1965

The year 2008 had plenty of weather challenges, some of which affected classmates in various parts of the country. In December New Hampshire had a severe episode of icing that brought down trees across much of the state, causing power outages to more than half of households and businesses. Here in Spofford, New Hampshire, Nancy and I lost power for a day or so, but fortunately had a generator and the biggest problem was a major dent in our metal roof from a fallen tree limb. Classmate Rick Monahon and his wife, Duffy, live in Peterborough, New Hampshire, one of the worst stricken towns in the state. They were without power for a week or so. Rick valiantly tended the woodstove to keep the pipes from freezing, but felt the whole experience wasn't bad enough to demand that he get a generator.

Dave Bernhard and his wife, Bonnie, live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where the flooding of the Cedar River covered hundreds of blocks of the downtown. Flood damage was devastating as the river went 10 feet above its highest recorded level. Scars from this disaster persist. Fortunately Dave's home was not damaged. He studied pharmacology at the University of Iowa and is now retired from his career as a hospital pharmacist and manager. The skills of building and fixing things that he learned from his paternal grandfather, a blacksmith, have been brought to bear on many home projects in his retirement. They pursue a busy schedule keeping involved with their 10 grandchildren, ages 1 to 23.

Hurricane damage in Houston affected Rick Davey, especially in his role as a hematologist at Methodist Hospital. As the hospital cared for victims of the storm an important part of Ricks job was to see to the adequacy of the blood supply. Fortunately the high-rise apartment in which he lives had little damage, though life in Houston without power (and air conditioning) is trying. High winds did wreak havoc throughout the city and repairs in many areas are still underway. Rick is looking forward to moving back east in the spring.

Jim Markworth continues to live in Wilmington, North Carolina. He is retired from his orthopedic practice. Last year he and Ruthe had trips to Greece and Egypt. He found Cairo and Alexandria particularly interesting since one could see real Egyptians going about their lives as opposed to the more contrived situation at the tourist sites. Volleyball is a major interest for Jim, including competition in the U.S. Open and National Senior Olympics. He is quick to point out that competition is by age group and he is far from the oldest. His son Christopher '93, an attorney, and his daughter, a physician, live in the nearby Piedmont region. Jim recently tried to interest a grandson in Dartmouth but he chose Bates instead.

The golf outing will be at Amelia Island April 2 to 5. Contact Bob Blake rblake65@mac.com.

Box 399, Spofford, NH 03462;(603) 363-4327; hrhansen@verizon.net