Mark Glickman

Amy,

Will there be any Mini Reunions in Phila during July, August, September...

Mark Glickman

Marsha Dishler

David, Thank you for sharing that powerful response you had in Germany. I have a friend who has made a trip to the concentration camps as a healer, with other healers, to heal the land of the horrible atrocities that took place there. Apparently many people do this.  I do believe that every time a person like you with a good heart goes to Germany ,it adds a little more positive to the balance of positive and negative there. Thank you.

Amy Shelanski

Hi All Philadelphians-

You guys can have a lunch without me - and without me planning it. All I do is post it here and hope someone shows up!

I won't be able to make it to anything this summer but I have had questions from a few people so officially - the next meet-up lunch will be 3rd Friday in September, September 18th. It's before the pope and millions come to Philly and before Jewish Holidays so we should be fine. 1pm at the Field House - on Filbert St right across from Reading Terminal Market. Hope to see Janet Hoffman and Marilyn Ford there!

I'll be off sailing in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in August so look for photos!

Helen Batt (Feinberg)

David, was very interested to read your comments as I'm going there in August, also to Auschwitz. And like so many, I have very mixed feelings, emotions already stirred up 2 months in advance. I'll be sure to visit the Holocaust Memorial, think of you and focus on all the good Nancys in our class for perspective and sanity. (Hi ladies!)

Daniel Bronson

An explanation for this invitation I just dug out of a box of my mom's things. Back in the mid 1930s, my father, two of his older brothers and two more step brothers were all lving on Sterling Rd. with their parents, largely because it was the Depression and the only work they could get was with their father. They ranged in age from 21-33 and were all college grads. with very little to do. My step uncle Harry Sions, alias Jake the Rat, was the first of the five to supposwedly have dated every eligible girl in "the shire," their mythical boundary around Elkins Park. So, they began having an annual Jake the Rat Ball in an attempt to marry him off (which he finally did as a WWII correspondent, marrying a photographer). My mother, who went to a few of these parties, remembers them as epic--the boys had the good sense to wait until their parents were in New Hampshire for a few weeks. I am told the dusk to dawn description was pretty accurate. "Bring a Skirt" was 30s talk that still seems clear enough. So, Sterling Rd. has a long and rich tradition; I wonder if anyone is living up to it today.

Marsha Dishler

Hi I am not sure why, but my Birth Day is never mentioned on this site???  I am turning 70 on the 29th (Monday) and wonder how others of you feel as you have hit this milestone. In my mind and my heart I am any age and every age, although in my body i feel 70 , And young people in the stores sometimes call me "Ma'am". I want to tell them that I appreciate thier kindness but I  am not a  "Ma'am", I am  an ageless free spirit.

Anyway Happy Birthday to all those born in June.

Michael Shore

MARSHA-Everyone else gets notification of the birthday person. At least that is the way it worked with Nate Sklar & me.  We have the same birthday .  I read about his and he read about mine but mine did not show up on my messages

Constance Burak (Rubinstein)

Dan--

I so wish I'd been around then. I've always hated to miss a very good party and your invitation indicates one was

 definitely in the works. I thought many of the CHS parties from 60 to 63 were worthy of the name but this one just may have even been better.

Only possible change: Since today so many women wear pants and some men wear skirts, the invitation might have to read "Bring a female."

Sunny Ingber (Drohan)

Well Marsha, we can't forget to say Happy Birthday to you next Monday. 🍰🍰💥💥🎈🎈Hope it is a blast. Mine is in August and really, my head is not in the 70's frame of mind. Very weird telling people I will be 70. That was our grandparent's ages. Just very happy that I am still around to enjoy life's pleasures. So enjoy yours.

Jon Kugelman

Marsha, my birthday was on the ninth of this month and I was really ambivalent about hitting seventy.  I mean, should I have celebrated (which I did not do, aside from going out to dinner) or gone into a funk (didn't do that either).  More than anything else, I just found it hard to believe that I was actually seventy years' old.  I sense the advance of age in all sorts of ways, but since I believe in aging gracefully, I didn't do anything that would be a mistake and cause me to lose my dignity.

