A small but spirited group attended our 55^th reunion in June:  Mary-Lou Haddad; Gayle Hamilton Blakeslee; Janet Hobbs Cotton; Linda Mohler Humes; Judy Moreland Granger and Bob; Joanne Peper Milnor, Patricia Shoaf; Joan Victor Boos and John; Anne Wilson Heuisler; and Roberta Wood Trimble and her sister, Paula Wood Ellison.  In addition to the alumnae luncheon and Strawberry Breakfast, the college provided an Italian buffet on Friday evening and an all-class dinner dance on Saturday.

Notable quotes:

“Let the record show that the true blue group of the class of ’59 were here!” – John Boos

“If we look as good as you do, we’ll be happy!” – alumna of the class of 1984

“It’s amazing that you have the same color hair as 55 years ago, and mine is all gray!” – Bob Granger

                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class of 1959 55^th reunion, June 7, 2014:  Patricia Shoaf, Gayle Hamilton Blakeslee, Mary-Lou Trout Hadd, Judy Moreland Granger, Janet Hobbs Cotton, Joanne Peper Milnor, Linda Mohler Humes, Roberta Wood Trimble, Joan Victor Boos, Anne Wilson Heuisler.

CATHERINE BROOKE BUCKINGHAM 

I will miss all of you!  Haven’t been back since our 40th and that was such fun.  Come see me in Jacksonville Florida!!  Ronnie and I are celebrating our 55th anniversary in August.

TARUN COMEGYS JOHNS

I am well and happy. I enjoyed a 3-week stay in Aiken, SC, end of May/June house sitting for my cousins. A friend took me to church and introduced me to one of her friends. She had just said Tarun when Phoebe said Comegys! It was Phoebe Adams Marshall (Hood ’62)! My big upcoming adventure will be on Trillium, my Sabre 30 sailboat which I am rehabbing with my friend Alan. We plan to leave in Sept. to go down the intracoastal to Florida and on to the Bahamas for the winter. Alan was a professional captain, so I shall be in good hands. The boat will have absolutely everything to be safe and comfortable.

NANCY CURRAN CROWLEY

Nancy and Joe cruised the California coast in the spring of 2013 and then from Fort Lauderdale through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles in November.  They were impressed by the building of the parallel canal that will accommodate larger ships.  This summer the Crowleys are planning a big family celebration at Lake Tahoe for their 55^th anniversary and Joe’s 80^th birthday.  All the children and grandchildren plan to be there.

NANCY FLETCHER ARTLETT called me to inquire about J.P.  Her husband, Frank, was undergoing some tests, and she sent her best to everyone, sorry that she can’t make it to reunion.

6/18

Frank has had surgery and the mouth is still sore where he had 2 lesions removed at the back of his tongue. His neck is still sore where the carcinoma was removed from his lymph gland. He will not have radiation. He is slowing quite a bit, but I have reserved respite care for him from July 14- August 26.  I hope to see San Francisco and come down the coast to visit Nancy and Fritz Huntsinger, fly to Virginia to see friends and family and might get to Florida again to see Starr. Time is precious everywhere. Business class tickets are very expensive now….and I need to get my feet up!!  Had an UGH weekend while you were enjoying the reunion. I am ready to come back to the states for good!

GLORIA FRIEDMAN GOLDSPUN

Jamie’s [Gloria’s daughter, Jamie Pachino] new show “Halt and Catch Fire” premiered on June 1^st, on AMC network at 10:00 P.M. (right where Mad Men was).  She is the Executive Story Editor on this show and has written one of the episodes.  Her episode is called “Giant” and will be the 7^th one, airing on July 13^th (if they don’t skip the July 6^th episode for the July 4^th celebrations).  Stay tuned.  Jamie has told me that this series has been her best experience as a writer as well as her favorite one.

The L.A Times wrote this summary last Sunday–along with a glowing review:  “Halt and Catch Fire is a period drama that doesn’t go back too far.  It’s set in the 1980’s, where it’ll aim to recreate the critical era of personal computer pioneering.  The series will follow a trio of characters:  a visionary, an engineer, and a prodigy as they invent the great-great-great grandfather of that box you use to tweet out what you had for breakfast!”  It takes place in Texas.

Hope you like it.  We always put on the close-captioning to get all the words!

MARY ANN GUILD SIMMONS

Mary Ann spent time in Florida last winter.  She has been playing a lot of duplicate bridge.

GAYLE HAMILTON BLAKESLEE

Gayle and Natalie traveled to Japan in April and then to Poland and down the Danube in June.

