Jean Baker Weikert
717.624.3960

Marilyn Ogden Heath and her husband Alan are recovering from having to temporarily vacate their home in Naples, Florida. They spent approximately nine days in a hotel and several weeks with their son and family in Arizona before being able to return to Naples. The strong winds resulted in their losing three trees. Luckily, before they were resettled they were able to have water, sewage and electricity restored. Alan experienced open-heart surgery three years ago. Marilyn is still teaching dressage along the eastern seaboard. It was reassuring to hear her resilient voice recounting their deciding not to use shelter but to explore their own resources. We tried to reach Nancy Swearingen Davis by phone but I was unable to do so. Mary “Skippy” Smith Adams described herself as being happily content with her living in a remolded home which is part of one of Ken and her sons home at Newtown, Connecticut. Ken had passed away several years ago. Skippy sounds fairly adjusted to using a walker. She doesn’t drive very much, if at all. Her living room, kitchen, bath, bedroom sounds much like Marks and my cottage here at cross keys in New Oxford. We especially are fond of a convenient pantry in our kitchen plus a small laundry all on one floor! Skippy has grandchildren living in PA and VA. We really appreciate helpful children, grandchildren, family and neighbors. Betty Remsberg DeColigny and her husband Warren have moved from their Randallstown farm home in Maryland to 124 rose court at Homewood at plum creek, Hanover, PA. Warren and Betty have traveled extensively to visit light-houses. They also have, in addition to light-house memorabilia, an extensive collection of dolls. Warren is retired as a printer with the Baltimore Sun and the Frederick News Post. They are very proud of three triplet granddaughters. Mark and I were able to visit them in their new cottage at Homewood which is about 5-7 miles from our cross keys New Oxford location. It was good to connect with one of our little sister class of 56 members, Becky Eppers Byrd, who has an apartment there. A quick phone call related that Becky has recently joined a stitchery group at Homewood for fun and relaxation. It was thoughtful of Nolah Sawyer Fulk to call from Putman, New Jersey to tell of the passing away of Caryl Dauber Barnett. Nolah was able to attend Caryl’s service. Caryl had lived in Adamstown, Maryland where she and her deceased husband Ronald had lived. Their daughter had called Nolah with a poignant description of Caryl’s passing, surrounded by family singing some of Caryl’s favorite hymns. Having had a stroke, Caryl was able to move her lips in remembrance of her favorites. Nolah was able to drive from her Putman, NJ home to attend the funeral. Janet Edelstein Ettinger sounds just as vibrant as she did while we did our home management semester at Strawn. Janet is still living in Allentown where she and her husband john settled. John was quiet active in sports in the Allentown area. Thus, welcome to the Brethren Cross Keys Village, New Oxford, PA area where we are happily contented in a brick duplex cottage. We are still unpacking as we moved last December from Carlisle, PA. Everyone here seems very peacefully friendly. There are many amenities including classes (avoiding falls, nutrition, three D’s: depression, dementia, delirium), shuttle trips on campus, available bus trips to nearby fine dining, Spanish, ballroom dances, use of pool, workout room, gym, billiards and three restaurants. Our son Andy is entering his third year of being in the nursing complex here after experiencing a stroke. He continues to have a great attitude despite right-side paralysis and decreasing vision. It is a plus to live within 15 minutes of his room so we can help to transport him to a larger dining area where we can socialize him with him as we feed him. His siblings and niece are of immense help. Hood College appeared on our CKV campus in late August. Student Alex Sexton and Dr. MacDougall, assistant professor of psychology conducted a survey to study a new measurement tool that assesses religious/spiritual struggles. The tool has been investigated in a younger adult population, but not yet with older persons. We are eager to learn of their results. In summation, we deeply appreciate your continued cooperation in maintaining communication with news you feel able to share. Although we cherish the past, we need to faithfully live forward.

