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This is Page 8 of The Camp Shoshana Guestbook!We're No Longer Taking New Messages - But Read What's Already Here! From:Steve Kolodny - sgkolodny@aol.com Steve Kolodny writes: This starts page #8 of the guestbook. It's reunion week! It's hard to believe this all started one year ago. ---Steve
From:Sue Rachlin - Susanrachlin@aol.com Sue Rachlin writes: Thanks for contacting us, Hal. Yes, I remember Sue's Garden...it was suggested by my mother, Grandma Woods. I remember having the campers weed and hoe and help pick veggies. My mother took my kids...Ellen and Andrew to pick string beans that she cooked for dinner. I also recall one summer when we had a storm and I ran out to tie the corn stalks to broomsticks so that the corn would not fall down and rot. We didn't have the garden too many summers...too much work. Hal, come on down to the reunion. Artie will be there and Marvin Wurtzelman, too. And who knows what surprises will pop in. Can't wait!! Everyone: don't forget to bring your own cameras for personal pictures...digital and other kinds.
From:Steve Kolodny - sgkolodny@aol.com Steve Kolodny writes: Remember "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown"? Ira Presser gave me some footage he had shot at camp that includes parts of the 1976 performance. Want to see it? CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO. It's formatted as RealVideo so you will need the RealPlayer to see it.
From:Steve Kolodny - sgkolodny@aol.com Steve Kolodny writes: I spoke with Eileen Kreisle (Carmel Park) just moments ago -- she might join us on Saturday. I added her e-mail address to the contact page. ---Steve
From:Ellen Bochner - Elgebo@aol.com Ellen Bochner writes: What a day, huh? This was fabulous . . .it was GREAT seeing everyone, and really great to see that nice kids turn into nice adults. And wacky kids turn into wacky adults :):):) Thanks again to Ira and Steve and their crew for setting everything up. And Sue . . . look at how you touched all our lives then and through all the years. Thank you and love to you Sue.
From:Ira Presser - Ira818@aol.com Ira Presser writes: Well the reunion has come and gone. Both Janet and myself had a wonderful time. Seeing so many of our old friends brought back some fond memories. It was great seeing all of you just sitting around talking and laughing about those wonderful and fun filled days. Thanks again to everyone on the committee, Steve, Jyll, Ellen, Edwin, Karen, Lisa and or course Sue. You guys helped make this a total success. Sometimes I associate songs to my feeling about things. The group Styxx wrote a song in the late 70's and there is a verse that I think is very fitting this day.It goes like this. Our memories of yesterday will last a lifetime. We'll take the best, forget the rest, and someday we'll find, that these were the best of times. Thanks to all of you for making this day happen. Sue. This was done for you and Harry. To all of us, you two were like our second parents. Thank you for you love and caring. Love, Janet and Ira
From:Steve Kolodny - sgkolodny@aol.com Steve Kolodny writes: The Camp Shoshana Magic is back! It was great seeing so many of you that I knew back then and meeting so many of you legendary campers and staff for the first time! I'll start putting up photos from the reunion on the site as soon as you all start sending them in. Please scan and send to campshoshana@aol.com. Did we not take a big group photo? OOOOPS. Looks like we'll have to gather again next year and do it all over again. Looking forward -- Steve.
From:JYLL - JYLLK@POWERLIST.COM JYLL writes: WOW!!!! I just got home after spending one of the most memorable days (actually day and 1/2) of my life!!!! Seeing all of you (and you all look fabulous) was just awesome. Spending the day (and evening, and wee hours of the morning), remembering those wonderful days of summer and catching up with everyone was a real thrill. Ira, Janet, Steve, Sue, Ellen, Karen, Wayne, Sue and everyone who made the day possible, WE DID IT!!!!! I can't wait to see the pictures and the video. Now that we've all managed to get in touch, lets not lose touch again!! Love to all!
From:jyll - Jyllk@powerlist.com jyll writes: PS - If anyone wants a copy of the cd with all of the group photos from 1954-1979, please email me. I'll make them as they are requested!
