Update 5-12-15

 

Hi,

 

First, to catch up on some old business:  we’re waiting for the Board of Ed to give its expected approval for the Irv Saffrin Science Scholarship.  That should come this week.  As soon as it does, I’ll contact Evelyn Roedel Read, the initiator of this award, and the second supporter and ask for their checks.  The awards committee has already been alerted to the possibility of the scholarship so has a student in mind.
    Also, Liz King Giordano wrote to say the theater committee would like to split the Vince Tampio scholarship this year, as it has in the past, so it can reward two students.
    And Emily Kleinman Schreiber mentioned that this year the Alumni Association is presenting 4 scholarships – one each in honor of two living teachers, one in memory of Denis Kiley, and the last in memory of Karen Grimm, a formerly active member of the Alumni Association.

 

Speaking of Irv Saffrin, this unfortunate report came in from Terry Gundersen Kaiser:  I just spoke to Marilyn O'Brien, Bernie O'Brien's wife.  Irv is about the same as he was in December.  His legs are very weak, and he does not leave the house as it is so difficult for him to walk.  I thought maybe we could have him over for dinner one more time, but I guess it's not to be.

 

On top of that, at the reunion, several people asked about Toni Rea.  I've asked around, and the best anyone’s been able to remember, no one's heard from her for about two years.  We know she and her partner moved from Easthampton, Long Island, to Florida, and one person remembers possibly hearing about some memory problems.  But that isn’t confirmed.

 

Further, Barbara Blitfield Pech wrote that, sadly, Eileen Algaze died last week.  Barbara remembers Eileen as being in the class of ‘65, but she isn’t on the graduating list or in the yearbook, so it’s a bit of a mystery.  But it is sad to hear of her death.

 

In happier news, some further notes about the recent reunion, first, from Ellen Epstein Silver:  I, too, thought it was a wonderful, low-keyed weekend with us all bonding so well.  I’m so sorry it’s over, and I look forward to seeing everyone again, along with the people who wanted to come and couldn’t.  How about the Florida Keys for the next one?  That could be in 2 years, to celebrate our 70th birthdays.

 

From Joan Aires Cleven:  The weekend was so wonderful.  Everyone was super friendly and warm.  It really was fantastic.

 

From Peter Rosen:  Just want to add that I had a great time.  I loved the informality, and I vote for another get-together in 2 years.  Rich, thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all you have done and keep doing.  (Please don't eliminate this last comment out of modesty.)

 

[Rich:  All right, Peter, I won’t eliminate that if you’ll stop offering compliments.  People will talk.]

 

From Rich Wyeroski class of ‘64:  Glad to hear what a good time everyone had.  We had our class 50th at the same hotel.  For a time, we were back in the 60s, when we were young and things seemed simpler.

 

From Zelda White Nichols:  I was wondering if Allen Moss went to William S.  Buck.  There were a number of schoolmates I palled around with that I don't hear much about, and I wonder what happened to them.  If he is who I think he is, I would like to hook up with him via e-mail.  I am also wondering if you hear from people who don't want their names or contact information noted.

 

[Rich – Very rarely, but it never hurts to ask me.]

 

Next, a couple of culture notes, first, from Ryki Zuckerman:  a new chapbook of my poetry was just published.  It's a small press publisher, and I don't know yet where the book will be available.  But my full-length book, looking for bora bora (Saddle Road Press, 2013) is available from online sellers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BooksAMillion, Powells, AbeBooks).

 

And from Mary Sipp-Green:  Thanks for asking.  Here's my coming-too-close-together-schedule.  Today, May 8th, a talk/slide show presentation at the Clark Art Museum, in Willianstown, Massachusetts.  June 17th, New York City, my show titled Couleur et Lumiére: Paris and Provence.  July 26th, Martha's Vineyard, my annual summer exhibition.
    So many of our classmates have retired by now, but I just don't see that as an option for me.  Painting is my way of life, and with any luck, it's a part of most days.  It's the deadlines I'd like to get rid of, which I'm sure you understand.

 

Finally, a public service announcement from Jennifer Schultz at South:  In keeping with South's tradition for sending our graduating class to its prom, I’m asking for help with Pre Prom.  We’re in need of donations from local businesses and families.  No donation is too small, and we welcome monetary donations as well as gift cards or items to raffle off.  Kids love winning, and don't we all?
    Here’s how you can help:  please contact me if you have a donation – schultzj @ vschsd . org (please remove the spaces).  Also, please include any contact information, so that I can send the appropriate "thank you" letter after the event.  On behalf of the class of 2015 and myself, I thank you.  If each of you sent one donation, we would have enough for every student to leave with at least one prize.

 

[Rich – Yep, not only a diploma, but 5 bucks off your next pizza.]

 

The South '65 e-mail addresses:  reunionclass65 . blogspot . com  (please remove the spaces)

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

 

 

Rich