Happy Birthdays! That can't be a recent picture?! Wendy, you look the same as the day I met you in, hmmm, '96 (ish), and great as usual.
You probably don't know what a wonderful influence you've been on my life so I'll go on for a bit here. You taught me about family, tradition, child (teen) rearing, and staying active, among many other things. You still come up in conversation with my husband (and 8-month old!) and my parents, who remain grateful for you all having been part of my life during the formative college years. By the way, I'm a full fledged tennis player now - we play a few times a week. Couldn't teach my old-dog husband new volleyball tricks so I switched. You're lucky to have such a wonderful husband and David and Laura are gems. I miss you all. Enjoy your big year...
Cheers!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
From Joel Pett
Hi, I'm Joel Pett. Stuart and I worked on a series of "educational" materials back in the seventies. Strictly propaganda. Stuff like energy conservation and political science. The energy stuff was particularly effective, and we're both very proud of how Indiana and America have embraced the concept in the ensuing decades.
Stu was the writer, and I was the artist. Among the material we cranked out was a full-length comic book on, believe it or not, global warming (this was 1975 or so) I have waited thirty-three years to divulge that it was STUART LAZARUS who asked me to draw in the marijuana references, the roach clips, the hemp plants, all that stuff. I would never have done it on my own, nor would any cartoonist of that era. It was Stuart. Stuart Lazarus. Somebody call homeland security. Or Cheney. Or Brownie. Somebody please call somebody. Thanks so much for letting me get this off my chest. My apologies to all the Indiana secondary students who apparently went on to get so high all the time they forgot to conserve energy.
joel pett
ps--happy birthday
Stu was the writer, and I was the artist. Among the material we cranked out was a full-length comic book on, believe it or not, global warming (this was 1975 or so) I have waited thirty-three years to divulge that it was STUART LAZARUS who asked me to draw in the marijuana references, the roach clips, the hemp plants, all that stuff. I would never have done it on my own, nor would any cartoonist of that era. It was Stuart. Stuart Lazarus. Somebody call homeland security. Or Cheney. Or Brownie. Somebody please call somebody. Thanks so much for letting me get this off my chest. My apologies to all the Indiana secondary students who apparently went on to get so high all the time they forgot to conserve energy.
joel pett
ps--happy birthday
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
From Peggy Pizzo
Dear Wendy,
Happy birthday! And happy birthday to Stu as well.
I can't believe you're turning 60 -- -- you've always seemed the least 10 years younger than me -- -- full of vitality, verve and figah. Clearly you have what the Chinese call "good chi" -- -- which means you should be around and involved with us for many decades to come. Hooray!
I remember well when I first met you, Wendy. It was probably around 1977, when the very first iteration of the Children's Defense Fund was being launched in Washington, DC by the likes of Wendy Lazarus, Harley Frankel and some other fabulous souls. Children's Defense Fund was housed in this narrow old townhouse right off of Dupont Circle -- -- which was then the at the center for public interest do-gooders who had come to Washington in the 60s and 70s to influence policy and make the world a better place.
Of course, little did I know when I first met Wendy just how much she was going to go on to influence policy and help millions of children have better lives. I should have guessed because you seemed so smart and dedicated, Wendy, from the very first moment that I met you -- -- and yet not in the least bit pretentious. I felt at ease with you from the very beginning of our initial conversations -- -- and I suspect that's how many of your friends felt right from the start with you. You were always the kind and generous colleague and I learned a lot from you during our years together in Washington.
I think one of the things I liked about you from the beginning was your really dry sense of humor and your strong loyalty to your friends. I'm glad for that characteristic, because when that sad day came and you and Harley had to move out of town, first halfway across the country and then clear across the country, I was so glad that we could continue to stay in touch. The times I was able to visit you in Santa Monica were fantastic and I watched with amazement as you juggled the raising of two fabulous youngsters -- -- Laura and David -- -- with your continuing commitment to helping disadvantaged children through policy and advocacy.
Of course, one of the ways I've kept up with your successes is through Harley's periodic e-mail updates in which he lets me and about 2500 other people know about your latest accomplishment, honor or recognition and continued momentum on behalf of kids and families! And I'm really glad he does this because I know you're far too modest to tell us yourself.
I greatly admire, Wendy, how you have stayed so dedicated to your own core goals. It's not easy to stay involved in child advocacy for so many years -- -- there's so many struggles and losses and setbacks along the way. But you've done it -- -- and created a thriving family and sustained a whole network of friends who care about you simultaneously. Not a bad accomplishment for your first 60 years!
Many thanks for your friendship and I look forward to seeing you and being in good communication with you in the years ahead.
Happy birthday! And happy birthday to Stu as well.
I can't believe you're turning 60 -- -- you've always seemed the least 10 years younger than me -- -- full of vitality, verve and figah. Clearly you have what the Chinese call "good chi" -- -- which means you should be around and involved with us for many decades to come. Hooray!
