1953
Johanna Essex
516.487.1883
jahalessex@gmail.com

Sincere condolences to Myrna Hays Slick on the loss of her husband. Mary Jane Baldwin Scherer has a new address-Chaucer Estates, 10550 East 21st #3126, Wichita, Kls. 67206. Margie Brown Barati’s husband Bill has shown improvement with his Parkinson’s disease-boxing in p.t. has helped make a great difference physically, mentally and emotionally. Nancy Brown Kohlheyer is looking forward to a visit from Beth “Buffie” McKim Powell in Belgujim, and plans a side trip to Germany in Sept. For the past 35 years Faustena “Penny” Fradd Vahsen has sponsored midshipmen but has decided it is time to stop. She will be taking a trip to France with her daughter Sharon, and plans to move from her 5 bedroom home into a nearby assisted living apartment. Elaine Green Powell and Dave are busy and well in their CCRC cottage-2 sons are retired and very busy, her daughter and husband are in jobs they love. Her grandsons have gone in different directions career wise, and her granddaughter is manager of sports at Steamboat Springs, Co. Judy Rank Loposer is keeping busy with family activities and weddings of her grandchildren. Dorothy Joyce Coffin reports still living in her large home and has a caregiver to help her, she is blind in her right eye and has retina problems in her left eye.  Her daughter Cathy lives nearby and her other daughter lives in Park City, Utah. Dottie thinks of Hood frequently and is always proud to mention Hood. Pat Lloyd Fordham’s 2 senior rescue dog companions passed away, but she plans to adopt another­ having them around keeps her on her toes. Buffie McKim Powell had a wonderful trip to NYC visiting family and high school friends. Her one granddaughter graduated from the U. of Texas as with a Master’s degree in International Politics and now works for “A Glimmer of Hope”. Ann “Corky” Pattison Casey is well and in the midst of planning the annual family gathering in Conn. Marilyn Phillips life is focused around family, friends, church and home. She is trying to paint again, and still plays the harp-she sent all her piano music to her 12 year old twin grandsons in Washington they will be having a musical presentation shortly. I received a sad note from Dr. Brian Quinn, husband of Dalmar von der Heyde Quinn -She came down with dementia 2 years ago and can no longer communicate with him. Kathie Redelfs Rott lives in St. Andres in Boca Raton, in a CCRC. “Activities are many that keep us active and well informed” She lives near her daughter and husband, as well as her son and his wife. Bev Rosenberg Sager keeps busy taking classes at a Community College 3 days a week. In August she plans to go to California to visit her children. Sheila Seigal Asher and Dick celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in June. Kay Sponselor Patten still lives in her home, with help from her daughter and grandson-she still enjoys playing duplicate bridge, and going out for breakfast. Shirley Dana Few’s writes: “my big event of the year is the expectation of my first great grandson.  My oldest granddaughter and her husband are the proud parents.  They live in Brooklyn so I won’t be able to see him as much as I would like to. I had breast surgery in March but all is well, they got it all out and I did not need any treatment, just a pill a day for the next ten years which is easy and a blessing.  It is being proactive and helps towards my not getting cancer anywhere else. Ten years at my age is very optimistic!” In June Hal and I, Johanna Chait Essex, and my sisters Muriel Chait Durbin ’56 and Linda Chait Solomon ’63 took a Tauck tour of the upper Michigan area, including a visit to Macinac Island- horses, bicycles and walking were the only modes of transportation. We celebrated our 65^th anniversary while on the trip —we are both fine and looking forward to celebrating Hal’s 65^th reunion from the USMMA this Sept. After 18 years in Florida, Barbara “Bim” Mayer Werle and Jerry moved to Wake Robin in Vermont and greeted the first snow like little kids. They helped with a sugar operation that produced 80 gallons of maple syrup, then helped with the Tag sale, which raises $30,000/year for enrichment programs. Sarah Kuhns Giarratana lives in Philadelphia in a senior housing complex. She plans to start sculpting again.

