John Dewey
High School, Brooklyn, NY
updates
Last
update:
9 Feb 2015
For additions or corrections,
contact Rob Couteau____________________________________________________________
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2015: Dewey Reunion: June
13, 2015
11
October 2011: Our new Dewey group on Facebook:
John
Dewey High School 1970s Graduates: Uncensored
This
group allows for the free and uncensored posting of ideas
and links, and posts will not be moderated or deleted.
Our mission is to promote an open and free discussion on any
topic between those who graduated from John Dewey High School
in the 1970s. This includes current events and topics not necessarily related
to Dewey or to the 1970s, such as what people are doing with their lives today,
and current events in the world at large.
New Photos:
Yearbook photo of folk dancing on Dewey Day, 1975
New Emails:
David Manning
(74)
mdavid121@aol.com
Sharon Simpson-Anderson (72)
mommyatlast@yahoo.com
David Schwartz (74)
davidschwartz2004@gmail.com
Marc Landman
(73)
MLandman@Comcast.net
Robyn
Zimmer Roberts (75)
johnrobn@pacbell.net
Debby
Fenner Bowinski (74)
mailto:debbydancer@comcast.net%20
Lynette Rock (73)
lynetterock@yahoo.com
Jeremiah Wiggs (72)
jeremiahwggs27@gmail.com
Fran Benjamin (76)
mailto:%20fbenjamin98@gmail.com%20
New Bios:
Debby Fenner Bowinski
Phyllis Spiegel-McGill (74)
Links:
On
F acebook:
John
Dewey High School 1970s Graduates: Uncensored
Dewey
Alumni Yahoo Groups:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JohnDeweyAlumni/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JohnDeweyPolitics/
____________________________________________________________
Messages:
To post a message:
contact Rob Couteau
Thursday, April 2, 2009 9:29 PM
From: "Suestanlu@aol.com"
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.comDear Rob,
Sorry to report sad news again, but I thought the alumni would want to know about the recent death of Lloyd Miller (63) who had a heart attack about two weeks ago in his home. The only remaining teacher from your graduating class is Stuart Aronow (English Department).I'm well (thank God) and still enjoying schooling, giving walking tours of Mid Town Manhattan and loving my two little grandchildren. Hope you'll inform all the graduates of our once great school.
Yours, Stan Bloomfield (formerly of the English dept.)
Monday, March 2, 2009 4:47 PM
From: "Suestanlu@aol.com"
Subject: Sad news about John Dewey HSDear Rob and all alumni,
Sorry to have to email that John Dewey HS as we all knew it is actually closing. The school received a "D" rating in the Board of Education's evaluation of NYC high schools (dropping from a "B") rating from the previous year. From what I hear the building will be divided into four separate high schools in the future. Details are still not available. The school that we attended or taught at will be no more. INCONCEIVABLE! So terribly sad. But the student body and the faculty are now so different.Only a handful of original teachers remain.On another tragic note: Mr. Ralph Constantine (phys.ed.teacher) and Mrs. . Shirley Rappaport (librarian) died this winter. There were funeral memorials for both. Sorry to relate such news on this snowy, wintry day but I wanted to finally share this 'family" news. I hope some of you will email and tell me how you are. I'm enjoying my retirement and very happy to have shared Dewey with you.
Sincerely,
Stan Bloomfield
(formerly of the English dept.)
Date: Fri, 8 Jun 2007 13:43:24 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Robin Marion" robinvmarion@yahoo.com
Subject: Dewey Alumni To: rob_couteau@yahoo.comDear Rob,
I am the girlfriend of Gregory, (Greg), Homatas, class of '73. I am trying to help him locate his friend Alexander, (Alex), McNeill, also class of '73. Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.
You can contact Greg directly, if you like: greghomatas@msn.com Also, I'd love to see Greg's yearbook photo, he no longer has the yearbook. Thank you so much - and thanks for the web site!
