1949

Leigh and I were just about settled in our new residence in Sarasota one night when a mini tornado hit our house and five of our neighbors. It flattened our pool cages and did some minor roof damage. What a way to get introduced to a new area.

N.P. (Pete) Lord and Ann visited us in December and continued their fan in the sun with a trip to St. John's in February; next month they'll go to St. Maartens.

In December I had a call from PaulWoodberry, who said he visited our area this fall and was now busy checking on Gold Pick Axe Award types. I am sure if you have any suggestions to make he would welcome them. I found out that near his place on Sea Island, Ga., is where Bill Cribbens also vacations.

I have not had this confirmed, but my informant tells me that Doris and PunchyThomas escaped the cold with a trip to Mexico.

Johnny Adler and Vi spend winters in Sarasota, and Johnny continued to operate business-wise out of tnis location but now tells me he is about to retire. They will be taking the Dartmouth Alaska trip in September, so if any of you have this in your plans, there will be a fellow 'niner aboard.

Another '49ner in this area is Tom Towler, who recently downsized his home and bought a 26-foot boat so that spare time can be used up fishing. Tom has not retired and remains active in business as well as being a trustee of New College and the University of Southern Florida.

Others leaving the cold North for a visit are Jay Rosenfeld and Barbara, who will be coming to Longboat Key for a barmitzvah and some fan in the sun.

Our classmate Bishop Ed MacBumey leads a very busy travel life, it seems. Following Christmas he and Anne went to London for a vacation visit and will return again in May for an International Anglican Bishops meeting. Then in March, with 60 other bishops, he will attend another conference in Del Ray beach. He said he corresponds with FrankBateman and Loorais Dana.

By the way, again I would sure like some of you to correspond with me. It is truly appreciated when one of you drops me a note about yourself or a classmate. You do the class a favor by doing this, for not only does it make the column more interesting, it also might keep you informed about a classmate between reunions.

3413 Highlands Bridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34235