Tag: 1977

Writing these notes amidst the summer heat, it is only fitting to hear about some great getaways from fellow classmates this year, to and from around the globe. Carol Cooper attended the Venice Architectural Biennale, truly one of my favorite places on earth. Carol has accepted a new board position with a public school journalism organization, Press Pass NYC, to establish strong school newspaper programs. Scott Director traveled to southern India (Madurai and Chennai specifically) for two family weddings. The events sound every bit as beautiful as one would imagine as Scott and his wife were treated like royalty. Wendy (Brown) Giardina, Richard Parad and wife, Judy, and yours truly met up in Paris earlier this year and followed that trip up with a get-together in London in June along with Jane Goldenring.As you can imagine this was a fun/lively group. Mike Coffey spent time with buddy Alan Poon ’76 in Tuscany, also visiting Sienna, Cesenatico, Venice, and Florence, enjoying great Italian vistas, food, and potent potables. lddy Olson and husband had a wonderful trip to Japan and South Korea enthralled in peak cherry blossom season. Otherwise, lddy is bringing her fine competitive nature to the pickleball courts, as well as enjoying time with her friends and family. Richard Radoccia recently traveled to Barcelona and was awed by another amazing architect, Antoni Gaudi. Richard is in touch with Claude Greengard and Rich Shulman. Rich assisted Richard with a video on the Civil War: American Civil War Retold (on YouTube). Steve McNutt has had several trips to Alaska and has hosted a 70th-birthday bash there for Steve Gold.

In other non-travel news: Buzz Cohen has been hard at work staging her 80th show for The Public Theater: Twelfth Night at the renovated Delacorte Theater/Shakespeare in the Park this past summer. Catherine Compton Swanson wrote about spending time at her lake house in northern Michigan designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, appealing to my architectural sensibilities. Francis Rath wrote in proudly regarding his wife’s business of buying, selling, and training event horses: www.greyfoxfarrn.com. Frances was inducted into the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System’s Hall of Fame for years of excellent volunteer service. Both John Fink and Susanna Peyton wrote that they are retiring and then unretiring from their respective careers in media consultation for the University of Hawaii (John) and Yale School of Nursing (Susanna). Susanna gives a big shout-out to Nancy Feldman and Sara Pasti ’75 as her forever friends. With no retirement until 2027, Doug Hauschild continues to practice optometry in western North Carolina. Doug sends best wishes to his OTO fraternity brothers and sisters. Jane Eisner’sbook Carole King: She Made the Earth Move, was published in September by Yale University

Press, part of the Jewish Lives series. Jane is traveling around the country speaking about the book, so she invites all to stop by to say hello! (“Check out jeisner.com for appearances.”)  Don Ryan, George Capone, and Cal Dysinger met up in Baltimore to attend the Gypsy Jazz Fest, which they highly recommend. Dan Ruberman has left Boston for Berkeley (much to my dismay). Details to follow. As many of my family have claimed the Bay Area as their home, there will be good visitation opportunities upcoming for me in the immediate future with Dan and wife, Ann.

Buddy Taft, Jim LaLiberty, and Don Lowery have been among a group of a dozen former Wesleyan hockey players who have been meeting regularly for the past several months to create a $1 million endowment in honor of beloved former coach Dave “Duke” Snyder, who passed away last fall at the age of 80. The endowment will be used to support the Wesleyan men’s hockey program. Despite the sad reason they have been brought together, the calls, and the memorial on campus this spring to honor Duke, have been a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and share great memories of experiences playing hockey at Wesleyan. Any former Cardinal hockey players and program supporters can contact Karen Whalen, kwhalen@wesleyan.edu, for more information about the endowment. 

Several members of our class have written in to express thanks and appreciation for the words and work of our University president, Michael Roth. I do not think it can be adequately expressed at this time in our history, how necessary it is having a steady, dignified response to the assault on liberal arts education, as well as how people treat and respect one another. For myself, and those who have written in, we take immense pride in being alumni of Wesleyan University thanks to Michael’s leadership.