Johanna Chait Essex
johalessex@gmail.com
516.487.1883

Congratulations to Nailah S. Russell ’18, recipient of the Andrew G. Truxal scholarship for 2017-2018. Many thanks to Sally Kuhns Giarratana for once again chairing our reunion this coming June. Marge Aronson Dalmas’ daughter, Robin, book “Boisterous Bird of Paradise” was published last May and received good reviews. She and Bob had a short visit from Pat Lloyd Fordham and her daughter in July. I received a short, but sad note from Nancy Brown Kohlheyer— a virus attacked the brain of John, her partner for the past ten years, and he is now residing in a rest home in Pa. Nancy is slowly healing from this and has moved back to her apt. in Brussels, Belgium permanently. Penny Fradd Vahsen is the proud grandmother of 13, 6 married and 3 great grandchildren.  She has sponsored 203 Annapolis grads, and is thinking of writing a book about her adventures with them.  She still travels, and loves river-cruises” heartily endorse them for fun on a budget”. Jerry Griffith Macomber became a great grandmother June 17 “my first in a brand new generation”.  She is once again the coordinator of “operation Christmas Child” for her church. Pat Lloyd Fordham and her daughter Leslie not only drove to Albuquerque to see Marge and Bob Dalmas, they also flew to Pittsburgh to visit her son, Jeff, his wife and great granddaughter, Riley.—Leslie has moved back to Kansas, having stayed with Pat for 2 years. Pat plans to be at our reunion in June, and Leslie plans to accompany her. Bim Mayer Werle has a new temporary address—1620 Vincennes Dr., Sun City Fla. 33573—they will be moving to Wake Robin—a CCRC, in Shelbourne, Vt., but no address yet.  In the meantime, they are downsizing—garage sales etc. Received a long note from Marilyn Phillips—her grandson, Andrew Davis, graduated college after 3 years, with a BS in cybersecurity—her son Chip, a radio frequency engineer works with a laser company that participated in the LIDO observatory research that won a science award.  Cary retired, and then started 3 new companies—families are wonderful. Julia Rank Loposer’s daughter took her on a trip to Maui for her birthday–“it was grand and glorious”. Bev Rosenberg Sager spent some time in California this summer visiting her son and grandson—she and her daughter will be going back for thanksgiving.  This coming February she plans to visit the island of Turks and Caico. Katherine Sponsler Patten is still in her home, and keeps things going with the help of electricians etc, and of course her grandson, who is the biggest help of all.  She still plays duplicate bridge and goes to plays at the Kennedy Center. After our vacation with my sisters, Muriel Chait Durbin ’56 and Linda Chait Solomon ’63 at the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion [an incredible trip] Hal and I just relaxed at home.  I still go to the theater at Lincoln Center, and volunteer at Cookie Café at Kings Point –the Merchant Marine Academy—serving cookies, along with lots of tlc. [Kings Point, the fifth federal academy, is the only federal academy to have cookie café.] Nancy Brown Kohlheyer’s significant other Johnny had chicken pox as a child and the virus was still in his body–it flared up in the memory center of his brain, and led to dementia–he did not recognize her, or remember the 10 years they spent together. His daughter had to put him into a rest home in New Jersey. Nancy’s sons came to her rescue and helped her pack her belongings that had been in John’s house, as his daughter had to sell the house.  Nancy went back to Belgium, with the boxes following her. Hal and I are both fine, and enjoying trips to see grandchildren etc. Our granddaughter, Leya Essex, participated in the 2017 Maccabiah games in Israel on their junior track and field team–she won 4 gold medals, 2 in the sprints, and 2 in the relay events.–on, Nov, 8th, she signed a letter of intent to attend ECU–she will be a member of their track team.–so proud of her. I received a lovely note from Lauri Bunch daughter of, Mary Ellen “Hooley” Chidester Ball–Hooley passed away on Jan. 6, 2018 –she left behind 4 children, and their spouses, 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren–although she had Alzheimer’s she seemed to remember her days at Hood and loved hearing about the school. —Jo

I received a lovely note from Lauri Bunch daughter of, Mary Ellen “Hooley” Chidester Ball–Hooley passed away on Jan. 6, 2018 –she left behind 4 children, and their spouses, 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren–although she had alzheimer’s she seemed to remember her days at Hood and loved hearing about the school.”

