Vicki Ray (Blitenthal) (1968)
Thank you Dawn, Sue and Ken for a fabulous reunion. I didn't think you could top the last one, but you did. There may have been less people, but quality is better than quantity sometimes.
It was a lot of fun to see a few teachers this time. I never had the pleasure of having Mr. Ruben for metal shop, but a few of my friends were lucky enough to take metal shop when girls usually didn't, because they needed to fill the class. He seems like a really nice guy, and to come all the way from San Diego was great. I did have Mr. Rattien for 7th and 8th grade science, and although not my best subject, he helped me pass it. He looks fabulous, he must have been just out of college when he taught us 42 years ago.
I was happy to reconnect with Claire Hammer, class of '61. She was my counselor at the Samuel Field Y and I had been wanting to find out about her. Thanks Claire's friend Tonni, for convincing her to go, and to Dawn for her detective work. It was wonderful seeing Nelia Seckel and Leta Lyons too, who are also Claire's friends from the class of '61. Nelia and Leta lived in the Westmoreland Gardens when I was a little girl, and Leta and Nelia's sister Laurie used to run an informal day camp. They all look wonderful.
I was glad to see Pam Krebs and her husband Herman. We had been in touch by phone, but it was wonderful seeing her in person. Same for Karen Eizenman. She looked the same and it was like we were back in JHS again. It was fun talking to Mark Drabkin, as we go back a long time. He too looks great. Life in CA keeps him young. I had been in touch with Marsha Asnes and convinced her to come. She had a great time too, and she too hasn't changed.
Although I have been in touch by email with Amy Scarola, Cindy Kleiman and Terre Tanenbaum, it still was fun spending time reminiscing in person. Some of the other people there from last time who I got to talk to were Robert Barnes, Bobby Sandler, Steve Sacks, Dennis Fisher, Susan Goldman and Arthur Greene. Great seeing you all again.
I know that Dawn, Sue and Ken have said this is the last reunion, but if they change their mind and unretire like Cher did, I will definitely go.
Vicki Ray Blitenthal '68
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