"You asked for my recollections about the reunion and its difficult for me to put them on paper. I am filled with so many thoughts and feelings. When I first think of the reunion I remember when a few of us (Perri, Barbara, Susan, and I) were sitting in a dark lounge reminiscing about Green Acres over a year and a half ago. It was even strange for us to be in the same city all at the same time, but I guess the planets were in line and it all worked out. Perri and Barbara were both visiting their perspective inlaws, Susan lived closeby in Tampa, and I was in Sarasota visiting my sister. It was perfect. Anyway as we talked we decided that we should have a reunion, but frankly, no one wanted to put forth all of the effort it takes to make it happen. We thought of Joan and decided that maybe she could take the lead on getting everything arranged. That night was kind of a blur after that since we all had a couple of drinks, it was way passed my bedtime, and we just were being silly.
But the conversation continued, mainly through e-mail. Barbara agreed to get in touch with the schools, Joan offered her home for us to stay there. And I was going to pass the word on to those who I am in contact. After much back and forth we finally decided in meeting at Forest on a fateful day in September 2001. Unfortunately our plans got squashed by a tragic event that is now permanent etched in our minds, and we were unable to coordinate dates until we arranged for one year later.
As more and more people were contactedand the date approached I was very excited. It seemed that everyone involved was nostalgic and looking forward to getting in touch with folks who met as very young children. Your efforts were amazing, Steve!! You truly made this thing happen so successfully. You relentlessly stayed in touch with everyone and was sure to take everyone's feelings, issues, and preferences into consideration. Thank you for being such an important part of the reunion.
Even though I keep in touch with a number of people (Joan, Perri, Roberta, Barbara, Susan, Linda) I don't get to spend time with them very often, so I was really looking forward to see them. But also seeing people who haven't been seen in years, was such a treat! I still can't get over Ricky Blumenthal and the fact that he came all the way from Washington. That says quite alot!! It was terrific seeing you, and Wayne, and Lee. And Jamie is a sweetheart!! You know, we lived next to each other before I moved to Green Acres. We both lived on Elmwood Street!!
Ellen will always hold a very special place in my heart. We lived one house away from each other and have many, many memories together. We were "best friends" for most of our childhood. Her house was mine and vice versa. We played house, teacher, dress up (my favorite!), and all sorts of games. One of the most memorable times was in second grade (I think) and we were playing beauty parlor. Ellen had long, beautiful, thick blonde hair. I always remember, Flo, her mother, being so proud of her gorgeous locks. Anyway, I was the hairdresser and Ellen had her hair adorned in long pigtails. Well, I really got into my role, took those scissors, and proceeded to cut the left pigtail off right where the rubber band was. We were both shocked when the hair fell to the floor, and Ellen ran home with only one pigtail bouncing up and down. From that point through 6th grade, Ellen wore a pixie hairdo!! She loved it, but I don't think Flo ever forgave me.........even until this day. Anyway, many years have passed and we don't really stay in touch. But I think the bond we shared will remain with me forever.
Food is always part of our memories. It was so good to get a delicious deli sandwich at Woodrow's. And I was glad La Rioja turned out to be a hit. When I saw it on the way to Long Beach, it looked like such a dump, I was nervous that my suggestion would turn out to be a major bomb. But I think everyone enjoyed themselves and the food. I was sorry you could be there with us on Saturday, but you were in spirit. You would have enjoyed seeing Janis, Wayne, Kathy Freedman, and Lois Goldberg. All in all, thinking of the reunion brings a smile to my face. When I tell people here about it, everyone is envious that we still know people who went to the same elementary school. I feel truly blessed.
If I could change anything, I would have to say I wish more people could have participated. I would have loved to see Susan Berkowitz, Neal Schimmel, Richie Adam, Lindy Shack, and many others. Maybe next time..........
That's all I have time for right now. Write when you get a chance.
Norma |
