What will the new year of 2021 bring us?  Certainly, it can’t get worse than 2020, so we have to think truthfully in a positive way.  Too many of us have lost family members and friends to the Corona virus, to medical complications, to natural causes in unnatural situations (shutdowns of ALFs, nursing homes, independent living areas) where loved ones could no longer be in physical contact with us.  Socialization was on the skids and was being fought by those who felt nothing was really wrong so why not “do what I want!”? It was a sad state of affairs and it seemed like our great United States of America was on a slippery slope to degradation!  My mind kept turning to my Lord and Father – Are You challenging us the world over to wake up and really look at ourselves and how we are treating our fellow humans, our planet, our resources?  All You have ever asked of us is to love You and our neighbors – and we have done a piss-poor job of that!  So, my dear classmates, we move forward positively the best we can, wear the mask, social distance, get the vaccination; we will survive this! – Molly Sperandio

Sylvia Blackburn Felcyn here in retirement life care village located in an Atlanta suburb 10 minutes from our daughter Lindsay. Life here has been often spent quarantined.  Had spent time in ICU for kidney stone emergency in October.  Now am fine.  My husband Keith just had his 90th birthday in December.  Thankful 2020 is over and we will have a new administration.  Hope all is well with you, 

Ann Spengler Larkin: It was so good to see the end of 2020! Christmas was very different. My son lives in Troy about 3 miles from me. He came to my house for dinner and we felt safe as neither of us had been with any others. My granddaughter lives in Ohio where she is doing a Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic and my grandson is living and working in the Harrisburg area and has had at least one business trip to Frederick. Neither was able to come home during the holidays. My wish for all of our classmates is for a healthy, peaceful 2021.

Antoinette Zawatzky Peirson:  You said it all with the words of lockdown masks & social distancing here at Roland Park Place.  I am glad I am here.  Soon we will receive the virus shot.  It has been boring & limiting, with room service food delivery but the administration keeps us updated with current news.  The temporal scanner  has been refined to the point that we are expected to check in once a week near the front desk.  We plant our feet on the X mark on the floor, smile, & are told that our temperature is normal.  This is tied in with an earlier photo which shows our face & name.  How is that for the latest technology?  I keep in touch with Eda Scheir Rubin who is fine & busy.

Miriam Spalding Keyser: We are doing well. Lots of restrictions have been added, but our community is doing well. We leave to shop and go to the library. There have been a few cases in the independent living area and one death, but we expect to get the shot before long. At some point we are due to get the shots; the long-term care people have had them for over a week. We have done a zillion puzzles it seems and been reading all the time. We can eat in the dining rooms but must sign up on Sunday morning and be given a code indicating where we are eating, the date and time and with whom we are eating – limit 4 at a table. There are long waits to get on the telephone to register. Many people just get food bags delivered to the door for three days. We try to eat with others and so we call until we get through to register for table seating at different venues. I still swim twice a week at 7:30 am and walk the grounds in good weather.

Hattie Snyder Bingham:  The best news I received in 2020 was that the urologist here made an incorrect diagnosis and my doctor at George Washington University Hospital, who performed the original surgery, declared no obstruction, no scar tissue and no infection.  A radioactive test was done and both kidneys are functioning well.  This was such a relief after thinking for 9 months that I had to have risky surgery.  What I had when admitted twice into the hospital here were extremely bad kidney infections.  I had never been so sick and scared when taken to the CCU because all my vitals went crazy. due to a blood infection.  We think the newly constructed villa at Willow Valley will be ready to move into around the end of August.  I am not looking forward to all that moving involves, selling the house, etc. but look forward to moving to such an outstanding environment that Willlow Valley Communities offers.  Willow Valley Communities is near Lancaster, PA.  Have a blessed New Year.

Barbara Yinger:  Just wanted to say our daughter, Laura died the end of June from a massive heart attack. We miss her terribly.  She was actively involved in her work and family, no history of heart issues, only  61 years old, a parent’s sadness for sure.  We drove out to Indiana for her memorial in spite of the pandemic and 2 weeks before my scheduled knee surgery.  Thank goodness my pre-surgery Covid test was negative and I can walk just fine.  Bob and I have continued to stay away from the Covid and look forward to the vaccine soon.  Living in this retirement community has proven to have it’s advantages keeping us safe.  I talk with Barbara Kaufman Harrison and Sue Bond Almy frequently.  Incidentally, Sue no longer does email due to painful wrists so would like to talk by phone.

Alice Riddle Metry:  Alice reports she and Fred are dealing with medical conditions that limit Fred from driving because of a stroke and use of the computer for Alice because of macular degeneration affecting her eyesight. They have not been back to Florida – their go-to state for warmth – since Covid hit but enjoy seeing their family members all year long.

Louise Reed: Still alive and kicking. Skin cancer surgeries, asthma and arthritic joint changes cause her to have to wear braces on an arm and ankle and have kept her busy with doctors’ appointments and the need for a full-time aide. She still has one son and family fairly close for visits while the other is in MD.  She had to give up her car so is mostly home-bound.

