Update 11-9-04
Hi,
Yes, well, three people, thousands of miles from each other, all asked, "I send the Hundred-Dollar-40th-Reunion check to Dennis Who?" That would be Dennis Shapiro, and I will now add that information weekly to the updates.
Also, while I'm housekeeping: yeah, well, I've been travel- and election-fatigued, so I didn't post the last three updates online on the class home page, where at least one person I know of reads them. I will post them, either tonight or tomorrow, along with this one. And I'll post the photos of Smiling Booker Gibson and the Out-of-Focus Plaques, which sounds like a new children's book. Actually, the plaques aren't out-of-focus so much as they have small, unphotographable type. But you can all squint. And I can't post the pink photo of Smiling Barbara Blitfield Pech and The Breast Cancer Rally as I promised, because that's copyrighted, so I couldn't lift it from its site. Imagine that.
I'll also add the same News of the 40th Reunion to the index page of the home page, so anyone wandering onto that can be informed. And I'll rejoin Classmates.com after New Year's, to post the information there and blind e-mail everyone who's not contactable through this mailing list.
Enough.
Other brief news, in the order that it electronically appeared:
From Hy Rosov: Thanks for keeping me up-to-date on the reunion activities. Sorry to learn of Karen Rachoi's passing. If you need any help, drop me a line. I did a mini-yearbook for the Tampa reunion two years ago. If you would like a copy, I'll mail you one. It was a lot of work, but worth it. Sue Howard did a great job.
[Rich -- This sounds interesting. How do other people feel about it?]
From Linda Fenton Goodgold: Please add my name and e-mail address to the mailing list. The address is: lgoodgold@verizon.net
[Rich -- Welcome back, Linda.]
A public service warning from Barbara Blitfield Pech: A directory of cell phone numbers will be published soon. This opens the door to solicitors calling cell phones, annoying you, and using up your minutes. The Federal Trade Commission has set up a "Do Not Call" list. You must call FROM the number you wish to register. The number is: 1-888-382-1222. OR you can click on the link below to register your cell phones and house phones online. You can register 3 numbers at a time. https://www.donotcall.gov/register/Reg.aspx
[Rich -- Oh, yikes.]
From Zelda White Nichols: First, Happy Birthday, Booker. Hope it was wonderful.
Also, my husband Dave and I have been knocking ourselves out trying to get our house ready to sell. It goes on the market today, and we hope to move to our new house in Lexington, North Carolina in February. After years of hard work, two years ago, Dave realized his dream of owning his own consulting company. In 2005, my dream will come true of having a lakefront home where I can watch eagles fly and, at the end of the day, watch the sunset with a fishing rod in my hand and maybe another dog by my side.
[Rich -- I'm jealous, even if I don't fish.]
Some possibly useful filler, from -- god help me -- the online AARP newsletter. By Ben Brown: Communes for Grownups. Five years ago, Arthur Okner retired and headed to Boulder, Colorado. Almost immediately, he realized, "I was lonely." He discovered a solution in a "cohousing" development, a concept that has growing appeal.
In cohousing, the residents themselves plan their communities and choose the appearance. They own their own units and divide duties for maintenance, gardening and other chores. And they rotate responsibilities for fixing meals that are shared two or three times a week in a community building.
"People are just jumping on this idea," says Sandra Timmermann, director of MetLife Mature Market Institute. More than 5,000 people reside in nearly 80 completed cohousing communities in more than 30 states, and at least 100 more communities are in various stages of development. The sizes range from half a dozen units on a fraction of an acre in the city of Oakland, California to 22 units on 260 rural acres in Hartland, Vermont. Most are intergenerational communities.
A cohousing community is more condo than commune, but with a twist. The relationships between buyers and developers are reversed. First comes the buy-in by would-be neighbors, then at least two years of building relationships, working out community rules and cooperatively designing the community they'll share. Cohousing is not necessarily cheaper than conventional condos, especially if the community wants custom-design elements and a lavish community house. Land costs are a crucial factor, too. In rural Abingdon, Virginia, where a group of former nuns and their friends are building a 29-unit community known as ElderSpirit, they offered two-bedroom homes under 1,000 square feet for $114,000. But in Boulder, with its soaring housing market, Arthur Okner's 16-unit Silver Sage Village offers its smallest two-bedroom units at $353,000.
The most popular arrangement may turn out to be a cohousing neighborhood in an urban center or adjoining a mixed-use development. Still, cohousing is not for everybody. Prospective residents have to be prepared to talk about community plans for two years or more before buildings start going up. They have to be prepared to make decisions by group consensus rather than through top-down hierarchies and majority-rules votes. And if it's a community for people 50-plus, they should be prepared for frank discussions about aging and death -- including practical matters, such as what to do when residents can no longer take care of themselves -- which may be uncomfortable for those who want to think only of active living.
The -- far more cheerful -- reunion info:
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
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
Teachers comped for both parties
Also: Hotel rooms available at $129/night
SEND: Checks to Dennis Shapiro. 495 Wateredge Avenue, Baldwin, New York, 11510. Please make them out to: VSS 40th Reunion.
Finally, a quick bit of self-promotion. An article on Frederic Remington that I expanded from my U.S. travel journal has just been published as the shared cover story in December's Adirondack Life. The link: http://www.adirondacklife.com/ Then click on Remington Revisited. It'll save you six bucks.
Rich
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Update 11-2-04
Hi,
It should be an interesting evening. In fact, either way, it should be an interesting four years.
From Jerrie Clamp Rachoi: I just wanted to thank everyone for the condolences on this site. My mailing address is: 145 Canterbury Gate, Lynbrook, New York, 11563, and my e-mail address is: myjrussel@yahoo.com
Robin Feit and Paul DeMartino came to the service for Karen. I was very touched to see them both. My daughter Karen was a beautiful 33-year-old woman, about to be married two weeks after she was diagnosed with leukemia. She put up a courageous battle, but I guess God needed her with him. If anyone is interested in making a donation to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society in her name, it's Karen Rachoi.
Thank you all again, from Mickey and me.
From Paul DeMartino: We've got the ball rolling, set up a reunion checking account, and are awaiting the final contract. I've spoken to the catering director, and it "should be sent to me soon" -- her words. Regardless, the date is firm, and that's what counts.
There is one slight problem though. We are still a bit short on the money required to meet the deposit. So if a couple of people could send a hundred bucks each, it would be appreciated. Also, I'd like to emphasize that in order to meet our other deadlines on time, everyone should be encouraged to send in the $100 as soon as possible. I know that saying that will not result in an avalanche of checks appearing at Dennis' door, but at least the hope is that we will always have an adequate cushion to meet the second and final deadlines. The final push will be in late spring when the balance is due, and that total will likely be around $8,000.
Also, please make the checks out to: VSS 40th Reunion, and send them to Dennis' address -- 495 Wateredge Avenue, Baldwin, New York, 11510. Another thing: if any teachers reading this plan to come to the reunion, please let us know as soon as you can. And if you can contact other teachers, please have them write us, too. Finally, we'll let South know about the reunion, so if any of our classmates or teachers contact them, the information will be available. Thanks. Best to all.
From Gary Davis: When is the $100 due by? Also, please forward a list of people who are going so far. And how about updating that every month if possible?
[Rich -- As Paul just wrote: there's an immediate deadline for the deposit, and two other follow-up deadlines, one on February 1st, and the other on June 15th. If you know you're coming to the reunion and can send the money to Dennis now, it would be appreciated. And I'm sure that if you suddenly discover in mid-July that you can't come to the party, something can be worked out for a refund -- as long as all hundred of you don't do it at once.
Also, as with the 37th reunion, once we get within a month-or-two of the party, we'll start posting the attendance list. No point getting too excited too quickly -- and there are other things to think about in the next 10 months.]
From Booker Gibson: Hello, Class of '65. Last Thursday, October 21st, the day after my 74th birthday, I was invited over to South High to see and pose with the Vince Tampio and Booker T. Gibson plaques. They are very prominently displayed opposite the main office. Liz King had the school's photographer come and record it. Besides taking shots of me next to the plaques, she asked him to do a close-up so the entire scripts can be read. I tried to take a couple of shots with my digital camera, but I'm counting on the photographer's capturing it perfectly and sending it to you. The plaques are really awesome!
A big Black student was standing there observing all of this. I'm sorry that I didn't get a chance to talk with him before he left. This was about 4:00 PM, so I was also invited into South Hall to watch some of the rehearsal of the junior high musical. It was a lively version of the show Annie. You may know that these shows can come with a complete recorded swinging orchestra. With the extended stage apron, the kids seem to move right out to you.
Liz King also said plans are already being made for the South High 50th Reunion. I hope to be there, and, meanwhile, at your next reunion, I plan on being there to thank you again and again.
[From all of us: Happy Birthday, Booker!]
From Liz King Giordano: I’m sending you photos of the plaques, and Booker Gibson was kind enough to come in and pose. I hope the photos are clear. Enjoy!
Booker, it is always a pleasure to see you, and you're always wearing a contagious smile. Rich, thanks for the check.
[Rich -- I'll get the photos online as soon as possible.]
Speaking of photos, from Barbara Blitfield Pech, attached to a photo from her recent breast cancer research rally: Thanks to all of you for your continued strength and support. Love and Pink Hugs.
[Rich -- I'll get this photo online as soon as possible, too.]
From Donald Faber: I saw this piece this morning and after reading it, I felt compelled to pass it along. It is one of the more insightful articles I've read about the 1960s. Not THOSE 60s; it focuses instead on the early-to-mid-60s period that we -- at least, I -- tend to routinely dismiss out of hand as being somewhat meaningless whenever my thoughts turn to the past. The author, Bruce Bawer -- author of Room at the Table -- casts a sharp and very insightful light not only upon the genesis of our current political polarization, but he also delves into a fascinating historical overview of the years we all spent at South. After reading the article, it made me feel genuinely lucky to have been able to grow up during the time when we did! Sharp, insightful fun -- a good and worthwhile read, with just enough nostalgia. But if you plan to read it, print it out the pages -- it's far TOO long to read on a computer screen.
The link: http://wwics.si.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=wq.essay&essay_id=68646
[Rich -- totally unrelated, and probably just 'cause I haven't mentioned photos for at least two minutes: Driving back to LA last week, I saw the lunar eclipse while standing at the edge of the desert just east of El Paso. Clear sky. Great viewing. But too far away for my limited camera, so no online photo. Check Time or Newsweek.]
More from Tom McPartland, Class of '64: It has been a while since I had an opportunity to send out an update to you all. First of all, thank you again for the wonderful get well cards, calls, e-mails, visits, flowers, and the list just goes on. I hope you are all fine and enjoying the fall weather. This is one of my favorite times of the year -- seeing the trees and the leaves as they change colors. It always reminds me of another new year at South, the football games at Firemen’s Field, and being another year closer to getting a driver's license. Even after all these years. But it was good times.
Working on the reunion was a labor of joy and love. Just knowing that all of you had a wonderful time really helped me get through my surgery and recovery. The pictures on the Internet, the group picture, and the many pictures that were sent are just priceless. I have the reunion plague on my wall at home, and I will treasure it always.
As most of you know, I was rushed to Southside Hospital in Bayshore, on Friday, September 10th, with a tremendous headache. It was diagnosed as internal bleeding or a blood clot on the brain. On Tuesday evening, September 14th, I was transferred to North Shore Community Hospital for further tests, and surgery was performed on September 16th. The surgeons opened up my skull in two places to drain the blood clot. North Shore had a terrific team of doctors, and, after I recuperated at home, I returned to work last week on a limited schedule. I'm feeling fine, and the doctors are very optimistic that this condition should not repeat itself.
I also spoke with Mr. “Irv” Saffrin this past week, and sent him a copy of the video that Ken Silver took at the reunion. Mr. Saffrin just returned home from having surgery to relieve the pain and problems from his sciatica, but he sounded great and loved the card and video. I've also spoken several times with Bernie O’Brien, Hy Rosov, Booker Gibson, and a few others. What a great bunch of teachers we had.
If anyone is planning any mini-reunions, please let me know. Meanwhile, my sincere wishes to you all, and please stay healthy and safe. Hoping to see you all again at the 45th Reunion. I promise I will be there.
Related, from Linda Cohen Greenseid: the Rich in the earlier Class of '64 Reunion note was Rich Wyeroski.
And, conveniently, from Rich Wyeroski: Hi, Class of '64 (and others) -- if anyone is interested, we are planning to have a dinner at Tom Lolly's Restaurant in Brightwaters on Long Island. November 6th is good for Ellene and Tom. I know we all cannot go, but if you find yourself on Long Island on that date, come over to Tom's restaurant between 7:30 and 8:00 PM. If you can make it, please e-mail me for more details. My address is: rwyerosk@suffolk.lib.ny.us. Last time we did this, we had about 25 people and a good time. Warmest regards to all.
From Allan and Carol Bendel: Our new e-mail address is ancbendel@isp.com Regards to all.
Finally, from H. G. Wells -- yeah, he came back just to send us this: "Human history," he wrote in 1920, "becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe."
Rich
Hi,
It should be an interesting evening. In fact, either way, it should be an interesting four years.
From Jerrie Clamp Rachoi: I just wanted to thank everyone for the condolences on this site. My mailing address is: 145 Canterbury Gate, Lynbrook, New York, 11563, and my e-mail address is: myjrussel@yahoo.com
Robin Feit and Paul DeMartino came to the service for Karen. I was very touched to see them both. My daughter Karen was a beautiful 33-year-old woman, about to be married two weeks after she was diagnosed with leukemia. She put up a courageous battle, but I guess God needed her with him. If anyone is interested in making a donation to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society in her name, it's Karen Rachoi.
Thank you all again, from Mickey and me.
From Paul DeMartino: We've got the ball rolling, set up a reunion checking account, and are awaiting the final contract. I've spoken to the catering director, and it "should be sent to me soon" -- her words. Regardless, the date is firm, and that's what counts.
There is one slight problem though. We are still a bit short on the money required to meet the deposit. So if a couple of people could send a hundred bucks each, it would be appreciated. Also, I'd like to emphasize that in order to meet our other deadlines on time, everyone should be encouraged to send in the $100 as soon as possible. I know that saying that will not result in an avalanche of checks appearing at Dennis' door, but at least the hope is that we will always have an adequate cushion to meet the second and final deadlines. The final push will be in late spring when the balance is due, and that total will likely be around $8,000.
Also, please make the checks out to: VSS 40th Reunion, and send them to Dennis' address -- 495 Wateredge Avenue, Baldwin, New York, 11510. Another thing: if any teachers reading this plan to come to the reunion, please let us know as soon as you can. And if you can contact other teachers, please have them write us, too. Finally, we'll let South know about the reunion, so if any of our classmates or teachers contact them, the information will be available. Thanks. Best to all.
From Gary Davis: When is the $100 due by? Also, please forward a list of people who are going so far. And how about updating that every month if possible?
[Rich -- As Paul just wrote: there's an immediate deadline for the deposit, and two other follow-up deadlines, one on February 1st, and the other on June 15th. If you know you're coming to the reunion and can send the money to Dennis now, it would be appreciated. And I'm sure that if you suddenly discover in mid-July that you can't come to the party, something can be worked out for a refund -- as long as all hundred of you don't do it at once.
Also, as with the 37th reunion, once we get within a month-or-two of the party, we'll start posting the attendance list. No point getting too excited too quickly -- and there are other things to think about in the next 10 months.]
From Booker Gibson: Hello, Class of '65. Last Thursday, October 21st, the day after my 74th birthday, I was invited over to South High to see and pose with the Vince Tampio and Booker T. Gibson plaques. They are very prominently displayed opposite the main office. Liz King had the school's photographer come and record it. Besides taking shots of me next to the plaques, she asked him to do a close-up so the entire scripts can be read. I tried to take a couple of shots with my digital camera, but I'm counting on the photographer's capturing it perfectly and sending it to you. The plaques are really awesome!
A big Black student was standing there observing all of this. I'm sorry that I didn't get a chance to talk with him before he left. This was about 4:00 PM, so I was also invited into South Hall to watch some of the rehearsal of the junior high musical. It was a lively version of the show Annie. You may know that these shows can come with a complete recorded swinging orchestra. With the extended stage apron, the kids seem to move right out to you.
Liz King also said plans are already being made for the South High 50th Reunion. I hope to be there, and, meanwhile, at your next reunion, I plan on being there to thank you again and again.
[From all of us: Happy Birthday, Booker!]
From Liz King Giordano: I’m sending you photos of the plaques, and Booker Gibson was kind enough to come in and pose. I hope the photos are clear. Enjoy!
Booker, it is always a pleasure to see you, and you're always wearing a contagious smile. Rich, thanks for the check.
[Rich -- I'll get the photos online as soon as possible.]
Speaking of photos, from Barbara Blitfield Pech, attached to a photo from her recent breast cancer research rally: Thanks to all of you for your continued strength and support. Love and Pink Hugs.
[Rich -- I'll get this photo online as soon as possible, too.]
From Donald Faber: I saw this piece this morning and after reading it, I felt compelled to pass it along. It is one of the more insightful articles I've read about the 1960s. Not THOSE 60s; it focuses instead on the early-to-mid-60s period that we -- at least, I -- tend to routinely dismiss out of hand as being somewhat meaningless whenever my thoughts turn to the past. The author, Bruce Bawer -- author of Room at the Table -- casts a sharp and very insightful light not only upon the genesis of our current political polarization, but he also delves into a fascinating historical overview of the years we all spent at South. After reading the article, it made me feel genuinely lucky to have been able to grow up during the time when we did! Sharp, insightful fun -- a good and worthwhile read, with just enough nostalgia. But if you plan to read it, print it out the pages -- it's far TOO long to read on a computer screen.
The link: http://wwics.si.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=wq.essay&essay_id=68646
[Rich -- totally unrelated, and probably just 'cause I haven't mentioned photos for at least two minutes: Driving back to LA last week, I saw the lunar eclipse while standing at the edge of the desert just east of El Paso. Clear sky. Great viewing. But too far away for my limited camera, so no online photo. Check Time or Newsweek.]
More from Tom McPartland, Class of '64: It has been a while since I had an opportunity to send out an update to you all. First of all, thank you again for the wonderful get well cards, calls, e-mails, visits, flowers, and the list just goes on. I hope you are all fine and enjoying the fall weather. This is one of my favorite times of the year -- seeing the trees and the leaves as they change colors. It always reminds me of another new year at South, the football games at Firemen’s Field, and being another year closer to getting a driver's license. Even after all these years. But it was good times.
Working on the reunion was a labor of joy and love. Just knowing that all of you had a wonderful time really helped me get through my surgery and recovery. The pictures on the Internet, the group picture, and the many pictures that were sent are just priceless. I have the reunion plague on my wall at home, and I will treasure it always.
As most of you know, I was rushed to Southside Hospital in Bayshore, on Friday, September 10th, with a tremendous headache. It was diagnosed as internal bleeding or a blood clot on the brain. On Tuesday evening, September 14th, I was transferred to North Shore Community Hospital for further tests, and surgery was performed on September 16th. The surgeons opened up my skull in two places to drain the blood clot. North Shore had a terrific team of doctors, and, after I recuperated at home, I returned to work last week on a limited schedule. I'm feeling fine, and the doctors are very optimistic that this condition should not repeat itself.
I also spoke with Mr. “Irv” Saffrin this past week, and sent him a copy of the video that Ken Silver took at the reunion. Mr. Saffrin just returned home from having surgery to relieve the pain and problems from his sciatica, but he sounded great and loved the card and video. I've also spoken several times with Bernie O’Brien, Hy Rosov, Booker Gibson, and a few others. What a great bunch of teachers we had.
If anyone is planning any mini-reunions, please let me know. Meanwhile, my sincere wishes to you all, and please stay healthy and safe. Hoping to see you all again at the 45th Reunion. I promise I will be there.
Related, from Linda Cohen Greenseid: the Rich in the earlier Class of '64 Reunion note was Rich Wyeroski.
And, conveniently, from Rich Wyeroski: Hi, Class of '64 (and others) -- if anyone is interested, we are planning to have a dinner at Tom Lolly's Restaurant in Brightwaters on Long Island. November 6th is good for Ellene and Tom. I know we all cannot go, but if you find yourself on Long Island on that date, come over to Tom's restaurant between 7:30 and 8:00 PM. If you can make it, please e-mail me for more details. My address is: rwyerosk@suffolk.lib.ny.us. Last time we did this, we had about 25 people and a good time. Warmest regards to all.
From Allan and Carol Bendel: Our new e-mail address is ancbendel@isp.com Regards to all.
Finally, from H. G. Wells -- yeah, he came back just to send us this: "Human history," he wrote in 1920, "becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe."
Rich
Update 10-26-04
Hi,
What's this? I'm going away for a couple of weeks and purposely not taking my computer. So here's next week's update, just to keep those newsletters regular. I'll be back on the eve of destruction, uh, election.
Some stashed filler:
From Peggy Cooper Schwartz: A great story. Before I moved to Florida two-and-a-half years ago, I was a member of the Women's Israel National Political Action Committee. Several times, in Washington and at a neighbor's home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, I met Lynda Johnson Robb and her husband Chuck Robb. When Lynda Robb spoke at my neighbor's home for a WINPAC meeting, she told how her father went to Europe on business, around 1938, and was able to negotiate the release of about 35 Jewish people. They were able to leave Europe, go to Cuba, and then -- due to arrangements made by LBJ -- enter the United States through Texas. A gentleman named Jim Novy, who was already in Texas before 1938, asked LBJ to do this, and they remained lifelong friends. To hear Lynda Robb tell this story was amazing. I think it's time that the public knew about this.
A quick follow-up, from an article by Daniel Chang in The Miami Herald: "But no one has presented any evidence to support such an allegation," says Claudia Anderson, an archivist with the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in Austin. Anderson traces the legend of ''Operation Texas'' to a speech given by a prominent Jewish businessman in Austin, Jim Novy, during a dedication ceremony which Johnson attended, for a synagogue named Congregation Agudas Achim in December 1963.
In his dedication speech, which was recorded, Novy alleged that in 1938 then-congressman Johnson had helped arrange -- through letters and telephone calls to ambassadors and immigration officials -- for 42 Jewish refugees from Germany and Poland to obtain visas to enter America. Novy's speech also claimed that in 1940 Johnson used his political influence to skirt Texas law and help lodge Jewish refugees in state youth camps. But, Anderson says, "There is absolutely no substantiation of that whatsoever.'' Anderson did, however, find evidence that Johnson wrote letters to US embassies in Eastern Europe prior to World War II that helped expedite the immigration of Jewish refugees to America. ''I definitely believe Johnson helped Jewish people come into this country by helping them cut red tape and immigration procedures."
A related forward from Peggy, also from Daniel Chang's article: Claudia Taylor Brod never met her grandfather, Lyndon Baines Johnson. She inherited his legacy through history books, old family photos, and countless stories from her grandmother, Claudia ''Lady Bird'' Johnson, who is 91 and still lives on the LBJ Ranch in Stonewall, Texas. Among the lessons handed down were a sense of compassion and an obligation to give back to her community.
The youngest child of Luci Baines Johnson Turpin -- President Johnson's youngest daughter -- Brod, 28, says those lessons helped her realize, "That I was part of this family, part of this legacy, and with that came a lot of responsibility for what I had been given.'' Now Brod has begun to put those lessons into action at home in Miami Beach, where she has lived since 2000. To celebrate the birth of her first child in February, Brod and her husband Steven donated $10,000 to the Holocaust Survivors Program.
The gift was made on behalf of Brod's obstetrician Dr. Steven Silvers, but her interest in Judaism runs deep. Brod's husband is the grandchild of Holocaust survivors, and she herself converted to Judaism in 2003. "It was not easy to renounce Catholicism -- I went to mass every Sunday until I turned 18.'' But she has embraced Judaism's emphasis on family and traditions. "My grandfather," she says, "did some wonderful things as far as civil rights and education, and I feel it's my obligation to carry on the family legacy of civic involvement. The Jewish community is a good place to start.''
Not at all on the subject of Texas, religion, or the Johnsons, a forward from Zelda White Nichols, in appreciation of teachers everywhere: After being interviewed by the school administration, the eager teaching prospect said: "Let me see if I've got this right. You want me to go into that room with all those kids and fill their every waking moment with a love for learning. And I'm supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, modify their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, and even censor their T-shirt messages and dress habits. You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, check their backpacks for weapons, and raise their self-esteem. You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship, and fair play, how and where to register to vote, how to balance a checkbook, and how to apply for a job. I am to check their heads for lice, maintain a safe environment, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, offer advice, write letters of recommendation for student employment and scholarships, encourage respect for their elders and future employers. And I am to communicate regularly with the parents by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card. All of this I am to do with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books, a bulletin board, and a big smile and on a starting salary of $32,000? You want me to do all of this, and you expect me NOT TO PRAY?"
Rich
Hi,
What's this? I'm going away for a couple of weeks and purposely not taking my computer. So here's next week's update, just to keep those newsletters regular. I'll be back on the eve of destruction, uh, election.
Some stashed filler:
From Peggy Cooper Schwartz: A great story. Before I moved to Florida two-and-a-half years ago, I was a member of the Women's Israel National Political Action Committee. Several times, in Washington and at a neighbor's home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, I met Lynda Johnson Robb and her husband Chuck Robb. When Lynda Robb spoke at my neighbor's home for a WINPAC meeting, she told how her father went to Europe on business, around 1938, and was able to negotiate the release of about 35 Jewish people. They were able to leave Europe, go to Cuba, and then -- due to arrangements made by LBJ -- enter the United States through Texas. A gentleman named Jim Novy, who was already in Texas before 1938, asked LBJ to do this, and they remained lifelong friends. To hear Lynda Robb tell this story was amazing. I think it's time that the public knew about this.
A quick follow-up, from an article by Daniel Chang in The Miami Herald: "But no one has presented any evidence to support such an allegation," says Claudia Anderson, an archivist with the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in Austin. Anderson traces the legend of ''Operation Texas'' to a speech given by a prominent Jewish businessman in Austin, Jim Novy, during a dedication ceremony which Johnson attended, for a synagogue named Congregation Agudas Achim in December 1963.
In his dedication speech, which was recorded, Novy alleged that in 1938 then-congressman Johnson had helped arrange -- through letters and telephone calls to ambassadors and immigration officials -- for 42 Jewish refugees from Germany and Poland to obtain visas to enter America. Novy's speech also claimed that in 1940 Johnson used his political influence to skirt Texas law and help lodge Jewish refugees in state youth camps. But, Anderson says, "There is absolutely no substantiation of that whatsoever.'' Anderson did, however, find evidence that Johnson wrote letters to US embassies in Eastern Europe prior to World War II that helped expedite the immigration of Jewish refugees to America. ''I definitely believe Johnson helped Jewish people come into this country by helping them cut red tape and immigration procedures."
A related forward from Peggy, also from Daniel Chang's article: Claudia Taylor Brod never met her grandfather, Lyndon Baines Johnson. She inherited his legacy through history books, old family photos, and countless stories from her grandmother, Claudia ''Lady Bird'' Johnson, who is 91 and still lives on the LBJ Ranch in Stonewall, Texas. Among the lessons handed down were a sense of compassion and an obligation to give back to her community.
The youngest child of Luci Baines Johnson Turpin -- President Johnson's youngest daughter -- Brod, 28, says those lessons helped her realize, "That I was part of this family, part of this legacy, and with that came a lot of responsibility for what I had been given.'' Now Brod has begun to put those lessons into action at home in Miami Beach, where she has lived since 2000. To celebrate the birth of her first child in February, Brod and her husband Steven donated $10,000 to the Holocaust Survivors Program.
The gift was made on behalf of Brod's obstetrician Dr. Steven Silvers, but her interest in Judaism runs deep. Brod's husband is the grandchild of Holocaust survivors, and she herself converted to Judaism in 2003. "It was not easy to renounce Catholicism -- I went to mass every Sunday until I turned 18.'' But she has embraced Judaism's emphasis on family and traditions. "My grandfather," she says, "did some wonderful things as far as civil rights and education, and I feel it's my obligation to carry on the family legacy of civic involvement. The Jewish community is a good place to start.''
Not at all on the subject of Texas, religion, or the Johnsons, a forward from Zelda White Nichols, in appreciation of teachers everywhere: After being interviewed by the school administration, the eager teaching prospect said: "Let me see if I've got this right. You want me to go into that room with all those kids and fill their every waking moment with a love for learning. And I'm supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, modify their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, and even censor their T-shirt messages and dress habits. You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, check their backpacks for weapons, and raise their self-esteem. You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship, and fair play, how and where to register to vote, how to balance a checkbook, and how to apply for a job. I am to check their heads for lice, maintain a safe environment, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, offer advice, write letters of recommendation for student employment and scholarships, encourage respect for their elders and future employers. And I am to communicate regularly with the parents by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card. All of this I am to do with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books, a bulletin board, and a big smile and on a starting salary of $32,000? You want me to do all of this, and you expect me NOT TO PRAY?"
Rich
Update 10-19-04
Hi,
Various notes that came in along with the 40th reunion votes. In the order they were received:
From Marc Jonas, before we picked a site: How about the Keystone state for the "venue" of the next reunion? It has so much to offer -- if only I could remember exactly what that is and how the heck I landed here.
Lynn Nudelman Villagran, on voting once unless you're triplets: Sounds fine to me. Sounds fine to me. Sounds fine to me.
From Bernie Scheidt: ...now that I live in Atlanta...
From Barbara Blitfield Pech: aw heck..i'll be more than glad to arrive on the 29th and stay through the 7th...assuming that i will enjoy the extended company of "classmates" who also need a long overdue home base touch!
From Ellen Epstein Silver: My sincerest sympathy goes out to Jerrie and Mickey Rachoi and their family. Do you have their current home address? I would like to send a card and note to them.
[Rich -- I don't, unfortunately. Can someone else help?]
From Stuart Kandel: It's a nice hotel with a very large bar in the lobby.
From Michele Cohen Collins (soon to be Stafford): Just some happy news to pass along from me: Sunday, John and I will be married. Some of the folks met John at the last big reunion and at one of the get-togethers at Lilly Flanagans. Also, my youngest daughter and her husband had a beautiful baby girl in March.
[Rich -- Congratulations, of course, on both accounts, from all of us.]
From Roz Minsky Bobrow: We just had our daughter's wedding, a month ago. Our wonderful new son-in-law works in Melville. AND they live in West Hempstead!
[Rich -- More congratulations, from all.]
From Judy Peters Sylvan: I'm sure I'm not the first to say it, but, "Can it be three years already?" Yikes!
From Moss in Maine: GREAT JOB everyone. Thanks so much!
[Rich -- Thanks for the committee's work was offered by a lot of people.]
From Martha Morenstein: Though I certainly did NOT graduate from high school 40 years ago, I'd be happy to attend a reunion celebrating that auspicious event.
From Zelda White Nichols: I am very excited to announce that the offer we put on a house in North Carolina has been accepted. It's on High Rock Lake in Lexington, North Carolina, and we are looking to close at the end of January. Due to schedules on both our and the current property owners' sides, that is the earliest date we could arrange. We are eagerly anticipating coming home to the East coast.
From Rachael Robinson: Thanks for the wishes for safety in the hurricanes, but I'm no longer in Florida, so I was out of harm's way -- although I still have a son, daughter, and ex-husband there.
Also, I just got a note from Liz King Giordano, Principal Stephen Lando's secretary at South, saying, "The Vince Tampio and Booker Gibson plaques are finally hanging in our main corridor across from the main office. Enclosed is the invoice." The plaques were a bit more expensive than we'd been told -- $350 total, rather than $200 -- but, hey, things work that way. We'll just have to sell some extra cookies on Vince's and Booker's behalf.
Finally, some educational filler, from a friend of mine who spends too much time reading the Farmers' Almanac. Here's what things were like in the United States only 100 years ago, in 1904:
-- The average life expectancy was 47 years, with more than 95 percent of all births taking place at home.
-- Only 14 percent of all homes had a bathtub, so most women only washed their hair once a month, and they used borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
-- Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone, and a three-minute call from Denver to New York City cost eleven dollars.
-- There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads. The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
-- Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
-- The average wage was 22 cents an hour. The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year. An accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year; a dentist, $2,500 per year; a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year; and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
-- 2 of 10 adults couldn't read or write. Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated high school. Ninety percent of all physicians had no college education. Instead, they attended medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press and by the government as substandard.
-- The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet. Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than California -- with a mere 1.4 million residents, California was only the 21st most populous state. The population of Las Vegas, Nevada was 30,
-- The five leading causes of death in the U.S. were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
-- 18 percent of all households had at least one full-time servant.
-- There were only about 230 reported murders in the entire country.
-- Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at corner drugstores. According to one pharmacist, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health."
-- Canned beer hadn't yet been invented.
Rich
Hi,
Various notes that came in along with the 40th reunion votes. In the order they were received:
From Marc Jonas, before we picked a site: How about the Keystone state for the "venue" of the next reunion? It has so much to offer -- if only I could remember exactly what that is and how the heck I landed here.
Lynn Nudelman Villagran, on voting once unless you're triplets: Sounds fine to me. Sounds fine to me. Sounds fine to me.
From Bernie Scheidt: ...now that I live in Atlanta...
From Barbara Blitfield Pech: aw heck..i'll be more than glad to arrive on the 29th and stay through the 7th...assuming that i will enjoy the extended company of "classmates" who also need a long overdue home base touch!
From Ellen Epstein Silver: My sincerest sympathy goes out to Jerrie and Mickey Rachoi and their family. Do you have their current home address? I would like to send a card and note to them.
[Rich -- I don't, unfortunately. Can someone else help?]
From Stuart Kandel: It's a nice hotel with a very large bar in the lobby.
From Michele Cohen Collins (soon to be Stafford): Just some happy news to pass along from me: Sunday, John and I will be married. Some of the folks met John at the last big reunion and at one of the get-togethers at Lilly Flanagans. Also, my youngest daughter and her husband had a beautiful baby girl in March.
[Rich -- Congratulations, of course, on both accounts, from all of us.]
From Roz Minsky Bobrow: We just had our daughter's wedding, a month ago. Our wonderful new son-in-law works in Melville. AND they live in West Hempstead!
[Rich -- More congratulations, from all.]
From Judy Peters Sylvan: I'm sure I'm not the first to say it, but, "Can it be three years already?" Yikes!
From Moss in Maine: GREAT JOB everyone. Thanks so much!
[Rich -- Thanks for the committee's work was offered by a lot of people.]
From Martha Morenstein: Though I certainly did NOT graduate from high school 40 years ago, I'd be happy to attend a reunion celebrating that auspicious event.
From Zelda White Nichols: I am very excited to announce that the offer we put on a house in North Carolina has been accepted. It's on High Rock Lake in Lexington, North Carolina, and we are looking to close at the end of January. Due to schedules on both our and the current property owners' sides, that is the earliest date we could arrange. We are eagerly anticipating coming home to the East coast.
From Rachael Robinson: Thanks for the wishes for safety in the hurricanes, but I'm no longer in Florida, so I was out of harm's way -- although I still have a son, daughter, and ex-husband there.
Also, I just got a note from Liz King Giordano, Principal Stephen Lando's secretary at South, saying, "The Vince Tampio and Booker Gibson plaques are finally hanging in our main corridor across from the main office. Enclosed is the invoice." The plaques were a bit more expensive than we'd been told -- $350 total, rather than $200 -- but, hey, things work that way. We'll just have to sell some extra cookies on Vince's and Booker's behalf.
Finally, some educational filler, from a friend of mine who spends too much time reading the Farmers' Almanac. Here's what things were like in the United States only 100 years ago, in 1904:
-- The average life expectancy was 47 years, with more than 95 percent of all births taking place at home.
-- Only 14 percent of all homes had a bathtub, so most women only washed their hair once a month, and they used borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
-- Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone, and a three-minute call from Denver to New York City cost eleven dollars.
-- There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads. The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
-- Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
-- The average wage was 22 cents an hour. The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year. An accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year; a dentist, $2,500 per year; a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year; and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
-- 2 of 10 adults couldn't read or write. Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated high school. Ninety percent of all physicians had no college education. Instead, they attended medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press and by the government as substandard.
-- The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet. Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than California -- with a mere 1.4 million residents, California was only the 21st most populous state. The population of Las Vegas, Nevada was 30,
-- The five leading causes of death in the U.S. were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
-- 18 percent of all households had at least one full-time servant.
-- There were only about 230 reported murders in the entire country.
-- Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at corner drugstores. According to one pharmacist, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health."
-- Canned beer hadn't yet been invented.
Rich
Update 10-12-04
Hi,
The sad news first.
As Barbara Endy Ianniello already let us know, Jerrie (Clamp) and Mickey Rachoi's daughter Karen died late last week, at 33, after battling leukemia. To repeat what Barbara already wrote: Karen was a beautiful woman who was scheduled to be married weeks after her sudden diagnosis this July. She put up a brave fight.
Robin Feit Baker, Paul DeMartino, and Barbara all passed our best wishes on to Jerrie and Mickey this weekend.
Also, Judy Hartstone wrote to say: Please pass on the sad news that my mother Marcia Hartstone died at age 82 on September 29th, very unexpectedly as she was in pretty good health. I'm glad she moved up here to Bainbridge Island three years ago so we had this time together. I saw her just about every day. Some of my classmates might remember her.
Further, one advantage of living all your life within ten miles of where you were born: At my cousin Stu Gerowitz's memorial service this weekend -- he died way too young, at 56 -- almost 400 people gathered to pay tribute to his life. Some, he'd known since they were all kids.
One disadvantage of technology: my sister Marilyn woke me, in California, by phone way too early this morning. She was sitting on a bench in one of our too-rarely-visited family plots in Rego Park trying to explain to her daughter Hally who all these people had been. So let me take a moment to mention Max & Dora, Sarah & Louis, Rose & Nieman, Murray & Sadie, and Mollie, Lillian, and Ethel. The youngest, my mother, would have been 90 today; the oldest, 140.
On to happier stuff.
Of the 150 classmates who get this newsletter weekly, 43 were able to get word to us quickly enough to help the committee secure reservations for the 40th Reunion. Oddly, 35 were from out of town. Many said either weekend was great, but 13 preferred August, with 6 for July. That, compounded by the hotel's calling to say that they had other parties interested in both weekends, let us grab the August 5th, 6th, & 7th. My intense apologies to Jean Cohen Oklan, whose son is getting married in Vermont that weekend, Sharon Hoenig Barry who will be on her way to a cruise in Alaska, and Mary Sipp Green, who will be setting up an exhibition on Martha's Vineyard. With 10 month's advance notice, we hoped we could accommodate everyone, but, obviously, some people are far more organized than we are.
Tentative 40th Reunion Details:
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
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
Teachers comped for both parties
Also: Hotel rooms available at $129/night
Some specifics:
The committee has already advanced the $750 deposit needed to secure the reservations. Since there are only 5 people on the committee, if a few other people want to pay their hundred bucks early, that would help divide the initial cost a bit more evenly.
Dennis Shapiro is this reunion's designated accountant. He was drafted by Paul DeMartino, who did it last time. Paul figured that Dennis just retired so he needs something to do.
Dennis will be setting up a bank account specifically for this party, so all checks can be made out to him and sent to him at: 495 Wateredge Avenue, Baldwin, New York, 11510. Please note "Reunion" in the corner.
That said, we don't need a whole mess of money right now. A couple hundred bucks, yes, but our next deadline isn't until February 1st. On that date, we owe the hotel another 1000 bucks. That gives me all of January to nudge at least 10 more of you to mail your checks to Dennis.
Our 3rd deadline is June 15th, when we have to pay at least another $7250. That's based on our commitment of at least 90 people attending at 100 bucks each, for a total of $9000, minus the $1750 we will have already put down (Mr. Fiveson, stay away -- there's math here, and I know it makes you nervous). If we have more than 90 people already committed by June 15th, of course we'll owe the hotel more money.
We'd like to know, as much as possible, who's coming by June 15th, but we can accept people right up to the evening of the Saturday party -- you'll just have to pay cash. The point is that we want to stay as flexible as possible and have as many people attend, but we also have to be aware of expenses. So aim for June 15th. You can probably send checks till mid-July. But at the door -- cash.
A number of people have asked if it will cost them less than 100 bucks a person if they're only coming to the Saturday night party. The truth is: No. The Friday night party is only costing us about 5 bucks a person, largely for the rented bartender. The hotel is giving us the 500 buck room on the grounds that we're giving them 9 grand for Saturday night and committing to 35 rooms in the hotel at $129 per night (I'm not going to do that math, Robert, but it's approximately another 4 1/2 grand). And this is a relatively small party for them. It wouldn't pay for the themed table centerpieces at my nephew's bar mitzvah.
Another part of that 100 bucks -- about 10 bucks per person -- is a pool to comp our former teachers to the party. We're expecting about 10 teachers. (10 x 100 = 1000. Divide that by the at least 100 people we expect at the reunion and you get 10 bucks each, Robert. I think.) It's a real nicety to comp the teachers, and other class's haven't been able to, but we'd like to try. Though their husbands and wives, presently, are on their own. (Sorry.)
June 15th is also the approximate deadline for making hotel reservations at the group rate, subject to availability. That means that if a series of weddings wants to book the rest of the hotel earlier, our group block vanishes. So I'm not saying to make your reservations now, but probably by early spring.
There will be a lot of other things that obviously we can work out by group discussion in the next 10 months. But it's a long time till the party, even with as quickly as time seems to pass. One thing I would like to do though is thank the committee. Alphabetically: Joan Aires Cleven, Paul DeMartino, Robin Feit Baker, Dennis Shapiro, and Danny Stellabotte. We'll be depending a lot on these people, so thanks from all of us, well in advance.
There's also a mess of short notes people sent along with their votes, that I'll pass on next week.
Finally, Barbara Blitfield Pech just sent me this: I just picked up my 2005 calendar and noticed that August 7th, a possible Sunday for the reunion, is National Friendship Day. I don't care if this is a "Hallmark Holiday," it sure got my attention in the "irony" column!
Rich
Hi,
The sad news first.
As Barbara Endy Ianniello already let us know, Jerrie (Clamp) and Mickey Rachoi's daughter Karen died late last week, at 33, after battling leukemia. To repeat what Barbara already wrote: Karen was a beautiful woman who was scheduled to be married weeks after her sudden diagnosis this July. She put up a brave fight.
Robin Feit Baker, Paul DeMartino, and Barbara all passed our best wishes on to Jerrie and Mickey this weekend.
Also, Judy Hartstone wrote to say: Please pass on the sad news that my mother Marcia Hartstone died at age 82 on September 29th, very unexpectedly as she was in pretty good health. I'm glad she moved up here to Bainbridge Island three years ago so we had this time together. I saw her just about every day. Some of my classmates might remember her.
Further, one advantage of living all your life within ten miles of where you were born: At my cousin Stu Gerowitz's memorial service this weekend -- he died way too young, at 56 -- almost 400 people gathered to pay tribute to his life. Some, he'd known since they were all kids.
One disadvantage of technology: my sister Marilyn woke me, in California, by phone way too early this morning. She was sitting on a bench in one of our too-rarely-visited family plots in Rego Park trying to explain to her daughter Hally who all these people had been. So let me take a moment to mention Max & Dora, Sarah & Louis, Rose & Nieman, Murray & Sadie, and Mollie, Lillian, and Ethel. The youngest, my mother, would have been 90 today; the oldest, 140.
On to happier stuff.
Of the 150 classmates who get this newsletter weekly, 43 were able to get word to us quickly enough to help the committee secure reservations for the 40th Reunion. Oddly, 35 were from out of town. Many said either weekend was great, but 13 preferred August, with 6 for July. That, compounded by the hotel's calling to say that they had other parties interested in both weekends, let us grab the August 5th, 6th, & 7th. My intense apologies to Jean Cohen Oklan, whose son is getting married in Vermont that weekend, Sharon Hoenig Barry who will be on her way to a cruise in Alaska, and Mary Sipp Green, who will be setting up an exhibition on Martha's Vineyard. With 10 month's advance notice, we hoped we could accommodate everyone, but, obviously, some people are far more organized than we are.
Tentative 40th Reunion Details:
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
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
Teachers comped for both parties
Also: Hotel rooms available at $129/night
Some specifics:
The committee has already advanced the $750 deposit needed to secure the reservations. Since there are only 5 people on the committee, if a few other people want to pay their hundred bucks early, that would help divide the initial cost a bit more evenly.
Dennis Shapiro is this reunion's designated accountant. He was drafted by Paul DeMartino, who did it last time. Paul figured that Dennis just retired so he needs something to do.
Dennis will be setting up a bank account specifically for this party, so all checks can be made out to him and sent to him at: 495 Wateredge Avenue, Baldwin, New York, 11510. Please note "Reunion" in the corner.
That said, we don't need a whole mess of money right now. A couple hundred bucks, yes, but our next deadline isn't until February 1st. On that date, we owe the hotel another 1000 bucks. That gives me all of January to nudge at least 10 more of you to mail your checks to Dennis.
Our 3rd deadline is June 15th, when we have to pay at least another $7250. That's based on our commitment of at least 90 people attending at 100 bucks each, for a total of $9000, minus the $1750 we will have already put down (Mr. Fiveson, stay away -- there's math here, and I know it makes you nervous). If we have more than 90 people already committed by June 15th, of course we'll owe the hotel more money.
We'd like to know, as much as possible, who's coming by June 15th, but we can accept people right up to the evening of the Saturday party -- you'll just have to pay cash. The point is that we want to stay as flexible as possible and have as many people attend, but we also have to be aware of expenses. So aim for June 15th. You can probably send checks till mid-July. But at the door -- cash.
A number of people have asked if it will cost them less than 100 bucks a person if they're only coming to the Saturday night party. The truth is: No. The Friday night party is only costing us about 5 bucks a person, largely for the rented bartender. The hotel is giving us the 500 buck room on the grounds that we're giving them 9 grand for Saturday night and committing to 35 rooms in the hotel at $129 per night (I'm not going to do that math, Robert, but it's approximately another 4 1/2 grand). And this is a relatively small party for them. It wouldn't pay for the themed table centerpieces at my nephew's bar mitzvah.
Another part of that 100 bucks -- about 10 bucks per person -- is a pool to comp our former teachers to the party. We're expecting about 10 teachers. (10 x 100 = 1000. Divide that by the at least 100 people we expect at the reunion and you get 10 bucks each, Robert. I think.) It's a real nicety to comp the teachers, and other class's haven't been able to, but we'd like to try. Though their husbands and wives, presently, are on their own. (Sorry.)
June 15th is also the approximate deadline for making hotel reservations at the group rate, subject to availability. That means that if a series of weddings wants to book the rest of the hotel earlier, our group block vanishes. So I'm not saying to make your reservations now, but probably by early spring.
There will be a lot of other things that obviously we can work out by group discussion in the next 10 months. But it's a long time till the party, even with as quickly as time seems to pass. One thing I would like to do though is thank the committee. Alphabetically: Joan Aires Cleven, Paul DeMartino, Robin Feit Baker, Dennis Shapiro, and Danny Stellabotte. We'll be depending a lot on these people, so thanks from all of us, well in advance.
There's also a mess of short notes people sent along with their votes, that I'll pass on next week.
Finally, Barbara Blitfield Pech just sent me this: I just picked up my 2005 calendar and noticed that August 7th, a possible Sunday for the reunion, is National Friendship Day. I don't care if this is a "Hallmark Holiday," it sure got my attention in the "irony" column!
Rich
Update 10-5-04
Hi,
First, some 40th Reunion information we've been waiting for, from Paul DeMartino: We've sent out teams to check out the possible sites, and two out of three have reported back. I expect to hear from the third team later this week. So far, we've had encouraging results and now expect to name the site and date by November 1st. One thing we already do know is that we are likely to try for the same DJ used by the Class of '64. I'll be in touch, with more information, as soon as I have it.
Meanwhile, snooping on other people's parties -- a note from Tom McPartland to the Class of '64 reunion party-goers, as forwarded by Linda Cohen Greenseid: Last night, I was finally able to look at the reunion video. What a party! Where were the old folks, and where the heck was I? Had to be really sick to miss this one. Still, I was able to share some of the moments from the reunion. Ken Silver captured so many people coming in, including Al Livingston talking about 9/11 and our classmates we had lost, Rich’s touching speech, and the reading of Mr. Saffrin’s letter. I was proud of the way Rich got up in front of the crowd, and that he read the letter and gave a special toast to everyone. And, yes, we've known each other since we were six years old. Alice and Sue’s proclamations to our teachers were wonderful. We had great teachers who really cared about their students. I started to get to know many of our teachers again while setting up the reunion. And many of them said that the students they had during the 60’s were the best years at South. I did reach out to about fifteen teachers. And I thank you all for the wonderful plaque that was presented to me for setting up the reunion. This is something that I will treasure always. My wife Eileen started to build the bios, and kept track of what we became. And we did not forget Florida as a state where our class came from. The last two weeks we reread all the updates and made the final corrections. However, in my haste to make all the copies, and while carrying a ton of paper into and out of the city to copy, I did not have a chance to update the pages on the last day, so I apologize. Please forgive me. Also, I need to thank the many people who helped out at the door, and for making the badges, and the list just goes on. The video helped me see what I started, and what I missed. But the success of any reunion is the people. And I applaud each and every one of you. When I saw the circle of classmates for the last song and realized how happy you all were, I knew the reunion had been a hit. We were a terrific Class of 1964. Somehow, I missed out on a great party and a terrific round of golf, too? If you are in my area, please give me a call. Hope to be hitting balls soon. I, again, thank you for all your prayers and concerns. My best regards to all.
[Rich -- I'm guessing Alice is Alice Cintron, and Sue is Susan Raitt. I have no idea who this Rich is -- Rung, Schimmel, and Sternhell all appear on '64's Classmates list.]
More information about Tom McPartland, from Paul DeMartino: I managed to speak with Tom, who is home convalescing after having spent ten days in the hospital. The last five were at North Shore Hospital, where he underwent surgery for a blood clot on the brain. He is resting up and sounded fine, and I let him know that we all wish him a speedy recovery. He said that everyone was wonderful after he had suffered the attack, and the hotel and his classmates filled in admirably. They said that the reunion went along very well.
Recent news from Jerry Bittman: In a space of one hour I received two e-mails. The first was from Barnet Kellman, who just got through directing one of my nieces in a show titled "Listen Up." It is on Monday nights at 8:30 on CBS. Here is what Barnet wrote: "I just got through working with your niece -- I Love Her." Then, about an hour later, I received an e-mail from my niece Robin that read: "Uncle Jerry -- I just had the privilege of working with Barnet Kellman. He directed an episode of Jason Alexander's new show "Listen Up." He was FANTASTIC."
What a small world. Now if only Paul Zegler had a role. How great would that have been?
Less recent news from Jerry Bittman, which got bumped from last week: Some good news regarding Barney Zinger. Zing told me that after not having electricity for seven days because of the hurricanes, he is again living in an air-conditioned world. The other good news about Barney and his beautiful young wife Helen is that I figure after one week without AC, they will probably become parents in June.
Last night, we had a Sunday Night football party at my friends' house. The punter for the Cincinnati Bengals, Kyle Larson, is a rookie, and he was born and raised here in Kearney. My friends' daughter Lindsay married Kyle two months ago.
I spoke with Pete Rosen the other night. Pete jogs four days a week, and he said with the exception of having gray hair, he looks the same as he did in high school -- which means he is still short. Pete and John Kerry have something in common: when they graduated from high school, their parents asked what they wanted for a present, and they both replied. "A lifetime of Botox."
A little bit more about Red Rocks, where my daughter Abby and I saw the Norah Jones concert. I've been there many times -- my favorite concert there was The Moody Blues, performing with the Colorado Symphony -- and every performer who has played there says it is their favorite venue. It is an outdoor site built in the foothills of the Rockies, and the area is surrounded by -- you guessed it -- huge red rocks. The acoustics are unreal. Several times, I've been to Easter morning services there at 5 AM, and looking east toward Denver and seeing the sun come up over the city is a Kodak moment. It is as beautiful as when I had a house on the ocean in Lincoln City, Oregon, and from my balcony -- which was about 90 feet above the ocean -- I could watch the sun sink right into the ocean. What a site, and I enjoyed it every day.
Peace to all, and pray for our troops.
Don't-Leave-Home-for-a-Second advice from Robert Fiveson: I am just back from ten days in Beijing only to read that Mr. Bittman says I idolize Barry Manilow. I was miffed until I realized there must be something good about Barry Manilow. Otherwise, why would the FBI have chosen his music to blare 24/7 at the doomed Branch Davidians when the Feds wanted to deprive them of sleep and make them crazy?
More interclass information, from Steve Cahn, Class of '70: This is the first real update in nearly a year. It is easier to read (new font styles), easier to navigate (better buttons), and has an improved e-mail directory (downloadable and printable), for the class contacts. The address is the same: www.geocities.com/vssouth70 Be sure to "bookmark" it. If you use AOL, save it to your "Favorite Places." Then, click on the class ring to get in. Please help with classmates' and faculty contact information. Enjoy (and send news!)
Nostalgia website from Barnet Kellman: http://www.thestatenislandboys.com/U_thrill_me/
Silly information from one of my friends in Florida who has way too much free time because of the storms: http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/how_to/tricks_of_the_trade.php
Finally, a totally bogus quote from George W. Bush: "The problem with the French is they have no word for 'entrepreneur.' "
Rich
Hi,
First, some 40th Reunion information we've been waiting for, from Paul DeMartino: We've sent out teams to check out the possible sites, and two out of three have reported back. I expect to hear from the third team later this week. So far, we've had encouraging results and now expect to name the site and date by November 1st. One thing we already do know is that we are likely to try for the same DJ used by the Class of '64. I'll be in touch, with more information, as soon as I have it.
Meanwhile, snooping on other people's parties -- a note from Tom McPartland to the Class of '64 reunion party-goers, as forwarded by Linda Cohen Greenseid: Last night, I was finally able to look at the reunion video. What a party! Where were the old folks, and where the heck was I? Had to be really sick to miss this one. Still, I was able to share some of the moments from the reunion. Ken Silver captured so many people coming in, including Al Livingston talking about 9/11 and our classmates we had lost, Rich’s touching speech, and the reading of Mr. Saffrin’s letter. I was proud of the way Rich got up in front of the crowd, and that he read the letter and gave a special toast to everyone. And, yes, we've known each other since we were six years old. Alice and Sue’s proclamations to our teachers were wonderful. We had great teachers who really cared about their students. I started to get to know many of our teachers again while setting up the reunion. And many of them said that the students they had during the 60’s were the best years at South. I did reach out to about fifteen teachers. And I thank you all for the wonderful plaque that was presented to me for setting up the reunion. This is something that I will treasure always. My wife Eileen started to build the bios, and kept track of what we became. And we did not forget Florida as a state where our class came from. The last two weeks we reread all the updates and made the final corrections. However, in my haste to make all the copies, and while carrying a ton of paper into and out of the city to copy, I did not have a chance to update the pages on the last day, so I apologize. Please forgive me. Also, I need to thank the many people who helped out at the door, and for making the badges, and the list just goes on. The video helped me see what I started, and what I missed. But the success of any reunion is the people. And I applaud each and every one of you. When I saw the circle of classmates for the last song and realized how happy you all were, I knew the reunion had been a hit. We were a terrific Class of 1964. Somehow, I missed out on a great party and a terrific round of golf, too? If you are in my area, please give me a call. Hope to be hitting balls soon. I, again, thank you for all your prayers and concerns. My best regards to all.
[Rich -- I'm guessing Alice is Alice Cintron, and Sue is Susan Raitt. I have no idea who this Rich is -- Rung, Schimmel, and Sternhell all appear on '64's Classmates list.]
More information about Tom McPartland, from Paul DeMartino: I managed to speak with Tom, who is home convalescing after having spent ten days in the hospital. The last five were at North Shore Hospital, where he underwent surgery for a blood clot on the brain. He is resting up and sounded fine, and I let him know that we all wish him a speedy recovery. He said that everyone was wonderful after he had suffered the attack, and the hotel and his classmates filled in admirably. They said that the reunion went along very well.
Recent news from Jerry Bittman: In a space of one hour I received two e-mails. The first was from Barnet Kellman, who just got through directing one of my nieces in a show titled "Listen Up." It is on Monday nights at 8:30 on CBS. Here is what Barnet wrote: "I just got through working with your niece -- I Love Her." Then, about an hour later, I received an e-mail from my niece Robin that read: "Uncle Jerry -- I just had the privilege of working with Barnet Kellman. He directed an episode of Jason Alexander's new show "Listen Up." He was FANTASTIC."
What a small world. Now if only Paul Zegler had a role. How great would that have been?
Less recent news from Jerry Bittman, which got bumped from last week: Some good news regarding Barney Zinger. Zing told me that after not having electricity for seven days because of the hurricanes, he is again living in an air-conditioned world. The other good news about Barney and his beautiful young wife Helen is that I figure after one week without AC, they will probably become parents in June.
Last night, we had a Sunday Night football party at my friends' house. The punter for the Cincinnati Bengals, Kyle Larson, is a rookie, and he was born and raised here in Kearney. My friends' daughter Lindsay married Kyle two months ago.
I spoke with Pete Rosen the other night. Pete jogs four days a week, and he said with the exception of having gray hair, he looks the same as he did in high school -- which means he is still short. Pete and John Kerry have something in common: when they graduated from high school, their parents asked what they wanted for a present, and they both replied. "A lifetime of Botox."
A little bit more about Red Rocks, where my daughter Abby and I saw the Norah Jones concert. I've been there many times -- my favorite concert there was The Moody Blues, performing with the Colorado Symphony -- and every performer who has played there says it is their favorite venue. It is an outdoor site built in the foothills of the Rockies, and the area is surrounded by -- you guessed it -- huge red rocks. The acoustics are unreal. Several times, I've been to Easter morning services there at 5 AM, and looking east toward Denver and seeing the sun come up over the city is a Kodak moment. It is as beautiful as when I had a house on the ocean in Lincoln City, Oregon, and from my balcony -- which was about 90 feet above the ocean -- I could watch the sun sink right into the ocean. What a site, and I enjoyed it every day.
Peace to all, and pray for our troops.
Don't-Leave-Home-for-a-Second advice from Robert Fiveson: I am just back from ten days in Beijing only to read that Mr. Bittman says I idolize Barry Manilow. I was miffed until I realized there must be something good about Barry Manilow. Otherwise, why would the FBI have chosen his music to blare 24/7 at the doomed Branch Davidians when the Feds wanted to deprive them of sleep and make them crazy?
More interclass information, from Steve Cahn, Class of '70: This is the first real update in nearly a year. It is easier to read (new font styles), easier to navigate (better buttons), and has an improved e-mail directory (downloadable and printable), for the class contacts. The address is the same: www.geocities.com/vssouth70 Be sure to "bookmark" it. If you use AOL, save it to your "Favorite Places." Then, click on the class ring to get in. Please help with classmates' and faculty contact information. Enjoy (and send news!)
Nostalgia website from Barnet Kellman: http://www.thestatenislandboys.com/U_thrill_me/
Silly information from one of my friends in Florida who has way too much free time because of the storms: http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/how_to/tricks_of_the_trade.php
Finally, a totally bogus quote from George W. Bush: "The problem with the French is they have no word for 'entrepreneur.' "
Rich
Update 9-28-04
Hi,
Happy New Year, of course, to those who celebrate. That thought somehow got lost in the past two newsletters, as we tried to sort out political problems.
A combination hurricane/travel update, from Peggy Cooper Schwartz: Hope you're all well and enjoying autumn. My husband Les and I were vacationing in the Canadian Rockies from August 31st to September 9th. We were so fortunate to have missed Hurricane Frances. We live in Juno Beach, which is in northern Palm Beach County. Luckily our three-year-old townhouse sustained no damage. Juno Beach is a barrier island, so had we been home, we would have been evacuated the day before the hurricane hit. As it is, the whole area has lost a lot of gorgeous trees and beautiful landscaping. Nothing that can't be replaced -- or regrown -- but many people I know did have damage to their homes and businesses. And many were without water and electricity for several days. As for the Canadian Rockies -- they were magnificent. We flew to Calgary and rented a car. From there, we went to Lake Louise, Jasper, and Banff. We did lots of hiking, and the views were amazing! I highly recommend this trip.
Another travel tip, from Zelda White Nichols: My husband Dave and I are celebrating our 34th anniversary by going to the Central Coast of California, for some fine wining and dining. Most people don't know about this area, but I highly recommend it. It's like Napa 20 years ago, before it was "discovered." Great wineries, restaurants, and beaches, as well as Hearst Castle and the largest weekly farmers' market on the West coast -- in San Luis Obispo every Thursday. Just a fabulous place.
Strictly hurricane news, from Barbara Blitfield Pech: It's official -- everyone in Florida has lost track both of our minds and of the newest-named hurricane to wreak havoc on yet another weekend. It's bad enough that we've been hit as many times as we have, but, at the very least, ONE of 'em could arrive mid-week and grant us all a day off from office time rather than "our" time! I have gotten this week's round of calls from Bea Massa Brown, encouraging me to "hunker down" in Port Charlotte with her, but -- for now -- I'm hangin' home, off the roads and out of the evacuation traffic. Terri Donahue Calamari has brilliantly suggested that we hurricane survivors get together SOON for brunch. The idea is spectacular, and I hope any members of the Florida contingency will contact either Terri or me, to suggest dates and places. Either coast is convenient to drive to, as it takes about two hours to cross the state from most points. And I certainly wouldn't mind hosting a brunch at my home. As a matter of fact, I am making this an official invitation to "The Pech Palace" for the event. Meanwhile, best wishes to you all -- for a dry and windless weekend -- as well as extended wishes for a happy, healthy, and safe new year.
Separate entirely from news of disagreeable weather or enviable vacations, part of an on-going discussion Donald Faber and I have been having, by e-mail, about technology. From me to Donald: I've ditched newspapers. I'm dumping magazines. I'd happily read books online, or in the equivalent of an I-pod, but the technology isn't there yet. There's also the problem that other people still like printed material, so the business base isn't there, either. My friends keep wondering why I spend so much time in front of the computer, and when I tell them I'm reading that doesn't make sense to them. For one thing, they get a lot of their news from the radio during their long commutes, which I no longer have. For another, they feel we now have access to so much immediate news that they only want the outlines, not the details. So they see my sitting in front of the computer as a waste of time. Something else that's happening is a number of my friends are completely shutting out news, and, instead of even listening to music while they're stuck in their cars, they listen to books-on-CDs. I don't know if the practice of listening to books rather than reading them is presently confined to older people though. I've never checked the statistics.
Finally, some non-political, completely family-oriented fare from Our Man in Kearney, Jerry Bittman: This past Thursday, I experienced the greatest thrill a parent can have. I took my youngest daughter Abby to Denver to see her idol Norah Jones perform at Red Rocks. For those of you who have never seen or heard of Red Rocks, it is an amphitheater in the mountains outside of Denver. The theater is surrounded by huge rocks hundreds of feet high. Most musicians who have played there have said that it is their favorite venue -- the acoustics are just great.
Think of your all-time favorite singer or band. For instance, I know Bob Fiveson idolizes Barry Manilow, and Pete Rosen idolizes Wayne Newton. Well, multiply that, and that is how Abby feels about Norah Jones. Before the concert, in our hotel room, Abby made up a huge sign on foamboard. One side read, "Nebraska Loves Norah Jones," and the other side said, "You Are My 18th Birthday Present." Abby also sent, via a security guard, her ticket to the backstage dressing rooms. On the ticket, she wrote her name and said, "You Are My 18th Birthday Present." Eventually, the security guard returned with the ticket, now inscribed, "Happy 18th, Abby. Much Love, Norah Jones." Abby cried uncontrollably.
Since Abby was sitting center stage, row 2, the sign was easily visible. When the opening act -- a guy from Philly named Otis Lee -- saw the sign, he asked Abby to hold it up. When he saw the first side, he informed Abby that we were in Colorado, not Nebraska, and when he read the second side aloud, he thought the message about her
18th birthday present was for him. He looked at Abby -- who is gorgeous; she has her mom's looks -- and said he wished he were her birthday present. I told the guy sitting next to me that if Amos kept that up, there might be a fight.
When Norah Jones saw the sign, she winked and smiled at Abby. Later on in the show, she asked for the girl up front with the sign to please stand up. When Norah Jones saw the message about her 18th birthday present, she flashed back to the ticket and said, "You must be Abby. Happy 18th, Abby."
To have your child say, "Dad, this is the greatest night of my life, and I don't think it could ever be topped," made it the greatest day of my life.
Rich
Hi,
Happy New Year, of course, to those who celebrate. That thought somehow got lost in the past two newsletters, as we tried to sort out political problems.
A combination hurricane/travel update, from Peggy Cooper Schwartz: Hope you're all well and enjoying autumn. My husband Les and I were vacationing in the Canadian Rockies from August 31st to September 9th. We were so fortunate to have missed Hurricane Frances. We live in Juno Beach, which is in northern Palm Beach County. Luckily our three-year-old townhouse sustained no damage. Juno Beach is a barrier island, so had we been home, we would have been evacuated the day before the hurricane hit. As it is, the whole area has lost a lot of gorgeous trees and beautiful landscaping. Nothing that can't be replaced -- or regrown -- but many people I know did have damage to their homes and businesses. And many were without water and electricity for several days. As for the Canadian Rockies -- they were magnificent. We flew to Calgary and rented a car. From there, we went to Lake Louise, Jasper, and Banff. We did lots of hiking, and the views were amazing! I highly recommend this trip.
Another travel tip, from Zelda White Nichols: My husband Dave and I are celebrating our 34th anniversary by going to the Central Coast of California, for some fine wining and dining. Most people don't know about this area, but I highly recommend it. It's like Napa 20 years ago, before it was "discovered." Great wineries, restaurants, and beaches, as well as Hearst Castle and the largest weekly farmers' market on the West coast -- in San Luis Obispo every Thursday. Just a fabulous place.
Strictly hurricane news, from Barbara Blitfield Pech: It's official -- everyone in Florida has lost track both of our minds and of the newest-named hurricane to wreak havoc on yet another weekend. It's bad enough that we've been hit as many times as we have, but, at the very least, ONE of 'em could arrive mid-week and grant us all a day off from office time rather than "our" time! I have gotten this week's round of calls from Bea Massa Brown, encouraging me to "hunker down" in Port Charlotte with her, but -- for now -- I'm hangin' home, off the roads and out of the evacuation traffic. Terri Donahue Calamari has brilliantly suggested that we hurricane survivors get together SOON for brunch. The idea is spectacular, and I hope any members of the Florida contingency will contact either Terri or me, to suggest dates and places. Either coast is convenient to drive to, as it takes about two hours to cross the state from most points. And I certainly wouldn't mind hosting a brunch at my home. As a matter of fact, I am making this an official invitation to "The Pech Palace" for the event. Meanwhile, best wishes to you all -- for a dry and windless weekend -- as well as extended wishes for a happy, healthy, and safe new year.
Separate entirely from news of disagreeable weather or enviable vacations, part of an on-going discussion Donald Faber and I have been having, by e-mail, about technology. From me to Donald: I've ditched newspapers. I'm dumping magazines. I'd happily read books online, or in the equivalent of an I-pod, but the technology isn't there yet. There's also the problem that other people still like printed material, so the business base isn't there, either. My friends keep wondering why I spend so much time in front of the computer, and when I tell them I'm reading that doesn't make sense to them. For one thing, they get a lot of their news from the radio during their long commutes, which I no longer have. For another, they feel we now have access to so much immediate news that they only want the outlines, not the details. So they see my sitting in front of the computer as a waste of time. Something else that's happening is a number of my friends are completely shutting out news, and, instead of even listening to music while they're stuck in their cars, they listen to books-on-CDs. I don't know if the practice of listening to books rather than reading them is presently confined to older people though. I've never checked the statistics.
Finally, some non-political, completely family-oriented fare from Our Man in Kearney, Jerry Bittman: This past Thursday, I experienced the greatest thrill a parent can have. I took my youngest daughter Abby to Denver to see her idol Norah Jones perform at Red Rocks. For those of you who have never seen or heard of Red Rocks, it is an amphitheater in the mountains outside of Denver. The theater is surrounded by huge rocks hundreds of feet high. Most musicians who have played there have said that it is their favorite venue -- the acoustics are just great.
Think of your all-time favorite singer or band. For instance, I know Bob Fiveson idolizes Barry Manilow, and Pete Rosen idolizes Wayne Newton. Well, multiply that, and that is how Abby feels about Norah Jones. Before the concert, in our hotel room, Abby made up a huge sign on foamboard. One side read, "Nebraska Loves Norah Jones," and the other side said, "You Are My 18th Birthday Present." Abby also sent, via a security guard, her ticket to the backstage dressing rooms. On the ticket, she wrote her name and said, "You Are My 18th Birthday Present." Eventually, the security guard returned with the ticket, now inscribed, "Happy 18th, Abby. Much Love, Norah Jones." Abby cried uncontrollably.
Since Abby was sitting center stage, row 2, the sign was easily visible. When the opening act -- a guy from Philly named Otis Lee -- saw the sign, he asked Abby to hold it up. When he saw the first side, he informed Abby that we were in Colorado, not Nebraska, and when he read the second side aloud, he thought the message about her
18th birthday present was for him. He looked at Abby -- who is gorgeous; she has her mom's looks -- and said he wished he were her birthday present. I told the guy sitting next to me that if Amos kept that up, there might be a fight.
When Norah Jones saw the sign, she winked and smiled at Abby. Later on in the show, she asked for the girl up front with the sign to please stand up. When Norah Jones saw the message about her 18th birthday present, she flashed back to the ticket and said, "You must be Abby. Happy 18th, Abby."
To have your child say, "Dad, this is the greatest night of my life, and I don't think it could ever be topped," made it the greatest day of my life.
Rich
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