The rehearsal process that resulted in our new dance celebrating Harpur College's 50th Anniversary, began in our office not in a dance studio. We sat and discussed ways we might specifically connect our choreography to Harpur College. One idea was to create material with accompaniment by some member of the university community. Milton Kessler's poetry seemed a perfect choice for this project, not only for its beauty, and Milt's extraordinary readings of it, but also because Milt was such a stalwart supporter of Harpur College's Fine Arts. Milt helped found the creative writing program here, and yet encouraged his students to skip his classes on Thursdays to go to Casadesus Recital Hall for the Music department's Midday Concerts.
We called him from our office. He was cautiously optimistic about the project. He loved the concept, but his health had been suffering and he wasn't sure he'd be physically up for it. Milt declined our invitation a few days later, but planned to be in the audience this evening. On Monday, April 17, we were sitting in our office when the call came in that Milt Kessler had died. We were deeply saddened by the news. He meant so much to us, just as he did to many of you in this audience.
Milt's inspiration frequently came from his wife, Sunni, and their three children, David, Paula, and Danny. They collaborated to decide which poem we would incorporate into tonight's show.
It is with grief over his death and with joy and gratitude for what he has given us that we dedicate this performance to the memory of our friend, Milton Kessler.

The Second Hand