Tag: 1977

Winter finally reared its head in the Northeast with some snow and bone-chilling temperatures this January. So, taking refuge in front of a crackling fire, I have many New Year’s greetings from fellow classmates.

Andy Adesman sent word about his recently published book, Grandfamily Guidebook (Hazelden Publishing), which should be well received by the many recent grandparents in our class. Andy, along with Steve Gold and Rick Dennett, started the New Year with a vacation with wives on Longboat Key, Fla. Steve McNutt and his wife joined in for a wonderful dinner.

Jason Baron’s The Chelly Foundation, the charity he founded in Cambodia, hosted a creative writing workshop sponsored by Writing Through—the organization started by Sue Rappaport Guiney. Jason further reports that Kathy Asquith Franklin volunteers as a board member of The Chelly Foundation: being extraordinarily generous with her time and support. More information on these two charities can be found at thechellyfoundation.org and writingthrough.org.

Buzz Cohen was delighted to return to campus to speak to the stage management class. Buzz is heading into rehearsal for Suzan-Lori Parks’ White Noise for the Public Theater.

Iddy Olson is a granny! Rowan Grace Jennings was born to her son, Des, and his wife in Jackson Hole. She is very thankful for FaceTime. John Fink is taking time off after 34 years of managing KFVE-TV in Honolulu until he writes his next chapter. Jane Goldenring is coming east in May for a family graduation and then plans to teach a couple days at Wesleyan.

With the New Year, Janet Malkemes will be looking for a new job, preferably within the North Carolina state system so that she can reach the magic 10 years needed to qualify for a full retirement and health care. Although not quite ready for retirement, she is enjoying having more available free time than she has had over the past 38 years.

Jerry Stouck is near the end of a long legal career in D.C., spending more and more time in Park City, Utah, both winter and summer. Oldest daughter Dani just got engaged and lives in Harlem, son David ’15 is in New York working at Warner Music, and youngest Rachel is finishing an MSW program in Boston. Jerry is in touch with Micha Balf and may see Teddy Klaus in D.C.

Jim Melloan met up in the East Village with Jim Dowling and David Van Biema ’80. He recently acquired a manager for acting gigs. Any showbiz folks interested in hiring him should contact Dream Maker Talent Management of Glen Head, N.Y. Jim expressed great optimism for 2019.

Joan Goldfeder had a fine and unexpected breakfast with Doug Green in September. She also scored a dinner with Peter Bickford on one of his many business trips. Joan and Penley Toffolon Kidd do a lot of commiserating and complaining about the current administration via text: “someday soon, the phones will explode (or they will).” Son Eli is in Spain for his semester abroad from Bucknell University, which is all Joan needs to plan a trip there for early spring. Joan is still doing marketing consulting, mostly for nonprofits.

David Loder writes, “Hard to believe that my son, Marek ’11, graduated from Wes eight years ago . . . and I won’t even do the math for our class but am thrilled to have my brother Tom [’80]’s son and my nephew, Aaron ’22, attending Wesleyan as a freshman this year . . . keeps all the memories flowing as we count our many blessings particularly at this time of year.”

In the New Year, Mark Slitt was headed on safari to South Africa: photos only, no gun shooting. Mike Coffey has been beating a track to SoCal since daughter Lanie started grad school at Cal State Long Beach: nine trips out since summer. Lanie got her master’s in nutrition in May, finished up the thesis, and started her first career job working for Heluna Health at their Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) clinics last month.

Vicky Dworkin retired from her position as children’s librarian at the Hawaii State Library, and moved to Center Sandwich, N.H., along with husband John Wendell. She is a part-time freelance storyteller, involved in various children’s literature activities, and enjoying life near Squam Lake.

Vanessa Burgess and Betsy Hecker sent along good wishes for the New Year to us all. Will Altman wrote from Brazil that his new book, Ascent to the Good: The Reading Order of Plato’s Dialogues From Symposium to Republic, has been published by Rowman and Littlefield.

All in all, it sounds like a fine start to 2019.

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

As the warm summer temperatures have been disappearing along with the abundance of daylight, we have some greetings from classmates to share here. Earl Phillips has received the prestigious designation as Lawyer of the Year for 2019. Earl’s practice has had a strong focus on environmental, energy and safety/health considerations. Heartiest congratulations go to you, distinguished Counselor.

