1984

1984

Reunion is over! We will no longer pester you with columns about registering for reunion or the importance of reunion. In fact, we will try to stop using that word “reunion” altogether.

Did I mention that Kaya Kazmirci was an amazing reunion chair, well assisted by co-chairs Maria Cole and David Cumberbatch? See, you should never trust me if say I won’t use the word reunion again. Reunion is defined as “a social gathering attended by members of a certain group of people who have not seen each other for some time.”

Sure, but for the great class of1984, reunion meant so much more. Reunion meant learning new things, exercising, making new friends, and travel, which for some was thousands of miles. Chris Bird flew in from Colombia. Kaya arrived from Turkey. And first-time reunion-goer Melanie Meunier came from France. Geoff Berlin took the train to the plane from Ukraine. Gretchen Booma brought her aloha spirit from Hawaii. I didn’t major in geography, but Tom Rivard might have won the most frequent flyer miles, having come all the way from Australia.

Twin brothers Paul and Kevin Gorman arrived from Minnesota and California. In fact, there was a huge California contingent: Julie Levenson (our amazing treasurer), Elizabeth Miles, Cary Bernstein, Susie Reynolds, Chrissy Bucklin, Alix Madigan, and more. The class reunion band rocked thanks to Enid Jones Ames, Bill Berry, Hank Erbe, Warner Ide, Joe Holland, and Jim Wooster.

“Crafts & Drafts” at the tent was a huge hit. Elisabeth Jaffe taught Pam Ross and Jack Oswald howto knit. Jack’s now making Dartmouth sweaters. Kathy Krause attempted to teach me but don’t expect a scarf anytime soon! Jane Finch and Lucy Patti made CD coasters. Lauren Anderson and Janet Perkins created fleece blankets for charity. Willa Ridinger taught not one but two spin classes for her loyal followers: Allen Waxman, Therese White, Mara Rudman, Dani Klein Modisett, and more.

First-time reunion-goer Rick Ehling had so much fun, he wants to chair our next reuniononly five years away. Time to book the Hanover Inn now. Those dorm room beds aren’t what they used to be—just ask Larry Burnett or Karen Trost, who led the world-class alumni singers; look for their singles on Spotify.

The climate change panel led by Sarah Strauss and Rob Watson was in-depth and thought provoking. The Ukraine panel was moderated by Sissel Wivestad McCarthy, former CNN reporter and featured Geoff Berlin, Peter Callahan, and Peter Gish (who did double dutybyhostingalivelyfirst night cocktail party at his Hanover house). Lucia Jackson and Leah Daughtry led a beautiful and inspirational memorial service for the classmates we’ve lost.

Reunion also meant three cheers to our retiring class president, Allyson Bouldon, and to Kaya Kazmiri, our new president. Now, for the final reunion challenge: Count how many times reunion was mentioned in this column. The winner receives reunion swag!

—Juliet Aires Giglio, 4915 Bentbrook Drive, Manlius, NY 13104; julietgiglio@gmail.com; Eric Grubman, 2 Fox Den Way, Woodbridge, CT06525; (203) 710-7933; grubman@sbcglobal.net