Mary-Louise Springhorn Leidheiser
828.699.1999
mlouleid6@gmail.com

Ellin Bachrach Gordon and her husband are in good health and enjoying life. Natalie Colbert Bowers mentioned that, in the small world department, she bumped into Ann Parker Lampman’s twin brother at a Bucknell reunion. Peggy Crook Arnold:“I am fine although I don’t get around very well.  I still play bridge and go out to dinner with my friends.  Enjoyed the reunion pictures – thanks for sending them.” Other classmates sent thanks for my reunion letter including Jodie Kellogg Weddle (“my summer went well”), Carolyn Rusk (“I wish I could have attended”), Lorraine Smarsch (“arthritis limits travel”) and Carol Underhill Postell. Marion Decker McCormick:“Some frivolity for Halloween. The Montgomery Area Historical Society had a program about a gruesome 1900 murder. The house was packed. We few volunteers went in costume to pass out treats. It has been a long time since I had to find a costume and mask. Brought back memories.” Dee Dreller Sosin:“I am living in an active retirement home with stimulating classes and friendly bright people.  Hope to go to Thailand with my nephew, Alex, this December. He owns a home there and is an Asian Scholar.” Lois Eldridge Funsch: “I’m holding my own.  Get around on my motorized cart.  Play bridge several times a week. Sew stuffed kittens for children who are hospitalized.  My daughter lives 15 minutes away.  We have great times together.” Claire Enany Trimpey enjoys her oil painting (she was an art and English major) and her lovely retirement community in Wilmington, NC.  Doctor son, nurse daughter and grandchildren visit often. Joanne Kates Roos:“My favorite news was being able to visit Hood for our 65th Reunion.  My next favorite news is about my grandchildren. Billy Cole with Price Waterhouse in D.C.  Hannah Cole doing well at NC State.  My son’s daughter Holly Jo — a budding artist in Wisconsin.” Joan Kniffin Orozco:“All is going well here in Uruguay. Am very happy with my grandchildren and great grandchildren!!!” Madge Merkley Ziegler:“Jack and I are well.  Looking forward to Daufuskie Island; it snowed here (Carlisle, PA) yesterday (11/7).” Mary Murrie Hardy:“My life is busy now with the purchase of a condo on Lake Keowee in South Carolina.  My daughter Diane lives across the lake; it will be my get-away place when winter gets too cold in Pittsburgh.  Health is good except for arthritis in fingers and knees. I became a great grandmother for the 5th time!! I ordered a brick in memory of my roommate. Barbara “Cookie” Cook Oldt – hope to see it one day.” Franne Pickle Wetmore: “Reunion was a special time.  Mary-Lou Springhorn Leidheiser and I met at the Baltimore airport.  She drove us to Hood and afterwards to my home.  She then visited dear friends in Wilmington. Emma Jones Hann kindly introduced me to the Civil War Museum right in the heart of Frederick.” Kay Spear Feldmann: “Back into my fall schedule– classes, theater, bridge, etc.  It’s nice to be busy.  No travels plans ‘til spring.  It’s a good time, national politics notwithstanding.” Joan Scott Hellmuth in Massachusetts will travel to family in Maryland for Thanksgiving.  She is involved with “Lunch and Learn” presentations offered at nearby Regis College. Doris Simpson Felton lost her husband in April.  She has happily recovered from both a strep and staph infection.  She has delightful neighbors and a daughter nearby in Brunswick, MD.  She hopes to lunch with Dottye Handley Ewing soon. Jane Taggart Whittaker had a delightful time at her grandson’s “fun and wonderful” wedding in Buffalo, NY.  He and his bride are architects who met in college.  They will live in Philadelphia. Cal Wunderly Russwick has finally retired from teaching, although she still helps one day a week correcting papers, etc.  She also volunteers at a Women’s Club.  Doug is looking at knee replacement surgery.  All 5 of their children come for a day both in the fall and spring to help with chores and to visit. Jeanne Zimmerman Gearey loves where she is. Her condo at Cortez, FL looks out on the water. Her daughter lives nearby for visits and travels together. Florida classmates survived hurricane Irma.  Peg Lewis Christensen (Naples) spent a month in her Huntington, NY apartment and Carol Underhill Postell (Vero Beach) evacuated to a relative in Palm Beach Gardens for six days, but neither had water damage.  Carol did lose two ovens from a power surge.  Lynn Bischoff Mitchell, Jeanne Zimmerman Gearey, and Franne Pickle Wetmore experienced no problems, thankfully. Keep in touch, please.

Eleanore Jackson Knott
843.681.8580
weknott2@gmail.com

Hopefully you all enjoyed the article in the summer/fall HOOD MAGAZINE about Betsy McCain McAlpine, wedding picture and all.  Chatting with her, I learned that she and Harry are still making frequent trips up to Hood. This week they were going to a lecture on the history of the World War 2 Victory Ship that was named after Hood College and christened by Mrs. Stahr.