Peg Batchelder writes that after being laid off from Bristol-Myers Squibb last May, it seemed fated for her to take an early retirement. Peg’s partner, May Coryell, retired that June, and they spent the summer packing for the big move to their condo on Maui. As one might imagine, retirement has been wonderful; they can’t imagine being happier anywhere else!

Paul Meisel’s oldest son, Peter, and his wife, Liz, had a boy named Riley on July 14. On the professional front, Paul has some children’s books coming out: Anna and Samia, a true story about a woman named Anna Merz who saved rhinos in Kenya; My Happy Year by E. Bluebird, a nonfiction diary of an Eastern bluebird; and See Me Play, a beginning reader. Paul’s I See A Cat, won a 2018 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award from the ALA.

A touching note from Jane Eisner: “Mark Berger ’76 and I welcomed Sadie Avital, our second grandchild, in August. Sadie and her big brother, Colin, live in Brooklyn, and we see them as often as humanly possible. She is named for my mother, Sadie, and I’ve learned that having your daughter (Rachel Berger ’06) give birth to a daughter and name her for your mother is truly one of the great joys in life.”

Lisa Brummel has been on tour visiting Switzerland and Germany on route to Israel. Lisa met up with Wendy Brown Giardina. I made sure there was up-to-date contact information for Rachel Helfer and Micah Balf.

Jane Goldenring has a Christmas movie, A Majestic Christmas, coming out this holiday season. Jane spent a lot of time in Montréal creating a winter wonderland in 90-degree weather. She has safely returned back to southern California to teach a graduate producing course at USC.

In Maine, Jay Kilbourn recently retired and is spending time as a citizen lobbyist with Citizens Climate Lobby, focusing on getting bipartisan support for the Carbon Fee and Dividend. This is a strategy to dramatically reduce carbon pollution and climate change, while growing the economy! Exciting to have a favorable solution to a critical global problem that enjoys support from Rs and Ds in this divided world. Following in his father’s footsteps, Doug Hauschild felt compelled to get involved again as an Eagle to teach merit badges. He is now signed up to teach eight merit badges (including the three citizenships) and has enjoyed the honor of sitting on or chairing 25 Eagle boards of review.

Catherine Compton Swanson is celebrating 25 years of marriage to Gary Jon Swanson. Catherine is a retired museum archivist. Along with their Brittany spaniel, Tucker, they enjoy their lake house at Otsego Lake in Northern Michigan and a cabin on Rangeley Lake in Maine. Catherine and Gary live in Lexington, Mass., and enjoy the symphony and the great town library. Yikes, we are neighbors!

Finally, one surprise in my life has been that my services as a wedding officiant have been much in demand. I just completed wedding number five in the Boston area this summer. In order to comply with California requirements, I became an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church which has garnered some prestige and/or legitimacy, along with a coveted clergy parking pass.

As these notes will be read at the end of 2018, I would like to wish all a very happy and healthy holiday season and new year.

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

After what seemed to be a long cold winter, we’ve managed to cobble together a surprising number of beautiful days to provide the Northeast with a real spring season. In short-sleeved polo I write to you with the latest news from our class. There often appears to be a theme running through groups of notes I receive. This time around, it was grandchildren.

George Fredric Jones Cruickshanks is the new grandson to proud grandparents Karen and Don Cruickshanks ’75, born in April.

Jonathan Gertler’s first grandchild was born to his oldest son, Chessin. Son Charles, 28, is getting his PhD in climate physics and chemistry at MIT, and youngest William, 23, just spent a year in Kenya working on sustainable agriculture and technology infrastructure for a firm with an office in Nairobi. Jonathan and wife Jane are doing well; he has a third album of all new songs due out around September.

Iddy Olson loves the mixture of entrepreneurship with her consulting practice two days a week and working the other three days a week for a boutique executive coaching firm in Chicago. Iddy moved into a beautiful rental house with her fella in May. Her son, Des, and her daughter-in-law have given her a grand-puppy and are expecting their first child in December.

Hope Neiman reported on the history made in Wesleyan sports. Men winning lacrosse was noteworthy. Women’s tennis team went to the NCAA tournament, and they made it to the round of eight—best finish ever by a Wes team. Then, Wesleyan sent two men and two women to the individual tournament. All were played at Claremont McKenna. Eudice Chong ’18 and Victoria Yu ’19 had made it to the NCAA finals to play against one another and were in the semis for doubles. In fact, for the first time ever in NCAA history, one person, Eudice Chong, took the championship in all four of her years. [see p. 14]

Jeff Gray reported Gamma Phi DKE held its annual open house during Reunion and Commencement. Dave Thomas and Tom Roberts were part of the crew of alumni who helped set up. After the open house, while the folks who actually had Reunion went to their respective class dinners, all headed down to La Cantina Restaurant in Middletown. They were joined by Jeff Shames who was on campus for the next-day graduation of his nephew.

