Fran's Photos

I put Fran's photos up in the snapfish album.

Mike and David and I have a wedding Friday night (another opportunity to wear my red dress!) then, we're leaving for Florida Saturday morning. I don't expect to be blogging, though I do expect to see Marla, so, you never do know. Below are a few of Fran's photos.

This is my favorite photo of Fran and Larry taken at lunch on Saturday.

Gloria and Meryl.....

The heartthrobs...Louie, Eliot and Michael

Me and Big Al!

Have a great week!

As I wait for my words to come...

Several of us made an entire weekend of the reunion. Lisa Wagner and Marion Schwartz, Larry Zarra, Ann Lubell, Matt Wolf and his wife Sharon, and Fran and I. Peter Biedermann and his wife Joanna were supposed to be with us, but Peter's dad had been unwell the weeks prior to the reunion, and Peter had to cancel at the last minute to be with him.

We went to dinner Friday night (the Wolf's were not with us, but Al DiBiase did meet up with us) at Biaggio's, a local Italian restaurant. We caught up with each other, had fun, then went back to the hotel. The night was beautiful and we were able to sit outside at the Tiki Bar. We said our good nights about 11:30 or so. Fran and I were sharing a room, and stayed up til the wee hours chatting. It was like any of a number of sleepovers we shared in 8th grade!



The next morning we met for coffee in the lobby (there are pictures of that on Snapfish but I am exercising my editorial rights and not posting no-makeup photos on my blog!) then some of us went for a walk on the Long Branch boardwalk. Later, we met up for another walk to Pier Village, and had lunch at It's Greek to Me. After lunch we headed back to the hotel lobby, where we awaited the arrival of the Saturday gang. Fran and I invited everyone who was assembled in the lobby back to our room (612) for pre-reunion cocktails. Apparently, we had a group back to our room after the reunion for some post-reunion festivities. I have the pictures to prove I was there.

The girls...

I put Meryl's photos up on Snapfish. Take a look: Click Here

We all opted for fabulous shoes...

Thanks to Meryl for these!

Mark and me...the night of....

and the morning after...as I toy with my bb....

Give us this day our daily blogpost

NOTE: I fixed the broken Snapfish link.

Those of you who know me know that if I can write a novella around something I will; that I like to share my thoughts in images.

My thoughts, my feelings, my emotions about the reunion.... I'm still wrestling with them. I haven't found my words yet. They'll come, and when they do, I'll share them..for those of you who were there, and for those of you who weren't.

I will say this for now; although the reunion wasn't the one I'd anticipated, I had a wonderful time and collected great memories.

Mark sent me a few photos. I'll post a couple here, and put the rest up on SnapFish. Remember to continue to hit up Snapfish. As people send me their stuff, I've been adding to the album!

The view from the hotel. It was a spectacular fall day at the Jersey Shore.

Marion Schwartz and Lisa Wagner...looking great the day after

It doesn't get sweeter than this!

That was then.....

And this is now....

Photos are up at Snapfish

Click here for photos

NOTE: You'll need to create a Snapfish account if you don't already have one!

A few more....

I lifted these photos from George Seltzer's Facebook Page.

Here are a few to get you started!

Too, um, tired to blog

The only photos I've seen so far are from the post-reunion party that I apparently attended in my room. Tomorrow I'll get the photos that Elissa took, and I'll post some here, but I plan to put all of them up at Shutterfly.

Someone asked this morning if I could get everyone's photos into one place, so if you took pictures and you'd like to share them, and you know we'd like you to, please get them to me and I'll post them up as well.

I plan to email the Shutterfly account information out to everyone. I've noticed that I'm having emails bounced from a couple addresses that I'd been successful in sending to in the past. If you want access to the photos, please get me an email address that works.

After all the planning...

it's here.

Looking forward to seeing those of you who are on your way now, tonight, and the rest of you tomorrow.

3 days...and counting

I got Steven Kornfeld's check today, so he's a definite, and getting moved on the roster to attending. I forgot to mention yesterday that I'd had a Facebook message from Sherry Hurewitz; I'd been holding out hope that she would be able to make it north, but she sends her regrets and asks for pictures. I'll be moving her to 'Not Attending'.

I believe the roster, as posted below, is now complete.

