Bookshelf
Check out the latest books by Govs alumni authors (and faculty and staff too!) and share your recently published (within two years) book, including a cover image, author, Govs grad year, book title, and year published to Ola Russell (orussell@govsacademy.org).
By the end of the June Zoom call, we had covered a wide range of topics, from academic challenges to emotional and social development, to music, to sports, and beyond. Peter B. Machinist, who would go on from South Byfield to hold the Hancock Professorship of Hebrew and Other Oriental Languages at Harvard, and who would teach and lecture at such other institutions as Oxford, summed it up for all of us.
“As I think about it,” he said, “and I’ve had a lot of schooling and done a lot of teaching, I think the four years at Governor Dummer were the most important in my education. They gave me a future. They really did.”
’63Bob Taylor bobtaylor2532@gmail.com
The big news is that Jon Shafmaster has made a major gift to the Capital Campaign, which will officially be recorded as a gift from the Class of 1963, not from Jon (typical of Jon’s generosity and unselfishness). The donation is a three-year scholarship for a deserving student from the Merrimac Valley of Massachusetts (Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Methuen, and other towns in the Merrimac Valley) in the amount of $7,500 per year covering an incoming sophomore, male or female, for their sophomore, junior, and senior years. It is a need-based scholarship and will be matched by the Academy for that student for a total of $15,000 per year. In three years, there will then be three students (one incoming sophomore, one junior, and one senior) all receiving the award concurrently in any given year. It will be awarded for the first time this year for fall 2024. While the initial commitment is for ten years, Jon hopes that his daughter (Class of ’91) will continue the scholarship during her lifetime. If the Academy has not already issued an announcement prior to your receipt of this issue, you will be seeing an announcement soon. I am sure that I speak for the entire class when I thank Jon for this extraordinary and impactful gift.
Peter Morrin writes, “My wife, Carolyn Brooks, and I are still in
Louisville. Carolyn is writing a book about the history of bourbon distilling in Louisville and the environs. We are in Maine at least twice a year to visit her family in Monmouth, which usually entails good times with John Mercer ’64, his wife Florence, and Duane Paluska’s widow, Ellen Golden.” (Duane Paluska was a teacher at the academy during our era, for those who don’t remember him.) Peter continues, “I am retired from art museum directing and teaching, but still write for various art publications. Contemporary glass and monumental sculpture are current interests. We have a son and daughter-inlaw in New Orleans: he works in mixed income housing project and minority contractor training, and she is in non-profit management. My daughter in Baltimore does film and video production. We are very proud of them. Our best vacations in recent years have been to Sicily, Castello Potentino in Tuscany, and to see cousins in Ireland.”
Forbes Farmer reports that he recently retired from 45 years of teaching and publishing articles on criminal theory, corrections, deviance, social control, and social work at Franklin Pierce University. Nowadays he keeps busy welding abstract steel sculptures, reading murder mysteries, kayaking, snowshoeing, fishing, watching the Bruins, and tending to walking trails throughout his 12 acres of woods in Rindge, New Hampshire. His sculpture, “Integrity,” is permanently installed on the Franklin Pierce University campus.
Donald Stone writes, “A now geriatric Moose Stone belatedly notes with sorrow the passing of a great master and an even greater man who despite intimidating odds showed this mathematically challenged excuse for a student not only why algebra was important but also how it could be tamed. He also showed me and many others how to do a standing switch and why that too was important (2 points). Requiescat in pace, G. Heberton Evans.” (It looks like Donald had a decent Latin teacher, too.)
Dick Hawkins tells me that he and his wife Sharon sold their 1723 antique home of 37 years in Hingham, Massachusetts, in
2012 and moved permanently to Cape Cod. He writes, “Other than a seizure in December 2023 and a moratorium on driving until June, we are doing okay.” Like so many other Vietnam veterans, Dick suffers from the effects of Agent Orange, including Parkinson’s Disease. He says that his illness is rather mild at this point. “It’s hard to believe,” he says,” that our oldest grandchild is off to college this coming fall. Sometime in the future, an interview I gave about my Navy experience in Vietnam may hit the big screen or the cutting room floor. This photo is part of a YouTube promo of the interview. [See photo attached.] Best to all.” After reading Dick’s note, I found the promo on YouTube: Through Our Eyes: Vietnam (first year of interviewees). You will see Dick at approximately 1:15 minutes into the video.
Bill Sloane writes, “A few years ago, I met former Boston Mayor, Tom Menino, on a sidewalk in a neighborhood where he had come to inaugurate a new project. After the event I spoke briefly to him and wished him well in his approaching
retirement. ’No, no,’ he said; ’not retirement, it’s a transition.’ Now in my ’transition,’ I feel as though I am as active as ever. One major commitment is to volunteer as a trustee of Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, New Hampshire. It was started by my grandparents in 1945 as a memorial to their son, pilot of a B-17, shot down on a mission over Germany; and importantly, to honor all who have served as defenders of our country. The other major priority is to promote respect and responsible stewardship for the Earth. Check out the website: cathedralofthepines.org.”
Steve Hughes reports that he retired from his law practice two years ago but still acts as an administrative law judge. His wife, Margie, is likewise retired and is part of a group of women who sing for the sick and dying in hospitals and hospice centers. Their son Ian is an aerospace engineer at Lockheed Martin who tests and launches the latest generation of GPS satellites.