Jane Goldenring was at Wesleyan in May to teach a two-day seminar to the film department’s graduating seniors about working in the film and television industry. Jane was joined in Middletown by Kate Seeger.

Laraine Balk Hope writes that in retirement, the cliché that there’s never enough time to do everything is very true. She is consulting on a limited basis and generally enjoying the flexibility to exercise more, improve her French and take other classes, read, and catch up with far-flung friends and family, including Arlene Lappen and Janet Malkemes.

Lisa Brummel’s son, Adam, graduated from high school; he plans to attend American University in the fall. Son Noah is spending time in Israel. Lisa and husband Joel will be visiting him this fall.

Michael Rittenberg is the last of six original partners of his urologic practice. He is working way harder than anticipated but thrilled to report that son Daniel will complete his urologic residency and join the practice in July 2019. His other three children are grown, independent, and prospering in their professional lives.

Michael Foxall is trying to get in touch with Bob Rees.

Peg Batchelder has retired from veterinary practice and pharmaceutical research and is living the good life on Maui with May Coryell, her partner for over 30 years.

Peter Guenther is attending his son Geoff’s medical school graduation from Tulane; he’s going into pediatrics and will be at Children’s National Hospital in D.C. for residency.

A couple of sad notes: Sarah Kendall wrote that her partner, Wolfgang Natter ’78, passed away suddenly. He was VP of academic affairs at the College of St. Scholastica. They had wonderful times in their brief time together—especially exploring the northland of Minnesota. They were fortunate to have found each other after a 40-year interlude from being “siblings” at Alpha Delta Phi. Sarah will be moving back to New Hampshire this summer. Mary Rindfleisch passed away in April. Mary was a long-time community and arts supporter, in particular building the Ridgefield, Conn., library. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sarah and to the friends and families of Wolfgang and Mary.

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

As much as I enjoy an email update from fellow class members, nothing beats running into folks, accidentally or planned, for an actual face-to-face meeting. Such was the case visiting with Liz and Will Sillin at the opening on an art show in Lexington, Mass., where Will had several fine pieces of work on display. Joining in to support the artist was fellow architect Rob MacNeille and wife Kim. We made a New Year’s resolution to get together and compare notes early in 2018. Rob has an amazing design and construction practice based in Essex and Wellesley, Mass. At Thanksgiving, my family had a Reunion gathering in Bermuda where, after a fine dinner out, we ran into Kathy (Asquith) Franklin. Kathy was on a wedding venue scouting trip with her future daughter-in-law and family. We both laughed at the incredible coincidence. It was great to see Kathy as we missed catching up during last May’s Reunion.

Several other folks wrote in wishing well to all in the New Year, including Kate Seeger and Lisa Brummel. Wendy Giardina has started studying Japanese in preparation for a March trip. This will be Wendy’s 11th language. In addition, Wendy is doing some translation for a French publisher and has begun attending an ornithology course in nearby (for her) Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

Janet Malkemes sent along her annual update, which included a report on her recovery from the removal of a cancerous tumor from her intestine. She has returned to work this New Year cancer-free with great appreciation of the medical staff that provided great care, as well as a support network of wonderful family and friends.

Dave Schreff enjoys his investing and board work in pro and college sports, media, and product licensing. His two sons are married and he sees their sister in New York frequently.

Buzz Cohen has staged-managed Oedipus El Rey for the Public Theater. Last summer Buzz was the stage manager for Shakespeare in the Park’s Julius Caesar and received the Del Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in the Art of Stage Management.

Brad Arrick is a clinical professor of medicine at Dartmouth College, where he has been chief of hematology/oncology. He completed a master’s in healthcare management at Harvard. Brad and his wife are looking forward to their son graduating high school next year.

Sadly, Dave Loder informed me of the passing of Tom Tucker in late 2017. Tom was a survivor of the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York. He was a chief underwriting officer at Hartford Insurance Company’s Commercial Markets Division. Remembrance gifts may be made in his honor at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving (HFPG.org).

