You:

From Alison Altman: I'm glad I was able to help out a little bit. It looks like several other people also chipped in. We really did have a remarkable class. Doesn't seem like 40 years. And have a great time at the party. Hope to see you all next time.

From Andy Dolich: Happy to help.

A handful of regrets:

From Grace Dibble Kincade: I wish I had better news, but it has been determined that the chemotherapy I started in April has had no effect on the cancer. I have started a new round of something a little stronger and will not be able to make the reunion. I know you will all have a great time, and I will be thinking about you. Please give my best to everyone.

[Rich -- And, obviously, we all send our best to Grace.]

From Peggy Cooper Schwartz: Hi everyone. Sorry I have to inform you at this late moment that I will not be able to attend the reunion. My husband Les has had a relapse of his lymphoma -- after being in remission for nearly 2 years. He has just completed 2 chemotherapy cycles, This week we are off to MD Anderson in Houston, where Les is exploring having a stem cell transplant. I hope everyone at the reunion has a blast. I'll be thinking of all of you , and I'm glad you can use my deposit as a contribution. Please keep Les in your prayers.

[Rich -- We will do that, too.]

From Wesley Eddy Jr.: Unfortunately, I am unable to attend our class's 40th reunion as my wife and I will be touring Great Britain from July 24th through Aug 18th. Still, I feel a longing to be a part of this memorable event, so I am sending a check to help support the reunion. I look forward to seeing the pictures. Meanwhile, best wishes to all class members.

From Judy Hartstone: Bad news, I'm afraid. I won't be able to attend the reunion after all. Nothing serious, just a change of plans and timing. Will miss seeing everyone, but look forward to seeing everyone at the 50th! Take good care, and hope everyone there enjoys the intimate group!

From Marilyn Horowitz Goldhammer: Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend. I'm really sorry and will miss seeing everyone, but feel confident that we will plan another one in ten years. And I look forward to seeing this reunion's pictures online.

Also from Liz King Giordano: I spoke with Ross Lipsky, the faculty member on South's 50th Anniversary committee in charge of the Commemorative DVD and Oral History of South. We do not want to intrude, but would love to tape both former students and faculty, asking them their thoughts about the school. Is it possible for Ross and one student crew member from his TV Production club to attend the parties? One night? Both nights if need be? Can we include Booker Gibson playing? We don't want to tape the whole reunion. We mainly want "talking heads" shots from people who are comfortable on the camera.

[Rich -- Of course, I know better than to answer on behalf of our class, so I quickly sent notes to the 33 people in our class who are coming -- out of the almost 60 people overall. I said that if even a quarter of them said, "No," we'd pass on this, as there's no point in making anyone uncomfortable with a camera. Twenty-two people quickly replied. Ten said "No." Ten said "Yes." As noted above, Judy, Peggy, and Marilyn said they, unfortunately, weren't coming -- though Judy said "Yes" to the taping anyway, so she could see who she was missing. Also, we have a very polite class: eight of the people who said "No," also said they'd defer to the other people's wishes. So I'm going to tell Liz King Giordano this: Ross Lipsky is welcome to set up his camera Friday or Saturday night or Saturday afternoon, as long as it's in a quiet corner. That way people who want to talk with him may, and other people can have their privacy. As for Booker Gibson and Sherry Finkel being taped, well, that's up to Booker and Sherry.]

Finally, from Stu Borman and Robert Fiveson: The Toll That Time Takes -- Excerpts from recent e-mail correspondence between Bob Fiveson and Stu Borman:

A little background: Stu saw Bob's item in the newsletter about the overlap between the 1979 movie Parts: The Clonus Horror that Bob directed, and the new release The Island, and he brought the controversy to the attention of a writer at The Washington Post.

Stu: Bob, I don't know if it will lead to anything, but I sent your item about The Island to The Washington Post. I see a lot of advance movie previews, and I've already applied to see a preview of The Island . If I get an additional ticket for the preview, and you're interested in going, I'll let you know. I still recall your kind effort (in the 1960s) to set me up with a young female relative of yours, perhaps your cousin.

Bob: What a surprise to hear from you, Stu. I had no idea you were local. If you do have an extra ticket, I would love to go. I need to make notes of how many points are the same throughout the actual show if I am going to mount any kind of case. By the way, I could probably still fix you up with my cousin, but by now she might charge.

Stu (a few weeks later): Bob, I have a pass for two to a free preview of The Island at the Landmark E Street Cinema this evening, and I'd be happy to go with you there or meet you there. I usually try to show up at the E Street Cinema about 6:45 PM for a 7:30 PM show. I've been disappointed that The Washington Post never responded to my message and has not yet covered the overlap between Clonus and The Island .

Bob: I would be delighted and honored to see The Island for the first time with you. I will be there at 6:45. I'll meet you by the ticket window.

Stu: Bob, The honor is truly all mine. I'll meet you inside near the ticket counter.

(Stu arrives in the theater lobby about 6:40 and waits for Bob until about 7:10. But Bob doesn't show up, so Stu goes into the theater and sits down. He reads a newspaper he's brought with him, and then sees the movie.)

