Class Correspondent

It has been more than two years since our 50th Reunion, when many of us enjoyed renewing friendships and taking part in stimulating discussions. Since then, very few of us have shared information in Class Notes. Several people have questioned me about why this is so. Let’s try to improve the 
news flow! Please send your notes to 1960notes@alumni.brandeis.edu or to me at mbwallack@snet.net. One sad bit of information: Our very special classmate and friend Ellen Levine passed away in May (see In Memoriam, page 92). Ellen, a tireless champion for civil rights and social justice, attended and helped to support activities at many Reunions. She will be missed. 


Maggie Cohen is still doing interior design during the week and enjoys gardening on weekends. She is interested in writing about both topics and has secured a position as a staff writer on interior design, with a regular column, at Westchester Lifestyle magazine. Having written previously for the design trade, she’s now focusing on the consumer’s perception of what designers actually do, and design’s power to affect an individual, a family and the community as a whole. Since her retirement, Lucinda Rudin has been active in the master gardener program in Texas, becoming a junior master gardener specialist. She writes, “In that way, I can keep reaching out to young children and teaching them about plants and environmental issues. I recommend these programs to anyone who loves gardening and wants to keep growing as a person, a volunteer and a lifetime learner. I also taught a class for the Lifetime Learning Institute, a group of enthusiastic senior learners. Classes are very affordable and provide a forum for social interaction as well as learning.” Retaking the musical stage in a local production after a 52-year hiatus, John (Jack) Farrar elevated the show-stealing role of the Butler in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” to new heights. Jack learned his craft at Brandeis’ Gilbert and Sullivan Society, and the Barristers. He honed his skills with choral work after retirement, as a crowned Karaoke King of Cancún for the past 17 years and with countless hours of singing in the shower. During the “Joseph” production, Jack was proud to share the stage with son Jason (Baker), daughter-in-law Eva Marie (Narrator) and granddaughter Sabrina (Camel, Chorus). For one brief shining moment, Jack forgot how old he was. Then he looked at himself in the video and saw a combination of Carl Reiner, Don Rickles and Ed Koch, which quickly brought him back to reality. More than 50 family members, friends and classmates have participated in the funding of the Lois Zetter Theater Arts Scholarship, raising $31,615 in gifts and pledges. Our target date for reaching the $50,000 minimum for endowing a fund is June 30, 2015. We are building the scholarship as a tribute to Lois and in support of students who might not otherwise be able to afford a Brandeis education. All gifts are appreciated and will make a difference. If you are interested in contributing, please contact Lisa Fleischman in the Office 
of Development and Alumni Relations at 
781-736-4062 or by email.
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