George Trapp

Dan ---- Great story !!!! Women abound. The older I got the more of them I found interesting, and that remains true.

Happy birthday to Marsha and to all as you hit the big 70 number. Had the pleasure of wishing my lovely wife a happy 70th on the 4th and then of "ragging" her because I won't get there until Dec. Problem is she's a very young seventy while my own body is "high mileage" due to lifestyle choices that have produced several serious injuries and significant coronary disease. Nobody ever guesses that she is my senior.

The best commonality among those posting on and reading this site is that we are mightily blessed to be on top of the grass rather than pushing it up from the root side. Is there anyone who doesn't lament what seems like the too early passing of many classmates!! My wish for all is that each has something to look forward to every day. A good book, conversation/activities with friends, enjoying a sport , etc. So far, the years   have not dimmed the enthusiasm for living even though some skills have faded ,the physical cost is greater and recovery slower.

Jerry Chonin

Marsha, 70 was not a piece of cake. Although I did have cake. Gary gave me a dinner with some close friends for my 65th. I wanted to just let 70 slip by. My 90 year old aunt told me to do everything I wanted to do in my 70s because once you hit 80, it all stops. Just live, love and enjoy every day you get on this side of the growing grass. One of my neighbors once said to me that every morning he opens one eye. If he is not surrounded by flowers he opens the other. Lol. I always believed that if I can get out of bed and pee in the proper on my own, it's a good day. 

Janet Hoffman

I hear ya!  Not sure what I'm going to do for my 70th in February (yes, just squeaked by as a "baby boomer"), but it's likely to be in Puerto Vallarta with a bunch of friends - maybe lunch at the fabulous restaurant in the Botanical Garden there.  At least that will be the second party.  The first one will be here in New York - quiet, but involving steak.  How about organizing a mini-reunion in NYC to comemmorate our collective achievement?  Not sure when but it's a thought.  College group is thinking to do the same thing except in various cities......  Take care, everyone - and don't forget:  Love is all there is.... (who said that???) 

PS:  I admit that the attached new firm website photo was preceded by a professional make-up job...but at least it looks more like me as I am now, with long hair.  The switch from short to long is another story, likely of little interest to anyone but me.

David Fertik

Janet you look great, like 39 and holding.  Do you have other secrets to staying so young?

I want to thank you all for being a part of consciousness change in this country since 1963.  The SCOTUS decision on Gay marriage this morning was a result of millions of people like you who opened their hearts and minds to a new way of seeing and believing.  It is with tears in my eyes and gratitude in my heart that we have shared this arc of change and enlightenment in our lifetime and this incarnation.  Bless you all.

Marsha Dishler

We have lived through amazing times and changes. I remember seeing President Kennedy on the streets of Boston while at Boston University and also marching with Dr Martin Luther King.  While at B.U., women were only "allowed" to wear pants when it was 17 degrees at 7 a.m. Otherwise it was dresses or skirts. And now the Supreme Court ruling. What an wonderful statement. 

Susan Pomerantz

I remember the day I heard about JFK being shot...what time it was, where I was walking. Yesterday will be another day like that, one I never thought I would see. This time with a huge sense of joy and relief.

Carole Grossman (Chasen)

First, turong 70..truly the only thing difficult was that my husband wasn't here to celebrate another milestone with me but dear friends, my wonderful chidren and grandchildren made it a wonderful day.  I look at my friends who are older than I.  We are all physically active, volunteer nd are involved with family.  My friends and I have discussed that over the course of the next decade the chances increase that we will not all be here to celebrate one another turning 80.  Just thinking about that is wierd..how could we really be the older generation but we are and that is fine with me.  I have had an amazing life, achieving, doing, loving, traveling, being so blessed with more than I could ever have imagined.

As to this last week, I so agree...it will forever be remembered as That Was the Week that Was..(anyone remember that tv show?)  It has been an eventful June.

