1959

Believe it or not - this article is being written on election day. The suspense is driving us Georgians wild. Without any politic involved, I hope you voted for the winner!

A little bit of personal news: it appears as if the class bachelor ("class" '59) is about to join the ranks of those enjoying all of the fruits of matrimonial bliss! Some absolutely charming wench named Joanne Herbert arrived on the Atlanta scene this summer to be the promo- tions director of the Jimmy Carter campaign at Gerald Rafshoon advertising agency. Midst our mutually hectic schedules in the advertising business, we somehow found enough time to decide that we'd make it all happen the day after Thanksgiving. Because this is somewhat of a wedding announcement to the Class, I would very much like to share with you some words and thoughts I put to writing for my annual Thanksgiving card that I sent to close friends:

"When was the last time you sat around a Thanksgiving dinner and said, 'Thanks' for the turkey and the corn and the apple pie and the friendships and the country we live in? You know - they did it in November, 1776! Maybe we should seriously begin to reevaluate Thanksgiving as we enter this country's third century. Nobody has ever had it so good! For that, we should do more than merely say 'Happy Thanksgiving.' Every day, starting today, we should be GIVING a little of ourselves as a way to say THANKS for just being and loving and breathing and working and enjoying. When we all start GIVING a little THANKS, we can truly celebrate a HAPPY THANKSGIVING . . . every day! In this spirit of giving thanks, we will be married in Valley Forge on Friday, November 26."

And now for some brighter news from fellow classmates . . . Again, understand that some of this news may be up to a year old, but I am catching up with the news slowly and surely. This in no way implies that I don't need more news. In fact, current news is coming in very slowly. So, keep those cards and letters coming in . . .

Would you believe that John Chilson specializes in water law and litigation? I personally find that facinating. John, are there enough illegal things happening underwater that would keep your income flow sufficient to afford you the kind of lifestyle you want? I guess the answer to that question is obvious since John was able to go helicopter skiing in British Columbia this past March. Can you imagine skiing glaciers on clear days and avalanche chutes when it stormed? And, in case John gets bored, he takes care of 40 acres of hay and live-stock in Loveland, Colo.! John, here's to the good life!

Speaking of interesting law practices, WillHartfeldt gets actively involved in citizen environmental matters in Minneapolis and teaches environmental law in St. Paul. With his wife Shawn and four year-old daughter Sara, they occassionally see Paul Stein, who lives in St. Paul.

Talking about accomplishments - StevePlank's 13-year tenure in the life insurance business has been highlighted in ten of those years by the fact that he has qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table (including last year!). Steve, I might suggest that you not to try to sell John Chilson a policy! You probably don't need his business, anyway. Congratulation, Steve, on an obviously well-earned honor.

Jim Warner sits very comfortably in Buffalo, N.Y., as president of GOMCO Surgical Manufacturing Company. Jim says very definitely: "Still have one wife Marilyn, one daughter Jackie, 10, one son Benny, 5, no dog, big mortgage, etc." However, if Jim may sound like he's in a rut, don't worry, gang. He's off to the Far East for a business (?) trip. Hope you had a good one, Jim.

In addition to my bride-to-be leaving Pennsylvania, Craig Harlan has accepted a position as vice president of marketing and sales for Technical Materials Inc. near Providence, R.I. For those of you who want to welcome him, his new address is: 5 Echo Drive, Barrington, R.I. 02806.

Last month I had the opportunity to visit Myron and Gail Lewis in Memphis. In an earlier '59 column, I mentioned Myron's professional medical practice: gastroenterology! After spending a marvelous evening with them, I can tell you that they live in a beautiful home that he had designed and built for him; he has a great family; he is as quick and bright as ever; and I still don't know what a gastroenterologist is!

And when it comes to architectural design, that's right up Bill Steck's alley. Bill, his wife Julie, and children Kristen, 10, Sheri, 7, and Will, 2, live in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Although Bill spends most of his time in architecture, the whole family appears to be actively involved in children, whether they be theirs or others'. Bill writes, "Julie is active in campfire, the Junior League, and chasing Will. The girls skate and swim a lot. I am on the board of Children's Aid Society in Cleveland."

A nice note from Marty Sherwin reflects the fact that even ex-crewmen have a great sense of literary genius. Marty's book, which was discussed in a '59 column last year, was nominated for the National Book Award in History and Biography. These awards "honor those books worthy of a distinquished role in our general intellectual and cultural life and are conferred to recognize distinction of thought, spirit and creative literary expression." Marty is obviously a great credit to our class. Hey, Marty, when you see Owen Fiss or Norm Kurtz or Bill G.Long, whom you say you see occassionally, say "hello."

That's about it from the class front for this issue - there'll be more to come. I thought you'd be interested in a couple of news items from the Hanover Plain that were reported just before the summer term. For example, Ralph Manuel announced the appointment of two deans: Karen J. Blank, former dean of freshmen at Colgate assumed the post of associate dean and dean of freshmen as of July 1; Alvin J. Richard, former dean of student affairs at Xavier, was named associate dean, effective August 1. And, for those sports fans who may not have noticed it, Reggie Williams, last year's All-America linebacker, was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals. Only three Ivy League players have gone higher on the NFL draft: Calvin Hill, Ed Marinaro, and Charlie Gogolak. He should make it big. Finally, news that may shock the entire Connecticut Valley as reported with the following headline - "Thayer Hall May Try for Beer License." What is that school gonna do next? Personally, I think it's great news.

Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving and wish your Holiday Season and New Year will bring you everything you want.

Secretary, 5 Market Square Place Atlanta, Ga. 30318

Treasurer, 31 Pequot Road, Wayland, Mass. 01778