Anne Wilson Heuisler, Class Reporter
aheuisler@comcast.net
From Mary-Lou Trout Haddad:
Classmates, late last summer we were informed that a special Plaza near Alumnae Hall has been designated to be paved with commemorative bricks. I suggested that a 6×9 $700 brick be purchased in honor of the Class of ’59. We can’t be left out, so anyone interested in contributing to our ‘59 Class brick is invited to send a check to Hood College for whatever amount you feel comfortable donating, sending and addressing it to
Jessica Sardella
Senior Associate Director of Annual Giving
Hood College
401 Rosemont Ave.
Frederick, MD 21701
sardella@hood.edu
[Mark your check memo ’59 Class brick.]
ELEANOR BROWN WHEELER
Hello to my classmates, and a big thank you to Anne for keeping us together.
I am happy to report that for Phil and me there is no news, and that is good news. We still live in the same house, with our son and daughter both living “just near enough.” The grandchildren are all teens, which keeps us well aware of how quickly time passes.
Who would have guessed back in 1959 that I would find history fascinating? But I continue to enjoy working on genealogy. I sent in a DNA sample to ancestry.com and I am hoping to track down some of my 87 fourth cousins. I would enjoy hearing from anyone else who is working with their family history.
And I was part of a volunteer project to retype scanned copies of our local paper from the war years (1941-1946). The quality of the papers was such that they were not searchable. Figuring out all the words and transcribing them into notepad, then linking to them from our local library, made them usable. If you would enjoy a glimpse at life in the first half of the 1940s, visit www.krl.org.kitsap-history.
Wishing everyone the best – Eleanor
TARUN COMEGYS JOHNS
Merry Christmas from Boot Key, Marathon, FL
An adventurous year to say the least! A new battery for the pacemaker in Jan. and cataract removed in July put me in A-1 shape. Skiing in Maine was excellent and in Feb. I went to the Quebec Winter Carnival with a friend for 2 days, something I had longed to see. A spring visit to Aiken, SC, in March and a return in May to house, dog, and horse sit while Larry and Jocelyn enjoyed a trip to England with their daughter and son-in-law. I was thrilled to be able to have Bob and Janet and later, Dave and Lyn as houseguests and show them sights of Aiken.
Break the monotony — do something strange and extravagant! (Emerson). And that is exactly what I did! In June I bought a Sabre30 MKII sailboat in serious need of TLC. With much help from Alan, we renovated Trillium and prepared to set sail for the Intracoastal Waterway. Finally leaving Portland on Sept. 16 after sea trials and taking friends and family out for sails, the adventure began. Travelling down the New England coast, through Long Island Sound, the East River through NYC, down the New Jersey coast to Cape May, up the Delaware Bay to the C&D Canal, and down the Chesapeake to Rock Creek near Baltimore was not always easy. Rough seas, too much wind or wind on our nose, fog and rain, cold and wet interspersed with sunshine, beautiful days, sunsets, the joy of sailing the seas, and the fun of meeting and making new friends. But Alan decided to return to Maine.
Within 24 hours, thanks to an e-mail sent to Annapolis sailing friends by JuliAnne Forrest, I had sailed on an Island Packet with folks from the Baltimore area who came out to give me a hand. Jim Huber, a twice circumnavigator from Chestertown, MD, arrived to help me move the boat and Mike Pittinger, Annapolis, arrived with his boat S/V Ariosa and tools, to help fix the starter. Thus began lifetime friendships. They encouraged me to go to Annapolis where I would meet lots of sailors in SOS. I anchored in Back Creek for two weeks, was supported and taken in by many wonderful folks. I made the decision to put Trillium up on the Eastern Shore for the winter and go south as crew on Ariosa with Mike and Jim leaving Annapolis on Nov 23. What an opportunity this was!
We sailed down the Chesapeake Bay into Hampton Roads to Portsmouth, VA, the first day arriving at 2:00 AM. Down the ICW through the lock (below,) running at night, through fog and rain with radar, dressed in our warmest clothes, we raced ahead of the first big winter storm which would drop lots of snow in the north. We did stop several times including among others, two nights over Thanksgiving at River Dunes, Oriental, NC, and a night at Beaufort, NC, before going into the North Atlantic for the rest of the trip. A maintenance layover in Charleston, SC, We continued on, rocking and rolling in the waves all night waiting to be allowed to pass Cape Canaveral after the Orion launch, to Vero Beach, FL, for a five day lay-over relaxing and preparing for the last leg to Marathon. I drove Jim, who has plied me with much of his sailing wisdom, to Ft. Lauderdale Airport as he returned to work. Along the way I have met old friends to share a meal and visit— my Frederick swim coach partner Ed and Susan Hazlett in Charleston, SC; a former Greenville teacher Lena and John Symonds in Vero Beach; Barb and Rick Cook who were vacationing near Lauderdale; Ron and Bonnie Searles in Marathon.