EDEE HOWARD HOGAN  

I will be in London with granddaughter as her graduation gift. Have a great time!  Edee

My news is that I will be at Bethany Beach beginning July 1 through September and would love to have any classmates drop in or just give me a call.  From June 19 through July 1 will be in London (graduation present for granddaughter Abby) with Martha Allen, my daughter-in-law and Abby. We have a great flat in Kenninston which will be the base for our visits to Bath and other surrounding places. Martha and I plan to do the museums while Abby and Lori will do some of the first time to London sightseeing. We will all enjoy London Theater “Warhorses” and High Tea at Fortnum and Masons in the new Jubilee Tearoom. Hope all is well.  Edee

CAROLE JONES ROGERS

Carole came to my house to spend three days with Gayle Blakeslee, Judy Moreland Granger, Mary-Lou Trout Haddad and me prior to reunion weekend, but she didn’t go with us to Hood because that weekend was her only opportunity to see her granddaughter, Olivia Massey, an MIT junior, this summer.  Carole was honored on a sub-zero evening in February by being named the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, given by the Freedom of Choice Ohio Coalition in conjunction with the National Council of Jewish Women, for her dedicated service to Planned Parenthood.  The timing of the award was planned to coincide with the anniversary of Roe v. Wade on January 23^rd.

MARCIA KING WILKE

I don’t expect to make it, much as I would like to do so. I have to stay close to home as my husband has balance problems.

JUDY MORELAND GRANGER

7/7 On Friday we’re heading off to a Granger family reunion (31 relatives!) on Lake Michigan, then to Columbus, Ohio, to visit uncle, aunt, cousins—including Ethel Kintigh Spence ‘62– and Carole Sue, then to North Carolina for a week in the mountains at Jim and Carole’s.  Best time of all was in Baltimore– The college did look beautiful.  Hope all is well.

DIANA MURPHY PHILLIPS

I would enjoy seeing you all at the reunion but we recently were in New York for our daughter’s wedding and we have projects going on here in Santa Barbara with which we are occupied.  Our daughter, Kimberly, was married for the first time at age 52 to a retired executive from Time Warner who retired here about 14 years ago.  They have an apartment in New York and visit frequently his daughter, husband and granddaughters (ages 3 and 8) who were the flower girls. They were married in Christ Chapel Riverside Church where my parents were married almost 84 years ago. The entire event was so very special and wonderful–seeing cousins from Maryland (Potomac) and people I had not seen for some time!

What a treat to receive the dear picture and note from Aki!!  We enjoyed our visit with Aki and Mina at our 50^th Reunion and a few months later we enjoyed a visit from Mina and her now husband here in Santa Barbara!

Roger and I will miss you all at the 55^th Reunion next week!  We were in New York in early February for our daughter’s wedding on the 7^th   It was the most wonderful and special time.  Kimberly and Michael live here and New York City where he spent his career as an executive with Time Warner.

They were married in the Chapel at Riverside Church where my parents were married 84 years ago!  I was born in New York City and at the time my parents lived in White Plains, N.Y. just about 15- 20 miles south of Katonah where Aki has lived these many years!

JOANNE PEPER MILNOR

My last adventure was in March, a cruise to the western Caribbean with stops in Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico to see the Mayan ruins. Then a week with my brother, Ray, in Sarasota, Florida. I’m home for the summer with much to do around the house.  I will tour/cruise again in the fall, starting in Bucharest to Budapest and then again in the spring 2015 the Italian lakes and up into Switzerland. I’m still doing the “bucket list” and have visited 60 countries on 5 continents, plus 49 of our United States. Haven’t been to North Dakota yet.  I’ll be at the reunion.  Joanne

JEANNETTE PHELPS

J.P. suffered a pulmonary embolism and a heart attack in the early spring and was hospitalized for almost two weeks.  She seems to be recovering successfully and appreciates the many phone calls and cards from classmates.  Got lots of mail from loads of classmates she might not have expected to hear from.  (“They worked.  I am fully mobile.”)  J.P. called Starr Culver Weihe Sherman to extend birthday wishes and reported that Starr sends her best to everyone.

Antoinette Zawatsky ’58 lives 2 doors from J.P.  in Roland Park Place, a retirement community in Baltimore.  They are both happy that Eda Scheir ‘58 is moving in.

PATRICIA SHOAF

Patricia suffered a nasty fall last spring at the Folger Library in Washington.  She came to reunion, still nursing bruises.

KATHERINE STIRLING DOW

Elaine Price Flint sent word that Kathy’s husband, James Kimball Dow, died on May 22^nd.

JAMES KIMBALL DOW Jr.

