Camp Chic-a-Lac

Phil Schaap

2011-08-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

In 1961 and 1962, I had a camper at Chic-a-Lac named Phil Schaap. When I tell this story about Phil, many people remember that he was related to Dick Schaap, probably the most famous sports writer and personality in the New York area at the time. I always wondered what became of Phil, but it wasn't until a half-century later that I had my answer. Phil is one of the foremost jazz historians in the country, and there is no better expert on the life and music of Charlie “Bird” Parker then he is. For 30 years, he has produced and hosted a daily morning show on WKCR, the radio station of Columbia University, entitled "Bird Flight", devoted mainly to the music of Charlie Parker. He is also the Curator of Jazz at Lincoln Center. There is an article on Phil on Wikipedia, which gives his biography, and lists all his accomplishments as a jazz archivist, record producer, educator, author, and critic. You can read the Wikipedia article by clicking here. Make sure you click on all of the “External links" listed at the bottom of the page.
Being a recent born again music nut, I began listening regularly to Phil's radio show on the way into work, and was delighted to hear that he occasionally hosts a drop-in all day and evening open house in the atrium at Jazz at Lincoln Center in the Time-Warner Building, where jazz aficionados can and do hang out with Phil and his well known musician guests, and talk jazz. A while back, I did just that – I dropped in and joined about 40 or 50 other people, all of whom knew much more about jazz than I did. While I was there, Lou Donaldson, who played saxophone with legends such as Milt Jackson, Thelonious Monk, and Clifford Brown, and was a member of the Art Blakey Quintet, and Delfeayo Marsalis, who besides being a member of the incredible Marsalis family of jazz musicians, is a gifted trombonist and producer of acoustic jazz recordings, dropped by. It was wonderful to hear them swap stories with Phil and many of the old timers in the group. During one of the few lulls in the evening, I sidled up to Phil and told him that I was there for two reasons: the first, because I love hearing him talk about jazz, and the second because I was his counselor at Camp Chic-a-Lac 50 years ago. It was great seeing his reaction and spending some time with him.
Of course I took some photos for the blog and am finally getting around to posting them. Then make sure you play the JALC video.
[click on any photo to enlarge]

The informal jazz drop-in	Phil autographing his latest book
With Lou Donaldson	With Delfeayo Marsalis

Mini-Reunion - Saturday Night at GEM-Cuisines of China

2011-06-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

We're looking forward to out mini-reunion this Saturday, and hoping you will be there to join us If you haven't yet confirmed that you're coming, please email or call Carol or me as soon as possible.

Last week I wrote describing the restaurant which quietly open 4 weeks ago, and was created and is operated by Paul Chou, who owned the critically acclaimed and wildly popular Hunan Village at the same location for more than 33 years. Please take a look at some of the early customer reviews on Yelp by clicking here.

The menu includes rack of lamb, filet mignon, salmon, Chilean sea bass, tingling peppercorn chicken, braised lamb shank, 5 creative vegetarian dishes, as well as salads and soups. Dishes are served Continental style, as opposed to the usual family style ,and you won't believe the chopsticks -- or William the bartender. So come for the food, as well as the friendships and memories, but please leave the chopsticks.

So here are the details:

When: Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 7:15 PM.

Where: GEM - Cuisines of China

                  1828 Central Park Avenue
                  Yonkers, New York 10710
                914.361.1500.
Map:          Click here for map
Cuisine: Upscale fine Chinese
Dress:        Please
Hope to see you on Saturday!

Love,
Carol and Bob

OMG! Chic-a-Dee! For Sale?

2010-08-17T15:28:00.000-07:00

Yours, for just $179,900

Check out the complete listing and more photos here.

Corinne recognizes Cherokee and Chicsville in the background of the other photos. Maybe we can get a package discount, and can all become kids again!
(I think I'm going to cry...)

MORT, AS I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM

2010-08-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

This picture captures so much of the joy Morty obviously got from reuniting with everyone from camp, and how much of that joy he was able to impart to us. That joy, that laughter, that warmth, was infectious and will remain with us always.

