Posted by
Benita Lovett-Rivera
on
03/04/03 - 05:04:21
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(Freezing) NYC Greetings to everyone! Please tell those who had a part in putting together this web site and message board how well received it is! It's a joy to recall wonderful summer memories of long ago, and searching for alumni names that make me go back in time with a knowing smile. Back in the day, when I worked in Sharparoon and Teen Valley (summers of 73-76), Rev. Dick Pease and Cynthia ? were the camp directors. Started out as a counselor in Teen Valley, then moved to the little girls' unit at Sharparoon. The following summer, I was a Unit Head for the oldest girls. (Dag- I can't remember the unit names!) Finally, in '76, I headed up Arts & Crafts and had a crazy time with those @#$%&* bats!!. Some people knew this, others didn't - Got permission from City Mission to hold my wedding on the hill overlooking the lake once the kids and staff had departed at the end of the summer in 1976. Husband Ron had worked on the other side of the lake at Metropolitan Baptist Camp where we met in '72). Had a 3-day honeymoon on Sharparoon's camp grounds with a ton of friends and family, and we all stayed in the Infirmary or in the rooms over the main Lodge until we returned home to San Diego. It was wild! Needless to say, Sharparoon was/is a very special place for me. Besides having a beautiful wedding album of what my kids call "hippie-type" photos, I've got incredible mental snapshots of the Piney Woods, paths to Green Acres, Iroquois Unit, the Kwonsit Hut, Teen Valley, the Furnace, incredible slate rocks and that big bell outside of the Dining Hall, forever planted in my mind. As a counselor, I remember taking my girls to climb a tall platform somewhere near Green Acres and sitting up there, looking out at the greenery, reading poetry to them. Sometimes we would sit for an hour on the ground in the cool of the Piney Woods just being mellow, telling stories or talking about the wonders of nature...in recognition of how fortunate we felt to be away from the hot streets of the city. Great memories came with great campers and an excellent staff that hailed from all over the U.S. It's been so long that I can't remember them all, but some of my best times were spent with these folks: Terry Jenoure (from Green Acres. Think of you often. Regards to your family. Next time you're in NYC, please get in touch.) Kristy Lowe (Been SEARCHING for this sister. Last heard from in the 80's when she moved to Maryland, but owe her an apology for ever losing contact), Karen Pryor (have run into her and her son in NYC every now and then. It's always great to see her! Same deep voice and crazy way of being. Got her phone number here some where...), Suki ? (What-up, Suki?) Vinny Jenoure (my best to you sweetie, hope you are well) Ditto for the Arrington Brothers (James and Dana) Warren ? (a brainey brother who I thank for introducing me to Bob Marley!) Scott Ellis (ran into him mid 80's- on Staten Island? Seem to recall that he worked for a bottled water company....Smart brother, musta' known we'd soon all be drinking the stuff!) Stephanie (Nazalima? Sorry about the spelling. A spirited, beautiful sister I ran into in a Chinese Restaurant in Brooklyn about 7 years ago and would like to reconnect with...) The 2 Yvonne's: Washington and Matthews. Shelly Rice (have been getting great info emails from her recently...) Frenchie Smith (My man LIVES for the woods - and has moved his family to the Poconos! Been close since we were 16 and worked together at Camp Madison Felicia- from Chelsea's Hudson Guild. Have to tell French to check out this message board.) Saw Susan on the subway at 86th Street and her brother Michael (Brathwaithe?) in a club some years ago, too.... Early senilety takes hold and I've forgotten too many other names, yet still see their faces and hear our shared, youthful laughter. Please count me in to help with a reunion. Peace and blessings to all that made such strong and joyful memories for many of us in Dover Plains. - Benita |
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