From:WAYNE S BELFER - WSBELFER@YAHOOO.COM WAYNE S BELFER writes: Hello everyone again, boy this past Saturday was a great day. First I'd like to thank all the people who worked many hours to pull this off, Steve, Ira, Janet, Ellen, et. al. and of course who could forget Roni. Most of all I would like to thank Sue and Harry for making it possible for so many people to get together 30 years later and act like it was just another day at Camp Shoshana. Sue I just hope when I come to my later years and I am sitting back and reflecting on what I did with my life and did I make a difference I can be as proud of myself as you and Harry should be of you. You made a big difference in so many lives. I know I am not the only one that feels this way but I would like to say thank you for everyone. Seeing everyone was great you are all the same and you are all like I remember you fun, loving and caring. Freddy- like I told you buddy, best friends never stop being best friends. Roni - you are great don't lose your energy, your life might be a struggle but your heart and soul is bigger then anyone I know. To my brother Glenn- I love you I know andrea was there too enjoying the fun. Brucey- great seeing you, we missed your brother. Stacy, Nadine, and Mindy - I love you all, we were some group of friends weren't we back then? Jyll - thanks for the camera and you are up to number 2. Susan and Janie - thanks for bringing back the memories of Paradise Park, and all the campers that lived there. The Grabers Andy and Evan - you guys were great then and you are still now. Artie A. - what can I say? You are a legend. To the twins Elaine and Ellen - I love you guys and thank you for being in my life one more time. To Ellen R. - you are still the one that lights up a Camp Shoshana sunny day like you did every day in camp. Well as I sit here closing, my emotions have come over me, as tears roll down my cheek missing all of you already, I am not surprise what a great day it was and one of the best in my life (and I have had many), but I shouldn't be surprised because every day at Camp Shoshana was the best days of my life. Keep in touch and lets do it again love you all Wayne
From:Fred Jaffe - JaffeFregorjaf@aol.com Fred Jaffe writes: After reading Wayne's entry, just above, there's really nothing more that I can add - he pretty much summed up my feelings as well. As an echo of many of the entries that have been posted so far about the reunion, I'll just enter in here a brief excerpt from a fairly lengthy E-mail that I just sent to Nan Salomon hoping that we've located the correct Nan Salomon and that she'll be able to locate Steve Salomon for us, as well: The best way to describe it is that it was extraordinary how it seemed as if not a beat had been skipped in the 30 or so years that has passed. It felt like we all practically just picked up where we had left off, all those years ago. It was also amazing how so many of us looks almost exactly the same as we did back then. Even regarding those whose appearances have significantly changed, and who would be at first glance unrecognizable if passed on the street, I found it to be the case that almost immediately after beginning a conversation with that person, one would begin to see the child and campmate in each face, and it became as if we were kids again, talking to each other back at camp.
From:Karen Weissman - karenweissman@verizon.net Karen Weissman writes: It was a great day--really special. Thanks to all for bringing it together. I looked through Jyll's slide show the next day, it's awesome! Like the ultimate Shoshana yearbook. I'm sure it was a lot of work scanning all those pictures--thanks Jyll!
From:Susan Kalish Snyder - Sexisu522@aol.com Susan Kalish Snyder writes: First of all, I want to thank the planning committee for all the time they spent in planning this once in a lifetime event. You were all great. (I don't have to name each and every one of you, cuz you know who you are). It was really great seeing everyone after all these years. It's like we picked right up, and never had a years gap between time. There were many good memories spent at Camp Shoshana. You look back at some of the things we did. You think, many were funny! Sue and Harry, you did it all. Everyone of us still goods the same. I recognized everyone, except Little Brucie Richland. (as we all called him) He's not so little anymore, but, still cute as ever. Was really nice seeing you. Too bad Harold couldn't come. It would be real nice if we could do something like this once a year. With everyones help, I'm sure it can come off.