I have a lingering hope though....that maybe one or two people...will decide at the last minute that he really doesn't want to miss this event and just show up.

The Roster

Here's who is coming, defined by who has actually sent a check:

Fran Cowan, Al DiBiase, Meryl Miller, Lonnie Horwitz, Marty Tarabar, Matthew Wolf, Ann Lubell, Mark Engel, Ellen Aronoff, Louie Baldwin, Gloria Birn, Lisa Wagner, Marion Schwartz, Jeff Komrower, Michael Ringler, Fred Teskin, Fern Ehrlich, Peter Biedermann, Michael Maenza, Bill Boub, Jack Ribiero, Eliot Fried, Chris Strohmenger, Larry Zarra, Paul Goldenberg, Tad Boub, George Seltzer, Natalie, Paul Pomerantz, Leslee Scheckman, Steven Kornfeld and me.

And here's who we've connected with, either by email or by phone, who've told us that they're coming, or that they'd like to attend: John Ficula.

Then there's the group of folks who we've spoken to, but who haven't yet responded, or who have yet to decide:
Michelle Bono, , Gina Geslewitz, Howard Jaffe, Marla Potsdam, Steve Schulz, Florine Korbman, and Debbie Addario.

Next are the people we are fairly certain we have accurate contact information on, but we haven't yet connected with personally. This group includes:

Janice Rozga and Naomi Tauber.

And here's who we have no contact information on, and who we're still looking for:

Carlotta Benevides, Darlene Brezin, *Peggy Davis, David Greenfield,*Doris Jones, Erika Kremlik, George Kris, Lewis Lee, Ruth McGinnes, John Morris, Peggy O'Keefe, and *Ira Weinstock.

I'm adding one last group...those folks who've decided against attending. This list includes:

Sherry Hurewitz, Joey Correia, Michael Austin, Ira Lager, Arlene Gudis and Shelley Rosenbloom.

If you can help us get in touch with any of the folks we're still looking for, or if you can convince any of the fence-sitters to join us on October 10th, please either direct them here, to this blog, or ask that they be in touch with me directly via email (rjamnik@gmail.com)

*getting closer to making a connection!

Another day, another Blob post...

A couple of edits: Pomerantz wasn't referring to the saluting scout photo when he suggested I was blind, but instead to the one of the baby in the buggy. So..the baby in the buggy, definitely Ira Weinstock, and we're stll not certain about the scout next to Al.

Click here for the Born to Run video. You'll see Paul at about 1:35 in.

So I had an email from my dad this morning. He said that he and Elena loved my 'blob', but they wanted to make it clear that they did not meet at a Jewish Singles Site. No...it wasn't a Jewish Singles Site, it was a Jewish Window of Introduction (huh?)and Elena was interested in meeting people who had knowledge of computers and a sense of humor. It was the first time on that 'window' for each of them. Got it? Not a Jewish Singles Site.

I talked to my brother earlier today. Some of you may remember Jack, although he didn't go to Union Avenue. He graduated from Florence Avenue and started high school the first year I was at Union Avenue. Anyway, as you'd expect, we were talking about dad, and during our conversation, I mentioned the reunion. He said to me, I know this is gonna be out there, but was Paul Pomerantz in the front row at Springsteen last week. As it happens, I had only, like 15 minutes earlier had an email from Pomerantz. There's that magic again. So, I emailed Paul back and asked him, and sure enough, it was him. Um...how do you spell magic? According to Paul, there's Youtube video out there (September 30, Born to Run) where you can actually see him.

Some follow up to Al DiBiase's photos: In the birthday party photo, next to Al, in the back. Could that be Steve Schulz? The saluting scout photo? The one I asked if perhaps it was Pomerantz next to Al? Here's Paul's reply to me: "Are you blind! That is definitely Ira on the right. It looks exactly like him." But I don't think so. Still. And we've already confirmed that the Boub in the picnic table photo is Bill.

Paul sent some photos, with instructions for me to get them up, pronto! So, Paul...here ya go;


From the left (back row): Ira Weinstock, Lonnie Horwitz, Sherry Hurewitz, Paul's cousin, Howard Jaffe, Fern Ehrlich, me and Louie Baldwin. In the front, Peggy Davis, Steven Kornfeld, Paul, Mark Engel, Marla Potsdam, Eliot Fried

From the left, Fern, Peggy, Marla, Paul, me, Sherry

Steven Kornfeld, Paul and Mark Engel.


