Blog

This is a continuing feature for these unusual times. Remember, we’d love to hear what you’re are doing to cope and keep busy. When you have a story to share, send your thoughts to le**************@co*****.net“>Leslie Clark Lewis.

Jill Carlson, Class of 2013

I have been doing International Folk Dancing for over 35 years. We do Israeli, Turkish, French, Balkan, Canadian, American, Irish, Japanese, and dances from many other countries. Normally I dance 2-3 times a week in different suburbs. Zoom provided a wonderful way that I could continue to dance during our stay at home. There are groups and dancers all over the world. I could dance every night and even have several choices most nights. I have danced in groups approaching 500 people. Roberto Bagnoli was one teacher who, from his home in Italy, was teaching people from Romania, France, Australia, United States, Canada, and Japan. The Japanese dancers had to get up at 3:00 AM to participate. There are a dozen groups dancing from all over the United States – East Coast, West Coast, Florida, and the Midwest.

You are dancing alone, but you really feel part of a group. I’m just a little concerned about what my neighbors think when they see me lurching around my living room, often with my arms flailing, almost every night.

Judith Kaufman, Class of 2010

For the past 20 years a group of us that attended high school together in NYC have sponsored a writing contest in memory of a mutual friend. There are 12 of us disbursed to the 4 corners of the country. We read, critique, and award scholarships all on-line. I saw a few of these friends at our 50 reunion (more than 10 years ago). Monday evening, we are getting together via Zoom. I wonder how much they’ve aged? Will they think I’ve aged? What should I wear? Will Zoom live on past the virus?

Brian Kelly, Class of 2019

Brian has been spending his free time researching the seven buildings that were purposely built in a close collaboration between architect and owner to function specifically as department stores in the 19^th century. About his research, Brian notes, “A long time ago, in 1976, I spent my St. Patrick’s Day in the AIC’s Ryerson & Burnham Library. That is when I realized I was hooked. We live in a fascinating place that creates a stage for outlandish performances by unbelievable characters. Today’s is Edward P Brennan, who developed Chicago’s grid numbering system, starting at State and Madison! Uncovering the buildings and businesses on the four points of the State Street intersections has really been a blast. It is the silver lining of the horribly huge, black cloud we all are beneath.”