1985

As you sit reading this column it is well past the holiday season, but not too late to encourage you to maintain and share that holiday spirit you felt a few months ago. It's also not too late to remind yourself of your 2008 resolutions. Whatever they may be, perhaps you want to add: "I will send an update of my life and the life of another classmate to my class secretary" to the list. In fact, forget the healthy eating and exercise plans and make this your utmost priority.

This may surprise you, but news is scarce this time of year. I could convey some news based on the holiday cards I receive each year, but who would believe that Russ Mitchell travels more than the editor of Fodor's, owns an oxygen bar and recently won a competitive eating contest? Who would believe that Eric Wilinski swam around Alcatraz or that Hubes Smith is currently negotiating to buy the Neverland Ranch? Who would believe that anyone is still sending me holiday cards?

If you read the last column, you may recall the challenge to the Fairfield County, Connecticut, crew to provide news. Thankfully, one did and that person is, drum roll please, Jenny Gabler. Jenny lives in Westport, Connecticut, with husband Steve Bloch 'B4 and their three kids Alex (10), Haley (5) and Toby (3) and also finds time to play competitive squash. Jenny reunited with former Dartmouth squash teammate Julia Lane this past November and teamed up with three other women to win the Howe Cup (the women's squash national team tournament). Their team was unseeded but managed to beat several stronger and younger teams from Boston, Philly, New York and Seattle to secure the title. Congrats, Jenny and Julia! Julia has recently relocated back to Greenwich, Connecticut, with her son Griffin. Jenny also spent some vacation time last summer with another squash teammate, Barb Van Buskirk, and her extended family in Williamsburg, Virginia. More importantly, Jenny has now fulfilled my suggested resolution (see above).

Amy and Peter Harned did not answer the Fairfield County request, perhaps because they have moved to England to indulge Peters pursuit of the perfect pint (sing along now to the tune of Peter Piper, "Peter Harned pursued a peck of perfect pourable pints") or maybe it was for some job reason. Speaking of moving, you ever notice when people move to a foreign country they always invite you to come visit even before they've gotten there themselves? What happens if you get there and there's no sign of them? Are you early or just a victim of the ultimate overseas prank?

On a more somber note, I am sorry to inform you of the loss of two of our classmates. This is always difficult particularly if you personally know the individual(s). Thomas Kinney passed away on August 24,2007, though I do not have other details. On October 3,2007, our class also lost Barbara Codding Rivard, who passed away under extremely tragic circumstances in an act of domestic violence committed by her husband. The details behind this are very difficult to comprehend. Please remember Thomas and Barbara in whatever way you deem appropriate.

As a final note, I encourage you to include as part of your 2008 resolutions the following: "Reconnect with an old friend." This will make both of you feel good. Do not, however, let this one supersede your resolution to make your class secretary full of news.

118 Ringwood Road, Rosemont,PA 19010; (610) 525-4541; slampong@aol.com