1950

Right about now, April in warm and sunny southern California and San Diego ought to sound pretty damn good. Minireunion chief honcho George Harris says early returns from those planning to attend suggest a turnout of more than 100.That, plus the plethora of great events, promises a West Coast gala to equal the Florida ones of recent years. You can contact George at (619) 855-2039 or george. harris@juno.com or Tom Ruggles at (978) 369-5879 orsmileytmr@aol.com.

This months issue of DAM is the "sense of place" that the College has long enjoyed in the hearts and minds of its graduates. It's hard for me to pick out just one specific "place" that means the most. But if I were pressed, I would have to go with Wigwam Circle. That's where our married life began, where we enjoyed two fun years of college life with folks in identical circumstances, where our oldest daughter (now 52!) was born and where we made friendships that are still going strong. "Wigwam Circle" wouldn't be PC today, but it was heap good in that day and age.

Just to remind you, it's that time again; the Alumni Fund is calling. On a personal note, I get great satisfaction each year from dedicating my contribution to a good college buddy who died some years ago. It's also class dues time and I might point out a couple of things. First, you are currently reading my deathless prose because of our class dues, which pay 100 percent of your subscription to the Alumni Magazine. Secondly, I read in another class secretary's column that our dues are considered deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Most of us are busy in our retirement with important projects like watching grass grow and listening to paint drying. However, some of our classmates are still at their careers and/or being acknowledged for their past accomplishments. Take George Woodwell, founder and director of the Woods Hole Research Center, who was recently honored in Sweden. George received the Volvo Environment Prize for his early work in the field and his current efforts toward public knowledge and action. Another is Steve Pollak, a Washington lawyer, who recently received the Thurgood Marshall Award from the D.C. Bar Association.

And Rocky Stinehour, who received the Benjamin Franklin Award from the Printing and Publishing Council of New England. It recognized Rocky for his very significant contribution to the industry. Lastly, Ed Zebrowski, M.D., who was elected national commander of the Combat Infantrymen's Association.

A fun story: Bob Kilmarx and Mary were touring Blenheim Castle outside Oxford, where Winston Churchill was born (Churchill's mother had been invited there for a weekend visit). Prominently displayed was a large photograph of our own Don Hall with Churchill. It seems that Don and his father had just signed a contract, in the 1950s I believe, to use some of Churchill's paintings on Hallmark cards.

San Diego Ho!

2 Central Green, Winchester, MA01890; jekent2052@aol.com