Hi Friends:

To prepare you for your concern when you see a strange signature at the conclusion of this letter, let me hasten to advise you Ev is fine. My name is Rosina, and I am very proud to have been associated with the Carpenters since 1975. and of course have been an ardent admirer since the group's inception.

Ev has more than a full time job now, coping with the abundance of paper work involved in logging Richard's ever expanding car collection, so I am very happy to relieve her of one of her many other duties. I will do my best to keep you as well informed on the Carpenters happenings as she has throughout the years.

Please be assured, her interest in the Carpenters and their ever faithful following will always remain "Close To You" in her heart.

Richard & Karen's Christmas gift to the world has been delivered to all record outlets worldwide. I guarantee Christmas Portrait will play a major part in making this your happiest Christmas, (I'd be willing to bet a few million tears will be jerked too!) It is almost impossible to find a suitable adjective to describe the album, but what a treasure to cherish among our Carpenters memorabilia.

The new single I Believe You / B'wana She No Home was released Oct.20th. A beautiful ballad previously recorded by Dorothy Moore, and given the superb treatment by our masters of beautiful music. This track will be featured on the new album some time in the New Year.

The taping of the upcoming Christmas T.V. Special is completed, and due to air Dec. l9th, but be sure to check your listings for confirmation. Guests include Georgia Engel, Gene Kelly, Christy & Jimmy McNichol, Peter Pit (the invisible guest), the group members, and Special guests none other than Mom & Dad Carpenter! They will not be performing, but will be seen among the guests attending the Christmas party in the show.

Richard's birthday was spent taping the special, so (typical of Karen) she planned a surprise celebration on the set. An enormous cake was wheeled on stage as the cast sang Happy Birthday. The cake was a work of art indeed decorations appropriately depicting a pianist at the piano, a conductor with raised baton, records, and a classic car. It was a brief but happy interlude on a busy and exacting working day.

On Dec. 3rd at 4:00 p.m. the Carpenters will join five choral groups and the Long Beach CA State Symphony Orchestra in the school's annual Winter Festival Concert, to be held at Long Beach Terrace Theater. Richard & Karen are delighted to announce a Carpenter Scholarship Fund will be established with the proceeds from the concert.

Danny wishes to convey his very grateful thanks for your concern regarding his accident. He is out of hospital now, but in rather poor shape. He will almost certainly have to endure plastic surgery later on.

On a happier note, Doug & Nancy are the proud parents of a healthy, normal baby daughter Meggen Elizabeth, born Oct. 1st.

A & M Records in London, England are compiling another singles album called Carpenters Singles 1974-1978 which they plan to release towards the end of this year. It is not known at this time if it will only be available in England, so please refrain from writing in about it until more information can be published in the next newsletter.

Karen's dog "Mush" became ill recently and had to undergo surgery for hysterectomy. Happy to report, patient is responding well to treatment (including tasty tid-bits). The tough part now is getting her back on her normal diet!

Richard, Karen and Mom & Dad attended a benefit concert at the Los Angeles Music Center Oct. 30th in aid of the non-profit treatment center supporting emotionally disturbed children. This organization is chaired by Mrs. Jerry Weintraub, and sponsored by the Reiss-Davis Child Study Center. Richard is on the Music Advisory Committee, and Karen is also a committee member. We are very proud they, and many famous people in the music world support a very worthwhile project.

The Ford Roadster Model A which was a gift to Dad, won second place in a car show at Griswald, Claremont recently. Two more winners for Richard in the Walter P. Chrysler show at Santa Barbara. His 1956 Newport & 1975 Imperial both won first prize. for which he received very elegant trophies. It seems his car awards are competing with his music awards!

Almost forgot to mention Richard & Karen were recipients of two awards last month, given by the American Society of Composers. Authors and Publishers (better known as ASCAP). The awards were in recognition of the successful chart action of their single Sweet, Sweet Smile. (Producer and Artists).

The color photos from various specials etc. have been so popular, so we are introducing a few sets from this year's Christmas special. Set #4a will be one pose of them with Mom & Dad, one of Karen in the kitchen, one of Richard in front of the tree singing Toyland, and a profile of Richard & Karen looking up and smiling. Set #4b will feature a close up of Karen, an outdoor snow scene of Richard at the piano, and a combined one of Karen singing Ava Maria in a candlelight setting, accompanied by Richard at the piano. We hope to have them available in a couple of weeks. Prices as before: $X.XX each for U.S. members, $X.XX each overseas.

The response to the proposed pen-pal scheme has teen phenomenal, but many of you forgot to enclose your stamped self addressed envelopes and International reply coupons. We must stress; Only forms accompanied with these will receive attention. This is a big task involving much time and thought so we do ask far your cooperation. and thank you in anticipation of same. It would be advisable to enclose two stamped envelopes or four reply coupons you require pen-pals in more than one country.

The Carpenters will not be in concert this Christmas, so Richard, Karen, the group members and roadies look forward to spending a normal Christmas with their families and close friends. We all agree they deserve it.

Once again the Carpenter family, everyone connected with the group, Ev and the fanclub staff wish you and yours a very Merry, Safe & Blessed Christmas and extend very best wishes for a New Year of Happiness and Prosperity. More news in 1979, Rosina.

Last changed: Fri Jul 29 10:21:33 EDT 2005