I remember well when I first met you, Wendy. It was probably around 1977, when the very first iteration of the Children's Defense Fund was being launched in Washington, DC by the likes of Wendy Lazarus, Harley Frankel and some other fabulous souls. Children's Defense Fund was housed in this narrow old townhouse right off of Dupont Circle -- -- which was then the at the center for public interest do-gooders who had come to Washington in the 60s and 70s to influence policy and make the world a better place.
Of course, little did I know when I first met Wendy just how much she was going to go on to influence policy and help millions of children have better lives. I should have guessed because you seemed so smart and dedicated, Wendy, from the very first moment that I met you -- -- and yet not in the least bit pretentious. I felt at ease with you from the very beginning of our initial conversations -- -- and I suspect that's how many of your friends felt right from the start with you. You were always the kind and generous colleague and I learned a lot from you during our years together in Washington.
I think one of the things I liked about you from the beginning was your really dry sense of humor and your strong loyalty to your friends. I'm glad for that characteristic, because when that sad day came and you and Harley had to move out of town, first halfway across the country and then clear across the country, I was so glad that we could continue to stay in touch. The times I was able to visit you in Santa Monica were fantastic and I watched with amazement as you juggled the raising of two fabulous youngsters -- -- Laura and David -- -- with your continuing commitment to helping disadvantaged children through policy and advocacy.
Of course, one of the ways I've kept up with your successes is through Harley's periodic e-mail updates in which he lets me and about 2500 other people know about your latest accomplishment, honor or recognition and continued momentum on behalf of kids and families! And I'm really glad he does this because I know you're far too modest to tell us yourself.
I greatly admire, Wendy, how you have stayed so dedicated to your own core goals. It's not easy to stay involved in child advocacy for so many years -- -- there's so many struggles and losses and setbacks along the way. But you've done it -- -- and created a thriving family and sustained a whole network of friends who care about you simultaneously. Not a bad accomplishment for your first 60 years!
Many thanks for your friendship and I look forward to seeing you and being in good communication with you in the years ahead.
Friday, January 16, 2009
From John Cunningham
Hard to imagine Stu is 60 years old.
It seems just a short while ago that I met "young Stuart" in his freshman year at Union College. Early in his first term, Stu strategically decided to develop his running and pool shooting skills at the expense of his academic studies. As a long range planner, he clearly knew that forty years later his running capabilities would equip him well for his current responsibilities!
I'll leave it to Stu to tell anyone interested how he developed his pool skills, but I feel its appropriate to expose the roots of Stu's running expertise.
While it would be natural to assume that Stu took the conventional path of joining and working out with the college cross country team, it would also be wrong. Like alot of things about Stu, nothing is simple. In fact, Stu preferred to take another path...he would take any "dare" from his fellow students to "prove" his capabilities. In this case, Stu took a dare to run naked in 10 degree weather over an improvised half-mile course to demonstrate he was "the man". To this day Stu still holds the "naked - running record" at Union so I guess he is still "the man". However, his immediate reward was a painful case of frost bite.
As you can imagine, Stu took quite a bit of ribbing from his classmates....but nothing compared to the harrassment he took about his pool game.....ask Stu to tell you about these experiences, I'm sure he'll be delighted to tell you all about it.
Happy Birthday Stu and Wendy. I wish you good health and 60 more birthdays.
It seems just a short while ago that I met "young Stuart" in his freshman year at Union College. Early in his first term, Stu strategically decided to develop his running and pool shooting skills at the expense of his academic studies. As a long range planner, he clearly knew that forty years later his running capabilities would equip him well for his current responsibilities!
I'll leave it to Stu to tell anyone interested how he developed his pool skills, but I feel its appropriate to expose the roots of Stu's running expertise.
While it would be natural to assume that Stu took the conventional path of joining and working out with the college cross country team, it would also be wrong. Like alot of things about Stu, nothing is simple. In fact, Stu preferred to take another path...he would take any "dare" from his fellow students to "prove" his capabilities. In this case, Stu took a dare to run naked in 10 degree weather over an improvised half-mile course to demonstrate he was "the man". To this day Stu still holds the "naked - running record" at Union so I guess he is still "the man". However, his immediate reward was a painful case of frost bite.
As you can imagine, Stu took quite a bit of ribbing from his classmates....but nothing compared to the harrassment he took about his pool game.....ask Stu to tell you about these experiences, I'm sure he'll be delighted to tell you all about it.
Happy Birthday Stu and Wendy. I wish you good health and 60 more birthdays.
From Susan Rothstein
Wendy, Our time together at Children Now seems of another lifetime. You and Laurie were the best part of that era for me - I consider you both to be lifelong friends, even though our paths don't cross often these days. I'm trying to think of a funny story but all I can come up with is how you and Harley used to hide the junk food from David and Laura - only to bring it out after they were in bed. How bad is that?? But otherwise, you are a person of great integrity and I can't wait to see what you do with the next 60 years!