1953
Johanna Chait Essex
516.487.1883
johalessex@gmail.com

Many thanks to those who answered my brief note for news—time was of the essence—I promise to do better  for the next issue of the magazine. Sincere condolences to the family of Nadya Klotz Giusi, who passed away this past August. On a lighter note, the winner of the Truxal scholarship for this year is Konjit S. Lachir ’19—she is a junior and lives in Frederick. I received a holiday letter from Nancy Brown Kohlheyer—she is doing well in Brussels and has reconnected with some of her students, and was invited to join the Brussels Academy of Art. This past July she had a good visit with her sons in Maryland and Georgia. Short note from Penny Fradd Vahsen—she spent Christmas with her daughter and family in Roanoke, Va. and had 4 generations of family to help make the celebration a lively one. She sponsored her last class of midshipman—203 in all—and plans to write a book about her adventures with them. Joan Gebhardt Tambling “is enjoying each day in good health, mind and spirit with family, friends and devoted rescue dog Lucy”. Pat Lloyd Fordham spent the holidays in Kansas, with her family—she now the great grandmother to a new great grandson—Elliot. Bim Mayer Werle and Jerry decided to downsize this past year and sold their homes in Vermont and Florida and settled in Wake Robin, a CCRC in Shelbourne, Vt.  They have become involved in community activities, are a 5 minute drive from the beach, and have done some exploring using their kayaks.  Their children have taken over the hosting of the holidays, “refining old traditions and creating new ones” They had a white Christmas and enjoyed every moment of it. Kathie Redelfs Rott has moved top Boca Raton, Florida so she could be closer to her family—she now lives in a CCRC.  She no longer drives due to her poor vision.  She enjoys the weather “certainly nicer than Indiana”. Bev Rosenberg Sager and he daughter went to California visited her son and grandson for Thanksgiving. She also went to Malta with her art appreciation class, and found it a great experience. Sheila Siegal Asher and Dick sold their home on Kiawah this past Feb., and are now living year round in Florida.  Dick is not doing well, and they have help 24/7. Katherine Sponsler Patten is still in her home, with help from her grandson and daughters.  She enjoys playing duplicate bridge and going out to Sunday breakfasts with a friend. Like the energizer bunny, Hal and I just keep on going.   I go to the nursery school where I taught on Wednesdays and read the golden oldies to the children—it is a nice respite for them, as the pre-k children adhere to part of the common core plans New York State requires.  Some of the younger teachers have not heard these stories.  Every other Thursday is Cookie Café time at the USMMA—cookies from home, coffee, tea, mild and tlc are freely dispensed to the Midshipmen. We still sponsor 2 cadets a year, and have made some lasting friendships with them and their folks. —-We wish you all a happy, healthy 2019.–Jo