MORTY

2010-07-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Of the many wonderful things that came out of that magical 2005 reunion, reuniting with Morty, and for 5 years being able to laugh with him, reminisce with him, hug him, kiss him on top of that head, and just to be with him, was one of the very best, even if it means that I cry today. But the memories of all that laughter, and all that warmth, at camp nearly a half century ago and over the past 5 years, will make all of us wipe away the tears and laugh again. With Morty, you just won't be able to help yourself.
[click on the photos to enlarge]

And less than 3 weeks ago, when we laughed together for the last time

And damn it Morty - I don't care what you do. I was the Waterfront Director in 1963.

Love,
Bob

----------------------------

You may, if you'd like, share your thoughts of Morty by clicking on "COMMENTS" below. They will go to Betty, Rebecca and Sarah.

THEY HAD CAMERAS THEN? MORTY'S LONG, LOST SLIDES

2010-07-21T16:57:00.000-07:00

On July 11, "The Committee" met in Deedle's meticulously kept and always spotless dining room, to plan for the next reunion based in large part on the responses (23) to the Reunion Survey. Morty looks and sounds great as you can see in this candid, unposed, and casual photo taken lovingly by Betty Steuer. [click on the photos to enlarge]
Morty brought with him a moldy box of slides. Unfortunately, they were not dated. But we had them scanned, and they now reside in a Picasa web album. To see the slide show, click on the ungapotchke "View Morty's Album" button under the sample photo, and you should be taken to album page. (Don't know if you'll have to first sign in with your google account). The click on "slideshow". Hint - if you click on the F11 key, you'll see all the photos in full screen. Please, please help identify everybody (and dating the shots) by clicking on the word "comments(s) " at the end of this post. And keep watching your e-mail and this page for more details about the reunion.
Enjoy!

LOS ANGELES MICRO REUNION!

2010-03-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday evening, March 13, Gary and Rhonda Nestle came up from Orange County to join my brother and sister-in-law, Les and Judy, and me at Charlie O's in Valley Glen, in the San Fernando Valley. Charlie O's has been voted by Downbeat Magazine as one of 100 best jazz clubs in the world three years in a row, and that night it certainly lived up to its reputation. It attracts the best jazz musicians in the area. We were lucky enough to see, hear and enjoy Chuck Manning, an incredibly talented saxophonist, playing with the John Heard Trio, with Andy Langham on piano, Roy McCurdy on drums, and John Heard, who has played with every famous jazz musician in the world, on bass. For years, Gary has been playing drums professionally, and his enthusiasm for the music and the quality of the musicians was contagious. The New Castle Brown Ale wasn't bad, either. It was just a great evening. I kept shaking my head at the thought of what I would have said if someone had told me during my last summer at Chic-a-Lac that in 47 years I'd be sitting in a jazz club outside Los Angeles enjoying great music and having beers with one my campers and his wife. Mind boggling.

[Hint: click on the highlighted links above for more information and to hear samples of some great jazz!]

[click on either photo to enlarge]

Les, Judy, Rhonda, Gary, and me

Andy Langham, piano, Chuck Manning, saxophone,
John Heard, bass, Roy McCurdy, drums

So, if you live in the L.A. area, or are just visiting, and want to hear some classy, live jazz, head over to Charlie O's -- you'll enjoy every note. And check out the Charlie O's site for some great jazz links.

INNER SECRETS OF THE CHIC-A-LAC JUNTA REVEALED!!

2010-01-18T16:15:00.000-08:00

December 6, 2009. Somewhere in New Rochelle, New York.
[click on any photo to enlarge]

Is anyone listening to me?	I move we adjourn to eat the cookies.
Is that thing on?	I got it! We'll play "Spin The Chicken"!
Quick-someone say something funny!	That's better.

CRYING FOWL!!

