1949

Al Foley '20 used to tell the story of an old Thetford, Vt., farm family gathered around the kitchen table to fill out the insurance forms for the farmer, who had fallen off the barn roof, broken his neck, and died. They recorded all the facts as best they could date and hour and nature of the accident and so on. Finally, under the heading "Remarks," they solemnly wrote: "He didn't make none."

I trust that no such misfortune has befallen the patient readers of these monthly columns, but I must tell you that under "Remarks," "You didn't make none." The truth these days is that nobody writes letters anymore and my monthly phone bill could serve as Exhibit 1. So if you'd rather share your secrets via Ma Bell, I can be reached most days at 203/277-3767.

It is not encouraged, nor is it the policy of your class secretary, to repeatedly comment on the affairs of a single classmate. But when one runs for political office and loses so graciously that he gains additional support for his "courageous and gentlemanly coping with defeat," and when forces are already moving him toward a possible run for state or national office in 1982, I am proud to say once more, "Well done, Quent Kopp."

A phone call to Gordon Thomas, who is busy getting the 1980 fund drive into high gear, provided news from opposite sides of the continent. From Atherton, Calif., came word that Deke Jackson is leaving the corporate life to strike out on his own as an investment counselor specializing in energy-related enterprises. And Barber Palmer, who has a private medical practice in Annapolis, Md., has purchased a home in the Eastman development in Grantham, N.H., and plans to renew his ties with northern New England.

Since A 1 Foley got me started on this column, I might as well draw from one of his sophisticated Vermont friends to help me wrap it up. Al's friend used to make his own additions to the Beatitudes, and one of his favorites was: "Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact." Amen!

2 Cornfield Road Simsbury, Conn. 06070