Bob (the next day): I walked in at 7:15 exactly. The traffic was a nightmare. I looked for you and didn't see you anywhere, so I talked my way in. I looked for you afterward and still didn't see you, so I came home. The first one-third of that movie is my movie -- plus $100 million.

Stu: Bob, it's not a problem. I kept looking for you until about 7:10, when the line was let in. I was sitting in the single seat on the right side of the theater -- the first seat you see when you enter.

Bob: I stood right next to you, and you looked at me. You were reading something, right? I stood there for a minute or two looking around. I was looking for you!

(Stu and Bob had looked right at each other when Stu noticed that someone seemed to be hovering over his seat. But after 40 years, neither of us recognized the other. As for The Island, Stu liked the first 2/3's of the movie, but thought it severely strained one's credulity after a while. Bob liked it better, saying, "The actual definition of drama (or at least the one I was taught many years ago) is 'the willing suspension of disbelief.' All in all, I thought it was a great thrill ride -- that stands on the shoulders of another lesser film." There's an interesting article about the relationship between Clonus and The Island in the July 19th Village Voice: villagevoice.com/film/0529,jump,66019,20.html )

A final note from Robert Fiveson: Jesus H. Christ, I just had an epiphany! Stu Borman sent me a link to some amazing photos he has of school days -- and there is a picture of my arch enemy Mr. Willard. He looks exactly like those agents who are always chasing Neo in The Matrix! I am not joking. No wonder those guys creep me out, and I felt like I had seen them before.

The current reunion attendee, guest, and supporter list, alphabetically by their last names in 1965:
Alison Altman (supporter only)
Joan Aries Cleven
Jay Berliner
Barbara Blitfield Pech
Thomas Booth '66
Roberta Brill '62
Ray Buckley '62 (Friday)
C.J. Calamari
Trish Calamari
Tom Calise
Joe Caruso ?
Linda Cohen Greenseid
Peggy Cooper Schwartz (supporter only)
Wendy D'Angelo Scully '68 ?
Carol D'Angelo Tucci '67 ?
Elaine DeMartino Maas '67
Paul DeMartino
Andy Dolich (supporter only)
Teresa Donahue Calamari
Rich Eisbrouch
Barbara Endy Ianniello
Ellen Epstein Silver
Carol Ewig Duran (supporter only)
Robin Feit Baker
Alan Finder ?
Sherry Finkel (and her husband Neil ?) '68
Henry Gabbay
Patricia Gaffney
Peggy Galinger Menaker
Carole Ganz and her husband
Booker Gibson
Liz King Giordano (Assistant to South's principal) and her husband
Steve Gootzeit
Neil Guberman
Art Halprin
Judith Hartstone (supporter only)
Marilyn Horowitz Goldhammer (supporter only)
Mark Hillman '69
Marc Jonas (supporter only)
Stuart Kandel
Rob Kelman
Barnet Kellman (supporter only)
Linda Kettering Tobin '69 ?
Jay Kinder (supporter only)
Ralph Kramer
Stephen Lando (South principal) ?
Theresa Margolin Bargman (Friday)
John Marmaro '62
Tony Martino '62
Tom McPartland and his wife '64
Ira Mitzner
Martha Morenstein ?
Allen Moss
Joseph Mulligan '62
Ellen Nudelman Davidson (Friday)
Lynn Nudelman Villagran
Bernie O'Brien (Friday)
Barbara Peres Napolitano '63 ?
Judy Peters Sylvan
Dennis and Benette (Steindam '66) Pizzimenti
Claire Reinherdt '62
Rachel Robinson Rizzo
Peter Rosen
Irv Saffrin ? (Friday)
Irene Saunders Goldstein
Dennis Shapiro
Ronnie Sherman Hirsch '69
Robin Singer Taylor ?
Lanie Statsinger '62
Danny Stellabotte
Bill Taylor '69
Mark Yetman
Arthur Yngstrom '69
Patrick Yngstrom '67
Zelda White Nichols (supporter only)

When: August 5th, 6th, 7th (Friday night through Sunday noon)
Where: Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville, New York, 11747
Cost: $100 per person
Reunion Package Includes:
Friday night cocktail party with snacks and cash bar (7:00 PM -- Midnight)
Saturday night buffet with open bar & DJ (7:00 PM -- Midnight; Dinner at 8:00)
Lobby area with cash bar available both nights to continue parties
Former teachers comped for both parties, and we're trying to attract as many of
our former teachers as possible.
NOTE: If you just want to come to the Friday night party, a $25 contribution per person is
requested.
SEND: Checks to Dennis Shapiro. 495 Wateredge Avenue, Baldwin, New York, 11510. Please make them out to: VSS 40th Reunion.
Also: Since there are a limited number of Friday night hotel rooms being held, please e-mail Dennis Shapiro when you've made your reservations so he can lobby for more. His e-mail address is: dshapiro@optonline.net The hotel's Phone Number is: 631-845-1000. Ask for the Reservations Desk and mention our class reunion discount. Hotel rooms should be $129/night.