From Swati
Wendy, I just can't believe you are almost 60. You are so youthful. I just know it's all that chocolate you ate for the first 55 years. I feel so blessed to have you as a friend and loved the years we worked together at Children Now. Those were truly great days. I want you to know how much of the work I do in Oregon has been influenced by your mentoring. I learned so much from you and respect your commitment and hard work to making things better for children. It looks like the issue to which you've devoted decades -- making sure all kids have health coverage -- will happen soon with Obama as President and wouldn't it be something if it happens in your birthday month. It would be fitting.
I hope your birthday is absolutely magical and I hope you throw all practicality aside (from one Capricorn to another) and stop working so hard and treat yourself to as extended a celebration as possible and please make sure to have lots of champagne and chocolate.
Thanks for all you've taught me Wendy about work and motherhood. I treasure our friendship.
Lots of love and birthday wishes,
Swati
I hope your birthday is absolutely magical and I hope you throw all practicality aside (from one Capricorn to another) and stop working so hard and treat yourself to as extended a celebration as possible and please make sure to have lots of champagne and chocolate.
Thanks for all you've taught me Wendy about work and motherhood. I treasure our friendship.
Lots of love and birthday wishes,
Swati
Thursday, January 15, 2009
From Tim Hodson
There once was a girl called Wendy
Who should have been called Shorty
With her sparkling eyes
She won Harley the prize
And off they went off to Cincy.
Wendy the Ohio dynamo
Meet Ruth and ice cream jamoca.
Then the coast beckoned
Woof got fed chicken
And both wound up in Sacto
But I got the double prize
For with Ruth’s love in my eyes
Came Harley and Shorty
Bagels and walks beachy
All great good friends and allies
Excluded from sisterhood hikes
Harley and I smile alike
With news and Bulgars
Under Tahoe bowers
Till our true loves come down the pike
So Happy Birthday Wendy
I am a poet so windy
Tis time to stop now
Ere I to the hoosegow
I’m sent for crimes poetry
Who should have been called Shorty
With her sparkling eyes
She won Harley the prize
And off they went off to Cincy.
Wendy the Ohio dynamo
Meet Ruth and ice cream jamoca.
Then the coast beckoned
Woof got fed chicken
And both wound up in Sacto
But I got the double prize
For with Ruth’s love in my eyes
Came Harley and Shorty
Bagels and walks beachy
All great good friends and allies
Excluded from sisterhood hikes
Harley and I smile alike
With news and Bulgars
Under Tahoe bowers
Till our true loves come down the pike
So Happy Birthday Wendy
I am a poet so windy
Tis time to stop now
Ere I to the hoosegow
I’m sent for crimes poetry
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
From Ned Van Woert
Somewhere I have a college pic of Stu "turtling". I can't find it, but it's probably embarassing enough just to mention it. One night at UCol Stu and I drove back from skiing, listening to "Best of Cream", only to discover when we got to our apartment that we'd never secured the skis in the ski rack. After 1.5 hours @ 70 mph miraculously the skis were still there! In our senior year, we joined Mr. & Mrs. Lazarus to celebrate Wendy & Stu's 21st birthday in New Haven. We went to a performance where a guy was playing very "psychedelic" Ravie Shankar-type music on this giant sitar. After about 20 minutes, Chuck leaned over to me, nodded to the performer, and whispered "don't ever get like that!" Stu and Wendy -- 39 years later, happy birthday!
Monday, January 12, 2009
From Deborah Ellwood
Dearest Wendell,
It's been 15 years (!) since we did our last Children Now Report Card together but you still make the grade with me:
Smarts -- A
Savvy -- A
Strategic Thinking -- A
Sense of Humor -- A
Kindness and Class -- A++
I was a freshly minted policy wonk and you set me on my way. Thank you!
It was wonderful to catch up in the Pittsburgh airport last year.
All the best to you and Stuart.
Much love,
Debby-Lou and Andy
And special hugs from Ned and Logan, the adorable boys you know only from pictures
It's been 15 years (!) since we did our last Children Now Report Card together but you still make the grade with me:
Smarts -- A
Savvy -- A
Strategic Thinking -- A
Sense of Humor -- A
Kindness and Class -- A++
I was a freshly minted policy wonk and you set me on my way. Thank you!
It was wonderful to catch up in the Pittsburgh airport last year.
All the best to you and Stuart.
Much love,
Debby-Lou and Andy
And special hugs from Ned and Logan, the adorable boys you know only from pictures
From Meg Herman
Very Best wishes Stuart and Wendy!
As January 11th, 2009 draws to a close, and you both enter your 61st year of life, I feel I must reveal myself and share well wishes.
Stuart and I met online in late 2004. From that very first e-mail, I was drawn to his energy, wit and enthusiasm. Our mostly electronic relationship continued until... 2006, when we began meeting in central ohio coffee shops, primarily in Lima and Columbus, chosen usually for the strength of the wireless signal and the brew. Our relationship blossomed! We now sometimes even meet for a wacky "healty carb" runner lunch.
Am I the other woman?
No, yet, from that very first Run to Remember E-Mail in 2004, I understood that Stuart was a truly special person.
