Update 10-26-10

Hi,

Again, starting gently, from Zelda White Nichols:  Ryki Zuckerman brings back memories of Bob Dylan.  Ryki might not remember me, but I was introduced to her through a friend who actually went to Lynbrook High School.  The three of us hung out in Greenwich Village on a number of occasions and actually did run into Bob Dylan and Joan Baez in a music store.  Now, things have come full circle as there is a current TV ad that shows a quick picture of Dylan’s very first album with him walking down 4th street in the Village.
    Ryki, do you still have that gorgeous long hair?  I could have killed for hair like that instead of my frizzy, curly locks.

Not about hair, from Stu Borman:  A friendly correction -- I think Steve Gootzeit's surname is spelled with a "t" in the middle.  Feel free to weigh in on this issue, Steve.  Also, thanks to Peggy Cooper Schwartz for the anecdote about Allen Ginsberg.  When I started to read her item on Howl, I felt like I had a personal bond with Allen Ginsberg, as I had sat virtually at his feet one or two times when he read his poetry at the State University of New York at Stony Brook in the 1960s.  But Peggy's anecdote blows me completely out of the water.  It's great that Bob Dylan was nice to you because he was often not very friendly with the media.  My closest claim to fame was that I was asked to drive from Stony Brook to Greenwich Village with a couple of other SUNY Stony Brook students to pick up Frank Zappa, who was giving a concert at SUNY Stony Brook.  We picked up Mr. Zappa and got a peek inside his flat, but we weren't invited in and didn't get to meet his daughter Moon Unit -- who in reality may not have been born yet on the day we arrived but was later the vocalist on "Valley Girl."  On the ride to Stony Brook, we asked Mr. Zappa if he wanted to partake in a zero-tobacco cigarette, and he said, "No."  I don't remember the concert -- only the ride -- but I do remember the Allen Ginsberg readings, as he had this wonderful sonorous voice and such great expressiveness that it almost made it possible for even me to understand his poetry.

[Rich – Ah, yes, sorry, Steve:  “Goot” not “Good.”  I need my memory checked.]

From Jay Tuerk:  I, for one, would like to hear from what seems to be a minority of people who embrace aging but at the same time are going through the process of keeping their bodies as strong and youthful as they can.  I know there are some of you out there, like my good friend Ira Levy, who go to the gym regularly, eat correctly, and look good.  If that's clawing to deny we are aging, then give it to me, baby.

Kind of related, a medical link, from Barbara Blitfield Pech:  This is a very important video regarding the latest CPR procedure.  Please watch it and forward the link to your friends and family if you haven't already done so.  You never know:  you may save a life by utilizing this new procedure.   http://tinyurl.com/2fx8r59

Medical-vegetable news, forwarded by Evelyn Roedel Read, and condensed:  Broccoli might become an even more potent enemy to tumors.  Scientists at the University of Illinois evaluated how sulforaphane, a  component of broccoli, is absorbed by bacteria and then transferred to the body's blood stream.  "This discovery raises the possibility that we will be able to enhance the activity of these bacteria in the colon, increasing broccoli's cancer-preventive power," said Dr. Elizabeth Jeffery, a professor of human nutrition at the University of Illinois.
    And broccoli over-cookers can keep dining on their boiled veggies.  Cooking destroys an important enzyme linked to sulforaphane production, but the team found that bacteria in the colon were able to "salvage" some of the compound regardless.  To get the cancer-killing benefits from broccoli, experts recommend three to five half-cup servings each week.  But we might need to eat even less, if researchers can find ways to improve the body's sulforaphane absorption abilities.

Absolutely unrelated to eating, from Mary Sipp Green:  Are any of our classmates going to Jon Stewart's "Sanity Rally" in Washington, D.C on October 30th?  Just curious.  Hope you are all well.  Best regards.

From Eric Hilton:  I, too, would like to wish Mr. Gibson a very happy birthday, and I wish I could join everyone to celebrate his 80th birthday.  Booker was by far one of the coolest teachers at South, and he made me more aware of music appreciation.  Mr. Brenner also loved music, and I often brought my guitar to his home or class after school, and we jammed together.  At one reunion in East Rockaway, we went to a pub and played until we closed it down.
    A couple of months ago, I went back to school to study digital web and graphic design.  Due to the lack of teachers, they have combined our classes with high school seniors.  I understand what Miss Hoogenboom meant about being around young vital people.  Going back to school at 63 makes me appreciate how the younger generation thinks, and how in tune the kids are with the new technology.  Of course, many of them have lost their social graces and personal communication skills as no one talks to each other anymore.  They just text -- and at lightning speed, with one hand, even while driving -- which scares the crap out of me.
    As I've mentioned, I hope to be up in New York in a couple of months when my daughter gives birth to a little girl.   Then, perhaps, I can get together with my wonderful South friends, enjoy their warm companionship, and share many great stories from South.  Regards to all.

And following Eric's lead, more birthday good wishes from Emily Kleinman Schreiber's memory book compiled for Booker Gibson:
    From Fay Messner:  My husband, Chuck Messner, taught with you at South for many years.  He admired and loved you, and I know he would have wanted to celebrate with you on your 80th.  I cannot attend the celebration in Chuck's place, but I congratulate you and wish you continued good health and happiness.
    From Florence Castelle Eaton '62:  Dearest Mr. Gibson, Whenever I think about South High -- and I think it was "Junior-Senior" High when I attended -- the first thing that pops into my mind is your smiling face.  I so wish I could be there to celebrate your birthday with you -- and many schoolmates -- but I live too far away and am still working full-time.  I do hope that, in the future, I can make it to one of the events you will be attending.  Until then, much love and wishes for many happy, healthy birthdays to come.
    From Sue Antoville Dotterweich '63:  Have a wonderful birthday.  I'm sure the years have been kind to you. I have wondered about you from time-to-time, but I am in Minnesota and don't get back east, or I would love to come to your party.  I think you would like to know that, because of you, I am one of a very few who knows how to sing The Star Spangled Banner correctly -- some details always stick with you.  I am sure there are many more important ones, but that was something you were adamant about.  Again, have a wonderful birthday.
    From Arlene Ainbinder Lynn '66:  All I remember from your 8th grade music class is learning about the different styles of music.  Since I lived, ate, and breathed rock 'n' roll and took classical piano lessons, I did not have a true appreciation for other types of music until I took your class.  What stands out in my
memory is learning about opera.  I still remember the music and stories about La Boheme and Madame Butterfly.  I could tell you really loved teaching music and enjoyed sharing your passion with your students.  Your dedication, concern, and kindness towards your students and colleagues goes far beyond the doors of South High School.  To this day, your popularity is a testament to you.  It is a pleasure to be in your company and to hear you tickle the ivories at the Irish Coffee Pub.
    From Carol Bunim Okin '65 and Bob Okin '64:  Dear Mr. Gibson, Wishing you a very happy, healthy 80th birthday -- so sorry we can't be there to celebrate with you.  It has been a true joy seeing you over the years at various Valley Stream South High School events, and we look forward to seeing you next time.  You have instilled such a love of music in everyone who had the privilege of sitting in your 8th grade class, and you continue to make each of us feel special.  There's just one problem -- you don't seem to know how special you are!  Some people make the world brighter just by being in it.  Thank you for sharing your light with us.  May all your birthday candle wishes come true.

The South '65 e-mail addresses:  reunionclass65.blogspot.com

The South '65 photo site:  picasaweb.google.com/SouthHS65


Rich