Any idea who the second baby is? Paul is in the carriage on the left. Look at the face of the other baby.... he looks just like he did in my dream.

More Reunion Magic

With just 5 days until the reunion, I really didn't expect any more magic. But this morning, I opened Facebook and I saw that I had a message in my inbox. I literally had the wind knocked out of me when I saw that it was from.....Steven Kornfeld.

Now here's where the magic comes in. I'll let Steven fill everyone in on the details of his life for these past 40 years, but Steven doesn't live at the address that I've been sending mailings to, and doesn't have access to the phone number that I, Mark Engel, Fran Cowan, Louie Baldwin, Lonnie Horwitz...have been leaving messages on. It happens that he was there today and he collected the phone messages and all the mailings that have accumulated over the past six months.

The magic? Why today and not next Monday? It's not mine to question. I'm a firm believer that everything...all things...happen for a reason; nothing is left to chance. I'm just thrilled that Steven was there today and that he will be with us Saturday.

I have a few more photos from Al to post up; I'll get to them later this week.

We found Ira Weinstock...

Well, sort of. Al DiBiase came to see me this morning. We had a lovely time, but the main purpose of his visit was that he had a cd of photos; mostly of his family stuff, but there were a few of Cub Scouts and Little League and even Halloween at Union Avenue School that he wanted to share. Check out the birthday party; that's Ira Weinstock in the back, Michael Maenza and Chris Strohmenger in the front. Can anyone identify the other two boys? The girl is Al's sister.


And check this one out. We're pretty certain that this is Howard Jaffe after a Pie Eating contest.

Not certain on everyone in this one, but definitely Michael Austin on the far right.

We think Michael Austin again, this time of the far left, and there's Al...fourth in from the left. Could that be Pomerantz next to Al?














Check this one out; third boy from the front on the left side. Definitely one of the Boubs. Is it Bill or Tad? And the boy all the way in the back, left side; could that be Jack Ribeiro?

Al, today. With David.>

Odds and Ends

Answers to some questions people are asking:

About Leslee Scheckman. I had an email from her last night. She said she's coming and that her check is in the mail. You know the drill; when I get the check, I'll make the roster change. And speaking of the roster, I do believe it's complete at 39 though Jon Ficula is still out there. I left him another voice mail earlier this week. I hope he comes; I had originally hoped for 40.

About Name Tags. No. I am not doing name tags. My basic philosophy on this event, as I've talked to most of you throughout the planning process, either by phone, email, text or IM, is that we're all pretty much the same person we were when we were in 8th grade. If you don't recognize someone, assume it's a spouse. Or come ask me who it is. I'll be the one with the curly hair and the fabulous shoes.

About how to dress. Several people have recently asked me about the results of the poll on how to dress. People were all over the place with that, so my advice is wear what you want. Fran and I have decided to dress. As in, Up. As in, we both have fabulous shoes. A few of the boys I've spoken to during the planning process have told me that they were wearing suits. Mostly, just be comfortable. We want to see you....not what you're wearing.

About breakfast on Sunday. There will be a group of tables reserved for the Union Avenue Reunion Sunday morning, beginning at 9:30 at OP. They have a brunch for $19/person. They also have an ala carte menu, or you can grab a cup of coffee in the lobby and bring it in. If you're staying, or even if you're not, please do stop in to say your goodbyes. It may be another 10 years before we see each other again.

About circulating a contact list after the event. I'm a bit squeamish about this. During the planning process I had a few slap downs from people who didn't want specific bits of information shared with either anyone or with specific people. I suggest strongly that if you meet up with someone at the reunion that you hope to keep in touch with that you make the necessary overtures to make it happen. Post event, I will do a final snail mail (to include the folks who won't be there) with a questionnaire regarding contact info. I won't make any assumptions about anything. If you want to be included, please be sure to get it back to me. My preference, if you haven't already figured it out is electronic, but I will make the information available on paper as well. I won't be collecting data the night of the reunion.

