1947

Ever ride in a time machine? Dottie and I did that in mid-April as we left a cool, cloudy New Hampshire with snow in the hills, dead grass, and bare trees. We drove to Colonial Williamsburg, Va., and in two days advanced six weeks into azaleas, daffodils, even iris, dogwood, and cherry. (After this brief preview, we returned home to wait for it to happen here.)

Our timing was perfect. Directly in front of Williamsburg's Colonial Courthouse we met Dick and Alice Leary. They had spent time in Florida and were now returning to New Hampshire with a day set aside for touring, Alice in her motorized cart, Dick to help over the bumps. With two conversations going at once we covered most of their eight children, our six, and some grandchildren. We noted that in Hanover the question of the Review was now being handled with some stern and true words, and weren't we pleased. A nice though brief visit.

Soon we were homeward bound, through Bennington, Vt., and stopped for supper. The only other visitors in the lounge were John Trethaway and friend Jean Tyler. John just finished the season as a ski instructor at Bromley. He does real estate when he wants, visits Hanover often, and puts in a lot of time with the Alzheimer's support and research group. John looks great, gave us a ride in his sporty Buick, and mentioned a newsletter soon to be out. This will have to be after his trip to Alaska for climbing and kayaking.

Allen Bildner, chairman of Kings Super Markets, was selected as the 1988 recipient of the New Jersey Pride Award for economic development. The award was presented April 28 at a dinner for Al, which also raised funds for the Special Olympics. We're proud of you, Al.

A story of two schools appeared in our April newspapers. Both about the same beginnings and problems. One merged with a large Florida institute, flourished for a while, but lost academic identity and is now ceasing to operate. The other school opted for leadership and selected Walter Peterson as its president, 11 years ago. Franklin Pierce College now has a very respected faculty, high accreditation, is near the top of its league in tennis, soccer, basketball, and other sports, and has a proud student body. In the article, much of the credit was given to the leadership of President Peterson. A wonderful success story.

Readers will recall an earlier column in March introducing Rosalind Barnes, our student intern working in President Freedman's office. That was Rosalind on TV, in February, standing on the steps of Parkhurst Hall, asking for calm and moderation, as chairperson of Afro-American Affairs. Her year in President Freedman's office was a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience. I think she gives him high marks for his freshman year accomplishments.

Have a fine summer.

63 Maple Avenue Keene, NH 03431