1928 – 2014 | Obituary |

 

 

 

 

DOW, James Kimball Jr. Died on Thursday, May 22, 2014, in North Andover, MA, aged 85, of pneumonia. Mr. Dow is survived by his wife of 54 years, Katherine Stirling Dow, and by their sons David Stirling Dow and Michael Scott Dow, his nephew Peter Craig Freeman, and a niece Laura Ann Stirling. Born November 27, 1928 in Boston to Marion (Pruden) Tichenor Dow and James Kimball Dow (and grandson of the late Judge Harry R. Dow), he grew up in their home at 154 Johnson Street. He was educated at Pike School, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Harvard. After earning his AB in Chemistry in 1950, he went to work for DuPont Chemicals until 1954, when he entered the Naval Reserve. He served there as a meteorologist, stationed at Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Hawaii. He left the service in 1957 to attend the Harvard Business School. While pursuing his MBA (which he earned in 1959), he met Miss Katherine Stirling through mutual friends, and was smitten. They were married on April 2, 1960 in Tarrytown, NY. The young couple moved to Cambridge, MA and Mr. Dow started working in the Trusts division of the New England Merchants Bank. In 1962, they moved back to Andover, to an apartment on Salem Street, and in October of 1964 their first son, David, was born. In 1966 they bought their first home, a colonial era farmhouse on Holt Road. In 1970, their second son, Michael, was born. Professionally, Mr. Dow pioneered the use of computing in investment management, and rose to the rank of Executive Vice President before leaving what had by then become the Bank Of New England, and moving to a similar position with State Street Bank & Trust. He retired in 1993, and pursued his interests in gardening, antique furniture and colonial era silverware. Mr. Dow served as Treasurer of Abbot Academy, a Trustee of the Andover Historical Society, and on the vestry of Christ Church in Andover. Donations in his name may be made to Andover Historical Society.

Published in The Boston Globe on May 28, 2014

PAT WEVER KNOLL and Ron planned a trip down the Rhine at reunion time.  She sent her best to everyone.

CAROL WICK ERICKSEN

Hi, I can’t be there.  Buying trip in Kansas City that weekend and on to Houston for son, Jay’s 50^th  birthday.  Miss you all.  Carol

AKIKO YAMAMOTO FASOLO

Thank you so much for the wonderful photo of 55^th reunion – I could not take my eye off from it.  I enjoyed looking at our 1959 Touchstone again.  If I were there, the kind gentleman, Bob, could not comment about our hair color the same way … 🙂

I have to miss this reunion; after so many changes, my foot surgery is scheduled for tomorrow (April 29^th).  It is a relatively minor surgery, but it’s going to take six to eight weeks to recover.

I hope you will have a wonderful reunion.

The attached photo, taken last year, is me with my daughter, Mina, and granddaughter, Karina.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have just one grandchild, Karina.  It’s a joy to see her develop.  I serve on a membership committee in Lake Katonah Club community where I have lived for over forty-five years.  I belong to a very active church, First Presbyterian Church of Katonah, and enjoy participating in various projects and events.  I also volunteer as an usher at Caramoor Music Festival, where I attend wonderful musical performances and lectures.  While I am grounded with a cast on my right foot, I find the time to enjoy some books.  I plan to correspond with Yasuko soon.

MARIAN ZUGALE RAPP

AGE: 76 • Morristown

Marion M. Rapp of Morristown passed away on February 6, 2014 at Morristown Medical Center. She was 76 years old. Born in Orange NJ, Marion resided in Maplewood before moving to Morristown 37 years ago. Marion earned her B.A. degree from Hood College in Maryland, and her M.A. degree in Theological Studies from Drew University in Madison. She was a member of Morristown United Methodist Church, as well as the following organizations: American Driving Society, American Kennel Club, American Miniature Horse Association, American Motorcycle Association, Antique Automobile Club of America, Montclair Community Band, Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of the Garden State, and the Summit Symphony.

Marion is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth G. Rapp, and her devoted son Steven J. Rapp and his wife, Lori. She is also survived by her beloved brother, David Zugale and wife Andrea, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Emily and Kelsey Rapp. Marion was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Gladys Zugale.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marion can be made to: Morristown United Methodist Church, or St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center.

Published in Daily Record on Feb. 9, 2014

ANNE WILSON HEUISLER

Leading up to the reunion, I was overjoyed to have four houseguests in Baltimore for three nights:  Carole Jones Rogers, Gayle Hamilton Blakeslee, Judy Moreland Granger, and Mary-Lou Trout Haddad.  I loved having my house full!  We spent most of the time catching up but fit in visits to the Garrett Mansion and Bertha’s Mussels, Fells Point, the Inner Harbor, and Federal Hill.

I taught two sections of freshman English at Stevenson University in the spring and have agreed to teach two in the fall.  I love the classes but not the papers.

Please send news for the next time; deadline probably will be December.  Put me on your holiday mailing list.