1953
Johanna Chait Essex
johalessex@gmail.com
516.487.1883

Our reunion group was small, –only 5 of our class was able to make it, but our stories of times gone by were poignant and funny—seated at the table were Pat Lloyd Fordham, Shirley Dana Few, Sally Kuhns Giarratana, Buffie McKim Powell, and me. Everyone looked wonderful. Sally plans to move to Philadelphia as soon as an apt. opens up near her daughter—she plans to donate some of her pottery work to Hood. Her carved figurines are exquisite. Pat’s daughter has moved to Kansas, leaving Pat an empty nester, except for her pets. Shirley came with her granddaughter, as she didn’t want to drive alone—she looks great. Many thanks to the 50th reunion class for taking Buffie under their wings in the dorm they were most helpful and it was truly appreciated–Buffie’s big news was the weddings of her 2 granddaughters–2 weeks apart, and in separate parts of the country—congratulations. Many thanks to Buffie, for all the calls she made—it is truly appreciated. Prior to the luncheon we went to Hodson Auditorium to hear President Chapdelaine give an update on the college and its plans for the future (if you haven’t had a chance to meet her please take the opportunity when she is visiting your area – she is a great addition to the Hood family) including the rededication of the four pillars in front of the Administration building. The luncheon was held in the Volpe Athletic Center—after a toast to those no longer here, and those who could not join us, we all chatted away—and caught up on what we are doing etc., and believe it or not, even discussed our next reunion! Dinner was held in Coblentz—you might recognize the exterior, but the interior has been changed—there is now an elevator on the one side, for those who cannot climb the front steps, and the circular stair case has been enclosed—dinner was a delicious Maryland style buffet, but when asked about tables girls etc. we found it is no longer done—but we did tell Pres. Chapdelaine about the Hood Christmas Dinner of our era, Campus Day and told her that we were an all-freshman dorm—something never done again.
I received a short note from Margie Brown Barati – her husband has Parkinson’s disease, but is improving now that he has begun PT— they stay busy with the activities at Providence Point.
Nancy Brown Kohlheyer is back in Brussels, painting again and “healing over my loss to dementia of My beloved Johnny”. Faustena “Penny” Fradd Vahsen now is a great grandmother for the fourth time, has 13 grandchildren, and has sponsored 203 midshipman.
Jerry Griffith Macomber and her daughter had a delightful cruise on the Columbia River-in June she will fly to California with her other daughters to see her first great grandchild, and July will see cataract surgery—after 20 years of steering operation Christmas Child she retired giving the position to a “younger, more energetic woman”—hard to believe someone is more energetic than you. Short note from Bobbie Morris Harrison—she is fine, and life goes on. Judy Rank Loposer’s family took her on a trip to Maui—she does indeed have a “wonderful family”
Bev Rosenberg Sager visited with Sheila Seigal Asher in Florida—[they had been roommates at Hood]. She plans to visit her CA children in August, and at the end of August plans to tour Malta with her art instructor.
Hal and I are fine—along with my two sisters [Muriel Chait Durbin ’55, and Linda Chait Solomon ’63, M.A.’84, M.A.’95] we took a Tauck Tour of New Orleans in April—although we had been there previously this trip covered things we hadn’t seen before, plus a great private jazz concert, and of course delicious food. Thanks for your e-mails and notes—they are truly appreciated–Jo

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.”

Johanna Chait Essex
516-487-1883
johalessex@gmail.com

Connie Drown Blair has been selling real estate in Mass., and is thinking of retiring—but, being on the job keeps her mind active, and out of the house.  Connie and her husband, John, are quite active. They are able to travel and see their children and grandchildren several times a year. Joan Jazowski Fellows is a great grandmother for the second time.  The baby was born in Atlanta this past January. Penny Fradd Vahsen’s third grandson graduated from USNA this past May.  One of her other grandsons is a Submariner, and the second a Naval pilot.  She still travels, and was able to attend the weddings of four of the cadets that she had sponsored. Joan Gebhardt Tambling is still traveling. She and her dog, Lucy, are both active and well. While traveling in Maui, she sprained her ankle and discovered that “wheelchairs in airports are a great way to travel”. Sue Heubisch Milkey and her husband are still “season travelers” south to Florida for the winter, and back to N.Y. for the summer. Pat Lloyd Fordham attended her grandson’s college graduation this past May.  She is looking forward to seeing everyone at our reunion next year. Bim Mayer Werle’s husband, Jerry, had a hip replacement surgery right after they got to Florida last November, and is doing very well now. They plan to sign up for a continuing care community in Shelburne, Vt., and will move in when their unit is completed [May 2019].  They plan to list their house next spring. Marilynn Phillips had cataract surgery last March., and has had to receive knee injections for several weeks but other than that she is doing well and is active in church groups.  Her friends and family watch over her and take good care of her. She has many hobbies, grows orchids, and is a gourmet cook.  She also hopes to attend our next reunion. Beverly Rosenberg Sager’s children had her come to California to celebrate her 85^th birthday and to attend her grandson’s college graduation. She still goes to a community college twice a week, and frequently goes into NYC with a bus group to attend the theater. Sheila Seigal Asher, and husband Dick, have rented their home in S.C. and are now full time Floridians. Two of their grandchildren graduated from high school, and their oldest granddaughter is going to Israel on her “birthright” trip. Elaine Green Powell reported, “All goes well with Dave and me here in Concord, NH. No special news to pass along since last bulletin except to say hello to everyone!” Myrna Hays Slick is fine, has good memories of Hood, and all the paths that it led to. Hal and I are fine. Our vacation this year will be a Tauck tour to see the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion national parks, with my sisters, Muriel Chait Durbin ’56, P’81 and Linda Chait Solomon ’63, M.A.’84, M.A.’95. I still volunteer at the USMMA Cookie Café on Thursday’s. We serve over 400 young men and women with cookies from home, coffee, tea, milk and lots of love. Also, back at the nursery school where I taught many years ago, I read the” golden oldies” to the children.  We did attend the graduation of our grandson in Binghamton, N.Y. He was the third generation to graduate from the college. To the two people whose news did not get into this column—sorry, but your cards arrived with your names torn off. Thanks for all your kind words—looking forward to seeing you next June.–Jo

