22 December 2007 6:04 pm
Merry Christmas!
So, most of the Christmas cards went in the mail today. I was a bit ambitious this year and actually put "Merry Christmas" on the cards with the hope that they would be in people's mailboxes before Christmas. Perhaps some will get to where they are going by Monday. Some will definitely not. The couple that need to be sent internationally will definitely not get there in time for Christmas, and perhaps not for New Years, since they are still waiting to be addressed. Oh well. Next year, I may just have the cards say "Belated Merry Christmas" and accept reality.
For those who are wondering how we managed to get the kids to both smile at the same time, I'll share my secret: Photoshop (Thanks, Pete!). One picture is real, and one is a compilation. Now that you know the secret, let's see if you can spot the tell-tale signs of manipulation.
For those who didn't make it onto the Christmas card list this year, let me know that you're out there in cyberspace, and we'll share with you the yearly update also. Now, if you're someone who we see regularly, don't expect a card in your mailbox. One thing that I learned from my mother is that sending cards to only those who you don't have a chance to share a greeting in person significantly reduces the number of cards to send.
So, the Christmas cards are slowly filling our mailbox. It is wonderful to hear how everyone is doing, and also to see the beautiful pictures of our friends' children. This year, it also motivated me to write this post. Merry Christmas, Mickey and Bob! Hope that Jen managed to get you to view the website.
Happy New Year to Everyone!
19 April 2005 8:15 pm
In Memory of Josh Widick
Last week, we learned of the death of a good friend of ours, Josh Widick. I fondly recall many moments, particularly of my final semester of college, that involved Josh. As we all grieve, we can be comforted by the thought that Josh lived life to the fullest and followed his dreams in a way that most are afraid to do.
- Josh's Broadway Dance Center Faculty Bio
- Josh's Obituary on Hummel Funeral Homes site
- The alumni page of the Delta Alpha chapter of Sigma Nu, which contains a link to donate to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in memory of Josh.
27 December 2004 2:39 pm
Ten-Year Reunion
Two years ago, I attended my ten-year high school reunion and took a handful of pictures. I figured it was about time to share them; here are some photos . We had a great evening that started at Santangelo's Restaurant. What was anticipated to be a gathering of a dozen or so turned into a crowd of 70 or more people. We'll see what is planned, and by whom, for the 15-year reunion in 2007!
In 1992, I graduated from Cicero-North Syracuse High School; located in Cicero, New York; part of the North Syracuse Central School System. We had a graduating class of 451 people, according to the local paper. So, a turnout that of 70, which included significant others, is still a small fraction of the total. The first official count I knew for our class was 579 in the fall of sophomore year. We saw small decreases to 568 in the fall of junior year and to 560 in the fall of senior year. And then, a drop of more than a hundred occurred! I don't think it could be a typo (e.g. 541) because less than 500 names were listed in the graduation program.
It was surprising at our reunion in 2002 to learn that people had not heard about the event until the day before. We advertised in the local newspapers, sent out emails, encouraged people to bug their friends, and even tried to contact some people directly. Our class website cnsclassof1992.com, is now defunct. But a couple of tools still exist for future communications: Wendy Meyer's Page and Classmates.com .
Leading up to our reunion in 2002, a number of different plans were tried. It started as a summer picnic, changed to a Friday night event at the Hotel Syracuse, then to a Saturday night event at the Everson Museum, and finally occurred as a show-up-if-you-want-and-pay-out-of-your-own-pocket event at Santangelo's Restaurant.
I certainly enjoyed getting a chance to see some folks I hadn't seen in years and meeting some classmates that I didn't remember every having met before. I didn't know who Trevor was until he identified himself as the guy who had the mohawk in high school. And quite a mohawk it was (then not now)! I didn't know him in high school, but I knew of him.
A 15-year reunion for the CNS Class of 1992 is not too far from now. Anyone want to take bets on whether it will happen? As the date approaches, drop me an email and I'll let you know if I hear anything about the plans.