ANNE WILSON HEUISLER
aheuisler@comcast.net

ELEANOR BROWN WHEELER
I don’t have any class news. (No news is good news, naturally.) But I did discover that the History Department at Hood has a Facebook group. It is low volume, but interesting. Today, in honor of the Battle of Hastings, they posted a link leading to an animated Bayeux tapestry. It is a good choice for a relaxing break, especially for any of you who like history. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtGoBZ4D4_E

CATHERINE BROOKE BUCKINGHAM
I am flying to Virginia to see my grandson play football for W & L against Randolph Macon. I will visit my brother and visit with Mary Faith West. I am soooo excited! I will be driving to visit my granddaughter next month who is in residency at the All Childrens Hospital in Tampa!

GLORIA FRIEDMAN GOLDSPUN
6/18/2013 Here I am again. Jamie spent several months this winter writing for a show called “Franklin and Bash.” This is their third season on the air, and it begins this Wednesday, June 19th. It is on the TNT channel. Season 3’s first episode is on from 9-10 p.m., and the second episode is on from 10-11 p.m. It is a 2-hour season premier. The following weeks will just be for an hour. The show titled “By the Numbers” is one she wrote herself and will be on the 3rd or 4th week, and then one that she co-wrote titled “Control” will follow three weeks later. The show is about two lawyers–seems that’s becoming a theme for her!!! Heather Locklear is a new cast member and adds some sex. It does have a good following. I have never seen it. Hope you will enjoy it if you get a chance to watch or DVR it. There will not be a test or a check on whether you do or not!!

MARY ANN GUILD SIMMONS
Sunday [October 20] was a beautiful day here, and as we walked into the chapel there was Bill Sprigg sitting in the aisle in his wheelchair with an aide. He was in great spirits and so very glad to be there. I’m thinking it is the highlight of his year. He is now 93 and looking frail, but his mind was sharp. He kept saying how beautiful the chapel is, and when I told him our class year, he commented that the choir was very good then. We laughed over compulsory chapel during the week and on Sundays, and I reminded him that he had played the entire Orgelbuchlein over a two-year period. He gave all of us a good education in great literature for the organ. Carol and Jim Russel joined me for the concert. Dr Wayne Wold wrote the biography for the program and has been his faithful visitor at the nursing home. He remarked to us that he is only the second college organist at Hood College. His tribute to William Sprigg was playing five selections. Two “signature” pieces: the suite Gothique by Boellmann and the Bach Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. He also chose 3 selections from Sprigg’s first LP: a Purcell, Arne, and Buxtehude and followed with three pieces from his Organ Music for Christmas: the Noell X!! Suisse/D’Aquin, a Brahms Chorale, and Pachelbel’s Von Himmel Hoch. He spoke of and then played one of Bill Sprigg’s compositions from his Sonata for Organ. We were back in college for a few moments as we listened to those crashing chords at great swell held for extra beats at the finish. The single CD of Sprigg’s two records is in print now and available for $15.00. It was a fine concert and a most gracious thing for Wayne to do, and it made Bill so very happy. And us, too.

GAYLE HAMILTON BLAKESLEE
We are off to Turkey with a Bryn Mawr college group. We will be in Istanbul a week, then travel throughout the country, but not near the Syrian border! I still want to see the world but find the 3rd world doesn’t appeal so much at this age. Still loving living at Broadmead, our retirement community. Many Goucher graduates here, we are in Baltimore!

EDEE HOWARD HOGAN
Just made the deadline! I went on the Hood Trip to Italy, and it was very well run–excellent guides and fun to connect with other Hoodies (Janet Nunn from our little sister class and others.) We toured Southern Italy, including Naples, etc., from Sorrento, which was our base for the week. Am adjusting to widowhood and will be spending 6 months in Delaware and 6 in Washington DC, which is working well. Still work one day a week as well as volunteer with Les Dames d’Escoffier and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics–both provide great opportunities for culinary work and adventures.

MARCIA KING WILKE
I made a trip east in early June to attend the memorial service for my brother-in-law in Westminster, MD and to spend a week with my sister. I still have a studio of four piano students and direct a church handbell choir. My husband, Norm, has a difficult time walking, due to balance problems. He will be taking some physical therapy this month. I’m hoping he will see some improvement, so he continues with the exercises. Whether or not I make it to our 55th class reunion will depend on Norm’s health. Thank goodness, our older daughter lives here and helps out when she can. KUULEI MOBLEY GREEN Dear 59ers: I do not have much to report. I moved. I live in the same retirement community but in a brand new building that just opened on the first of September. I was downsizing a bit. My address is slightly different. It was: 3975 E. Clocktower Lane #236 Meridian, Idaho 83642 It is now: 4115 E. Clocktower Lane #242 Meridian, Idaho 83642 My cell phone number is the same. 208-859-0521 As I said, I do not have much to tell you this time. I still manage the non-denominational worship here where I live. My church finally hired someone, so the three retired priests that kept the church going lost their jobs. I hope all is well with all of you. Wish I lived closer so I could see you. Peace and blessings. Kuulei+ I would love to make reunion. It would be great to see the 59ers again . . . That is a long and expensive trip to Frederick. I’ll be with you all in spirit. Peace, Kuulei+

