Class Notes | 1950s

Welcome to the latest of a range of events and recollections. Janice and Ken Travis celebrated their 60th anniversary earlier in 2019. And shortly after, their grandson’s wedding. Ken adds that the mother of the groom, daughter Leslie ’85, was beaming throughout. The “something old” on the wedding cake was a cutter from the Travis wedding reception of 1959. Ken says that he and Janice had it washed.

Not to sound competitive—Jack Goodhue reports that he and Jane are in year 63 of their marriage. They are living the good life in Wilmington, N.C., and have since Jack’s retirement at age 58 as president of an oil company in 1993. Recent trips overseas include one to Budapest and another to Southern France. They also drive cross-country once annually to California to visit their son and teenage granddaughter. Jack writes a monthly magazine column, “Your Business.” He’s done 307 of such since 1993 (but who’s counting). At the time I am writing this, Jack says the Goodhues survived fierce storm Dorian (the 16th one they’ve experienced with no significant damage).

How would you like an inflation rate of 55%? That is what Naren Bali tells us is the state of the economy in Argentina. And some around here are not pleased with the Fed. Naren and spouse Margarita get by on savings and a bit of work alongside of that. He has been retired 12 years, but hires out as an IT consultant. Their daughter, born in Seattle when Naren was teaching at the University of Washington, is a professor of poli-sci at Michigan State. She has two children, ages 13 and 10. The Balis’ son is also a professor (math), as is his wife, and they had their first child, a girl, earlier in 2019. Naren terms her “our new weakness.” Their Buenos Aires neighborhood is pleasant and is 15 minutes from downtown by train, and they spend most of the summers at their beach house in Uruguay.

The Gordy Wilmots also celebrate an anniversary—the 30th. He and Marilyn embarked on a river cruise on the Mississippi—a steamboat from Chattanooga to New Orleans. I hope Gordy knew when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. The Wilmots enjoy excellent health, have even joined a bowling league. They go down to Palmetto, Fla., annually, from late in the year until May. Can be reached at 941/981-9888 and would welcome classmates who may be visiting in the Tampa-Sarasota area.

Dick Cassie retired from Rutgers Dental School in March. Having been a widower for some 10 years, he has been seeing a lovely widow, Suzy Maguire, in recent years, and has moved from the Jersey shore to Newtown, Pa., to be closer to her. Recently they traveled to California to see Suzy’s grandchildren and where he connected with Bill LeSuer in San Francisco. Dick’s new address in Newtown is 124 Willow Drive 18940.

Catching up with Ed Parmee, writing that he had taught anthropology and community development at the University of Arizona at Tucson for 36 years. Two marriages, each for 23 years, and a daughter and two stepdaughters. There are eight grandchildren to keep Ed busy. Also keeping him well occupied is a family history project that will weigh in over 500 pages and cover several hundred years. A wide group of nations comprise the story—they range from France and Germany to South Africa and Australia. He hopes to go to publication in 2020.

Bob Gorin reports that his grandson, David Gottlieb ’22, completed a successful freshman year (“Did better than I did,” Bob adds). David is an Argus sportswriter. He included a photo of David in his sophomore dorm room and said, “The large banner on the wall is the 1987 Little Three hockey championship banner. David’s late dad, Brian ’88, was the goalie on that championship team. Shortly after Brian passed away the coach presented the banner to my daughter, Bethel ’90. It had been signed by all team members. It is so appropriate that it is now back at Wesleyan.”

Bob Anderson has traveled to prehistoric Mexico, with Oaxaca on the Yucatan being a favorite spot. He would welcome like-interested companions who might be at least modestly conversant in Spanish. He continues with his sculpture and drawing projects.

Mike Stein died in September. An eloquent note from his son, Peter Stein ’84, paid tribute to his father’s 50-year U.S. government career, three years as a Marine officer, and 47 years working for the CIA. Peter made particular reference to Mike’s communications skills and commented on the capital cities around the globe that duty took them to. Mike was Wes-loyal throughout. ’57 has lost a great friend.