Finally, Bob Rees was delighted to meet up with Don Lowery at Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis. Don, a former New England Patriot PR director and confidante to Coach Bill Belichick ’75, expressed disappointment that the Minnesota Vikings had failed to reach the “Big Show,” where Don suggested that the Vikings would have been torn to shreds. If there is one thing I have learned as a Patriots fan and believer in karma, it is best to leave some things unspoken.

Best wishes for a healthy and joyous 2018.

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

Who would have imagined that at the tender age of 62, attendance at so many weddings would become such a big part of my free time? The combination of folks’ second or third marriages and children of friends or relatives marrying means that there is a steady flow of celebration and travel. Not that I’m knocking it in the least! At a time when there is a lot to be concerned or saddened by, having occasions to be in the presence of others to have fun and to share in the love is something I cherish.

September took me to two great destination weddings: Squaw Valley, Calif., and Jackson Hole, Wyo. In California, I was honored to officiate at the wedding of my nephew, Michael Frank ’08. As necessitated by the Golden State, I became an ordained minister in order to perform my duties. There was a wonderful turnout of Wesleyan graduates, with a photo taken at mountain top. At the end of the month I made my way to Wyoming for the wedding of my godson, Desmond Jennings, the son of Iddy Olson. Both events were in spectacular surroundings and had lots of emotion packed in to full weekends of activities: dancing, eating, hiking, not necessarily in that order. One leaves these weekends with a great sense of fulfillment at participating in such crucial turning points in people’s lives. On a personal note, a shocking turning point for me is that my architecture firm is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, which seems totally impossible to me. As I have described so often, it is the people (staff, clients, and consultants) who have made the ride so worthwhile.

On to the news from those who responded to my request for news:

Will Sillin wrote in that Chester “Chet” Arnold (director, UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research) introduced his artwork to the Benton Museum at UConn. The result is that two of his paintings are included in their current show about water, Unfiltered. Will is justifiably thrilled that his work is hanging with numerous outstanding contemporary artists as well as masters from the 20th century who are represented in their permanent collection.

First time contributor Robin Cleveland writes: “Having spent a long career in Washington, 16 years on the Hill with McConnell in many roles, then the White House and World Bank, I began a degree in school counseling, which led to my being a doc student in counseling at 62.” Robin loves teaching at GW: “When all was said and done the truly great story is not the headlines you get to write but the lifelines you weave.” Finding her way back to very good people like Seta Nazarian ’79, Virginia Torczon ’78, Chris Harned ’89, and Rich Middlebrooks, Robin welcomes all to reconnect.

Hank Rosenfeld ran into Joan Goldfeder at the downtown LA public library on a Lenny Bruce panel. Joan was much missed at our May Reunion.

Continuing on the wedding theme, Jay Kilbourn writes that his Wesleyan daughter was married this summer, and she lives happily in Portland, Ore., practicing permaculture. Jay is a volunteer lobbyist at the nonpartisan Citizens Climate Lobby, doing his best to mitigate climate change and pass a bill in Congress to implement a carbon fee and dividend.

Jim Lyons wrote to express how happy he was to have attended our May Reunion. Back in Germany, he hit the road running with two productions planned for the fall at a theater near Stuttgart: a musical revue premiered in September and a second show on the story of Elvis’ 1968 comeback special to premier soon.

Jane Goldenring came back East for—what else?—a family wedding in the Hudson Valley region. Jane caught up with new grandmother Sharon Adler, as well as Jane Eisner and Mark Berger while in New York.

Michael Foxall is an elementary school principal in Fairlee, Vt. His wife and family enjoyed 20 years of overseas international school service, both as teachers and administrators, before returning to home in Canaan, N.H.

Bob Rees caught up with Marcy Neuburg in the Twin Cities while she was visiting her son and granddaughter. Marcy is off sailing somewhere between the North and South Poles. Bob is collecting poems from Earl Phillips and Lee Arnold in hopes of getting them published in Minneapolis.

Tom Roberts and Vanessa Burgess each wrote in to say what a great time they each had at our Reunion, echoing a sentiment expressed by many.

I wish all a happy and safe season leading up to the end-of-the-year holidays!