JUDY MORELAND GRANGER
Not so much news as the exciting first half of our year! We did go on a summer road trip, same as last year, visiting relatives in Missouri, Ohio (Mother’s younger brother and his wife, both 91 and amazing), and North Carolina. Our annual attempt to miss some of the Texas August heat! Another grandchild off to college, a freshman at the University of Colorado and loving it. We’re both well and thankful for that. We’re planning a Granger family reunion for next July at Lake Michigan and we’re looking forward to those 55th reunions at Hood and Navy!

JACKIE PATTON SMITH
Marcia Bird Werntz: Wanted to be sure that you had received the news of our classmate, my roommate, Jackie Patton Smith’s death on August 26th. She died at home surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with cancer. She continued through the years to be the bright, bubbly person that she was while at Hood…..always fun to be with.

JOANNE PEPER MILNOR
I was sorry to miss the Sprigg event. It’s amazing that he is still an on-going concern. I am just back from a Russian Tour, St. Petersburg to Moscow, and a great travel experience. I now know why Catherine and Peter were Great!!. Anyway, I am home for a while before a cruise in the Caribbean to Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico for the Mayan ruins. My brother is coming for a visit the end of Oct., and we will attend a Masquerade Ball for our local hospice group. Ray is living in Sarasota Fl., and I visit him and attend the many fundraising events in Sarasota, and now he will attend one of my charity events. I will have him here for several days, and he will follow my weekly schedule as a volunteer. And so, he will feed the homeless at our mission, screen for artifacts at my “dig” @ Brookgreen Gardens, and answer phones for the Symphony for information and ticket orders. My next “big trip” will be next fall for a river cruise from Budapest to the Black Sea and everything in between. I’m happy to “get around” as well as I do and will continue to work on my WISH LIST! I am hoping to attend reunion next spring. I hope everyone is well and happy and please call if you are nearby and arrange a visit. Joanne Peper Milnor

JEANNETTE PHELPS
Colin Firth’s “Darcy” is on Ovation Channel, as a 75th anniversary re-airing of Orson’s War of the Worlds is on XM Radio-Classics! Such is life at Roland Park Place. (Good thing—I’m not keen on world series combatants.) My best to all for a calm, contented 2014.

SONYA SOLOSKO BAUM
Have been in Florida two years, and am settled in my new condo, and love it – particularly not having to take care of a large outside area and pool. The new address is 4903 Midtown Lane, Unit 3321, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418, and is very close to restaurants, the mall, shopping, activities, and my Temple. Have gotten very involved with Temple membership, Social Action, and Caring Community, and getting to know new people.

CAROLYNNE VEAZEY LATHROP
8/6/13 Carolynne Veazey Lathrop’s sister, Nancy Nobles, found me on FaceBook & sent me a message saying that Carolynne had had a fall & wanted her classmates to know about it. She was visiting her son in Lexington, MA, & while the family had all gone swimming, she was puttering around, watering plants in the backyard. She fell on the steps, incurring a gaping wound & a compound fracture in her leg just above the ankle. She dragged herself inside the house to a land-line phone & dialed 911. The EMTs came promptly & took her to an orthopedic hospital, where she stayed for 6 days. She is now in an orthopedic rehab & has been told that her leg will need months to heal. She is still in pain. 10/16 from Carolynne: My news: I’ve just spent a month in an assisted living facility in Chelmsford, Massachusetts (after 2 months in an orthopedic nursing center in Lexington), and I will be leaving this weekend. I thought I would be flitting about without assistance by now, but I am still limping with the aid of a walker. Apparently when you are 75 you don’t heal as quickly as when you are 24: who knew? I’m hoping to get back to work again at the University of Dubuque in about 10 days or so. Thank you to all of you who sent me cards and notes. While some of you are facebook friends, others I had not heard from since graduation. I was very moved to get cards from as far away as Australia. Thank you so much! It definitely raised my spirits. Carolynne Lathrop

CAROL WICK ERICKSEN
Leif and I just returned from a trip to Spain and Portugal and will spend March in Stuart, Fla., before going to the Masters. I won the Superseniors ((70 and up) net golf tournament, so still enjoy my golf. Am loving my new mini IPad. Hope you are well. Carol

SUE WILSON OFFICER
I have the 3 dogs and 1 cat to get me up in the morning and keep me going during the day. They are my love. I have spent this past year trying to settle my brother, Andy’s, estate and it has been quite a challenge. Being on the west coast and him on the east didn’t help any either. The 3 dogs were my greatest concern, but I finally found homes for each of them. Nothing else is happening around here. Doing a lot of reading and some social things but haven’t done any traveling in several years. Miss my trips to Oregon and the Shakespeare festival but maybe in the next year or two.