-Robin Marion, Brooklyn
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: John Dewey High School
From: nbuffett@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Date: Wed, 16 May 2007 14:50:09 -0400
Neil P. Buffett
Department of History
SUNY Stony Brook
Stony Brook, New York 11794-4348May 17, 2007
Dear Mr. Rob Couteau,
My name is Neil Buffett, a PhD candidate in the Department of History at SUNY Stony Brook on Long Island. Over the last three years, I have been researching the late 1960s and early 1970s urban social movements, particularly in-school student environmental activism. Recently, I learned of the summer Marine Biology courses offered by Mr. Harold Silverstein, and am hoping to make contact with those students who participated in his courses. In addition, I am hoping to learn more about the Marine Biology/Ecology Club the course material fostered.
If you, in fact, took Mr. Silverstein’s class, I am wondering if you might be willing to speak with me about your experiences in this course, and the environmental activity that it may have facilitated. I am particularly interested in how you may have employed what you learned about the local ecology. Did you form any sort of in-school ecology group, or were you a member of Mr. Silverstein’s Marine Biology Club? Or, did this perhaps lead you to join outside organizations? If so, I am hoping to include John Dewey’s students in my dissertation on high school activism.
If you are interested, please feel free to contact me with the information found below.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration of this request.
Sincerely, Neil P. Buffett
nbuffett@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
historybuffett@hotmail.com
631-384-5011 or 631-632-8994
From: "antinater1" antinater1@cox.net
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: Rochelle Paskin '75 (now Hamilton)
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 01:45:19 -0800Hi Rob,
I am glad you are still maintaining this website.
My news: my 18 year old son will be attending University of California in the fall. He hopes to be a physicist. His SAT scores were about double what mine were when I was in high school.
I would like to know if any reunions are planned, and like Barbara Abramowitz, I wonder if any of our classmates were among those who perished September 11, 2001.
For those of you in my dance classes, I have taken up studying dance again in my dotage. It isn't as easy on the audience, and it hurts a lot more now, but it's still fun!
People search: Ianthe Kallas, Helayne Gribben (Levenstein), anyone from high school who lives in San Diego, CA who wants to go to dance classes again...........
From: CScher2Buy@aol.com
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2006 22:47:05 EDT
Subject: John Dewey Alumni
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.comHello~
My name is CIndy (maiden name -Green) Scher and I was in the very first graduating class from John Dewey. A few of us graduated within the first three years. I just came across your web site today and was so excited that I decided to write to you immediately. I have never been contacted by the alumni association and so I was not aware of the reunion. I would have attended as most die heart John Dewey students would never want to miss a party! I am residing in South Florida for the past 30 years. I am married for 32 years and have two sons, Adam, 28 and Ryan 25.!! Adam is an attorney and Ryan is attending University of Miami Law School. I am a realtor for 20 years in Florida and my husband is a dentist.
Please let me know how I can be part of your web site so that other classmates can contact me. Kindly also keep me informed of any upcoming events. Thank you and I appreciate all your efforts.
Sincerely, Cindy Green Scher cscher2buy@aol.com
PS: I graduated from Brooklyn College. I would love to hear from my classmates!
Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2006 07:07:37 -0700 (PDT)
From: "harold h" mehhh4@yahoo.com
Subject: year book photo
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.comRob
I was wondering if you had a year book Photo of James Stimson, he graduated from John Dewey High School in either 1973 or 1975??
If so, what would I need to do to obtain a copy of this photo?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
From: "Douglas Kline" kline@head.cfa.harvard.edu
To: rob couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: John Dewey Alumni
Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2005 16:56:51 -0400Dear Rob,
You may add my name and e-mail to the site. The person I would like to locate is Michelle Samson. She graduated in 1973.
Thanks for your help.
Best, Douglas
From: "Susan and Larry"
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: Stories for Ari Solotoff about his father, Vic
Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 14:41:17 -0400
I am so sorry that I did not see this posting sooner.
Mr. Solotof was the most patient and fun man to work with.
I had the honor of being Nancy in Dewey's production of "Oliver" in 1971. I was terrified and had no experience singing or acting..but Vic helped me through it...and from what I understand (I was so scared I can't remember perfoming) it was a great success.
