The Time of Our Lives

Hi Everyone,

I've just completed a new Omega video. It's a three minute version of a two hour VHS tape that Rhea Schwartz kindly sent to me. It's called "The Time Of Our Lives"

My wish is that it will really get everyone in the Omega spirit for the reunion, which is almost upon us. It will be over in a flash. Luckily, we've hired a great videographer to record the highlights, so we can show it to our grandchildren and they in turn will show it to theirs. Omega will never fade away: it's morphed into a value system that echoes a Utopian period in our lives.

If only the world could be one, big camp Omega; there would be no more war (think of Wes, who devoted his life to peace and harmony through his deeds and music), the hungry would be fed (think of Auntie Bea, who nurtured us in more ways than one) and the sick would get the health care they need, because we cared about each other's well-being. Material things were inconsequential, except for maybe whatever we could snitch from the canteen.

I'm sure you're thinking to yourselves "Art's gone Looney Tunes on us". I'm not suggesting that anyone take these thoughts literally. They're meant to be a metaphor for how different life has become from the idyllic reveries we have of our camping days. I know that it wasn't really all lollipops and roses. But would it be so bad if everyone started treating each other as we did back then? As Wally would surely sing - "To dream the impossible dream". We'll just have to take some comfort from the 42nd reunion of the founding of Camp Omega, and, for a couple days, we'll be home.

Love,

Artie

The Excitement Builds!

Wow, before you know it, the reunion will be upon us! We have one hundred people attending various events. Gary and the team are working overtime to make this the best reunion ever. There will be so much going on that the day and night will fly by.

We're asking everyone to bring their digital cameras. We'll add a special category to the photo album for the huge number of pictures we're sure to get from the attendees.

There is also a lot of music planned for the evening event, some old and nostalgic, some new and exciting. There will be an Omega reunion band, in which I plan to participate. Individual performers will do their thing at certain times throughout the reunion. I think of it as an Omega talent show. Everyone loved them during the camp summers. We will take requests, but we are trying to limit the numbers to allow for other performers.

Gary and Jayne's daughter Melanie and her band will be there, as well as a DJ. Melanie is a rising star, soon to be in a lead role on the musical stage. We will all sheb-nachus from her accomplishments. I may play a song with her, and I'm planning a few solos tunes as well.

Got to go now, Rita has breakfast on the table. Love to you all and I can't wait until Sept 7th.

Artie

It's Almost Here!

Ladies and gentlemen, we are approximately one month away from the big day, the one we've been waiting for, talking about, dreaming about for many years. Thanks to Gary Mednick the reunion is a reality. We have a lot planned, and it's going to be an unforgettable weekend.

Will we recognize each other? My Mom says that once she hears the voices she immediately sees the faces. I should be so lucky.

If anyone hasn't registered yet, PLEASE do so by August 10th. That's the deadline and Gary is closing down the registration process at that time. If you can make it, fly, drive, run, walk to the Marriott, you won't want to miss this.

Please note: the pool at Pine Grove will be closed, so you can leave the bathing suits at home. Not such a bad thing - who wants to see each other's tired, flabby old bodies (Gary?).

See you all on September 8th at Pine Grove!

Artie