1952

Many people know that Chautauqua is a cultural and intellectual happening. But it is also a lake in far southwestern New York State where the happening happens. Jim Weidman lives in Mayville, right next door. Lake Chautauqua has been a popular summer recreational area for many years and remains so thanks to Jim's wife, Anil, who is director of the Chautauqua County Vacation Lands Association.

Jim has just given notice that he will be retiring at the end of this year from Welch's Food Products, where he has served as vice president of Corporate Communications since 1971. This 125-year-old company manufactures grape juice, jams, and jellies for a world-wide palate. It has 41,000 acres of vineyards and is owned by 1,478 grape growers. More bosses than a law firm.

When Jim retires, he will loaf around in Mayville and travel. He and Ann have a lot of places to see. St. Thomas is a favorite. "The last time we were there," Jim says, "We saw an ad for dental services from Don Myers." Is that our Don Myers? Yes, indeed. They will try to see him next time.

Retirement travel hardly compares to Jim's 24-month service in Ethiopia with the Army Security Agency after college graduation. He knows a great deal about Haili Salasi and the history of that puzzling country, but he will not tell you what his job was. It will always be secret.

Retirement will also give Jim and Ann a chance to see two sons, a daughter, and four grandchildren, including one in nearby Rochester, James Weidman V, age four.

What is there to do during the winter in Chautauqua? With an average of 230 inches of snow a year, anything and everything relating to winter. Or one can dream about another successful season of summer happenings.

The busiest place in all of American Episcopalianism has to be the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Easter Sunday. There in the center of the huge entrance area behind the center door, James Fowler was standing ram rod straight, an echo of his years of service in the Marine Corps. He was very happy to see a classmate, but it was hard to be focused when thousands of people were rushing for seats. Next time.

10 Grove Street, Pittsford, NY 14534