Sincerely, Susan Epstein (Savodnick)
From: "Ari Solotoff"
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: Vic Solotoff Retierment Gift
Date: Tue, 31 May 2005 07:41:43 -0500
Rob,
Would you be so kind as to post my message on your website? I would be very grateful! Thanks!
Dear Friends:
Vic Solotoff, my father, will be retiring from music education in just a few weeks. After thirty seven years of teaching, I am working on a gift to be presented to my father at a party on June 18. I am hoping to give him a book of letters from students and teachers he has worked with during his years here at John Dewey High School and Artesia High School. Your letter might include a personal anecdote or memory. Pictures or picture scans are greatly appreciated.
I am making up the list of people we hope to hear from. It is quite a list, as you can imagine, and we hope you will join the many colleagues and friends who are writing to wish my father well. Would you be willing to write something that I could include in the book? Please send your submission by email to the address below. Email: solotoff@yahoo.com
If you would like to send a letter by snail mail or fax, please let me know and I will provide you with an address. Please note that we need to receive these letters by June 13 in order to be bound. It is of critical importance that you first inform me that you intend to write a letter so that I can keep track of what to expect. Thanks very much for your help. Please let me know that you received this.
Best regards, Ari Solotoff
Senior Director of Marketing and Development Louisville Orchestra
Subject: John Dewey HS
From: "Len Berg" lb@len-berg.com
Date: Thu, 19 May 2005 20:55:46 -0700
Hi All,
I was one of the early members of the JDHS faculty. My experiences as a science teacher at Dewey from 1969 - 1974 were among the best in my life. There was an incredible vibrancy in that school. Students and faculty, together, experienced an incredible adventure in education.
Best regards to you all.
Len Berg
Subject: John Dewey homepage
Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 15:30:08 -0400
From: "Metzger, Howard" hmetzger@napsnet.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Dear Rob,
I much enjoyed your website in tribute to your high school alma mater, John Dewey High School.
I must confess that I was never a student at the school though I am very familiar with it as I spent many days as a child running through its hallways. Memories of the school still linger fondly in my mind.
You see, my father was Jack Metzger, founding father of the school, its Assistant Principal, Guidance Counselor, and at various times, Acting Principal. Along with former principal Sol Levine, he saw the school from its infancy and into the 70's and beyond.
During the summers of the 1970s, I went to work with him, ate in the cafeteria, hung out in the auditorium and in the courtyard, and mingled with those students attending summer programs. Additionally, I also attended the various school theatrical productions throughout the year. Perhaps it was at these events that my love of the stage and music blossomed.
Anyway, I wanted to tell you how happy and gratified I was to see this site. It brought back wonderful memories and served as a fitting tribute to my father, who passed away in 1983 - still on staff at the school.
Thank you and best wishes.
Sincerely, Howard Metzger
Vice President
North American Précis Syndicate
From: "Patricia Rossi" Pat@Q1Systems.net
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: So glad that I found your site
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2005 14:21:07 -0500
Hi Deweyites,
The best years of my life (1970-1974) were spent at John Dewey High School as an Art Teacher. From there I went to Italy for 5 years where I ran a Montessori School for NATO dependents. Now I am back in the U.S. and have owned my business for 27 years, which by the way is totally not related to Art, but rather my original vocation which is design engineering. I do business in the Northeast predominantly NY, NJ, DC, MA, RI and CT where I live with my husband and son.
I often search the net for any information about Dewey teachers and students and was so happy to find this site. I have over the years found several students and teachers who are living all over the world and would like to communicate more.
Best wishes to anyone who either taught at or attended John Dewey HS in the early years…many fond memories.
Patricia Rossi Paterna "Miss P"
From: "Judy Engelberg" JudyEngelberg@hotmail.com Add to Address BookAdd to Address Book
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: Dewey Update
Date: Sun, 27 Mar 2005 23:24:02 -0500
Sitting in my den, surfing the net, I happened on this great website. I live in Dix Hills, LI with my husband of 27 years, Larry (pulmonary, critical care medicine and sleep disorder M.D.). We have three kids who are a lot cooler and funnier than I ever was; oldest son Dan: 22, graduated College on 4 year plan and is living in L.A. working on various shows as a P.A. learning "the business" (presently working on the show "Monk"). Rebecca 18 is a jazz singer and going to jazz conservatory as a performance majori in Sept. and Rachel 16, who seems to be heading to follow in her dad's footsteps.