Today, I know Stuart as mentor, teacher, boss, running consultant, stand in dad, and thankfully, friend. I have grown used to the fact that he arrives for every appointment 15-30 minutes early! And daily, I am inspired by his dedication to hospice care and his tenacious attention to building Run to Remember into a premier athletic fundraising force. And with you, Stuart, it will "get wings".
Stuart, thank you for sharing your passion, creativity, patience, generosity, ZEST, professionalism, and dedication with me. You are a gift to me and to all who know you.
As January 11th, 2009 draws to a close, and you both enter your 61st year of life, I feel I must reveal myself and share well wishes.
Stuart and I met online in late 2004. From that very first e-mail, I was drawn to his energy, wit and enthusiasm. Our mostly electronic relationship continued until... 2006, when we began meeting in central ohio coffee shops, primarily in Lima and Columbus, chosen usually for the strength of the wireless signal and the brew. Our relationship blossomed! We now sometimes even meet for a wacky "healty carb" runner lunch.
Am I the other woman?
No, yet, from that very first Run to Remember E-Mail in 2004, I understood that Stuart was a truly special person.
Today, I know Stuart as mentor, teacher, boss, running consultant, stand in dad, and thankfully, friend. I have grown used to the fact that he arrives for every appointment 15-30 minutes early! And daily, I am inspired by his dedication to hospice care and his tenacious attention to building Run to Remember into a premier athletic fundraising force. And with you, Stuart, it will "get wings".
Stuart, thank you for sharing your passion, creativity, patience, generosity, ZEST, professionalism, and dedication with me. You are a gift to me and to all who know you.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
From Shari D
Happy Birthday Wendy and Stuart!!
How do the decades go by so fast? I remember 1999 like it was last month. You are two very special people, and I feel so blessed to have been able to be a little part of your amazing life, Wendy!
All my love, respect and admiration, Shari
and very best wishes from Michael, Noah, Hilary and Eve!
How do the decades go by so fast? I remember 1999 like it was last month. You are two very special people, and I feel so blessed to have been able to be a little part of your amazing life, Wendy!
All my love, respect and admiration, Shari
and very best wishes from Michael, Noah, Hilary and Eve!
From Stephen Nathan
Happy Birthday! Ah, sixty, doesn't it seem so young now? I can remember fondly many vacations in Columbus running around your place and you visiting Buffalo running around our place. January 11th is turning out to be quite a day. Zoe is getting married today (and it's also our anniversary). So congratulations to all and a big hug to you guys. You have made the world a better place for sixty years now. I'm sure the world is happy to know that it will have you around for a lot longer. Much Love
From Victor, Dale, and Laurie
Welcome to the decade of the sixty's Wendy and Stuart!!! Actually, it's not too bad from those (2) of us who entered it quite a while ago---aside from the sore knees, hip replacements, stiff backs after long car rides. You two are great examples of fitness and good living. We wish you both continued healthy and joyful days. To the wife of my brother, you have given our family great relief and delight since you first entered Harley's life. How fortunate for him that you have graced his life for 33 years!!!! We thank you and love you and your ways. Happy, happy birthday!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
From Diane and Steve Smith
As we all know, you can’t select those people who marry into your family. But with you, Wendy, we garnered a real gem.
From day one, you were always a caring family member, both to Lilly and Lou, and to Dale, Vic, Neil and Laurie. My aunt and uncle loved visiting you in California and “kvelled” at the Bar and Bat Mitzvahs of their grandchildren. Steve and I know that one of the reasons you did this was for their sake.
Steve and I could not have picked a better mate for Harley. Thank you for being who you are.
Happy 60th!!!
From day one, you were always a caring family member, both to Lilly and Lou, and to Dale, Vic, Neil and Laurie. My aunt and uncle loved visiting you in California and “kvelled” at the Bar and Bat Mitzvahs of their grandchildren. Steve and I know that one of the reasons you did this was for their sake.
Steve and I could not have picked a better mate for Harley. Thank you for being who you are.
Happy 60th!!!
Friday, January 9, 2009
From Robin Lynn
Hello Wendy and Stuart,
It's true that I went the big 6 - 0less than 2 weeks before you. Does that make me a leader? A trendsetter? No matter, you're invited to join my club.
I would just as soon have jumped over this hurtle alone, without notice, and a little birdie told me that maybe Wendy would have done this too. But now that you're out and celebrating and online, let me be among the selected few to wish you the very best this year and every year beyond.
Much love from the East Coast
It's true that I went the big 6 - 0less than 2 weeks before you. Does that make me a leader? A trendsetter? No matter, you're invited to join my club.
I would just as soon have jumped over this hurtle alone, without notice, and a little birdie told me that maybe Wendy would have done this too. But now that you're out and celebrating and online, let me be among the selected few to wish you the very best this year and every year beyond.
Much love from the East Coast
From Helen
From one twin to another. Happy Birthday. It was a great day in Athens when we met. We have enjoyed the ride together since then. I look forward to sharing life's great moments with you in the future. Congratulations. I wish that we could share birthdays over Graeter's Mocha Chip.