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

NEWSMAKERS | 1970s NEWSMAKER MICHELE ROBERTS ’77 Adweek named Michele A. Roberts ’77, executive director—and first female leader—of the NBA hotlayers Union, to its “30 Most Powerful Women in Sports” list, which featured outstanding executives, athletes, and journalists, among others. Previously an attorney with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Roberts had begun her career as a public defender in Washington, D.C. In the June 26 article, Adweek’s Tim Baysinger noted that Roberts would be negotiating across the table from league commissioner Adam Silver when the two worked on a new collective bargaining agreement—and Roberts would be trying to avoid a lockout, something her two predecessors were not able to do. A government major at Wesleyan, Roberts earned her JD from the University of California at Berkeley. The negotiations now completed, Roberts noted, “The deal we worked out with the League contained a number of favorable provisions for our players, including a 45 percent across the board salary increase for those players whose salaries are pre-set. And, no lock-out!”

NEWSMAKERS | 1970s NEWSMAKER RICHARD MELCHREIT ’77 Richard Melchreit ’77, P’19, MD, is the recipient of the 2017 Charles G. Huntington III Award for his 30-year career in public health. The Connecticut Public Health Association presents this award annually to a Connecticut health care practitioner who has demonstrated public health leadership and a commitment to the health and well-being of the population. Beyond his career in positions with St. Francis Medical Center and the Connecticut Department of Health, Melchreit mentored dozens of undergraduate and graduate students and held leadership roles in the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, most recently on the Healthcare Associated Infections Subcomittee. Melchreit was a biology major at Wesleyan, and received his medical degree from the University of Connecticut.

Had someone asked me in my youth what a 60 (plus)-year-old would look and act like, I would never have imagined it to be any of the group assembled for our attendance-record-smashing 40th Reunion. It pleases me to be among folks who were happy to just be present in order to connect with fellow alumni. Gone are the days when we felt the need to impress with our professional and personal accomplishments. We all enjoyed hearing about the twists and turns in our individual histories. It was affirming to speak with those folks in our lives with whom we shared another pivotal developmental time in our lives: starting our college days in our late teens.

For most of us, Reunion began Friday evening with a reception that would soften the blow of a nasty commute to Middletown from just about everywhere. Driving into our Reunion class hotel lot, I was greeted by Felice Burstein and John Roxby, a perfect start to the weekend. Both are smitten with their granddaughters, and like most of us, are considering the next move after retirement. At hotel reception, I came across Arlene Lappen and Sue Rappaport Guiney. If meeting up with these two doesn’t put a smile on your face, I don’t know what does. Next I rode with Iddy Olson, soon to be the mother of the groom (my godson), to campus to formally check in. We attended President Michael Roth ’78’s reception and met up with Vanessa Burgess, Jerry Caplin, Sean McKeown, Bob Glasspiegel, Kathy Mintz ’78, and Steve Beauchamp. We then headed over to meet arrivals at the Reunion class reception. Wendy Brown Giardina and Laraine Balk Hope immediately greeted us. Enjoyed seeing Jim Lyons, Jim Melloan, and Mim Wolf at the reception. It was fun hearing Jim’s German inflection and was really impressed by his, as well as Wendy Giardina’s and other alums efforts, in making their way back to campus from far away. I celebrated a mini Newton High School reunion with Richard Parad, Sarah Kendall, and Paul Sheridan. Other notables at the party were Mike Coffey, Jane Goldenring, Claude Greengard, Betsy Hecker, Mary Jo Wade, Ron Bloom, Dave Levy, Jim Dowling, and expert t-shirt designer and graphic designer, Bonnie Katz. Also on hand were Lee Arnold, Lisa Brummel with son Noah, Cindee Howard, Helen Taenzer Lott, Earl Phillips, Lenny Stamm whose music I missed, Miki Saraf, and the first person I met my freshman year, Richard Swanson.

Saturday got rolling with seminars on campus led by many in our class. Sue Rappaport Guiney, Jane Kurz Klemmer, Michele Roberts (our well-deserved class Distinguished Alumni recipient), and Alan Steele held a panel discussion on mid-life and mid-career changes. Following this was a seminar on “Fake News and Real News: Journalism Today” led by Jane Eisner and Alex Kotlowitz, among others. This well-attended offering featured many classmates including: Doug Green, Susan Berger, and Rachel (Helfer) and Mike Balf. Heading over to the lunch tent I got to catch up with Janet Malkemes and Sharon Adler. A few folks arrived solely for lunch, needing to honor conflicting family weddings and such: Danny Ruberman and world-traveling educators Louise Hazebrouck and Steve Rome, who shared stories from their time in Asia. Photographer extraordinaire, Rick Dennett, was busy capturing shots of the assembled gang throughout the afternoon and evening. Kate Seeger and I got to share a fine walk through the art center. It is quite the head-scratcher that I need to return to Middletown to catch up with so many of the Boston-based alumni.