2009-12-21T15:00:00.000-08:00

[Hint: click on the highlighted links to learn more]

Who of us who attended the July, 2008 Reunion can ever forget Uncle Mortie's exhibition of his priceless Chicken Memorabilia Collectibles, so artfully arranged on the Tchotchke Table, purchased over the past 45 years during his exhaustive hunt at every 99 Cent Only Store in SouthWestern Connecticut and which he so selflessly donated as door prizes (and for which he took a healthy charitable deduction). Each piece was rated at least an 8.5 (out of 100) on the highly respected Chicken Crap Spectator Scale. Only one clandestine photograph of this priceless collection--taken at great risk to the photographer--exists:
[click on photo to enlarge] Alas, all but one of these magnificent pieces have gradually disappeared. Some drowned -- or were drowned -- in the bathtub, their little duckling squeaker giving one last lifeless, pathetic, gurgling little quack. Some were simply tossed into the garbage by boorish, unappreciative, uncultured spouses, muttering "Where did you get such DRECK?!" And some, sadly enough, were confiscated by the EPA for containing so much lead paint that they could have been used as a hencil, uh, pencil. Recently, the last remaining bird, which was last seen hidden in the shadows at the back of the Reunion Tchotchke Table, hoping against hope that he would not suffer the indignity of being chosen as a door prize, was discovered squawking frightfully and running for his life from a hallaf-wielding maniacal shochet at a glatt kosher slaughterhouse near Liberty, New York. After a bath, a pedicure, a combing and a nine piece meal at the Colonel's, Mortie's, uh, rooster once again stands tall, thick, proud, firm, and smooth in the safety of his new home, an alabaster-colored specimen of Herculean proportions, with a proud, erect head, never again having to fear falling into the wrong - or right - hand.

[click on photo to enlarge Mortie's Rooster]

MORTIE'S BIRD ON HIS NEW ROOST

ON THE NEVER ENDING TRAIL OF GEOFF OUTLAW

2009-01-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

Geoff was one of the corral counselors in 1963 (the other was Rusty-anyone remember Rusty's last name?)

[click on any photo to enlarge]

Sometime in 1968 or so, Neil went to see Arlo Guthrie's Alice's Restaurant and recognized Geoff as the actor who played Arlo's sidekick, Roger. It turns out that Geoff and Arlo were friends since their early days in Brooklyn, and later attended the Stockbridge School together, where they formed a band.

Steve Elliot, Geoff, Jeff Boverman, and Arlo (dig Arlo!!) performing at the Stockbridge School gym in 1963

Anyway, in my attempt to find Geoff, I came across some great photos of him over the years, and some great multimedia-type stuff which I thought would be fun to share with you. By the way, I heard from Niles Fuller, who took the 2004 photo of Geoff, that as far as he knew Geoff was still living in Austin.

Geoff as "Roger" in the Stockbridge
jail with Arlo,
from Alice's Restaurant, 1968

Arlo and Geoff, Austin, Texas, 1988

On the 40th anniversary of his "Alice's Restaurant Massacree", Arlo tells the story behind "Alice's Restaurant" to Debbie Elliott of NPR's "All Things Considered". To listen to the entire interview, click [here] to open the NPR page, and then on the button.
Finally, Geoff appears in the original 3 1/2 minute movie trailer. Just click on the Play Button in the middle of the image below, and see how many times you can spot him.

[Hint-if your computer is relatively new, try watching in full screen mode by clicking on the little rectangle below the word "YOU" in YOU TUBE]

RACHEL MELTZER and HENRY LASKAU.

2008-09-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

I've starting doing some rummaging around in the NY Times archives - they go back into the 1850s - and have been absolutely amazed at the infinite amount of material waiting to be rediscovered. I thought I'd share a couple of my early Chic-a-Lac related finds. First, I came across the 1953 obituary notice for Rachel Meltzer, mother of Elaine Rattner, Carl, and Faye Posner, and of course Rocky and Ronni's grandmother. Click on the thumbnail image below to view it in its original form. As Roy knows, one of my favorite pastimes is poking around the internet to see what dirt I can find on him. Seriously, Roy is an easy subject because he has left so many historical and indelible "footprints" during his incredibly lustrous, lengthy and varied career. What I found was a quote in an obituary of a friend of his, a gentleman named Henry Laskau, who died in May, 2000. While I'm always happy to see Roy's name in print, I found the story of Mr. Laskau's life fascinating, and I thought I'd share it with you. Again, click on the thumbnail below to read the full article. (You can read more about Henry Laskau, and also learn something about race walking, by reading the first "Comment" below).
Speaking of "finds". I'm putting together a post based on a real "Eureka" discovery that I hope will surprise and delight everyone as much as it did me. Check back in a few days.......

