November 2025
David Shore
Here in the Suburban Wilderness, we’re gearing up for Thanksgiving with gratitude still fresh from our summer Family Reunion — what a joy to reconnect!
Life hasn’t slowed down: I’m teaching nearly 60 music students each week, while Diane balances her own roster, including ESL learners and students with unique challenges. When we’re not teaching, we’re painting the house — two-thirds done, with the second floor waiting for my soon-to-be 75-year-old knees (and, perhaps, cousin Fred’s paintbrush).
Sam keeps busy with work, while Ellen juggles work and the creation of a backyard sanctuary that is stunning. My brother Steve leads a 50-person volunteer crew in Chicago, delivering food to immigrant families who stay home to avoid ICE activities — with cousin Lisa Davis Helford among the volunteers. Brother Gary and Barb are moving from Arizona to Rockford, bringing them closer to home.
And at the center of it all is Mom, Edna — still teaching violin and piano, still living independently, and still very much a force of nature.
That’s our snapshot: music, family, service, and plenty of stories to share. Wishing everyone health and joy this season!
October 2025
Fred Gertler
Much has happened since we gathered in Highland Park, but two events stand out. The first is a trip I took to Los Angeles to visit with Jan and Bob (my sister and her husband). We had a great time that included walks along the ocean, delicious food – including a meal of pepper steak cooked by Jan that had its origin in a recipe from Rochelle Zimbler) – and visits with Jan’s son Robby and daughter Jessica. While with them I got to spend time with their children, Leo and Maya, and Andie and Quinn (respectively) and that was a lot of fun.
The other bit of news is that the remodel, aka The Neverending Story, took a big step forward as the dry wall was installed. This is very exciting. We don’t know when the work will be done or when I will move from Livermore to San Jose, but we are making progress, and that is good.
Oh, and Amy and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. I am a very lucky man indeed.