A short while later, a visit with the fine gentlemen of DKE took place at their house on High Street. The usual suspects there included: Jim LaLiberty, Steve Imbriglia, Don Citak, Jeff Gray, Ted Stevens, and Mike Coffey and Iddy. This led to our class dinner at Usdan, which was a great venue to celebrate the 100 participants who turned out. New folks with whom I got to visit included: Wes trustee Jeff Shames, Mark Beamis, Don Spencer (who survived his new house construction), Jerry Stouck, Dave Thomas, Tom Roberts, Liz and Will Sillin, Jim Udelson, and Dave Zabar. We all enjoyed Vanessa Burgess MC’ing the evening’s salute to our class that included a well-deserved Wesleyan Service Award to a very modest Don Ryan. Though regretting not chatting much with some, I saw from across the crowded room John Fink and his wife from Hawaii, John Gaebe, Jonathan Kliger, Don Lowrey, Marx Brothers aficionado, Hank Rosenfeld, Brad Burnham, Susan Shaw, Bob Rees, and Steve McNutt.

As expected, this was a memorable gathering which nourished the soul as we got to celebrate Friendship in its truest form: old and new. As I have recounted the weekend from memory after almost a week, I am sure that I may have left out other important names who attended. Please let me know that you were present so that I may give a proper shout-out in the next issue. In advance accept my sincerest apologies. To those classmates unable to join in for part of the weekend, we hope that you’ll find a way to meet up five years from now. If this Reunion was any indication, we all just keep getting better and better.

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

It has been great receiving many RSVPs to our Reunion this spring from all around the world. Micha Balf and Rachel Helfer, from Israel, plan to attend. Jim Lyons from Germany and Wendy (Brown) Giardina from Switzerland are also looking forward to returning to campus.

I had a chance to spend quality time with Wendy last November. We met up in Paris where I was visiting with my family and friends in honor of my mom who passed away last summer. We spent a few days museum viewing, walking the grand boulevards, and joyfully eating fine French food. Wendy was a great sport for being part of my family for the whole time.

Back to Jim Lyons: He is living happily in Frankfurt these days, and is still active writing and directing in the German theater scene. Recently he directed the European premiere of Dinah Was, a musical biography of the singer Dinah Washington. Jim’s e-mail: jamesedwardlyons@gmail.com.

Louise Hazebrouck and husband Steve Rome ’78 are currently teaching English in Dajia, Taiwan, after having traveled around Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand for six weeks. This is the first of many adventures for the retiring public school teachers.

Jerry Caplin is the proud parent of three kids who will be attending Duke University next year. The three are accomplished fencers. Jerry remarked that, while thinking of three kids in college at the same time is a bit numbing, at least he will not have any issue surrounding parents’ weekend.

Janet Malkemes in Charlotte is busy hosting a bevy of friends and family.

Bob Glasspiegel is thankful for many good things this past year. Bob and wife Sue are especially thankful for traveling to see many friends/relatives. They began a new tradition of spending Januarys in another part of the world. They had a fabulous trip to New Zealand and Australia recently.

John Fink, from Hawaii, writes asking for good, danceable, 1970s music at our Reunion event(s). I certainly second this sentiment. The month prior, John will be visiting with Peter Guenther and Rick Dennett in New York. Otherwise, John makes sure to visit Oregon to spend time often with his grandson, as well as his son and daughter.

Speaking of Hawaii, Jason Baron and his wife celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary there.

It is always fun when you run into a friend when you least expect it. That was the case when I visited with Sarah Kendall at an art exhibit opening at the deCordova Museum in Lincoln, Mass., last fall. Sarah came south from Nelson, N.H., to support an artist friend who was featured in the show.

Wes Protheroe and wife Robin are enjoying what they are calling their “pre-tirement.” Wes serves on two Boards—the advisory board of a Research Triangle-based pharma firm specializing in developing Alzheimer drugs, and the Atlanta Humane Society. He is also executive coaching and consulting with private equity and venture capital firms focused on direct-to-consumer financial services. I am intrigued to learn that Wes and Robin participate in “team trivia” weekly with friends. Jeopardy! cannot be far behind.

