1985

As I sit here trying to think of material, I am searching for inspiration in my surroundings. Could I find some in the dirty dishes my kids have left in the living room (and seem to leave there perpetually)? What about in the sweaty athletic gear left all over the place that the kids think will automatically find its way to the washer? Might I find some creative rush in the pizza delivery boxes that seem to be multiplying in our house?

Sensing the above sources may prove less than inspiring, I turn instead to the letter sent to me by our classmate Tim Scherman. I should also add that this is the only letter I have received in quite some time with any alumni news, so right away Tim will be cast in a favorable light. Not as favorable, however, as his wife, who is apparently a big fan of the class column (heretofore known as "BFOC"). Tim shared news of his current status as an English professor at Northeastern Illinois University, where he serves as a representative to a statewide faculty council advising the state on educational issues (which would seem to be a logical function of a faculty council), acts as cochair of a cross-college committee on teacher preparation and also serves as one of the leaders on the university's union salary committee. In his personal time Tim is the VP of his local school board and also the producer of the variety show at his youngest kids school. (At this point do not accuse me of being impersonal by not mentioning names, since Tim did not pass on the moniker of his youngest kid or those of any of his kids). For those of us who remember fourth-grade English class, please recall that "youngest" must mean Tim has at least three kids. In addition Tim also works in the summer as a self-employed carpenter and cabinetmaker, trains for long-distance races and sings in the church choir, we hope not immediately after training for these races.

Speaking of black ties, happy 20th anniversary wishes to enormous BFOCs Pam and Barry Bass and Russ and Kathy Mitchell (notice that I can't technically bold Kathys name since she is an '83). To celebrate the milestone year I suspect Russ and Kathy may take a trip, since they only seem to have about seven major vacations a year. Continuing to speak of black ties, I'm reasonably hopeful that I could still fit into the tuxedos I wore to both of these weddings. I'm even more hopeful that I have had them dry cleaned since then.

Sadly, I must also inform you of the recent death of our classmate Beth McElreath. Beth was an English major and Merit Scholar at Dartmouth and worked as a software consultant and project manager for the health care industry in recent years. Beth leaves behind her husband Michael and three children.

Finally, please send in news to solidify your status as a BFOC. I promise you it will be shared. Or maybe embellished or changed entirely. Either way, you'll see your name in print.

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