NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2011

Neither hurricanes nor earthquakes will provide sufficient cause for not reporting on the recent summertime activities of the class of 1956. With my reporter cap and credentials at the ready, I reached out to the two classmates who might have experienced some hurricane Irene damage. Bob Mason and his wife Claire have a home away from home in New Bern, North Carolina. When I heard from him that they survived in rain drenched fashion, I advised him I was disappointed not to be able to report the two of them had been stranded on a raft only to have been rescued by the police and National Guard. Vermont native Ben Scotch our main man in Montpelier similarly had no tale of house sinking or road cave in to report, and convinced me his wit is as dry as ever.

High on my priority list is a note of appreciation from Joe McNay and Charlie Cook directed to our Reunion Gift Committee, and all those who contributed to the gift effort. The Class has landed in the top Ten of 55th reunion classes with an overall contribution of $17 million. We can be well proud of our support for the university, and maybe even hope our future football tickets are closer to the 50 yard line.

Under the category of correspondence received, Gib Durfee provided me with a mouthwatering travel guide to Italy based upon Gib and Camilla’s two week summer trip. It is now on my shelf to replicate at some future date .I am most grateful to have received from Larry Bradner four items from The Providence Journal written about the passing of our classmate Malcolm (Kim) Chase that I had reported in my last column. The editorial dated June 30 and the obituary dated June 25 were of such a wonderful testament to our classmate that Larry sent copies to Ben Scotch to include in our archives. Larry who is an Episcopal priest expressed his pension for writing and research having recently finished a book about his younger brother’s battle to combat his serious degenerative brain disease. He is now looking for a publisher. By the way, Ken Liebman is continuing to contribute time on behalf of the class to arrange a lunch for 56ers on the third Wednesday of every month at the Yale Club Tap Room. If you find yourself in NYC, it’s a fun venue, and opportunity to renew associations with class members.

Finally I regret having to report that we’ve lost some more classmates. David Porter died July 23 in Mystic Connecticut. A marathon enthusiast, David competed in the New York, Boston and Newport races. He is survived by his wife Julia and three children. Nelson Crowther Jr who retired as general counsel of the U.S House of Representatives Small Business Committee died May 21. He is survived by his wife Anne, two children and four grandchildren.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2011

Here we go! New Secretary, with thanks to those who attended our 55^th... Speaking of which, two of our non attendees, Chuck Henry and his wife Jean, who had every intention of participating in our enjoyable gathering had their plans rudely interrupted by an unlicensed driver on the Merritt Parkway who sideswiped them causing a horrendous accident. After a trip to the hospital emergency room they wisely returned home rather than join the reunion in progress with a broken clavicle and numerous black and marks to show for their effort. We salute you and are thankful for your survival.

Charlie Lord, now resting on his rocking chair, passed along some notes he received but was unable to include in his column. One was from George Litton who reported last January that he spends his spare time as President of his New York  Central Park West co-op and island hopping via Tahiti, Bora Bora and Fiji to catch his conductor/pianist son Andrew’s performance at The Sidney Opera.

 I’m also happy to pass along the news that for the fourth year our class Memorial Scholarship (selection process favoring descendants of the class of 1956) has been awarded  to Lindsey Raymond, grand niece of classmate Dick Raymond. Lindsey, coming off a spring semester at Oxford, is a senior economics major and member of the women’s varsity soccer team.  She wrote to express her “heartfelt thanks for the generosity of the Class of 1956. Come to the Class dinner after the Harvard game November 19 and meet with her up close and personal.

On yet another front where the class of ’56 has distinguished itself, I received a final wrap up report from Bob Wheeler concerning the class sponsored “I Have a Dream” project initiated by Tom Jamieson and Ed Barlow and guided to success by Wheels. In short, we adopted the entire fourth grade of East Rock (56 students) with a promise to pay their college tuitions if they graduated from high school. Some of the final statistics are impressive:

• 44 0f the 56 dreamers graduated from high school on time.
• Ten graduated a year later.
• Only one student dropped out of school.
• Of those who went on to college, one received her PhD in psychology from Penn State after graduating from Pittsburgh.
• Five others received bachelor degrees, another received an associate degree and yet another a masters in nursing.
• Of the 29 who started college, 18 went to four-year schools and 11 to two-year schools.

No less than 99 members of our class contributed $616,565 to the success of this initiative.  Hats off to Bob, his 99 classmates and the many others who contributed to the success of this class venture.

Overheard at the reunion was the joy expressed by Janet and Bill Clark with the news that their granddaughter, Class of ’12, coxed the lightweight crew that beat Harvard and qualified for Henley, as well as the report from Werner Gossels and his wife Elaine of the depth of their  ties to Yale Blue  ( a grand son graduating in the class of 2011, with parents who both graduated in 1982). Good luck as well to the Rev Canon F. Hugh Magee who reports the publication of a new book,  An Upgrader's Guide: How to move on from Christianity and Rediscover Jesus, and to Jack McGregor and his wife Mary-Jane Foster. MJ is campaigning with vigor and determination to be elected Mayor of Bridgeport.

Now for the sad news concerning three more classmates who have passed away. Malcolm (Kim) Chase died June 23^rd at Mass General.  Kim was a vital member of the Class Executive Committee, and played a major role in helping to finance our 50^th reunion. Widely known for his philanthropy, particularly at the Rhode Island School of Design where the Chase Center was dedicated in 2009. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth and a slew of children and grandchildren. Roger Hinkson, the captain of our wrestling team who established a successful medical career in Utica before retiring in 1996, passed away June 18. He was remembered as a “very special person” by his roommate and fellow Andover graduate, Myron Bromberg. Roger is survived by his wife Maureen. Philip Evans was reported to have passed away May 8 in Silver Spring, Maryland. He was a journalist who served as Managing Editor of The Washington Star in the 1970s, and is survived by his wife Dini Stewart.

REMEMBER: FOR GOOD FOOTBALL AND GOOD FELLOWSHIP CIRCLE NOVEMBER 19 ON YOUR CALENDAR AND ATTEND OUR CLASS DINNER IN NEW HAVEN.

MAY-JUNE 2011

Column deadline rapidly approaches, which means that I must interrupt my pleasure, reading Fred Brown’s magnificent biography, Flaubert, and start hunting and pecking on the computer. Why Flaubert at this advanced age, rather than secret tips on memory retention or the AARP Journal ? Gay and I are hosting our book club to discuss the naughty Madame Bovary. Oh to be young and French.

Now–here is your annual quiz. What do Turkey, Indonesia, and Newfoundland have in common? You guessed it. Our Davenport Fellowship winners are headed to these countries, following their selection by the Fellowship committees in Boston, Washington, and New York. (No one ever applies for a project in Perth Amboy.) Rae Ellen Bichell’s younger sister, Lena, headed off on a trip to Turkey; Rae Ellen is going to see Turkey through Lena’s eyes. Genny Ladiges “an absolute bird fanatic” is going to Newfoundland, ”hotbed for some of the most brilliant waterfowl on the planet.” Courtney Grafton, concerned that “the effects of Westernization are drastically altering emerging cultures” is “investigating the linguistic, social, and cultural marginalization of the original population” in Bali.

It is exciting to realize that we will hear about these wonderful trips at the Class Dinner after the Harvard game. I hope to see YOU there.

On the home front there is news. John Phair is still seeing patients part-time and continuing his NIH-sponsored research.

Marjorie and Howard Parker celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary three times: 1) A round-trip cruise from Seattle to Alaska and Victoria, B.C. 2) A four day trip to St. Augustine to visit friends of 32 years. 3) A celebration dinner near home in Georgia with their kids and their spouses.

Speaking of 50th anniversaries, Nikki Barranger reports on the 50th anniversary of Harriet and Al Koch on Nantucket. Fortunately, Nikki bought an ebony cane to help him navigate the Nantucket cobblestones. Other 56er’s in attendance with their spouses were: Shaun Ruddy, Jordy Cohen, Peter Randolph, Larry Hewes, and Chris Gates. I gather that the festivities could not be confused with a WCTU outing, but there were bus tours and shopping expeditions. Nikki comments: “It’s a great pity that house parties like this seem to be relegated to novels by Agatha Christie. Happily for us, no one turned up dead.”

Francis Compton’s wife, Florence, is “blessedly clear of lung cancer after surgery and chemotherapy treatments.” Francis still is active in the Illinois Retired Teachers Association and in his local church’s book and men’s club, also finding time to go to exercise class three days a week.

Warren Hutchins retired on December 31st, 2009, after “53 ½ years in the financial services industry, the last 28 ½ years at Merrill Lynch.”

Joe Williams also is enjoying retirement from his position as CEO of the Williams Companies, dividing his time between Charleston, S.C, and Linville, N.C., depending on time of year and temperature.

On the class web site, you will find Jim Downey’s fascinating, full report on the Alumni Chorus trip to Cuba. Our Class is well represented on that group: Martin Fenton, Pete Allee, , Marvin Berenblum , Bill Bourne, Ken Liebman, and Jim Kingsbury. Several spouses accompanied the singers. However, Florence and Gene McKelvey and Peggy Kingsbury also intended to go. However, three days before the departure their visas were revoked because they were not singers, only ‘humanitarian workers.’ Jim’s observations about how the “tyranny of Communism can squeeze the life out of what was once a glorious island” are very interesting. In addition to commenting on “the great camraderie , spontaneous singing on the steps of a government building, ocean swimming, a wonderful night at the Hotel Nacional, which dates from the days when the mob held sway in Cuba, Jim reported that the group also visited the Buena Vista Social Club and “had a high speed trip through Havana in pre-1959 convertibles to the smiles and encouragement of the locals.” Cuban rum and cigars were enjoyed…but it wasn’t debauchery, as the Eli’s also played baseball against the Cubans, who “excelled.”

Speaking of interesting trips, if you are tempted by the thought of a cruise, get hold of Sabin Robbins’s book: “A Cruiser’s Guide to Ocean Wonders”. Sabin grew up in the wilds of Cincinnati, raising a raccoon, crow and sea gulls. After Yale and Oxford, he worked at the National Geographic and the National Zoo in Washington, also leading safaris around the world and lecturing on over 100 world cruises.

"After nearly a decade, a true stalwart of the local (and national) preservation movement has retired from the Chairmanship of the Historic Preservation Review Board"  – (NW Current newspaper).

Who? Tersh Boasberg, of course. Tersh (an attorney specializing in historic preservation, land use and environmental law) has an impressive list of accomplishments, including work as a trustee of the National Building Museum and President of the National Center for Preservation Law.

On March 5th several classmates gathered at a beautiful service in Washington, CT to celebrate the life of Charley West about whose life you read in a recent column. A widower, he is survived by his wonderful, loving daughters, Georgia and Peyton. Honoring Charley were Frances and Ed Barlow, Ted Robb, Judy and Gil Chapman, Francine and Larry Strauss, Bobbie and Jim Bishop, Mary Jane and Jack McGregor, and I. Jack, Charley’s friend virtually from birth, delivered a beautiful, thoughtful, and inspiring eulogy and Larry delivered a touching Bible reading. Those of us who knew and loved Charley will truly miss him.

George Linn Davis, a very distinguished global lawyer, died on March 2nd.In addition to serving five Citibank and Citicorp CEO’s, George was appointed by the US government as CEO of two rescued banks. George was Chairman of the National Stroke Association, the Central Park Conservancy, Lincoln Park Zoological Society, and the Chicago March of Dimes. He founded Scarborough, providing turn-around services and litigation support in financial services. George is survived by his, wife, Mary, and five sons.

I hope you are preparing to return for our 55th .
 

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2010 

“Hello, Sergeant, I want to report a stray artillery round in my neighbor’s yard.”

The artillery round turned out to be a 155mm shell, circa 1920's, with no explosives in it, covered with leaves, an artifact that the property’s owner planned to put on the curb for heavy garbage pick-up day! The report brought in an ordinance disposal team from Fort Dix which evacuated all the neighbors before disposing of the weapon. Who were the neighbors? Mark Thoman was one of them. Never a dull moment in New Jersey. Thanks to Ted Robb for sending me this report.

Thanks also to Jim Kern for alerting me that his next book will be “Trail Reflections”, celebrating Jim’s 50 years as a hiker and backpacker. He has back-packed on five continents and founded three successful, non-profit hiking organizations. In his book, Jim will share some of his adventures and perspectives from the trail, concluding the book with a report on his day hikes on the three grand foot trails formed by the passage of the 1968 National Trail System Act: The Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail, upon which Jim is hiking as I prepare this column in early September.