From Zoe Magee
Dear Wendy,
Happy,Happy Birthday! Somah and I can't believe you are turning 60! You look fabulous and we admire you so much for all you do. Well...maybe except for your turkey basting skills. All joking aside we hope that your birthday is all you want it to be and more. Love, Somah, Zoe, Ron and Reed too!
P/S Somah thanks you for teaching her the "California Wave". I thank you and Harley for always welcoming us into your home when Debra was there. OOXX
Happy,Happy Birthday! Somah and I can't believe you are turning 60! You look fabulous and we admire you so much for all you do. Well...maybe except for your turkey basting skills. All joking aside we hope that your birthday is all you want it to be and more. Love, Somah, Zoe, Ron and Reed too!
P/S Somah thanks you for teaching her the "California Wave". I thank you and Harley for always welcoming us into your home when Debra was there. OOXX
Thursday, January 8, 2009
From Kathy Gazy
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Stuart and Wendy.I am a firm believer that people's paths cross for a reason.I am so very grateful ours did,it was a wonderful experience getting to know the Lazarus family.Hey Stuart I know where you can get a carrot cake !!!! Give me a call or drop a line it would be my pleasure.Happy 60th you guy's from the loud bossy nurse
From Jeannee Parker Martin
Well, this is a wild group. I met Stuart only in 2004 - not years and years ago, like so many of you. I live in California, but grew up just up the road from many of you, in Delaware. Yes, the Delaware straight up Route 23 from Columbus. I was born at the old Jane Case Hospital and shopped at Lazarus my entire childhood. I cannot take credit for the twins' milestone birthday, for any of their accomplishments or marriages, or any of their funny antics which some of you have written about. HOwever, Stuart did get me to run for the famous Run To Remember NHF and now I am avid devotee and cult member of the Lazarus Fan Club (LFC). I can only wish the best time for Stuart and Wendy during their big 6-0 celebration at the FireSky. This is great that you did a blog so we could all celebrate along with you! Happiest of all birthdays to you both, and may we all help you get to the next big one and beyond! Love and hugs to you both, Jeannee
From Peggy Lazarus
A womb of one's own is definitely preferable and a womb with a view is clearly the best. But then how would they know ?!! Ya gotta love 'em, Peggy
From Thom McCain
So, it's 60 years is it? Rather amazing that Stuart lasted this long, though having now met and gotten to know Wendy better, it doesn't so surprise me that she made it. The truth of the matter is that you two are getting really old. One of our teachers, a recent college grad, was asked his age by a student yesterday. "26," he replied. "OMG that is ancient" exclaimed the 15-year-old. So what I'm thinking is that you two are at least -- Double Ancient. This is something you both can use on your electronic signatures from now on (i.e. Wendy Lazarus, DA; Stuart Lazarus, DA DA). I'm sorry I didn't have the time to compose a song for Double Ancients, but maybe sometime in the future. In the mean time, here's a fitting birthday song from one of my favorite singers, http://www.conniekaldor.com/more/fun_stuff/birthday_song.html
Have a happy and here's hoping we'll be celebrating triple anchientcie with you both.
Have a happy and here's hoping we'll be celebrating triple anchientcie with you both.
From Greg Rhodes and Sallie Westheimer
Sallie and I are thrilled to be included in this august group, hand-picked by Wendy and Stuart, to send notes about how wonderful they are, and how great it has been to know them, on the occasion of their 60th birthdays.
For those of you reading this who do not know us, Sallie and I owe a great debt of gratitude to Stuart, or Wendy--take your pick--for having introduced us and facilitated our marriage, way, way, way back in 1984. They never fail to remind us of this. However, they also never fail to disagree about who should have the credit.
Stuart's claim is he was responsible for arranging for me (a former employee of his at LDA, and a colleague at IU in the mid-1970s) to come to Ohio, from my home in California for a free-lance writing assignment that eventually led me to meet Sallie in Cincinnati. Wendy counters with the fact that, as the local representative of the agency (Children's Defense Fund) that actually hired me, she hosted me in Cincinnati on the day I met Sallie and appropriately briefed me for the encounter (she and Sallie had known each other for a while). After a day full of interviews for the writing assignment, she invited Sallie and I over to her home where we arranged our first date (to a Red's game--as a side note, I should mention that the weather that Sept. evening was a little cool, and having arrived without a jacket, Harley graciously loaned me one of his 44 Longs...I think I was wearing a 38 Regular at the time...and Sallie, much to her credit managed to overlook the sleeves dragging on the ground, and we had a very nice time. Thank you, Harley.)
Needeless to say, they would not be arguing about our meeting if the outcome had not been so successful. We will celebrate our 25th anniversary--thanks to Wendy!--No, thanks to Stuart!-- next year.
I suppose, while on the subject of marriages, I should let it drop there. But I should note that I have known Stuart for such a long time that I have actually met all six of his wives. Or is it four? Or three? All I know for sure, is that it was a lot of anguished phone calls. Well, finally, he got it right with Cindy, so no need to remember anymore.