1953

Johanna Chait Essex
516-487-1883 johalessex@gmail.com

Sincere condolences to Judy Rank Loposer on the passing of husband Ken this past June. Mary Jane Baldwin Scherer proudly announced the birth of her third great-grandchild—Emma Lou. Mary Jane had ankle surgery in March, and this led to her move into a retirement home, and it is working well. Thanksgiving was spent with daughter Leslie and family. Margy Brown Barati wrote that they have given up their Florida home, sold the Pittsburgh home and are getting used to apartment living. They have good neighbors who are friendly and willing to share their own fascinating lives. Nancy Brown Kohlheyer and John were in Belgium this year as they commemorated March 22 [22/3 as they refer to that date]. One of her former students had been injured in the bombing and was told it will take a year before he can walk again. The metro stop bombed was across the street from the entrance to the European Commission. She and John also had a chance to visit the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA. Traveling farther south to Virginia gave them a chance to have dinner with Buffie. I received a lovely note from Hooley Chidester Ball’s daughter Laurie Bunch. Hooley has Alzheimer’s and now lives in an assisted living facility. Her health is good, and she does know her daughters and enjoys their visits, but her memory is very poor. She does enjoy reading the Hood Magazine and anything that is sent from Hood. Shirley Dana Few’s big news was the announcement of her oldest granddaughter’s engagement. She will be married Easter weekend 2017. Her other grandchildren are either still in college or out on their own. This past Thanksgiving saw everyone come home, and they had a chance to play catch up. Penny Fradd Vahsen, P’77 attended four weddings this past summer—Boston, San Antonio, St. Thomas and Portugal—she combined a two-week river cruise with the trip to Portugal, going on to Bruges and Basel. Sounds wonderful. Jerry Griffith Macomber celebrated her 86th birthday in Seattle—with her three daughters—they saw “Man of Lamancha,” spent time in St. James Cathedral enjoying the quiet time, and her daughters drove, while Jerry was the willing backseat passenger, enjoying the freedom from responsibilities, along with her oxygen cannula. Pat Lloyd Fordham and daughter Leslie, along with their five dogs and two cats, are just fine. She and Leslie keep active walking or biking the Colorado River trail that is close. Leslie has a black belt in taekwando and may be seen practicing on their back patio. They had Thanksgiving dinner with friends and two of the dogs. Bim Mayer Werle had a good summer—18 months post knee replacement she was able to garden, and even walk slowly, and in mid-summer she had her cataracts removed. Jerry had his hip replaced in November—life is good. The highlight of the summer was a family gathering for a grandson’s graduation and the birth of their first great-grandchild. Barbara Morris Harrison wrote of the passing of husband Mike and son Michael. Son Peter owns a restaurant in Circleville. Barbara doesn’t drive anymore, but friends do stop in to visit. Judy Rank Loposer’s husband passed away this past June, but her family is close by and is a great deal of help. Judy continues work at her church and in the community of Walla Walla. Bev Rosenberg Sager spent Thanksgiving with her children in San Diego, and then on to another visit to Paris with her daughter. She will spend February in the Turks and Caicos. Sheila Seigal Asher is now living in Florida permanently, as her husband is limited in his activities, and Florida offers more for him than Kiawah Island. Their two grandchildren are high school seniors, and they are all waiting to know where they will go to college. Margaret Church Smith-Loeb visited Canada this past summer and enjoyed the Shaw Festival. She still takes courses at Fordham U., and thinks of NYC as the City for Seniors. Katherine Sponsler Patten took her last cruise this past May, and went up the New England coast as far as Halifax. She and her little sister from Hood, Chucky Reed Hall, are in constant email touch—they have known each other since Chucky was 14 and Kathryn was 16. Brief note from Alice Ungethuem—She spent August and September in Cape Cod and is now back home. Now it is back to garden club meetings and arranging tours of historic gardens. I received a sad note from Bill Cody, a friend of Jane Van Fossan. Jane had passed away peacefully in November, and a nice service for her was held. Hal and I are fine—we are both fully “retired” (whatever that means) but manage to keep busy—our Tauck trip this year was to northern New Mexico—we visited Las Alamos, and this tied in with several of our ship reunion trips—Hal was delighted—saw pueblos, a wonderful old church called the “Lourdes of the United States” and visited with a sculptor whose works were beyond belief. It was a good chance to visit with my sisters as well. Take care and be well—Jo