Nancy Tressel Brown: Medical issues abound, but the fight is on.  Nancy was on dialysis for kidney disease and was able to beat that to the surprise of her doctor.  She is recovering, working on getting her strength back.  Her husband, Roger, had a bout with the Covid virus, was hospitalized, but now doing well.

Sue Bond Almy: Independent living in a retirement facility saw lockdowns and no visitations, but following guidelines has kept Sue and her husband well.  They will receive their first dose of the vaccine 1/31 and the second on 2/23. The family was able to celebrate Thanksgiving together at her daughter’s home but Christmas was celebrated in the garage, complete with decorations, with Anne’s three sons, wives and two great grands. It was different but done out of concern for the elders’ health being uppermost in the thoughts of the kids.  She will miss having her daughter close by as that family splits their time between MD and FL.

Sylvia Felcyn: We are in a retirement life care village in an Atlanta suburb 10 minutes from our daughter Lindsay.  Life here has been often spent quarantined.  I spent time in ICU for kidney stone emergency in October; now am fine.  My husband Keith just had his 90th birthday in December.  We are thankful 2020 is over and we will have a new administration.

Molly Smith Sperandio:  In six months of 2020, I sadly had to deal with the loss of two of my four sisters, my last brother-in-law, a nephew and grandnephew. I’m lucky to have my daughter and family living with me, and am content to read, play games on my cell phone and watch TV. All my volunteer activities which kept me scheduled and socialized were gone, but I managed to work all three elections which were true and honest!  Our church reopened following CDC guidelines, but I’m finding more people are getting used to “meeting on Zoom” or watching on Facebook or YouTube. In-church attendance is down about 80%. I look forward to starting AARP Tax consulting in February as soon as the powers that be figure out how we will be doing it with social distancing. I am also entering a two-year clinical trial for a vaccine being produced by Tampa General Hospital and USF Medical Center. We carry on with the Lord’s blessings!

Sue Winter Smith passed away in September of 2018; Mary Thomas Summers passed away in September of 2019; Pat Pickett Tanco passed away in January of 2020. God speed to a safer, more humane place.

ALICE RIDDLE METRY: Alice is dealing with macular degeneration so it is difficult to read e-mails, letters and books very well.  She asked me to put her phone number in the column because she would love to hear from anyone via phone: 313-882-8709.  Her husband, Fred, had a stroke in August, ’19 and is working hard to get away from the walker.  There is no driving for them, so their annual trip to Florida did not take place this year.

BARBARA THOMAS YINGER: Tommie reports ”No virus here, so far.  I’ve kept busy finishing baby quilts for CareWear Foundation which is centered here in Frederick by a former Hood Home Ec. Professor/grad, Bonnie Hagerman.  A Fla. volunteer pieces the small quilts and mail them to Bonnie, then she puts the backing on it and sends it to me to sew together and quilt, on the machine of course.  I work with lovely fabrics and put something together for someone else to enjoy, somewhere in the US in a health care system.  Masks have been another thing.  I made over 100 and coordinated with several other ladies here to make over 300 for the health care workers and residents at this facility, Buckingham’s Choice near Frederick, Md.  I’m also in charge of the greenhouse here but it is winding down with most residents putting their plants outside for the summer.  Plants and sewing have seemed to be my forte for many years and it’s been a joy.

CAROLYN STEVENS AMSTUTZ: Good to hear from you, I’m glad you are surviving the pandemic. Life is certainly different these days. Since I’m in a retirement community we are a bit restricted, but being taken care of very well.  We are not allowed visitors in our apartments, but can meet with them outside. Fortunately, the weather has been good, so getting out and walking and seeing people keeps me sane!  And I did get out to get my haircut …yahoo.  Both my daughters, one in Albany and one in England, as well as their husbands, are working from home. All are fine, thank goodness.   I seem to be OK for an almost 85-year-old, except that macular degeneration is starting to get the better of me. I’m afraid my bridge playing days are behind me unfortunately. I have to talked  to Alice Metry and Tressie.

EUGENIE SMITH DURLAND: I’m glad to report that Bill and I are healthy in spite of being 84 and 89 – who’d believe it?! All our kids, grandkids and great grandkids are fine too. Not much news since we are staying home except for groceries and docs. We are lucky to live right on the edge of two large parks with walking trails so we are able to get out to walk every day without coming near others. Our youngest son lives near us and drops in several times a week with his son who has down syndrome. Our youngest daughter lives in Boulder. She’s a school teacher so has to teach on line and its driving her crazy. If I tried to report on all our kids and grandkids this note would be about 3 pages long so I’ll stop there. One of our biggest disappointments is the absence of baseball and I’m sure lots of others have similar moans. But I hope we all live through it. Peace, Genie Durland