Ivan Phillips found turning seventy-five “a bit of a shock”, although his wife, Winnie, says that Ivan’s behavior is “more like that of a freshman.” Ivan and Winnie recently completed a cruise from Buenos Aires to Santiago, Chile, around Cape Horn.\

Responding to my appeal for news, Bill Massy sent me a wonderful e-mail. Since taking early retirement from Stanford in the mid-90’s, Bill has maintained a very active professional life, first as President of the Jackson Hole, WY, higher education group and now as a consultant for universities and higher education systems on the subject of academic quality and productivity, including counseling on “how faculty can deliver better education without spending more or undermining their research.” Bill and Suzanne May were married last December, having first met in the 1950’s and re-introduced after 25 years by Suzanne’s goddaughter, Beth, who is Bill’s daughter. Suzanne, sister of Ted May, Y ’55, and Bill love to trek, recently to Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK, Chile, and Abu Dhabi. Both having survived cancer operations and now cancer-free, Bill adds that they are “conscious of our mortality and make the most of each and every day together.”

Don Ross died on May 30^th. Don had a distinguished business career, first as the CEO of various businesses, then as a business consultant. The term “avid sportsman” is appropriate when considering the fact that Don played tennis and softball well into his 60’s, surf cast for bluefish and striped bass in Rhode Island, cast flies for trout in Vermont and New Hampshire, and trolled for walleyes and salmon in Lake Champlain. Don’s spouse of 47 years, Priscilla, predeceased him. He is survived by two children and two grandchildren.

Donald Miller died on June 20^th. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and two children. Don was an esteemed psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who educated psychiatry residents for forty years at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.

Earl  Thoenen, known to his friends as “Tommy”, died on May 28^th. After serving as a paratrooper with the 82^nd Airborne, Tommy was an engineering and product development expert, first with Bailey Corporation, then with Polaroid. Tommy was another avid fisherman, had a passion for golf, and competed in duplicate bridge tournaments. He is survived by his wife, Meredith, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

I recently received word that Richard Mittenthal died on March 21^st 2009. I do not have any news on his life and career, other than the fact that he lived in Arizona and was retired. If any of you can fill in the blanks to enable me to honor him, please let me know.

 My news cupboard is almost bare, so HELP. And..please plan to join your classmates at the Yale-Princeton weekend, November 12-14, with the added attraction of a class dinner on Saturday, and at our 55^th reunion, June 2^nd to 5^th. See you there…

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2010

“Every single day is a universe…All life is a merger, none survive alone…Painless injection, blissful vertebrae, why no flick named ‘Lumbar Tap?..Few things can surpass the satisfaction of a non- mea culpa…Yale, plus fifty-four, multi verses, dark matter, worm holes… Where am I?”

These expressions, verses and haiku’s, and many more, may be found on the Ben's website/blog, a truly remarkable contribution to us all from Ben Scotch, who, while courageously battling cancer and undergoing horrific 96 hour IV chemo treatments, finds the time and courage to share his reflections, unbelievable sense of humor, and breath-taking strength with us all. Seldom have I been as moved as I have with Ben’s reflections on his website and during several phone calls. Ben never asks: “Why me?” Instead he counts himself as a very fortunate person, while reflecting that “you can’t say the words cancer and normal about life.” Ben also asks:”Any views on whether or not I may use a yarmulke as a hair loss cap?” One morning he awoke at 4:07 am “too early for coffee so I started to sing (in mind only) songs from Hair.”(His “chemo rewrite” of “Hair’s: air pollution song is on his website/blog.) On one of his many trips home from the Burlington, VT hospital where he is undergoing treatment, while the nurses were debating whether he should leave in a wheel chair or could walk, Ben grabbed his harmonica, played a few bars of “Going Home”, and scooted down the stairs with his wonderful spouse Baz. Ben was pleased to discover that the Senior Resident Physician on his case is a Yale graduate and member of Ben’s Senior Society.

While Ben is celebrating his “non-mea culpa”, I confess to a mea culpa in my March/April column. Led astray by some erroneous information supplied to me about the “Torchia Press”, I assigned Andy Torchia’s son, Andy to the wrong part of the world; he actually worked in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai, and London. Son Chris covered Iraq, where he was stationed for Saddam’s capture and execution, Georgia, Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka (for the tsunami), and was embedded with the US Army in Afghanistan. Never a dull moment for the Torchias.

My question in the May/June issue of the YAM, asking opinions on whether Yale should bring back the ROTC, elicited several affirmative responses. Ron Partnoy: “I am strongly and emphatically in favor of the proposition. I personally am a product of the NROTC program…and it gave me a deep appreciation of what the Navy does and what it means to serve under the colors.” Ron served for almost thirty years, achieving the rank of Captain. Bruce Ensley comments that “the Navy and Defense Department have benefitted from the service of Yale grads…leavening the otherwise unleavened sources for our armed forces.” Bruce is a destroyer veteran who later served as a civilian analyst on the Secretary of the Navy’s staff. Dean Alexander, who was in the last Yale ROTC artillery class, believes that “the Ivies young people have a great deal to contribute to the military and a great deal to learn from it.” While working in health care product marketing, Dean was able to maintain his reserve status and complete the Army Career Artillery School and the Army Command and General Staff College. Dean adds that he considers it “a privilege to serve our country.”

A report from the Far West arrived from Reg Koehler. He and Ann now have spent twenty-six years in Seattle, one more than the twenty-five in New York. Reg is still practicing law part time. The Koehler’s recently left for five weeks in Provence to celebrate their fifty-fourth wedding anniversary, their thirty-fifth sojourn to France, including several four month sabbaticals.

As reported by Ted Robb, Bill Poorvu was the superb moderator of the national conference of the Yale Alumni Real Estate Association. Bill is an Adjunct Professor Emeritus of Entrepreneurship at Harvard.

Once again I must report on the deaths of valued classmates. Andy Orr died on April 21st. He is survived by his wife, Ann, to whom he was married for fifty-two years, two sons, two daughters and thirteen grandchildren. From 1960 until 2005, when the company was sold, Andy was President of Spray Products, founded by Andy’s father in 1922 and the manufacturer of industrial and automotive aerosols. Andy was very active on the Radnor (PA) Board of Commissioners and on a variety of other civic organizations.

George Stoddart died on April 6th. After serving in the Marine Corps and achieving the rank of Captain, George worked as a financial analyst in various firms before becoming Vice-President of Corporate Communications at McDermott International in New Orleans. George and his wife, Gail, were married for 51 years. George also is survived by a son, a daughter, and five grandchildren.

Latest report from our class treasurer, Ted Robb. Thanks to your generosity, including dues payments of almost $30 000, our 2010 opening balance of $21 932 has expanded to $44 140, before payments of $16 000 for the Davenport Fellowship winners.
THANK YOU.

 
MAY-JUNE 2010

“The Judge and the Addict…Two Journeys…A Reversed Three Strikes Conviction Means a New Chance at Life for One Man and a Life-Affirming Mission for Another.” Thus read the headline in an article from The Los Angeles Times, forwarded to me by Ted Calleton. Who is the judge who reversed the conviction? Spencer Letts. Michael Banyard, under California’s three strike law, was sentenced to a term of 25 years to life for possessing a small amount of crack cocaine. Spencer, who was appointed by President Reagan as a Judge on California’s US District Court, was Michael’s last hope. In reviewing the case and the previous convictions, Spencer, in 2004, issued a “precedent setting order: Banyard must be released immediately on grounds that his lengthy sentence violated the ban in the US Constitution against cruel and unusual punishment.” After his verdict Spencer summoned Michael to his chambers and told him: “I want to tell you in person how proud you should be. Your perseverance won the day…I wanted to tell you that when something like this happens in life, don’t kick that in the face. You have another chance,  you might never get one another day.” After that meeting, “the two were tied together, and the case was enshrined in law journals.” Today they still are friends and Michael, due to Spencer, is celebrating a life saved. There is no way that I can do justice to the bond that has developed between Spencer and Michael. I can only urge you to go on line to find the two part Los Angeles Times series in the February 28^th and March 1^st issues. Personally, I am extremely proud of Spencer and grateful to Ted for sending me the article. Ted also reports that he, Al Koch, and Peter Brier meet each Friday for lunch. At the last lunch, Al reported on the Battle of Leyte Gulf (remember that battle?). Al and Ted continue to practice law.

 Yes, we may be classified as “geriatrics”, but so many of us defy that classification and continue to produce meaningful contributions to society, like Spencer. In the literary world Fred Brown has written another outstanding book: “For the Soul of France…Culture Wars in the Age of Dreyfus”, published by Knopf, a book that explores the conflicts that began thirty years before Dreyfus and continued to be a “festering point” until 1940 and the fall of the Third Republic. Fred, a well-known cultural historian, also is the author of world-acclaimed biographies of Zola and Flaubert, books that were recognized with the National Book Critics Award (Flaubert) and a New York Times Editors Choice (Zola). He twice has been recognized with both Guggenheim and National Endowment for the Humanities awards. This quote in “For the Soul of France” from the 19^th century social psychologist, Gustave Le Bron, caught my attention: “In the endless struggle with reason, emotion has never been vanquished.”

 Cam Trowbridge has just completed a biography of Marconi, available at Amazon in manuscript form under “Marconi Trowbridge”,  which traces Marconi’s influence as “Father of Wireless, Grandfather of Radio, and Great Grandfather of the Cell Phone” and the “Race to Control Long Distance Wireless.” Cam calls Marconi a “giant” akin to Bill Gates and Steve Job.

 From my count of our 50^th reunion publication, “Comment and Commitment” Cam is the 92^nd classmate to have a work published (on paper, TV or internet) If anyone out there has been published and is not listed in that list, please let me know. We also have creative spouses, ten who have been published and a famous comedienne offspring: Ken Liebman’s daughter, Wendy, appeared at the Comix Comedy Club in New York last April.

MARCH-APRIL 2010

Andy Torchia retired in 1994 as the AP Chief of Nordic Services in Stockholm in order to sail- an activity from which he also has retired. The seriousness of that pursuit is indicated by his mailing address-- at a marina in Cyprus. Son Andrew, Yale 1986, is with Thomson Reuters news service in England and has covered Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Son Christopher, Yale 1989, is AP Bureau Chief in Istanbul.

In last month’s YAM I reported on the fascinating life and unique sculpture garden of Roland Paegle. Harry Jancis advises me that Roland recently received the Order of the Three Stars from the Latvian government, the highest decoration that the government can award to a Latvian not living in that country. The honor recognizes Roland’s efforts in “organizing BATUN (Baltic Appeal to the United Nations)”. Thanks to that organization’s efforts, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are recognized as independent nations, not as part of Russia. As for Harry, he is enjoying retirement, with travel (Australia and Egypt in 2009) and grandchildren as “our biggest joy.” Harry also confirms that he is “still hitting the tennis ball (poorly) and playing  tournament bridge (reasonably well).” An aside: As I sit in the midst of an early January blizzard, hunt and peck typing this column, I am reminded by the stories reported above of how interesting and how much fun it is to be Class Secretary.

Congratulations to Alan Marshall. After 65 years of playing golf, Alan shot his first hole-in-one an 185 yard, five iron bullet on a course in Michigan. I am very jealous, not only of the shot but by the use of a five iron; I’d be hitting a three iron for that distance.

Howard Parker’s travels last fall included an eclectic group of destinations in Ohio and Kentucky including visits to former travel companions in Lexington, KY, Wooster and Hamilton OH, to a race track in Lexington, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, and all the sights in Columbus, ranging from the Art Museum and Botanical Garden to the Ohio State football stadium.

Carl Morse’s latest opus is “Queer for Life at Yale: 1952-1956. A Kinseysan, Keynsian, and Dickensian Account.” This honest and touching publication of is available directly

Carl, Apt 17B, 460 West 24^th Street, New York, NY 10011. The very prolific Carl is the author of two chapbooks of poems, which also have been widely published in magazines and anthologies. In addition, he is the co-author of “Gay and Lesbian Poetry of our Time” (St. Martin’s Press) and has translated several French publications. A true Renaissance man, Carl’s essays and articles have appeared in a range of publications, including “The New York Times” and “The Village Voice” to “Poets and Writers Magazine”. A former editor at Macmillan, Doubleday, and Western Publishing, Carl also was Editor-in-Chief and Director of Publications at the Museum of Modern Art. Carl’s plays have been performed in Paris, London, New York, and Berlin…and that’s only a partial list!