Art Typermass | joanarth64@gmail.com
144 East Ave., #302B, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203/504-8942

From my old roommate Whit Rusk: “Pat and I moved to St. Simons Island, Ga., in 2003 after 24 years in Houston, working for banks that no longer exist. We are both still in pretty good health, supported by a few pills. Our two children gave us five grands—four now in college (Lafayette, RPI, Tufts, and Bowdoin) and one 2018 Amherst graduate.” At the time of writing, they were anticipating Hurricane Dorian, which was making its way up the Florida coast.

John Foster: “We Fosters are fortunate, all together in the lovely town of Marblehead, Mass., where Lila and I have lived virtually all of our married life. Our sons and spouses have returned with our four grandchildren. Our lovely daughter, Emily, died in her mid-20s as the result of a water-borne disease in Nepal, but she is with us too, in spirit.

“Our one-plus acre home and grounds, large for this rockbound coast, have given us great joy since the 1970s. For many years, Lila brought her Southern charm and hard work to create naturally landscaped grounds, while I slashed and hacked back the yearly overgrowth. Now, at 85 years young, with energy at a lower tide, I’ve given in and hired a stronger man to help me out for a couple of hours each week.

“Our hovering sons pushed us to retire our much-loved 2004 and 2005 autos (plus our 1967 Olds convertible) to get new-fangled ones with all that safety stuff. We acquiesced with Lila’s car and ultimately sold my Highlander and ’67 Olds convertible. Although my 2005 Toyota Highlander was the best car I’ve ever owned, I’ve never ridden in something as comfortable as the 2001 Lexus LS430 inherited by my two high-spirited, 20-ish granddaughters from their other grandfather. It’s a bit too old-fogey for them, so there may be a deal.”

Loni and Al Haas “have six teenage grandchildren, all of whom are successfully carving their own trails in life. We enjoy driving to the Boston area to visit and stand in once in a while. We passed our 51st wedding anniversary in August, and we still visit Denmark regularly, usually with a grandchild in tow to expose them to a wonderful piece of their heritage. As for health, seven stents in my heart, a bout with a rare form of cancer (Merkel cell carcinoma) and 50 extra pounds have not interfered with my life or relationships. I don’t swing a club very well anymore, and my love of body surfing on Nantucket has diminished as I become less steady on my feet in raging surf.”

Al still heads Educational Futures, whose mission is to find college destinations for young people from around the world. Now, he writes, “I am working with my two oldest grandchildren on college planning, which is a cozy capstone for my career.”

Jay Kaplan, having published two well-received books, Secrets and Suspense and In Search of Beauty, is now “working on creating a Museum of Jewish Civilization. We have found a site at L’Enfant Plaza in downtown D.C. next door to the new and quite spectacular Spy Museum. Our museum is being designed by the world renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, whose works include the popular Jewish Museum in Berlin and Ground Zero in New York.”

Walter Ebmeyer will “get my first walker this week in preparation for the World Climate Change Week protests here in Washington on Sept. 20-27. It will provide me with a place to sit down from time to time (Parkinson’s). Good e-mails from my old indefatigable roomie, Phil Crombie.”

Bob Calvin writes: “My wife, Jane, an art photographer, is having an exhibit at the University of Missouri art museum in St. Louis. Her video project on Chicago cottages will be featured.”

Jim Gramentine’s “granddaughter, Polly Durant, who still calls [him] DanDan, is scheduled to marry one Michael Kellner next October. Our grandson, Nathanial, a graduate of St. Andrew’s School, Florida, has jumped his way into the Ivy League (Columbia). It takes more than good scores and grades these days, and in his case high jumping 6’10” to win the Florida Relays last April may have been decisive.”

