CLASS OF 1977 | 2024 | FALL ISSUE

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If there is a theme with this issue’s class notes, it is travel. So many folks have broken free of the COVID grip that kept us planted at home that people are once again traveling to all sorts of places. Deb O’Brien Mercer spent a month on an epic 3,200-mile car trek north, from home in Savannah, Georgia, to Washington D.C., New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, visiting friends, children, and grandchildren. Near Savannah, Deb has completed a three-year home renovation project: two years alone for DIY interior painting. Savannah is a wonderful city that Deb has experienced as friendly and welcoming. I would add that it is a bit quirky, which contributes to its charm.

Rabbi Keith Stern is senior rabbi at Temple Beth Avodah in Newton, Massachusetts. Full disclosure, my firm was hired by the temple to design a chapel addition and renovation for Beth Avodah, which was a true pleasure. Keith’s three Wesleyan-grad children are all gainfully employed, with two married and a third “on deck.” The past year has been very difficult for Keith with the rough situation in the Middle East.

Don Citak writes about a Boston gathering in honor of Jeff Gray’s 70th birthday that included classmates Bob Nastri, Dave Thomas, Eric Postel, Paul Fichera, and Dave Matteodo. The successful surprise party included other Wes grads: Alan Poon ’76, Bill Ahern  ’78, Ralph Rotman ’78, Paul Nelson ’78, John McDermott ’78, Kevin Bristow ’79, Gary Breitbord ’79, Tim Fitzgerald ’79, Dennis Robinson ’79, George DuPaul ’79, Jack Buckley ’79, Tim O’Brien ’81, and Dave Bagatelle ’86. What a group! Don is living on the Upper East Side in Manhattan with his bride of 43 years, Lori, and living not far from his two children and five grandchildren. Don’s law practice, which he enjoys, is keeping him busy.

Jennifer George writes that she has retired from her chaired professor position at Rice University Business School to assist ailing family members. She now resides in Key Biscayne with her dog, Teddy, and enjoys visits with her adult children.

Dave Schreff continues to grow a global marketing technology company, ACTV8me.com, with focus on sports properties and campaigns. He has celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary, enjoying his three children and grandchildren.

J. Mark Beamis writes that as of this past June, he has concluded his over 44-year career with the City of Boston. His career dates back to the days of former mayor Kevin White. To quote J Mark:

“For me, government service has been rewarding in ways I never imagined. It’s been an incredible privilege to work for and with so many talented and committed colleagues. We all shared the goal of helping City residents get the assistance they need and deserve, to be financially empowered, and to have the language and job skills needed to be employed in family-sustaining careers. It also has been an honor to work with so many directors and staff of community-based organizations, whose passion for the work they do to support their missions has never ceased to amaze me and inspired me to be a better human.” The City was most fortunate to have you on their staff for so many years. Congratulations on starting your new chapter!

Jane Eisner has completed writing her second book, an interpretive biography of Carole King for Yale University Press to be published in 2025. Jane and Mark Berger ’76 traveled to Israel and caught up with Rachel and Micha Balf. Micha is living “day to day,” spending time with a lot of people for meaningful interaction and good talks. We all hope that the future will be better and that Micha’s health is on the uptick. Jane is in touch with Don Lowery and Jonathan Kligler (whom she got to meet up with at a spiritual retreat). Jane echoes my sentiments that family and friendships mean everything these days.

James Porter checked in, reporting that his three children are spread across the country, with one living near him in Norwalk, Connecticut. James’s company, StressStop, is helping employers help their staff manage stress. James’s two-year-old granddaughter is pictured here (left).

James keeps in touch with Neely Bruce and attended a performance of his string quartet at a church in Stratford, Connecticut. Chopsticks were used to strike the strings of their instruments for one of the movements.

Beth Natrella reports that her adopted daughter, Anastasis, graduated from Ursinus College with a double major. “Tasha” was adopted from Russia in 2005. Proud mom Beth refers to her daughter as the “light of her life.” Newly retired, Beth is living with her daughter in Battery Park City, New York.

Phil Stern sends a shout-out to his former bandmate from back in the day, Robert Poss ’78, who released a new solo album this year, Drones, Songs, and Fairy Dust, an album Robert dedicated to the memory of Phil Niblock.

Cindee Howard has been traveling up a storm: British Columbia, St. Thomas, and a road trip through New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, and Maine. When not traveling, Cindee is dancing up a storm and playing mah-jongg. Below is a photo.

Iddy Olson held a very moving and joyful celebration of her recently deceased mother, Mary, in Chicago in July. Having known Mary for over 50 years, I made my way to Chicago to visit with Iddy’s family, including my godson for a meaningful visit.

After Iddy’s mom gracefully left this life at 95 in April, she took a trip down memory lane in Rhode Island, “where I lived for 18 years and raised our kids.” Along with husband Tom, Iddy caught up with Michael andLaurie Coffey at their beach house and found them really enjoying semi-retirement (rewirement for me).

Finally, from me: I have just returned from the Tetons in Jackson, Wyoming, visiting friends, godchildren, and enjoying mountain air and much fun and extensive hikes. Your updates mean the world to all the classmates, especially at this point in our lives. Keep those “cards and letters” coming, even electronically.

And a final, final sad note: Mike (or Micah) passed away at the start of the Jewish New Year after a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by his loving family including his wife, Rachel (Helfer) Balf. The outpouring of affection from our classmates is the mark of a life well lived. Micah’s absence is profoundly felt.

GERRY FRANK | gfrank@bfearc.com