Dear Classmate,

No doubt you are, as I am, very much aware of today’s date. Cheryl Sporn Gross, who lives in NYC and lost a friend from her synagogue in the first tower, was in Richmond this weekend, but left early this morning for a commemorative service tonight in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, at which four choirs will sing Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” (with one of Cheryl’s best friends as the soprano soloist). Perhaps you are participating in some way in a memorial event in your hometown today as well. If you are and want to let us know about it, please do so. 

Meanwhile, of course, we continue to watch the news unfold from the Gulf Coast. Carol Maier Matuschek writes from Germany that “the newscasting here has been an real eye opener, and everyone makes comments about the atrocities in New Orleans. I've received so many questions and comments about how such a thing could happen there.” Carol wonders what to tell those Germany who want to help but who want to makes sure their gifts get to those in need. Any advice?

If anyone is interested, there is a touching multi-faith virtual prayer service, “Despair, Compassion, and Hope,” available at www.beliefnet.com/katrinaprayer.html. I learned of the site through an Episcopal priest who has been a chaplain on the waterfront in NYC and has served several churches there, where she also worked at the WTC site in the aftermath of 9/11. Hers is one of the voices you can hear on the readings, which include Psalms, Hindu and Buddhist prayers, excerpts from the Qu’ran and the Gospels, a Litany for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina, and more.  

Reunion Preparation and Registration

Preparation for our reunion weekend continues. Larry Bernstein wants you to know that there’s been an update to the music section of the website (www.TJclassof1965.com) – and it’s not too late to make dedications.

The Reunion Committee will be meeting again this Tuesday the 13^th, so if there’s something you want us to know, be in touch right away.

And here’s what we’d like to know from you: that you’re coming! Kathy Mapp Waugaman (TX) writes: “I can’t believe there are only 56 people registered with just three weeks left to go!” Our response has been to reassure her that as we have talked to classmates across the country, we’ve heard from lots who plan to attend – but who simply haven’t yet sent in their registration yet. 

But we do agree with Kathy that we would like our list of registrants to be as long as possible WAY before the RSVP deadline! And so, if you know you are coming but haven’t yet registered, won’t you do so this week? (That would also help those who are involved in processing the registrations, too!)

Beginning with this issue, the newsletter will be emailed on Sundays, not Mondays, because the fall semester is upon us and I have returned to teaching (writing, VCU). Which is also why, if you email me something, you may not hear back from me right away!

But please do be in touch – both with your registration forms and with memories, news, or thoughts for the newsletter and/or The MONTICELLO forty65.

Thanks!

Angie

forty65@hotmail.com