HATTIE SNYDER BINGHAM: My husband, Gene, and I moved from Chantilly, VA to a community near Fredericksburg, VA fifteen years ago after both of us retired from National Institutes of Health.  We have three children, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Our daughter, Cheryl, recently moved from Damascus, MD to Frederick, MD and we are looking forward to walking the Hood campus together.  Another daughter, Julianne, lives in South Carolina, and our son, Keith, lives way too far away in Reno, NV.  Our granddaughter, Lynsey, just moved out West to Richland, WA after graduating with a Nurse Practitioner’s Degree.  I sing in the church choir and am active in the church and community.  The thing I like most since moving to Virginia is living a manageable distance from DC, thus being able to enjoy the “POPs concerts by The National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center.  I had an unexpected health issue this January through March when I had to make two emergency trips to the hospital due to my right kidney not functioning.  The second time I went to the hospital I had a blood infection and ended up in the CCU because all my vitals went crazy due to the blood infection.  I had surgery in 2004 for a congenital condition where there was a blockage where the ureter enters the kidney.  After all these years scar tissue built up causing the blockage to happen again.  The urologist put in a 6 to 12 month urinary stent to avoid a trip to the hospital while COVID-19 is active.  We’ll have to research the best medical options. We were to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary this year but we had to put it off until next year due to the virus. We were so disappointed that our Reno family couldn’t come this June since flying  wasn’t an option.  Like a lot of senior friends, we have spent the last two years researching Life Care facilities and communities.  In the fall of 2021 we plan to move into a villa in”Willow Valley Communities” located in Willow Valley, PA which is close to Lancaster, PA.  My Email address is: hattiebingham2@gmail.com

LOUISE REED: I continue to shelter in place and stay away from any virus.  I am doing O.K. – not swell like in college.  I have an aide to help me from AM to 6PM daily.  She helps with meals, household chores, grocery shopping, etc. I use a walker to get around the house and a wheel chair when I go outside.  I have a brace on my left arm so need someone to push me in the wheelchair! I guess I had a previous fracture and didn’t do anything about it, so now I have bone fragments breaking off and rubbing against bone which is painful. The brace stabilizes it some what. No more trips for me!!

MARA ECKSTEINS BUNUEL: I really do not have any great news.  Do wish to let you know that Pat Pickett Tanco died early Jan. 2020.  Her brother called me.  Pat was taken down to Texas where her son & fam. live.  All her children and family were there.  She was buried in Rockville, Md.  It was very sad for me, we were half-sisters at Hood and we kept up our friendship for years.  She would usually come to my house and stay overnight, had always so much to talk about.  Other than that I keep at home, my son the doctor is very busy, but brings my groceries every Saturday. I don’t know when we shall get out of this pandemic..With that horrid, stupid idiot in the White House the virus will multiply as long as we get more places open regardless of human lives lost.  Keep safe.

MIRIAM SPAULDING KEYSER: Doing well- Oak Crest is providing 3 dinner meals plus extras every 3 days. Our son David brings other food items and essentials to the gate and those things are delivered to us. We are limited to our apartment and outside to walk to our garden plot. We are only to leave grounds for doctors, etc. Life is very different. I was able to talk with  Dot Lewis. Her husband Irv died last summer, and she has moved to a senior facility near her daughter in Boston. We are still planning on gathering with the family at the Outer Banks, NC for a week in July. I still am spending time on family genealogy- right now Bill’s Keyser family;

NANCY PAUL STIMSON:  Here goes!  I am still alive. Been shut in for three months. No bridge, no Mahjong, no dinners out, no church, no nothing.  My great grandson turned one the end of May. His sister will be three in July. They live in Doylestown, Penna. thankfully my granddaughter brought them to see me in January. Wouldn’t be able to come now. Times are crazy. Have certainly been affected by the virus. One friends husband died, several others I know have recovered. Can’t open our condo pool this summer.  She has heard that Sue Truby may have Alzheimer’s Disease?

ROBERTA GEEHAN HORTON:  Sad to report the death of my former roommate, Susan Winter Smith, in September, 2018.  She suffered from pulmonary fibrosis.  I have not seen mention of her passing in the Hood Magazine. I spoke with her 10 days before she passed.  Bob and I are still mostly confined at home, due to the virus, the same home since l966.  We are thankful that it is all on one floor.  We can still enjoy our daily walks on a nearby greenway  Our health is pretty good.  I am now out of most back pain caused by spinal stenosis after neurologic treatments. Bob had a coronary event last August but is much improved after having a stent put in.  Enjoyed a recent telephone chat with Mimi Spauldng Keyser.

TANIE STROHECKER SHARKEY WHITE:  sends greetings to all 1957 gals (no gents in those days).  Would love to see any of you traveling to or through Hudson, Ohio.   All is well.  330-650-1053

MOLLY SPERANDIO: In CA – if my plane still flies – I have my last grand graduating from high school and his brother graduating from college – on the same day.  I just heard yesterday from the college grad that their ceremony will be cancelled and he is starting a new job in Los Angeles on 5/28, so won’t even be there!  I’ll find out on 5/12 when I, hopefully, can get in on a Zoom call with my youngest grandson.  His school is holding a Grands and Seniors “get together” to talk about the differences between our graduation from high school and theirs.  Should be interesting!  As to the PA trip; in Lancaster – I lost a brother-in-law (my last) to acute leukemia, diagnosed at the age of 89 (would have been 90 in June) 2 weeks before he died!  I have a nephew (70-acute renal cancer) and another sister (88 – bedridden with dementia) on death’s door; so I am feeling the need to go see them – even through a window; and then on to Bethlehem to see my oldest sister (94) where we have held our family reunions for the past 39 years.  She still lives alone in her own home, is well, and we probably won’t have a reunion, but I can at least visit with her.  I will take my chances and pray that gas stations will be open along I-95 for gas and potty breaks!