Wendy, on the other hand, has been happily ensconced with Harley and her family these many years (we have rarely had an anguished phone call from Wendy, although I did have a few with Harley when we were in the same fantasy baseball league), and Wendy and Harley have graciously hosted us in their poolhouse on a couple of occasions. Stuart, on the other hand, has never invited us to his poolhouse, although I did live for a short time in his guest cottage when he lived on his Gahanna estate...but not for free. I had to cut the grass.
On this occasion of Wendy and Stuart's 60th, I want to salute Cindy and Harley... and Donald Ferguson. None of them get enough credit for all they do in having made this 60th birthday celebration such a memorable event.
For those of you reading this who do not know us, Sallie and I owe a great debt of gratitude to Stuart, or Wendy--take your pick--for having introduced us and facilitated our marriage, way, way, way back in 1984. They never fail to remind us of this. However, they also never fail to disagree about who should have the credit.
Stuart's claim is he was responsible for arranging for me (a former employee of his at LDA, and a colleague at IU in the mid-1970s) to come to Ohio, from my home in California for a free-lance writing assignment that eventually led me to meet Sallie in Cincinnati. Wendy counters with the fact that, as the local representative of the agency (Children's Defense Fund) that actually hired me, she hosted me in Cincinnati on the day I met Sallie and appropriately briefed me for the encounter (she and Sallie had known each other for a while). After a day full of interviews for the writing assignment, she invited Sallie and I over to her home where we arranged our first date (to a Red's game--as a side note, I should mention that the weather that Sept. evening was a little cool, and having arrived without a jacket, Harley graciously loaned me one of his 44 Longs...I think I was wearing a 38 Regular at the time...and Sallie, much to her credit managed to overlook the sleeves dragging on the ground, and we had a very nice time. Thank you, Harley.)
Needeless to say, they would not be arguing about our meeting if the outcome had not been so successful. We will celebrate our 25th anniversary--thanks to Wendy!--No, thanks to Stuart!-- next year.
I suppose, while on the subject of marriages, I should let it drop there. But I should note that I have known Stuart for such a long time that I have actually met all six of his wives. Or is it four? Or three? All I know for sure, is that it was a lot of anguished phone calls. Well, finally, he got it right with Cindy, so no need to remember anymore.
Wendy, on the other hand, has been happily ensconced with Harley and her family these many years (we have rarely had an anguished phone call from Wendy, although I did have a few with Harley when we were in the same fantasy baseball league), and Wendy and Harley have graciously hosted us in their poolhouse on a couple of occasions. Stuart, on the other hand, has never invited us to his poolhouse, although I did live for a short time in his guest cottage when he lived on his Gahanna estate...but not for free. I had to cut the grass.
On this occasion of Wendy and Stuart's 60th, I want to salute Cindy and Harley... and Donald Ferguson. None of them get enough credit for all they do in having made this 60th birthday celebration such a memorable event.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
From Mary Carde
If Linda ventured to post a comment, I guess I can too; altho I forewarn you that I have no capacity to be witty. I can't believe that you, Linda, and I met in the fall of '69 - that we've been friends for almost 40 yrs! So, my dear and old (in terms of duration) friend, I want to wish you a wonderful 60th. Looking ahead to the next 40 yrs of friendship -
From Linda and Joel Corwin
ok, I guess I'm just not smart enough to be your friend, Wend. I tried to leave a comment, and I screwed up. I'll just say Happy Birthday to the special twins that you and Stu are!
I'm still waiting for that karaoke party you promised on your 60th, Wend. Since you are so musical, I thought it would be a perfect celebration of your talents.
The blog I tried to leave before has all of my compliments, so I won't repeat them. Hope you can retrieve them, and Many More Happy Birthdays to you both!
I'm still waiting for that karaoke party you promised on your 60th, Wend. Since you are so musical, I thought it would be a perfect celebration of your talents.
The blog I tried to leave before has all of my compliments, so I won't repeat them. Hope you can retrieve them, and Many More Happy Birthdays to you both!
From Mary and Bob Lazarus
Hi Wendy and Stuart, Is it possible that the 2 hellions who ran wild at 236 No. Columbia on Monday nights when your Mom had me for dinner (CYL and RLJr worked Monday nights in those days) are 60!
It has been wonderful to watch you "grow" and to stay connected with you and your families. We wish you all the best and will toast you on the 11th.
It has been wonderful to watch you "grow" and to stay connected with you and your families. We wish you all the best and will toast you on the 11th.
From Lynn Knauff
Happy Birthday, Wendy and Stuart! Wendy, you may remember we had a couple of conversations about ESP -- long ago -- and by golly it's still working! I had a dream about you two early mornings ago and several hours later, your birthday blog invitation appeared in my incoming e-mail. Yikes!
Saw Kitty Harrison yesterday and she joins me in wishing you the happiest birthday in this challenging year for our new president.