ANNE WILSON HEUISLER
I am teaching two sections of a required literature class at Stevenson University this semester. The students, mostly sophomores, are delightful. I sure am NOT Dr. Briney!!, but I have a lot of fun. We’re reading Antigone and Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People—both timely and timeless. Carole Jones Rogers breezed through in August on her way to the Shore. Slim pickings for movies these days, but cable channel series like Homeland, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Justified have me enthralled. Still read about 60 books a year—this was a good year, and I was overjoyed when the Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to one of my favorites, Alice Munro!

Please send news for the next time; deadline probably will be mid-May.

ANNE WILSON HEUISLER 6102 BUCKINGHAM MANOR DRIVE BALTIMORE, MD 21210 410 377 5026; aheuisler@comcast.net

Catherine Brooke Buckingham had a hip replacement on Nov. 27. We hope all went well. Nancy Curran Crowley reported that she and Joe have had a rough year with illnesses. Joe is recovering from shingles, vertigo and cancer. The Crowleys had a great family Thanksgiving, hosted by their oldest son and his wife. They celebrated the birth of a fifth granddaughter. Tarun Comegys Johns has a new knee that she said is as good as or better than the original. She experienced a fabulous adventure in August by traveling to the High Arctic and has established a connection for helping an Inuit school in the northernmost community in North America. She said that a wonderful group of people went on the expedition, and she had the opportunity to see and do things she had never dreamed of. Tarun also reports that she is a great-grandmother as of Aug. 30 when Savannah Lee arrived. Tarun took her annual trip to Sarasota, Fla., in November, enjoying a visit with Martha Shortiss Allen. Tarun planned to spend Christmas on Prince Edward Island.

Nancy Fletcher Artlett wrote that last summer she enjoyed a most satisfying trip from her home in Australia to visit family and friends in the U.S. While attending a high school reunion in Massachusetts, she stayed with Carol Ann Watts Davis ’61 (Merle Lehmkuhl Best’s Little Sister). Later, she spent a relaxing and fun time with Fritz and Nancy Rogers Huntsinger in Ventura, Calif. She also enjoyed a gathering of former neighbours and friends in Richmond, Va. Fletch said that she and her husband Frank (now 91) are aging but doing their best to keep going. Gloria Friedman Greenspun and Dick spent Thanksgiving in Los Angeles with three of their children and families. They looked forward to visits from Dick’s New York daughters and Gloria’s daughter Jamie during the Christmas break. Jamie Pachino is writing scripts for Franklin and Bash, a show in its third season to be aired on TNT. Gloria and Dick plan to spend January through April in Naples, Fla. Hurricane Sandy flooded their basement in Baltimore, leaving a mess. The Meyran group–the Greenspuns, Anne Montesano Ellis and friend Jim Price, Jan Knecht Huber and husband Leo Ditz, Dan and Betty Kutz Mager, Myra Silberstein Goldgeier and Merle Winer Pollak ’58 and husband Tom Benson–met in the Pennsylvania Brandywine Valley in early October. They visited Longwood Gardens, Brandywine River Museum and Winterthur, dining in lovely places and celebrating their collective 75th birthdays.

Mary Ann Guild Simmons sends campus news that the interior of Brodbeck Hall has been painted. The ceiling is a deep blue with glossy white beams, and the walls are a blue-grey. The elegant friezes have been cleaned and are now pure white. “The hall looks great,” said Mary Ann. “The campus is planted with drifts of pansies, and all the horticulture is groomed and looking very good. Men are outside skateboarding and around town cycling and jogging and looking good, too. It appears to be a healthy, happy time at Hood.” Gayle Hamilton Blakeslee and Natalie Starr sold their apartment in Washington, D.C., and have moved to Broadmead, a retirement community in Hunt Valley, north of Baltimore. Janet Hobbs Cotton is in her fourth year as a Hood trustee. She said it is a pleasure to serve and be a part of the dynamic changes happening on campus. Janet invites everyone to visit Hood soon. She recommends tours of the Athletic Center, which opened last fall and has “a fabulous basketball arena as well as exercise rooms, offices, classrooms, etc.” The College also now has new tennis courts near the 7th Street entrance and a new playing field with artificial turf. Janet added that the swimming pool has been enlarged and renovated, and a new facility with offices and changing rooms has been built. Janet said that sports have become a significant factor in student enrollment, and Hood has done a remarkable job in three years to be in step with athletic needs. “The staff has also done an excellent job on landscaping and maintenance all around the campus,” Janet continued, making the campus beautiful. Brodbeck Hall has been restored; the main auditorium looks wonderful. Less noticeable improvements include sprinklers in the residence halls and a new heating system throughout. Future plans include new classrooms and labs in the Hodson Science Center and a renovation of Tatem Arts Center. A study of how best to use Gambrill Gym is under way.