Best wishes go out to all for a happy and healthy 2025. The “healthy” part is not one that we take for granted. Several folks wrote in regarding the loss of Mike Balf in 2024: Hank Rosenfeld notably expressed great sadness among so many and always viewed his friendship with Mike as a true blessing. Iddy Olson echoed the same sentiments along with the loss of Danny Zegart. Iddy caught up with Lisa Brummel in NYC postelection. John Fink is now fully retired from Aloha United Way with an eye toward friends, family, travel, music, and sports without management responsibilities or email work reminders. Carol Cooper has a new role as interviewer and copy editor for WestZine, a new art zine launched by progressive folks at Westbeth Gallery. In addition, Carol has joined the Board of Trustees for the public school of journalism nonprofit organization, Press Pass NYC. In April 2025, Carol will be co-presenting a weekend program on connection between C. G. Jung and the Surrealist Movement for the C. G. Jung Institute and Kristine Mann Library of East 39th Street in Manhattan.

Arnie Alpert writes in that “Classmates will remember that a number of us joined a demonstration against the Seabrook, New Hampshire, nuclear power plant in the spring of 1977.  Antinuclear activism continued at Wesleyan for at least several years thereafter. The story of the No Nukes Movement has been captured in two recent creations. A new feature-length documentary, Acres of Clams, has just been released by Eric Wolfe and posted on YouTube. Also, Amrys Williams, a local historian, produced an article, ‘The Radioactivists: Nuclear Power, Weapons, and Protest in Connecticut,’ published in Connecticut Explored Magazine, focusing largely on activism at Wesleyan. (I’m featured in both.)”  Indeed Arnie, we remember this like it was yesterday. Links to the documentary and article are here:

Acres of Clams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPuE9oKh6-I&t=198s

“The Radioactivists”: https://www.ctexplored.org/the-radioactivists/

Many folks relayed thoughts about what for most of us will be entering the seventh decade: the big 7-0. Steve McNutt got a jump on things by turning 70 on December 21: traditionally the shortest day of the year. Steve renamed it the “the longest night of the year.” Steve had his first sabbatical year at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, interrupted by hurricanes and much damage to his home in St. Petersburg. Mark Slitt is traveling to Australia and Morocco in 2025; he is the proud new parent of three kitten bundles of joy.

Barry and Susan Leslie Raebeck celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary last June at home in East Hampton, New York. In addition to three grown daughters, they have five wonderful grandchildren, ages four months to 10 years old. Both have retired from fulfilling careers as educators in 2020. Barry maintains his college admissions consulting business, while Susan maintains the social infrastructure of the community. Barry recently had his third education-related book published by Rowman & Littlefield, Joyful Teaching: Being the Teacher You Admired. He published a book of historical fiction, Tyger on the Crooked Road: William Blake—Painter, Poet, Prophet, several years ago and has lectured on Blake in England. He also is active in civic environmental matters. They spend quality time with ’77ers Liz Hancock and Will Sillin, Rob MacNeille, Jim LaLiberty (and wife, Julie), and Buddy Taft (and wife, Liz), as well as Andy Silverman ’76. They are in touch with other Wes friends, too, and love to hear from them!

For me, 2025 marks a significant year, not only in terms of the numerical age, but by the passing of the torch at my company that I founded 33 years ago. As of January 1, my firm has been sold to four “young-ins” that have been groomed over the past several years with lessons in what makes an architectural practice run in addition to creating beautiful buildings. We worked hard to set the firm up for success in the foreseeable future. Seeing the firm I founded produce meaningful works of architecture and, equally important, be a positive respectful work environment and culture is one of the proudest accomplishments of my life. The fact that the practice will live on and excel makes the transition that much easier. So, 2025 will be a “victory lap” of sorts. My role moving forward in 2026 will be as a consultant or as I like to say to the office: “when the salt-and-pepper hair comes in handy, I am your guy.”  So, as others have noted, lots of travel ahead, while health is good. I am also working in how to assist bringing a level of civility back in dialog, generally getting people interacting and communicating with others in constructive ways in a world where this is sorely lacking.

So, happy birthday wishes along with New Year’s salutations to all.

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.