1950

I'm assuming that 5ifty Joe's newsletter has already told you about the fabulous Florida mini-reunion. Barbara and I went, using it as an excuse to spend a weekin the sunshine, and we had a ball. It was great to see everybody, especially those who seldom get to Hanover.

Bob Mcllwain once again planned, publicized, organized, monitored, and generally honchoed the whole thing, and he rightfully gives credit to several guys who helped. But Bob was The Man and we are all grateful for the work, time, and effort that he and Joan put in to make us happy.

Upon my return to fan New England-in-the-winter, I found a long letter from JimMcCrum, who lives where it's mid-summer now, Australia. He enclosed some vintage 1940s photos of classmates which I will pass on to Tom Ruggles and Joe Medlicott for possible inclusion in the 50th Reunion displays and/or reunion book. Jim says he is beginning to realize he "might still be around to make the Reunion." Is he suggesting that we are aging?

June 9-11, 2000. Even if the Y2K problem screws everything else up, plan to be in Hanover on those dates. And, if you want to extend the celebration, join the bunch of classmates who will move on to Woodstock, Vt., for a few more days of fan-and-games. Joel Leavitt, reunion chairman, and his committee are already deep in the planning and the occasion promises to be gala.

In other news, the journal of the District of Columbia chapter of the American College of Physicians reports that BobWilkinson received the Laureate Award, which goes to selected physicians "with a long history of excellence and peer approval." Bob modestly reports that he "felt deeply honored to be so recognized once I recovered from my surprise."

Some Christmas card gleanings: the Birneys planned to attend the Florida bash (but didn't because Bobbie was ill). The Farmers spent Christmas (with earplugs?) with son's family of five kids, ages 1-7. Dodie and Charlie Abbe are wintering again on Florida's west coast. Ann and JohnnyOakley are hanging in there in Greensboro, N.C. The Harlows at various times in 1998 did N.H., Utah, Maine, Mass., Fla., Ind., Mich., Va., and, for good measure, threw in Italy and Sicily.

The climbing-hiking-boating Webers were almost as peripatetic. The Carpenters take care of theirs animals and tracking companies. Helen and Bob Tredwell are also in Florida for the winter. Photos may lie, but Jeanne and Tom Sours look like they did 50 years ago. Carolyn and Bob Wilkinson keep on being their friendly and cheerful selves.

YOU are also newsworthy. So, drop me a line.

2 Central Green, Winchester, MA 01890;