Terry Delano writes, “Paula and I lived in Vermont for our entire
working lives, and then some. Our home was in South Hero, right on Lake Champlain. We raised two great kids there, but their work caused them both to move away. Our daughter now lives with her husband and their kids near Clearwater in Florida, and our son lives in Colorado near Colorado Springs with his wife (no kids, just dogs). That left us too many miles away from either of them, so in 2017, we decided to purchase a home in Tarpon Springs, Florida, not far from where our daughter and her family live. We sold our Vermont home in 2018 but negotiated a five-year lease with the buyer for summer occupancy of the beautiful lakeside cottage that is on the property. Last year was year #5, so we are going to find out how it feels to be in Florida for part of the summer this year. We manage to keep pretty busy with family (especially grandchildren) and we do manage a few trips every year. Last year we went on a cruise through the Panama Canal, Paula went on a trip to the Holy Land, we spent a week in Nassau, and we enjoyed our ‘last summer in Vermont’ in the lakeside cottage. This year, we went on a cruise from Sydney, Australia, to Auckland, New Zealand in January. We’re spending a week in Nassau in May, back to New England for a few weeks in July, and then a cruise through the Greek Islands in August to celebrate our 52nd wedding anniversary.”
Andy Thomas writes from Albuquerque, “We’re doing well hereabouts, except that we’ve both got a nice dose of what’s being called the ‘ninety-day cough’— non-covid respiratory nastiness. Nothing serious, mostly just helping Kleenex, Inc., with its quarterly bottom line. I’ve finally put behind me a bit of a milestone in administering my brother Russ’s estate, and I hope to go visit my sister on Cape Cod relatively soon. She and I have great times together. Very high expectations: alternating daily lobster rolls and clam chowder, with maybe a brief excursion to linger, youth, and you and I, on the Parker.”
As for myself, Bob Taylor, I am enjoying retirement with my wife and two stepsons in Austin, Texas. Besides promoting my 2020 novel, The First Robot President, I keep
busy with yard work, acting as the principal tour guide for Austin’s Xiang Yun temple, and singing in the Lucky Dharma Band (the official band of the Xiang Yun temple). Last year I read Cal Mackenzie’s 2015 novel, Independence, which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend to anyone who likes historical fiction. You can find it on Amazon. (There is more than one book by that title, so search on “Independence by Cal Mackenzie.”) Besides writing books, Cal is also a very talented photographer.
In case you were wondering, we have now had 17 of our classmates pass on. As of the date I am writing this, the most recent classmates to leave us were Frank Gummey, Cam Barr, and Bob Fullerton. Frank retired a few years ago from his position as city attorney of the New Smyrna Beach, Florida. He also served on the board of trustees of the University of the South and received a lifetime achievement award from the International Municipal Law Association in 2018. My wife and I still keep in touch with Susan, his widow, who ran in no less than seven consecutive pie races over four decades, from 1988 to 2018! (I saw Frank run with her in the last one, in 2018.) Here is a link to Frank’s obituary: www.news-journalonline.com/ obituaries/pdtb0353790.
After college, Bob Fullerton joined the U.S. Air Force as a pilot and flew missions over Thailand and the Philippines during the Vietnam War. After the war, he became a pilot for American Airlines. In case you didn’t know, Bob sent two of his children to Governor Dummer, Jeffrey Fullerton ’89, and Brett Fullerton ’95. Here is a link to Bob’s obit: www.laconiadailysun. com/community/obituaries/05-18-obit-robert-g-fullerton-79/ article_61b2b8ae-139e-11ef-95a193ce49af17ad.html.
I don’t have any information about Cam Barr. If anyone does, please let me know and I will include it in my next class notes.
For purposes of these class notes, I reached out to everyone for whom I had a good email address; if you didn’t receive my message, it probably means I don’t have yours.
Clockwise from top: Class of 1963 at the Old Guard Luncheon in June 2023—left to right: Jon Shafmaster, Bob Taylor, Bill Sloane, Ted Cook, and Forbes Farmer · Integrity and Pegasus by Forbes Farmer ’63 · Dick Hawkins ’63 in a promo video
Please contact me with any notes you may have for the next issue.
’64
Larry Henchey lhenchey@verizon.net
The spring crop of local strawberries has arrived and classmates have concluded a very successful 60th Reunion. While not everyone who wanted to attend could make it, we shared memories, enjoyed good food and brought each other up to date on our varied lives. Long-distance attendees included Rocke Robertson from British Columbia, Joe Stevens and Tom Maier from California, Bryan Hamric and Gene Morrissey from Texas. Shortest distance traveled award was tightly contested between Bob Wise (5 miles) and Ralph Johnson (4 miles). People we haven’t seen in a while included Rob Sherman, John Lewis, and Bob Farnum. Of course, we had many of our regular contingent, Terry Golden, John Mercer, Jeff Karelis, Paul Freedberg, Charlie Parker, John Heald, and me. Classmates were joined by many spouses/significant others so it was a lively group. Friday dinner at Ralph’s home in Newbury was a particular highlight, with good food from a BBQ restaurant in Rowley. Even an evening rain squall did not dampen the festivities. By the time you read this, you should be able to navigate the Governor’s Academy website and find photos from the reunions in the Alumni section under Alumni Events.
Terry Golden brought brother Denis ’62 to lunch on Saturday.
Denis was in his jovial best and regaled several classmates with stories of his work exploits (he co-hosted one of the first radiotrivia programs in the Boston area) and met dozens of mega-celebrities, all the way up to a future Pope. Before Saturday dinner, I noticed Tom Maier sporting a Green Bay Packers hat and asked whether he still kept his mid-western roots despite his many years in California. Not only was the answer in the affirmative, he informed me that he’s a part-owner of the Packers team. Full disclosure: It is a publicly traded organization and he owns one share! John Lewis had never attended a reunion before and later shared the following with me: “My house on Cape Cod burned in 1980. Burned flat, so my yearbook is history. In fact, that fire was one of the best things that ever happened to me…I basically spent the 70s bumming around and the fire ended that phase with a bang. I then went off to NYU for an eight-week computer programming class and dove back into the real world. About the only thing I really missed after that fire was books and photos. Everything else was replaceable. My only regret about Friday was I didn’t get to talk to anyone for long enough.” John has relocated to Londonderry, New Hampshire, so we should be seeing him again. For many of us, reunions have been a special time to reconnect with people we spent considerable time with during our important, formative years. We have gone off in a variety of directions and accomplished many things; we have stayed in touch with some, not so much with others. It is great to catch up with each
other again. One other particularly enjoyable reunion was our 20th in 1984. Terry Golden hosted the class for the weekend at his Rockport inn. Hopefully, the editors found room for a couple of photos from that event for this issue.