I practice law and moved my practice to our home six years ago, primarily handling real estate matters, having burned out handling matrimonials, thereby helping people destroy each other. As I read the current bio's of so many graduates, I realize that we really were a unique group who by and large have had a great run since Dewey. I don't think it was the water, it must have been the teachers!!!
Judy Brodsky Engelberg (75)
From: "Ann-Marie Bucaria Dake" dake1@llnl.gov
Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2005 13:32:53 -0800
Subject: Dewey Class of 1972
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Hello Rob:
I am not sure how this works, but I would like to add the following to your website. Please let me know if this is what you need. Many thanks for maintaining this site. I hope more Deweyites will find it:
Hi Everyone: Happy 50 to many of us! So glad to see this site, and some pictures. I am adding a picture of Gerry Murphy, another member of the class of 72, and myself, on our recent reunion in Florida. We "found" each other last year, after being out of touch for 25+ years.
I am currently living in the San Francisco Bay area, married for 24 years, with two children.
Hope all of you are doing well. Dewey was a special place, and always will be to me.
Regards, Ann-Marie Bucaria
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 16:54:09 -0800 (PST)
From: "JOEL ZAMEN" jzamen@sbcglobal.net
Subject: JOHN DEWEY
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Hi, My name is Joel Zamen. I was a member of the graduating class of 1976. I would appreciate information on the following if possible. I would like to get a yearbook from the 1976 graduating class and would like information on the next reunion for my graduating class.
I don't know if you can add me to the alumni list for when they send out mailings. For those that know me contact me at jzamen@sbcglobal.net. Would love to hear from the people from my past.
From: BEERL@aol.com
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 22:13:26 EST
Subject: Looking for Mitzi Aronoff
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
I went to camp in 1969 with Mitzi Aronoff. Can you pass this to her and tell her that a reunion of Camp Kokosing is being planned and we'd like to include her.Thanks. Lonnie Lore Beer
From: "Cohen-Price Family" cohen-price@mindspring.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: Dewey Days
Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2003 20:02:41 -0800
Hello to all from Marie Frisa.
Graduated 1973, attended Kingsborough and SUNY Buffalo. Working for Citibank for the last ten years as a Performance and Training Specialist in the Credit Card division. Live in Las Vegas where the whole family has relocated, including my brother Larry Frisa (another Dewey alum).
I think it would be great to have a reunion especially with our teachers from those days. Many of whom so influenced our lives.
I went to the peace rally in San Francisco today and it brought back so many memories of the times we lived back in the '70s. I am here visiting Barbara Cohen. Barbara and I have remained friends with another Dewey alum, Catherine Intartaglia, and have maintained our friendship which began in Dewey some 30 odd years ago. Thanks to those Dewey days which brought us together and have kept us connected.
Would love to hear from other Dewey friends:
marie.frisa@citicorp.com
From: Jay.B.Brodsky@marsh.com
Subject: Please Post /John Dewey
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 8 Jan 2003 09:12:18 -0500
Rob - I was prompted to visit the website for the first time this week by a surprise visit from Glen Poyer. Scanning the pages of photos and comments confirms that many of us were square pegs not interested in finding the round hole, but rather seeking and enjoying each other's company. Equally interesting is the range of who, what and where we are now. I've had a series of experiences that have led me from the theatre to the courtroom to corporate America, where I've worked for the past 14 years...Naomi Berger ('75) and I got married in 1983 and we have three incredible kids, all girls - the greatest gift/education I've ever received. Yes, there is a God, and she's got a wicked sense of humor...