Ann and I were on the move all summer: Chile with our family (the eclipse, of course); Tanglewood with granddaughter Jeannette (Verdi’s Requiem); the Adirondacks (Ann’s high school reunion); Burlington (Jeannette’s freshman digs at the University of Vermont); Cobleskill—look it up—(brunch with high school chums, meeting in person a long-lost cousin found through Ancestry.com, plus our 59th anniversary); and the Catskills (the annual Chien family gathering—where taking the ritual photo was enlivened when a grandnephew presented The Ring to his unsuspecting fiancée-to-be; she said “Yes!”)

Back home we are traveling vicariously with Sheila and Bob Runyon via his newly published Seven Continents Before Incontinence: A Memoir of Travel & Togetherness. Fascinating stuff. Try it. (It’s available from Amazon.) Way to go, Bob!

George Chien | gchien@optonline.net

A salute to John Sheaff for expressing what I’m sure most of us wish, think, and feel at this point in our lives. I’ve copied his note, word for word, so as not to lose any of his thoughts:

“Fortunately I can say that Lois and I are still functioning as best as can be expected for old geezers like us. Who cannot be overjoyed looking out at the beautiful green and flower-laced scenes that surround us here in upstate New York. Just think, a year from now we will be able to attend our 65th Reunion at Wesleyan. Hope to see you all there.”

Sad update: In a Nov. 3 text from Lois Sheaff, John’s wife for the past 65 years, I received word of his passing on Nov. 1. Sincere condolences to the entire family. Know that I will sorely miss John’s frequent contributions to Class Notes such as the one that appears in this column as well as the many wonderful memories shared with him.

Word was received that on Aug. 16 Gail Clarke passed away at his home in Old Saybrook, Conn. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Emily Hooghkirk, and his three daughters. I’m sure I speak for all of us in offering sincere condolence to Emily.

On the home front, Marianne and I moved back to our “original homestead” at Hunters Run in Boynton Beach, Fla. As Marianne has regained strength in her arms and is able to grip a golf club once again, the move made sense and has brought much joy to both of us. An added plus is that we are once again only a five-minute walk from my sister’s residence here at the club. Another plus is the streets are usually very quiet, so when I’m not engaged in riding with my bicycle club members, I have little fear of riding solo for a 20-mile “warm up” here. Always a delight to stop into our local clubhouse for a cup of coffee and conversation midway on my journey. And speaking of cycling, this years’ total miles will only approximate around 4,000 as heat and rain have really cut into the activity. OK, one of these days I might even admit that with advancing age I might even have slowed down!

Finally, I’d be more than pleased to receive a word or two from you. By doing so I won’t have to bore you with tales of my cycling exploits! And please note a change of my e-mail address.

As always, let me extend my very best wishes to you and your loved ones for good health, much happiness and peace!

DONALD J. BRAVERMAN | ybikedon@gmail.com
34 Southport Ln. Apt. C, Boynton Beach, FL 33436

Greetings, Classmates of 1954. Thanks for responses from four stalwarts, as follows:

Dave Hodgin is still going to his office every day and says he remains quite healthy. Dave traveled a bit early this past summer, to Estonia and Latvia, then spent 10 days in Hawaii. Still productive and happy, but with one huge “bummer”: missing his wife of 61 years, who died five years ago.

Len Stolba says he remains healthy and happy sitting on their 1.6 acres and managing his biennial barn sale of past art. Len sends cheers to all.

Bud Johnson writes that travel and grandchildren capture his and Lynn’s key attention these days. Two grandsons did internships in Beijing while college sophomores. Bud and bride did visit them once, but vetoed another 15-hour flight! Instead they recently spent Labor Day week cruising the U.K., the Netherlands, and Iceland—where coincidence put them in a thermal power plant with China’s inquisitive ambassador to Iceland! Go, Bud!