Doug Green met up with Iddy Olson before the holidays in Chicago (Evanston precisely). Doug and wife Katie were in town to celebrate the graduation of their son from Northwestern.

By the time we read this, Susan Jacobson will have attended the Women’s March in January in D.C., connecting with many friends there from WesU. Susan’s great quote: “Our class was always told we missed the glory days of student protests. Well, what do you know? Now we have another chance!”

Doug Hauschild, Jody (Cosgrove) van Geldern, and James Udelson each expect to be at Reunion. Everyone is looking forward to being together in May. Just a reminder, Reunion is over the weekend of May 26-28. We are expecting a record number of classmates in attendance at our 40th. You won’t want to miss out!

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

It was great to receive so many requests for our 40th Reunion dates in 2017. Please note Reunion is scheduled for May 25 to May 28. As they say, book early and often. On to the notes:

Carol Cooper will be teaching a class at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music this spring. This is in addition to her teaching journalism duties at the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics.

Iddy Olson is going back to grad school to get her executive coaching for organizations certificate; she very much enjoys learning from school, as well as making new friends and colleagues.

Doug Hauschild will be taking to the stage at the Asheville Community Theatre’s production of Sweeney Todd in North Carolina. He plans to be visiting family in Connecticut this Thanksgiving.

Hope Neiman sends salutations from the Tuscan villages, enjoying a two-week vacation through Spain and Italy. As many of us have been considering retirement spots, Hope has, true to form, taken action, and is purchasing a home on Vashon Island (near Seattle). As a true sign that this was meant to be, it is located on S.W. Wesleyan Way. The setting bears a striking resemblance to the Italian hilltop villages she is experiencing.

Joan Goldfeder sent her son, Eli, off to college and is making her plans for Reunion.

Keith Stern, a former client of mine, is celebrating his 20th year as rabbi at Temple Beth Avodah in Newton, Mass. He celebrated 36 years of wedded bliss with his wife, Liza. Keith’s assessment: “Getting here was hard, I ain’t gonna lie. But worth it? No doubt.” His children all appear to be a source of great pride: Jonah ’05 is in Brooklyn, along with his wife and two children. Aaron ’11 is attending the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Molly ’14 lives in San Francisco and is working for the Jewish Federation. Keith’s non-Wesleyan kids, Sara and Zoe, are doing fine, too.

Mark Slitt went on a trip to China through the Hartford Jewish Community Center. He dusted off his freshman year Mandarin textbooks to re-learn Chinese. His trip included stops in Beijing, Xian, as well as Jewish communities in Harbin, Kaifeng, and Shanghai.

Micha Balf sent along a reflective note from Israel, with regards from Rachel, which certainly had a focus on numbers (with an eye to our 40th Reunion). The Balfs are enjoying their 33-year tradition of celebrating Saturday night dinners with now four generations of family and of 34 years of Kibbutz life since their arrival 40 years ago. I was thrilled to hear that Rachel and Micha have registered to vote in the U.S. elections. The American elections provide an added perspective of how tough the political situation is in Israel, as much as one may find the situation here troublesome.

Marcy Neuburg chimed in from Milwaukee; she is a new grandmother and plans to visit Bob Rees soon while visiting her newest family member. Marcy got married to Wayne Oldenburg. Though she may not like it, the idea that she could be referred to as Mrs. Wayne Neuburg Oldenburg is quite something. Marcy is reducing her work hours and travels extensively. Highlights have been fishing trips to Cuba and British Columbia.

Paul Jacobsen and Marcia Israeloff have moved to Bethesda, Md. Paul joined the National Cancer Institute as its associate director. Marcia practiced law in New York and Connecticut before joining Paul in Tampa. She volunteered at Title I schools, Trinity Café, and the American Cancer Society, and will undoubtedly seek new opportunities in the D.C. area.

Always happy to hear from Paul Meisel. Paul’s son, Peter, works in player health for the NBA. Peter and Paul have collaborated on a number of children’s books, with Paul doing the illustrations: Good Night, Bat! Good Morning, Squirrel! (Boyd Mills Press) about the unlikely friends with different sleeping habits was released in September. Stinky Spike the Pirate Dog and Stinky Spike and the Royal Rescue (Bloomsbury) will be available in March.

Robin Curtiss won a bronze medal (men’s veteran’s division) at the National Marathon Canoe and Kayak Championships in Northfield, Mass.