EUGENIA SMITH DURLAND: We are all so old now that – at least in my case – news kind of dries up. Bill and I are alive and well but not traveling much anymore. We are very active in our Quaker Meeting, which is a Sanctuary Church among other things. We still teach in the adult religious education program. And we still work hard for the Dems! We want to see our democracy restored in 2020. We got our newest great grandchild in December so he’s nearly a year old. That makes 5 greats! Our children and grandchildren are all well and busy with their careers. Two of our children live nearby – Julia in Boulder and Christian in Denver and six of our grandchildren and all of our greats are in various parts of Colorado. So we are well looked after.

BARBARA THOMAS YINGER:  Sue Bond Almy and I talk on the phone as do Bobby Kaufman Harrison and I.  I’ve been “fussing’ with my left knee for the past 6 months, physical therapy and 2 different shots with minimal relief.  I think I’m going to have to “bite the bullet” and have surgery.  I won a blue ribbon (first prize) at the Frederick Fair on a quilt I made (see the blue ribbon?).  ‘First time in 30 yrs. or more that I’ve entered anything here.  The Frederick Art Club, of which I’m a member, is honoring Claire McCardell with a statue in Frederick.  She was a Hood student in the ’40s and then went to NYC to study clothing design.  I volunteered to make a dress like one of her designs and will be featured in a special showing sometime this year.  There are quite a few Hood alums in the Art Club so it’s been interesting to meet them.  I haven’t made clothes in years so this was a challenge.

CAROL HARKNESS KILREA:  Off in the AM for Boston and Maine – will spend time with Susan Peterson and Carl – always such fun! Our trip to Scotland was marvelous – the people and the history and the beauty – wow!! On the way home we both fell on the escalator @ the Airport in Scotland – happy to say a bit sore and, of course, embarrassment the only consequences! Continue to enjoy the Chicago Symphony and the Lyric Opera but it is always so good to return to our small community on the Lake – we are now part of the 61^ST National Park, but should not feel a great difference! It’s the Indiana National Park -full of wetlands/birds migrating and nesting/ sand dunes/just a plethora of nature at its best both plant wise and animal wise! Lucky me!!!!  Happy holiday season to everyone!!

MIRIAM SPAULDING KEYSER:  2019 has been a busy year. Our 1^st  Great Grandchild was born Easter Day. Maeve is the daughter of our eldest grandchild, Logan and his wife Mackenzie. Her presence added to the family Beach Week at the Outer Banks. Only a week later everyone headed to Roanoke, VA for the wedding of Ethan and Alexis. Ethan is Matt’s eldest. On the way home I fell and hurt my back, but therapy seems to be helping.  Bill and I are still active here at Oak Crest. Our garden provided both flowers and produce.  We both are on the Welcome committee and help with the weekly concerts.  Does anyone know anything about Dot Hofstadter Lewis and Irv?  The phone # I have is disconnected and the Email is not functioning. We have kept in touch with them over the years and visited with them just a year ago. I am really worried. Let me know if you hear anything.

LOUISE REED:  Well, this past 9 months or so have been difficult.  I‘ve had a number of falls and ended up in hospitals and rehabs.  I think I could write a book on the good and bad rehabs.  I am now home, being careful and presently have 24/7 care.  I would like to get rid of the nighttime care soon. So no trips or excursions for me now.

MOLLY SPERANDIO:  No tax consulting this year due to my hip replacement; but that didn’t keep me from flying out to Davis, CA in June for the high school graduation of my 7^th of 8 grandchildren, Sophi. I was still able to drive to PA in April, June and October and enjoyed having the CA family visit here in FL a week in August.

So sad to report the deaths of Mary Pat Neill Wentzel, Margaret (Peg) Reeves Leopold and Sylvia Davison Roth in 2018. Syl was my roommate Sophomore year before she went to Mass General for her nursing degree.

SYLVIA BLACKBURN FELCYN: After 45 years we sold our wonderful Greenwich home and moved to Roswell, Georgia to be near daughter Lindsay and family. We are in a retirement community called St. George Village, living in an apartment which makes my husband very unhappy. We’re fairly healthy. Wish our President would retire. Pray for peace in 2019.

BARBARA THOMAS YINGER: Bob and I will spend Christmas Day with our grandson’s family (2 great grandchildren, almost 4 and 8 yrs old) and our son and daughter-in-law. Not sure how many more on DIL’s side will be there. We’ve been in this retirement community 8 mo. Still not sure it was the right decision but we’re getting involved in residential life here. I am the “greenhouse chairman” helping residents look after their “wintering over” plants til next May, participating in the craft room showing off and selling some quilted items I make, and helping make small flower bouquets for those in the health care unit. That’s how I use my expertise with sewing and flower design. I did plant a small garden area with some plants we brought with us, and still have time for my own sewing, having finished a large bed quilt using Martha Washington’s star pattern.