Edee Howard Hogan’s husband, John Edward Hogan, died on Nov. 7 at Cadbury at Lewes, Del. Edee was with him and said she is thankful he is at peace. Edee underwent a total knee replacement on Oct. 22 and spent time recovering in rehab at the same skilled nursing unit where John was staying. Her daughter Chrysti was with her for the surgery, joined later by her son Terry and his wife. Carole Jones Rogers came through Baltimore twice last summer. She helped take her granddaughter Olivia to MIT and evicted her rent-delinquent tenant from her deceased mother’s house (a process which took months!). Carole played an active role in the build-up to the November Presidential election. Her communications from the front lines in swing-state Ohio were gripping. She described the struggle to maintain early voting and then the long lines of people and many miles of cars lined up in both directions from the early-voting site. As an Ohioan, she was besieged with political mail, television ads and people brandishing placards. After spending many hours canvassing and making telephone calls, Carole managed to get tickets to the Obama rally with Bruce Springsteen. She said, “I am guessing that I may be the oldest white woman to rap with Jay-Z. Just put my arms in the air and rocked the way the young people in the arena around me were doing.” After all of this excitement Carole spent a quiet Thanksgiving with son Bobby and was looking forward to a week with daughter Caroline and granddaughter Olivia at Christmastime.

Marcia King Wilke and husband Norm have been seeing doctors this past year but hope that they are now on the mend. After back surgery in January, Norm celebrated his 80th birthday in March. He now uses a walker or a cane to aid his balance after a bad fall in early July. Marcia and their older daughter Cate flew east in late September for a family reunion, spending three days in D.C. Marcia talked on the phone with her Little Sister Connie Koste Cox ’61 who lives in Alexandria, Va. Marcia and Cate then celebrated Marcia’s sister’s 85th birthday in Westminster, Md. Carol Koreywo LeGore substitutes two or three times a week in any academic subject at the local high school in Walkersville. She is frequently requested by teachers because she is such a reliable veteran. Carol enjoys gardening. Both sons live nearby in Walkersville. One granddaughter is getting married. The other is a junior at James Madison Univ. and is spending a semester in Belgium. Kuulei Mobley Green has been living in Idaho for four years now. Kuulei’s son Marc lives in Boise, and her daughter Amy lives in Los Angeles. Kuulei is happy to be able to continue using her seminary training by serving as a supply pastor for her church. She is chairperson of her church’s worship committee and feels that she has developed a meaningful nondenominational service for those who want to worship in this way. Alley-cat, her 20-year-old pet, died in September. Kuulei now has adopted Juan, a purebred Siamese from the San Juan Islands off of Seattle. Judy Moreland Granger and Bob had a wonderful road trip this summer, visiting family in Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina. They were in Columbus to celebrate Judy’s uncle’s 90th birthday and while there enjoyed an evening with Carole Jones Rogers and her son at her home. Another of the Grangers’ grandchildren graduated from high school in May, and the youngest began kindergarten in September. With eight grandchildren with the age span of 6-24, there is always some event to attend or celebrate.

Gail Mulliken Painter has had a rough few months. What should have been a routine cataract-removal surgery in mid-August became complicated by a staph infection in the affected eye. Gail made three or four trips to two eye doctors each week for more than two months. The frequency of visits is decreasing, and Gail is thankful that her eye is finally progressing. Gail planned to spend Christmas in New York City with her daughter Cheryl and family from Australia. She will then go to Florida for her annual month’s stay with her brother and five of Roger’s brothers and sisters. Jeannette Phelps continues to enjoy life in Baltimore, going to ballgames, movies and cultural events. Her favorite movie this year was Beasts of the Southern Wild. Joanne Peper Milnor and her former sister-in-law met in Amsterdam last spring for a riverboat cruise through Belgium and the Netherlands, where the tulips were just starting to bloom. Joanne celebrated her 75th birthday in mid-August by joining a group in Australia for a tour of the East Coast and New Zealand. She is now back in Myrtle Beach, chairing a fund-raising event for the local symphony and volunteering at the mission for the homeless. Joanne looked forward to her archeology group’s new dig at Brookgreen Gardens, a botanical/sculpture garden near her home, where she will screen and catalogue artifacts. In early November she joined a friend for a cruise and tour from Paris to Prague. Joanne goes to Sarasota, Fla., several times a year to visit her brother, who is active in the arts community there and chairs fund-raising events for that community.

