then Chuck White came with the world's largest shovel

At the beginning of the "in memoriam" service at Reflection Pond (during the recent big Labor Day reunion), I sang "Old Wawayanda." (Video shot by Mike Marder.)

Jake Kerr talks about his grandpa, Chuck White

Apologies: the audio at the end of this video is marred by the gusts of wind that messed with my iPhone.
At the Morning Reflection/In Memoriam service held Sunday morning at Reflection Pond, we remembered and honored seven people who have passed away since the last reunion. The service was organized beautifully by Helen Cornman (who did the same in 2001 and again in 2006). Jerry Huncosky spoke evocatively about Eva Gottscho and also a former camper and staffer--a young woman who'd had a kidney and heart transplant--both of whom died in the past year or so. Dave King remembered our second nurse at FV, Gerry Lester. Lisa Ernst and I remembered Marie and Charles Kremer. Jeff Daly spoke eloquently and movingly about Connor Donohue, many (many) of whose friends came to the reunion to devote themselves to celebrating Connor's life and impact on FV. "Jeff," Connor said at the end of session 3 one summer (he would be missing session 4), "I'm not finished yet," and the phrase became an apt theme. John Giannotti implicitly remembered his son Oran as he sang a slow soulful version of Donovan's "Catch the Wind." And speaking of wind, it blew briskly as Capt. Jacob (Jake) Kerr rose to tell us of his memories of Chuck White. Yes, as readers of this blog know, Chuck passed away not too long ago. A huge loss, felt no more keenly by anyone than by Jake, who was (not by blood but by every other measure) Chuck's grandson.

working in memory of Connor

FV friends of the late Connor Donohue gather recently (this past weekend?) to work at Brooklyn Bridge Park in Connor's memory.

Connor

Earlier we memorialized Connor Donohue, and since that post--as you can well imagine--his friends on Facebook have put together a beautiful memorial Facebook page. If you're a Facebook user, search for it as "In Loving Memory of Connor Donohue." Many folks have posted photos of Connor, and many of these of course were taken at Frost Valley. Above is one of these, posted by Lexi Cariello with this caption: "My favorite summer at camp: Connor and Zach worked in Lenape, Chris and Cara in Sycamore (and i was so happy to be there with them). The boys were excited because the camera had a remote control (Chris is holding it). So much love here! How about those smiles? And that Frost Valley milk carton?"

Connor Donohue

Connor Donohue, a longtime camper and staffer whose most recent summer on the staff was 2006 (VC of Pac Village), died in an accident early Sunday morning. All of Connor's Frost Valley friends - and fans (he was a very talented counselor and loyal FV'er - mourn him, and are reaching out to his sister Caroline (she also a long-time FV'er) and their family.

The wake in memory of Connor will be at Moriarty Funeral Home (76 Park Street) in Montclair from 4 pm to 8 pm this Thursday, March 18th, 2010. The funeral service is the next day, March 19th at Saint Cassian Church (187 Bellevue Avenue) in Upper Montclair at 10:30 am. All are welcome at the wake and the funeral. If you have any questions, please email me at andrew.stephen.hammond@gmail.com or call (201) 444-2548.

Here is the text of an obituary: DONOHUE Connor, 24, loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, Antipoverty Advocate, of New York City, formerly of Ridgewood and Montclair, NJ died in a fall from his New York City apartment when the apartment's terraces railing broke away.A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 19th at 10:30 AM at St. Cassian's Church, 187 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair, NJ. Visitation will be at the Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home, 76 Park Street, Montclair, NJ on Thursday from 4-8 PM. Connor was born June 6, 1985. This is the same birthday as his Aunt and Grandfather. He was first and foremost the finest son of his parents Jane and Pat could have ever dreamed of. His relationship with his sister Caroline was the best a brother and sister could ever have. He viewed himself as an Irish Catholic who loved his family above all things. He looked forward to Alexi Mantsios becoming his brother. It was his knowledge of how privileged and loved he was that formed the basis for his career choices. Connor was pursuing a career of service. He loved his work as Dean of Students at "Prep for Prep," a respected non-profit organization committed to improving educational opportunities for talented but under-served youth in New York. Connor recently started a new job as Program Officer for Strategy at "SingleStop USA" an innovative non-profit organization assisting thousands around the country emerge from poverty.In 2009, Connor was selected as a Fellow by the NYU Wagner School for Public Services for a Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Services (FELPS). He currently served as Vice Chair for External Affairs on the board of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, NYC.While at Connecticut College in New London, where Connor graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major in music and English, he conceived and was the founder of "New London Music Tutoring" a tutoring program for underprivileged students in many local Schools.For 13 summers Connor attended Frost Valley YMCA camp in the Catskills as a camper and later as staff. Throughout those years he developed his passion for working and changing the lives of children. He is survived by his mother and father, Jane Lyons Donohue and Patrick, his sister Caroline, his future brother-in-law Alexi, his grandfather James Lyons, 19 aunts and uncles, and 35 first cousins. He loved his "other family," the Kaplans, with whom he shared endless hours of vacations and fun. Additionally, his many friends from all walks of life provided him endless love and support.Connor loved spending time with his large Irish Catholic family and the many friends who lovingly called him "Conman." He also loved music and the New York Yankees.Donations in Connor's remembrance and in lieu of flowers can be sent to Frost Valley YMCA, 2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville, NY 12725 where a scholarship fund is being established. Please indicate "In Honor of Connor Donohue" on the donation.

Caroline asks that in lieu of flowers friends of Frost Valley make a donation to Frost Valley camperships in memory of Connor. Go here and click on "donate" and please note that your gift is being made in Connor's memory.

Connor's family will receive a letter from Frost Valley acknowledging your gift in his honor, and in this way they will feel the affection and concern of the entire FV community, and, in addition, some kids this summer will run crazily across the valley's fields, shouting in complete delight, and we'll know that in them Connor's voice can never be stilled.

Heather Cramer Reu, 42

Glenn Horton, via Leigh Rappaport, passes along this sad news (below). I didn't know Heather. If you did and want to comment or contact her family, please by all means do.

The daughter of a former Delong, Ill. couple died June 22 when a car hit the bicycle she was riding here. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Heather Cramer Reu, 42, was reportedly hit by a car driven by Daniel Gomez, 40. He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. Heather is the daughter of Ray and Molly Cramer. Heather Cramer Reu and her husband Phil have 4 children - their ages are 7,5,4,3. Their home is in Albuquerque.

Heather worked Environmental Education at FV in the late 80s and/or early 90s. Kenis Sweet recently sent around this note:

Heather Cramer was killed last month while biking near her home in New Mexico. Heather was with FV's Environmental Ed and Adventure Camp program in the late 1980's. She came to the FV family from Bloomington, Indiana. I was emailed the news from FV friend Tim Swenson. I, as many others will also, remember Heather as an incredibly fun, vibrant, and wonderful young lady. After reading her obituary, I am not at all surprised at the loving and full life she led. Our prayers are with her husband, parents, and kids.

those good days are a hedge against today's sadness

Jodi Rossman (Jodi Rockower) at Giant Ledge. It's 1993 or '94 and she's with her co-CIT Director, Sam McTiernan. "Sam and I were a great team," she recalls, "and we had some great CIT's."

She's happy remembering Sam and that trip, but our dear friend Jodi is sad these past few days, having lost her father, Gerald Rockower of Oswego, New York, on November 15. If you knew Jodi at camp, or if you just want to be a member of Jodi's extended FV family, go to this site and leave a note for her and the family in the guestbook for Mr. Rockower. Jodi, take care of yourself and your family over this Thanksgiving.

Write to Jodi at Jodir(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com.