1957
High Celestium Publications has issued Dave Cook's latest book of poetry, And Sing Them Free. Throughout Dave writes with his characteristic mix of jazzshaped rhythms, sweetly sad emotion and irreverent humor: But all that's changed! For dance so learned in yesteryear Is danced no longer arm-in-arm. Nor piper's skill suffice, I fear, to cosset forth a damsel's charm. And this, I think (and rue the day) That dance, itself, has turned away.
Among those still sallying forth are the class' contingent of Smilin' Jacks and Hop Harrigans and maybe even the occasional Captain Midnight—pilots still flying actively.
Jim Rollins pilots a Cessna 175 to help provide environmental groups with aerial observation and photographs.
In his single engine Bonanza Herb Roskind transports needy patients from Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and Block Island to the mainland for medical treatment and also flies doctors and other medical personnel to a monthly clinic in Baja.
Gordon Hally raves about flying a Czechbuilt Sting Sport over Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands: "It's pure fun. I love it."
On a different tack (to mix metaphors) Rod Hinkle limits his flying these days to model airplanes he also builds, one model "so quiet it would fly outside your bedroom and you wouldn't know it."
And Chris Wren sent a reminder that while he never piloted planes, he used to jump out of them.
Numerous classmates contributed to Art Koff's book, InventYour paperback he calls "a reference guide for older Americans," with practical advice on everything from setting up a home office to finding deals on prescriptions to acquiring a pet. Art generously offers copies to classmates at cost: artkoff@rcn.com
Wayne Kakela sends word from the Rockies that Pat Pascoe has finished a book about Colorado's historic women.
Rick Lee moved to Potomac, Maryland, a year and a half ago to be closer to grandchildren. Rick volunteers weekly at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. If you have the chance to spend a few hours there it will not leave you unmoved.
Too bad we can't use photos in the Class Notes, especially since I'm looking at a wonderful shot of Dick Canton taken with the pyramids at Giza in the background. The very picture of confidence, Dick sits atop a camel that's as regal and ridiculous as the rest of its breed.
Bob Burton, living in Cornwall, Vermont, celebrated his 55th reunion from Vermont Academy. Of the 44 in the VA class of 1953, an even dozen landed in Hanover, including Larrie Calvert, Dick Van Riper, Mike King, Peter Powers, Herb Ellis, Jack Breitenbach, Charlie Maschal, Dick Norris and Dave Canfield.
Bill and El Fiero have been "houseless" for more than 20 years, living first in a camper and, since 2001, on a 22-foot boat traveling "the navigable waterways of North America—now more than 24,000 nautical miles. There are only two we have yet to navigate."
164 New Wickham Drive, Penfield, NY 14526; rhythm2@frontiernet.net