Marty Feins writes with sad news: his wife of nearly 65 years, Michelle, passed away this summer after a long illness—thus preventing Marty from attending our 65th Reunion. Marty is now in the process of moving into a condominium in Naples, Fla., and would welcome contacts from his ’54 classmates. Marty’s e-mail is martinfeins@gmail.com. Finally, sad to relate that two more of us have departed: Win Richmond on April 19 and Eric Cone on July 24.

Your humble scribe, Bob Carey, and bride Libby, had a very nice summer, highlighted by a great trip to San Diego to visit Bob’s daughter, Ann, and family, and to go whale watching in the Pacific. In October, we traveled to London to see Libby’s son, Jack, and to attend a memorial service for our daughter-in-law, Julienne, who, sadly, passed away last spring at 53. In November we journey via train to Vermont, to visit Bob’s daughter, Leah, and family. Otherwise, we’re busy with our volunteer activities (for Bob, that’s driving for Call-A-Ride and for Meals-On-Wheels.). Happy Holidays to all.

BOB CAREY | popscarey@gmail.com
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831 | 203/532-1745

Ron Daniel reports that he is still at McKinsey & Co.—62 years and counting. (Amazing longevity—I have not been in one job for more than 10 years). The company is about to move its New York office to World Trade Center 3. Most of the younger professionals live below 14th Street or in Brooklyn. When he joined the firm in 1957, there were no professionals. Now there are over 15,000. Only one employee at the time was not an American, now the Americans are about 20% of the firm. He continues to serve on the boards of seven or eight not-for-profit organizations (Bloomberg Philanthropies, Rockefeller University, The Peterson Foundation, the Weizman Institute of Science in Israel, the National Gallery in London, the Library of America, among others). Onward! (ron.daniel@mckinsey.com)

Dwight Herrmann writes that he was not too happy rattling around his house after his wife, Leslye, departed so he sold it and bought into the Masonic Village at Sewickley, Pa., which is near his eldest daughter, also named Leslye. This is a continuing care facility and he is in independent living, driving a car, and doing everything he always did, albeit, a good deal slower. He is quite happy and has made lots of friends. He can be reached at 2440 Masonic Dr., Sewickley, PA 15143 and at 717/379-8004.

Frank LaBella (labella@shaw.com) and Arlyne McDowell, a townie, just celebrated their 67th anniversary. Congratulations! Frank, a University of Manitoba pharmacology professor, and an electronic engineer colleague have been working on a novel sensor for several years and are in the process of finally demonstrating its capabilities to potential investors and industrial partners. He has several recent publications and some historical information for those interested.

As for me, this promises to be a busy year. My daughter, Ellen ’82, and her husband, Samuel Bender ’82, MD, will be celebrating their 60th birthdays and 30th wedding anniversary and three grandchildren will be graduating (Madeline, Yale ’20}; Eliza and Jenna (high school). We intend to celebrate with a Baltic cruise in June.

Please send news.

Joseph N. Friedman  | jfriedman@regalnyc.com
400 East 56th Street, Apt. 28LM, New York, NY 10022 | 917/715-8881

Ed.’s note: After more than 50 years of service, David Philips is stepping down as your class secretary. We are incredibly thankful for all David has done to keep the class of 1951 connected over the years.

For those with class notes, contact Managing Editor Cynthia Rockwell    crockwell@wesleyan.edu | 860/685-3705

N. Thorne Griscom ’52, P ’88 passed away on Sept. 27, 2019 at the age of 88. A full obituary can be found here.

“You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely!”
–Ogden Nash (1902-1971)

 The 60th Reunion of the Great Class of 1959 was a spectacular treat, and we broke the record for attendance at a 60th along the way!

