1936

With Easter 1989 coming before the end of March, spring should follow promptly to the frozen North and lessen the imas we llOl around on the beaches and play golf day after day dressed in shorts and soaking up endless sunshine.

According to my unofficial records there are over 60 classmates of 1936 permanently residing in or on extended vacation in Florida, but they are a secretive group, keeping themselves pretty much in hiding. On the West Coast, the Punta Gorda area (home of the Babcock ranch), the Burnt Store Marina especially, is fast becoming "Little Hanover" for '36ers. Currently in residence are Bob and Tanna Fernald, Harry and Rose Cornois, Tom and Jean Parker, and Phyl En gland and DaveMacomber. Scheduled to show up any day are Clay and Helen Mellor, who may still be frozen in at their Rochester, Vt., retreat.

A 1 and Jane Gibney, up at the Plantation in Venice, were joined by Ray and Jeri Builter and Frank and Gerry Kappler. The Gibneys opted for a change in scenery late in January by going to New Orleans for a touch of French and Cajun cooking as well as a chance to participate in the vacarious pleasures of the Mardi Gras Festival. Al reports favorably on his golf game, but he is in with some rough company. He and a partner in a best-ball match finished 30 under and still only won by one stroke!

Newcomers to the local scene are Terry and Helen Staples. They got tired of skating on the Hudson and skiing in the Adirondacks and moved to Jonathan's Landing in Jupiter, just south of here. They had to share packing cases with the previous owner for a few months, as his new place wasn't completed on time.

Just before leaving the friendly confines of Cape Cod we ran into Charles and Faith Brooks at the annual luncheon of the Cape Cod Women's Golf Association. They presented a substantial check to the Falmouth Hospital on whose behalf Charlie accepted it as an active member of its board of trustees. A year or so ago when Ed Brooks was in the Falmouth Hospital for medical attention Charlie introduced Ed to a number of the top officials who saw to it that Ed had the VIP treatment. It is nice to have a friend like Charlie at a time like that.

After last fall's meeting in Hanover, Dave and Shirley Fox had a nostalgic visit along the East Coast, spending a night with the Higbees in Boothbay Harbor and some time with his college roommate, Walt Mosenthal, in Orleans. Back in Seattle, they hosted some 14-15 family members for Christmas and are now ready and waiting for any classmates who would like to explore with them the glories of the Pacific Northwest.

5313 S.E. Miles Grant Roacf K-204, Stuart, FL 34997