Rachel Ravey Johnson and Carl continue to take wilderness trips in their canoe, and she especially loves her kayak. “As I age,” Rachel said, “I have become more of a ‘mermaid’ and can’t stay out of the water even when chilly!” Carl is still a pastor. Rachel creates stained glass. She is active with animal welfare and environmental groups and has been a Master Naturalist for three years, going into the woods as a volunteer. Rachel said, “The loves of my life are my husband, my daughters Beth and Leah, animals, water, Earth and adventure.” Martha Shortiss Allen enjoyed a May trip to Boston and New York, going to art museums, plays and great restaurants. She visited her friend Kay Keeshen in California, going to museums in San Francisco and to a favorite spot, the Tickle Pink Inn in Carmel, where they both had spent time with their husbands. Martha and her son Tom will spend the holidays with her daughter and family. Tom has two blue-eyed white huskies who talk! When he asks, “Who’s your master?” they respond, “You are!” They bark “I love you” clearly on the telephone. Martha has talked with Edee Howard Hogan, who is adjusting to the loss of her husband. Martha was surprised to encounter former Hood president Martha Church at the Ringling Museum (where Martha Allen was being honored for her service).

Myra Silberstein Goldgeier also reported on the Meyran group’s get-together in the Brandywine Valley. They stayed in a lovely bed-and-breakfast inn in Kennett Square, Pa. Nancy Smith Grissino did not attend the Meyran gathering this year because her brother was ill. Sonya Solosko Baum said she loves her new life in Florida. She sees Jane Atmore Brown about once a week, and one of their favorite pastimes is checking out all the wonderful restaurants in Jupiter to see if they agree with the local food critic. Sonya and Jane were looking forward to a holiday Caribbean cruise on the Celebrity Equinox in December. Mary-Lou Trout Haddad and Charles attended the wedding of their granddaughter Gaby on Nov. 10 in Bally, Pa. Joan Victor Boos wrote that this is their big year. Her husband John is retiring at the end of December, and they are heading for warmer weather in Florida, first to visit their daughter Heidi and then to spend time on Siesta Key on the West Coast. They planned to spend Thanksgiving on Jupiter Island with their daughter and other dinner guests Jane Atmore Brown and Sonya Solosko Baum. Joan received a cochlear implant in her right ear in August and the processor in September. She is working diligently trying to re-train the right side of her brain to understand words and conversation. She said, “It is a real challenge and makes me wonder how we ever learned to speak in the first place.”

Mary Faith West worked hard for the Republican Presidential campaign. She is an officer in the local Republican Women’s Club. Her son Christopher and family live in Charlottesville, Va., and are doing well. Two of his daughters won awards at St. Anne-Belfield School in Charlottesville, and his older daughter is in her junior year at James Madison Univ. working toward a master’s degree in childhood education. Son Michael Damien is a paralegal in D.C., looking forward to being able to use his doctorate in psychology eventually. Jim and Caroline Smith Russel stay in touch with him. Mary Faith said she is looking forward to a slower pace but meanwhile plans to host a family reunion over the Epiphany weekend. Pat Wever Knoll said that her best news is that she and Ron are both healthy. They stay busy keeping up with their grandchildren, ages 5-30, trying to go to all their special events and reminding them constantly about the importance of family and God in their lives. The Knolls got away to Hawaii in October for their 52nd anniversary, where they played golf, walked and enjoyed “a real vacation.”

Carol Wick Ericksen and Leif enjoyed a trip to northern Italy for two weeks this fall. Carol is happy to report no damage to their house in Avalon, N.J. from Hurricane Sandy. Carol is still playing golf several times a week in good weather, and her Hallmark store continues to prosper. Sue Wilson Officer recently rescued three small dogs. She continues to work with the National Search Dog Foundation. A large number of their teams (first responders and their companion dogs) helped in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, locating a number of people. In order to train dogs and their human teammates, the organization is building a national facility in Ventura, Calif., which will be used by all teams throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Sue added, “Right now we have three teams at the White House. It is an amazing organization, and I would be happy to forward any information to anyone who is interested in finding out more.

I, Anne Wilson Heuisler, continue to teach one class of English at Stevenson University. I love my new career! The students are terrific, and the material is enjoyable. I look forward to Gayle Blakeslee’s moving nearby and to other friends’ stopovers at my house as they pass through Baltimore. Please send news for next time; deadline probably will be in late May or early June. Please be sure to let me know if your email address has changed. When I send out a group email, several bounce back.

Class Reporter: