1959

When John Ferries called and asked if I would be the new class secretary, I quickly accepted, merely because I was relieved he was not asking for a larger donation to our 40th Reunion gift. (Howard Greene tells me our class participation for that gift was 65.7 percent, with a total gift of $776,746.) As we talked, I informed him that, living in central Maine, I seldom see any classmates—in fact, my last contact was with KurtChristiansen, and he was merely asking directions to Halifax, Nova Scotia! However, with much help from you, I will give it "my best shot". I know I speak for the class when I thank DickMasterson for his great effort, and I personally thank Dick for his help in making this transaction as smooth as possible.

My comments this issue will center around our very successful 40th Reunion this past June. Though our theme was "Celebrating Our Future," it could have been called "We are who we are," and not surprisingly, we appeared quite content to accept that "entity." For most of us our careers are in their "twilight," our children are "somewhere," and it's not all that bad to show pictures and brag about the grandchildren.

From our opening panel to our closing dinner, the intimate feeling of "reconnection" was evident. One of our first panelists, Dave Allen, spoke directly to those of us who have yet to retire when he said: "Find a passion for something that will replace your work—only by doing this will your life continue to be "fulfilled." Immediately following our final banquet, our eloquent master of ceremonies Dave Gavitt shook my hand and put things in their proper perspective: "Goody, each one of these events becomes more important with each passing year".

I was impressed to find that a couple of our classmates had gained much wisdom since graduation—Ray Becker and John Orcutt have both moved to Maine! Ray has settled in Lamoine, at the entrance to Mount Desert Island, and John has a very successful architectural firm in Freeport, the home of L.L. Bean. As Ray and I were talking, ShellyLondon mentioned he had a summer home near Bar Harbor. Perhaps the next minireunion should be held in Maine?

It was great to see Rudy LaRunso return to Hanover for the first time since graduation. As Rudy talked with Al Krutsch, DickHoehn, and Dave Gavitt, it brought back some great memories.

Other memories flowed as Craig Harlan,Earl Glazier, arid Dave Allen told stories of their Phi Delta antics—I hurried Sheila away as the tales were embellished!

I have received one thing in the mail that might prove critical for those of yon passing through Texas. Max Fischer has accepted the dual responsibilities of county attorney for Kimble County (about 120 miles northwest of San Antonio) and attorney for the City of Junction. Max is one of the few attorneys in West Texas that serve in both capacities.

Congratulations to our new class president Jim Wooster. Jim will certainly carry on the momentum generated by his predecessors John Ferries and Howie Greene.

Plans are already under way for our 45 th in the year 2004—'til then, let's make an effort to "reconnect."

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