1955

In searching for material for this column I run across classmates with interesting and varied activities. For example, four years ago Herb Darling helped found the American Chestnut Association's first state chapter in New York. The organization's objective is to use modern scientific fields such as biotechnology and genetics to help solve the- blight problem which has almost totally destroyed the native chestnut tree in North America. The association, in connection with several universities, is mapping, tracking, and hand pollinating each known example of the tree. When he is not searching for surviving chestnuts, Herb works as president of a company which does heavy construction work, specializing in foundations, pile-driving, and marine projects in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. He and Jane have three children and five grandchil- dren, all living near their home in Williamsville, N.Y. The Darlings enjoy an occasional trip to Toronto to attend the theater, and they have visited Larry Smith in Darien, Conn.

Another example is Carl Swenson who lives in Derry, N.H. Carl spent many years as a consulting construction engineer with a number of overseas assignments, including stays in Chile, Africa, Australia, and Canada. In 1982 he changed careers and became director of Outreach and Youth in his church. In 1987 he helped found and became executive director of the Nashua Pastoral Care Center, an organization working in crisis intervention and family support activities and addressing problems such as housing, poverty, low income, and domestic violence. The center is supported by public agencies, foundations, and corporate fands, and has four employees with an annual budget of $250,000. Carl and June have three children and three grandchildren living nearby and enjoy taking one of their several canoes to places like Grafton Pond. Carl ran into Jud Hale at a recent Rotary Club meeting in Nashua.

Now in his third career, Bob Cleveland is serving as pastor of a church in Pittsboro, N.C. Bob was a Marine Corps officer for 25 years and saw duty in Cuba, Vietnam, Okinawa, and Germany. In 1979 he left the service and became an administrator with a North Carolina utility, with responsibilities in the management of nuclear generating plants. While serving as choir director of his church, he got involved in ministerial activities. He graduated from Duke Divinity School in 1987, and Bob says that the church he now serves has a dream congregation. It is in a rural community and has a diverse membership which includes farmers, attorneys, educators and other professionals drawn from nearby major universities and Research Triangle Park. He and his wife have four children and five grandchildren. Bob says one of the advantages of being "a pastor is that 18 holes of golf are on the schedule each week!

Gene Givens called recently to get some advice for his son, Chad, who has just graduated from Brown and is spending some time in the UK. Chad is an accomplished basketball player and hopes to play professionally next season. I was happy to pass on Gus Aberle's London number.

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