1953
Johanna Chait Essex
516-487-1883
johalessex@gmail.com

Condolences to Charlotte Beshore Ahrens on the passing of Bob in Feb. 2015. Condolences to Kathy Sponsler Patten on the loss of her husband. Condolences to the family of Elizabeth Sweeney Qualls, who passed away this past April. Received a cheery note from Marge Aronson Dalmas—She and Bob are hanging in—Marge has advanced degenerative disc disease, but they try to stay involved and enjoy life. Charlotte Beshore Ahrens broke her hip last year, and it took a year of TaI Chi clasees to get he back on her feet—but all is well now. Evelyn Bragg Trageser wrote that “I’m alive and kicking most mornings, but like any electric chair lift in the latter part of the day.” Penny Fradd Vahsen, P’77 will be attending 4 weddings of her Academy grads this summer, a well asl taking a river cruise from Brussels to Basel. Jerry Griffith Macomber had a bout with “walking pneumonia”  “that left her in the  hospital  and then home with antibiotics and oxygen 24/7—her family and many friends stepped into help––she is “learning new lessons in old age.” Nancy Brown Kohlheyer was in Brussels when they had terrorist attacks, but is now back in the states.  One of her former art students was badly wounded, but is now recovering. She and John have been together for 9 years and have enjoyed every aspect of it. She did visit Lois Wolfe Haffly and Buffie McKim Powell when she was in the states last year. Betty Gerstmyer Allen was diagnosed with Guillian Barre syndrome in Feb. 2014, and is now at Brookdale Hockessen, where she is learning how to walk with a walker and write again. She uses her daughter Sue’s address—127 New Granville Rd., Wilmington, De 19808,and her phone number is 302-235-2340—She is doing as well as can be expected, and would love to hear from classmates. New email address for Elaine Green Powell—depowell@metrocast.net–She and Dave are very happy in their “independent home” in Concord, N.H., but they still have their Lake Cottage which is the family gathering place in the summer, and ski base for their children and grandchildren in the winter. Nadya Klotz Giusi still has her practice as a Marriage Family Therapist, and is working on her 5^th book.  She has 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. Pat Lloyd Fordham is recuperating from arthroscopic shoulder surgery due to a bad fall against the kitchen counter—it will take several months to heal, and then she will need physical therapy. Corky Pattison Casey, P’82 will be in Old Saybrook, Conn. the end of July  and would love to see anyone who might be in the area. Janet Peek Clancy is expecting her 6^th  great-grandchild this July. One of her grandsons is a NYC fireman who is a member of the fire departments  football team, and they flew to NC to compete—she still plays lots of tennis and bridge, and enjoys being involved in all that she does. Lovely long note from Marilynn  Phillips—she has had a happy, busy year with trips to Seattle to visit son Chip, the wedding of her grandson Tyler , a visit with her brother Dick for Thanksgiving, and enjoying all the wonderful things her grandchildren are accomplishing. Judy Rank Loposer is still in Walla Walla, Washington—her three children live close by which makes life even better, ”Whenever I see wisteria blooming I think of the pergola.” Beverly Rosenberg Sager had a fall on the tennis court and broke her wrist, and is now in physical therapy.  If all goes well she and her daughter plan to spend a week in Paris in June, and then in August she travels to California to visit with her son. Sheila Seigal Asher has sold her home on Kiawah Island, and will be going back to Florida. Their family joined them for the Passover weekend and was terrific. In general life is good, and they are grateful. Lois Wolfe Haffly is doing well after having back surgery in Oct. to relieve pressure on her sciatic nerve. She sends her best to everyone. The Essex Family is fine—I’m still involved with Kings Point—helping out at Cookie Café, as well as sponsoring cadets—and I volunteer at the nursery school where I taught—reading the “golden oldies” to the children –Hal is doing well, and we both enjoy visiting with our children and grandchildren.