The recipient of the Class of 1956 Memorial Scholarship, Lindsey Raymond, Yale  2013,  the grandniece of classmate Richard Raymond, lives in TD, is interested in economics, math, and psychology, and interned last summer at Boston’s Joslin Diabetes Center and with Project Hope, a nonprofit that works to help Ugandan women improve their lives. A starter on the soccer team, Lindsay helped to develop the initial issue of “Business Sphere” magazine, co-authored a paper on smoking cessation and is working on a project in the Psychology department’s Health, Emotion, and Behavior Lab. I wonder what Lindsay does in her spare time.

I am so often touched by the commitment and loyalty of our classmates to their 1956 cohorts who have died. A number of you e-mailed me about John Fitzgibbon’s memorial service at Sacramento State College. As Tersh Boasberg and Bill Rees reported, the service was attended by over 150 people, with 10-12 speakers, including Tersh, Bill, Bill Bourke, and Roger Hollander. Other classmates in attendance were Dan Banks, Peter Bull, and Milt Gaines. Tersh commented that it was “a very personal, moving, and eclectic service.”

Peter Allee, Peter Shattuck, and Don Chatfield provided me with extensive and moving reports about David Lloyd, who died after a 24 year battle with prostate cancer. ”The New York Times” stated: “Mr. Lloyd was an astonishingly productive writer by television standards.” His shows included Mary Tyler Moore, Cheers, Bob Newhart, Lou Grant, Frasier, and many more. An Emmy award winner, David served in the Navy and taught school before beginning his TV career by writing monologues for Jack Parr, Johnny Carson, and Dick Cavett. One of David’s roommates and a life-long friend, Peter Allee, comments: “He had a zest for life and a matchless wit. Life with David was full of laughs and never dull.” Don Chatfield and David “were friends since being incompetent dancers together” in a Dramat musical, “So What.” They also appeared together in the Dramat production of “The Scarecrow”, where David staggered around the stage in a pumpkin head. He sent out “hilarious Christmas letters which contained the second page (only) of a letter about a fictionalized family whose members have just gone to jail or been convicted of swindles of have committed some inexplicable, terrible faux pas.” Peter Shattuck, David’s freshman roommate, recalls taking the geology course for non scientists where, on his first exam, David “with great solemnity labeled a pinkish-green blob, in full W.C. Fields voice, ‘acneous leprocite. He had started his career.” David is survived by his wife, Arline, five children and two grandchildren.

HELP- My cupboard is almost bare.  Help me avoid a blank page where ’56 should appear by e-mailing me your news. Thanks.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2010

In this issue we welcome a new year and a new classmate. Peter Hinkle has seen the light and switched from 1957 to 1956. Welcome Peter; Ted Robb take note.

Last night Gay and I went to the flicks and saw “Where the Wild Things Are”. Today I am looking at an article from the “Quoddy Times” (Maine) on a calmer and happier place populated by “graceful mermaids, a grave-faced fisherman, the “Scarries”, Neptune and a dancing bear.” All of these wonderful creatures are hand-carved sculptures in a “woodland sculpture garden brought to life” by Grazina and Roland Paegle, and some may also be seen in our 50th reunion yearbook. The driftwood versions were crafted by Roland, the solid wood statues by artists in Lithuania and Latvia, the original home countries of Ron and Grazina. Both were children whose lives were torn apart by World War II and who arrived in the U.S. after spending time in a German displaced persons camp. They met in the 1960’s when both were demonstrating outside the Soviet Mission to the United Nations in New York. The commissions in Latvia and Lithuania were inspired by a sculpture park in Lithuania. U.S. Customs agents were baffled by the jumble of works in a large crate but finally cleared the shipment. Roland invites those of us who are headed to Maine to contact him and visit the park, which is in Alexander, near the Canadian border.

Speaking of sculptures, Charlie Bleich wrote of a reunion he and Linda had in Massachusetts with Elaine and Marshall Witten and Bill Massy, who was accompanied by his fiancé, Suzanne Garber. Charlie extols Elaine’s “exceptional bronze sculptures”. The group attended the concerts at Tanglewood and found them especially beautiful –a sentiment that Gay and I share. Fifty-four years ago at a Tanglewood concert Charlie whispered into Linda’s ear: “ Look at the view.” Linda responded: “I love you too.” That’s where the “still vibrant romance” began. Charlie’s letter included a clipping from “The Weekend Australia” newspaper with the following headline:”Obama Sends Us His Superman”, aka Charlie’s son, Jeff, nominated to be US Ambassador to Australia. Jeff was active in the presidential campaign and has had an amazing legal career, including significant contributions to non-profits and the environment, leading to the identification as “superman.”Charlie continues as Professor of restorative dentistry at Nova South Eastern School of Dentistry in Ft.Lauderdale and has served as vice-president of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and founder/chairman of the Talcotta Mountain Music Festival.

Arnie Kaplan is still thrilled by the practice of psychiatry but has cut back to half-time in order to increase his time with family and his beach house-“the best of all possible worlds.”

Once again it pains me to report on the deaths of distinguished classmates. Leonard “Shep”Shepley, a classmate who moved on from New Haven to Oklahoma University where he graduated at the top of his class, died on September 1st. Prior to joining our class, Shep was a master sergeant in the US Air Force. He went on to a very successful career in technology, owned a patent in computer programming and retired from Lockheed Martin. A man of many interests and talents, he also enjoyed motorcycling, piloting planes, owning a hobby store, sailing, and playing dominos. He was pre-deceased by his second wife, Norma, in June.

Charles “Tif” Bingham died on September 27th after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Those of us who were with him at the 50th reunion will never forget how cheerfully engaged he was at that celebration. To quote Tif from the 50th yearbook: “I have Parkinson’s disease, a quadruple bypass, and a pacemaker. But I also have a survivor’s spirit, a wonderful wife, a loving family and friends, and my teeth.” Tif was a Marine Corps fighter pilot and then worked at the Cottonwood Corporation in Memphis. He was extensively involved with that City’s civic organizations , serving as Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and he served Governor Lamar Alexander as Chairman of the first jobs Conference. An avid antique collector and sailor, Tif is survived by his wife, Sandy, three children, and five grandchildren. Sandy’s address is 198 Tuckahoe Lane, Memphis, TN 38117-3024.

Dick Streeter died of complications from cancer in Chagrin Falls, OH on October 1st. The “Cleveland Plain Dealer” reported that “With his deep blue eyes, Richard E. Streeter reminded some people of Paul Newman. With his constant smile and upbeat liberalism, he reminded others of his fellow Minnesotan, Hubert Humphrey.” A very successful lawyer, Dick led several non-profits, including Legal Aid, the Cleveland Welfare Foundation, the Federation for Community Planning, Lake Erie College, and the Center for Families and Children. Dick was the object of attacks for his eventually successful effort to spread public housing into new neighborhoods. Dick moved to a retirement home in Wells, ME due to failing eyesight. After his fourth corneal transplant last spring, he again could see clearly. I do not have a Maine address for Dick’s spouse, Charlotte.

John Fitz Gibbon’s death on October 25th was reported to me by Bill Bourke. Roger Hollander made his first road trip since his accident to visit John, and, thereby, as reported by Bill, “giving John leave to yield.” As Tersh Boasberg e-mailed on learning of John’s death: “In death, Fitz can seem even larger than in (his later) life, because the pain and frustration are gone, and we remember mostly that this was one hell of a complex, brilliant, Rabelaisian, opinionated, iconoclastic, witty, lover of all things beautiful and true. A marvelous friend, indeed. He will be missed.” Amen. Jane Fitz Gibbon’s address is 31 Piedras Negras, Santa Fe, NM 87505.

My address listed above is valid until March, when we hope to move into our New York apartment at 140 Riverside Drive, NYC 10024. Now…back to the packing boxes. Happy New Year to all.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2009

It is exciting to receive the news of your varied activities and tremendously sad to learn of the deaths of cherished classmates. This month’s news includes much of the former and too much of the latter. First, the former:

Tom Vennum was presented the “Spirit of Lacrosse Award” by the International Lacrosse Federation in recognition of his extensive writing on that subject. His fifth book, “Just Too Much of an Indian: Bill Baker, Stalwart in a Fading Culture”, was published in August 2008. Tom divides his time between Tuscon Arizona and Madeline Island Wisconsin, where he occasionally encounters Mort Cushman in the post office.

He thought that he was peacefully retired. However, Parker Gilbert, with several others who also thought that they were retired, returned to the fray to rescue the leadership and the heart of Morgan Stanley. A fascinating account of that event and of the history of the firm can be found in “Blue Blood and Mutiny: The Fight for the Soul of Morgan Stanley.” Parker’s commitment to the well-being of the firm and its employees, and to its historical ethos, is inspiring but not surprising to someone who has known him since childhood. I received two wonderful communications from Jim Van Cott. The first, in addition to reporting his new winter address in Clinton, CT., reports on his activities in Maine, “a synonym for outdoor and natural beauty” where Jim’s full life includes “travel, grand-parenting, helping math students, painting with water colors and helping local libraries and church committees to be absorbing and purposeful.” As if that isn’t enough to keep him busy, Jim, as an off-shoot to his cryptology career in the Navy, composes music, an interest and ability he attributes to the Harkness Tower chimes and Battell Chapel bells. One of Jim’s daughters, Elizabeth, recently was promoted to Associate Professor of Hematology at Harvard Medical School and the other, Wendy, earned an MS in journalism at Columbia. In his second letter, Jim graciously thanks all who helped to organize the mini-reunion in Washington and reports on his participation in the first Yale Global Community Day on May 16th when he joined Yale faculty, alumni, undergraduates, and community volunteers to “spruce up College Woods in East Rock Park.” In the small world department, it turns out that the musical Jim and his daughters composed a song honoring their elementary and secondary school, Holton-Arms, where I subsequently became Headmaster.

Peter Tveskov e-mailed me a stirring tribute that he composed honoring Jack Embersits, Class of ’58 football captain, which can be read on our web site and, I expect, in the Class of ’58 notes. Peter worked with Jack for over twenty years.

We will miss, and we honor, the following classmates.

Myron Bromberg “googled” me that Dick Kates died in Colorado Springs on May 5th. After serving for four years as a pilot in the Navy, Dick earned a Masters in Economics and Real Estate Appraisal at the University of Wisconsin. After moving to Colorado he appraised thousands of acres in the West, including the Grand Canyon dam and and various sites in Denver. He also established the first full service car wash in that area. An enthusiastic athlete who not only played the usual sports- tennis, golf, squash, and fishing- he also competed in the New York, Boston, and Mount Evans marathons. Dick is survived by his spouse, Sue, two children and several grandchildren. Sue lives at One Berthe Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.

Elliot Hastings died on April 24th in Leonia New Hampshire. A graduate of Boston University Medical School, Elliot spent two years in the Army Medical Corps, then practiced general surgery and was active on various medical boards. A licensed pilot, he belonged to the Flying Physicians of America, and also was active in a variety of sports, including scuba diving, and was an ardent gardener with a passion for roses. His wife, Debra, lives at 1 Wild Acres Road, Guilford, NH 03246. Elliot also is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.

Ted Jump died in Westminster MD on May 8th. Described by a colleague as a “master teacher and administrator”, Ted taught at a variety of public and private schools, including Hill and Severn, and tutored non-reading adults at such organizations as Alcoholic Anonymous. Ted was active in community theater and sang in various choirs and chorales. You may remember that Ted was a drama critic with the Yale daily news and had the distinction of panning Paul Newman. He is survived by his wife, Janet, and three children. The address is 3520 Sykesville Road, Westminster, MD 21157.

This year we celebrated the arrival at Yale of our first class scholarship winner, Lindsay Raymond. Her Grandfather, Bob Raymond, informs me that his brother and our classmate, Dick Raymond, died on April 25th. After graduating from Yale Law School, Dick specialized in municipal bonds at law firms in California and New York. He is survived by Bob and a sister.

I just received word that Stephen Reiss died on April 29th. The only other information that I have reports that he was the President of the Reiss agency in Nyack, New York and is survived by Sondra (H 17, 7 Secora Road, Monsey, NY 10952) and one son.

Sam Hunter reports the sad news that his wife, Gail, died suddenly at their home in Princeton on May 1st, shortly after their return from a celebratory weekend in New York City.

Finally, Gay and I are moving to New York in November, to be closer to children and grandchildren.DON’T FORGET THE CLASS DINNER AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING AFTER THE HARVARD GAME. Since Mory’s is temporarily kaput, I will advise the venue for the meeting.

JULY-AUGUST 2009 The sun shone brightly on our April mini-reunion in Washington, attended by 99 guests, including 51 classmates – a splendid turnout for a marvelous occasion.

