1979

It's Christmas Day as I write this Notes edition and its snowing here in Vienna, Virginia! For those not familiar with the local Washington, D.C., area climate, it snows Christmas Day about once every 10 years. The optimist in me hopes that this portends wonderful things for the New Year. Perhaps for you readers these have already begun.

Although I'm certain that you enjoyed an active fall, not much news has come across my desk. (Normally I would insert a frowning face, but the DAM print format doesn't accommodate such.) Fortunately, a few classmates stepped up and delivered. Consider yourself lucky, as I would otherwise subject you to more mindless banter. On reflection, you're probably used to that from this writer over the last few years. So, enough filler. Here's what you've been up to.

Mini-reunion chair Phil Odence provided comprehensive coverage of the most recent Homecoming activities: "We had our best turnout ever for the alumni parade and bonfire despite the fairly chilly weather. Led by prez Bill Mitchell's elaborately adorned Class of the Year BMW Z3 were a couple dozen classmates and family appendages including Joe Henley and Kim Donovan Henley, Nancy Schwartzman Malmquist, John Currier, Louisa Guthrie (all the way from Chitown), Jim Eden (so what if he flies from Atlanta for free; it's still impressive), (the ever faithful) Liz Proctor Gray, Anne Carlson and Mike Geilich (who was 50 feet in front of us tooting away for the Lyme Town Band). Please scuse anyone I may have missed. This was probably my 12th bonfire since graduating, and, I believe, the first upon which I have seen snow fall. Quite impressive. After the parade, people kind of dispersed, although a few of us hung around Billy's car. It was rumored that some cars had beer in them, but the density of police was unbelievable, as was the porta-policestation for convenient booking of suspects. That didn't keep us from tipping a few, but it required a level of stealth that would have been unimaginable in '79." Yes, times be a changin'. I hope Hanover's finest do not read this column. What are the statute of limitations on public open beer violations?

Received word from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, that Kathy Peden Blaisdell was named senior associate director of student aid at Franklin and Marshall College. Kathy had been associate director at F&M. Kathy is one of the finest people I've ever known. And of course I'm not just saying that just because I have a child nearing college age and Kathy is in student aid. Kudos, Kathy!

Also in the higher education sector, St. Bonaventure University announced that Laurie Branch was elected to its board of trustees. Laurie began her tenure in September 2002. After Tuck M.B.A. and a stint at Proctor and Gamble, she is currently chief financial officer of Iroquois Group Inc., which she joined in 1984, and is a partner responsible for all financial and organizational aspects of the group. The longtime Olean, New York, resident, in May Laurie was elected to the Olean City School District board of education. She has one son.

Elyse Benson Allan reports that Margi Hall Pence's daughter, Sarah, was accepted early decision to Dartmouth—class of 2007—and she will be attending! What fantastic news. Congratulations!

Remember, mark your calendars for our 25th reunion, June 17-20,2004- Our theme is "Homecoming—Rekindle the Spirit and we re looking to set more records. Expect to be contacted by a classmate to get you committed to attending, if this has not already happened.

That's it. Keep'em coming!

1889 Cold Creek Court, Vienna, VA22182-1807; tim.ehrsam@oracle.com