Saw Kitty Harrison yesterday and she joins me in wishing you the happiest birthday in this challenging year for our new president.
From Jack Armstrong
Because Stuart seems to be getting most of the kudos thus far, and because I don’t know him from a can of corn, I’m going to offer a few huzzahs and miscellaneous accolades to the other half of this 60-year-old tandem. Wendy not only is a wonderful friend, but one of the most passionate and caring humanitarians I have ever known – not to mention smart, sagacious, and a fellow long-suffering Buckeye who keeps hanging in with them and hoping for the best regardless of how prone they might be to disappoint when the rubber hits the road. Hang on Sloopy.
I had hoped there would be a way for me to attach an mp3 of Delta Dawn to this post so that it could be played at the height of merriment during the celebration on Sunday, but since that’s not in the cards, I’ll be singing along out here in Portland and sending much love and congratulations. Ms. Wendy, your friendship is a huge blessing in my life, (and I’m sure Stuart is a real stand up guy as well). Happy birthday!
I had hoped there would be a way for me to attach an mp3 of Delta Dawn to this post so that it could be played at the height of merriment during the celebration on Sunday, but since that’s not in the cards, I’ll be singing along out here in Portland and sending much love and congratulations. Ms. Wendy, your friendship is a huge blessing in my life, (and I’m sure Stuart is a real stand up guy as well). Happy birthday!
From Kay Mills
Wendy: I think I screwed up. I never was good at technology. Here is what I wrote and see if you can post it for me.
I have been a friend of Wendy Lazarus for more than 20 years, if memory serves (and it sometimes doesn’t). I wanted to make it clear that she does have friends because, when I ran into her at the bookstore today, she said her twin wondered if she had any. Evidently few if any have answered the call to the birthday blog. So here, friend Wendy, I am.
I don’t have any outrageous memories of her. So if you are hoping to find scandal, you can stop reading now. I do, of course, think her eating habits are scandalous, given that fruits and vegetables seem rarely to find their way into her diet. Ice cream, oui; les vegetables, non. No wonder she never has any energy. No wonder at 60 she no longer plays tennis and I, who saw 60 some years ago and waved it bye-bye, still do. But who’s counting? Who’s looking at her plate at dinner? I love spinach; I’m not sure Wendy has ever heard of it.
Wendy and I met when she was doing her child advocacy thing and I was doing my editorial writing thing for the Los Angeles Times. Remember the Los Angeles Times? It used to be a great newspaper. Anyway, she was a great source because I wrote about children’s issues, among other things. I hope that we helped each other with our causes. Soon we discovered we both played tennis and some days I would sneak out of the office (I always said I had completed my work early) and we’d meet at the Rancho Park courts for a match. Later after I left the paper and was writing books, we’d meet at the Santa Monica courts just off the beach, a place as beautiful as you could ever want for a tennis game, with palm trees and ocean breezes. Later still we played at Pacific Palisades until she pulled up lame. They do not, however, shoot tennis players, only horses.
Over the last few years, Wendy and I have tried to share what we call “cultchyah”—culture for those of you who are uninitiated into LA speak. We do our best to schedule outings to plays amid our various travels, hers usually for work and mine mainly for pleasure (Paris? Did someone ask me about my trip to Paris? Wanna know what I was buying at the bookstore today?). We walk in Palisades Park, along the beach and then up the (to me) seemingly endless stairs up from the canyon back into her neighborhood. Sometimes we laugh ourselves silly over our faulty memories.
So where was I? Oh, yes. Wendy is my friend, a person who gives good counsel, good election night parties (especially when she conjures up an Obama victory), and good vibes on everything except what she eats. Happy Birthday to the Lazarus twins! Kay Mills
(P.S. This was not a paid political announcement. Wendy did not approve this message. All she did was ask me to write one. Had I gotten paid, it would have been flowerier. Keep that in mind, fellow Wendy friends.)
I have been a friend of Wendy Lazarus for more than 20 years, if memory serves (and it sometimes doesn’t). I wanted to make it clear that she does have friends because, when I ran into her at the bookstore today, she said her twin wondered if she had any. Evidently few if any have answered the call to the birthday blog. So here, friend Wendy, I am.
I don’t have any outrageous memories of her. So if you are hoping to find scandal, you can stop reading now. I do, of course, think her eating habits are scandalous, given that fruits and vegetables seem rarely to find their way into her diet. Ice cream, oui; les vegetables, non. No wonder she never has any energy. No wonder at 60 she no longer plays tennis and I, who saw 60 some years ago and waved it bye-bye, still do. But who’s counting? Who’s looking at her plate at dinner? I love spinach; I’m not sure Wendy has ever heard of it.
Wendy and I met when she was doing her child advocacy thing and I was doing my editorial writing thing for the Los Angeles Times. Remember the Los Angeles Times? It used to be a great newspaper. Anyway, she was a great source because I wrote about children’s issues, among other things. I hope that we helped each other with our causes. Soon we discovered we both played tennis and some days I would sneak out of the office (I always said I had completed my work early) and we’d meet at the Rancho Park courts for a match. Later after I left the paper and was writing books, we’d meet at the Santa Monica courts just off the beach, a place as beautiful as you could ever want for a tennis game, with palm trees and ocean breezes. Later still we played at Pacific Palisades until she pulled up lame. They do not, however, shoot tennis players, only horses.