FROM ANNETTE-NEW REUNION SHOTS&MINI-REUNION @ AQUAGRILL IN SOHO

2008-08-25T17:14:00.000-07:00

[click on a photo to enlarge]

MINI-REUNION ATTHE "CATSKILLS ON FILM" EVENT

2007-10-30T18:42:00.000-07:00

[click on photo to enlarge] On October 24, 2007, Marcy Silverberg Pulewitz, Rocky Rattner, Carol Deedledum Galetz, Vic Greenhut, Paul Auerbach, and I got together at the "Catskill On Film" discussion at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, in Battery Park City, New York. The event was hosted by Prof. Phil Brown of Brown University (rah), founder and head of The Catskills Institute, and featured Shelly Altman, screenwriter, Sweet Lorraine; Pamela Gray, screenwriter, A Walk on the Moon; and Joan Micklin Silver, director, Hester Street and Crossing Delancey (click here to see a detailed description of the program and the museum exhibit). Carol, Rocky, and Paul Auerbach particularly have had strong family ties to the Catskills, with Paul's family having owned the Lesser Lodge in White Sulphur Springs. The movie clips were classics and caught much of the essence of the Catskill culture. As always happens when Chic-a-Lac refugees gather, we had lots of laughs and a wonderful time, although we felt a bit constrained since Dr. Ruth was sitting right in front of us. For the next mini-reunion, how about renting both movies and inviting Shecky Greene?

NAME THAT BUGLE CALL!!

2007-10-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

Grab a pencil. Make sure your sound and speakers are on. Then, after each bugle call, click on the button, or if that doesn't work, try clicking on the button. Listen to the bugle call (patience - you may have to wait a few seconds or hit a "Play" or "OK" button to get going), and jot down your best guess at its name. When you're all done, click on "Comments" at the bottom of the post. Copy your answers (and leave any other laudatory remarks) in the box that opens up, MAKING SURE TO LEAVE YOUR NAME, if you want to claim your prize. Answers may one day be posted in the "Links" section of the green sidebar. And who knows - prizes might even be awarded at the 2008 SUMMER REUNION.
Lots of luck!

	Bugle Call #1
	Bugle Call #2
	Bugle Call #3
	Bugle Call #4
	Bugle Call #5
	Bugle Call #6
	Bugle Call #7
	Bugle Call #8
	Bugle Call #9
	Bugle Call #10
	Bugle Call #11

CHIC-A-LAC WEST COAST MINI-REUNIONBrunch in Brentwood Aug 4, 2007

2007-08-04T23:58:00.000-07:00

We located Mike Lager through his brother Richard (but that's another story) on Thursday; Gary Nestle had been traveling, but called Friday as soon as he saw my email; and we got together on Saturday. Mike came down from Encino, Gary came up from Huntington Beach, and we had breakfast, appropriately, at N.Y. Bagel. We were joined by Mike's friend Judy (in the turquoise), my sister-in-law Judy (in the blue) and my brother Les (behind the camera) who taught Mike when he was a Fellow in Cardiology at UCLA Medical Center nearly 35 years ago, and who hadn't seen him since. So it was quite the wonderful reunion with some very special people. [click on either photo to enlarge]

DINNER ON CITY ISLAND APRIL 7, 2007

2007-07-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

A delightful impromptu get-together with Bob Weiss, his wife Anne, Carol and Corinne. Anne, who took the photo, is warm, charming and very engaging. And we're all invited to So. Padre Island for the next reunion!

