Vol 1…No. 24
Observer: Trust
Macky’s New York: Mott Street Memories
RHS Class of 1985 30th Reunion Video at Hohokus Inn
Ridgewood Arts Council: An Artist Talk
RHS 1972 Author: Judy Lynn Johnson, nee Van Sickle, Watching The Game
RHS 1979 Author: Paul Rosengren, In the Time of Covid: One Hospital's Struggles and Triumphs
RHS 1977 Author: Claire Eddins, nee Talbot, One Foot In The Grove
Ridgewood HS Wind Ensemble - "Hands Across the Sea"
RHS Alumni Association Honoring Jim Stroker, RHS 1970
Observer
As I completed my paperwork today to receive the Pfizer vaccine next Friday on Long Island, it occurred to me the tremendous amount of trust I had bestowed upon a system which was as shambolic a mess only a few months before. As far as software systems go this was an American tragedy. I understand the delays with creating a vaccine. My deepest admiration is reserved for those who worked long and hard to create the vaccine and share the results with colleagues from other companies. Bravo!
I also understand the delays in distribution of the vaccine caused by bad weather. Nobody was to blame.
I do have a question, as an experienced software engineer, for the people who created and authorized the software system for administering the vaccine:
Why did we have so many different software systems for signing up and for keeping track of the shots?
In my mind no good excuse can be made for this lack of foresight and planning. We were working on a vaccine and at the same time gave no thought to how best to innoculate people. What a sad shame. The United States is renowned for its software and the ingenuity inherent in it.
I remain hopeful we will inoculate people faster than the virus can spread. It will be close.
The lesson to be learned here is that we all are going to have to learn how to trust people. Remember how easy it was while growing up in idyllic surroundings like Ridgewood. Take these pleasant memories and apply them to the very uncomfortable situation the current pandemic has left us all living in. Rich or poor, this an excellent moment for us all to try some new approaches to building stronger, more inclusive communities. We owe it to our families and friends. This is common sense but I’ll gladly say it again: Trust is the basis for all your friendships and when that trust is lost you have to work extra hard to regain the friendship. Peace.
Macky’s New York
March 22, 2021 - Chinatown
Mott Street Memories.
There are certain streets that drip with history and for some reason every time I walk down Mott street I feel as though I am walking through sheets of colorful memories of people past and present - it's a strange but wonderful sensation.
Shot into outdoor restaurant on Mott street just south of Bayard looking south.
Time 12:15pm
#mackysnewyork
RHS Class of 1985 30th Reunion Video at Hohokus Inn
According to Matthew Cortellesi:
Well...tonight we had a few plans to top our great 30th reunion 5 years ago including remaking a video like this and a flash mob dance thingy at midnight just to name a few of the crazy antics - see you all in a year - I promise you a party like Ridgewood has never seen in 2021 - arrests likely - stay loco my friends.
April 19 2021 8PM
RSVP to RidgewoodArtsCouncilEvents@gmail.com
With Opening Day for the Baseball season fast approaching and our activities still curtailed by Covid, some book suggestions penned by RHS alumni seems in order.
Watching The Game by Judy Lynn Johnson nee Van Sickle, RHS Class of 1972
Paul Rosengren, RHS 1979 and Adam Jarrett
In the Time of Covid: One Hospital's Struggles and Triumphs
Claire Eddins nee Talbot RHS 1977. She writes under the nom de plume of Kelly Lane.
One Foot In The Grove
Jeff Yearling, RHS 1967
Jeff Haas is an outstanding, dedicated, music educator at Ridgewood High School in NJ. The performance of his wind ensemble playing John Phillip Sousa's Hands Across The Sea " is next to none. Well done Jeff and kudos to all of these talented young musicians. You and your students do all of us Maroon alumni proud carrying on the school's "Tradition Of Excellence."
I can’t say enough about the inspiration Jim Stroker provides each and everyday. Thankfully the RHS Alumni Association put together this video and said it much better than I ever could.