LOUISE REED: I have had a tough past year – been in and out of hospitals and rehabs – from falls. The doctors keep telling me ” Don’t fall” So now I have been home for a month with additional help during the day. I am able to get out for appointments with the aide driving. My foot, which was broken along with broken toes still is not right. So I use a walker in the house and a wheel chair for any distances. I don’t think I will be driving again; so I have to give up my independence.

SARA DAVIDSON HANEY: I am in Texas visiting my son and family for Christmas; lots of fun and anticipation with a 10 and 8yr old. Back home in NH, I still volunteer with the horses in a special school program. The kiddos love it and it’s therapeutic for me.

ALICE RIDDLE METRY: All the same here, as we get ready to spend four months in Florida. My eyesight is not so good, and I am going to have to hire a Seeing Eye writer.

ANN SPENGLER LARKIN: I continue to stay busy with church, AAUW, DAR and quilting, but have slowed down a lot. I do still have season tickets to the DSO Coffee Concerts and really look forward to those. My daughter-in-law passed away very suddenly of a massive heart attack last April, just 5 days before my grandson graduated from Western Michigan Univ. Hopefully next year will be less traumatic.

CAROLYN STEVENS AMSTUTZ: I got your email just as I was departing for England to spend Christmas with my family. We were all there – my two daughters (one lives there), their husbands, and my four grandchildren. A good and busy time was had by all. The last night my one daughter and I went to see Hamilton in London – a real treat. I’m enjoying living in a CCRC – it sure is easy living with lots of interesting people and stimulating events. Certainly isn’t what I always pictured “the home” to be!! On a sad note, I just received a Christmas card from the Strauch family. Nan Young Strauch died in November, and from what I can tell it was unexpected/ I would imagine the college has the information.

NANCY PAUL STIMSON: All is well on the home front although my13 and 14 year old bionic knees are acting up; hard to walk. We are expecting another great grandchild in June. I sent my usual Christmas card to Mary Pat Neill Wentzel. Got a note from her son yesterday telling me she had died in July. Our class is really shrinking.

SUE BOND ALMY: It’s been 3 years since she and Bill moved into an Annapolis retirement center and a new group of friends and neighbors joined their circle. A beautiful memorial service was held for the 33 people who had died in 2018. At our age death now seems to surround us. On a bright note, the family was invited to a “gender identification” party last Christmas with the house and tree decorated in blue and pink lights. At a certain time the plug was pulled on the blue lights and the pink lights shown brightly. This was particularly special since they have 7 grandsons and great grandbaby, Lila Jane, is their only girl.

MOLLY SPERANDIO: With timing as a force and anticipating a hip replacement on 1/3/19, I put out an e-mail for “Send news NOW” type message, and was happy to hear from a few of our classmates. When I first took over this job, I sent snail mail to all my classmates, called some on the phone, but now, busy and lazy me, I only send out e-mails. I apologize for not keeping up with you, but I feel if you want to keep up with the class through this column, you know how to get hold of me. So please do. I look forward to a pain-free 2019 and hope you do, too. Happy New Year to all.

MOLLY SMITH SPERANDIO: I didn’t get a column written for the previous Hood Magazine, so this column will have info from some of you from 2017 – you can tell by the reference to H. Irma.  My drive to PA to reunite with my four older sisters after tax season is always a blessing that we can all still do this – even though three sisters no longer drive themselves and one of those sisters is in dementia and another sister is recuperating from breast cancer surgery and all that went with it.  Aged from 82 to 92 always means health is the major issue, but love conquers all that!  I enjoyed a trip to CA for my granddaughter’s graduation from San Diego State University and spending time with my eldest son in Buena Park and my youngest son’s family in Davis and San Diego.  It’s hard to believe it’s been 13 years since I lost this son and 30 years since my husband died.  Life goes on if you embrace it!

ALICE RIDDLE METRY: We just got to FL for 4 months.  Hah! We thought we were going to find heat.  Soon I guess.  Eyesight is not good, nor is my balance.  Hope all are surviving the cold.  I have talked with Stevie recently, and I hope she writes you about her recent move. Fred and I recently had lunch with Nancy and Roger Brown.  Just before Irma hit here, they were evacuated from Naples to Orlando.   From there they moved to Pittsburgh and are settled in near family.  They flew here to stay with a brother of Roger’s for 5 or 6 days.  I do have an address for them.  Call me if you are interested.  239-992-3760.  It took me a half an hour to type this so I am better on the phone. Nancy  and Roger Brown are now living back in Pittsburgh, and Fred and I hope to visit them for a couple of days this summer.  We are just recovering from a week’s cruise, 4 extra days, and a granddaughter’s graduation in Hartford, CT.