About Steven Kornfeld. No. I haven't heard from him. I'm holding out this hope that perhaps he'll just show up. More than anything, I'm hoping that he's well.

About my Dad. He read my blog.

My Dad and Elena

Editor's Note: Tomorrow, back to reunion stuff. Today is for me.


Daddy, I love you. Such simple words, but words I have such a hard time saying directly to him. Maybe I can direct him here....so he can know it as the basic truth it is.

My dad met Elena after a failed marriage which he entered into, way too soon after my mother died. Some men are like that...they just can't be alone. As his second marriage was failing, my dad found the computer, and shortly after that, he found the internet. He met Elena, the second love of his life on some Jewish Singles Dating site. They have been together nearly as long as Mike and I. Elena is the only grandmother David has ever known. My mother died so many years ago I can no longer count them on two hands, though I still think of her every day, and Mike's mother died just as we'd made the decision to pursue an international adoption. Elena and Dad mean the world to David.

Elena has been valiantly fighting advancing MS for as long as we've known her. Even as her strength weakened, she was climbing mountains, going on cruises, keeping up with her very active grandchildren, and grandmothering David. Elena is facing one now that nothing can help her through. When we saw her on Yom Kippur, she looked beautiful, she looked radiant, and she looked vacant. What's happening now, to Dad and Elena is just heartbreaking. He is a man totally in love with a woman who he is losing slowly, right in front of his eyes.

I get a phone call every week or so from Elena's daughter, telling me of yet another infraction my dad has committed. He is who he is. At 86, I am not going to change him, nor do I want to. In my eye, his only sin is loving her too much.

This is my tribute to my Dad.

Daddy. I love you.

BB Update

So, Saturday night, I was fooling around with my BB, when all of a sudden, pffft....nothing. I waited what I considered to be a reasonable amount of time for it to come back up, and when still nothing happened, I frantically started pressing buttons.

Eventually, I was able to reconnect with my BB, but I seem to have caused some serious damage by not being patient, and pushing all the wrong buttons. I'm hoping that in a day or so, it sets itself right. I really don't want another one, or a different one. I kinda like the one I had...despite it's bumps and bruises.

2 Weeks....and counting!

Yow! Where has the time gone? It was forever ago when we started the planning, and now, here we are, just two weeks from the event.

A few newsworthy items from the past week:

If you were planning to stay at Ocean Place, and haven't made your reservation yet, I'm sorry to say that IF you can get a room, you'll be paying full price. The hotel is near capacity. As I said in a much earlier post, apparently October is the new June for weddings at the Jersey Shore, and there are 3 at OP the weekend of the reunion.

I heard from Joey this week. Sad to say he's not going to be able to attend. He sends everyone his best wishes, and asks that we send pictures. Other than Leslee, I'm pretty certain that the roster posted is the final roster. I expect to hear from Leslee early this coming week.

Since so many people have asked me about photographs, I've arranged for someone to come to the event to take photos. She'll use my camera and wander the room taking pictures, then sometime soon after the event I'll post the photos up to a shared spot where anyone who wants can view them, download them, print them.

And still no word from Steven.

Busy Reunion Week

My busy reunion week started with an email from Mark Engel with the photo below attached. Look how cute everyone was! That's Steven Kornfeld next to Mark.

If anyone else has any pictures that they'd like to share, send them to me, and I'll post them up. Or better yet, bring them to the reunion.


I also had an email from Shelley Rosenbloom. She isn't going to be able to make the reunion. She expressed her disappointment, and asked that I extend her best regards to everyone. Shelley lives in Minnesota, and I'd hoped to see her this summer at a conference I was considering attending. I didn't go, and regret the missed opportunity.

I got Paul Pomerantz's check, so he's definitely in. I never had any doubts about him; he'd told me very early on that he was planning to attend.

I was pleasantly surprised one day this week to come home to find a check from Natalie. I'm making the appropriate roster change to move her back up to 'Attending'.

I anticipate confirming Joey this week, so by my count, that still leaves Leslee and John Ficula unaccounted for.

Except, of course, for Steven Kornfeld.

L'Shanah Tovah!

Komrower!