In response to the posted e-mail from Barbara Abromowitz regarding 9/11:
In a life-altering moment, I witnessed both buildings burn and collapse from my 38th floor office in midtown. In it were close to two thousand colleagues of the company I work for, Marsh. Of the 295 Marsh employees who were killed, many were friends and associates. Others I knew from business relationships over the past 14 years in the insurance industry. Since that day, I've looked at things a bit differently - still not exactly sure how to express the rage and sadness, but I try to tell the kids "I love you" at least once a day ( a good habit for all parents, regardless of the motivation). I've also begun to examine my priorities and am continuing to try to shift my focus and energy to family and friends rather than work.
I don't know of any Dewey alums in the buildings that day, but I'm certain that many of us have been touched by the event and continue to feel its effects on a daily basis.
Any word on a 30-year reunion for the class of '73? Please add this e-mail address (jay.b.brodsky@marsh.com) to the database and keep me posted...
I wish all a happy and healthy 2003
Jay Brodsky
From: "David Allen" dcom@metrocast.net
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: Class of 1976 Date: Sun, 17 Nov 2002 02:09:38 -0500
David Vogel email dcom@metrocast.net wants to hear from classmates that graduated 1974 to 1976. Let's also do a reunion.
From: "Barbara Abramowitz" babramowitz@nycopera.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: The September 11th Disaster
Date: Fri, 2 Nov 2001 15:18:00 -0500
Hi,
I have seen no post-September 11th messages between alumni referring to the disaster.
I would think that at this time people might be interested in knowing how everyone is, even those we've long lost touch with. I would like to know if any Dewy alumni are missing or confirmed dead. I would also like to know how alumin's lives have changed since September 11th.
Obviously I am still alive and I personally don't know anyone who is missing/dead.
Thanks for your help,
Barbara
Class of '74
From : LOUIE254A@aol.com
To : rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject : Reunion update
Date : Sun, 7 Oct 2001 23:44:19 EDT
Hello to my graduation class of 1973 and other alumni of John Dewey.
I would like to know if there will be any reunions for the class of 1973 since I missed the one from 1999. I attempted to contact the school in 1998 thinking that there may have been a 25th reunion for this class. Let me know if there are any plans for a 30th reunion. I would like to be invited if there is one. I recently was contacted by an old friend from the school and he will be coming to NY for Christmas and we will have dinner while he is here. It seems all of my close friends from the school who I have lost touch with aren't listed in your directory. Your website asks for photos so I will include one. Maybe there is someone else who remembers me. Again please email me any information regarding reunions. Thank You Best Regards, Lou Cretella
From: Saltfly@aol.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Date: 15 Jun 2001 12:38:59 -0700 (PDT)
Please feel free to add me to the John Dewey Alumni Website: Dave Mallach, 1975 Saltfly@aol.com
After the proverbial long and strange trip, I have happily landed as a yacht broker on Long Island Sound. It is a job that does not require wearing a tie, and allows a lot of time on the water. I guess it is very much like my time at Dewey. When not sailing with my wife and young kids, I toil at finishing my book about my experiences as director of drug treatment programs on Rikers Island. Would love to hear from any and all friends from 50 Avenue X.
From: CLARKEDebclar@aol.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: FORMER DEWEYITE Date: Sat, 9 Jun 2001 22:09:18 EDTI ATTENDED AND GRADUATED IN 1973. WOULD LOVE TO CONTACT MEMBERS OF MY GRADUATING CLASS AND ALSO THE CLASS OF 1972. I NEED TO GET AHOLD OF YEARBOOKS FOR THOSE TWO YEARS. AFTER LEAVING DEWEY, I BEGAN WORKING FOR THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. WILL BE RETIRING IN ANOTHER 9 YEARS. MARRIED WITH 3 BOYS. NAME: DEBORAH DUPONT-CLARKE
From: Mrlancemk@aol.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: Bill Benjamin Class of 1972
Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2001 20:20:20 EDT
I am looking for an old friend Bill Benjamin from the class of 1972. Please e-mail me or if you know Bill have him e-mail me: mrlancemk@aol.com. Thanks, Lance Kulb.