Of those who didn’t make it, many passed along their best wishes to the rest of the class. Peter Thomas had the most other-worldly reason: his Mars geology research had too many impending deadlines too close together. Both Ken Hoadley and Phil Johnson had planned to attend, but changes in familyevent schedules got in the way. John Steele had just received a pacemaker and was not yet able to travel. We heard from Andrew Rose as Reunion was starting, so it was too late to bring him fully up to date on our activities, but he hoped to make a contribution to the Academy.
As you probably know, the class also undertook a fund-raising effort in honor of our deceased classmate, Jay Cooke. The goal was to continue Jay’s important legacy in support of girls’ athletics at the Academy. Jay was steadfast in his commitment to ensure that the girls’ teams had the uniforms and equipment to compete equally with their peer schools. Our focus was to replace the warm-up jackets that had been purchased years ago and were badly in need of replacement. Our initial goal was 50 jackets, then raised to 60 (our reunion number) and then 64 (our graduation year). I do not have a final total yet, but it appears that we exceeded them all. Thank you all for your thoughts and contributions.
’65 REUNION
’66
Jim Connolly jim@connolly.legal
Summer weather is finally here, and although Ted Caldwell commented that we are all becoming old geezers, I (Jim Connolly) did manage to jog the Derek Hynes Flag Day 5 this week. Ted noted that, “We’re becoming old geezers who are ignoring you so here’s a tidbit. Last November I met up
with David Holmes in Boone, NC. Dave and I went through GDA and the College of Wooster together. Another Wooster classmate was Scot Magrane ’65, who I met at the Savannah Music Festival in April. In May, I saw Jeff Weber and joined him on his ferry excursions to the Thimble Islands off the CT coast, and happily he didn’t put a single dent in the ferry. “Ted also volunteered that it is hard to believe we’re crowding in on 80. And Jack Howard writes that he is “still doing a little bit of lawyering and part time judging to mostly have reasons to get up in the morning. Trip to New England soon for two weeks in New Hampshire and Cape Cod and then ten days on the beach in San Diego. Still very active and very grateful for good health.” Enjoy the summer.
’67
Ben Beach benhbeach@gmail.com
Late last year, Chuck Davis received an award from ABANA (Arab Bankers Association of North America), a U.S. organization for finance professionals and institutions with interest in the Middle East and North Africa. “Since it was Mideast-focused,” Chuck explained, “I mentioned Ahmad Beshareh and Faisal Al-Qatami. Brought back great memories.” More important to Chuck is the progress made by the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation, which he and Marna established in 2009. Last year a pilot clinical trial wrapped up, with 25 percent of participants (all stage 4) showing complete remission of their cancer.
Emily and Don Gay drove from Motown to Byfield to take part in Reunion Weekend. “I had a great time seeing everyone and look forward to doing it again next year!” Don said. “I plan to bring my daughter and grandkids.”
“After barely being able to walk for the past two years despite two radio ablations and multiple injections, I’ve found a pain doctor who’s restored the best part of my life,” Gene Romero reported. “I’m able to walk, continue landscaping and transforming our property, and resuming trail work for the
Class of 1964 at their 20th reunion
conservation commission. We visited Iceland to see the volcano and more, but travel hasn’t been much fun with the mobility problem.”
“Just like the Marx Brothers when they stopped working,” Joe Schwarzer wrote, “Melanie and I looked at each other in the early part of the year and said, ’Have you had enough?’ We were incredibly disgusted with the state bureaucracy and quit! I officially retired on March 1. I no longer have to keep my suitcase packed and worry about the museums during storms along the coast or be involved with those who want to rewrite history for the sake of popular culture. Although I do miss my outstanding staff, it has been remarkably freeing! We love our new home in Greenville and are in the process of selling our place in Chapel Hill. Melanie’s cancer is in remission and, at least for a little while, we don’t want to travel anywhere. I am loving the time to do my own research. My only regret is I stayed as long as I did.”
For another Ambrose veteran, Mick Doolittle, that Marx Brothers moment hasn’t quite arrived. “Not much changes here,” he said in June. “STILL quasi-retired but thinking at the end of ’24 I’ll be fully out to pasture. STILL residing in Ijamsville, Maryland, but it’s become a lot less rural in the past 31 years. STILL headed to Fripp Island, South Carolina, with the family in a few weeks. STILL waiting for the Bills to get over the hump (but at least the Commanders have new ownership)
and thankfully can STILL remember ’63–’64 in South Byfield and the pleasant memories.”
Phyllis Osgood reported from Bradenton: “Peter is doing well. He is now 14 years post-stroke and continues to make small improvements in speech recovery and cognitive function. Peter spends most of his days on his iPad reading newspapers and playing number or problem-solving games while listening to different genres of music. (We believe this consistent stimulation has helped his recovery a great deal.) He rides his recumbent trike several times a week, and we entertain friends often. Although his life sounds limited, Peter is consistently happy and optimistic, and we are grateful for what we have.”
Another Sunshine State resident, Jeff Forte, headed off to Ireland in June to attend a friend’s wedding.
“Went to New Hampshire to watch the eclipse,” Fred Burchsted emailed, “but the best part was seeing the Scottish Highland Cows, wild and woolly, beside the road on our way home. Caused a traffic jam as hundreds of cars leaving the eclipse viewing all slowed down to see them. Saw cows and live fruit bats at the Peabody-Essex Museum—enough excitement to satisfy even the most jaded.”
From Southern California, Alan Rothfeld reported: “Finally completed the entire Atlantic Coastline (sans freeways). Southern NJ was a big surprise—unexpectedly nice. We have now done both borders
and both coasts. Ruth and I continue to work two to three days a week just to keep life interesting. Finally moved from Glendale to Studio City to be in the middle of our seven grandchildren. Life is good.”
