The Lantern: June 2014

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Great Shares from Arthur Buonopane!

Hi Rose:

Thank you for the birthday wish. Guess we all know how old I am since everyone else is the same age.

I read Sal's email on the Sunday 70's bash. It sounded like a really super time. I was unable to attend. But if there is another one I am going to make it a priority to be there.

I hope that you are feeling better. Theses aches and pains sure have a way of catching up to us. Unfortunately, some of them are much worse than aches and pains.

Golf season is in full swing here after a truly miserable spring.

Sandra sends her very best.

Thanks again for the birthday wish.

Arthur

Friday, June 27, 2014

Great Send from Richard Cummings!

Really nice slide show and updated Lantern page, Rose. I thought I would drop a line (or two).

By the way, the last photo of you is simply great.

I might be in California the last part of September or early October to finish researching my third book — basically a follow up of my second book.

This book will look at the US in the 1960s/1970s in support of Radio Free Europe. I doubt if I will make it to Boston or Florida but if so, I will

let you know.

Thanks for liking my photographs in Facebook, too. Here are a few rose photos for your collection. Hope you like them.

Take care,

Rich

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Smilebox slideshow of the RHS 70th Birthday Celebration!

Slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Synopsis of the RHS Birthday Brunch by Sal Carmosino!

On Sunday, June 22, 2014, members of the Revere High School class of 1962 gathered at the Marina Restaurant at the Wharf in Revere for a luncheon to celebrate their 70th birthdays.

Most that were there had attained that milestone and some will reach that number at year's end. Lantern Editor, Rose (Franciosa) Sisti may be one of the youngest of the class, as her birthday is in January of 2015.

The event numbered some 60 people including some spouses which is second to a major reunion. The Marina at the Wharf is owned by members of Class President, John Henry's family and was a perfect location with ample free parking and on North Shore in Revere. Also, it afforded a nice view of the ocean and some boats.

The luncheon started on time at 11:00 am and the buffet selections were tremendous and more than any similar event that this writer has ever seen. There were at least 8-9 chafing dishes with entrees that ranged from vast breakfast choices of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, home fries, pancakes, French toast including wait staff that prepared omelets of choice.

The luncheon portion included, ravioli, fish, chicken, and roast beef cut to order by another member of the wait staff. Other choices were separate sections of various salads and a variety of vegetables. The desserts were beyond belief as there were long displays of pastries. However the cheesecake and Tiramisu was the best anywhere...and were endless.

It was wonderful to see old friends and classmates again since the last major reunion was in 2012, the 50th anniversary of the class. There was no lack of conversations as most topics were of grandchildren, vacation spots, and of course at this age, various health issues.

By 2:00 pm, classmates were still enjoying themselves and as in past gatherings, no one wanted to leave. It was wonderful to see some classmates that hadn't been seen since high school or in some cases in 20-30 years.

In the opinion of many people, these gatherings that have attracted good numbers is the result of the Lantern blog managed by Rose (Franciosa) Sisti and the fine work she has done in keeping the members informed about news and events. Also the blog enables classmates that live far way to be in touch with the class as well.

The common feeling was that these gatherings should be often and not have to wait every 5 years for major reunions. Many felt that this is a perfect location with great food, more than enough seating capacity and easy to find. Some suggested that perhaps this could be conducted every two years or even sooner. All that attended seemed to enjoy being together and in this case, there could no one that could fib about

their age!!

Meri Mastronardi afterwards thanked everyone for coming and read a beautiful poem that was read at past gatherings. It was a poem of gratitude, appreciation and a love of life. Some members had serious health issues and some didn't look their age at all. Those issues showed how much classmates enjoyed being there despite health difficulties.

Our thanks to John Henry, Diane Beatrice, Meri Mastronardi and others too numerous to mention that assembled this event. As one that has coordinated many reunions in the past for my own past company, American Airlines, there is much work involved in putting these events together.

Therefore, anyone that can assist the committee with future gatherings, will surely be welcomed. The only suggestion might be to have name tags or stickers so we won't have to ask who we are speaking with!!!

A beautiful day, great food and wonderful friends was the feeling of this luncheon by all who attended. Hopefully we can all gather and even attract more classmates to future events.

Rose (Franciosa) Sisti has created an album with pictures Paula Taylor provided her with to share with all of you from Smilebox. If you did not receive your Smilebox, please contact Rose, as she will be happy to assist you.