Bob Mason so ably headed up the arrangements team and led tours to the Capital and to the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum. Tersh Boasberg took a group to learn about Lincoln’s Little Known Washington, and Sally, a renowned landscape designer, guided a group through Dumbarton Oaks and Tudor Place. Gib Durfee led the visits to Washington’s monuments, the National Cathedral, and the Kennedy Center, where the group saw the new production of “Ragtime”. Bill Rees was responsible for the National gallery tour. Yours truly accompanied a group to Mt. Vernon and moderated a panel covering two very important issues facing this country and the world. Our own Jacques Gansler discussed 21st century national security concerns, including cyber terrorism, traditional terrorism (Al Qaeda brand), regional conflicts with low tech weapons (anthrax, suicide bombers), rogue nuclear states (North Korea, Iran), large scale nuclear threats, peer competitors (China etc.), and non-military threats (world-wide economic disasters, pandemics, global warming). Robert Sussman, Yale College 1969, Yale Law School 1973, currently Senior Policy Counsel to the EPA administrator and Senior Energy and Environment Advisor to President Obama, enunciated the environmental and energy challenges we face. The impact of the recession and lower gas prices have negatively affected the commitment to a “green world”, as people tend to lose sight of the long term benefits of investing in such a world while taking advantage of short term opportunities. Bob reported that we face such challenges as: the need to pass climate legislation; the need for an international treaty to replace Kyoto; the creation of a new energy economy. As you who were not there can imagine, these were two stimulating presentations. They both emphasized a global approach to the challenges, rather than an isolationist, unilateral one.

Our Friday night dinner was enlivened by the usual brilliance of John Eaton at the keyboard, an event we all anticipated with pleasure. Saturday night’s speaker was Dana Milbank, Yale 1990 and a columnist for “The Washington Post.” Dana honored us with yet another wonderful presentation, combining brilliant humor with a discussion of serious national concerns, opening with a discussion of the Congressional version of the flu- “pork flu”- a reference to those projects which seem to pop up in all our districts. There is so much more to tell. I hope that we will have been able to post the talks and events on our web page by the time you read this. Indeed, FRIENDSHIP LASTS. We now turn class reunions and meetings back to Bud Prince, our true gathering leader for 25 years!

On to other news: Jack Flobeck reports on his fishing trip with Charlie Shedd to Alaska, where they found themselves in the wilderness surrounded by moose, eagles, wolves, grizzlies, and salmon, but very few humans. The catch and release fishing was excellent, with both fishermen often reeling in salmon simultaneously. Jack informs me that Charlie, aka “Crazy Charlie”, is a world famous fly fisherman who offers casting courses for individuals, including a group of women known as “Charlie’s Angels.” When not up to his hips in a salmon stream, Jack is working on a novel about water and terrorism.

Peter Tveskov e-mailed me a hilarious message about his experience leading an Elderhostel group to Scandinavia. While looking for lost elders in the ferry terminal in Stockholm, Peter realized that the gangplank for passenger boarding had already been raised. Peter takes it from there:”I set some sort of record in the 100 yard or so dash for a 72 year old with a knee replacement in a blue blazer, tie, and carrying carry-on luggage, to reach some sort of servants’ entrance several decks below and made it.” While in the Danish Resistance Museum in Copenhagen, Peter ran into Lenny Marcus, who was Director of Labor Relations at Yale when Peter worked there.

 Short notes: Peter Brier caught up in Jerusalem with Ted Krevit, who Peter describes as “a grand patriarch with several great grandchildren.” Ivan Phillips’ magnificent collection of French 18th century color prints and a National Gallery of Art of Washington collection were jointly exhibited at the Yale Art Museum last winter.

Jim Kern reports that we have a “raconteur extraordinaire” in our class- Sabin Robbins. Robbie recounted for Jim some of his more unusual experiences: Ben Bradlee describing Watergate to Robbie, David Brinkley and other guests of Robbie’s while in his pajamas late one night; Danny Kaye “out-jousting” Art Buchwald at a dinner party, driving a fuming Buchwald away from the party; Robbie and Peter Beard at Isak Dennison’s farm north of Nairobi, Kenya. Jim also recounted how having forgotten to tell Sabin about his office alarm system, Robbie had the unexpected opportunity to meet the local police. Robbie helped Jim with the editing of “The Wildlife Art and Adventures of Jim Kern” and is an active lecturer on the cruise ship circuit.

On a sad note, Susan Cavanagh Wyper, Yale 1984, sent on the following from her Mother, Pat Cavanagh. “I am sad to report that my husband of 51 years, Bob Cavanagh, died on March 14, 2009. After his graduation from Yale Law School in 1959, we settled in New Haven where he practiced law for fifty years and was an active member of the community. Bob enjoyed amateur theater and performed in many local productions. He was an enthusiastic golfer, Yale hockey fan and grandfather to seven grandsons, two of whom followed him to Yale (2011, 2013).” Pat’s address is 155 West Todd Street, Hamden, CT. 06518. In addition to Pat and Susan, Bob is survived by another daughter, Julia, and a son, Robert.

MAY-JUNE 2009

I am writing this piece the day after the Washington snow “storm” of 2009. In New England it would have been called a “dusting.” We have learned to stay off the roads after such an event in order to avoid all those drivers from around the world who spin out on the occasion of their introduction to snow. I am reminded that you will be reading this column amongst the spring blossoms. Happy spring.

Paul Buckwalter reminds us that even in the midst of a financial meltdown some things never change. Having just received the J.Press catalogue, he was prepared to order one of everything but then realized that living in the southwest, the elegant clothes, closely resembling those we used to see in the York Street store’s window, would not be appropriate and would long outlast him. Paul currently is the interim Episcopal Church chaplain at the University of Arizona. He recently read Essy Esselstyn’s book, “Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven Nutrition-Based Cure.” Dr. Bernadine Healy, the former head of NIH, wrote: “Dr. Esselstyn has always been ahead of his time” and suggested that his focus on the healing power of proper nutrition could mean that “heart patients could cure themselves.” Having studied Essy’s recipes, Paul is reassured that if ever he is invited to Anne and Essys for dinner, he would not only eat a delicious meal but would enjoy organic wine.

Other news from the pews: Michael Woloch joined the Community of Christ, formerly called the Reorganized Mormon Church, and is now active in the Montreal parish which includes a significant Haitian population. Michael has learned to speak Haitian-Creole and is active in the historical society, studying Mormon history.

Carol and Harold Weicker recently celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary. After forty years in the Episcopal Church ministry, the Weickers moved to San Miguel de Allende, where they live on a horse farm, awaiting your visit.

Don Gordon (aka Gouch) is not behind the pulpit but is active singing in the choir at St. John’s UMC in Santa Fe, where he also sings in a Whiffs-style small group. Once a Whiff…

Claude Offenbacher, building on his days at the Yale Dramat, continues to perform on stage in Eugene Oregon while acting as the co-host of the local NPR interview call-in show, “Sundays at Noon.”

While on the subject of performers, the Weekend Edition of the January 30th Washington Post featured a lead article on John Eaton, labeling him “The Master of American Standards.”

Wolf Trap will be the repository for John’s notes and materials. John’s comment? ”I’m from the horse and carriage age, but they tell me everything will be digitized. I pretend to know what that means, and I am grateful.” Wolf Trap released the fourth installment of John’s American Popular Song series in March, featuring Fats Waller and Hoagy Carmichael. Remember them?

Jim Don reports on a mini-reunion with Jim Jeffords just before Christmas. A Silliman College group of Jim, Nelson Crowther, Bruce Ensley, and Jim Glen took Jim Jeffords out to lunch. Jim would love to hear from his many friends at the Knollwood Army Distaff Foundation (a retired military assisted living facility), 6200 Oregon Avenue N.W. Washington D.C. 20015, 202-541-0150.

Our condolences to Russell Broad, whose wife, Laura, died on May 3rd. Russ is retired, living at 94 Mayflower Road, Needham MA 02192-1110.

It always is hard for me to report obituaries, even harder when it is someone you know and love. James B. Brown (not James M. Brown) died on February 21st, surrounded by family and listening to his favorite song, “Joy to the World’ by Three Dog Night. Jim, a very happy and amusing soul, who joined our class after a stint in the army, retired as Chairman of Brown Thayer Shedd Inc. a few years ago and is survived by three children and his spouse of many years, Sidney, who may be reached at The Waverly Care Center Main Campus, 3 Farm Road, New Canaan Ct. 06840-6698.

Fred Buggie, who also returned to Yale and our class after an absence, died on January 5th. As reported in the Lake Wylie, S.C. newspaper, Fred was “a pioneer in new product development and was the author of the book “New Product Development Strategies.” Fred is survived by his wife, Debra, two children, and six grandchildren. Debra lives at River Hills, 8 Sunrise Point, Lake Wylie, SC 29710.

This just in: After much consideration and discussion of over 20 applications for our Davenport Fellowship, the evaluation committees in Boston, New York, and Washington have agreed upon three winners from a very strong group of applicants. The projects are: “Public Health Internship with Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan” in India; “Return to the Roots: A Creative Writing Project” in China; “Encountering Benin: Cultural Immersion and Reflection Through Personal Essay.” The applications we received certainly reflected the international nature of life at Yale. We all are very grateful to the committee members in the three cities and to the three chairs, Ed Selig, John Rindlaub, and Gib Durfee. Of course, if you who attend the fall class dinner, you will be able to hear the three reports. If anyone would like to see a copy of the winning submissions, let me know.

Lots more news next issue, including reports from (among others): Peter Tveskov, Jim van Cott, Peter Brier, Ivan Phillips, and Jim Kern. How about that for a trailer?  

MARCH-APRIL 2009

Writing this in early January for a March/April issue, it may seem strange to refer to Christmas. However, my holiday was enriched by the marvelous contributions of two classmates. My entire family and several friends received The Wildlife Art and Adventures of Jim Kern, after I had read it first, of course. The photographs are stunning, and the written descriptions of Jim's adventures traveling to far-off places in order to film exotic animals are intriguing. Having digested that holiday morsel, what arrived in our mail? The new CD Rescue from the lead performer, Nikki Barranger, who with his singer, Rose Ann, has created a collection of little-known hymns which, in part, deal with the theme of rescue. These beautiful pieces largely "have fallen from public notice" (to quote Nikki's notes), and "deserve to be rediscovered." Thank you, Jim and Nikki, for so movingly enriching our holiday.

Peter Shattuck observed that after his supposed retirement, Lew Lapham has launched a "wonder," Lapham's Quarterly. "Each issue is a superb compendium of the world's writing on a single subject – war, knowledge, nature -marvelously chosen and superbly illustrated."

Encouraged by Jim Fitzgibbon, Joanne and Bill Rees have put together an extensive collection of California art which was exhibited at the New Britain Museum of American Art during the summer of 2007. Although I missed the exhibit, I can tell from the catalogue that the quality and variety of the works are compelling. The chief curator of the Oakland Museum commented: "[The Rees] collection today, certainly among the most comprehensive in the east, provides a rare and welcome view of the kind of expression that continues to flourish out west, and whose influence is strongly felt in the current pluralistic tendencies in American art."

Mary Lee Jamieson sent me an article with photos of the Marie Lederer Senior Center, redeveloped from certified but derelict buildings dating from 1898 and 1915 in Philadelphia by Ted Robb. Judging by the photographs, I'd say that if I ever get old, I could be happy there.

  John Tunney spoke at the Ronald Reagan Library in California, proving that "Democrats are not totally incapable of appreciating true leadership when it shows up in the Republican Party."

The Cullman-Heyman Tennis Center at Yale, a beautiful building which recently was dedicated, includes the William E. Cranston III '56 Court, honoring our deceased classmate, a facility funded by over 20 '56ers. The donor of the team room was the always-generous Joe McNay.

  Traveling correspondent Alan Marshall reported on his annual trek to San Diego from Michigan in the winter of 2008. On the way, Dorie and Alan visited Sylvia and Bill Adams in Memphis (Alan, do you need a GPS?), who had just moved into a beautiful house in a senior community and who continue to chase golf balls down the fairway. In Amarillo the Marshalls stopped in to see Carol and Ted Nicklaus; Ted has retired from his medical practice but is busy supervising programs designed to assist needy seniors. Having safely arrived in San Diego via Tennessee and Texas, Alan and Bill Dickinson met to play golf. On the way home the Marshalls visited Lloyd and Ken Mills, who, as previously reported, received the lifetime achievement award for their volunteer work in the Santa Ynez valley. The Marshalls certainly get around. Alan, Bill Adams, and Bill Dickinson hooked up for a golf week in Myrtle Beach in October. My apologies to Wil Long for adding an extra l to Wil in previous columns, an apology willingly given. In a previous column I reported on Michael Carey's role as chief of neurosurgery at Manhattan VA hospital, with a specialty in the surgical control of epilepsy. In July Michael went to Iraq for a Marine Corps- and State Department-sponsored meeting in Ramadi. To quote Michael: "Having been in Vietnam and Desert Storm, I found it so inspiring and uplifting to be with the troops again. They serve our country with great professionalism and pride. Hoorah."

