1985

I read recently that weather is a state of mind. So, greetings from the most wonderfully HOT place on earth! Got much to tell, so I'll just jump right in. Spoke to Diane Bonina, a blast from the past. She and husband Allan are both lawyers in Oak Park, Ill. She is in-house counsel for Cellular One and he does "something to do with money" (aka investment law). Lian is their two-year-old adopted daughter from China. When not being legal eagles, Diane and Allan like to hike and bike (apparently he is a good influence!). Diane reported encounters with President Becky Osborne and Casey, a "people-stopping baby" (that means he is gorgeous!). She also asked about Annette Harris, who...is enjoying (remember, it's in the mind) the wonderful Houston heat with yours truly. Annette is a dermatologist and husband James is a computer guru. They spend their free time (which all of us with kids USED to have!) skiing and doing creative artistic things like pottery and painting and playing with red poodle "Ruby." Annette and I reminisced about Reunion (has it already been a year?!) and how all of us seem to be aging gracefully. We'll keep a straight face if you will!

Enjoyed talking to Andy Cohen, who calls Carrboro, N.C., home. He is an attorney doing employment litigation and wife Dawn Kleinman Cohen '87 is in residency to be a dermatologist. When Danielle (born 5/10/95) isn't keeping them busy, Andy is testing out the local political scene as head of the Carrboro planning board, which he calls "the Paris of the Piedmont" (you folks from N.C. will understand I trust). He also keeps in touch with former Bones Gate buddies through a virtual e-mail discussion group. Here is a puzzler: does the basement of a virtual fraternity still smell like last week's party? Just curious...

Classmates doing good: MatthewDaniels is president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, a nonprofit group that just released a report highlighting the links between fatherless families and social problems such as crime. Lonnie Staley has been named a (New) Jersey Journal's 1997 "Everyday Hero" for his work training people to become literacy tutors.

Small world story: President Becky was in a Rhode Island Taco Bell parking lot nursing Casey (babies aren't always hungry at convenient times!) and who should knock on her window but Tom Friedman. Tom was with his adorable two-year-old son (whose name Becky forgot in the drama of the moment!) and is expecting #2 with wife Pam Prosser '86.

George Eldridge reports the arrival of Matthew George Eldridge (wonder where they got the name?!) on June 27. Sister Caroline was enjoying her new play toy and even gave Matthew her favorite stuffed animal.

Really late news (my fault): ToddCranford reports that Pam Ponce has now been married a year to Curtis Johnson of White Plains. Several Hanover alums were at the nuptials: Precious Stargell-Taylor, Pam's brother Bob 'BO, Geannine Thompson '86, Quave Buron '88, and former Trustee Harry Dodds '58.

Eric "Bush Doctor" Woods and wife Sherry welcomed Miranda Joycelyn on March 24. And Jim Kreitman has returned from CS First Boston in Hong Kong and now lives in Scottsdale, Ariz.

As I finish Samantha, 9 months today, is crawling and thinking about walking in self defense against 2-year-old Leah, who enjoys reading and trying to kill her sister with kindness. Next time we "talk," many of you will be snow bound, and I'll be recalling why I love Houston weather! Until then, think positive thoughts.

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