Things really got rolling on Friday at the lunch under the tent behind Russell House (Honors College). The day was glorious, the food was good, and three tables of classmates had come to begin the celebrations in earnest. There was ample time for registration before the next Friday afternoon event at the Silloway Gymnasium honoring the 1959 basketball team, the first Wesleyan basketball team to make it to the NCAA tournament. Dick Cadigan and Dick Wenner, co-captains, and teammates Joe Mallory and Dave Hohl ’60 accepted the banner on behalf of the team. They were saluted by Mike Whalen ’83, athletic director, and Joe Reilly, men’s basketball coach. It was a fitting tribute to this extraordinary team in the wonderful setting of the Silloway Gym, bedecked with banners and gleaming varnished floors. We also heard from Andrew Daggon ’20, a current military veteran scholar, about his experiences at Wesleyan as a 28-year-old. There are pictures of the event below.

There was a well- attended late afternoon cocktail party hosted by President Michael Roth ’78 on Andrus Field to honor Barbara Jan Wilson on her retirement for her great service to the school followed by a 1959 reception in Wasch House.

Dinner Friday evening was fairly casual. The 1959 Eclectics carried on a tradition of having a dinner downtown at Luca. We were around 20 in number with wives, some children and grandchildren, and special guests Loni and Al Haas ’56, and Mr. and Mrs. Wolfram Thiemann. Dinner was accompanied by some lusty singing and storytelling.

Saturday dawned a lovely day. The class had a memorial remembrance at 10 a.m. for our classmates who had passed away, led by Rev. Dick Cadigan. He began the memorial with a reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, and reflected on knowing those departed. The class read the names out loud in unison, 77 in all, remembering each one, and closed by singing the alma mater in harmony!

A quick but delicious boxed picnic lunch was followed by the parade which got off about 11:30 a.m. You will find parade pictures below.

Our boys showed well as they marched behind a tremendously enthusiastic, if slightly aged, Dixieland band. The march was quite short, fortunately, and north rather than south, to the Crowell Auditorium, where the Alumni Association meeting was held. High spots for us were serious awards for Bert Edwards and Ed, our stalwart class agents and a brilliant talk by Thomas Kail ’99, director of Hamilton.

The memorial service for classmate Doug Bennett began in the chapel at 1:30 p.m. A block of seats had been reserved for the Class of 1959 on the left side of the chapel just under the plaque we had given in his honor. It was a lovely service, with Doug’s brother, John, three grandchildren, and his son, Michael ’87, painting an indelible, and appealing picture of the man. The Wesleyan Spirits sang two lovely hymns, and chamber musicians played at the beginning and end of the service. We were all honored to be there. The Bennet Family graciously thanked the class for the memorial plaque and the Bennet Endowment Fund in a note on the program.

Our class dinner followed in Doggon, the old squash court building. The space has been transformed totally, and we dined in great comfort in a charming room big enough to hold all our gang. Dave Darling, our Reunion chair, led the proceedings with style, in the face of a sound system which looked brand new but just would not work. Once turned off, Skip spoke with great affection about Doug and presented Donna Morea ’76, board chair, with a replica of the Bennet plaque. We all toasted Barbara Jan Wilson again, and she and Dave gave Skip Silloway and John Spurdle touching Wesleyan Service Awards.

With three ex-Jibers present (Moody, Steiner, and Vander Veer), it did not take much to get the place rocking, 1959 style! You can just imagine how brilliant the singing was and how long it lasted! What fun. Dinner was followed by the All Class Sing led by Bill Moody next door on the steps of North College.

Nice note from Ted Bromage: “Joan and I enjoyed the programs and found conversations with classmates I had not known well most rewarding. Now in our 80s, we are who we are, and not too worried about who we will become!”

Dick Cadigan wrote, “Fabulous time, great conversations, well-organized weekend. Looking forward to our 65th!”

Jerry Doolittle said, “Haven’t been back for years. I had no idea of the scale of change nor the impact of Doug’s Presidency. It felt great both to wander alone in places of the past, and to visit with Classmates. Very glad I came.”

