1947

Preparing a continuing column such as this one is not easy at times when there is no new news. But it does give us the chance to look at whatever tidbits we do gather much more closely, to read between the lines. It is fascinating to note the changes in direction taken as we reach the 65-67 age group.

Retirement for some means travel: Ralphand Bobbie Roth to Hawaii, and on to New Zealand—places way off the beaten track, but dreamed of during younger days. Al andJoannie Bildner took the same trip, but they've been hitting the European route as well. Dick and Romie Hollerith go to Germany, her homeland, on a fairly regular basis. Ginnie Mather travels to sunny California in pursuit of the little white, round ball.

And travel to some means other methods: Sax Fletcher occasionally likes to walk the highways.

To others, retirement means only a new set of rubber for the car. Joe Eisaman, in advertising, still sees clients, flirts with ideas, and keeps people in touch with people. Dr. CharlieSchofield still has office hours, but he would permit a replacement if a dynamo could be found to fill his post as advisor to health and treatment centers and as medical examiner. Norm Fink is still fundraising—they won't let him go. He still finds time to do his thing for the class, too. Walter Peterson presides at Franklin Pierce College.

Still others have changed their specialty only slightly, and now do it for the community: Harley Timbers helps seniors in their tax preparation. Joe Marsh is managing governor for all the Rotary Clubs in southern Virginia, and is on the State College board of directors. Dick Rearick teaches older students now, rather than kids. Bear Davis is a consultant, still in engineering, but managing nuclear waste now.

There are those who now do their work as a service, as does John Trethaway, who travels, speaks, and helps manage a service institution which conducts Alzheimers research.

Bucko Buckingham repairs old heap cars which are driven up onto his lawn. They later drive off under their own power. And some of us have picked an entirely new trade. I'd like to be able to report on this kind of change, so please let me know. For now we have Hal Johnson becoming the Ted Williams of the Colorado Rockies streams and lakes.

Ham Chase (yes, your writer) is teaching fifth graders in an environmental awareness course in Keene.

And we have the elderhostelers, Art Agin and Jack Young. I'd like to hear much more of your trips with that group. This is only a smattering of what we do now. Keep those cards and letters coming. See you soon.

63 Maple Ave., Keene, NH 03431-1629