BARBARA THOMAS YINGER:  We spent 3 weeks in Nov. traveling around South America on a cruise ship and had a wonderful time viewing our southern neighbors, visiting quaint villages, seeing penguins and a wonderful assortment of wildlife, especially on Ballestra, Peru islands.  We’re in the midst of fixing up our home to possibly make it attractive to someone looking for a place on the water to catch fish and crabs.  We are looking at moving to a retirement continuing care community.  After taking care of 3 elderly family members I realize the importance of making our own plans rather than leaving everything for the children to do.  We’ve been looking for several years, have money in 2, and just had to make a decision at what we think is the “right” time.  Such difficult decisions coming for us.  To complicate that process I’ve been diagnosed with colon Cancer and will be having surgery in a couple weeks.  Same surgery Bob had a year ago!!!  In spite of reasonably good health we never know what “bumps in the road” there’ll be.  Please note change in email address to: bbyinger@gmail.com   Also mailing address as of April 18th to: 6803 Shenandoah Ct., Adamstown, Md. 21710.  Yes, it’s for the REAL retirement although their schedule tells me otherwise.  Phone there will be 301-644-1463 until we get smart enough to get smart phones.  The facility is called Buckingham’s Choice and is just a few miles south of Frederick.  Martha Church lived here for awhile before her move to Florida.

Surgery went fine.  It was by robot and I really had no pain following, all tumor was successfully removed, Stage I, so I had no follow up chemo or radiation.  After a month of no lifting or house work I felt great.  Daughter was here a week which was a big help.  I do have to have 3 mo. blood tests checking the “markers”, and that happens to be this week.  Movers come Monday the 16th, we make sure house is cleaned on the 17th and then move into the “cottage” the 18th.  The biggest problem is making decisions on what to keep, what to move with.  Right now I’m in the mood to throw away!!!!!!!  Yesterday, I took family photos out of frames.  They’ll need to go into an album (sometime).  Every year we get a new photo of grandkids and a new frame, so I’m returning all but one  frame and requesting the same size picture each year so all I have to do is change the photo in the same frame.  Hope granddaughter in-law agrees.

We moved on April 18th, 2018 to 6803 Shenandoah Court, Adamstown, Md., 21710.  We live in Buckingham’s Choice, a CCC (continuing care community) which is a little south of Frederick, Md.  We live in a 2 BR cottage of 1150 sq.’ plus a garage with stacked boxes.  Just couldn’t discard all those yearbooks and other memories. The 2nd BR houses a closet full of fabric, my sewing machine, the computer and a sofa bed.  Bob misses the fishing and crabbing that was at our “finger tips” having lived in the Northern Neck of VA for 24 yrs.  I retired from garden club work and became an Emeritus flower show judge, meaning I no longer am permitted to judge.  It’s kind of an honor designation since one has to be an Accredited Master Judge in good standing to be so “promoted”.  I am close to Hood College, in fact am going to the alumnae luncheon this coming Sat., and looking forward to attending more happenings at Hood.  Another advantage being close to Frederick is not having to travel 4 hours for an annual lunch with 6 other HS friends, including Hood classmates Barbara Kaufman Harrison and Norie Heston Shipley.

CAROLYN STEVENS AMSTUTZ:  Unless I do this right away, I’ll never get it written.    I’ve had a busy year.  About a year ago I decided it was time to sell my house and move, which I have done.  I’m now very happily living at Edgewood Retirement Community, a CCRC, in North Andover – about a mile from my old house.   I spent my summer last year getting rid of what one accumulates over the years.  Fortunately the house sale was easy, and I moved the end of October.  The best thing I’ve ever done.  I love my apartment, and have made new friends, met interesting people, enjoying new activities, etc.  And I still have my “old life”, so bridge and church activities continue.  My family is well – one daughter, her husband and my two grandsons in Albany NY, and the other daughter, husband and two granddaughters still live just outside of London.   I’m planning a trip there in July.

EUGENIA (GENIE) SMITH DURLAND:  We moved from Colorado Springs to Littleton, Colo. about a year and a half ago. Our son, Christian and family live in Denver and our daughter Julia and family in Boulder. They have been nagging us for year to move closer to them so this moved accomplished that. We are very busy still (Bill is 87 and I’m 83 like most of you) with the Sanctuary Coalition of Denver and our Quaker Meeting’s sanctuary work as well as local Democratic politics hoping to help get the vote out in June and November. Our kids and grandkids are all doing well. But there are too many of them to start in on their news so this will have to do.

LOUISE REED:   I had a stroke in November and am still recuperating.  I have help with basics three days a week and can stay in my home. The whole family got together for Christmas at Scott’s home.  Marshall and his family moved to Maryland, but managed to come up for the holiday.

MARGARET REEVES LEOPOLD: From Peg’s Christmas letter and note, she seems to be a whirling dervish with her family activities, visitations and and keeping up with the grandkids’ trips.  Travels included a mission trip to Oman, vacation in Costa Rico, Virgin Islands and swimming with Beluga whales at Sea World in CA – grandkids, not Peg.  She enjoys living vicariously through the grands, but enjoyed our 60^th Hood reunion and meeting twice a year with the nursing staff from the years she was in dialysis.   Her grand, Morgan, graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is planning her wedding.  Peg has also put pen to paper with this poem she wrote:

My breasts hang low like hanging chad, Disguising the shape that I once had;

My waist is hidden beneath skin That comes from somewhere near my chin;

The weight of pancaked flattened flab Bends back posture into bad;

Head comes up, shoulders go back When boobs get the lift that they now lack.

