Brandeis Magazine

Tony Goldwyn hosted a virtual comedy benefit, “COVID Is No Joke,” to support Americares’ coronavirus efforts. The benefit featured such stars as Will Ferrell, Chelsea Handler, Jack Black and Tenacious D, and Sia, who performed sketches and stand-up sets, and offered personal messages. Janice Paul reports she and some of her classmates have been enjoying virtual mini-reunions since the shutdown started. “Not everyone attends every time, but some of us are there to catch up every weekend,” she writes. “And we intend to keep it going until we can make plans to see each other in person.” Rika Levin Reisman was endorsed by the Ossining Democratic Committee to run for the Ossining, New York, mayoral seat in the November election. In September 2019, Alexa Shabecoff left her job as assistant dean for public service at Harvard Law School, after working there for 25 years. She took some time off to travel (Mexico, Vietnam and Cambodia) and volunteer. Then, in the midst of the pandemic, she started a new job at Metro Housing Boston, where she is launching a housing mobility program. “It’s a wild time to be back on the front lines of working with low-income clients,” she reports, “but I’m grateful to have the opportunity to make a small contribution at this difficult time.” Her daughter has entered Northeastern University School of Law, where she will pursue her dream of becoming a public defender.