I talked to Jeff Komrower last night. You may recall, it was Fran finding Jeff in her synagogue contact list which was the impetus for the 30 year reunion. And Jeff forwarding me the contact list that he put together 10 years ago that got this one rolling. Jeff forwarded me a few photos of himself that I thought I'd share. He's attending the reunion, and planning to stay at the OP on Saturday night.

It's official, Larry!

If we were giving a prize for longest distance travelled for the reunion, it would go to Tad Boub. I got his check yesterday, along with a sweet note; he's coming from California! I was already pretty excited about seeing one Boub Boy after all these years! Now we'll get to see them both.

The fence sitter who jumped off this week is George Seltzer. He's another of the original Facebook group that I've been 'chatting' with since we started planning this thing. He finally made the commitment. I know that many of us have young kids, (my David is 10 and in the 5th grade) but I do believe that George's son Stephen is the youngest among them all. He's just started first grade! If you're a Facebooker, and you haven't already, friend George. He's got photos of Stephen up, and honestly, he looks just like George...though apparently that's a debate. For those keeping count, George will be staying at OP with his family.

There are a few folks who are still not quite there: Joey Correia will be getting his schedule for October in just about a week, and will know then if he can make it; Paul Pomerantz has yet to send a check, and I'd like to remind him and anyone else that I will not be prepared to handle money the night of the reunion, I haven't heard from John Ficula since the end of July while I was on vacation, but I've left him a few voice messages, and he's not completely discounted, and I'm still waiting to hear from Leslee Scheckman. Other than that, I do believe we've reached everyone that we're going to.

Except Steven Kornfeld. :=(

Banging Them Pleasure Machines....

September 10....


30 days until the reunion. If you're planning to come, please....send your checks now. We're making the final arrangements with Charley's, and we're making plans for Friday night.


Here's the tentative plan for Friday night:

• Meet in the OP Lounge at about 7.
  
  
• Surf Taco for a light dinner, one of my favorite, (very) casual Jersey Shore eating joints. We can certainly make other recommendations if you prefer something different. Check out the stuff at Pier Village; restaurants, shopping, entertainment.
  
  
• Next, we're heading to Asbury Park. There's tons of cool stuff to do in Asbury, but we're starting at the Silver Ball Museum where for ten bucks you can play an hour's worth of pinball on any of number of vintage machines.
  
  
• There's Cookman Avenue in Asbury too, so if you're not a Pinball fan, you'll find something you might like here. Bars, Antique stores, shopping, did I mention bars....?
  
  
• After Pinball, there are any number of possibilities. As mentioned above, Cookman Avenue offers a number of bars featuring a variety of music, however,
  
  
• Al DiBiase suggested Giamano's in Bradley Beach for music and drinks
  
  
• Finish the night back at OP for another round in the lounge.

No need to commit to joining. If you're interested, just be at the OP on Friday night, or join us at any of the stops above.

Remember what Jill Zarin's Mom Said?

....it's Memorial Day, then turn around and it's Labor Day. Spectacular weekend here at the Jersey Shore.

Surprising reunion news this weekend too. Larry Zarra can officially move over...and one of the fence sitters has finally made the commitment. No roster changes, though until I get the checks.

I'm nearly ready to put up the white flag on Ira Weinstock and sadly, Steven Kornfeld. Maybe for the 50th?

Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

Goldenberg is in!

Got his check yesterday. Pomerantz continues to elude me. He says he's coming....but.....and Larry Zarra remains safe. Still nothing from Steven Kornfeld.

Spread The Word...

...if you're in touch with anyone who graduated from Chancellor Avenue in 1969

Chancellor Avenue School

Class of 1969

40-Year Reunion Luncheon

The Chancellor Avenue School class of 1969 is holding a 40-year reunion luncheon.
Date: September 12, 2009
Location: Oyster Point Hotel, Redbank, NJ
Time: 1pm – 5pm
Cost: $30.25 per person
Dress is casual
For more information please contact:
Doris (Bond) Pozarowski @ drpozar@msn.com - (570) 366-1058 or
Glenn Sytko @ IFDeputy2@aol.com - (908) 463-2262
rsvp. by August 29, 2009

Menu

Appetizer:
Porcini Ravioli with Locatelli Cream, Black Forest Ham, and English Peas
Entrees (Choice of) Tableside ordering:
Sweet Garlic Roasted French Breast of Chicken with a Sonoma Riesling Champagne Grape Sauce
Pan Seared Tilapia Fillet with Pinot Grigio Wine Sauce Garnished with Meyer Lemon and Capers
Penne Pasta Marinara with Fresh Basil and Shaved Romano Cheese
Dessert:
Classic Crème Brulee
Appropriate Seasonal Accompaniments
Fresh Rolls and Butter
Coffee, Teas, and Assorted Sodas

Remembering Teddy

Flawed, but with magnificent heart....