DORIS BAIM

2007-06-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

Carol reports seeing this obituary of Doris Baim in the Sullivan County Democrat.

VANITY PLATE AVAILABLE IN NEW YORK!(no kidding)

2007-05-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to proudly display this on your car, click on the license plate and be the first to follow instructions on the Motor Vehicle Department site. When you get it, be sure to take a picture for all of us to see!
(The possibilities are endless. For example, click [here] to see some other available plates).

MORTIE - YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY!

2007-05-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

To this:

[click on either photo to enlarge]

From this:

LUNCH IN FT. LAUDERDALE

2007-04-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Carol, Sidelle and I got together 2 weeks ago for lunch. It was an unusually cold and windy day here (68 degrees!), so we ate outdoors on the water. This place has been one of my haunts since moving to Florida, back in 1974.

MESSAGES FROM DEBBIE KORN SLOANWith Great Reminiscences of Uncle Mortie

2007-03-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

strolling down memory lane Well, hi. Despite the fact that I went to Camp Chic-a-Lac for six summers, I found all of one picture that I could absolutely identify as me in the hundreds on your site. Maybe I was just imagining it all? Anyway, I looked up the website because I wanted to thank Uncle Morty after all these years for being so wonderful to me. When I was sick in the infirmary, he made sure that I got to participate in a raffle ... stuff like that. Lots of stuff like that. I had a hard time fitting in and Uncle Morty made sure I wasn't excluded. I remember all the camp songs and have shared some of them with my kids (to their dismay). Movie nights on Thursdays, hot dogs and beans; tuna for lunch on Thursday. I was friends with one of the blind girls -- Cindy Helfond. Sometimes I wonder what happened to her, and to some of the others, but it amazes me to see how much I've forgotten. I didn't think I would ever forget. So, hi from Debbie Korn, Chic-a-lac camper from 1960-1964. I am now a professor at the University of Montana and wish to thank you for doing this for me! Debbie ***************** I remember a lot of the people you mention. Debbie Chernock and I are the same age and were roommates once or twice, I think. I also have wonderful memories of Aunt Ethel and Uncle Roy. Don't worry about the lack of any pictures of me. I was a chubby little misfit and found it hard to make friends. Klutzy to boot! I did like waterfront, though, except I decided to get phobic about diving and refused to do it, kinda screwing up my opportunities to progress through Red Cross training. Sometimes a counselor would take pity on me and pass me anyway. I do also remember Carol Deedledum - she gave me a nice part in Mary Poppins - and Corinne, etc. All good people. Sure, you can post my info. I'll write more when I have a decent opportunity. And thanks again. Debbie ***************** [Debbie's e mail is:. To send her a message, just click on her address]

New Photos on Yahoo Photo Site

2007-02-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

Uncle Carl apparently took many color slides at Chicalac throughout the years. Some were taken very early on, at the camp's beginning. Others in the latter years, in the mid 1960s. I am in the process of posting them. Take a look at the "Carl's Slides" album at the Flickr photo web site (click on the red text to be taken there). More old black and white shots will be added in the next few days from my collection. Does this shot ever bring back memories! All that's left of the scenery in this shot shot is the umbrella tree.

A 1959 CLASSIC FROM DEBORAH SCHWARTZ FREEDMAN

2007-01-26T21:04:00.000-08:00

"Well I found the picture of my bunk from chic a lac, I knew I would eventually. Here it comes!" "The names over the faces are, counter clockwise, Janet Reiss, me, Rochelle Rosenstein, Marcie Silverberg, Sue, Rochelle Greenstein".

