Sadly, we open the column with a report of the death of Bill Bennett after a bout with cancer. Bill matriculated with our class but moved on from the Hanover scene before graduation.
We promised last month to include some highlights of the notes directed to Bozo Noland in response to his Williamsburg invitation this coming fall. You will recall that the score stands at 41 classmates who are planning to make the William and Mary game, and some 53 more who were tentatively planning to be on hand. The time to solidify plans apparently comes in May when the Alumni Magazine will have all sorts of invitations and opportunities. And Bozo will be in touch again.
We'll skip lightly through some of the comments that were received last fall. Said Al Andrews from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands: "Our tourist season is in full swing in October and it's impossible to get away." From Henry Atwood in Minneapolis: "Sounds like fun, and Williamsburg is one of our favorite places. But no way we can do this next fall." Ed Searles said he may be in Greece in October, so had to decline, but Earle Seeley said, "Will not require a room. We live too close. Would like to sit with '39 group if you are arranging tickets." Wayne Shrodes of Glendale, Calif., and GeorgeSims of Gafnsville, Fla., pointed out that the trip would be too long a one, but Dave Smith from our nation's capital has signed on. JohnSteele said to Bozo, "How good of you to undertake this," and indicated he may be on hand. Scott Taylor from Thermopolis, Wyo. said, "It would be nice, but not reasonable for us."
"Great idea," said Sam Thurm from Washington, D.C.; he'll be there. Bob Timbers from Nantucket, Mass., and Stu Tupper from Cambridge, Mass., sent in regrets, as did JoeUrban of Osterville, Mass. Joe added, "Williamsburg is a wonderful place, especially the Inn. Please don't forget to add Carter's Grove to the list of must-see places." Len Vines from Orinda, Calif., allowed as how the trip is too far, as did Hort Wainwright from Cape Neddick, Maine. Dan Webster from Plattsburg, N.Y., lamented the fact that he already has other plans for that weekend, and Gene Weeks from Knoxville, Tenn., in saying he may be on hand, wanted to know when Bozo is going to "inspect" his Knoxville branch. "Bozo, I'll be there for at least Saturday, but will not need a room," said Don Wbeaton from Kitty Hawk, N.C.
Jim Brenner from Macon, Ga., said, "There is no way we can participate, but we sure congratulate you for your efforts. One year later and we could be there, as I retire in June 1981." John Boynton suggested that October is not a month to leave Nantucket Island, where he is now living. Wentworth Brown of Cropseyville, N.Y., said, "Thank you for your letter and for your expenditure of self in bringing about this reunion. I hope it will be a fine gathering." Colby Cogswell of Berkeley, Calif., said, "Thanks for arranging the weekend. Odds are I will not be able to attend." Wally Davis had to say no because it "conflicts with a surgical meeting I have to attend." "Whether we make it or not, thank you for your effort and work on this. I am taking a trek to the base camp at Mount Everest in Nepal in the fall of 1980, but exact date unknown at this time. If no conflict, will be there," said Jay Diffenbaugh from Aspen, Colo.
Danny Dyer from Bronxville, N.Y., and Andy Eckerson from Washington, D.C., sent regrets, but Russ Fette of St. Louis, Mo., will be there. John Gauntlett from Winter Haven, Fla., will be on a cruise on that date, and HermFunke said he'll be back in Florida then from his home at Mountaintop, Pa. Bill Goodman had to say no because he is chairing the Connecticut Carter-Mondale campaign. JackGraham wrote that he has court commitments and can't make it. Bob Gibson will be in Hudson's Bay on an annual goose shoot. RoyalHassrick, Colin Holman, and Bob Harlan from Brattleboro, Vt., Rochester, Minn., and Lake Geneva, Wise., respectively, all had to decline. Dick Woodward from Seattle, Wash., said, "Am planning an extensive trip through South by car. Hope it works to include Williamsburg, which is a must."
For the record, those not indicated above who are planning to be on hand include: Joe Batchelder, Bud Blunt, Tom Burrell, Bill Carter, Jack Cathcart, Pete Chellis, Howie Chivers, Jim Corner, Jack Cumming, Walt Darby, Al Davidson, Frank Farnell, John Field, Bob Field, Herb Furlow, Pep Gray, George Hanna, Rodg Harrison, Ernie Heydt, Sam Hird, Boots Hoskinson, Dick Jackson, Doc Jessup, Al Lansberg, Al Loberg, Bert MacMannis, Bill McCarthy, Hugh McLaren, Skip Morse, John Page, John Perry, Bud Richardson, Bob Richman, Bill Tomkins, Buzz Waters, Bill Weber, and, for the most part, their spouses. It's not too late to join the group. Just respond to the note that Bozo will be sending and the info in the May issue of the Magazine.
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