Over the last few years, Wendy and I have tried to share what we call “cultchyah”—culture for those of you who are uninitiated into LA speak. We do our best to schedule outings to plays amid our various travels, hers usually for work and mine mainly for pleasure (Paris? Did someone ask me about my trip to Paris? Wanna know what I was buying at the bookstore today?). We walk in Palisades Park, along the beach and then up the (to me) seemingly endless stairs up from the canyon back into her neighborhood. Sometimes we laugh ourselves silly over our faulty memories.
So where was I? Oh, yes. Wendy is my friend, a person who gives good counsel, good election night parties (especially when she conjures up an Obama victory), and good vibes on everything except what she eats. Happy Birthday to the Lazarus twins! Kay Mills
(P.S. This was not a paid political announcement. Wendy did not approve this message. All she did was ask me to write one. Had I gotten paid, it would have been flowerier. Keep that in mind, fellow Wendy friends.)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
From Brad Bradford
I have a number of good memories of our childhood and adulthood, but there is one thought about the two of you that I would like to pass along.
It is hard for me to imagine what it would have been like to grow up in the 1950’s and 1960’s in the pre-eminent Columbus family.
In looking back, you handled those pressures and responsibilities with grace and sincerity.
I have seen you interact with a wide variety of people and you have always been unassuming. Presumptuousness is utterly foreign to you.
Whatever the source of your modesty, e.g., the guidance of your parents, your own inner compasses, it is praiseworthy.
Happy Birthday!!
It is hard for me to imagine what it would have been like to grow up in the 1950’s and 1960’s in the pre-eminent Columbus family.
In looking back, you handled those pressures and responsibilities with grace and sincerity.
I have seen you interact with a wide variety of people and you have always been unassuming. Presumptuousness is utterly foreign to you.
Whatever the source of your modesty, e.g., the guidance of your parents, your own inner compasses, it is praiseworthy.
Happy Birthday!!
Monday, January 5, 2009
From Susan Messina
Wow! What fun! I didn't know you were a twin, Stuart. Nowadays, thanks to fertility meds, twins and even triplets are ubiquitous. But six decades ago--that was rare stuff indeed! I hope you both have a marvelous day, year, decade...
--Susan from NHF
--Susan from NHF
From Jessica Mager
You two were (are) the cutest little babies (excluding my Elle and Gavin of course!)...your Father was always so proud of all of you. Congrats on 6-0! Fondly, Jessica
Beverly Green
Happy Birthday!
Do you kids remember the party at your Dad's house with the "Island" theme? Everyone having a grand time with you kids wearing the leis around your heads and loads of good food and then comes the dessert, cake and Stu puts candles on the cake and asks me for a MATCH. Not a good request since your Dad's oxygen was on 6 L. Were you trying to blow all of us directly to Hawaii???...Of course I denied your request and the party continued with everyone having loads of fun. Such good memories of all three of you kids with loads of laughs.
Beverly- One of your favorite nurses
Do you kids remember the party at your Dad's house with the "Island" theme? Everyone having a grand time with you kids wearing the leis around your heads and loads of good food and then comes the dessert, cake and Stu puts candles on the cake and asks me for a MATCH. Not a good request since your Dad's oxygen was on 6 L. Were you trying to blow all of us directly to Hawaii???...Of course I denied your request and the party continued with everyone having loads of fun. Such good memories of all three of you kids with loads of laughs.
Beverly- One of your favorite nurses
From Mimi and Emil
Cool Beans!! A big birthday!! The posts are wonderful. Wendy, we've not had a lot of time together, but from my long runs with Stu, I feel like I know you and I love seeing the posts of your extended family and friends. Stu, what can I say, but cool beans. So, in honor of the birthday not to be named, gifts to the Children's Patnership and the National Hospice will be made to celebrate you, and of course, diapers to the YWCA Family Center. Many more my friends.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
From Dan and Jeanne Ross
Dear Stuart,
You rock! We couldn't believe there was another one of you when you told us you had a twin sister. How come Wenday looks so young?
You are always the life of the party, as long as it doesn't last past 8:00. But that's OK we're getting old too.
We'll be thinking of you on your big day. And we'll be thinking of the Buckeyes on their big day. We hope everyone enjoys their big days.
Can't wait to see you in March!
Love,
Dan and Jeanne
You rock! We couldn't believe there was another one of you when you told us you had a twin sister. How come Wenday looks so young?
You are always the life of the party, as long as it doesn't last past 8:00. But that's OK we're getting old too.
We'll be thinking of you on your big day. And we'll be thinking of the Buckeyes on their big day. We hope everyone enjoys their big days.
Can't wait to see you in March!
Love,
Dan and Jeanne
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