MESSAGES FROM PHIL EDWARDS!!('57-'60)

2007-01-25T12:42:00.000-08:00

My name is Phil Edwards and I was a counselor at Chic-A-Lac from 1957-1960, which makes it 50 years since my first summer there. I always remember fondly my years there and often think back on those great summers. I worked with Rocky & Ronnie Ratner, Alex Frankel and many others. I discovered this web site my accident and it's been great looking back on those old photos, especially finding myself in the picture of Chick-A Woo lodge from 1960. I have a few old photos of my own, and if I can find it, I even appear in a camp postcard that was printed up and used at the time. I spent most of my working life in law enforcement, and retired in 2002 as a New York State Parole Officer. I currently live on Long Island, and can be reached at-- *********************************************** The 2 counselors, in rear, on either end, are Charley Dillahay and Leo_____? Year is unsure, but I was there from 1957-1960 and it brings back memories. Phil *********************************************** I have a few old photos if I can find them. I also still have the shirt I'm wearing in the 1960 photo-saved it as a souvenir.

Chic-a-lac South Dinner

2007-01-03T21:19:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 28, a dinner was held at Chic-a-lac South (Casa Chernock). Here is a photo from the evening. A great time was had by all. Ethel made a fabulous chicken marsala!

SUE WEISS

2006-12-14T15:48:00.000-08:00

[click to enlarge]

Carl Meltzer's Letters to the Editors of The New York Times

2006-11-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

What wonderful memories Carl must have had! GERSHWIN MUSICALS; Written In Indelible Ink (June 7, 1992) CELEBRITIES; Memories Of Another Era (October 30, 1994)

Roy Chernock hailed as "One of the most respected coaches in the nation"!!

2006-11-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

And "A real runner's runner." Read the entire article from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Oct 3, 2006) [click here]. Awesome!

Monty Python Tryouts.........???

2006-11-01T19:08:00.000-08:00

Nope. Before there was Monty Python's famous drag routine, there was the 1962 Waiter's Revue. This may look like Janet, but it's not. It's Judd, with some support from one of Janet's bathing suits. I am not sure that Janet ever knew that Judd borrowed it. The real question is.....did he ever return it? We'll have to find out the answer to this burning question at our next gathering! As with all photos on this page, click on the photo to get the full screen version. Another 35 or so negatives have been found. They will be posted over the next few days on the photo site.

Oh, The Hardships of Camp!

2006-11-01T13:01:00.000-08:00

It wasn't easy being us! Our parents sent us away to camp at age 12 (or younger) for the entire summer. We got saddled with all sorts of chores, and had to work hard to earn our stripes as CITs and Junior Counselors. Here is a rather graphic photo of the hardships we had to endure in our own version of Stalag 17, known as Cherokee Lodge, back in 1960.

"New" Photos Found

2006-10-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

First, it was the lost episodes of the Honeymooners. Now it's the lost Chic-a-lac photos! I found several rolls of black and white film, with negatives that have never been enlarged or printed before today. Check out this crew on the steps of the Main House, from 1962. I will be posting these new photos to the web site over the next day or so, as I scan them and brighten them up. Look in newly created 1962 album for new shots. There are even a few new group shots from Rocky which span several years ........here's Chicsville 1964. I didn't go back to Chic-a-lac in 1964........what a mistake!

Uncle Mortie's Belated Birthday

2006-10-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

A group of us got together on Sunday morning, October 15, 2006 for a surprise (and it was!) belated birthday party for Uncle Morty. A great time was had by all.....our brunch didn't end until just before what would be considered dinner time. Photos of the event have been posted on our Camp's photo web site. Follow this link http://photos.yahoo.com/camp_chicalac. When you get there, click on the album entitled "Mort's Birthday" to become "enlightened" as the what took place.

UNCLE ROY - CHIC-A-LAC'S OWN EVEREADY BUNNY!

2006-10-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

He just keeps on going and going... And he has a marvelous press agent. Check out this piece from The Palm Beach Post, Oct. 3, 2006. GO ROY!!!