From: MAGNUM531@aol.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: CLASS OF 72
Date: Sat, 17 Feb 2001 23:26:08 EST
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET A REUNION FOR THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 1972 WHICH WAS THE FIRST IT WILL BE 30 YEARS IN 2002
From: "Topolniski" <topo@nb.sympatico.ca>
To: <rob_couteau@yahoo.com>
Save Address
Subject: update from Jacquie Bird
Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 23:56:59 -0400
Dear Deweyites,
Hello, I'm Jacquie Bird of the class of '75, but to those of you who knew me, I was Jackie Thomas (Jacquelyn). I was a part of Jeannie Meizner's dance class and performed in pretty much all of the dance shows. And along with Karen Caulk organized the benefit for the United Negro College fund, (but the year escapes me, jees, it's too funny to realize that we're actually considered middle-aged!!!) :-)
I am looking for information on Jeannie Meizner. I would love to let her know that I think of her often, and that she had an incredible impact on my life. I'm also looking for Mr. Levy the English and writing teacher. Sometimes I see folks that look like him (at least how he looked at school).
Also looking for Emile (can't remember his last name)but he was a fixture on the 'handball' court better known as Sesame Street.
So if anyone has any leads, please contact me at jbdances@hotmail.com or if you remember me, drop me a line.
Take care all
From: Yohevedsgarden@cs.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com Save Address
Subject: Just found your website-add me in!
Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 14:06:16 EST
Dear Friends from Dewey:I just now discovered your website for the first time. Such a wonderful surprise!
I wonder if anyone remembers me. I didn't graduate from Dewey, but I spent 3 or so years there (not usually in the classroom) and I loved it. I loved the people I met there and the whole Dewey atmosphere. I was then known as Rhoni Anger. I have since become Mrs. Rhona Friedland or Yoheved (my Hebrew name) Friedland. I've gone through three lifetimes since Dewey, and Dewey was a lifetime in itself.
I'm married and have three wonderful children. We moved out of Brooklyn to Florida (North Miami Beach) in Sept. '94 and I haven't been back to Brooklyn since. Florida has been interesting. It's a disaster regarding the Jewish schools my children are in, but I have a small business involving organic gardening, and life's been good. My husband is a painter/handyman, and we struggle, but we're happy.
Is there going to be a 30 year reunion of the class of '72? That would be a thrill. I would even travel back to Brooklyn for that.
My e-mail is: Yohevedsgarden@cs.com
There are so many people from Dewey I would love to be in touch with again. Maybe one day, with the help of this website, I can again find them.
G-d bless you all.
Yoheved (Rhoni Anger) Friedland
From: LynneSpevack@aol.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com Save Address
Subject: Re Dewey website- for listing in the "Messages" section
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2001 23:04:07 EST
Reply Reply All Forward Delete Previous Next Close
If anyone has news of Adam Stanger (class of '75, I think), I'd be interested to know what he's been up to since Dewey days.
LynneSpevack@aol.com
From: Joranpipin@aol.com Save Address - Block Sender
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com Save Address
Subject: Class of '72
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 21:35:01 EST
Hello - My name is Fred Riccardi - I was one of the first into and out of Dewey 1969 - 1972 - I think my ID # was 0715!! How I remember that I don't know!!
I would love any and all information on reunions - class mates.
From: "Maurice Frank" mfrank@mindspring.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: Looking for Rachel Gayer (74)
Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2001 15:57:43 -0500
Hi, Does anyone know how to contact Rochelle Gayer, class of 74? We were friends at Dewey and stayed friends at Brooklyn College, but we fell out of touch after college. Rochelle played Clarinet in the school band and majored in music in college.
Thanks, and best wishes to all.