Wolfram Thiemann, all the way from Germany, wrote, “Thanks so much for the great event, which I was allowed to participate, even only as a foreign scholar. It was the first time I attended Reunion, now the 60th one. I am grateful to have taken the opportunity to visit my one-year alma mater which had given me so much for my future life. And what a blessing to meet so many of my former mates back at Wesleyan . . . I was stirred to be given the title Eclectic member.”

Hugh Lifson, decked out in a bespoke blazer and Wesleyan patch at Reunion, wrote: “Gratification of my nostalgic cravings was the main reason I came back. A walk along Brownstone Row, even without the ivy was special. General agreement about the debt we owe Vic Butterfield for finding the most amazing teachers in the nation and getting them to Wesleyan for us: Professors Shorske, Brown, Caspari, Shattsneider, Rudich, Mink, Winslow, and many more.

“We were able to share the memories of our deceased classmates, particularly Doug Bennet. His son, Senator Bennet, gave a eulogy reminiscent of the Kennedy speeches. Two other events stood out: The Weseminars, particularly the one on prison education, and the All Campus Sing led by our own Bill Moody and the Class of 2019!”

One bit of particular sadness: Dave Mitchell passed away this spring. He had a terrible battle with cancer. Al Brooks, who played tackle next to Dave, used to feed him bits of Hershey Bar before our games to keep him from being sick from nerves. We will miss Mitch!

Don’t forget to do two important things: Join the Olin Society before it is too late; and support the 1959 Bennet Endowment if you have not done so already. The two are not mutually exclusive, and Mark Davis (mdavis@wesleyan.edu) at Wesleyan can help you take care of both.

Skip Silloway | ssillow@gmail.com; 801/532-4311 

John Spurdle | jspurdle@aol.com; 212/644-4858

It seems each set of notes is slightly slimmer than the previous. I finally realized it may be due to the fact we have fewer men responding. Sadly, the alumni office notified me of the deaths of Darnall Burks and Laurence Miller. I have received obituaries for each and will scan them to anyone requesting them.

Recent note from Burr Edwards contained very little news. He and Pirkko will remain in Lectoure, France, for the spring and summer.

John Corkran has been giving presentations on Black Mountain College, where his father David Corkran 1923 taught. His audience was continuing education and enrichment groups.

Bob Terkhorn writes from Paris. He and Kay are finishing a two-week holiday there. They started in Bilboa and the Guggenheim Museum. He praises the Frank Gehry building and enjoyed a river cruise out of Bordeaux with wine tastings in Médoc and Saint-Émilion. Finally, they toured the chateaus of the Loire Valley and the Louis Vuitton Museum.

Dick Goldman is still very busy. In January, an article he wrote on networking for lawyers was published in the American Bar Association Journal. He also spoke on that topic at the University of Miami Law School Real Property LLM program. He continues his law practice and teaches a class at Boston University Law School. He touts a book, The Last Pass: Cousy, Russell, the Celtics, and What Matters in the End.

Bob Furber visited Hawaii, Maui, in particular. His grandniece was “Maui-ed” there. He also heard Kip Thorne at Cal Tech speak on the role of interferometers that have seen sensing gravitational waves from colliding neutron stars and black holes. Bob will attend a reunion for his high school class in Bristol so he will also travel to the Van Vleck Observatory to see the new sundial. And he still bikes eight miles a day.

Younghee and Art Geltzer just returned from a cruise around the Baltic Sea. He believes St. Petersburg has changed significantly since his visit in 1993, mainly more crowded. His summer house in Provincetown will open May 16 and classmates are invited to stop by and visit.

I missed my annual luncheon with Bart Bolton, but he did lunch with Ed Kershner.

A short note from Tom Mosher has good news. He and Heidi are blessed with good health and living in La Jolla, Calif. This June his first two grandchildren graduate from high school. He adds, “Wesleyan was a good beginning.”

Neil Springborn is getting ready to deal with tornado season in Oklahoma. He feels OK despite a recent diagnosis of a-fib. And he has a brand new great-grandbaby!