Our man in eastern Oklahoma keeps a close eye on weather reports. “We missed a tornado by about five miles Sunday night, and five miles is a really close call,” Rick Jensen reported in late April. “We could hear the ’train’ everyone talks about while standing in our backyard. From five miles, the roar was unmistakable!”
Bill Alfond and Joni spent time early this year in Paris with their daughter Kenden and family. Bill then spent the summer in Belgrade Lakes, Maine, with Joni, enjoying boating, water bicycling, paddle board, golf, tennis, pickleball, and hiking with his three kids/spouses and seven grandkids. He was happy to see his hometown Celtics win their 18th NBA title.
From Arkansas, Jay Marsh wrote: “Last fall we decided to buy a house on Lake Hamilton for use on weekends, as it is only an hour from Little Rock. Initially, we intended to fix just a few things that might at best take a month. But once we started, we couldn’t stop. Eight months later, we’re still not finished. New porch, kitchen, laundry, four bathrooms, basement, 3,000 square feet of floors, etc. and still thinking of more projects. Should have hired Chip and Joanna Gaines on the ’Fixer Upper’ TV series. Oh well.”
During Reunion Weekend, Ward Westhafer once again hosted a couple of classmates in his room at Port Healthcare Center. He is holding up reasonably well and would welcome visits, mail, or phone calls. The address is 113 Low St., Newburyport 01950 (main phone: 978-462-7373).
“Took a quick trip to SE Colorado last fall to see the Sand Creek Massacre and Amache internment camp sites,” Phil Congdon emailed. “Not exactly America’s finest moments. I was alone on the bluff overlooking Sand Creek and looking around, strangely, it felt peaceful. It’s good that Amache is now a national historic site. We need to remember some of the bad moments with the
good moments in our history so we can learn from them.”
Paul Hemmerich continues to rack up the miles, both in Europe and the USA. Late last year, he stopped in Williamsburg, Virginia, to see former track teammate Barry Davidson, and then he headed for Sedona, Arizona, where he caught up with Dave Marsh. After our June reunion, Paul and his wife Bart pedaled 210 miles across New Hampshire to raise money to fight muscular dystrophy. This was year number 27 for them, and they brought in more than $7,000. At a class dinner during Reunion Weekend, Stanley Greenberg saluted Paul, declaring that he had achieved the rank of “Best of ’67 Athletes” for his “remarkable tenacity and durability on his longdistance cycling jaunts with spouse Bart. And he keeps on rollin.”
Paul’s next-door neighbor in Mason, Scott Cameron, was in La Jolla in the spring “just hangin’ out with my grandchildren.” Next stop: Thailand. “I’m still looking for a base camp there but can’t make that decision. The five-star hotel lifestyle really isn’t a problem.”
“The good news from Hope,” wrote Anne-Marie Laverty in British Columbia, “is that the evil cancer went away. After surgery and two years of chemotherapy I’m now considered ’cancer-free,’ more than a hundred pounds lighter—and bald! The chemo seems to have messed up my ears, which limits my usefulness to the Silver Creek Free Miners softball team. They would prefer an infielder who could run more than a few yards without falling down, but as our new field is conveniently located next door to the Silver Chalice Pub, I’m not the only one with that problem.”
“If anyone wants some real entertainment,” Jeff Wood wrote in June, “come visit us, preferably during a projected deluge, where we all can watch the rain scour the driveway, delivering its payload of gravel onto the road and subsequently to the storm sewers. As I look out the window while writing this, I believe the weather is boiling up to deliver the twelfth such incident since the beginning of May. I have no doubt that I’m the only person in Briarcliff
Left: Rusty Bolles ’67 next to his girlfriend Diane, and across from friends Nico and Heather, dining at the Blue Bistro on Lake Winnipesaukee · Right: Barry Davidson ’67 enjoying his morning coffee and the water view
1763 Society
The 1763 Society, named in honor of the year our school was founded, is a testament to the profound impact of our generous contributors. By donating $1,763 or more in a single fiscal year, these individuals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our school.
Thank you to all who have chosen to make Govs a philanthropic priority.
Manor, NY, tasked with maintaining his driveway with a shovel in all seasons. That’s pretty much the sum total of our summer here, with the exception that my wife Barbara broke her kneecap in April from a fall on a wet, slippery floor, and she’s in the process of a slow recovery.”
As a Byfield resident, Wayne Noel never had the “pleasure” of living in a GDA dorm. Half a century later, in June, he gave it a whirl, bunking in Doggett with eight classmates. He survived and said he’s seriously considering a return in 2025. Wayne continues woodworking.
Doug Curtis noted that as the worldwide population lives longer, more medical devices are needed. That’s good for his business, Guidewire Technologies. “We had no vegetable garden to speak of in 2023 as I was hospitalized mid-June onward, so we are looking forward to this year’s harvest. Lindsay ’97, along with her son and husband, are waiting for a visa to return to the states. My other daughter, Virginia, has leased an apartment
in Newburyport and is heading up several projects at my business. It’s hard to believe, but three years hence will be our 60th reunion, and Linda and I will celebrate our 50th in two years!”
The highlight of Lew Rumford’s spring was the Chicago wedding of his daughter Grace to “a wonderful guy. Given his heritage, it was a Hindu ceremony and event. As a result, it was refreshingly joyous and meaningful. Her godfather Dan Morgan and Mayo showed up in proper costume to celebrate and add their charm to the happy festivities.”
There’s also news from Lew’s summer camp pal. In February, Anne and Mac Barnes visited New Zealand. “What a great country,” he wrote. “We went all around it. Can you imagine driving from New York City to Atlantic City and only seeing a few farms? No houses at the beach? Very nice people there. We visited the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and saw the America’s Cup, but we couldn’t take
Eastman School of Music, Catalina spent the summer at a variety of summer music schools whose programs are open by audition only.