Despite the changes to my frame, The closing thoughts remain the same –

Be grateful for life, love, and what the body does, Even when the NOW differs from what was!

MARY JANE HARKNESS NACE: I had a knee replacement in January ‘17.  Have done very well with recovery and recuperation. At this age it’s often patch, patch, patch!  Dick and I celebrated our 60th anniversary with a cruise to Alaska  with our two daughters and sons-in-law last summer.  It was a fabulous trip and what happy memories we have of that special occasion. We celebrated an early Christmas at our daughter, Cathy (’80) and son-in-law David’s home in Silver Spring, MD.  Our daughter, Beth and her husband, John, drove us up from our home in Hendersonville, NC.  The six of us had a wonderful early holiday despite some snowy weather.  The highlight was an Andrea Bocelli concert in D.C. What a voice and performance.  An evening to remember!

NANCY TRESSEL BROWN:  We are in Pittsburgh, Pa. as a result of 3 hurricanes hitting FL last fall and my getting sick as a product of being evacuated to Orlando. Now, better, as a result of getting correct diagnosis here and taking dialysis treatments for several months (renal failure in “The Burgh”). Went from the hospital to Friendship Village (another old folks home). So, we’re here (with cat) and snoring away.

SUSAN WINTER SMITH: This past year was not my best at all. On October 10 I woke up with a pain and within an hour we had called 911 and I was on my way to the hospital. The next day I had emergency surgery for ischemic bowel which means part of my small intestine had died and needed to be removed which they did. I spent 2 weeks in ICU, was intubated two times and spent another week in a regular part of the hospital. After I was discharged I spent 4 weeks in a skilled nursing facility. I have been home since the day after Thanksgiving. I am still weak and have very little energy. I am working hard with a physical therapist and getting better but at glacial pace. Aside from all this, the year was fine until October. We spent time with our grandchildren, our oldest granddaughter graduated from Western WA University and is now teaching first grade in Eastern WA. Granddaughter #3 graduated from HS and is working while she figures out what she wants to do with herself.

SYLVIA FELCYN:  Hi there!  Keith and I have moved to a retirement residence in Roswell, Georgia as of three days ago to be near our daughter Lindsay and family.  Our new address is:  11350 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA 30075, Apt. 1332.

Alice Riddle Metry:  We have just returned from 4 months in Florida, followed by a 3 week journey through the Panama Canal, up the Pacific coast and 3 days in San Francisco.  This octogenarian is tired.  Nancy Tressel Brown asked me if I would make the reunion and I turned her down.  I do hope there are others able to do so.  Nancy and I enjoyed meeting the new president in April.  Let us know how many make the reunion and give them my best.  Maybe next year you and I and others can do a meeting in Florida. Mary Pat Neill Wentzel : Her husband passed away in Dec. and she is adjusting to living alone, doesn’t drive at night or distances, so unable to come to the reunion. Ann Fortenbaugh Eicholtz: She has moved to an apartment in a retirement facility in New Oxford, Pa.  Husband passed away a year ago. Susan Winter Smith:  I would really like to go to the reunion but it’s just not in the cards. The last time we traveled was a year ago to Phoenix to see our son and daughter-in-law who live there. I returned home and went immediately to the emergency room to be admitted with pneumonia. I was very sick and then had it 3 more times this past winter. So we don’t plan to travel by plane any more this year. Fortunately we live in such a beautiful area that we are content touring the NW.  Besides that, there’s too much going on this June as it is. Our oldest grandchild, Aislinn is graduating from Western WA University with a teaching degree. The college prepares teachers extremely well. She has accepted her first teaching position in Royal City which is in Eastern WA not from from Ellensburg where she grew  up. She is very excited about it. Next in line will be a junior at Evergreen College and her sister is graduating from High School. So we have 2 graduations to attend, fortunately the same weekend in Bellingham, WA. The two younger ones live near us and we see them frequently. CJ is about to be 12, is very handsome and getting very tall. He plays the violin in his MS orchestra. His sister just turned 8. She is in 2nd grade and just reading chapter books and will read just for the sake of it. YEAH! All are such nice kids. The younger ones visit us often where we live and all the residents like to see them come. Erica especially because she has her rounds of hugs she dispenses and if she misses anyone I hear about it the next day.  We also will be celebrating our  60th anniversary with the family at a horse ranch in eastern WA. This way too long so feel free to edit what you must.  Thanks for doing this. I look forward to everyone’s news. Nancy Tressel Brown:  A PS to my last message. Roger, dear Roger, and I celebrated our 60th anniversary after dragging me, kicking and screaming, to the local “Old Folks Home” (Bentley Village, which as these places are is quite nice. I must admit.) It’s not bad. They have several bars. And they’ve only run out of Jack Daniels once. By the time Roger pays for the family to come to my funeral, he’ll have blown his in hieritance.  (Don’t get excited, just kidding). BUT, if you’re thinking of this sort of move, READ “Trouble In The Rumbleseat” first. Roberta Geehan Horton:  Cannot make it to the reunion.  Out of energy right now due to fighting acute bronchitis.  Our daughter, Becky’s son, Trevor, was taken into the Eastern Surfing Hall of Fame after becoming the Eastern Champion in his age group, 18 and under.  He was the underdog, too, only 16.  Wilmington, NC is his home and he surfs at Wrightsville Beach.  Not long ago while surfing there he heard a drowning man cry for help. He was able to get to him in time.  The man was so thankful that he reported it to the local paper and to surfing magazines. His twin sister, Alanne, was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. Our granddaughter, Molly (yes!) just graduated from college (Michael’s daughter.)  Richard’s daughter, Ashley, graduates from high school soon.  My spinal stenosis is stabilized.  That cortisone shot over a year ago did the trick.  Residual pain responds to aspirin, just one a day.  Once I took prednisone for the bronchitis, the back pain went away.  Regard to classmates going to the reunion. Carolyn Stevens Amstutz: I’ll have to miss this reunion.  Kind of a biggish weekend for my family.  Grandson graduation from 8th grade on Thursday in Albany NY, my daughter from England’s 25th college reunion in upstate New York, and she’ll be staying in Albany for a few days.  So — Frederick is not in the cards.  I did, however, send a contribution. Had lunch last month in Naples FL with Alice and Fred Metry and Tressie and Roger Brown.  Good to see them. Have a great reunion and hello to everyone from the Class of ’57 from me.  Looking forward to seeing some pictures.

