1955

In a news item entitled "The Reverend on TV," the Bristol (R.I.) Phoenix reports on an interesting new local TV star, none other than our own Joe Herring, interim rector at St. Michael's Church, who appeared on Channel 13 earlier this year "comparing religious beliefs of the Pilgrims at Plymouth and 'the Puritans of Boston and Salem." Sounds intriguing; maybe we should ask for a reprise performance at our 45th!

A different, but equally valuable, ministry has been provided by Carl Swenson, retiring after 16 years as executive director of the Nashua (N.H.) Pastoral Care Center that he helped create. In a long article, descriptive of Carl's unique contribution and many good works, The Telegraph of Nashua quotes the high praise of the immediate past president of the center's board: "The strength Carl brought to the Pastoral Care Center is counseling, in the right time and at the right place." Next on the agenda for Carl, an avid outdoorsman, is time to smell the wildflowers and the sea air with June, his wife of 43 years.

A nice profile in the Buffalo (N.Y.) News, tells the story of Lancaster Knives Inc., a family-owned business run by John F. Cant, great-grandson of its founder 102 years ago. Soon to pass leadership of Lancaster to the fifth generation, son Scott, John tells a fascinating story of survival and success through a century of dramatically changing markets, vigorous competition, and turbulent economic storms that felled less resilient—and less well-managed—companies. Succinctly he provides the recipe for Lancaster's endurance: "Innovate or perish," he says. "That's the choice you face."

Also in the news, where he is no stranger, is Jud Hale, editor of The Old Farmer's Almanac and Yankee Magazine. Interviewed by the Patriot Ledger of Quincy, Mass., prior to a recent talk sponsored by Quincy's Lions and Kiwanis clubs, Jud explained that it was hard work on the Maine farm where he grew up that persuaded him to switch to journalism. "I loved the farm, and I did have to do some stuff like collecting eggs, because they made me," he said, "but mostly, I just liked to watch while my sister did all the work." Jud's own work, while very different, has been considerable, as we all know. This September he celebrates his 40th year at Yankee and The Old Farmer's Almanac, and along the way he's been editor of several books and the author of two, including his own very readable autobiography, The Education of a Yankee.

A brief phone chat with Alan Murray, still at Fuji Bank, where he has been chasing the Yen up and down, reveals retirement plans in a year or so, followed by entry into the wonderful world of consulting.

Dave Oberlander, up on the e-mail (correct address: ) has thoughtfully informed Ace Hall () and the rest of us lucky addressees in his data bank about The Complete Book of Frisbee, by Victor A. Malafronte, American Trends Publishing Cos., 1998, including "proper credit (with photos) to...Dartmouth 'frizby' in the fifties."

Finally, on a personal note, while yours truly is no threat to the 1955 grandfather sweepstakes, he has finally entered the running with grandchild No. 1, Cameron, born 13 June 1998, the day before his own birthday!

600 West 111th St., New York, NY 10025; (212) 980-7014 (fax);

John French III '55 earns Alumni Award, p. 53