“I enjoyed a trip to Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania in late 2023 enough to try another—maybe Portugal with a side of Spain,” said Jeff Harris in early summer. “Just saw Disney and Pixar’s film ’Inside Out 2’ with my older granddaughters Lily and Keeva. It was a pretty good depiction of the trials of puberty. But the big news is the arrival of grandson Parker Nash. Looking forward to a bunch of family getting together in Williamsburg, Virginia, in August— otherwise a quiet summer.”
“Retirement is the best!,” wrote Sid Bird, as he and Mary prepared to compete once again in the Senior Games in New Hampshire to qualify for the nationals next year in Des Moines. “I got a new rescue dog, which so far has had medical costs of over $4,000. Didn’t see all that coming. I rode four laps with a professional driver at 157 mph at the Daytona International Speedway—a gift from my son-in-law.”
it home. I did get to take the wheel on a mid-nineties America’s Cup boat in the harbor in Auckland.”
Speaking of sailing, Roger Block and Amy “were roped into co-chairing a Cruising Club of America summer cruise from Camden, Maine, to Saint Andrews, New Brunswick. Organizing an event for 35 sailboats, a mothership, and 120 people over 13 days was like a full-time job for 10 months,” Roger reported. They survived the effort and are looking forward to a relaxing fall.
Andy Creed restored a 1918 Old Towne canoe and, in July, took it to the 45th annual assembly of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association (WCHA) at Paul Smith’s College in New York’s Adirondack State Park.
Bill Dougherty’s granddaughter Catalina won a music competition in Rochester. Her prize: being a featured soloist playing with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO). Now a sophomore at the
“I had a nice long lunch with Dan and Mayo Morgan while they were visiting St. Augustine on Valentine’s Day,” Reid Pugh said. “A week later, I had knee replacement surgery, which went well. Recuperation from that has taken several months but is going well. In June I always have lots of beach time with my kids and grandkids, so the new knee is being tested thoroughly. I’m watching hurricane season with more anticipation than usual. In July, back to West Virginia for my summer visit, though I have very little family there since both my brothers have died in the last two years. Life feels different.”
Reid’s not the only classmate walking around with a new knee. Out in Albuquerque, Edwin Beatty is enjoying the knee he received in late 2023. A year before that, he had received stem cell injections in both knees. He’s hoping he won’t need to have the other knee replaced.
Ray Huard climbed into his Corvette in Wheaton, Illinois, on June 6 and drove to Byfield for the GDA reunion. Then he headed
to Waterville, Maine, and Prince Edward Island, visiting family and friends along the way. By the time he was back home at month’s end, he had put more than 5,000 miles on the odometer. He enjoyed not only the scenery but the 1960s music collection he had put together. “Looking forward to the same trip for our 58th reunion.”
Dan Morgan also had upbeat post-reunion thoughts: “I’m writing this after spending an enjoyable couple of days with a good number of ’67 classmates. It was also special to touch base with the new president of the Alumni Association and my freshman dorm proctor in Moody, John Heald. I am looking forward to a summer close to home in Marion and especially the couple of weeks over the 4th of July with all of the three children’s families, including the five grandchildren (ages 3 to 13).”
Dave and Christie Marsh sprung for a bucket-list southern European swing: wine cruise on the Rhone, Italian Alps/agriturismo, and fly-fishing through Slovenia. “BUT one, the other, or both were sick in bed throughout the month,” Dave reported. “The cherry on top was both contracting Covid in grimy Heathrow on the way home. ’Memories’ consist of photos of places we don’t remember visiting. Arizona’s better!”
Our other Arizonan, Mike Rogers, has been illustrating and writing yearly football cheers for the Harvard-Yale game and Dartmouth’s last home game with either Brown or Cornell. He is illustrating two books (Your Guide to Adventure and Leave No Trace wildland philosophy) for a local Arizona publisher. His cartoon car and creature art are still on display at Action Automotive in Prescott. Mike and his wife Deirdre are lead chaplains at their local hospital.
“It’s been a good year,” Barry Davidson wrote from Williamsburg. “We have added a dock and boathouse. While our Swan 57 sailboat was getting overhauled last spring, we took a Viking cruise from Buenos Aires to Barcelona. Our routine is taking care of Laura’s 95-year-old dad and spending time with our three grandsons (who are
local) and paying frequent visits to son Matt (Charlottesville) and daughter Ashley (Detroit).”
After 40 years in Maryland, Carol and Ben Beach have moved across the Potomac to a one-floor condo in Alexandria. Downsizing included saying goodbye to all of Ben’s albums. “I remember listening to the Beach Boys’ ’Little Deuce Coupe’ while looking out the window as my mother drove away from Mason in 1963. And ’Kinda Kinks’ was a present from Ted Dix.” Ben’s year also included his first root canal and a six-hour drive to Warren, Ohio, with a friend (Belmont Hill ’66) to see the total eclipse.