Mike and I sailed 32 hr. overnight to Marathon. The calm seas and west winds with a moonlight night was the perfect finale for an extraordinary adventure. We arrived Dec. 12 and I will leave Ariosa on Jan 1st. I may get to the Bahamas! I have learned so much and will be looking for someone to do the ICW next fall on Trillium, taking the slow trip from town to town. Thank you to all who made this possible! Wishing all a blessed New Year, Tarun
NANCY FLETCHER ARTLETT
My three sons and families are well and busy. Karen Coppage is a freshman at William and Mary. She loves it—quite an adjustment for her after growing up in Hungary.
I know Hood is searching for a president. No way I would want to follow in Dr. Volpe’s footsteps. He is so enthusiastic and has accomplished major changes with apparent ease.
Hope to attend my 60th high school reunion next September. Time has gone!
GLORIA FRIEDMAN GREENSPUN
[Myra sent me a link to this announcement about Gloria’s daughter, Jamie Pachino.]
Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside of American Blues Theater, Chicago’s second oldest Equity Ensemble, announces the recipient of the 2015 Blue Ink Playwriting Award is Jamie Pachino and her play Other Than Honorable.
Other Than Honorable is the story of Grace Benton, a former army officer who resigned her commission under sealed terms and now works with a high profile Washington, D.C., law firm. A new client arrives at her office, reopening Grace’s wounds as she is forced to confront her past life in the army and learn what honor can mean in a soldier’s and woman’s life.
The Blue Ink Playwriting Award was created in 2010 to support new work. Whiteside and the award-winning Ensemble select the winning play and distribute $1,500 in prizes. Pachino, as the 2015 winning candidate, receives $1,000, a staged-reading directed by Kimberly Senior on Saturday, June 27, and the opportunity to develop the script with American Blues Theater.
To read the whole story: http://www.broadwayworld.com/chicago/article/American-Blues-Theatre-Announces-2015-Blue-Ink-Award-Winner-20150219#.VOfGbuAt1QY.gmail
GAYLE HAMILTON BLAKESLEE
Natalie and I will be in Australia beginning February 13, returning March 12. May be our last really far-away trip, am beginning to feel my age.
[December] Off tomorrow to Wisconsin to see my daughter and family. Last year when I went in the winter got to spend 3 extra days due to 20-below temperatures which kept the planes from flying. Understand the desire for Florida.
EDEE HOWARD HOGAN
Hi there. All is well with me, and I divide my time between my co-op in Washington DC and my Beach Home in Bethany Beach DE.
Have had some great travel experience including taking granddaughter and daughter-in-law for 10 days in London. (Martha Allen joined me.) Had a great well-located apartment and enjoyed all the best of London–Museums, Food, History, and Theatre, etc.
After a great season at the Beach with lots of family and friends visiting, it was back to DC to enjoy all it has to offer.
Travel to Mexico (a Spa week) and then to Madrid in February.
Involvement with my co-op (am running for the Board) as well as continuing my very part time (1/2 day a week) as a food and culinary consultant keep me busy as well as my work with another Culinary Group Les Dames fills my time. Plan to attend Ron Volpe’s Retirement event in March with Martha Allen and we will stay with Carol LeGore. Cheers! Edee
CAROLE JONES ROGERS
Carole stopped overnight at Anne Heuisler’s house twice in August on her travels to and from her daughter, Caroline’s. Granddaughter Olivia is a junior at MIT, thriving in her experience there.
MARCIA KING WILKE
My news for Hood College: December 2014
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2013 and underwent a lumpectomy on New Year’s Eve! and radiation for six weeks, beginning in February. Luckily it was caught early, but it took time to get my energy back. I have some other health issues but won’t go into them. I feel like I’m “one big pill” as I’m taking a number of them. I’m trying to remain upbeat and know that other people have more health problems than I do.
Glad to see the pictures in the last issue of those who did attend our 55th and of Aki, daughter and granddaughter.
July 2014: One of our twin granddaughters, Morgan, age 15, is here for three weeks. She is helping in the sound booth for the annual outdoor musical, “Fiddler on the Roof.” She was here for 2 weeks last year when the musical was “The Music Man.” The drama teacher at her high school is delighted she knows how to run a soundboard. We expect the rest of the family the last weekend of July and we will attend the musical.
November 29, 2014: Norm and I are moving into a retirement community in Walla Walla, WA, about eight blocks from our house. Movers come Dec. 3rd and the house is full of packed boxes, most sealed. He has balance problems so that was the reason for our decision. I’m sure some of you know it’s a big change from a house into a 2 -bedroom apartment. I hope my piano will be moved only when we are able to move from independent to assisted living. In the meantime I’ll teach at home if the house doesn’t sell immediately.