Henry Heikkinen, professor emeritus at the University of Northern Colorado, has been honored with the 2009 George C. Pimental Award in chemical education from the American Chemical Society, the world's largest single-discipline scientific organization. The award recognizes Henry's contributions to chemical education in the fields of "teaching influential writing, educational research, methodology of instruction, and integrating of chemistry into the educational system." The range of Henry's contributions is very impressive and includes leadership in the National Science Foundation, developing a course designed to "enhance interest in high school chemistry through use of real-world examples and chemistry-related societal challenges." Henry was chief editor of ChemCom, which "has reached over two million students and teachers." He also served as the first chair of a National Research Council Committee "that drafted K-12 science learning goals for the National Science Education Standards." Internationally, Henry has been a speaker and consultant to over a dozen European and Asian countries, "helping to advance chemistry teaching and learning worldwide."  

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 As I write this column in early November, over 100 classmates, spouses, and friends have indicated their intention to come to Washington for our mini-reunion April 23-26, with another 50 hoping to join them. If you have not registered yet, it is late-but not too late- to join the festivities. Please come and enjoy Washington at cherry blossom time, with such added attractions as John Eaton, the FDR and Viet Nam memorials, class dinners at the famous Cosmos Club and on the Hill in a congressional dining room, etc., etc.  

Remember the Colony Hotel in New Haven? Perhaps one or more of your dates stayed there. It is now the posh Library at Yale, a boutique hotel which reflects the changing nature of New Haven, thanks in part as a result of Yale’s investment in the city. Bob Wheeler, who informed of this development, sums up his feeling: “Gadzooks.”  

My apologies to Beverly Bret Vila, Richard Vila’s widow, for adding an extra l to his last name when I reported his death in my September-October column. Beverly wrote that Richard “was a wonderful reflection on Yale and the best man I ever met.”

Will Long wrote from Germany to add news to the report on 1956 clergy discussed in the May-June issue of this publication. For 35 years Will has taught in Germany about the source and meaning of being a Christian, with fascinating-sounding courses like Paul’s New Testament Philosophy ; Luther’s and Calvin’s Reforrmations; Catholic Church History until the 16th Century; Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam; and Christianity’s Confrontations with Fascism. Will also is required to teach another subject- English with a focus on American history, novels, drama, and the musical-“Camelot.” What a portfolio! Will also reminds us that the late Don Collenback also had a distinguished theological career.

Among our local Smithsonian experts is Bruce Ensley, a volunteer docent at the Air and Space Museum. He also conducts semi-annual, personal “stress seminars” on assorted trout streams.

Among the many attractions at the mini-reunion, which does not seem so mini, will be a concert by John Eaton, whose CD’s recorded for Wolf Trap, are available at Wolftrap.org, with a link to the distributor “CD Baby”.

Carla and Dick Wilde’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration included a second honeymoon in San Francisco, where they re-united with Elizabeth and Peter Shattuck; the latter was Dick’s Silliman room mate. Dick developed the back pack for the shuttle and international space station missions and was featured on the Discovery Channel series “Moon Machines.” Peter and Elizabeth sail the coasts of Spain and Portugal and travel to such interesting spots as northwest Russia, Turkey and Greece. Peter reports on a “most pleasant dinner” in New York with Libby and Saul Moroff. Libby and Elizabeth were schoolmates.

  Bill Emery and Shelley have retired in New Canaan, Ct, after 43 years of living overseas, the first 33 with Citibank. Bill is pleased that he has been able to re-unite with classmates on this side of the pond: Alice and Peter Runnette live down the street, and the Emery’s also caught up with Winnie and Ivan Phillips for an Italian repast.

On the grandchild scene: Prentiss Sawyer’s first, Claire; another first, Liam, grandchild of Francis Compton, who still sings in his church choir and is Secretary of his Illinois Retired Teachers Association. Bill Trippe plays an active role in his youngest grandson’s life, serving as equipment manager for his hockey team.

Recently returned from Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos, Arnie Kaplan was excited to “explore how other cultures solve the challenges of living.” Arnie is very happy with his psychiatric practice, having withdrawn from managed care, reporting that “it’s still a great thrill to have the privilege of being ushered into a patient’s private world and to be part of their healing and progress.” Arnie intends to continue in his practice “as long as a few brain cells survive.”

For Austin Pryor 2007 was a momentous year: He and Dorothy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a cruise to Alaska. Overcoming a titanium shoulder, Austin’s golf score is holding up, and he continues to sing in the church choir. (Have you noticed how many of our classmates sing in church choir? How about a church choir session at the reunion?) Son Bradley has made a mid-life switch from a software support job to a fireman in Atlanta- a move heartily endorsed by the Pryors.

I have recently been reminded of the significant contributions of Gail and Parker Gilbert to the New York scene. As we entered Roosevelt Hospital in New York to greet our newest grandchild, Charlie, Gay and I found ourselves in the very impressive Gail and Parker Gilbert entrance reception room. A few weeks earlier the New York Times reported that Parker was the Chair of the search committee which appointed the new Director of the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

A couple of concluding reflections: This column is, I believe, the first in years when I have not recorded a death in our class. You can imagine how happy that makes me.

As I sit here a week after the election, I can not resist the observation that no matter who we voted for, we have presented the world a President who none of us in 1956 could have predicted. Reflecting the observations of John McCain and President Bush, I am proud of my country, recalling my Air Force stint in Moultrie Georgia, where the masthead of the local newspaper proclaimed: “For Democracy and White Supremacy.”

Please note my new e-mail address above. Gay and I have decided that until death do us part does not mean that we can’t separate our e-mail addresses.  

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008

Announcing the first (and last) annual Class of 1956 John Eaton at the Supreme Court Name That Tune Contest! While being inducted as the University Club Washingtonian of the Year, seated next to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, John accepted his award with a concert. The result? John was invited to return to the Supreme Court to play for its May gala. The contest? You are invited to e-mail John (pkarrje@ aol.com) with one suggestion for a song to be played at that concert. John will tabulate the votes, and I will announce the winning song and the names of those who voted for it in a future column. The Prize? The joy of seeing your name in bold face print!!

Nick Steiner was married in New York on September 20^th to Jennifer Stern, who has played a strongly supportive role in Nick’s life for over eighteen years. As Nick wrote: "I wouldn’t have survived, nor would the intervening years have been so rewarding, without her." The wedding took place just before Jennifer entered a master’s program in Global Public Health (with a focus on gender issues) at a university in Berlin. Needless to say, Nick accompanied Jennifer to Berlin and divides his time on both sides of the Atlantic.

Steve Scher was named Chair of the LXVII AYA Assembly this fall. The exciting program was "Yale in a Green World: Meeting the challenge of Sustainability."

Our Treasurer, Ted Robb, reports that the Class Memorial Scholarship stands at just over $92 000. By the time you read this, I expect that we will have reached the magic $100 000 mark. Thank you for your support.

I received a very thoughtful note from Lee Daly, the late Jerry Boerner’s daughter, thanking me for my words about Jerry and reporting that she had found his old Yale baseball cap and banner tucked away in the garage.

Nikki Barranger checked in to say that he has played his last stage role, Henry Albertson in "The Fantastics". "Best to stop while the reviews are good" comments Nikki, who also reported the death of Camille Lavandero, wife of Leo Lavandero, mentor of the Dramat during the fifties. Nikki describes them as people who are "like Godparents" and wants those who knew them to have the sad news.

John Bacon wrote that he and Jonathan Donald attended the October 12^th U.S. Marine Corps burial ceremony for Lawrence Brody, Y’42. Larry interviewed Fairfield County admissions candidates for scholarships, leading to the enrollment of Jason, Jon, and Phil Tarasovic. As Jason observed: "But for Captain Brody, the Yale football team might never have defeated Army."

Unfortunately, I must continue in this vein and report the deaths of the following classmates.

Lorrie Rea died at his Vermont home on October sixth. After navy service, Lorrie brought his engineering skills to GE, Sylvania, and Raytheon, specializing in defense contracts quality control. The Reas also lived in Concord MA where Lorrie was very involved in church social and healing ministries. In Massachusetts and Vermont his activity also focused on environmental issues, interrupted by extensive traveling, musical interludes, and photography. I recommend that you read Lorrie’s bio submission in our 50^th reunion book to encounter a truly moving profile in courage. Cornelia Rea may be reached at 6 Concord Greene, Unit 1, Concord, MA 01742. Lorrie also is survived by their three children.

Leo Curran died on September 29^th in Buffalo, NY. Described by one reporter as "as Irish as Mrs. Murphy’s chowder", Leo graduated with exceptional distinction and won a fellowship to Oxford, after which he received his PhD from Yale. He originally wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer, "make a lot of money and drive a big Cadillac." However, a sophomore year Classical Civilization course stimulated Leo’s interest in Greek and Latin. As a result, he pursued an academic career, where Cadillacs are rare, and retired as Associate Professor of Classics at the University of Buffalo, where he went after five years of teaching at Yale. In addition to various college leadership and national committees’ responsibilities, Leo conducted research in the use of computers and advanced technology to enhance the study and teaching of Latin and Ancient Literature. He was a passionate traveler and photographer; his widely visited web site, Maeconas, features his pictures of ancient Greece and Rome. Leo’s wife, Margaret Tarajos, is a Latin teacher at a Buffalo high school and can be reached at 29 Henning Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127.

Henry Cooper and Nikki Barranger alerted me to the death of Aubrey Goodman on September 28^th in Waco Texas, his home town. As you will recall, Aubrey wrote our senior class musical, "The Great Gatsby", and was the first in the class to publish a novel, "The Golden Youth of Lee Prince". Modestly listing himself as a "published author" in the reunion yearbook, Aubrey actually wrote extensively for movies and television and composed a striking poem for our 50^th reunion. As Henry Cooper wrote me: "Though Aubrey was an invalid for many years, he kept up with his class and carried on a lively correspondence with many of his classmates, lighting their lives now as he had done as an undergraduate." Aubrey appointed our entire class as honorary pallbearers.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007

I received an "eat your heart out" postcard from Sabin Robbins, pictured in Beijing in front of a giant picture of Chairman Mao. You may recall that in a previous column I suggested the publication of the Class of 1956 travel guide, with chapters written by our peripatetic classmates. Robbie responded with an offer to be editor of the guide, for he has "tramped across 63 countries in the last ten years as a cruise ship lecturer…not a bad retirement racket." All Robbie’s trips are free for him and a guest as he beguiles blue hairs and honeymooners about pirates, marine monsters, history, and culture.

Others of us pay our own way. Francis Compton went on tour for two weeks with his church choir to England, singing full Sunday services and evensong, traveling in Devon and Cornwall and singing for a full week at Christ Church College, Oxford. Frank’s transatlantic flight was the last one into Heathrow on the August 2006 day that the terrorists were apprehended.

John Noonan has retired after forty years in the Brooklyn, New York real estate business. What do he and Mary do to celebrate that milestone? You guessed it. They have voyaged to Nepal and throughout South America, returning either to Brooklyn or to their New Jersey beach house.

The photographer for our travel guide could be Nick Steiner. His photography book, "Through My Lens-European Images in Black and White" has been published, and on the way is "Michelangelo Comes to New Jersey". Intrigued by that title, I called Nick for an explanation. The book is a collection of color photographs of sights in the U.S., including a Sistine Chapel image on a New Jersey cemetery wall.

Hugh Magee, retired from his ministry responsibilities, is now living in one of my favorite towns in the world, St. Andrews, Scotland, very close to where Gay and I lived while on sabbatical many years ago. Golfers en route to the Old Course will find the Magees at 17 North Street, not far from the first tee.

Bob Wheeler forwarded an article from the New Haven Register entitled "A Dreamer Succeeds with the Right Help". Of course, this refers to the "I Have a Dream" program which our class has funded for many years. The article focuses on Shantara Reaves, a 22 year old, one of 56 students who entered the program in 1994. Last May Shantara, who survived a very difficult childhood, was the second of our "dreamers" to graduate from a four year college. Of the original 56, 44 graduated from High School, 37 entered post-secondary school programs, with tuition support promised for them until 2010. I was particularly touched by Shantara’s comment that "little things mattered so much, like each birthday the students were taken out to lunch and to Barnes and Noble to get a book."

The urge to help others not as fortunate as we seems to pervade our class. Ted Robb formed a non-profit in the "colorful Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia to rehabilitate the abandoned 100 year old St. Mary’s Hospital building into 69 units of low income, elderly housing." This impressive project was selected by Preservation Pennsylvania and by the Pennsylvania Historic Museum Commission for a Historic Preservation Award. Ted advises that another class preservation guru, Tersh Boasberg, had a hand in the selection process.

Classmate recognition news from all over: John Eaton has received the Washington University Club’s Distinguished Washingtonian Award. Only one of these is awarded in the arts each year.

Ted Robb, Class Treasurer, reports that we are still solvent, despite all the reunion-related expenses, thanks to a 57% participation in our class dues solicitation last year, so we are not following the sub-prime mortgage industry down the tubes. In order to keep it that way, we are depending on you to pay your dues.

In many instances, term limits is a blessing; in others not so. Charlie Cook’s tenure as class representative to the AYA is a victim of term limits. We are very grateful for his service. I am also thankful that Bill Rees has agreed to serve as Charlie’s replacement.

Help. I am very low on news and need to hear from you pronto so I can avoid a void in the YAM. Thanks.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

CATCH UP TIME: Herewith a couple of post-reunion commentaries. Werner Gossels wrote: "Elaine and I enjoyed our 50^th reunion weekend very much. Thanks to all classmates who did such a wonderful planning job-and all who helped make it happen." The Gossels will be returning to New Haven with some regularity, as their grandson, Benjamin, enters as a freshman this month. Benjamin’s parents both graduated from Yale in 1982.

Gil Leppelmeier finds life after the 50^th to be rather quiet, even though his Dutch-Finnish Ozone Monitoring Instrument is currently on board the NASA Aura spacecraft. Gil’s wife, Merja, and friends gave him a rousing 70^th birthday party in Finland- a "night" that was light all night long- a great way to celebrate (And, oh, to be 70 again). In the context of growing concern about global climate change, here are Gil’s comments: "Like everywhere else, the weather has been very strange. Summer was a five month drought that lasted nearly to the end of October. Then the first two weeks of November were full winter: -5 t0 -15 centigrade and 20cm of snow. Then came a thaw and eight weeks of rainy, stormy, dark weather. Just warm enough to prevent snow…Winter finally arrived late in January with lots of snow and clear blue skies." Gil expresses the wish that "folks realize that it really pays off to replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. (To say nothing of LED’s)" That’s a start, at least.

It was wonderful to hear from Jim Don after 30 years of silence. Despite total ankle and knee replacements in 2006, timed to get Jim ready for our reunion, Jim and Margaret celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary in the company of many classmates and spouses: Ralph Smith (best man), Hank Blundin, Nelson Crowther, Bruce Ensley, Jim Jeffords, and Peter Shattuck, who flew in from California. Jim comments: "Yale friendships do last." The Dons finished off 2006-the year of the dual 50’s- with three and a half weeks in South Africa and a Caribbean Cruise with children and grandchildren. Jim, what are you doing for an encore in 2007?

Albert Francke and Katharine Bailey were married on February 18^th. Katharine, a descendent of John Alden and Priscilla Mullins, was an Assistant Professor of psychiatric nursing at the Yale School of Nursing until 2004. Albert has retired from the law firm of Curtis, Mallet-Provost, Colt, and Mosle, where he was Chairman from 1987 until 1991.

More exciting news…Clare and Bob Mason’s illuminating DVD, "Good News…How Hospitals Heal Themselves" is now available at CC-M Inc, 7755 16^th Street NW, Washington DC 20012. Don Velsey’s book, "Classic American Popular Song, The Second Half Century", won the ASCAP Deems Taylor award, announced at a Jazz at Lincoln Center program last December.

While on the subject of music, I was touched to receive a tribute to John Eaton from Gib Durfee. Gib reports that one of the joys experienced by moving to Washington is the opportunity to attend John’s classes at the Smithsonian, classes that "provide an intimacy between professor/performer and students that can’t be created in a concert…John’s humor is not constrained, and the professor has the freedom to get into technical details, for example the chord progressions in a classic that lend themselves to jazz improvisation…What a treat."

For Jane and Stephen Waters 2006 was a transition year, as they relinquished their positions on the school board (Stephen), historical society, and community chorus (both Jane). Steve continues on the N.H. Department of Education Standards Board. Steve and roommates Charlie Dorchester and Bob Harrington, plus wives, continue to hold an annual August reunion, and Steve continues to ski and celebrate New Years with Russ Broad.

Andrew Torchia’s two sons, who found their way to Yale from their Cyprus home, are media mavens: Andrew (1986) is Reuters Bureau Chief in Shanghai, while Christopher (1989) is the AP Bureau Chief in Turkey.

Finally, George Berman, our web master, provided the news from Jack Flobeck, who is a water use consultant and has published widely. He recently addressed a Colorado water resources workshop, where he commented that "we have plenty of water. The people are in the wrong place". Currently, Jack is working to develop strategic water maps across the world to" show where dry spots are located as well as where infra red and other wireless techniques can be applied to conserve water."

JULY-AUGUST 2007

"The Class of 1956 is amazingly generous, gracious, and, quite honestly, fun! I so enjoyed meeting alumni who had gone on to do such amazing and different things, and everyone was so positive and encouraging. I really left feeling: A) Appreciative; B) Lucky; and C) a part of a great Yale tradition that promises a future of success, if I work as hard as you all have done. I hope that my class remains in close contact as your class has." Whose wise and perceptive words are these? Miranda Jones, one of the Davenport Fellowship winners, after performing at last year’s fall class dinner. Be sure and come back in November to meet more of our fans.

Random notes from all over: Peter Hollenbeck invites us all to stop in (presumably not all at once) for a visit at his house on Stuart Island, WA. To wet your appetite, see the pictures and directions at www.hbeck.net.

A number of classmates who returned for the 50^th continue to express their enthusiasm for that celebration. Among them is Dick Wilde, who plans to join the Alumni Chorus trip to South Africa. Although Dick recently retired and is keeping busy with house and church projects, he reports that he would be open to another assignment in the human space exploration program.

Speaking of our reunion, those who were there will remember the brilliant comedy performance of Wendy Liebman. The April 1^st New York Times reported on Wendy’s performances on the condominium circuit. "Younger comedians whose material resounds with aging residents are hard to find" reported the Times, a gap Wendy successfully fills.

Jane and Stephen Waters have been chosen the Hillsborough, NH, citizens of the Year, in recognition of their joint and separate contributions to the Historic Society, Heritance Museum, school board, and community chorus. Both performed with the Berkshire Festival Chorus in Salzburg. Steve has retired from teaching and "headmastering."

We should write the Class of ’56 travel guide. Herewith a partial list of contributing editors: Marge and Howard Parker could report on their trips to Athens, the Greek Isles, Istanbul, and New Mexico, including commentary on balloon fiestas in the latter. Our guide’s coverage of Turkey would be very complete, as Bob Kleiger would add his observations on the bird life and cultural attractions of that country. Bob also has recently visited Antarctica, the Falklands, and South Georgia. Somehow Bob also continues to read ECG’s and electrocardiograms. The chapter on Turkey would also have input from Jim Downey, Bill Tatlock and spouses, who visited Western Turkey on a Vassar trip, serenading the populace with "Istanbul, not Constantanople". Jim comments that "Vassar women do seem to bring Yale men together." As I prepare to attend Gay’s 50^th reunion in Poughkeepsie, I agree. Ivan Phillips’ report on a recent trip to Italy reflected his special interest in Italian art, as the Phillips visited twenty-one museums, galleries, and churches. Ivan observes that his interest in art was nurtured at Yale in History of Art 101; "One might forget individual works of art but not the way we were taught to look at them."

The Eastern European chapter would include the input of Ken Mills who cruised the Danube (on a Yale trip) from Prague to Budapest. Gay and I could contribute our observations on South Africa and Botswana (my first return after ten years), including our experiences in the townships around Johannesburg and Capetown.

Speaking of our travels, we love to join Sally and Tersh Boasberg on visits to sophisticated spots, benefiting from their expertise in various fields, including Tersh’s extensive knowledge of wines. However, even he sometimes meets his match, as illustrated by the following quote from a red wine label in Puglia: "With the characteristic system to sapling, they engage an austere gait that is a show of the nature to observe the phase of maturation…the contribution of the ancient wine yards, precious haredity (sic) of our ancestry vine-growers to the production of this haughty wine." Who could resist?

We all also enjoy life at home. Susan and Robert Fisher celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary last August in Connecticut. Also in the Nutmeg state, Jack McGregor and his wife, Mary-Jane Foster, organized an investor group to buy back the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic Baseball League, a team they originally founded in 1996 and sold in 1999. The McGregors are now investigating the possibility of establishing another league team, in Westchester County. Jack has been a real leader in the re-birth of Bridgeport.

I regret to report the death of two classmates. Gene Rewerts died in March and is survived by his wife, Joan, who can be contacted at 2251 Windmill View Road, El Cajon, CA 92020-1355. Unfortunately, I have no further information. Ken Butler alerted me to the death of Rodger Wilkin on April 8^th, Easter Sunday. A 1960 graduate of Yale Architecture School, Rodger practiced in Kansas City, where he was honored with an AIA award. Rodger was very active in the Yale Club of Kansas City as President and as an influential member of the Alumni Schools Council. An avid sailor, Rodger and Betty could be found on the water in the Great Lakes and the Virgin Islands. In addition to Betty, who lives at 4409 West 112^th Terrace, Shawnee Mission, KS, 66211-1718, Rodger is survived by two children and four grandchildren.

Have a wonderful summer, at home or away, and stay tuned for more news (There is a backlog.) in September.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

 Some of us are retired; some of us are still working; some of us are enjoying grandchildren; some of us are traveling; and… one of us is about to get married. Congratulations to Albert Francke, whose soon to be wife (in February), Katharine, many of us met at reunion. She was an Assistant Professor at the Yale School of nursing while also in private practice, with a specialty in psychiatric care, dispensing psychotropic drugs. Albert e-mailed me: ”When I ultimately lose my marbles (which seem to be trickling away bit by bit), I will have in-house help”

Among the worker bees is Douglas Smith, who finished Yale in three years and graduated from NYU Medical School. Doug, a pathologist, completed his residency at Rochester and taught at Rutgers. His freshman bursary job was to teach the rest of us touch typing. As I pick away with one finger for these columns, I wish I had studied with Doug.

Some worker bees have changed hives. Jim Kingsbury has been recruited by Morgan Stanley to become First Vice President and Financial Advisor, based in Riverhead, NY. Truman Bidwell  recently signed on with a Boston law firm, Sullivan and Worcester, “a wonderfully old fashioned firm…the partners like each other, trust each other, and help each other.” David O’Brasky has retired from retirement and joined Farmers’ Almanac TV as VP of Ad Sales. The third episode of this PBS series will profile Henry Cooper, “the squire of Cooperstown…talking about the Coopers of Cooperstown.” If you control an ad budget, call David in Savannah!

As recently reported in this column, Irv Miller continues his courageous battle with cancer. Due to his health challenges, Irv must work from home. Utilizing his extensive financial and business experience, Irv is available for telephone and web/e-mail business development and support operations. If you have any leads or suggestions, please contact Irv at irwinmiller56blu@aol.com or 847-234-1726.

Ted Robb, our expert in elderly affordable housing development, has partnered with Ken Liebman, a Board member, in a marvelous new venture, Grand Street Settlement, at 711 East 6^th Street in New York. In addition to the usual amenities for the elderly, the 74 unit apartment building contains a computer lab and library.

In transition to retirement, Charley West, who for many years taught in one of the most challenging high schools in Bridgeport, has decided that Bridgeport will not be his retirement nirvana. Charley moved to Santa Fe in December.

Now…for the travelers. Marge and Howard Parker have seen the USA, including 2005 trips for a 70^th birthday to Disney World (the still youthful Howard), where he was given a reception by Mickey Mouse and loads of balloons and other gifts. The Parkers then voyaged to seven western National Parks and several museums. There followed a trip to visit old friends in Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The final step was the Blue Angel air show in Pensacola, FL.

At the other end of the world Barbara and Alain Wood-Prince took 13 family members to view the wildlife in Kenya, highlighted by the sudden appearance of a cheetah on the hood of their car. Alain commented that” it was a double barreled treat-seeing the teeming landscape of Kenya and watching our family enjoying the experience.”