Carole Grossman (Chasen)

Dan, if your mom is still at Abramson, I volunteer there and would be thrilled to visit.  Let me know

Lucy Gilbert (Rhoda)

Happy Birthday, Marsha!  And... to all those who turned 70 after me, in January.... Happy Birthday!  Is it fair to say that our class look wonderful due to the times we lived in?  As one of the last of the War Babies, I feel that our school era from 1950s to the late 60's was a golden age of life.  While attending my 50th at Endicott in June, my classmates and friends noted the difference between "wear and tear" among younger classmates. and how we looked. We figured it was due to the changes in society starting aout 1966+ during the early years of the Vietnam War.

I do not feel any different at 70 than I did at 50  or 60.  Well.... I am lying.  I am not as strong as I use to be, memory is going to the toilet, hearing and eyes are showing signs of aging.... but I am still active, busy, and my days are still not long enough to do all I like to do.  I often wish we could turn the clock back to those years that were so wonderful to live in and freeze it.

Carole.... I agree with you about turning 70 without that special mate who was with you at all your milestones.  That was the hardest part for me this past January.  Did not have the fun loving birthday surprise wake up call from my husband, David, like I did when I turned 40, 50, 60, and 65.   Thank heavens for family and friends who made the day special for me.

To all who read this....

Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July.

Carol Kutner (Winig)

On turning 70.First i had trouble with 50 then that passed and for 20 years birthdays were birthdays and happy to celebrate them  This one is surely different. I am between ambivalent and jubilant.

my birthday was in May at the same time as Mothers Day. We went on a weeks cruise from Rome to Barcelona and I invited my 3 sons and their spouses to join my husband and myself.

Yes it was heavenly, but still feeling like the window is closing TOOOOO fast. I am very healthy and very active. Blessed with all good things, but I want more. I think it is just aging that makes you so much more aware of time.

Hope all have a FABULOUS YEAR OF CELEBRATION.! 

Sunny Ingber (Drohan)

Happy Birthday Marsha. None us forgot. You are probably to busy to read any of these messages because you are happily celebrating.       Lucy I hadn't thought about how it must be with out your life long love. Even if no one else said HB, we knew they would. I am so sorry. You are a strong woman, but sometimes we all need a little hug and hand holding.   This goes out to all who have lost their spouses/partners. Enjoy every day that leads to every year. Whether we are turning 70 or more, we are not running to the finish line but tip toeing. I hope gracefully.            

David Fertik

TO EVERYONE WHO HAS DEALT WITH DYING, DEATH, LOSS OR HAS FEARS FOR THE FUTURE I RECOMMEND READING, "THE TOP TEN THINGS DEAD PEOPLE WANT TO TELL YOU," BY MIKE DOOLEY.

 A COMPILATION OF NEW AGE SPIRITUALITY.  AN EASY AND FUN READ WHICH WILL INSPIRE YOU AND MAKE YOU REALIZE THERE IS NOTHING FOR YOU TO FEAR.  WE ARE ALL ETERNAL BEINGS REINCARNATING WITH THOSE WE LOVE.   YES, I STILL HAVE MY OWN LIMITING THOUGHTS, BUT MY HIGHER SELF KNOWS BETTER.

I AM SURE SOME OF US WILL BE BACK TOGETHER AGAIN AT CHELTENHAM IN A FUTURE CLASS!  OY!

DAVID

Carol Ratcliffe (Gairo)

David the book you recommend sounds interesting.  I have been a certified Hospice volunteer for years, so the thought of dying doesn't bother me.

Dr. Wayne Dyer requested stories about children who had prior life memories.  I submitted two items a year ago and never heard anything until a week ago. Hay House, his publishing house sent me a release to be able to use my stories in his latest book. I was thrilled beyond belief.

The first incident happened when my middle son was only three years old.  He was playing with Playdough in our basement when he asked me, "Mom, did you ever play with Playdough when you were a little girl?"

I responded, "No sweetheart . . . they didn't have Playdough when I was a little girl . . . only clay."

Then he said, "Well next time you are a little girl, be sure to play with it because it is alot of fun."