Feb 2015: To bring everyone up to date: Offer on the house came within five days of our moving as it is in a wonderful location. We had to be out Jan. 9, estate sale the following weekend and we signed the closing papers a week ago. However, we did have to move the piano into the apartment. I don’t encourage anyone to move as quickly as we did. I’m advising my younger friends to start “clearing out” now!
SUSAN KUEHN BEALL
Still living in Palo Alto in same house and with same spouse, Bill Beall. I continue to do some travel arranging for clients, but am slowly retiring from that. Meanwhile, we continue to travel ourselves internationally for new adventures and domestically to our sisters’ and families in Massachusetts and Ohio.
I am on the board for the future Palo Alto History Museum. We have a lovely historic building to house the Museum, but our efforts now are to raise the funds for the seismic upgrades and renovations.
Also involved with Friends of the Palo Alto Parks.
And most importantly, I love playing golf! This is a relatively new sport for me, but fortunately all my friends who played tennis for years and now have new knees and hips are playing golf instead. So lots of support, encouragement, and opportunities.
Our son John is a Chiropractor and developed a fitness facility in Alameda, CA. He is still single but has a neat dog! So she is my grand dog!
Well wishes to all.
Susan Kuehn Beall
Preferred email address.
KUULEI MOBLEY GREEN
I am still living a pretty normal life. I am moving to a different retirement facility in March mainly because I need a little lower costing place. It is in Boise, Idaho, instead of Meridian, Idaho.
The address as of March 20 will be 5850 N. Five Mile Road Boise, Idaho 83713
My E-mail is the same, and my cell phone is the same.
208-859-0521
I shall try to have more exciting news next time.
Love and peace to all of you.
Kuulei+
ANNE MONTESANO KERPSACK ELLIS wrote in her Christmas letter that her dear friend, Jim Price, died last April from lung cancer. Anne and Jim were together 18 years. She sold her Cranberry Farm in Ohio in December and planned to spend October – May in Florida and May – October at Conesus Lake, NY. Anne enjoyed many trips last year, including her “dream trip” to Japan for 2 ½ weeks with the Friendship Force of N.E. Ohio. She visited museums, enjoyed the hospitality in many homes, experienced the “Japanese bath,” explored Mt. Fuji, rode the “bullet train,” visited several schools, learned to eat with chopsticks, sang songs, danced the “cupid shuffle” (“look it up on the net,” she says), and made good friends. “One more lifelong wish fulfilled.” Meyran reunion in Philadelphia in October, where they each roomed with roommates from 55 years ago (Jan Knecht/Betty Kutz, Anne/Nancy Smith, Gloria Friedman/Merle Winer, and Myra Silberstein). She said Philadelphia is “a great city – so clean and so much to see and do. The Barnes Museum was awesome – don’t miss it!” Anne now has email: akerpsackellis@hotmail.com.
JUDY MORELAND GRANGER
We began our holiday festivities by celebrating the graduation of Phillip’s son, our grandson Logan Carter, on December 13 from Texas State University. We now have four grands still in college: Jackson, (Bob’s son) a senior at St. Edward’s University, Sara (Tim’s daughter), a junior at the University of Texas at Dallas, Lacey (Phil’s daughter) a sophomore at the University of Colorado, and Barrett (Bob’s son), a freshman at Georgetown University. Steve’s little ones, Sophie, fifth grade, and Gibson, second grade, go to the public school where their mom is the art teacher. All very busy and involved—we love any chances to see them.
This has been a wonderful year of travel and visiting with family—31 Grangers in Grand Haven, Michigan, for a reunion in July, 4 generations, much love and laughter shared. All four sons and six of our eight grandchildren were able to be with us, a rare treat. Off then to Ohio, where 10 members of my side of the family gathered to enjoy time with my 92-year-old uncle and aunt, more reminiscences and fun times. Our trip ended with a stay in North Carolina, where my cousin, Ethel (Kintigh) Spence (’61), joined us at Jim and Carole’s. Their place is in the mountains, a beautiful location and a welcome climate, before returning to August in central Texas! Earlier in the summer, Bob and I returned to the east coast, where we attended my 55th reunion at Hood in Maryland, and then joined three of his Navy classmates in D.C. for several wonderful days. That week we were with five of our wedding party as we celebrated our 55th anniversary! How did we get here??
We celebrate and are thankful for good health—no surgeries for Bob, the first year since 2009! Cataracts don’t count—he had both eyes done in early spring and raves about the results. He continues marshalling at one of the golf courses here, plays a little golf and bridge, is in a couple of book clubs, I play a little golf, a lot of bridge (!), am also in a couple of book clubs and the large choral group here in Sun City. We wish we exercised more and weighed less, will be working on that in 2015!
