CLASS OF 1977 | 2019 | ISSUE 2
Thanks to all who wrote in regarding what is happening in their lives. It is great to read that so many folks are gathering with fellow classmates. Due to the quantity of updates, some will appear in our next issue.
Don Citak attended a mini class reunion in Manhattan accompanied by Don Lowery, Jeff Shames, Tom Roberts, Vanessa Burgess, and Dave Thomas. Everyone enjoyed drinks and dinner, catching up with one another. Don’s stories of attending Robert Kraft’s Seders and pictures of himself with Bon Jovi were among the highlights, as were Tom’s stories about his visits to college campuses, and Jeff’s stories about bouncing back and forth between Boston and New York to juggle his many commitments. Don C. just grinned as he showed pictures of his two grandchildren. There is nothing better!
Don Spencer wrote of undergoing treatment for appendiceal cancer for the past 10 months. First chemo, then major surgeries. It was a serious ordeal, but he is hopefully through the worst of it. Don wants to extend major thanks to the many family and friends, including Wes alumni, who supported him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your recovery.
John Fink may be onto a new job in Hawaii. His current e-mail is: johnfink808@gmail.com.
First-time contributor Gary Altman’s daughter, Jill, was married in December in Layfette, La., to her wife, Kate. Son Matthew and his wife had their first child, his first grandchild, Sara Annie. His law firm, Altman & Associates, continues to grow with no plans on slowing down. Gary was honored at a gala for Hope Connections for Cancer, a local charity that provides free cancer support groups to patients and families. Gary and wife Liz have been married for 15 years and live in an historic Potomac, Md., house, where they make gourmet pizza in a wood-burning pizza oven.
Jane Goldenring has been busy traveling in many directions to Charlotte to see Janet Malkemes, who is doing great, then heading to Wesleyan to teach a two-day class for the graduating film students, including a visit with Kate Seeger, then to NYC, where she caught up with Jane Eisner. Laraine Balk Hope came to meet Jane from D.C. The two went to see the new production of Oklahoma and hung out at the Met for good measure.
Jeff Gray celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary on Cape Cod with a crowd, including the Honorable Judge Bob Nastri and wife Kathleen, Dave Thomas with companion Gretchen Dowling, Tim O’Brien ’81 and wife Linda, Gary Breitbord ’79 and wife Colleen, and Mr. Kenneth J. Langley, Esq., who retired at the end of January of this year after many years of service as an attorney for the state of Massachusetts. Speaking of retirement, Jeff hung it up last June. Thirty-nine years in mortgage banking was apparently enough.
Felice Burstein and John Roxby have both retired and sold their house in Pennsylvania. They are planning to move to Concord, N.H., to be closer to kids and grandkids. The new home won’t be ready for a year, so they are taking advantage of a lack of home ownership to live “untethered.”
Jonathan Gertler’s family is doing great. His 15-month-old granddaughter, Jhie Hong Gertler, is a delight and his adult children are all thriving.
Linda Palmer retired from the law and now works at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Her husband is an environmental advocate; her children live nearby in the Boston area.
Lisa Reitano was moving her mom and came across this gem from her dad, who was a CPA and kept track of every penny. He totaled up what Lisa’s Wesleyan education cost for all four years. The grand total of tuition, room and board, books, and phone calls was $21,494.34. As anyone who still has a kid in college knows, it is unbelievable.
Shalom Staub wrote that after 38 years in Harrisburg, Pa., it was time for a change. He has moved with his wife to Los Angeles, taking a new job as director of UCLA’s Center for Community Learning. He’s loving it! Still building new social networks though, so he’d love to connect to LA-based Wesleyan alumni.
Peter Guenther noted that there was recently a reception on campus for his old lacrosse coach, Terry Jackson. It was held at President Michael Roth’s [’78] home and hosted by Athletic Director Mike Whalen ’83 and Bill Belichick ’75. Among the many old lacrosse players who came out were some former teammates: Andy Darpino, Pat McQullan ’75, Mike Sanfilippo ’75, Carl Taylor ’78, Charlie Cocores ’74, Pete McArdle ’76, and Mark Fredland ’74.
Nice pithy note from Mary Jo Wade: “Downsizing. Less work (in theory). Grandchildren. Life is good for her and Jack (Gray).”
Here is hoping that life is good to you all!
Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com