1965

Two of my predecessors as class secretary, both of whom have had careers in education, weighed in recently. Jack Heidbrink wrote that after 35 years of teaching in public high schools, he retired from that life back in June. Jack loved his chosen occupation, his specialty having been philosophy and world religions. Jack and Sue have busy retirement plans, including traveling, reading, playing lots of golf, enjoying their two grandchildren and doing some teaching at the college level. Jack also will be a "consultant"—which, he writes, means he has no particular job but will give opinions and advice to anyone on anything, although, as he puts it, "Correct advice costs more, and advice requiring deep thought, still more." Sounds like you have already figured out the consultancy biz, Jack.

Rick Mahoney writes that the lives that he and wife Linda continue to live in Exeter are very satisfying to them both. Linda is chair of the math department at Exeter High School, where she has taught for 20 years. Rick is director of financial aid at Phillips Exeter Academy, a role that he loves. But Rick hastens to add that his most satisfying and joyful moments are from November-March each year, when he coaches the girls' basketball team, which he has done for 20 seasons. Rick expects to keep working until he is 65 because he really likes the variety of things he gets to do. He remains active on the board of the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate and writes that that organization is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in a community. Rick encourages classmates to seek out information and the chance to become involved. Rick reports he and Linda get their greatest satisfactions from the happy and productive lives of their three children. Son Michael '92 is involved with sports information and athletic media services at Northwestern; daughter Kim, a UVM grad, stayed in the Burlington area, where she teaches and is an avid out door woman; and son Kevin '96 lives and works in Boston.

Finally, Ted Atkinson spent the early part of September hiking in the Swiss Alps, the first trip he has ever taken just for himself. Ted also reports that many of us won't recognize him. Back in June he decided to take charge of his life, lose weight (down 43 pounds to 191—less than at graduation), get cholesterol down (160) and get his blood pressure down (130/80). Ted works out once or twice a day, runs four miles daily and works with a professional trainer twice a week. His goal is to live long enough to attend at least our 60th reunion!

Speaking of which, our mini-reunion will be just around the corner when you receive this edition of the Alumni Magazine: November 1-3, and the 25th straight year we have held it at Pierces. Hope you all can make it; it isn't too late to make plans and go. Write now!

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