House of Bamboo..

Richie Schecter Speaking I'd like to welcome everyone to a very Special Reunion Welcome to this year’s House of Bamboo’s Anniversary. Created in 1959 and officially recognized in 1960, our members began with a bunch of friends from Jamaica and Van Buren High Schools 66 years ago. We are celebrating tonight with a small group of my closest and favorite friends. Had it not been for distance and health-related issues we would have had many more here, but I’m thrilled that we wound up we those who shared the very best years in HOB history, namely 1964-1968.   I would like to share a few names, items, and places that hold significant memories for me. I believe many of you will recognize them, either individually or collectively. I hope this evokes pleasant recollections for us all.   HOB Bash, The House with 9 bedrooms and two baths, the parties, the poker games, the billiard room, Warm Beer and Lousy Food, the Red Garter, Follies, Frolics, CHP, Cunningham Park, Football, Volleyball, One Way Inn, Ivy House, Aloha, Chalet, Tip Toe Inn, Kingston House, Carnival, Wetsons, Northern Blvd, the Castle Magazine, The CHP College Bowl, Dr. Fu Mac Chu, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Smart, Me Kong Delta, Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Jersey Boys, Michael Jackson, The Bronx Wanderers, Lake Mead Cruise, HOBADS, Ike, World Leader, Spike, Tex, Percy, The Kid, Master Baker, Scheckipoo, Apple and Eve, Chico, the Corn Cobb pipe, the Stripper, Teenager in Love, House of the Rising Sun, 151 proof rum, the Coke Machine, the coinless phone, the Great Bar Raid, Fein Ben Lo, Anaconda, and the infamous Hurdy Gurdy Man.   As we reflect on our shared history, it is important to remember those individuals who left a lasting impact on our time in The House of Bamboo. While this is not a complete list, I have selected members who I believe hold significant meaning for many of us. Let us take a moment to honor their contributions and the memories we shared.     John Jokl, Steve Pasternack, Paul Garelick, Marty Horowitz, Steve Ziperstein, Richie Green, Artie Rosenheck, Jerry Schulman, Brian Fishkin, Joel Fazekas, Steve Wolff, Howie Spinner, Kay Licht, Renee Gottesman, Stacey Laskowitz, and this past year, the remarkable Sal DeMarco. ~~~~~~~~   I have a few letters from some members who could not attend that I’d like to read to you now.   My best wishes to you all for a great reunion and a healthy, gentle 2026. Bob Ettlinger ** We are currently on a 2 month vacation at our new place on Hilton Head. Best wishes to all. Hope you have a great night of catching up. Warren and Amy Greher ** This past May, I lost my wife, Andrea, so I am not in the best of spirits. I actually would have considered going under different circumstances, especially since my son lives in Boca right near the restaurant. I hope all is well with you and please wish anyone that remembers me the best. Len (Spike) Berkowitz ** Unfortunately, due to health problems, I am not able to attend. Best wishes to a great reunion.   Paul Silk, founding member. Class of 1963 ** I live in New Jersey, in an independent living community called Crane’s Mill. My children and I decided that I should be around other people on a regular basis. I have an apartment with two bathrooms, a small kitchen, and a dog. Most of the people here are in their 80’s and 90’s and I think about 75% are women. So I have learned how to play Canasta and MahJongg. There is also a regular poker game and Bingo both of which I stay away from. They also have regular entertainment of various kinds. I served my time as president of the resident association, but I am sorry to say that I don’t get around very well because of a right leg that refuses to cooperate (I may try out for the role of Hopalong Cassidy or Festus in Gunsmoke). I do have a nice collection of canes. I wish I could be in Florida to see all of you. It is f'ng cold here. Andy Gottesman ** HOB wasn't just a place, it was us. From sports and cards to those legendary Frolics and Follies, we made it what it was. We partied hard with Chalet and Dew Drop Inn, built some killer friendships, cheered each other on through thick and thin, and even made our voices heard when it mattered. Seriously, HOB was a lifeline. A spot to crash when things got tough, a safe haven, and yeah, maybe even a little romance happened on those second and third floors.   We danced, sang, kept a secret test file, and figured things out together, one Coke at a time.   My brother Joe and our friend Roger were Bamboo guys. It was a huge part of their lives, and mine too. Where else could you find future doctors, lawyers, CEOs, musicians, and sports fanatics all under one roof? It made college way more exciting.   Wish I could be there in person to celebrate with you all. Here’s to the good times, the hard times, and everything in between. Long live the House of Bamboo!   Richie Zalman ** As a founding member, it is so gratifying to know that so many lifelong friendships evolved from a minuscule group of guys who, in 1959, first conceptualized the House of Bamboo. We remain unique our peers. We have many memories and achievements of which we can be proud. Special plaudits have to go out to Allen Hausman whose persistence was so instrumental in fanning the flames that got us started and kept us viable throughout our early days and to Richie Schecter whose selfless dedication has held us together over all these years. Miss you guys. Maybe next year in Austin!   Bob Abrahams Bamboo’s first President ** I will be passing out trivia sheets to each couple. You may discuss the questions with others, if you like. I will tell you the answers later this evening.   Enjoy your food, conversations about family and vacations and such, and have a great time. BACK