Tag: 1962

One of the highlights of 2019 for Robin Berrington was a long trip to Lithuania and the Baltic Republics, and then to St. Petersburg, Russia, “the Venice of the North.” He noted that the St. Petersburg “over-the-top Baroque decor was a bit too much for this confirmed old Japan-hand,” but he praised the “culinary tourism” and “lively vibe” of the Baltic cities. Back in Washington, he praised the opening of a new museum in the Maryland suburbs—Glenstone— with its collection of international contemporary art. He is still active with the Freer and Sackler art galleries.

Steve Trott commented on the Highwaymen turning 80. Although, he said, “sadly, we are down to two: Steve Butts (he’s Steve 1, who resides in NYC) and Steve Trott (he’s Steve, too) in Boise, Idaho, the hottest place on the map.” He offers an interesting music industry tidbit: “We are still collecting handsome royalties from our best friend, ‘Michael’. Who knew he would have such legs as well as oars!” He writes, “Trott is still sitting on the bench of the Ninth Circuit; Butts is happily retired back in the venue from which he started.”

Finally, a couple of sad notes. Charlie Murkofsky was saddened by recent deaths of classmates Phil Utley in September and Andy Ganz in October. He writes, “It so happens that I saw each of them shortly before their passing.” Bob Saliba said, “I was so saddened to read of Carl Crossman’s death in Wellington, Fla., last November.” You can find obituary notices for them here.

DAVID FISKE | davidfiske17@gmail.com
17 W. Buckingham Dr. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Robin Cook just finished his 37th novel, and says that this year he will be attempting a new challenge of movie and TV producing. He writes, “Maybe in the course of my efforts I’ll run into Bruce Corwin, who undoubtedly learned a thing or two in the Hollywood world.”

On his Wesleyan experience, he says, “In order to get into medical school I stuck with those easier chemistry, math, and physics courses where getting an A was possible if you made it a point to spend the time to learn the material. With those harder courses—like writing or literature—one could spend weeks writing a paper and have no idea whether it would result in an A or an F.” He adds, “In many respects I wish I could go back to Wesleyan now that it has great writing and film courses.”

Robin makes another reflective point about the Wesleyan environment. He says his sophomore son is considering transferring out because he feels that the school “is so liberal that it cannot tolerate opinions to the contrary from fellow students and faculty alike.” Robin comments, “If true it’s too bad, as college should be the time to debate and question one’s beliefs.”

Not to turn the notes column into a philosophical debate forum, but I’m wondering if other classmates whose sons or daughters went to Wesleyan had similar concerns.

Walt Fricke continues racing his Porsche SC, officiating at races, and editing his Porsche Club rules. He says this involves often driving “a medium-duty truck pulling a 42-foot trailer, combined weight just shy of 26,000 pounds.” He is active in working on “coming up with non-invasive tests of engines and transmissions for forbidden improvements to performance.” He had to recover for two months from breaking his pelvis skiing last spring.

DAVID FISKE | davidfiske17@gmail.com
17 W. Buckingham Dr. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Bob Gelardi serves on the board and as chairman of the Charity Relations Committee of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, the fourth largest charity wine auction in the U.S. This year the Foundation will be giving a record $3 million to 16 local children’s’ charities.

Bob Saliba wanted to share with classmates a book rewritten by Peter Mooz, American Masterworks of Religious Painting 1664-1964. Bob writes, “I always thought of ‘religious painting’s being from Europe 1200-1600. But no, the religious has been a vital part of a longer painting history; I just didn’t see it until Peter focused on it. A great read. Thanks, Peter.”

Steve Trott says, “I’m still hearing cases on President Trump’s favorite Circuit, the dreaded Ninth, but nothing involving him.” A former Justice Department official in Washington, Steve adds, “I’m plenty glad to be as far away as possible from D.C. without going all the way to California. Idaho is a great place to live.”

Chuck Work and Roni are enjoying retirement on the eastern shore of Maryland and Naples, Fla. He makes a familiar lament: “I know time is passing too quickly when my son Ben ’99 tells me he is attending his 20th Reunion in Middletown.”

Finally, a sad note on the passing of Richard Knapp in January at his home in Asheville, N.C. For most of his career, he was a professor of foreign language at nearby Mars Hill College. We extend condolences to his family.

DAVID FISKE | davidfiske17@gmail.com
17 W. Buckingham Dr. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971