Peter Sullivan and Judith Ann were in Eastern Europe, including Rumania and Bulgaria, where the people are friendly and “actually like Americans.”  Peter commented on the wide-spread unemployment. Now that these countries are competing globally, the emphasis on quality, not just quantity, is proving to be a challenge. Peter’s PhD is on the back burner, pending his dissertation. The Sullivans, tired of Maine winters, have acquired a house in Key West. Peter also e-mailed Tersh Boasberg with his recollections of playing basketball in the Boasberg’s driveway with Tersh and Warren Zimmermann.

Speaking of Tersh…Friendship lasts all the way to the Cantinella restaurant in Naples, Italy, where the Boasbergs and the Lords joined Carol and Jordie Cohen, who were on a trip celebrating Jordie’s retirement as President of the Association of American Medical Colleges. Jordie served in this position with great distinction for many years. The Boasbergs and Lords continued the trip to Puglia, in the heel of Italy, and to a successful navigation of the beautiful and frightening Amalfi Drive. Among his many attributes, Tersh is a wine expert. However, even he can be influenced by compelling English language descriptions found on Italian wine bottles, such as this one we encountered on a local red: ”With the characteristic system to sapling, they engage an austere gait that is a show of the nature to observe in the phase of maturation…the contribution of the ancient wineyards, precious haredity (sic) of our ancestry vine-growers to the production of this haughty wine.” Who could resist?

I end on a sad note. James N. Douglas died on August 20^th. Jim was a Professor of Astronomy Emeritus at the University of Texas. A Ford Foundation scholar, Jim also earned his PhD at Yale and taught there before moving to Texas in 1965 to establish the Radio Astronomy program. A world expert on radio telescopes, Jim loved to teach and play the piano and banjo. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, who can be reached at 1300 Lorrain Street, Austin, Texas 78703, and by six children and six grandchildren. 

Stay tuned for next month’s first hand report on the 50^th reunion of the Yale and Australian crews who competed in the Olympic Finals in November 1956. Remember who won?   

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2006 

Post-reunion random notes from all over. My thanks to the following, and to others waiting in the wings, for contacting me and for their patience.

Roger Daniels continues his internal medicine practice in center city Philadelphia, happily married, with two sons, three stepchildren, and two grandchildren.

David Shayne also is still practicing- estate planning with Holland and Knight- while dedicating significant time to his pro bono work for the elderly and unaccompanied child refugees in the Chicago area. (Don’t you love the dual meanings of “practicing”?)

Supposedly retired, Gordon Turnbull helped to finish the statue of Torosaurus, erected near the Peabody in New Haven and is completing the 1/3 size model. He and Marlene completed a seven concert tour of Northern Italy with Con Brio, and Gordon continues to play (string) bass in the New Haven Civic Orchestra.

A brief note from Werner Gossels reports that he is “working-playing tennis and softball, bicycling, enjoying family activities, and traveling, most recently on an AYA Great Lakes cruise.” Some years ago Werner established the Werner F. Gossels Scholarship Fund at Yale. The two most recent beneficiaries of Werner’s generosity reflect Yale’s exciting global outreach: One was born in Russia and now lives in Amherst, MA, and the other was born in Kingston, Jamaica and now resides in the Bronx.

Sheldon Jaffe writes: ” I think it is appropriate to check in once every 15 years or so. Anything more smacks of ostentation.” If you heed Sheldon’s advice, I’m out of business. Sheldon is still practicing (that word again) securities law in Los Angeles, representing individuals in the dot.com bust and “miscellaneous scandals arising therefrom.”  Rebecca Jaffe, Yale ’02, spent two years with the Peace Corps in Uzbekistan- a fascinating country which I visited with our daughter a few years ago. Son Seth and Sheldon enjoyed fishing for Arctic Char in Northern Quebec but could have done without the bugs and cold.

Terry Molloy is Professor of urology and Vice-Chair of the urology section at Penn. Terry has been very helpful to a number of classmates facing prostate issues.

Sumner Katz finally retired in 2005 and moved into a Maryland retirement community, one offering plenty of activities and populated with nice people. He does inquire:” Can anyone tell me how to get a wife to retire?”

Nick Steiner e-mailed me many months ago with a wonderful story: Jennifer  Steiner used to tell Nick about her good friend, Corinne, whom Nick finally met in the company of Corinne’s new husband, whom Nick did not know, even though they were classmates in Saybrook 50 years ago and both roomed with Whiffs. The classmate? John McCrosky. Nick trained with one of those Whiffs-Ernie Richards- at St.Lukes Hospital in New York.

Bill Hinkes retired in 2000 after 30 years as Finance Officer of the Catholic Diocese of Paterson, N.J. For the past ten years, Bill was President and CEO of a church liability insurance company, established in the 80’s, “anticipating some potential problem with sexual abuse-little did we know!” Bill and family moved to their farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where they raise beef cattle, sheep, and hogs. They fatten the animals over the summer, sell them in November, and travel in the winter.

I am sure that those of you who had the pleasure of spending time with Ted Bilkey at the reunion were as shocked and saddened as I was to learn of his sudden death on July 14^th. Ted’s unusual and fascinating career included over 30 years in the shipping and terminal business, culminating with his position as Executive Director of the Dubai Ports Authority and Jebel Ali Free Zone from 1989 to 2003, then COO of DP World in Dubai until June 2006. Ted’s compelling and courageous defense of the U.S.-Dubai Port deal was overwhelmed by Washington politics. A resident of Sun Valley, Idaho, when not working in the Persian Gulf, Ted was an accomplished ocean navigator who raced sail boats to Bermuda and England, as well as off both U.S. coasts. Ted is survived by four children, eight grandchildren, and his wife, Susan, who can be reached at P.O. Box 2760, Sun Valley, ID 83353.

David O’Brasky and Sanford Stark, Yale ’88, kindly advised me of  Steve Stark’s death on June 14^th. Steve spent 40 years as a financial advisor with various firms, including L.F. Rothschild and Dain Rauscher. Sanford reports that Steve was “a frequent visitor to the Yale Bowl…and, in fact, a CD of Yale songs provided fitting background music at his funeral, courtesy of his freshman roommate, David O’Brasky” who spoke at the funeral with a reference to Bright College Years. Steve and Joan, who lives at 196 East 75^th Street, New York, NY 10021, were married for 48 years. The family includes three children and nine grandchildren.

Fred Frese died on July 25^th after a long battle with cancer. A resident of Akron, Fred retired from Bridgestone/Firestone in 1985, after 25 years service, then started his own CPA firm, later joining another firm in 1992.He retired for good in 2005. Fred’s wife, Pat, may be reached at 3092 Morewood Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333. Fred also is survived by two children, three step-daughters, and six grandchildren.

In my last column, I reported on the death of John Oates. His wife, Rosemary, wrote me a very thoughtful letter which contained news of John’s extensive Yale connections, including Rosemary herself, MA ’56, a son, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, and two brothers! Rosemary reported that Charlie Cook and Bill Reeves attended John’s memorial service.

I am out of space…Stay tuned for news of Douglas Smith, Howard Parker, Peter Sullivan…and you? Please let me hear from you.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2006

 Additional news about the 50^th: Total attendance was 337 classmates  (significantly higher than the 50^th reunion average) plus 283 spouses, widows and significant guests, for a total of 620. The class gift total at this moment-and still counting- is close to $45 million from 76% of the class. The 1956 Memorial Scholarship, celebrating the lives of our deceased classmates, is fully funded at $100 000, and 48 classmates have contributed and pledged toward the Warren and Lilly Zimmermann Memorial Scholarship. Combined with the gifts from others, including Lilly Zimmermann Metcalf’s Yale cohorts, that total is $175 000.

Our roving reporter, Tersh Boasberg, was saluted by John Eaton during the latter’s concert as one of the three most famous sons of Buffalo, New York, along with Harold Arlen and Millard Fillmore. Tersh reported on his conversations with three classmates who returned for their first class reunion- Park Teter, John Stephenson, and Bill Lovejoy. They, like those first-timers with whom I spoke, said they had a wonderful time. As Tersh commented, there were various acts of thoughtful kindness for this celebration. John and Jane Fitzgibbon were determined to return for the reunion, even though John is confined to a wheel chair, suffering from Parkinson’s. Kim Chace, our ever so generous benefactor, sent a plane to pick up the courageous and determined Fitz and others, bringing them to New Haven, where Jane and John stayed with Joanne and Bill Rees. Roger Hollander and Phyllis and Milt Gaines joined the Rees’s in escorting John.

Jim Downey’s daughter, Kim, flew through the storms from Milwaukee with her four small children so that they could hear their grandfather and the other Whiffs sing for the first time.

On a sadder note, a number of us have been receiving reports on Irwin Miller’s  valiant battle with cancer. Irv recently started a second round of experimental treatments, which made a trip to New Haven impossible, a result which saddened him and his equally strong spouse, Judy. They sent their best wishes and expect to join us for the 55^th.

Others who were able to come took the long, overland route. Gib and Camilla Durfee hosted Ruth and Don Gordon, who drove from Denver, stopping en route to New Haven at the Kennedy Center in Washington to sing with the National Festival Chorus and Orchestra.

Among the many events over the weekend was the dedication of the McNay  Family Sailing Center, a “ state of the art sailing facility and home to the Yale varsity sailing teams” which was the gift of Joe McNay and his family. Joe’s son Stuart, Yale ’05, led his team to the 2003 NCAA Championship Regatta. Andrew McNay is a member of the class of 2007. An appropriate way to wrap up the reunion coverage, one which falls into the “apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” category:  Bud Prince, who has been our outstanding reunion guru for 25 years, has a daughter, Julie, who is not only Chair of Alumni Fund agents for the class of 1994 and recently elected to the Alumni Fund Board, but also is actively involved in planning 1994’s…reunions!

Reflecting on the intellectual programs at the reunion and the stimulating participation of so many classmates is a good lead in to a report on the achievements of some of our numerous authors and scholars. A major article in The Washington Post confirmed the retirement of Lew Lapham as the Editor of Harpers. In a subsequent phone conversation, Lew confirmed that he is not going away quietly; he is raising money to start the Lapham Newsletter. Two class authors recently received rave reviews in The New York Times Sunday Book Review: Fred Brown’s best seller, Flaubert: A Biography, also was acclaimed in the daily Times and in The Wall Street Journal. Don Velsey and his co-author of Classic American Popular Song are described in the Times as “critics of estimable clarity and candor, wit and heart.”  Bill Rees  has supplied me with news of two other class authors. Louis Rukeyser calls Fred Buggie “a talented guru” in his review of Fred’s New Product Development Strategies. Jerry Linderman received the Forrest Pogue Prize in 1996 for The World Within War: American Soldiers’ Experience in World War II- a timely subject.

I have received word of Donald Vogler’s death on December 4^th 2004. Neither my records nor our new yearbook provide any data on his life. If any of you have any information, please let me know.

My recent report on Doug White’s death contains misinformation provided to me. With my apologies I want to correct it and report that at his death Doug was accompanied by his long-time companion, Marcia Brynwood, as well as previously reported his daughter, Heather. I am grateful to Bob Hirsh for the correction.

Another correction, this time of the entry in the Yearbook introducing Nikki Barranger’s poetry piece: Nikki was a good friend and sometimes legal counsel to Walker Percy but NOT the executor of his estate.

JULY-AUGUST 2006

“This is my first class reunion. I am so glad I came; it is such a rewarding experience”, said one of several first timers. Another classmate commented: “This is a very special class. Under this tent there is such camaraderie. Everyone is so interested in, and supportive of everyone else. There is a unique feeling here.” A spouse observed: “We sat down at dinner Friday night. We didn’t know any of the people. We had a terrific dinner, and, by the end, we agreed that they were the nicest people we had met in a long time.” These comments summarize the feelings shared by 620 guests, including 337 classmates, representing 50% of our class at our glorious 50^th.

The up side of the downpour was that we spent many hours in our Branford tent, sharing feelings, experiences, and hopes for the future. About 100 of us organized and were active participants in the events. At our class dinner, so ably mc’d by Ed Barlow, I thanked many of them. However, as the acoustics in Commons are horrendous,  I want to again recognize: Kim Chace for his generosity in underwriting the cost of the yearbook and for providing the funds that enabled twelve classmates to return; Ted Robb, our class Treasurer, who skillfully raised $138 000 to help underwrite reunion costs; Jack Silliman, Angus Wurtele, and Joe McNay led the class gift effort which yielded an astonishing $ 44 million plus, raised from the smallest Yale class since World War II; Ben Scotch and Henry Cooper  for producing the most interesting and entertaining yearbook imaginable, described by one classmate as “a monument to be treasured for the rest of my life”; Bill Rees, who in six short months organized a comprehensive and stunning class authors’ exhibit in Sterling Library,  “Comment and Commitment”, which  is accompanied by a beautiful catalogue.

