1947
What better for the Ides of March than to read of warm-weather activities from last summer? Doug Burrh, our off-shore correspondent, covered the annual Nantucket Dueling Tomatoes Festival last August. This event exalts the tomato with stuffing of all kinds, from tuna, cod, and blue fish, to corn and strawberries. Last summer's taste contest was enhanced by the skill and facial expressions of the judge—one GerryBissinger. News photos tell the story: We see Gerry using a five-finger grip on a tomato ottering, followed by a puzzled frown, and a trace of smile. Of the many varied morsels, by all accounts, Gerry tasted all and arrived at decisions for win, place, and show. Surely success in this field has its roots in Chem 1, Philosophy 11, or perhaps Tanzi 101.
News coverage from Frank Weber tells of Jim and Betty Lou Osborne, who were thrilled and honored to be selected as marshals of the Labor Day Parade in Newtowne, Conn. This was a fitting honor for 45 years of involvement in all sorts of town groups and boards—serving as member or chairpersonby both Jim and Betty Lou. And the Osborne force now includes all four children and their spouses, each contributing in their own way, from schools and politics to building a shop- ping center and a marina. Congratulations, Osbornes!
Lila May Flounders, widow of Joe, who passed away in August 1992, has created a memorial fond for Historic Rittenhouse Town in Philadelphia, the site of America's first paper mill. Joe was president of three paper firms before retiring in 1984.
The fund will help restore the paper mill village in Fairmont Park, Philadelphia. Memo- rial contributions may be sent to Executive Director, Historic Rittenhouse Town, 206 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19144.
West Coast news comes from Joe Eisaman, who sends a photo of Sandy Gross at the wheel of at least a 70-foot sloop off the L.A. coast. The water is smooth, and the main-sheet rigging is slack, but Sandy looks great at the helm. When not sailing with his daughter Wendy, Sandy is still in the advertising business in Larchmont, N.Y.
Julian Sayer sends word that G. Heileman Brewing Cos. has selected Eisaman, Johns, and Laws to handle advertising for their Old Style Export brands, after a two-month competition among seven firms last November. This will be welcome news for our 50th Reunion planners, who need a "beverage chairman."
John Trethaway writes that he is an active advocate for Alzheimer's disease and long-term care. He has chaired meetings in both Vermont and Washington, D.C., and is pleased to see that both state and federal committees are recognizing these needs in the new healthcare planning.
Paul and Linda Spiers, retiring from their professions, have opened International Tapers and Capers, a shop offering candles and accessories from the Far East, Europe, and the U.S. They are in Southampton Village, N.Y., and "havin' fun," writes Paul.
Len Bjorkland attended his Hingham (Mass.) H.S. 50th reunion and re-met a childhood friend. Now after many years of being a widower, Lennie writes he can't believe his good fortune—he married Nancy Cotchett Roman, of Key Biscayne, on January 29. The best wishes of the class go with Len and Nancy.
See you soon.
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