Johanna Chait Essex
516-487-1883
johalessex@gmail.com

Condolences to the family of Elizabeth Nicholson Haywood, who passed away this past August. Congratulations to Rebecca Jackson, class of 2017. She is the recipient of the Andrew G. Truxal scholarship. Nancy Brown Kohlheyer had her left knee replaced while in Brussels this summer. She is now our class “Bionic Woman”—with new knees and hips. She is planning to visit Beth McKim Powell this November. Shirley Dana Few’s grandchildren are keeping her busy—two of the seven granddaughters are in NYC, another is at Duke working towards a B.S. in nursing, one is a flight attendant working towards becoming a pilot, and finally, the youngest is a senior in high school—her grandsons are working and in college—no need to say she is one proud grandmother. She is still living in the retirement community and her children live nearby. Joanne Grahame Wade enjoys playing golf, an occasional horseback ride, and traveling whenever possible. She has lived in the same house for the past 50 years and has no intention of moving. She has 10 grandchildren, and will have three college graduations and one high school graduation this coming year. Nadya Klotz Giusi now has five books that are available on Amazon—she now has a caregiver, walks with a cane, but is able to go to church every Sunday. She has “happy thoughts” when she remembers our days at Hood. Patricia Lloyd Fordham’s daughter has moved in with her—she retired from a job in Kansas, and is relocating to Nevada with a “great new job”. Pat has three dogs and her daughter has two—fortunately there is room for all. Barbara Mayer Werle had a wonderful trip in September to Mackinac Island, Ford Museum/Greenfield Village and Corning Glass Museum. They also had a chance to visit with Margaret Brown Barati and Bill in their new apartment in Pittsburgh, and a quick visit with their grandson who attends Cornell—they still are busy, but “at a slower pace”. Janet Peek Clancy had a heel injury while playing tennis but did win the set. She has had the chance to entertain visitors from China, taking them to see the North Carolina Mountains. She was able to go to Seattle and attend her granddaughter’s wedding. The heel has finally healed and she is back to tennis and, of course, bridge. Marilynn Phillips had an eventful summer to say the least—she spent four days in the hospital after a TIA, but nothing was found; attended the wedding of her grandson Tyler, had steroid injections into her knees enabling her to visit her son Chip in Seattle –this has kept her busy, and happy. Kathryn Redelfs Rott is planning to visit her daughter and their families for Thanksgiving and Christmas in Phoenix and Florida—both nice places to visit in the winter. They would like to move, but she is happy where she is, and plans to stay in Indiana as long as she can drive. Her son Ed, who lives in Sweden plans to be in Florida over the New Year’s holiday and she may extend her stay in Florida. She uses an IPad for reading, and keeps a magnifying glass close by due to macular degeneration (she has received injections for this). Johanna Chait Essex I do thank you all for your response to my sos—it is truly appreciated, and I will try to reach out to everyone I missed when the next issue is due. Hal and I are fine—had a great Tauck tour of “The Hidden Gems of New England” this summer—for Hal one of the highlights was an in depth tour of Wrigley field, including the press box—I enjoyed see Mark Twain’s house, and of course the place where Ken Burns puts his marvelous programs together—we saw mountains, farms, the ocean—and of course we ate well. Our kids and grandkids are all doing their thing—whatever it may be, and keeping us up to date via email and Facebook. Take care of yourselves, and have a happy, healthy New Year.