From:Roni - ronihead@yahoo.com Roni writes: Yes Glen and I made it home just a few mishaps along the way. glen drove from jersey to the end of Maryland I took the wheel and the rest is history. We stopped soon after b/c glen was starting to have an anxiety attack. because i have anxiety and panic disorder i could help him, so i gve him xanax anti anxiety pills and he finally fell asleep so I kept driving , soon we stopped for gas and that is when the choc milk spilt on my car hood and in my car lukily i took towels from the hotel to clean it up plus glen had a wet clean towel on his head he was sweating so with the air conditioning, then i drove to georgia and could not see anymore and ppulled off the side of the road for glen to drive though he was so groggy from the meds he never made it out of the rest area he fell asleep right away and an hour later i woke up in the same spot and glen was sleeping, we never left the spot i stopped at so i start driving again, we were in georgia when i couldn't see anymore and i pulled off the hwy to ask glen to drive but he was snoring so i went to sleep too, i had too, then he woke up and asked why we were parked in a lowes parking lot and still in georgia, it was too funny, so he said he could drive. 5 minutes later i'm sleeping and I hear a boom and glen hit a cone in the road b/c he was sleeping, not good :) so after we took the cone off the hood of my car I said i will drive. then i got a flat tire meanwhile glen is sleepng like with his heas=d down when you nod off on the train with a ciggarrette in his mouth not lit. we changed the tire and my sonwoke up andwe were still in georgia, too funny, then on a donut tire we rode home and of course the smell of sour milk was becoming an issue :) we thought we would be home noon but got home 6pm with stopping in georgia at every rest area, WE COULD NOT GET OUT OF GEORGIA finally we were home and as i'm doing laundry from the sour towels i fell asleep from shear exhaustion. it was all good but next time i think we will fly :) thanks Wayne for writing the most beautiful words that describe all my feelings too. the most you talked (wrote) in all the years I've known you. Sue thank you for adding wonders of miracles to my life with Harry, I will never forget camp and all of us who helped make it happen. I wrote a few other things and got booted og=ff the computer and now it is late and I have to crash but wanted to tell you guys how funny our trip back was, we would do it all over again just to be part of camp for a day, it's all good, I will keep in touch with you all i have the energy and the desire. I got 4 rolls of film too to send around and jyll I want a cd for sure. anyone who comes to Florida has a place to stay and I hope to see everyone soon here or there. miss you all already Roni
From:Bruce Gafter - travelin_bg@hotmail.com Bruce Gafter writes: Roni - Take a breath! I'm tired just reading your email. Where do you do the stand up routine? I'm glad you and the troops made it back to Florida in one piece. The reunion was a BLAST, and seeing all the faces from the past took me back, too and filled me with happy memories. To all that made this a special event (and you know who you are), I thank you.
From:Steve Kolodny - sgkolodny@aol.com Steve Kolodny writes: Gee - our ride home was rather mundane compared to Roni's but we shared some things with hers. My kids fell asleep (luckily they weren't driving) and we hit something too (traffic). Next time I'll put my wife and kids in a safe place and travel with Roni. Heck -- I can sell tickets to that kind of ride! ---Steve
From:jyll - jyllk@powerlist.com jyll writes: Roni, I knew your trip back with Glenn would be interesting, but not hazardous! I'm glad you made it back in one piece - next time fly! It was great seeing you all and getting the chance to hang out and catch up. We will definately have to do it again Keep in touch - that goes for everyone reading this - let's not have another 20+ years pass us by!