I keep in touch with my former roommate, Dan Woodhead. He recently had a stroke, but, he still is pursuing “Lefty O’Doul for Cooperstown.” He had a recent conversation with Bob Costas and he has Warren Buffet backing his quest. Dan’s hope for Lefty O’Doul’s induction into the hall of fame springs eternal!

Roger Turkington just published his third volume of poetry, 80 Poems. It is available on Amazon and booksellers. He sold his violins to other violinists who can still perform. And he sends greetings to all the beloved classmates.

Bob Wuerthner and wife Joan traveled extensively this winter. First. a month in Central America in February and March. Then Panama City and the canal for a couple of days. After the canal, a week on the beach in Sámara, Costa Rica. Next two weeks in Guatemala in Antigua and Panajachel on the shore of Lago de Atitlán. And one final week in Copán, Honduras, site of Mayan ruins. Bob laments not being a more conscientious Spanish student at Wesleyan. Bob and I hope to meet for lunch this summer at the Andover Inn, where Dick Goldman and I have met for several summers.

Kay and I will travel to Vancouver in June. My grandson is graduating from high school and will be off to the University of Toronto in September. Our health is excellent, my golf is a struggle, but I am getting the hang of contract bridge. Until next time, keep the info flowing.

Cliff Hordlow | Khordlow@gmail.com
Apt. 103, 4645 Winged Foot Court | Naples, FL 34112; 239/732-6821

I hope all are enjoying the summer: Sonnet 18 tells that “summer’s lease has all too short a date.” Jim Brown continues to be fit with regular gym workouts. Wife Betty underwent a second knee replacement with success. He says that keeping up with children and grandchildren keep both he and Betty well occupied. Son Dr. Chris Brown is active in fields distant from medicine, e.g. a third book about DaVinci, a PBS film, and earlier this summer, an expedition in search of the Ark of the Covenant (which, for Wikipedia fans, is thought to be a chest containing the Bible’s sacred treasures, even possibly the Commandments—at least some of them). Jim adds that he knew he was outflanked when Chris beat him at chess, daughter one swam faster, and daughter two made PBK at Wes.

Bill Pratt reports that the “blue wave” democratic victory in New Mexico in the 2018 elections helped his win, taking a seat that had been Republican for some years previous. He was pleased with the 2019 legislative session—constructive in addressing practical problems such as water conservation, criminal justice, and surprise medical bills. Some disappointment in failing to take on gun legislation. So far he likes his new career, adding that being retired and experienced has its advantages.

My eldest grandson Johnny Maggio entered the University of Wisconsin last fall and—early on—had a meeting with Jeff Williamson in Madison that provided a unique and valuable intro to college life. Jeff has been busy managing repairs to his winter home on the island of St .John (USVI) that sustained damage following a severe hurricane that struck the Caribbean.

Sad news upon the loss of two classmates past May:

Allen Jay, suddenly, of a heart attack. In recent issues herein, I wrote on Al not allowing orthopedic problems to dissuade him from an adventurous trip, but his passing was, of course, unrelated thereto and unforeseen. Condolences to wife Ricky and the Jay family.

Then, Bob Sharlet. Bob’s Wes tenure was interrupted by military service, and upon said conclusion, he transferred to Brandeis, where he graduated in 1960. He taught at Union College for 35 years and authored a number of books, many focused on international political science.

Sam Bergner is ensconced in a new apartment in Metuchen, N.J., having sold his house last year. He says that wife Lynn loves the new digs, adding that her view is all that matters. He is dealing with early stage Parkinson’s.

Bill Shepard writes that his Wes decision to major in French lit was influenced by the choice of something that would remain active even in retirement, which has proven to be the case. He mentions reading Hugo’s Notre Dame de Paris at about the time last spring when the fire hit the cathedral. He adds that his command of the language is adequate, surely aided after his years of usage in France during his years of service.

Art Typermass | joanarth64@gmail.com
144 East Ave., #302B, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203/504-8942