Johanna Chait Essex, Class Reporter
516-487-1883
johalessex@gmail.com

Best wishes to President Volpe on his upcoming retirement–thank you for all you have done to help Hood grow and maintain its position in the academic world. The Truxal scholarship winner for this year is Hope Lichtman ’15. Condolences to the family of Nancy Jones Knotts; Nancy passed away in January 2015. Condolences to the family of Jane Fruechtemeyer Dillon who passed away this February and condolences to Joan Gebhardt Tambling on the passing of her husband Don this past July. I had a short note from Nancy Brown Kohlheyer. She had a reunion with Buffie McKim Powell and Lois Wolfe Haffly; she and John planned to spend May and June in Europe. I also had a lovely note from Dottie Joyce Coffin who sends her greetings to the class of 1953. “It seems like yesterday when we wore those red hats as freshman.” She also wants to thank Hood for the tremendous education she received. Marge Aronson Dalmas and Bob celebrated their 61st anniversary in December. They are well and have enjoyed visits from their children. Margaret Church Smith-Loeb has been attending classes at Fordham Univ. College in the sixty program as well as attending the theater art Signature and Lincoln Center. Elaine Green Powell and Dave have moved to Concord, New Hampshire. Her new address is 149 East Side Drive, 177, Concord New Hampshire, 03301-5410. It is a newly built home in Heritage Heights–an independent living community. They are both busy and well. Penny Fradd Vahsen, P’77 and her brother took a cruise around the Baltic this past summer and planned to go to Barcelona with him in March. She now has four married grandchildren and asks the question we all seem to ask: “where did the years go?” Joan Gebhardt Tambling adopted a rescue dog, part collie and part Australian Shepherd; her name is Lucy and they have become inseparable. It has helped her get over the rough spots of losing a mate. Joan would love to hear from anyone in our class if they have had the same experience with adopting a dog. Pat Lloyd Fordham and her daughter drove to the Grand Canyon and it was a great treat. In May, her youngest grandson graduated from high school. Pat has adopted her third dog, an 8-year-old rat terrier who gets along well with her other two dogs–she calls the three of them her “second family.” Bim Mayer Werle had partial knee replacement surgery in November and already has full range of motion. She and Jerry have a home in Florida about a mile from Margy Brown Barati and Bill and are able to see them frequently. The good news from Janet Peek Clancy is that her family continues to grow– marriages and a lot more great-grandchildren. There is plenty of bridge, tennis and family visits that keep her busy. I had a lovely note from Lynn Phillips. Her granddaughter Sarah is an architect and Ryan is on the Appalachian Trail. Tyler graduated from college and is now engaged; she had a visit from her son, grandson and two great-grandchildren. Life is good. Beverly Rosenberg Sager was vacationing in South America; when she returned she was on to the Turks and Caicos and thus escaped all the snow they were having. Hal and I are doing well. I cannot remember ever seeing this much snow in our backyard. I’m still volunteering at Kings Point (our 5th Federal Academy) and working in “Cookie Café” every Thursday––how those midshipman love their cookies, milk, coffee and tea. I have also joined a gym and try to go three to four days a week. Hal is busy at the senior center four mornings a week and at Kings Point when he is needed. Our daughter Jess retired from IBM and is now the executive director of their synagogue in White Plains. Barbara (Bim) Mayer Werle wrote, “Thank you for sharing news of Jane Fruechtemeyer Dillon’s passing. I remember fondly a date and enjoyable weekend at Annapolis, thanks to her. She was adorable and could have had all the men to herself. I noticed Dot Rost Kretzer’s name on the message list. Dot died about two years ago. She spent her last years in an assisted living facility in Williamsburg, Va., her twin daughters, Gail and Caren, a constant and loving presence in her life. We spend a lot of time with Margy Brown Barati and Bill, giving help and support as they prepare to sell their Sun City Center home. They are selling their Pittsburgh home also and will be moving into a life-care community. The rest of my remaining Hood friends are in good, and not so good, situations. Elaine Green Powell and Dave have already made this transition to a life care community and are very happy with the free time and new activities. Pam Presbrey Grinnell is in assisted living in Michigan, near two of her sons. Kathie Redelfs Rott, P’78 is traveling and enjoying three generations of offspring. Jerry and I are most grateful we are able to continue our yearly migration between Vermont and Florida. We move slower, but are active in both places. I had a partial knee replacement in November and have had a remarkable recovery.” Our very best to everyone. Jo

