Elizabeth Anderson Comer
410-243-6767
ecomer@eacarchaeology.com

Our 40^th reunion weekend was delightful in every way.  Classmates at reunion included: Terri Pyle Reed, Barrie Briscoe Reightler, Sarah Kingman Matthews M.A.’80 , Elaine Patry Jones, Sue Bradley Wogatske, Ruth Ann Oyer Shaffer, Martha Homnack Armenti,  Barbara Crum Barnette M.A.’86, Ann Nicodemus Thompson, Diane Gurney Pratt, Diane Campbell McKenney, Dawn Cramer Stein, Sharon Thorpe Kourtz, Dale Hilgartner Cirillo, Jayne VanVliet Davilli, Deb Davis Hewson, Amy White Morgan, Kathleen Weslock,  Rubina Patel, Gretta Tomb, and Elizabeth Anderson Comer.  Terri captured the weekend perfectly: “Reunion was a wonderful weekend! Classmates from coast (Elaine from Maine) to coast (Diane Gurney Pratt from Washington) and as far south at Texas (Diane Campbell McKenny) came to celebrate 40 years. Both Dianes and Dawn Cramer Stein even brought their husbands! We certainly have some good looking grandmothers in our class.  I can’t believe Ann Nicodemus Thompson has 4 grandchildren and Barbara Ann Crum Barnette has 6.  I started the weekend with dinner at the Thompson’s, which included a homemade apple pie (thanks to Barbara Ann).  We chatted until after 11 and then I relived dorm life (but wished they had put us up in Coblentz, since there is a sink & mirror in every room there)!  For those who haven’t been in the area lately – Frederick and Walkersville are no longer separated by farm fields.  In fact, it’s hard to tell where one stops and the other begins!  We had a terrific lunch at Brewer’s Alley (organized by Diane Campbell McKenney) – and Amy White Morgan and Rubina Patel represented us at the college luncheon (and collected Hood chocolates for each of us).  Our class kicked off the dance party after dinner on Saturday (and the DJ even played The Streak in tribute to our freshman year).  After Sunday’s strawberry breakfast most of us attended the chapel service where Ann Nicodemus Thompson showed off her talents on the pipe organ.  The service (conducted by the class of 1967) used the hymn Be Thou My Vision, which was one that Sharon Thorpe Kourtz played to honor her husband Paul at his memorial service in February.  (I felt that it was like Paul was letting Sharon know that he was there with her this weekend.)  Rubina Patel honored our class with a brick on the walkway near the new fountain, declaring that we are the best.  (The 40th Anniversary is the ruby anniversary – so it was an appropriate and generous gift from our dear sweet Ruby!!)” The campus was stunning and the friendships were warm and enduring.  Amy summed it up perfectly:” What a wonderful weekend!  The 40 years magically slipped away.  Here’s to some wonderful Hood women!”  Classmates sent news to share: “Katherine Kluth Rohm and Greg just finished renovating a 1940 house in Lutherville, Maryland and are happy to be closer to town again.  Just returned from a whisky-tasting trip to Scotland (if you haven’t been and love whisky, gorgeous scenery and hiking, book your trip now–but watch out for the sheep in the road!).  Sadly, could not join the 40th reunion, but hope everyone had a wonderful time reminiscing. Cheers to all!” Diane Gurney Pratt and husband Rick have lived in Richland, WA for 35 years. “We absolutely love the Pacific Northwest . . . such a beautiful part of our country! Our three sons Nathan, Brad and Stephen are now living on their own within Washington State.  It is wonderful that they live so close to us.  And now, we are thrilled to have three grandchildren who delight our hearts. I continue to work in finance at our church. I love the work and the people.  Rick is a senior engineer at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory where he works on energy and national defense projects.  In July Rick and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary.  I will always treasure the memories from this past reunion weekend.  It was very special!  Hopefully many of us will be able to return back to Hood for the 50th reunion in 10 years.” Sharon Thorpe Kourtz is very appreciative of the support from her Hood family following the death of her husband (Paul) in February.  Her son, Collin, is a Novice Brother with the Capuchin Order of Franciscans. Our 40th reunion was a blast! …fun to catch up with friends…we missed seeing several classmates who couldn’t attend. Next time BTOBS…life is too short to miss these milestones! We have great plans for our next reunion so please don’t miss it!