Subject: Monsieur Neff and Things I don't remember
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2002 16:55:54 -0700
From: "Ted Scheinman" [scheinmt@mhcc.edu]

To: Gary Duffy; All

My memory of M. Neff . He never spoke a word of English - only French - at school and at home (even though his wife spoke no French!). To avoid doing our assignment, the key was to ask him about his "abris" or bomb shelters. He would go into a tirade for the entire class period, why he had two bomb shelters - one for direct hit and one for fallout, I guess. He was prepared to defend his bomb shelter with guns.

I still remember that much French: "Comment se trouve les abris, M. Neff."

I wish I could remember as much as many of you, but what I don't remember is also of interest.

I don't remember people carrying guns to school.
I don't remember gangs or too many fights.
I might have missed something, but I don't remember drugs used in school.
I don't remember students challenging teachers on topics or content in class.

I remember a relatively safe environment, with teachers who knew me and cared (even if they were boring!).

Was I oblivious or has my memory failed me?

Can't wait for the reunion.

Ted Scheinman
Instructor in Economics,
Mt. Hood Community College
Gresham, Oregon