1974

This month's guest column is courtesy of Jeff "Lingus" Corelitz: It was a dreary spring afternoon when I picked up the phone to hear two old, but familiar voices. Steve "The Diver" Dietz, who keeps Nynex/Bell Adantic financially sound with his three way calling, was on the line with Randy "Tex" Barnett. Steve thought we ought to have a mini reunion for Sigma Nus. Great!!

But where? When? How about Annapolis, sailing capital of the world and home of the United States Naval Academy? (And, as you reunion goers know, my home for the last 10 years.) We decided we didn't want this outing to interfere with the traditional annual May "Golfgods" convention, faithfully attended by Peter "Peedah" Holden, Mike "DocDraz" Draznik, and Chris "Big Chief'Pfaff. So the weekend of June Ist was selected. Many invites went out, but only the hardcore responded.

On Thursday, "Tex" and Kirk "Lobo"Hinman arrived in time for dinner in D.C. followed by a swimsuit fashion show (Okay, a bikini contest) with Yours Truly as a judge. Just the thing to start off a great weekend.

"Black" Al King arrived on Friday afternoon from Pennsylvania. We stocked Sales Call, the now infamous floating party platform, with many adult beverages (and even some food) and set off for a scenic day-long sail on the Chesapeake. At dusk, we docked in Annapolis Harbor where we met Abdo "Art" Yazgi and the "Diver" himself, who were both sunburned from a wind-blown drive from Long Island in Steve's midlife crisis convertible. This reunion was really coming together.

Joe "Joe" Barnes showed up on Saturday morning from Pittsburgh (earlier than expected) for an informal "Z&E's" meeting. After many belated toasts to Joe on his recent marriage to Gayle, we restocked the boat and set sail for a full day of some serious "Nu Bro" bonding. Despite some "green gills," there was no chumming (Save the Chesapeake!) and a splendid time was guaranteed for all, courtesy of non-stop Little Feat.

We expected to see the "Crudster" for dinner that ntght, but teaching young residents about caring for the sick apparently still takes priority. (Congratulations to Doctor Don with yet another degree, master's in public health, but we wish you had joined us.) Sunday came too soon, and as with all reunions our time together seemed too short. But we vowed to do it again, Jack. Half a lifetime ago we became brothers, and it's good to know that we still are.

Secretary's note: Some things never change, do they? Thanks to Jeff, I'm taking the summer off. Any '74s who wish to share similar heart-warming experiences should contact me via my new e-mail address.

Suite 203, 6565 North Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21204-6875;