1937

With unabashed family pride, we find '37 again in the national news. President Ronald Reagan picked Dr. Chick Koop to be deputy assistant secretary for health, but he would become assistant secretary and U.S. surgeon general under a planned reorganization of the department. Only last year Chick received the highest award the French government gives. It will take legislation to let him serve as surgeon general, since the law specifies 62 or under with a waiver to 64 plus 29 days. Chick describes himself as a young 64 and holding. In his life work, operating on handicapped children, he has become very concerned for their lives and hopes to undertake a joint government-private sector initiative toward taking the sting out of a family's being presented with a handicapped child. He likes to see a government hands-off policy where possible, as government tends to become restrictive. Congratulations, Chick, from us all.

A note from wife Connie brings the sad news that Ed Laudani died last December of a perforated ulcer at their home in California.

Christmas cards brought welcome notes from many of you. Betsy and Bob Ross's card was a lovely pencil sketch view of Long Island Sound from the porch of their new home in Guilford, Conn. Marge and Art Ruggles threatened to stop on their next trip to Boston. We're waiting! Jean and Jim Luttrell moved into their new home in Cruz Bay overlooking the harbor. They have seen an amazing number of old friends passing through St. Thomas on Caribbean cruises. They are in the phone book and request any '37s to call. Any who do will receive a personally conducted tour of St. John. The Luttrells had their now traditional Thanksgiving on the beach with Maggie and Bob Cheney. Bob's back yard was the source of the Luttrell's island Christmas tree (not pine or spruce but a century plant). Mary Lou and Bill Falion say how much they miss us all in the East, but they are so sold on Santa Fe they won't move an inch away from there.

Cele Barrett still lives in the same house in Arlington. She is very proud of son Bill, who is well recognized in the officiating fields of foot- ball and hockey. If Les were still here, he would no doubt be attending every game. Jane Handrahan, with Equitable, is well recognized in the insurance business, doing mostly group work. Her only complaint is the daily gas consumption in the commute from Cape Cod canal to Boston area.

Polly and Don Dumont had a ball at fall reunion and on the record will be back for more, saying, "Thirty-seven just has to be the cream." An encouraging note from Betty and GibReynolds, absent of late from class doings, says "We'll be back with the '37s before too long." Dave Pearsall reports son Dusty had some dealings with Mort Berkowitz but more importantly had an interesting article in the December Boating Magazine about a trip he made last summer in an outboard from St. Thomas to Newport, R.I.

The Laughton newsletter says it was not a good year for Fred physically or medically, although he continues to work every day in the office at the Hope Creek nuclear site for Bechtel Power Corporation. Fred has emphysema. Rachel got laid off, but no loss of things for her to do.

Trying to condense Lynn and Dana Prescott's newsletter is like trying to report on all the activities in a beehive. Here, there, everywhere, babies, kids, promotions what a whirlwind existence. Suffice to say, Dana retires next year from Beckman Instruments, planning to slow down to a three handicap.

Dick Rush just gave painting number 19 to Dartmouth, a George Romney portrait. Busy guy. Last November he delivered a manuscript to the New York Times and they accepted the book. In March he will deliver his last book to MacMillan. He has been on a winter speaking tour including New Orleans (Conference on Monetary Reform, 3000 people), Los Angeles (American Art Council, Palm Springs, Young President's Association), Kiawah Island (Kuwait Development off Charleston). He finally got to Hanover in March for a date with Leonard Reiser.

Fran Fenn is equally busy in the jets, this time all Florida. Dinner with Dot and Amy Shapiro in Palm Beach. Saw Hank Lenning who retired to Florida as he was losing his sight. He has two nurses to look after him, one morning, other afternoon and evening. Last stop in Naples indicating all happy and normal at the Bosworth emporium. Next day Fran was en route to Arizona and Southern California! So what else is new?

C.B.S. News President Bill Leonard '37 (left) recently appeared in the New York Times Magazine with C.B.S. Chairman William Paley (center) and anchorman Walter Cronkite.

10 Colby Road Wellesley, Mass. 02181