Maurice Frank (74)
mfrank@mindspring.com
From: MAGNUM531@aol.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: DEWEY CLASS OF 72 THOMAS SESSA
Date: Fri, 20 Oct 2000 17:13:19 EDT
INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT IF THERE MIGHT BE A REUNION OF THE CLASS OF 72 OR IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN GETTING ONE STATED CONTACK ME AT MAGNUM531@AOL.COM. IN 2002 IT WILL BE 30 YEARS
From: "Joel Stein"
Subject: Mitch & Bonnie weekend
Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2000 20:59:50 -0400Well, I made it home late Saturday night. This weekend was a moving experience. It started with a visit to my ailing, aging parents, then an early morning drive into New York from Woodstock where my folks now live. I was stressed to the edge because I thought I would be late. Turns out, that other than Ellen her partner, and Fred were the only other folks there. Traffic was a bear and people started coming in. The ceremony--if we can call it that--started some 40 minutes late.
It was heartwarming to see Mitch's mom, along with his sister and some other family members as well as Bonnie's Mom, sister and other family members. In addition, Stuart--some of you may remember him, Mitch's best friend--flew in from California, John Leonard, another friend of Mitch's from outside Dewey were also there.
It was pretty (warning, over used word) intense. We stood around for a few hours, talking about the recent tv show, the lack of Det. Suarez to introduce himself to work, progress and lack thereof, psychics and more. No one, it seemed, wanted to leave.
Both Mitch and Bonnie's families are tied with an incredible and agonizing bond. In a way, I think, those of us who were touched by Mitch & Bonnie & the surrounding events share a bond as well. Michelle frequently mentions how the world changed for us that summer. She has a point.
One thing is sure. While it's just a chunk of stone with some words on it, the plaque in front of the tree gives us all--most importantly, the families--a focal point to channel their feelings.
Major thanks and applause to Ellen and her partner for pulling this together. I've forgotten Ellen's partner's name, but he dug the hole, poured the concrete and placed the stone. Fred was instrumental in picking out the tree. Eric, who unfortunately was not there, has helped push this story into the consciousness of many--he refuses to let the story fade. Noah, who also wasn't there, has done a great job in keeping this reunion list going.
There are a lot of other people that deserve mention--I'll stop because I'm sure I'd forget someone.
There is a surreal quality to these trips back to Brooklyn. I left some 25 years ago, and I think that counting these Dewey trips, I've only been back to Brooklyn maybe four or five times. I'm not great at memories--a few people asked me some very specific questions and I drew a blank. It wasn't drugs, I just don't remember many things from those days. My memories of that period feature a great deal of adolescent anxiety and alienation. Not unique, perhaps, but very real. As everyone left to go back to their day to day lives, I had time to ponder what to do. I purposefully leave these trips open ended (I've got an understanding--or tolerating family, at least) to give me some space to think...Driving home (Boston area) Saturday night, there was a bright orange hued harvest moon. I can swear it smiled down as I drove.
We're bound by some twisted events. We did the right thing with the tree and the monument. The moon smiled.
OK, enough drivvle...In my clumsy way thanks, it was moving, sad and felt good and loving all at once.
Joel Stein
From: "Ralph LaBarbera, Jr." ralph@rssalesco.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: Class of 1976
Date: Fri, 06 Oct 2000 16:52:53 -0400
Reply Reply All Forward Delete Previous Next Close
Dear Grads, Looking for Grads from the class of 1976. We were the Bi-Centenal class. Where are you guys?
Ralph LaBarbera, JR Class of 1976
From: DQZOLA@aol.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: looking for Cathy
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 16:07:50 EDT
If anyone knows the whereabouts of Cathy Monblatt, class of '74, please let me know. We were very close as kids and we've lost touch. Thanks! Debbi (Goldman) Markowitz (I didn't go to Dewey. I knew Cathy from PS 238)
From: "Jean Hurkin-Torres" jeanhurkintorres@mindspring.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: Finding Jeannie Meizner
Date: Wed, 21 Jun 2000 00:05:36 -0700
I am looking for Mrs. Jeannie Meizner who taught dance at Dewey in the 70's. Many of her former dance students are interested in seeing her again, so I am asking everyone to pass the word around. If anyone knows where she can be contacted, please let me know. Thanks for your help!