February 22, 1932 - August 25, 2009

Get ready to move over....

....Larry Zarra.

Remembering Woodstock

40 Years Ago This Weekend.

A coupla updates....

I had an email from Arlene Gudis. She asked me to let everyone know that she'll be thinking of us, but that she won't be attending the reunion. I'm making the appropriate change to the roster.

On another front....David's Red Team came in third in the Pine Grove Color War, but David represented the team in the Cannonball Contest and placed a respectable second.

All's fair in love and color war!

A Guest Blogger

Hello there! I'm David and I am Ruth's son and in the 5th grade Whoo hoo! I am also going to Pine Grove Day Camp where there is something called Color War! There are 4 teams and 4 colors (usually 2 teams and the colors are green + white (last year gold instead of white and 2 years ago blue and gold.) The colors are red, blue, green and gold, the teams are Gryfindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. ( If you know your Harry Potter you know the teams and colors go with them.) I'm on Griffindor (red and GO GRFFINDOR!!) and we are in last place.

=( Anyway I like to sprite ( mixing pokemon to see what they look like) Youtube (certain stuff Look up the wife song on youtube it's pretty funny! the internet!!( well duh!) and texting. I also like video games and watching tv n stuff and more (like legos and camp (CAMPS DA BEST!!!) and listening to music. This is my post for now so Bye and ROCK ON!!!!!!!!

ps please comment

My BlackBerry died tonight

I've discussed my relationship with my bb here before. I've gotten very attached to my bb. Not that I need it; nor do I have expectations about it...nothing like that. But when I reach out to my bb, well...it's there...so reliable; so dependable. Turn it on in the morning...messages waiting; send a text....get a reply.

Tonight...I tried to turn it on...it had been turned on most of the day...and....nothing...nothing but sad little red flashing lights.

It's not that I don't have a phone...I do. Mr. J put my number on an old phone...of my kid's!...but no email....no facebook....no blogging from my phone for a couple of days.

sigh

Lunch with Meryl

I know...I say this every time I connect with yet another classmate, but the thing that continues to strike me is how easy and how natural these connections are. I had lunch with Meryl today. She was in Long Branch...her mom has a summer place on the beach, and I work at Monmouth University. So we met at one of my favorite Jersey Shore casual eateries...Surf Taco. I walked in and scoured the joint, looking for Meryl, and I didn't think I saw her. Went outside to wait, and moments later she came looking for me from inside. I didn't recognize her because her hair is much lighter than I remember. Other than that...she's still the Meryl I remember from 6th grade. Oh...except that she's taller than me now!

Her mom is almost as into this reunion as we are, and had given Meryl an envelope of pictures from her Bat Mitzvah. My, but we were adorable! I meant to grab a copy to scan so I could put them up here, but I forgot to take them.

We just talked and talked....funny how this many years later we're still learning new things about each other. Meryl told me...and of course I have to confirm this with my dad....but Meryl told me that her mother told her that she had dated my dad....and that in fact, my dad had proposed to her mother. Interesting to wonder what sort of offspring that coupling would have produced. The one thing I can guarantee...there'd be no height!

I had to cut the lunch short; I had a meeting back on campus, but I really enjoyed my lunch with Meryl.

No news is no news...

I'm still here. Just nothing going on (reunion-wise, that is) to report.

Unless you count me hounding Pomerantz to send a check as news.

The sun is shining in Jersey...Pompano is calling my name.

I'd rather be blogging...

Just back from vacation. I should be paying bills. But I quickly sorted out the reunion stuff from the pile of bills, so I could post an update.

While I was away I got Larry Zarra's check and a lovely note from him! He'll be staying Friday and Saturday nights, so the party Friday night just got a little bigger. Still no definite plans...but we'll keep everyone posted once we have them. Suffice it to say, we'll be doing something.