THE CATSKILL INSTITUTE and "CAMP LIFE"

2006-10-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

For many years, when we searched the web looking for any reference to Camp Chic-A-Lac, all we found was a reference to “Crystal Springs Hotel (later Camp Chic-A-Lac)” on the web site of The Catskill Institute, which was created and developed by Prof. Phil Brown of Brown University (yea!). After the dinner at Papa Ciro’s I revisited the site and found, among a myriad of other resources, a link to a series of remembrances, entitled “CAMP LIFE”, written by Alan Stamm. They are touching and heart-warming, and so accurately portray many of my memories and feelings of my summers at camps, especially Chic-A-Lac, and the influences that those months had on me. If you haven’t recently visited the Institute site, please do so. It contains a wealth of wonderful information. And please be sure to read “CAMP LIFE”. If you'd like to add a note, please do so by clicking on the “comments” box below. ENJOY!

New Photos Posted on Camp Photo Site

2006-08-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

Hey All! New color photos on the web site. Click on this photo for the full-screen version. photos.yahoo.com/camp_chicalac. This link will take you there. Photos like this one, and many others. Check them out in the "Camp 1963" album. These slides have been hiding for 40 years. I didn't remember taking them. Remember the All Day Hike to Swan Lake? You will! Enjoy. More black and whites to come from all years....new ones!

2006-08-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

FROM AMERICA'S MOST WANTED!!

DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN? [Click here for more information]

2006-08-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

"WHO IS THAT?" CONTEST # 3

[click here to enlarge]

And what is the make, model, and year of the car?

Peter, Paul and Mary Concert -- August 5, 2006

2006-08-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

Having posted a blurb on April 24 about the Peter, Paul and Mary concert at the Westbury North Fork Theater on, August 5th, we waited until 11:00 am on August 5th before deciding to go (we like to plan ahead) and got two tickets. I told Susan that given that the median age of the audience was likely to be 63.4, chances were really good that we'd run into someone we knew, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was someone from camp. Glad to report that Happy Willens and his wife made an honest man out of me - ran into them in the lobby during intermission! The concert was both sad and exhilarating at the same time - sad because Mary has been struggling, so far successfully, with leukemia, and the remarkable fire and energy that the group had is not quite there any more, which is understandable after 46 years of entertaining and energizing 3 generations of fans. On the other had, for those of us who used to sit around the Playhouse and sing "If I Had a Hammer" during the summer of 1963, it meant we were seeing and hearing a true legend of American folk music, political and social activism, and children's entertainment. It was wonderful. There's a DVD they made of a retrospective that was originally broadcast on PBS called Peter, Paul and Mary - Carry It On: A Musical Legacy. You can find it on Amazon or Deep Discount DVD. If you are a fan, don't miss it. It contains so many of their songs and follows their extraordinary career - especially their activist efforts - from the very beginning.

NICE BACK !!

2006-07-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

[click here to enlarge]

CHERNOCK'S PUBLIC CONFESSION!!

2006-07-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

In a letter published in the Palm Beach Post on March 30, 2006 under the caption "Head Counselor or Head Troublemaker", Roy Chernock, mistakenly thinking that the statute of limitations has run on panty raids, fesses up to his trangressions! Attorneys for the estate of camp owner Carl Meltzer are preparing a lawsuit to recover all of Chernock's salary, with interest.

CAMP CHIC-A-LAC IN NEWSDAY!!

2006-07-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

Just by chance came across this article, dated July 8, 2006, about Corinne's sister, Cara (whose married name is Cara S. Trager - no relation to the Chic-a-Lac Tragers), and Cara's observations of the Chic-a-Lac years and our reunions on Newsday's web site. Click here to read it! You can then read Cara's original article about camp reunions by clicking here.

UNCLE ROY - THE AUTHOR - ON AMAZON!

2006-07-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

Just came across this listing for a book called "Intermediate Hurdles For Novices" on Amazon. It's sold out (heard it was a runaway bestseller [sorry]), but maybe the author still has a copy. Anyone have a suggestion for his next work? I came across the Amazon listing when I found Roy'sname in the company of some world famous coaches at Famous Jews Interactive. What we don't know about Uncle Roy could fill a book... [sorry again].

UNCLE CARL ON EBAY!

2006-07-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Carol spotted this postcard for sale on Ebay. Rocky, his wife Lois, and Janet Weintraub Blake are trying to get more information from the seller. Anyone have any ideas?

