1936

The story of our times, at least from the point of view of our Class, seems to be retirement. Perhaps that is not quite the proper word in many cases because the individuals involved frequently seem to take on other projects that replace their former activities. Bill Niss is a case in point. He retired last June as pension trust officer of the Maine National Bank in Portland and is now serving as an unpaid volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America. Bill has long been active in Scouting and was a past president of the Pine Tree Council in Portland, which covers most of the area of Maine. He is now the Council's trust development officer and will use his expertise as a certified public accountant and bank trust officer to advise those interested in gifts or bequests to the Pine Tree Council. Prior to his association with the bank, Bill was vice president and treasurer of the Bath Iron Works. He and Abby live in Cumberland Foreside outside of Portland and have two children Robert and Sarah.

Our treasurer Ed Higbee retired September 30 from his accounting firm and reports that as of now has no plans beyond some projects he and Helen hope to work on. He will continue for another year on the board of the national C.P.A. association which meets in San Antonio, Texas in October. Ed and Helen will be there for a week of meetings then on to Mexico City for a few days. Frank Weston, another of our financial men, has moved to California where it is rumored he is teaching at Stanford. Frank had retired from Arthur Young and Co. in 1974 and went to teach a course at the Harvard Business School this past year.

Among our educators we have a couple of brief items of interest. Len Mead, still teaching at Tufts, has been elected to the board of trustees of the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine, where Len and Jinny have built a home where they expect to retire. Lou Benezet has resigned as president of the State University of New York at Albany and now is at the State U of New York at Stoneybrook (Long Island) where he is in the Research Group for Human Development and Educational Policy. Lou says "the job involves mostly research and writing which is fulfilling after many years of reading other people's stuff."

Paul and Cathie Lynch report a small class reunion at their home in Old Greenwich, Conn., last August. Present were Pat and Bill Hoffman from New Vernon, N.J., Ricki and Pep Minte from Ossining, N.Y., Gib and Vin Wentworth from New Canaan, Conn., Yumi and JackSmith, and Bob Button from Old Greenwich. Bob's wife Decima was away but his daughter Mary Ann filled in. Paul says, "Only Bill Hoffman tried the pool - how old and frail we're getting!" I would like to ask "Didn't Jack Smith do any diving?" After a warmup by Vin and Paul, Bob Button performed masterfully at the piano. Paul adds "as usual my wife Cathie prepared a splendid repast." It would be good to have reports of similar gatherings whenever held around the country with a group of '36ers present.

Usually when dues notices are sent out many of you add bits of news on the back of the forms when you return them to Ed Higbee with your check but so far this year news has been minimal except for Paul's note above. There are a few brief comments which I'll pass along. RossWoodbridge - 36 in 76 see you in Hanover - You bet!; Tom Parker - enjoyed seeing the gang this summer, arrived home the 12th. See you in June; Dick Allen - Question; How much do Ford and Rockefeller have to pay for their gasoline, fuel oil, and postage?; Ren Ostrom - Please spend it carefully and wisely; Bob Morris Regards from the West - Hope to see you sooner - here or there. Herb Nunnemacher was sorry to miss the lobster feed and reports his teenage son keeps him in training with sailing, tennis, and skiing so he can't possible get fat. Will be at Reunion with two zithers.

Speaking of Reunion 36/40, be sure to read the list of expected attendees carefully when you get the next mailing because two cards were returned unsigned - one is coming for sure, and the other probably, and we don't know who you are! Among those who expect to be there from the more distant places are; Ro Thompson from New Mexico; Bill Curtis from Colorado; BillStimson and Dick Wakefield from Washington (state); Bob Bullock, Joe Carson, and BillMcLaughlin from California; and RoyBergengren, John O'Connell, Bob Ingersoll, BillLee, Swamp Marsh, and Doug Miller from Florida. There are lots of others from the East and Midwest but I thought if these guys can make it, why can't you. One final word, many cards said "God willing." This merely emphasizes what I've said before - we're not getting any younger and our 45th is not 'til 1982!

Secretary, 174 Turtleback Road New Canaan, Conn. 06840

Treasurer, 317 East St. Hingham, Mass. 02043

SPIRIT OF '36/40 June 14-17, 1976 BE THERE