I made yet another appeal to Steven Kornfeld. Still nothing back from him, so if anyone who follows this blog has a way of being in touch with him, please do it.

Several people have indicated their interest in attending, but aren't yet able to make a commitment, and that's okay for now. Final numbers and payment need to be presented to Charlie's the last week of September. We won't be equipped to handle money the night of the event, so please.....if you're coming....get your check to me.

We've also had several inquiries from folks who didn't graduate with us; either other graduating years, or other graduating grammar schools. While we very much appreciate the interest our event has garnered, the Committee met and unanimously agreed that this particular event is strictly for the Union Avenue Class of '69. For those of you interested in reconnecting, perhaps consider coming to the brunch on Sunday morning at Ocean Place?

More Greetings from Cherry Grove....

Every time I think I'm done.....something new happens. Today, it was an email from Sherry Hurewitz. She certainly hadn't fallen off our radar; Fran spoke to her early on in the planning stages, but I'd sent several emails and not gotten any replies. In our email exchange today, Sherry filled me in briefly on her life (married, 2 sons - 25 and 20, Urgent Care Nurse) and let me know that she'd like to attend the reunion, but that she won't be able to make a commitment until early September. I'll make the appropriate changes to the roster and keep you updated!

Greetings from Cherry Grove...

I didn't expect to be blogging this week. I'm on vacation. I'm not getting mail. I truly didn't anticipate any reunion activity. But I called home today for messages and had a very pleasant surprise!

I've tried to reach John Ficula on several occasions. I'd originally gotten a mailing address for him from Howard Jaffe, and then later, a phone number for him from Bill Boub. I'd about given up hope of hearing from him, and had planned to move him to the "not attending" category, where, by the way, I believe Howard Jaffe is going. But Saturday, he left a message on my home phone, apologizing for not getting back to me sooner, and also, asking that I move him to the "hopes to attend but can't make a commitment yet" category. John explained that he travels extensively for his job, and doesn't know yet where he'll be then.

I can't remember anything else that John said...I was at dinner with my family and our friends (Kathy and Tommy, and their daughter Jesse, who, like David is adopted from Korea. We met when we were waiting for our babies to travel home, and have been friends since), and since John's message was like 16 on the machine, it'll have to wait til I get home to replay it. Check the roster, though....I'm moving John. I'm going to hold off on Howard until I hear from him directly that he's not coming.

Once again, I have to thank my husband for his indulgence. As I said, we were at dinner while I was checking messages and thinking about reunion stuff, and I was distracted by my bb. I ordered in haste, and made the absolutely wrong decision. Mike noticed that I wasn't happy with my dinner, and halfway through he changed plates with me.

Now that's what I call a happy ending!

And the prize for distance travelled goes to....

Larry Zarra...coming from Texas! I had an email from Larry earlier this week! It seems that the 4oth anniversary celebration of the moon landing stirred other folks' memories, as well as my own. While Larry is a bit fuzzy on the details, Fran remembers sharing the event with Larry and his family during the summer of '69. Apparently, something Fran, or I, or Michael said struck a nerve with Larry, because he's decided that "The more I think about the reunion, the more I realized that I just have to be there." That seems to be the prevailing feeling among the people I talk to.

I haven't given up totally yet on some of our other out-of-towners. Joey (Texas)still doesn't have his schedule for October, Shelley Rosenbloom (Minnesota) isn't a flat out no, I keep hoping Tad Boub (Southern California...sure winner if he comes!) responds to an email, and we haven't heard from Sherry Hurewitz (Georgia?) in a while. So Larry...enjoy your current status, but be prepared to step aside!

Other news for the week: I made another sneaky roster change earlier this week. Two actually. After receiving an email from Paul Goldenberg, I moved him into the "plans to attend" group, and I'd moved Larry yesterday, as soon as I got the aforementioned email. I anticipate receiving both checks this week, but my feet will be buried in Myrtle Beach sand, so I won't be able to confirm them until next weekend! ;=)

...One Giant Leap For Mankind

July 20th

Celebrating the 40th
anniversary of Neil Armstrong's moon walk

among other things....;=)