It was delightful!  The weather was lovely; the campus is beautiful; wonderful volunteers to drive you to and fro in golf carts, food and camaraderie was most enjoyable – it was a great 60^th reunion for the classmates of 1957.

Barbara Thomas Yinger: Tommie, co-class rep for this reunion, wrapped the nine of us in red feather boas to stand out against the green of the 50^th reunion class of 1967. She and Bob are going on a South American cruise to Buenos Aires and Peru. She had two designs in her Garden Club Flower Show which she couldn’t attend because of the reunion, but was proud to have won a blue ribbon for her Exhibition Type 2 Christmas Design; a red ribbon +90 for her Still Life design, Harvest Times, which told the story of canned goods using canning produce from the garden.  She also received red ribbons for her Container, a horticulture combination planter and for her Calla Lily.  Kudos, Tommie.

Barbara Kauffman Harrison:  Despite two broken ribs, Bobbie planned a 3.5 day trip to see a granddaughter graduate from 8^th grade.  She is active in the Great Circle Quilt Club, church activities and enjoys lunch every spring with Norie Heston Shipley and Tommie Yinger.  Husband John says she is becoming quite the knowledgeable sports enthusiast.

Bettie Brown Wastler:  Bettie’s time is focused on family; she cares for her son with Down Syndrome and is looking forward to her daughter and family from Italy moving in – with two grands, five cats and a dog!

June Miller: June has retired from her years of teaching organ at Penn State University but continues as a co-organist at Grace Lutheran Church in State College, PA.

Margaret Reeves Leopold:  Peg is still active in community gardening, enjoying her grands and readying her son to move to CA. She is dealing with health issues – trying to be 50 and recognizing she is 80.  “Be grateful for life, love and what the body does even when the NOW differs from what WAS.”

Miriam Spaulding Keyser:  Didn’t get to continue our conversation as we had to leave for an event Bill/Don had in Baltimore.  Here are some thoughts. Use what you think best.  Bill and I are both involved in activities at Oak Crest, a senior community in Baltimore, and still active in our Church. On Saturdays we work at Victor’s Vittles, our church’s Food Pantry. We are looking forward to the family Beach Week on the Outer Banks in late July. With 22 in one big house there is plenty of activity. Of our 11 grandchildren, four are finished college and part of the working world, four will be returning to college, and Jessie has graduated with honors from high school and is headed to Towson University to play division 1 Woman’s Lacrosse. Tori is an Air Force air traffic controller who begins deployment in July and will unfortunately miss the Beach Week. It was great to be at Hood for our 60th reunion and spend some time with old friends, but missed so many. I guess that comes with our age.

Sue Bond Almy:  She and Bill will be celebrating their 60^th wedding anniversary with a cruise to Bermuda.  They enjoy their seven grandsons (no girls!) and have moved into Ginger Cove Retirement Center in Annapolis.

Susan Truby:  She is working in Brooklin, ME and getting the house ready for her annual family reunion in August which will house all of both east and west coast families.

Molly Smith Sperandio:  Little change in my FL activities and still happy I can drive to MD and PA for reunions.  It was fun enjoying the reawakening of past friendships.  Peg, Susan and I had the pleasure of sitting at lunch with Nancy Cohen Locher, our Ass’t Dean of Students, Jean Baker Weikert, ‘54 and Mark, Ginny Turnbull Hecklinger ’56 and Sue Peters Wirths ’56 MA ’79.  Fun to be with friends from years we were at Hood.