Jean Hurkin-Torres (class of '75)
PH/Fax: 718-855-2316
email: jeanhurkintorres@mindspring.com______________________________
From: MeTimesTwo@aol.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: death of marc schwartz, '74
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 12:28:41 EDT
Anyone remember him? Class of 74. Marc had multiple sclerosis, died yesterday morning in a hospital in Florida, at the age of 42. Left two kids.______________________________
From: TwinstarA@aol.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: death of marc schwartz, '74
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 10:41:15 EDT
Hi, just wanted to let you guys know that Marc Schwartz, class of '74, died yesterday at the age of 42. He had been ill for some time with multiple sclerosis, and died in a hospital in Florida. My maiden name was Robin Kestlinger. I met Marc at Dewey and have been friends for 28 years, although my twin sister, Rhonda, was much closer to him. She and several others are flying down to Florida for the funeral.
Robin Kestlinger Vazquez, Class of 74______________________________
From: Myart45@aol.com
To: rob_couteau@yahoo.com
Subject: hi -- old teacher
Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2000 21:28:07 EDT
Not sure whom I am writing to but I am on page 10 in the 75 yearbook I was the art teacher know an as Myra Hirsh Grosinger. My daughter Liz was born that year. She works for VH1, and my son goes to Pratt [...].
Myra Hirsh Grosinger______________________________
From: Carey9876@aol.com
To: Alienbx@aol.com
Subject: Re: Congratulations, Dewey Reunion
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2000 11:48:25 EDT
Dear Noah
I have been following the e-mail correspondence regarding the reunion and the memories of Dewey since you added me to the mailing list and have loved hearing about the reminiscences and the current lives of so many of you. I even checked the website one rainy day and looked at the pictures of the last reunion. I, too, have so many fond and important memories of those days. Whether or not the students were aware of it then, those days were also exciting and formative ones for many of us on the faculty. Our futures and values were, in large part, shaped by the opportunity we had to be there and the experiences we had creating the school and interacting with so many wonderful and challenging and demanding students. Many of us still meet and still think of each other as family and still occasionally reminisce about "those days."
What is more, I am still in close touch with a number of Dewey grads (going back to the first class) and love having that contact in my life. In addition, it is always fun to keep tabs on those who have achieved public recognition and I do try to go to the plays and concerts and book signings, etc. I think some of my friends believe that I am hallucinating or fabricating when I tell them that this playwright or that composer or that scholar or this TV personality is a former student of mine, but we know it is all true and I love following their careers and hearing from them. Watching our students become adults and sometimes sharing that is one of the great gifts of teaching. What is also great fun is "bumping" into Dewey grads in the most unexpected situations and place. It happens quite often. By the way, did you know that one of the contestants on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" was a Dewey grad?
In case you are interested in an update about me, I retired from Dewey in 1991 and worked for CUNY for several years. We lived in Rome for a year and think about returning. I still live in Brooklyn part-time, but spend the major part of my time in our home in the Berkshires. In 1989 I married a man (a college professor, of course) with 5 children. We are currently expecting our 8th grandchild. So, you can see that my life, too, has taken an unexpected turn. I know that the reunion is going to be a great success. I have been really impressed by the amount of energy and planning you and Dana and I'm sure many others have put into it. I was really looking forward to being there, but one of our children is graduating in Seattle that week and I will not be able to attend. I will think of you, though, and hope that the sun shines on your day. At the very least, I look forward to reading about it and seeing the pictures.
I would be happy to have you pass this note on to the others on the mailing list. I would also be happy to hear from any of you who want to write.
Have a great day!
Fondly, Janet Lipschultz Carey______________________________
"I am trying to contact my classmates from the class of 1972.
I am not on the net currently but can be contacted at the following address:
Frank Abrami
911 29th street North
St. Petersburg Fl 33713"
Dewey-related websites:
Media coverage of Bonnie & Mitch:
The Jewish Week: June 30, 2000
New York Daily News: June 18, 2000
New York Post: June 2000A separate site with monthly updates
maintained by the Dewey Alumni RegistryA map of Dewey, from newyork.sidewalk.com
____________________________________________________________
For additions or corrections,
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Since 24 June 1999