1936

So far this winter the weather in Maine has not been too bad, but I must admit that my thoughts often wander to those many classmates from New England who are now soaking up sunshine in Florida and other points south. Among those who have not yet deserted the North Country are Bill and Mim Macurda, but they are planning to spend February and March at Sea Palms, Saint Simon Island, Ga. And Tom and Jean Parker expect to be in Beaufort, S.C., for the month of March.

Al and Jane Gibney, who were already in Florida, decided to try something different over the holidays. They drove from their place in Venice to New Orleans, and on December 22 boarded the Mississippi Queen for a sevenday trip up the river to Vicksburg and back. A1 said there were some 400 people on the boat, and the atmosphere was very festive. They were back in New Orleans for several days and were entertained New Year's Eve by a member of the Dartmouth class of '46. No sooner were they back in Venice than they were making plans to entertain a group of '36ers in the area. Obviously a busy couple! Fred Babcock's bash is scheduled for March 17 in Punta Gorda, Fla. If you haven't already made arrangements to attend this gathering of the clan, you can write to Babo at Cypress Lodge, 8100 State Road 31, Punta Gorda, FL 33982, or call him at 813/639-3445.

According to an item in the Waterbury (Conn.) Republican-American, Morrie Stein, a lifelong resident of Waterbury, was the recipient of the John N. Lewis Award in December 1991. The award is presented to an individual "who best emulates the community service ideals of Dr. John N. Lewis, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church and founder of the Waterbury Visiting Nurse Association." In addition to giving guidance and support to the VNA for many years, Morrie has served as a director of the Waterbury Symphony, Jewish Federation, United Way, Red Cross, Boy Scouts, and YMCA. Congratulations, Morrie!

By the time you read this, many will have heard the sad news that a week before Christmas Bill Niss lost Abby, his wife for more than 50 years, to Alzheimer's disease. Bill and Abby have both been very active in community affairs, and as I write Bill is keeping himself very busy working on financial reports for the Boy Scouts. Of course, Bill is also head agent for the '36 Alumni Fund, and he will surely be expending much time and effort in that capacity. Perhaps we can make things a little easier for Bill by sending in our contributions a bit earlier than usual this year.

Don't forget the next mini-reunion on Class Officer's Weekend, May 8-10. There may still be space available at the Airport Economy Inn. Hope to see you there.

15 Bluff Road, Yarmouth, ME 04096