Please keep in mind that some people have unusual email addresses. Not everyone uses their name as their email address so, please leave your name including maiden name so it will be easy to identify you. rjsisti@aol.com.

Rose was very sad that she was unable to attend but said she will come up from Florida for another visit as soon as she is able and we can get together again for a luncheon!

Friday, June 13, 2014

Happy Father's Day!

A Dad is very special,
He's not just a Dad but a friend;
For he knows where there is a Difference,
When one should start and the other end.

A Dad knows when you need real guidance,
But if you need a pal for a while,
He's right there in each situation,
Not with just concern, but a smile.

Kids need someone like that,
To help them draw that line,
Between what is right and wrong.
Sometimes the difference is hard to define.

So I'd like to thank all the Dads for being there,
For helping us all the way.
And to all the Dads who stand by their kids,
God bless all of you this Father's Day.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Sal Carmosino's daughter got married at Disney!

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Asking for help can be suprisingly hard!

Asking for help can be surprisingly hard, even when it's only for some minor difficulty. Doing so is an admittance that you aren't perfect, which can lead to feelings of weakness or inadequacy. Many of life's stumbling blocks can't be tackled alone.

Whether you're looking for a little assistance with a minor situation or seeking treatment for a serious disease, asking for help is the first step towards positive progress.

While it sounds simple, it can truly be difficult to swallow your pride and accept that you can’t solve this problem on your own.

Most people may be surprised by the willingness of others to help you. I’ve been receiving surprise phone calls all week long! I’m truly blessed with the best friends in the world.

I know in my heart that you all want me to be in attendance for the 70^th birthday bash but it is financially and physically impossible at this time. I love all of you for offering your help with the airfare. I’m so touched that you care. Airfares for the month of June are ridiculously high.

To the special people and you all know who you are; who have extended your willingness to help me deserves my thanks. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I was reminded that asking for help is not a reason to feel weak, inadequate, or feeling stupid. Remember, seeking help when you need it is a sign of strength, not of weakness. It’s easy to deny you have a problem. It’s hard to put aside your pride in an effort to fix it. I think everyone feels bashful or embarrassed.

I was reminded that it’s not a big deal! No one’s perfect-everyone needs help at some point in time.

My pride is the cardinal sin when seeking help. When I ask for help, I have to admit that I can’t do something on my own. Yet, when I was young, I was able to raise two children all by myself without any financial help from their father. I had youth and energy on my side then. I got so tired of taking the father of my children to court for non-support (11 times) so I tackled it alone.

Everyone’s time is precious, the fact that they gave me some of theirs shows that they’re compassionate and care about me. I need to find my way back home! It’s complicated which steps to take first when you are alone. I’m searching for the right steps to take in order for me to get back where I belong. I’ve filled out applications to four low income senior housing facilities but they all have waiting lists and the last update was 5-7 years! Ouch!

So, if anyone has connections out there, I’d surely appreciate your help! I still would have to sell my condo here in Boca Raton. I get nervous of the process of how long it will take to sell and how long it will take to get me back home. If I sell too fast and too soon, a senior facility may be not available, then it would force me to pay a super high rent somewhere and that would not be good. I truly don’t know what to do first. Living with chronic pain is difficult enough right now and blurs my vision of the near future.

I currently have applications in: The Satter House, Admiral Hill, and the place in Saugus off of Rte one that the name escapes me right now. The concern I have with all of them as they all allow small pets and I’m high allergic to cats. Cat dander can travel from one apartment to another. Long haired dogs are not good for me either. So many dilemmas to think about and then I end up with a headache trying to come up with a solution.

Also, scaling down to 425 square feet apartment opposed to a two bedroom/two bath and 1200 square feet surely would be an adjustment. Parting with my prize possessions that there certainly would be no room for in such a small unit would hurt at first I guess. I have to focus on the most important thing is that I will be near my family and special dear friends.

I can’t afford to own a condo up north, as the prices are much higher than Florida. A few years ago, I fell in love with a condo in Swampscott near Vinnin Square called Crown Pointe. I had dreams of living there for years when I first had my condo up for sale about 6 years ago, then the stock market tumbled and people losing their jobs………….the timing was all wrong.

Things just get in the way sometimes but I still have my dreams.

Bless you!