’68Ted Nahil tednahil@gmail.com
There is a lot to catch up on, so in no particular order, here we go! One of the side benefits to all the birthday wishes emails we share throughout the year is when one of those bland emails from me, wishing one of you a happy birthday, spawns a side comment and another discussion, unrelated to the OP birthday wish. Art Veasey dropped such a side comment on the passing of David McCallum that followed within a couple of weeks of the email I sent out for Brian Griffin and Nat and Hale Smith’s birthdays. His question was, “I wonder how many Farmhouse boys remember watching Man from U.N.C.L.E. every Sunday night in Bob Anderson’s study?” That question got lost in Jim Rudolph’s birthday announcement the next day, so I’m going to answer it now! I do! Veas and I were roommates, and our room was directly over Bob’s study. We were there for every new episode, as I recall. And Bob tossed you out if you said one word while the show was on. No replays, no VCRs, just live TV, so if you blinked, you missed it! A few days later, Marc Tucker, in reply to Jon Schaefer’s birthday email, wrote, “Have a great birthday, Jon. Maybe shoot some hoops, kick a soccer ball, or visit the batting cage. Or binge “Winning Time.” Or all of the above.” And following Ross Raymond’s birthday at the beginning of October, Ross did a bit of a reality check when he wrote:
“I am terrible about responding to these wonderful notifications Ted has always maintained for us all. My last day on the job I’ve enjoyed for six years was yesterday. The last 18 months have consistently required 50-60 hour weeks in order to successfully meet submission deadlines to FDA, Canada, UK (a total pain since Brexit…requirements for content and format nearly identical to EU but just a little bit different so significant duplicate effort), EU and Australia. I have got to keep working as long as feasible and I don’t mind working hard. But I am definitely rethinking if I really want to/can work that hard continuously going forward or whether I should trade off a little less stress for a little less money.” Ross also wrote about a month later, on Steve Robinson’s birthday, “Best wishes on your special day and hope all is well with you and the ‘Newburyport lunch crew’. Miss y’all. Had lunch with Dan & Paul down here in the southern part of Heaven a few weeks ago. It was excellent to connect and catch up.”
Birthdays are a great way to stay in touch and we have the usual group who is always part of the chain, including Veas, Tuck, Bubba, Dan Look, Winsor White, Howard Burns, Don Hayes, Jon Schaefer, Elliott O’Reilly, Chris Page, Jon Williams, Peter Barkin, John Emerson, Dave Mitchell, CF Spang, Jim Rudolph, Simon McCulloch, Charles Johnson, Chuck Johnson, Rob Lord, Harold Levine, and Harry Kangis. We also get to hear from less regular contributors like Steve Cox, Bob Parsons, Dan Ogg, Paul Gares, Boots Brown, John Sowles, Rick Kaye-Schiess, Kevin Huban, Ned Bennett, Ted Brooks, Roger Smith, Rob Stewart, and John Wannop. But we have other occasions as well, and my “semi-retirement” was one back at the end of October. Many nice wishes from many of you. Grande calls it “preferment,” with this explanation: “You now get to do that which you ’prefer’ to do.” Can’t hate that. And there was this from Bubba: “I can sort of feel for you in that I am also semi-retired this last few months. However, I have been working harder than ever. Much more manual labor!!!! Cause I want to! I was
blessed with a baby granddaughter on 1/1/23 and have been babysitting Wednesdays! I absolutely love it and it finally made me realize I can say ‘no’ to coming in to work every hour, every day. You seem to have been blessed with a job you loved, as was I. Congrats and blessings for some time to catch up on your other dreams.” More on this later, but it was relatively short-lived!
As the holidays approached, we again traded wonderful holiday wishes, including this from Jon Williams at Thanksgiving: “Mary and I wish all of ‘Goviedom’ a magnificent holiday. We all have much to be thankful for, not the least of which is the brotherhood we shared at the old academy. (I wish JBO was around to critique that sentence structure! I redid it several times, knowing my audience.)” And Tuck sent a photo of his family get-together, included for your enjoyment. Dan Ogg graced us, as he always does, with a couple of his works, “Kodiak Church” and “Walrus Parka,” also included for your enjoyment. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I was the grateful and humbled recipient of a very generous gift from a lot of you, and for that I say again, thank you so much. In early December, there was the now annual holiday dinner gathering in the Port area, this time in Amesbury at Phat Cats. Photo of dinner is included. In attendance were CF, Veas, Steve Robinson, Rob Lord, Jim Rudolph, Tuck, Peter Barkin, Bubba, Jay Worthen, and Chris Page. Also, there may have been a nightcap involving Veas, Tuck, and Rob at the Ale House. Veas was kind enough to assemble all the post-dinner texts in a note to me, and here is that summary: “I had a great time last night celebrating the holidays with old friends. Thank you all! Best, CF; Ditto. Thanks Tuck for making it happen. Barks; Wonderful to catch up with good old friends! Steve; ’Friendship— non-material, it is the only lasting thing,’ ~JBO, Veas; Many Blessings to all. It was a fantastic evening. A couple hours of remembering where we came from. I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Bubba PS Tuck, great job! And thanks; Hi guys. It’s hard to express the joy that I feel for our friendship. That said, it is
clear that I need to head home, not to another bar. Please raise one for me. Love you guys. Jay; Jay, my sentiment exactly. We are so lucky to have the friendship of our gang of classmates. Rob; Men, I don’t remember having a better time at any of our past forays. Everyone was in such great spirits. Many blessings to all. Bubba; I agree—It was a wonderful time! Thanks for you all being there. Special Thanks Tuck For organizing and treating us to the appetizers. And thanks Bubba for springing for the desserts. Chris” Here in south Florida, we’re getting to the point where there are enough of us to do our own holiday dinner, so next year, I will work on that. Harold, Simon and I are close to each other; Ned’s on the other side of the state; and Bob (Parsons) spends time in the greater West Palm Beach area, too. So we should make arrangements to get together for our own celebration.
