1985

Getting started with this column is always the tough part. The ongoing search for something to relay about someone in our class (or at least someone remotely connected to our class) all too often leaves me empty-handed and racking my brain for an idea—original or otherwise.

But isn't it always like that? All you need is that one original idea to launch yourself and—POW—you've got a hit. I mean, who'd have ever thought that Beanie Babies, styrofoam swimming noodles, or coffee bars would be the next greatest, latest thing since sliced bread (now who do you suppose dreamed up that concept)?

Anyway, thank heaven for little babes, as birth announcements will rule the day for much of this column. The stork has been busy these past few months, starting with the April 4 birth of Ella Marie Williams born to Jennifer Archibald Williams, husband, Stan '83, and big brother Noah.

I visited with the expanding Williams clan in July as they put the finishing touches on their new home in Norwich, Vt., and they are planning to move in by mid October. Designed by one of Jenny's brothers (happily the one who is an architect, not the wine merchant!), it is a magnificent original with many heartwarming touches such as carved wood, hand-honed beams, and stonework. A far cry from their fifth-floor pad on West 75th Street—but then again, they did have a roof deck

Valerie Hartman Levy has had her hands full with her clan as she and hubby Jeff added Elias C. Hartman Levy to big brother Charlie's life on May 6. Eli is a very happy, cooing kind (aren't all babes?!?) and already seems to possess an ample supply of "relevant knowledge" about life. But, hey, it's early, and anything can happen. Joining big brothers Jenks Jr. and Henry is newborn sister Claire Cooper Marshall, born on July 5 to Linda CooperMarshall and husband Jenkins '84. Word has it they were surprised by a blessing in pink this go-around, so heartfelt congratulations. And, according to the expectant mother herself, a bundle of joy is scheduled to arrive on the doorstep of MaryHertzog and Bardy Jones sometime this month. You may recall we reported on Mary's 1997 Christmas nuptials recently, and it seems as if the mistletoe has been working. Happy parenthood to all, and don't worry—sleep deprivation builds character.

Moves have been underfoot for several classmates these days as Ellen Jennings has relocated west from Washington, D.C., to California with husband Mark Corrales and two kiddies Nicholas and Teddy to pursue her divinity work. Meanwhile, Elise Miller and Dan Neumeyer have set sail for Whitby Island, Wash., while Rebecca Blake Osborne has returned to New England to settle in Keene, N.H., with husband Randy and daughter Casey.

Having myself undertaken the type of move involving digging dirt and knocking down walls, I'm envious of these classmates just picking up sticks to start anew. I hope at the time of this column's publication, some parts of our home have been put back together. Best of luck to all in their new surroundings!

So, if you're now sitting there thinking to yourself that this wasn't a terribly interesting or informative column, I have two words to say to you: WRITE US!!! Not only would we love to hear from you to relieve the monthly angst each of us feels as our deadline approaches, but these columns will only get more interesting for everyone, authors and readers alike. All the best to all of you.

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