1954

How does an internationally acclaimed architect spend his time in retirement? Why he learns how to play the piano, of course. And that’s exactly what Lo-Yi Chan has done. Taking a weekly, one-hour lesson for the past six years and practicing up to three-hours per day, Lo-Yi now entertains and pleases family and friends with his interpretations of Bach and Chopin.

While Dick Davidoff continues the full-time practice of law, he likes to ask retired classmates and friends how they spend their time. He’s surprised to find that no one claims to be bored and he hears from many that they don’t know how they ever found time to work.

For those classmates who have not yet had the opportunity to peruse A Century of Royal Doulton Character & Toby Jugs, the close-to-500- page compendium assembled by Steve Mullins during his more than 60 years of collecting, go to www.schifFerbooks.com/newschiffer/book_template.php?isbn=9780764329739 or Google Schiffer Publishing and insert "Mullins" where asked for “Author.”

Reality check: Many classmates may not be aware that Peter Kenyon, on behalf of the class of 1954, arranges for the placement of a memorial book in the Baker-Berry Library as soon as the death of a classmate becomes known. If you become aware of a classmate’s passing and are unsure if anyone knows about it, please e-mail or call your Class Notes secretary as soon as possible: akane32@nyc.rr.com; (212) 628-2147.

As of this writing, February 28, 128 classmates have said “yes” (76) or “definite maybe” (52) to the invitation to attend the 55th for fabulous ’54, according to reunion chair John Fenn. It’s not too late to sign up. Contact John at jefenn@aol.com.

Dave Mandelbaum, chair of the 2009-14 nominating committee, reports that the officer slate has been chosen and will be presented and voted upon at the ’54 annual meeting on Tuesday, June 16, at 11:15 a.m. during our 55th reunion (105 Dartmouth Hall).

Our industrious newsletter editor Pete Barker wants you to receive his informative product in a timely manner but needs your help. If you’re not receiving notification of the latest newsletter posting, send your current e-mail address to Pete at pgbarker54@aol.com.

Sad to report the deaths of Lenny Beller on November 15, 2008, of colon cancer and Don Austermann on February 21 of liver cancer. See their obituaries in this and a subsequent issue.

Here’s something to reflect on: We, members of the class of 1954, have much in common. Many of us, if not most, are between the ages of 76 and 77. Many of us have physical or medical challenges, as do our spouses or other family members. Some of us have been widowed, perhaps have experienced the dreadful loss of a child. Most of us are retired and have developed other-than-work interests and activities. Most of us can look back across the years and swell with pride over loving relationships with family and friends, the joy of seeing children and grandchildren grow up into productive and fine young people. Most of us, I hope, feel that life is good!

650 Park Ave., 18A, New York, NY 10065; (212) 628-2147; akane32@nyc.rr.com

REUNION June 15-18