As Christmas approached, Elliott joined in the thread of Merry Christmas wishes and sent a past
photo of his caroling group, along with a short report saying that his wife, Deborah, was recovering from Covid and he from a bout of hives, so they had missed the event this year. Shortly after Christmas, Charles Johnson wrote, “I had a great Christmas and Christmas memories which included a change in transportation mode. I got to Logan’s airport when all flights, including the Eastern Shuttles to DC, were canceled due to a total white out. They ended up putting a large number of us on a train which paralleled I95. They let us call family and gave us a 6 hour arrival span, I got to DC the next day. Interesting experience.” This was followed by a note from Veas: “This is not a Christmas memory, however, one of my classic GDA memories was from November of our sophomore year. I was residing in Farmhouse and was taking a shower before getting ready to go to dinner when the lights suddenly went out. I was sure it was Westcott or some other wise guy flipping the light switch and started complaining loudly
to no one in particular. Little did I know the power was lost all over campus and indeed throughout the entire Northeast and Eastern Canada during the Great Black Out of 1965. I think Val called for a ’Free Day’ the next day—an unexpected blessing.” This led to Jay Worthen’s writing: “Some further background on the blackout: We were standing around in the hallway waiting for a few stragglers before heading up to dinner (we habitually all walked up together). Wannop couldn’t just stand still, so he stood in the hallway rapidly flipping the hallway light switch on and off, much to everyone’s annoyance. Suddenly, in mid-flip, the lights went out! When we realized that the visible portions of campus were all dark, Wannop (dare I say panicked?) said: ’Don’t tell Mr. Anderson that I did it!’ And that is the true story of the Great Northeast Blackout.” With the new year about to begin, Elliott sent a photo of Deborah’s prize-winning Papillons and this note: “Our life has gone to the dogs! This past year my wife was recognized as an AKC
Breeder of Merit of Papillons and her first bred pup became a Grand Champion Silver! I figure everyone needs a little puppy love to start the new year so here are two of our most recent pups, Merlin and Java, to wish you all a Happy & Healthy New Year!” Tuck wrote, “Happy New Year, Boyz! Best wishes for health, happiness, prosperity, and growth in all good ways. It’s also not too late to climb aboard the Celtics fan train if you haven’t already.” As I write this, the Celtics are up three games to one in the NBA finals against the Mavericks with another game tonight, so Tuck was right on the money with his outlook for their season! The day after the new year, John Wannop replied: “Just catching up with old emails and feel compelled to set the record straight. As often was the case in my first year and half at GDA, my name was associated with trouble because of the unsavory individuals I associated with—Carpenter, Keeney, Bernsten, and Spang. At the time the lights went out for the Great Northeast Blackout, I was just
Top Row, left to right: Apple tree dedication · Bubba ’68 and granddaughter, Mackenzie · Wife of Elliott O’Reilly ’68, Deborah O’Reilly’s prize Papillons, Merlin and Java · Bottom Row, left to right: Linda and Mitch ’68 with their new car · Jon and Mary WIlliams’s Grandchildren · Class of 1968 Post-holiday dinner nightcap at Ale House (Veas, Tuck, and Rob) · Jay Worthen’s ’68 Cessna
getting out of the shower at Alumni Gym after a football practice. I remember having dinner in the dining hall by candlelight, returned to Farmhouse in the dark and going to bed—at about 8:00 pm. Mr. Anderson woke everyone up when the lights came back on, but I chose to remain in bed. So Jay —you must have me confused with someone else—as it was a common problem in those days!” My memory of that blackout was that I was certain that Chris Martin would cancel the English test we were going to have the next day, but he didn’t. Some of us hadn’t studied as much as we should have prior to the blackout and didn’t do well, but he was unforgiving! I pretty sure I got a C or C+, my bad for not preparing.
Dan Look, following up on Jay Worthen’s comment that his money was on Bernie, not John, added: “While I do not remember John being present, I too remember being in the showers following practice when the lights went out. The locker room and showers could
be dark. I do, however, remember John falling through the volcano as we built it for the 1968 Spring Formal. Ogg was not happy. John was unhurt.” John replied: “Technically, I did not fall through the volcano. The ladder slid down the side of the volcano taking a substantial amount of paper mâché with it and I was on top of the ladder. If I remember correctly, because of time to repair, we had to eliminate the water feature and just have the dry ice producing smoke from the top. I think that was the last time I ever stood above the fourth step of a ladder! And you are correct—Ogg was not a happy man, as it was his creation! Dan Ogg wrote back: “I noticed that comment about not being a happy man...I have forgotten that emotion from that experience but fondly remember the volcano project and dance...It was quite a AAA group of dance committee members and a successful event.” Mitch commented, “With regard to injuries, or lack of them with said volcano, it did call up another memory of a
more serious nature during a spring break trip to Bermuda. If I recall correctly, there was a moped that got away and left you somewhat battered with a trip to the hospital. Yes?” This prompted John to reply: “In the last few days, I have participated in the exchange of emails involving some experiences at GDA. I have reflected on some lifelong lessons I learned during that formative period of my life. They include, but are not limited to: Great Eastern Black Out—when confronted with a problem beyond your control, it is often best to take a nap. This permits you to perform at your best when the opportunity presents itself to address the issue. I continue to take naps on a regular basis; Falling into the volcano—do not reach beyond your limits—i.e. the fourth rung of a ladder. It also made me a firm believer in O’Toole’s Commentary on Murphy’s Law—which states Murphy was an optimist. Murphy’s law states “anything that can go wrong—will go wrong.” Seldom in my life have I been surprised by the
outcome of an event; The moped accident in Bermuda—it involved a nasty case of road rash as explained to me by a local resident the next morning at a drug store while looking for medical supplies. It did not require a visit to the hospital—but it did clearly identify me for the rest of the week. This accident resulted from drinking numerous 7 & 7s at the Elbow Beach Club. I have never had another 7 & 7 drink to this day—56 years! Unfortunately, I cannot say that about other forms of alcohol. Who said I did not put those four years at GDA to good use!”