Our reunion planning committee, headed by Bud Prince, pulled off another miracle. To illustrate Bud’s ingenuity: After the Friday night ’56 Whiff concert in the over-flowing Branford living room, the Fire Marshall threatened to close down our reunion if we repeated that violation. By the Saturday night festivities, Bud, with the help of the marvelously helpful AYA staff, had re-located us into the University Theater.

On the subject of concerts, we were not only blessed with our Whiffs but also a wonderful class chorus, organized by Roger Englander and directed by Fenno Heath. Of course, John Eaton soared on the biggest Steinway I have ever seen, the only one, reports John, that has a special smoking section. John, introduced by Acting Dean of the Music School Thomas Duffy, performed in Sprague Hall and never was better

Our children were represented by the daughter of Toni and Ken Liebman, Wendy, an outrageously funny professional comedienne, who reported: “My parents still have sex; they want more grandchildren.”

The seminars and tours organized by Yale were excellent. Those organized by our classmates- Tersh Boasberg, Jordie Cohen, and Bill Poorvu, were outstanding, thanks to a great extent to the informative presentations of our classmates on the panels and in the audiences.

We also celebrated the gifts and memories of the 188 classmates who have died since graduation at a beautiful, touching memorial service, organized  by Dick Eckart, with the participation of seven other classmates and of Mary Lee Jamieson, who headed up our widows’ committee. We were joined at the reunion by a significant number of surviving spouses, and we are grateful for Mary Lee’s leadership. At the memorial service, she read: “As long as we live, they too shall live; for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.”

I could go on forever and apologize to all whom I should have mentioned and didn’t. A final request: If you have photographs from the reunion, please send them, labeled to identify the subjects, to George Berman, 22066 Las Brisas Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33433. george56@aya.yale.edu.

To those who couldn’t attend the reunion: We missed you. To those who came: Thank you. FRIENDSHIP DOES…last, that is.

MAY/JUNE 2006 Classmates in the news: I woke up to "Morning Edition" in February to the voice of Ted Bilkey, the COO of the Dubai port company, DPWorld, as he began his round of congressional testimony on the takeover of the British firm managing a group of east coast ports. In a subsequent phone conversation, Ted demonstrated that his sense of humor is intact, while making some interesting observations on the executive and legislative branches of our government and on the joys of the retirement in Sun Valley that he had abandoned. He also expressed his concern for the future of our relations with our moderate allies in the Middle East. If not still appearing before Congress on June 1st, Ted will be in New Haven.

The word from the north woods of Vermont is the report that Ben Scotch has received the Secretary of State's Enduring Democracy Award, recognizing "a strong commitment to promoting the tenets of democracy." From the west coast comes the news that Mike Marron has been recognized by the Bar Association of San Francisco for outstanding service as Chair of the Fee Dispute Executive Committee. In addition to practicing civil and appellate law, Mike was a state deputy attorney general and has been active in alternative dispute resolution. He was elected by his peers as a "Super Lawyer" and one of "the best lawyers in America." His pop and jazz singing group, "Ross Commons" is still going strong. Ted Robb received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Lincoln University, where Ted has been a trustee for many years .The award citation included a reference to the "I Have a Dream" class which our class supports. Ted arranged for that group to visit Lincoln as part of its college orientation process. Congratulations also to Don Velsey, co-author of "American Popular Song-the Second Half Century", which discusses over 1100 songs, describing what makes a popular song- "a critical and socio-historical study."

Herewith some excerpts from Charlie Cook's excellent report on the fall AYA assembly, which "focused on what Yale does to help prepare its students for life after Yale." Also attending, representing their regions, were Michael Carey, Andy Euston, and Bob Kiesel. Stephen Scher was there as an AYA board member. Although our grads have little difficulty finding jobs and Yale offers a lot of support, many must make unfortunate career decisions in order to pay off their large student loans. On the second day of the assembly, Jeff Brenzel, the new Admissions Dean, discussed the difficulty in selecting 1800 students from a pool of 20 000 applicants. The rate of admission for legacies is 2 1/2 times better than for other applicants, but 75% of them are turned away. In his concluding remarks, President Levin said: "Endowment ratifies what we are. New gifts allow us to grow and innovate so that we will be a university of tomorrow, not a university of today."

Quiz: What do Ted Wilkinson, Carl Morse, and Tim Shera have in common? They were the winners of the class fellowship competition, selected by a group of young Davenport fellowship winners. At the reunion you will hear them discuss: Trust between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement officers; being gay at Yale in the '50's; learning and practicing non-violent communication. YOU will have a chance to participate in that discussion, reflecting on your past as a prologue to your future.

Another quiz: What do Jordy Cohen, Tersh Boasberg, Rocky Suddarth, and Charlie Lord ,with spouses, do on a dreary Saturday night in February? Go listen to John Eaton, segueing from Harold Arlen, to George Gershwin, Bessie Smith, and Fats Waller. 

Gay and I recently returned from a wonderful Yale trip to see the gardens of the Caribbean. We were very pleased to be on board with Alice and Tom Kugelman. 

As the new school year began, Bill Reeves, still active at Collegiate School in Richmond, saw his retired wife, Jane off to France to visit son William in Paris. As she walked out the door, Jane whispered to Bill: "As you make it, so you have it...old man." Bill adds: "You'd think I'd learn."

In response to my plea for information on the late Jerry Boerner, I received an e-mail from Jerry's daughter, Lee Daly, who reported that Jerry had retired from Prudential Securities and had moved from Connecticut to Camarillo, California. In retirement Jerry worked as an arbitrator and volunteered with various city organizations. Lee describes her father as a "foodie" and baseball fan, with an extensive library collection. Battling the after-effects of a stroke and cancer, Jerry spent the last month of his life living with Lee and her family- "an amazing experience...filled with incredible lessons and memories." The night before he died, Jerry shared his last martini. He was fascinated by his grandson's interest in fencing. Lee hopes that one day her son will fence for Yale, with "grandpa (rooting) from above." 

Jason Bacon advised me of the death of Charles Connolly on February 11th. Jason, Charlie and Jon Donald were together last summer in Vermont for Jason's 71st birthday, riding fast motor boats on Lake Champlain. Charlie had a government career, primarily in the Caribbean. Joanne may be reached at 315 Amherst Drive, Albuquerque, NM 87106.

Noel Ames's death last summer was reported to me by Bill Hoskins. I hope to provide more information for you in a future column.

Alan Buchmann died on September 28th. Alan was a Fulbright Scholar, a lawyer, Chairman of the ABA section on public utility law and member of the ABA House of Delegates. He was active in Ohio Republican politics and was President of the Cleveland Archeological Society. Alan's wife, Lizabeth Moody, may be reached at 3910 Belle Vista Drive, East, St. Petersburg, Fl 33706. Thanks to your wonderful efforts to keep me informed, I have a backlog of information to report. Please be patient. See you June 1st. MARCH-APRIL 2006

Reunion Update: If you haven't sent in your registration, please do so NOW. We look forward to an exciting combination of stimulating programs and discussions, pleasing musical presentations, good food and cheer, and plenty of time to catch up with our friends. W e also will be able to visit Sterling Library and see the publications created by classmates over the past 50 years. As I write this on January 9th, 75 of you and your spouses have responded to the appeal and submitted more than 120 publications for a two month exhibit at Sterling, and there are still more to come. Our thanks to Bill Rees who so has effectively taken on this project. 

Sadly, I have seven deaths to report this month. In order to recognize valued members of the class, there is not the space available for much happier news, including Charlie Cook's report on the AYA Assembly.

I am grateful to Larry Hewes for passing on some interesting snippets gathered from calls encouraging classmates to submit their yearbook questionnaires. Douglas Smith finished Yale in three years and entered medical school in his fourth year. Doug spent many years at the Robert Wood Johnson hospital at Rutgers. Bill Price practiced law in Brattleboro, VT until 1986, when he moved to Washington to work for Jim Jeffords. Subsequent jobs included stints at Preservation Maryland and the Library of Congress. After re-marrying, Bill moved to Centerville, on Maryland's eastern shore, where he currently lives in retirement. Ted Jump received his MA in literature and Philosophy at Emery and taught at Severn School in Maryland for many years. An interesting sidebar: One of Janet's and Ted's daughters, Leslie, is married to Edward Walker, who succeeded Rocky Suddarth as the President of the Middle East Institute.

During my yearbook calls, I reached Peter Gram. Peter was a physicist at Las Alamos and taught at Colorado College. Now retired, Peter is raising palm trees and hibiscus in Hawaii. On another call, I learned that Kenneth Butler, an estate lawyer in Kansas City, will trek from the plains to New Haven for the reunion, when he'll also visit his daughter and three grandchildren in Connecticut. Charles Hilbert has retired and stays active in the Pottsboro, Texas Lions Club and in his church, also enjoying his five grandchildren.

Keith Haight's widow, Maureen, contacted Ben Scotch that Keith died in France last spring. Maureen has written an essay for the yearbook in celebration of her life with Keith. Maureen can be reached at Prades, 34360, Chinian, France.

Dr. Stanley Levine and his family celebrated Thanksgiving together just before Stanley died on November 27th. He was an outstanding leader in the pediatric field, devoting his life to children with learning and developmental problems. A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics, Stanley was Director of the Marcus Institute of Development and Learning in Columbus, GA and taught at the Medical College of Georgia and the Iowa College of Medicine. He is survived by his wife, Louise, two children and three grandchildren. I can not find an address for them, not even via 411.

Doug White's death was reported to me by Bob Hirsch. Doug, who worked in insurance, died on Christmas day, with his life companion, Heather, by his side. She resides at 2086 East Calle De Dulcinea, Tuscon, AZ 85718. Doug also is survived by two sons.

As reported in the New York Times, Harry Joe Brown died on November 23rd. The son of a Hollywood producer father and an actress mother who starred with Buster Keaton and Spencer Tracy, Harry was a Marshall Scholar at Oxford. He produced off Broadway plays by Edward Albee and Samuel Beckett, and a Tennessee Williams production in London. Harry then moved into real estate, and, as reported in the Times, generated "pizazz" by "enlisting 34 leading architects to design one house each for a Hamptons residential development," with restrictions on the size of the houses. "I want to show that every new house does not have to be a McMansion," Harry stated. Harry is survived by two daughters and a grandson.

Barclay Robinson, the last of eight Robinsons to work at the family law firm in Hartford, died on November 14th. Barclay was a diverse and engaging person- a community activist and volunteer, a nature lover, kayaker, and accomplished amateur photographer. Barclay always was fascinated by trains. He spent time on his honeymoon in London, snapping black and white shots of trains, leading to his photography passion and to various gallery exhibits. Katherine Robinson lives at 229 Wamphassuc Point Road, Stonington, CT 06378. Barclay also is survived by twin daughters and three grandchildren.

Last month I reported on the death of Bill Bourne. Bob Wheeler and Helen and Peter Randolph recently joined over 200 guests at a celebration of Bill's life at the Park School, where Bill taught for 44 years.

Rufus Goodwin died on July 10th. This fine novelist and poet will be represented with his works at reunion. Although he actually graduated with the class of 1957 and received a beautiful tribute in the '57 notes in the last YAM, we also claim him, as he spent much of his Yale career as a '56er. Irmgard Goodwin lives at 55Brackett Place, Apt A, Marblehead, MA 01945-4664.

Dr. Peter Eimas, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences at Brown, died on October 28th. Peter also taught at Queens University, Ontario, and Rutgers. In a seminal 1971 article in Science, Peter and his research team reported that infants possess abilities to perceive speech far earlier than thought, leading to a new field of research and a cognitive revolution. Peter published over 100 articles and co-edited three research volumes. Peter is survived by a daughter, three grandchildren, and his wife, Joanne Miller, who has kindly agreed to provide publications for the reunion. She lives at 20 Diman Place, Providence, RI 02906 

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2006

Calling all 1956 authors!  For the 50th reunion celebration we are hoping to arrange a display of books published by our living and deceased class authors and their spouses. In order to insure a manageable display, we must adopt the following ground rules: We can not accept articles, nor books in which the class author had only limited participation, for example one chapter in an anthology. We ask for no more than three books per author for the display. Please e-mail or write me before January 15, 2006 with the titles of the books you or your spouse will be submitting, and you will be contacted by a member of the reunion committee with further information on how to proceed. All books will be returned to you at class expense. PLEASE do not be shy or feel that your book is too technical for the class masses. Your submission will help us display our remarkable range of interests and knowledge over the past 50 years.