It was the best reunion ever - a model for those to come! We all are enormously grateful to Steve Feld and the reunion committee for planning and executing a fun-filled, meaningful reunion experience for us all.
Some highlights: the Friday Night Cabaret brought many of us together both on stage and off. The beginning of a tradition? TomSouza (alias "Tony B"), straight from his travel business in Barrington, R.I., was our host with the most. His "singing" will never be forgotten! (unfortunately!) Adrienne AlexanderRuegger flew in from L.A. to join me in a duet from Chess, dedicated to the memory of David Carroll '72. Other performers from our class included Carolyn Johnson Allenby, singing about killing her husbands; Judy Burrows Csatari clogging to country tunes after a performance by her daughter Sasha, the remarkable fiddler; Parker MacDonell singing some of his originals while his new wife, Betsy, smiled in the front row; and ArthurHowe's wife, Karen, singing an inspiring rendition of "Summertime." Though BarryBraverman couldn't come, his cinematography skills were displayed in a beautiful music video. Thanks to all of these fine performers. Betsey Cox Stebbins '77 and Heather Wilson '78 were also wonderful contributors.
At our (early morning!) class meeting, our slate of new officers was unanimously accepted: president, Jerry Daly; vice president, KenMonteiro; treasurer, Melanie Fisher Matte; secretary, Amy Gillenson; Alumni Councillor Judy Burrows Csatari. Congratulations to you all, and to our new executive committee!
We ignored the threatening skies and kept the picnic at Storrs Pond. The number of off-spring on the beach was incredible! Among them: Debi and Randall Alford's two children, from Evergreen, Colo., Joel and NaomiBaline Kleinman's three little ones, JodyKarp and David Magnus' little cutie, CarolynKohn Eckstein's brood, Judy Yablong's tykes, and many others!
The best memory for all the children (for many of us too) will be the showing of TomRuegger's "Tiny Toons" in Spaulding and the animation workshop which followed. Tom was signing (and drawing) autographs for the rest of the weekend! The voice for the favorite, "Little Plucky," was done by oldest son Nathan. His other two boys, Luke and Cody, provided the inspiration for the cartoons. Thanks again, Tom and Adrienne!
At the Hood reception I learned that SandyHelve's management consulting business is currently based in Meredith, N.H. Also, PaulLazarus's directing career continues to soar. Ted Scheu and his family have moved to Middlebury, Vt., where he will be teaching school. Brewer Doran came from Montreal but left her voice behind!
The Saturday banquet was spectacular. We were treated to steamed clams and lobsters, a shirt-tearing demonstration by John Rassias (a newly-elected honorary '76), and an incredible video remembrance of the years 1972 1976 produced by Sara Hoagland Hunter. If you missed this, you really missed a gem.
Mark Gaxnmell came with spouse from N.Y.C. Dale Powers lost the auctioned baseball (donated by the Beatties) to a high-bidder. Bud Stacey was seen catching pollywogs. Rob Saltzman continues as law school dean. Brad Agry continues at Drey fuss. MikeMontgomery, French wife Nicole, and their bi-lingual son came from Disneyland. JimBecker same with his gorgeous chair, which was auctioned. Chris Davis continues as environmental attorney; Chuck Reach came sans spouse and new baby. John Sherman looked relaxed (or numb?) as reunion treasurer. And there was much, much more!! It was extraordinary.
No more space, alas. This is my last issue. Thanks to all who kept up my morale.
"Something happens to young men and women up here. It can't be preached or planned for or taught; it just happens...."—DavidBradley '38
And it happens and happens, even sixteen years later.
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