1975

Greetings from sunny California, home of the rolling blackouts. By the time you read this, those of us who spend time in California maybe resorting to candlepower for lighting, unless the great experiment in deregulation has been solved. Personally, I'm stocking up on batteries in the office. On the good news side, a new president has been sworn in, a peaceful transition of government has taken place, and it actually appears that a tax cut may occur. And for those that come to Washington, D.C., from time to time, there may still be some furniture left in the White House that the Clintons left behind.

On to the mailbag. I received a Christmas card from Rob Hiftle and his family including a wonderful picture of Rob, his wife, Rosita, and their 8-month-old daughter Hannah—an early prospect for the class of 2022. Just the thought of someone graduating in the class of 2022— makes you feel old. The Hittles spent much of last summer traveling, having been at our 25th reunion and then in August spending nine days in Finland with some of Rosita's family. It sounded like a wonderful trip. Bob works with Inland Paperboard and Packaging and in 2000 achieved the premier distinction of "Presidents Club." Well done, Bob!

From San Francisco comes news that Lee F. Gotshall-Maxon joined the office of Allen Matkins Leek Gamble & Mallory, LL.P., as a partner in their real estate practice group. Lee previously was a partner and head of Lillick & Charles, LL.P's real estate practice. Lee is a recognized expert in representing developers and investors in all phases of real estate acquisition, development and disposition.

From the artistic side of the world, comes news that Rebecca L. Abbott, an associate professor of communications at Quinnipiac University and an Emmy Award-nominated filmmaker, has just completed a new documentary on jazz, New Haven Jazz History, which showcases the heritage of the New Haven jazz community. The film is expected to air as companion to filmmaker Ken Burns s epic documentary on the history of jazz on PBS.

And Jim Reynolds, a geologist and professor at Brevard College in the division of environmental studies, mathematics and natural sciences, was recently selected to present a paper at the Geological Society of Americas 112 th annual mmeeting. Jims expertise is in the development of research techniques to precisely map the history of mountain range uplifts over the last 18 million years in the Ancles. Jim was a Fulbright Scholar in 1989 and taught a course on these techniques at six Argentine universities.

Finally, Scott Lochridge, in one of his first acts as class president, has asked me to convey that even though he wasn't elected by popular vote, he intends to be a "uniter and not a divider." In that regard, he is looking for a volunteer to serve as class Webmaster. The pay isn't great, but the perks are good. If you're interested, contact Scott bye-mail (it's an important first test of your qualifications) at slochridge@dialogos.com.

Spring is upon us and life is good. Send those cards and letters to me.

5 Boardman Ave., Manchester, MA01944; (925) 937-3950, ext. 175 (w); (978) 526-4224 (h); jbildner@tier.com