My face must have looked shocked reacting to his statement because then he said, "Oh Mom . . . don't worry, you have a long time yet . . . but next time be sure to play with it."

The second story was about his prior life with his wife and many children and how she died.

I'm sure Dr. Dyer's latest book will be very interesting too.

Have a Great Day!

Carol G

Susan Fishman (Orlins)

I want to share with you news of my new book, co-authored with a man who was homeless when I met him.

In 2013, I started writing with Gerald Anderson, a homeless, drug-addicted ex-con. For 18 months, Gerald  and I have met every week to work on his memoir, Still Standing: How an Ex-Con Found Salvation in the Floodwaters of Katrina.

For Gerald, a brewing storm meant an opportunity to break into cars, stores, and homes. From age 15 to 37, a cycle of drugs, burglary, and prison was all he knew. He lived with his father for the first time at age 25, in prison.

When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and the levees broke, Gerald's focus shifted, and he called upon skills he had learned in prison to help rescue many who were trapped. In his new memoir he masterfully weaves in colorful stories of life in the projects and in prison. 

(Gerald is still rescuing: A couple of weeks ago he jumped onto a subway track to help rescue a man who'd fallen.)

The book is available on Amazon. For more about it, check out Still Standing Video of Susan and Gerald and visit our website www.katrinastilltanding.com.  

Gerald and I are promoting the book in Washington, New York and New Orleans. If you have media contacts in Philly that might be interested in the many facets of this riveting and inspiring story, I'd love to hear from you (susan.orlins@gmail.com)! 

I hope everyone is having a good summer!

David Fertik

SUE FISHMAN -

I WILL GET IT.  EVERYTHING YOU TOUCH BECOMES GOLDEN.  SUCH SERVICE TO MANKIND!

THE BEST OF OUR GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FEST IN JULY WHICH INCLUDED:

"BEST OF ENEMIES": DOCUMENTARY OF THE 1968 CONVENTIONS WHEN WM.F. BUCKLY ("CRYTO NAZI") DEBATED GORE VIDAL (HOMO WHO'S CALLED "QUEER" ON LIVE TV) ON ABC AFTER EVERY CONVENTION NIGHT.  EACH BELIEVES THE OTHER WILL DESTORY THIS COUNTRY WITH THEIR ANTI-AMERICAN BELIEFS.  GREAT NOSTALGIA AND INTELLIGENT  INVECTIVE.  DICK CAVET  AND OTHERS WEIGH IN WITH COMMENTARY.  A HOOT.

"TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL"  DOC. BASED ON HIS RECENT BOOK ABOUT BEING CLOSETED IN HOLLYWOOD 50'S.  MOVIE CLIPS & HE SINGS HIS NO. #1 HIT, "YOUNG LOVE"  TO A CROWD OF SCREAMING TEENS ON THE DICK CLARK SHOW (WAS THAT YOU GAIL DUSHOV IN THE AUDIENCE OR A BUBBLED HAIRED CLONE?).  TAB'S VOICE IS FLAT. BUT HE IS SO HANDSOME THE RECORD KNOCKS ELVIS OFF HIS THRONE FOR 6 WEEKS!  OF GREAT GOSSIP INTEREST IS HIS DESCRIPTION OF HIS SECRET 5 YEAR LOVER ANTHONY PERKINS.  YUMMY.

"TIG" A STAND-UP COMEDIENNE DEALS WITH BREAST CANCER AND A DOUBLE MASSECTOMY -- USING IT IN HER ACT.  SPIRITUALLY TRANSCENDENT AND A GREAT GET-WELL-SOON CARD FOR SUFFERERS.  ARNOLD AND I CRIED.  ON NETFLIX NOW.  AND YES, SHE IS THE SWEETEST LESBIAN.

LAST NIGHT WE SAW, "THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL"  AN AMAZING INDEPENDENT FILM.  REALLY CAPTURES THE WORLD OF A 15 YEAR OLD.  FRIGHTENINGLY FUNNY.  VERY SUBJECTIVE POV. AND YES SHE IS A HETEROSEXUAL.