1953
Johanna Chait Essex
Johalessex@aol.com

Sincere condolences to Robert Thompson on the passing of Nan Eaton Thompson; to the family of Joan Reidell Nelson and to Beth McKim Powell on the loss of her husband, Hunt. Beth said they have had some rough weather with trees down, but she is doing fine. Mary Jane Baldwin Scherer’s grandson was married this May and her granddaughter graduated from Kansas State and plans to go on to pursue a medical degree in physical therapy and kinesiology. Prior to the wonderful celebrations, Mary Jane and a friend cruised the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Switzerland. Margaret Church Smith-Loeb continues to attend Fordham Univ. in the 60-plus program at the College. She is enrolled in a course on modern American movies. Her daughter lives in New York and they share a wonderful Mother’s Day tradition of planting window boxes together—helping to beautify NYC. Jane Fruechtemeyer Dillon has had some medical problems and “would relish the opportunity to run the stairs to the third floor of Ad.” Her good news was the arrival of a great-granddaughter. Wonderful news from Nadya Klotz Giusi; her book, Magic & Pasta, a Love Story, is available in both paperback and on Kindle. She has also put Hood in her will to help with future endowments. To see what Nadya is doing, she can be reached at www.nadyagiusi.com. Elesa Konigsberg McFadden has moved into a retirement home. She no longer drives, but her “thoughts and prayers are with the class of ’53.” I had a long phone conversation with Sally Kuhns Giarratana—she feels fine and her surgery was successful. She is able to walk without any aid. Mary Louise Matthews “is still hangin’ in there” in beautiful North Carolina. Jerry Griffith Macomber has been designing blocks for quilts that her church sewing team makes for patients in the cancer center. She has scleroderma, but “life is good, very good.” Bim Mayer Werle and Jerry celebrated their 30th anniversary visiting Quebec City. Her twin grandsons are graduating high school and plan to attend Connecticut College. On Labor Day weekend they will be in Charlotte, Va., for the wedding of one of their grandsons—the first grandchild to marry. Beth McKim Powell is doing well and enjoying her family activities. Corky Pattison Casey, P’82 is in Cincinnati, but is looking forward to being back in Connecticut this summer. Janet Peek Clancy is busy with family functions, trips to New York, weddings, birthdays and, of course, lots of tennis with time allotted for bridge—sounds like a very busy life. Judy Rank Loposer’s son Pete who is diabetic now lives with her daughter in Walla Walla, Wash., and they are able to help when needed. Bev Rosenberg Sager helped celebrate Sheila Seigal Asher’s 60th anniversary in June in Charleston, S.C., and planned to go to California for a visit with her children. She takes aerobics and classes at a community college. Kay Sponsler Patten is taking life easy with day trips to see shows and eating out—sounds like fun. June is always a busy month for us—lots of birthdays and celebrations, and this year was no different. We were present to see our grandson Kyle graduate from Cortland State Univ., magna cum laude. Hal and I, Johanna Chait Essex, celebrated our 60th anniversary with a family trip to Yankee Stadium (the Yankees lost) and then a BBQ at my daughter Jess’ home—our children and grandchildren were there as well as my two sisters. Our gift was an album made up of letters and photos from friends and family, letters from local politicians and a signed photo from President Obama with a note signed by him and Michelle.