If you'd like to see the original Ebay listing (but without the picture), click here. You can also enlarge the picture - and see the caption - by clicking on it. And you can leave any comments by clicking on the word "comments" just below.

CAPTION WRITING CONTEST #4

2006-05-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

Before there was a Geek Squad, there had to be a Geek. [To suggest another caption, click on "comments" below. A new page will open where you can create the caption in the "Leave your comment" box]

CAPTION WRITING CONTEST # 3

2006-04-08T15:01:00.000-07:00

Can anyone identify these people?

[To suggest a caption, click on "comments" below. A new page will open where you can create the caption in the "Leave your comment" box].

CAPTION WRITING CONTEST # 2

2006-04-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

[To suggest a caption, click on "comments" below. A new page will open where you can create the caption in the "Leave your comment" box]

Mini Reunion At Dervish - April 2, 2006

2006-04-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

Neil posted the pictures that he took at the lunch at Dervish Restaurant in New York on April 2, 2006. Here is a shot of those who got there on time: You can see all of Neil's pictures (and discover who was late) by clicking on: Dervish Reunion. Thank you, Corinne, for putting it all together! [PS: Compare the guy in the sunglasses and white shirt to the sleepy kid in the picture posted below. Oy!]

Hang In There, Joey!

2006-03-28T09:55:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS, ELLIOT!!

2006-03-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

Elliot Taub's huge victory as reported in the New York Daily News, March 9, 2006, Click on the link below to read the entire article as it appeared in the paper. ELLIOT'S DAILY NEWS ARTICLE

CAPTION WRITING CONTEST # 1

2006-01-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

[To suggest a caption, click on "comments" below. A new page will open where you can create the caption in the "Leave your comment" box]

AT HOME WITH THE CHERNOCKS (Dec. 23, 2005)

2006-01-06T15:31:00.000-08:00

Picture this: Walking up to the Chernock home in Royal Palm Beach with Susan and Gabe (my older son) just 3 hours after arriving in Florida, full of excitement and anticipation of seeing Roy and Ethel, and Debi and Neil, and being greeted with all the warmth and tenderness of this sign scotched-taped to the front door:

Ethel and Neil smiled and smiled while Roy kept Susan and Gabe totally mesmerized with photos from each one of his more than 1400 track meets...

It was a fun evening. I could have spent hours in Roy's office where he keeps memorabilia from his years as an athlete and coach - there are tons of photos, trophies, articles, and tributes from the kids he coached. And does he have stories! Roy has had and and is having one amazing career. We had lots of laughs. And Ethel and Roy are a great couple. Thanks, guys.

"Another Freakin' Reunion?" Maybe - but I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

[click on photos to enlarge]

CHEROKEE 1958-59?

2006-01-03T07:29:00.000-08:00

"WHO IS THAT?" CONTEST # 2

Corinne e mailed me this photo along with this note: Dear Bob, Maybe we could put this old picture (from 1958 or 1959--I'm not sure) up on the blog site as the 2nd picture that we could talk about. It was sent to me by Monty Brown--the brother of Sindy Brown, first cousin of Marcy Silverburg. Neil Sznitken is in the picture. If you think it would start new conversations, please put it up, if possible. Corinne

Baim's

2005-12-16T19:19:00.000-08:00

An era ends....

Baim's

....and a sad footnote (scroll down to 8th obituary)

Obituary of Dennis Baim

Does anyone have any Baim's stories?

2005-12-16T16:11:00.000-08:00

Hi ya' all. I don't know how to post a message on this thing! Hope this is it. The girl on the top right is definitely Dale Trager, Carol's sister. No question about it. We tried to find the Masons but had no luck. this is incredible. I may never get off the computer again.l Deedledum

The New Camp Chic-A-Lac Blog (maybe)

2005-12-12T13:03:00.000-08:00

"WHO IS THAT?" CONTEST # 1 Morty, Roy -- those are really big smiles!!

(click on photo to enlarge - click on "comments" to, well, uh, comment)