1971

Steve Zrike reports that "the entire contingent at the '71 Homecoming mini-reunion in Hanover was a motley crew, consisting of me, RamonMarks, Tony Fitzpatrick and Murry Bowden." Better luck next year!

Pete Webster got himself re-elected first selectman last fall "by about a 20-point margin, and is looking forward to the next two years and making Essex, Conn., an even better place to live."

Nels Armstrong notes that, "We now have two more ways of being heard in alumni affairs matters. I am happy to report that Michael Fay and Gene Thibodeaux are both new members of the Alumni Council and will serve three-year terms. A couple of 71s in Europe turned out to see President Wright during a recent tour of alumni clubs in Europe. It was absolutely great to see Wolfgang 'Hans' POfahler in Frankfort and Carol Dudley in London. Both are looking young and doing well."

Mark Bellonby's "daughter, Diana, will join the class of '04 this September. It is mainly for that reason I write, being totally filled with pride, but also to mention that I saw my old roomie Steve Brockway on a visit to his Cave City, Ariz., desert haunts this past November. The two of us spent a couple days communing closely with Saguaro and prickly pear cacti and dining on western Diamondback Steve's horses were as opinionated as he is, but he straightened one of them out in a short memorable Dustup It was a great time, and the nighttime Arizona stars were a real treat."

John Eaton is now the COO of icPlanet.com an Internet startup that plans to transform the way that hiring managers and recruiters find, qualify and hire independent contractors. The company is based in San Rafael, Calif., and just closed its first round of venture capital financing. John also reports that, "Bob Cushman celebrated his 50th birthday last November with a party and live band at his home in Moraga, Calif. Also in attendance were Bob Valkevich, David Lilly '70 and Andy Krakoff '74. The high point was Bob singing some Rolling Stones favorites. He was advised, however, not to give up his day job."

Robin Armstrong e-mailed, "a quick update from my last note from about 10 years ago. Marcia and I are still living in Ottawa, capital of Canada—and a great place to visit! After 15 years of working with the Canadian Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and being involved in a lot of history in the making, I moved over to Statistics Canada where, before going on extended sick leave, I was beginning work as one of the associate managers of the 2001 census of Canada. Our three children, Allison, Christine and John (pretty much grown up now) are 20, 18 and 15, respectively, and are pursuing things like singing, acting and games, games, games. In other words, great, normal kids—each with his or her own quirks. I don't think there is any contradiction there! As you may gather, I am currently not in the best of health—pancreatic cancer—and I wanted to send out a little news directly rather than after the fact via the class obits. I would certainly enjoy hearing from (or visits from) various friends and roommates as the spirit may move. Peace!" While Robin indicates the prognosis is "grim," he says there is some long-shot hope. "I'm at peace with the prognosis...but I want the long shot!" As do all of us for you.

20 Den Road, New Hartford, CT 06057; doneill@snet.net

M ark Bellonby andSteve Brockway spent acouple days communingclosely with saguaro andprickly pear cacti anddining on westerndiamondback. DON O'NEILL '71