We look forward to a special 2015, when our oldest grandson, Justin, marries Maggie Daniels here in Austin at the end of April. The wedding will be at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, which should be spectacular then. Justin and Maggie met as students at St. Edward’s.
JEANNETTE PHELPS
J. P. says she is relatively confined because of her shortness of breath and the chill in the air. She has met new neighbors who lived for a time in her hometown, Hyde Park, NY, and is looking forward to catching up on local color. She had a check-up with her vascular surgeon, who said she is exceeding his expectations. She will see her cardiologist and hematologist later this month. She uses the Roland Park Place house bus to take her to shop for groceries. She’s reading The Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides about the U.S.S. Jeannette and Mr. Wilson’s War by John Dos Passos.
MYRA SILBERSTEIN GOLDGEIER spent the holidays in Sanibel with her children and grandchildren.
MARY-LOU TROUT HADDAD had full-replacement knee surgery and is recovering. She was well taken care of by husband, Charles.
PAT WEVER KNOLL
We do have some awesome news! Our daughter Kathy is getting married this May – first marriage and we are thrilled. Also, our granddaughter, Ryn Weaver (she took my Dad’s name cuz hers is difficult), sang on David Letterman Jan. 23rd and is performing in NY, CA, and London in Feb. She is a pop singer who CNN says they are watching in 2015. We, including her, are all overwhelmed, humbled, and a little scared at the same time. Ron and I are in good health, thank God, other than a broken foot and some eye surgeries.
(See Ryn Weaver on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI1Xt57o_90.)
SUE WILSON OFFICER
[Sue continues to suffer severe back pain after two surgeries and is considering] a neurostimulation program that I may have to try as the last ditch. It is set up to stop the pain from reaching the brain.
I don’t have too much of a social life because of this but I am still active in my church and choir. I keep up with the work around the house and of course, I have my three little dogs that help me get up in the morning. They are Willie (Wilson), WAL-E and Penny and really keep me busy.
I also keep busy with the organizations that rescue animals, mainly dogs and cats. Which reminds me, I have a calico cat named Little Girl. She is sweet and very independent, but I love her so much. I lost two of my calicos last year and miss them terribly.
Have any of you heard of the National Search Dog Foundation? I have gotten very involved with this organization. They train dogs rescued from the pounds that show signs of being great search dogs. These dogs are trained over a period of 6 months and then given to a handler, usually a fireperson. Then that fireperson is trained for 6 more months. It is a long process, but if you were buried under concrete, you would be very glad to hear that dog barking, letting the handler know there is someone to rescue. During the Tsunami a few years ago, they found 20 live people. They have been to the Oklahoma bombing, the World Trade Center, etc. We have teams across the US and in Mexico. These dogs are trained to rescue only the live not the dead. It is an amazing organization. A good friend of mine started this about 12 years ago after taking her rescue dog to the Oklahoma bombing and knew that the US needed more FEMA certified teams. At present we have approx. 160 and are aiming for 200. If the dog doesn’t work our as a search dog, they are kept for the rest of their lives in forever homes. Hopefully we will never have to use them, but they are here if needed.
AKIKO YAMAMOTO FASOLO
Thank you so much for the wonderful photo of 55th reunion – I could not take my eye off from it. I enjoyed looking at our 1959 Touchstone again. If I were there, the kind gentleman, Bob, could not comment about our hair color the same way … 🙂
ANNE WILSON HEUISLER
I had a nice long holiday break but now am again teaching two sections of freshman English at Stevenson University. This semester I have the literature class instead of the writing class and find it more enjoyable. The students are terrific. It’s exhilarating to be with them twice a week.
These were my favorite books read in 2014:
Bloom, Amy, Lucky Us
Brown, Carrie, The Last First Day
Doerr, Anthony, All the Light We Cannot See
Forna, Aminatta, The Hired Man
Gardam, Jane, God on the Rocks
Just, Ward, American Romantic
Klay, Phil, Redeployment
Lawson, Mary, The Other Side of the Bridge
Lawson, Mary, Road Ends
Mandel, Emily St. John, Station Eleven
Mantel, Hilary, The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher
Marra, Anthony, A Constellation of Vital Phenomena
Rogerson, Cynthia, Upstairs in the Tent
Smiley, Jane, Some Luck
Stibbe, Nina, Love, Nina
Tolbin, Colm, Nora Webster
This year I loved Anne Tyler’s A Spool of Blue Thread!
And Perfect by Rachel Joyce.
Anne (copying Tarun’s classy font—it’s Kunstler Script!)
Anne Wilson Heuisler, 6102 Buckingham Manor Drive, Baltimore, MD 21210
410 377 5026; 410 980 4747; aheuisler@comcast.net
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