From:Janie Kasner Garnick - jegarnick@aol.com Janie Kasner Garnick writes: Roni, you lost me after Glen fell asleep! I had a wonderful time on Saturday and I'm so glad I was there to share in this once in a lifetime thing. It was so great to see everybody and renew old friendships and get to know people again after so many years. Thank you Steve, Ira, Jyll, Ellen, Sue (who looks the same she did back in 1972, my last year at camp.}It was a pleasure to meet you all again, it was a very comfortable feeling, I will remember it always! It was so much fun talking to Nadine, Stacey, Mindy, Wayne, Glen, Bruce,Evan, Debbie (my CIT) Elaine, Ellen, Arthur, Roni, I hope i haven't left anybody out. It is very nice to get together as adults, much different than interacting as kids, which is how i remember most of you. Thanks again to everyone, I had a blast! Janie
From:Janie Kasner Garnick - jegarnick@aol.com Janie Kasner Garnick writes: I left out Fred, how could I forget you, it was wonderful to see you after all these years! Thanks again to everyone who organized the reunion and allowed us to have such a wonderful day! I'm so glad I was there! Janie
From:Sue Rachlin - Susanrachlin@aol.com Sue Rachlin writes: DEAR FRIENDS,campers and counselors: August 10, 2002 will live in my memory 'til the end of my time on this beautiful earth. Those of you who participated in the reunion bestowed upon me and Harry z"l an honor that few people achieve in their lives. No medals were pinned, no flowers were presented, no material awards were given. Only love and affection, hugs and kisses, smiles and tears, joy and some sadness for those whose lives were snuffed out at too young an age. We remember Judy Kushner, Andrea Belfer, Jeffrey Aufhauser and Caryn Heyman and, if there were others about whom we were not notified, we pray for their souls. They, like all of you, were our children, borrowed from parents for several weeks during various summers to play with, to teach, to inform, to watch grow physically, emotionally, spiritually and then return to their parents and families. WHEN I LOOKED at your faces during the day's activities, I saw you as you were way back then and not as you were that day. I recognized nearly everyone at first glance; with several others it took a few minutes. My how you all grew up (and some of you grew out a bit, too!) There is a proven saying that the way you are at the age of seven is the way you will be at seventy; that refers to personality and character. True? You bet. Just think about Ira Presser (no change whatsoever), Fran Wincott (same dimples), Stacey Halio (still outgoing) and then there was Roni Goodman (no comment necessary...she DID manage, however, to get out of Georgia!) THE AGE RANGE of those attending spanned twenty years. The oldest, Bradley Bleefeld, has recently become a grandfather. He told me some years ago that Harry and I helped direct him toward becoming a reform rabbi. Glenn Belfer and Evan Graber, both of whom starred in camp theatrical productions, continued on into that world. Others referred to the values we attempted to inculcate into all our kids as the basis for the way they conducted their lives. And all of you remembered the programs, the songs, the activities, the trips and hikes, the sleepovers and sleep-ins, the swimming, the crafts, the cookouts, parent/camper day, color war, camp pictures (Joe Slayton), oneg shabbat, Bear Mt. square dancing, bowling, horseback riding, guitar and recorder lessons, rainy day activities, knock hockey and mud hockey...ad infinitum! IF EVER AGAIN I doubt what I did with my life, I have only to recall this reunion and recall the wonderful things you said to me and have written on the guestbook page. You validated this part of my life for which I thank you, each and every one of you. I regret that so many were unable to be with us at the reunion but hope that they will at least stay in touch and perhaps we can organize mini regional get togethers. I CANNOT COMPLETE this message without thanking those wonderful people who had a dream and persisted in making it come true. Steve Kolodny, Ira Presser, Janet Presser, Jyll Sternstein, Edwin Levy, Marc Newman, Lisa Weinstock, Karen Weissman and my two kids, Ellen and Andrew. (If I left anyone out, blame it on early dementia and I will pray for forgiveness during the high holidays!) WITH THE HIGH HOLIDAYS coming soon, I send to everyone on the contact page and your families my warmest, heartfelt wishes for a year of good health, joy and success in all of your undertakings. WITH LOVE, SUE
From:Sue Rachlin - Susanrachlin@aol.com Sue Rachlin writes: I KNEW the moment I sent my message I would remember the name of someone I omitted that was so helpful in getting the hotel for us....THANK YOU, WAYNE BELFER. We're No Longer Taking New Messages - But Read What's Already Here! |