Marilyn “Tink” Smith Garrity had a full shoulder replacement in the spring but had recovered in time for a “fantastic family reunion at Lake Winnipesaukee, NH.”  There were 18 of them—her 4 kids, their spouses plus grandkids from MA, CT, NYC, Cleveland, and Phoenix.  Never to be duplicated memories were formed with relatives that hadn’t been seen for years. Tink was looking forward to seeing Cathie Strachan Upp when she visits her Phoenix family.

Donna Fogle Fisher wrote that her grandaughter #3 at 3 mos. old was the center of attraction at their family picnic this fall.  She accompanied by her parents were all visiting in MD.

Mary Lou Henry Deisroth, is realizing that she (make that we) can’t still do all that she wants to accomplish, so is slowing down but still enjoying bridge and reading with Book Club suggestions. One of their Fresh Air daughters lives in Puerto Rico and has been keeping her up-to-date with the hurricane results and slow progress being made.  She and Tony have 6 great granddaughters with another on the way.  Sounds like a great addition to Hood.  Mary Lou Hoffman Huff reported that Nancy Gillece ’81 and Emily VanderWoude were in Rochester and all had lunch with Anne Kurka Woods ’60 and Sharyn M. Duffy ’68.  They were all interested in hearing about all the changes and development at Hood.  She is happy and healthy, still keeping up with her gym workouts, stock market watching and a few volunteer activities.

Again I thank you all for sending news and wish that others would add to our column. I hate to admit it but find that I, Eleanore Jackson Knott, too must slow down. Our summer plans were aborted due to medical problems, but we did fly to Boston in August for 2 weeks which ended up being 3 when our flight home was cancelled because of hurricane Irma. Finally things are returning to normal and we’re all looking forward to quietly celebrating the holidays.

Corky Edwards Shulman
oahucork@aol.com
808.254.2531

Due to family circumstances, Corky Edwards Shulman will report class news in the next issue. Jayne Gillis deConstant reports having lost power during a severe coastal storm on October 29. Jayne writes: “it has been a miserable week, dark, cold, running out of food. My carriage house apartment is attached to my son’s house, so I was able to warm up at the woodstove in their family room. Today, November 2, we got some power. Phone will go on tomorrow. I have some food in my fridge and a new telephone pole outside. Greetings to the Hoodlums. Hope you all never have to spend a week like this! Otherwise, I’m hopping along in my walker, feeling 91 years on my shoulders, but as sassy as ever. Great memories of Hood friends will never leave me.”

Jean Wheatley Hilchuk
jhilchuk@aol.com
407.767.6863

It was reported that we still have 25 classmates living. But, I am inclined not to believe that figure. I have tried to contact anyone who gave Hood their phone number. However, many of those phones numbers do not answer or are phones that have been canceled. Those that did not answer or were canceled are these: Gladys Reinert Aungst, Betty Daubenspeck Carl, Nancy Ogden Carson, Gert Flagg Dalzell, Ann Wikel Hausman, Barbara Gill Jesser, Annabelle Sunderland Kepler, Mary Lou Chorley Touart, and Betty Foehl Tomaselli. Those who I talked to are the following. Mal Barnett reported that she had nothing to report. Janet Coblentz Cover resides in a retirement center in Frederick. She has a few dental problems. She is enjoying the new adult coloring books. Peg Traver Emery was in the process of having a garage sale. Her son and daughter in law live with her. Mildred Geiple Hufnagel has her son living with her. But she too has nothing to report. Mary Alice Knobloch Smith lives in a retirement center. She enjoys her bridge and the activities that the center provides. Phyllis Fine Soza reports that she is losing her eyesight. I, Jean Wheatley Hilchuk, also live in a retirement center and have been here for 12 years. I use the pool as often as possible. It is the only place I can walk by myself. A doctor ruined my legs and I use a scooter in the hallways. I can take it on our buses and go shopping. In my apartment, I use a walker and ride it backwards. We have a lot of activities here. It is something like being back in a college dorm. But I have a two bedroom apartment that looks over our swimming pool and wooded area. Helen Stottler Leaver lives alone. She is always busy helping other people. She is still in touch with all of her kids.

At the age of 96, Millys Nixon Altman published a new book titled “Year of the Flu”.  The book is a true story of a young doctor’s fight to save an entire village during the flu epidemic of 1918. The book is available in ebook and paperback.