Sue Guiney alerted me to the fact that I will not be able to visit her and husband, Don, in London, as they have taken up residence, half-time, in Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. (closer to home for me). Winter months will be spent in Cambodia. Sue and Don have married off both sons: Noah is in law school in California along with his medical school-studying wife; Alex and fellow actor wife have moved to New York City. Sue won an international Freedom Through Literacy award. She is working on her last novel in her Cambodian-based trilogy, as well as her poetry collection.

That’s all for now from Lexington. Given the speed in which time passes, it will be in no time that we gather together in person for our 40th Reunion. I very much look forward to next May.

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

Well, folks, there is much excitement already as we look ahead to 2017 and our 40th Reunion. Please mark your respective calendars, be it paper or Outlook, the dates of May 25th–28th. This is such an exciting time in our lives, full of lots of transitions, many good, others not-so-good. It will be great to share them with friends who knew each of us “way back when.”

For now, I have the following updates to report:

First time contributor Alan Steele recounts his amazing career ranging from physical chemistry to medicine to intellectual property law. Currently a Wellesley, Mass., resident, happily married, Alan can be found sculling on the Charles River. He has three grown sons (one is Wes grad Taylor Steele ’14).

Joel Backon remarried two years ago. Joel and his bride are both teachers, passionate about working with high school students, preparing them to tackle the challenges in the upcoming years. Joel is enjoying the recent arrival of two grandchildren, which has had a major rejuvenating effect.

Bob Giges has been awarded the Pavel Machotka Chair in Creative Studies at Porter University in California, Santa Cruz. The three-year appointment allows for Bob to teach and produce long form theatrical improv at UCSC. Cheryl Cutler MA ’71 inspires Bob in dance to this day—in the form of an eclectic mix of African, Samba, and hip-hop, called Worldanz.

Don Ryan’s son John ’14, released his first album: Petunia’s Room. I like what I heard.

Don Spencer has entered my world, in that he is building a new house in Westport: comes with the million decisions you have to make from beginning to end. By the time we read these notes, he should be all moved in. Don’s kids: Jocelyn ’13 is in London completing a graduate program and Alyssa is a theater and entrepreneurship student at Clark.

Iddy Olson happily writes about a new romance in Chicago and the sunny effects on all aspects of her life.

Hank Rosenfeld compared notes with me about Jackson Hole, Wyo. He went slogging through the rain last summer with Bob Rees, hiking and enjoying the antlers adorning the town square, as well as restaurants with bears inside. It is quite the place. Hank and fellow Butterfield Hall mate, Byron Washington, met up with Hank’s nephew Harrison, introducing the lad to his first Bob Dylan concert in Clarkston, Mich.

Jay Kilbourn is running for the Maine State Senate seat in District 34. Jay is a clean election candidate, a Democrat, with focus on renewable energy, jobs, and growing the farm base.

Jane Goldenring was back at Wesleyan teaching graduate film production majors: how to prepare to hit the LA/NYC job markets.

Kate Seeger came by to catch up with Jane during her three-day teaching gig.

Janet Malkemes is now dean of a new program: Center for Global Engagement at Central Piedmont Community College. The change is bittersweet, given that Janet leaves Cato, where she recently completed a major building project.

Joan Goldfeder proudly writes about her son, Eli, graduating from high school and heading off this fall to Bucknell. Like Joan, I remember a young 9-year-old at our 30th Reunion; I’m so happy, but not the least bit surprised, to hear what a good guy he has become.

Joe Tringali visited in LA; he seems to be enjoying retirement.

Lisa Brummel wrote that Cheryl Sucher has moved back to the US landing near Princeton, N.J. Carol and Lisa caught up with former roommate Juannie Eng. Lisa’s son is graduating high school and will be attending Dickinson College this fall. Son number two is beginning his college visits this fall. Lisa plans to visit friends, myself included. Lisa had a tough start to the year with the passing of her mom.

Vanessa Burgess touched base that Susan Webster graciously hosted a Wes Women’s Networking event at Cravath this past April. Vanessa was on the planning committee along with Diana Diamond ’70 and Melody Oliphant ’13.

Yoriko Kishimoto writes that she continues to be involved in local policy and politics as the President of the Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District, where they passed a $300 million bond measure; they are busy buying land, restoring watersheds, and opening new trails. Yoriko is vice chair of the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s water commission.

I close by hoping everyone is having/has had a fine summer. Remember next May 2017: we can do all this in person.

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com