This entire exchange prompted Winsor to bring the movie “The Holdovers” to everyone’s attention, writing, “Wow, this thread really brings back a lot of memories. Thanks! Speaking of which, I highly recommend a film now streaming on Peacock, “The Holdovers,” set in 1971 in a fictional New England prep school, with a memorable trip to 1971 Boston. (Remember those?) It was shot at Deerfield Academy, Groton, St. Marks, & other schools. (Outstanding actor Paul Giamatti, who plays the teacher, went to Groton.) Since it’s 1971, it’s only a few years from us & really captures a feeling of time & place. Excellent reviews. Personally, I can really relate to it, as I think many of you will. Enjoy!” That proved to be an excellent suggestion. Many of us enjoyed that movie and it went on to win a ton of awards. Other comments came from Pablo, Rob Lord, and Winsor among others. What great memories you all have! In the following months we learned that Simon was born in Kenya, were reminded that Art Sager competed in the 1928 Olympics and was Seth MacFarlane’s maternal grandfather, and that Heb Evans played the theme song from Bonanza during the warm-up period before a wrestling match! What tribal knowledge you all have! Summing up extremely well how this makes a lot of us feel was Dr. Barkin on the occasion of his birthday: “Thanks all for the kind birthday wishes. It’s been a great Governors week with that photo from Jim and the GDA memories earlier in the week of Art Sager. I share Harry’s belief that Art held the Olympic javelin record for a few minutes. I remember him stopping by track practice one day
Top Row, left to right: Elliott O’Reilly ’68 and his caroling group · CF, Veas, Steve Robinson, Rob Lord, Jim Rudolph, Tuck, Peter Barkin, Bubba, Jay Worthen, and Chris Page · Bottom Row, left to right: 1968 Lunch in Freeport for the Mainers (John Sowles, Veas, Rob Lord, and Dan Ogg) · Walrus Parka by Dan Ogg ’68
to offer some tips, which may have helped Tuck and Fred Lang ’69 but were lost on me. Art was a natural at the javelin and couldn’t get his head around someone struggling with the basics (Bill Sperry was great for that). On the other hand, Art was the perfect speech coach, getting us to feel comfortable speaking in public and without notes. A favorite memory is of the only class when we were required to read a prepared, written speech. Someone unprepared (who among you?) gave an extemporaneous talk, holding blank pages as a bluff. Art was not fooled. Gentlemen, you make me feel young.”
Giving Day in February came and went with our class having the highest participation rate as a percentage and coming in third overall for donations. I even heard from Ben Beach ’67, and Reid Pugh, my old Nobody Special partner, also ’67, with congrats to our class for such a great job. Reid says they’ll outpace us next year—we’ll see!!
Ross Raymond shared this update late in the spring: “Also wanted share that after six months searching I have finally been offered a full-time permanent position as
below, but her words brought back good memories from a lot of us who miss Bill to this day. It’s always nice to hear from Red Dog who wrote this to us on his birthday: “To my fond classmates, thank you all for your best wishes on this 75th celebration. It seems there is to be an exuberant aurora tonight so no need for the fireworks. Hope to see them if it stays a clear blue bird evening. Wishing all of you the best of health and staying that way.”
especially as the rest of the country seems to be spinning out of control! Best regards to all Red Dogs and Govies in general!” A picture of Jon and Mary’s grandchildren, Blythe and Hunter, is included.
Chris Page says that for the first time in years, he wasn’t able to get to the slopes this past winter: “It was the first time in 65 years that I missed a ski season. It’s disappointing, but I guess a broken streak is inevitable!”
a Senior ESubmission Publisher at Bavarian Nordic. Great company doing innovative work with much needed vaccines, good people, and newest technology. Regulatory Operations team is based in Munich Germany, so I will travel there 2-3 times a year for F2F meetings/team building and strategy sessions. Feeling very grateful to be a 73-year-old fart who is still passionate about what I do and to have finally connected with a company that values that and my decades of experience.” In early June he also wrote, “I just returned from a week in Munich for the purpose of meeting my colleagues in Regulatory Operations face to face and they are a wonderful group. Otherwise sticking with my schedule of a 10-mile bike ride almost every day, enjoying the NC weather and the time I get to spend with my two sons.” There’s a picture of him with his co-workers at training in Munich above.
Tuck shared with us that there was a dedication to our classmates who have passed being planned for reunion, and shared Bill Degen’s partner Mary’s wonderful words as she remembered Bill’s birthday on March 14. More on the dedication
April brought a meeting of the “Mainers” at a spot in Freeport and included John Sowles, Veas, Rob Lord, and Dan Ogg, along with his wife Sue. Picture of the four gents is included. It’s worth noting that they all voted that John has the best-looking hair of all, and probably all of the class, too—see below! Veas wrote this summary: “Rob Lord, John Sowles, and I had a fabulous lunch with Danny Ogg and his delightful wife Susan at the Broad Arrow Tavern in Freeport, Maine. The original Red Dog was visiting family and friends in the lower 48 and regaled us with stories of his post-GDA life as a salmon fisherman, magistrate, and former mayor of Kodiak, Alaska. Needless to say, we also recalled old Butt Club stories, together with many good memories of faculty and friends. Like all of us, Dan has mellowed, but ninety minutes of renewing 68er bonds proved they may age but they never fray.” In early June, Dan commented to me directly with the same photo: “Ted, as always thanks for all you do. I can’t imagine. I am attaching a photo or two of Lord Veasey, Sowles, and myself in a Freeport dining establishment. Others were to come but had emergencies. So sad not to have seen them. Fun was had by all comparing hair styles. Sowles won. Still in the 40s here, grass is green.”
Jon Williams sent in this update: “My job with a local custom home builder wrapped up in December. I like to think I did them some good expanding their supplier and trades base. I still have my structural concrete enterprise, but it takes little time to run after years of streamlining. Mary’s gallery in Boulder plugs along. She recently framed six Andy Warhol for an Aspen family. Dreaming of joining you in Florida,
Charles Johnson wrote, “Not much new to report, our son Spencer has graduated with a degree in computer science focusing on data management and security. I recently took possession of a new prosthesis, damn thing cost more than my pick-up. Lastly, Laura is busy planting her herb and veggie gardens. And lastly Stella dog turned 7.” It’s always great to hear how things are going, Charles! Thanks for that update!
Paul Gares steered us to Ken Burns and his commencement address to the 2024 graduates at Brandeis University towards the end of May: “I know our email exchanges are generally focused on wishing happy birthdays, or sharing happy (or sad) news about classmates. So, I beg your indulgence on this. Last night at my Tuesday night beer boys meeting, one of the group told us of a graduation speech given by Ken Burns at Brandeis University about a week ago. This evening I watched it sipping on a glass of wine. I must say that it is inspirational. So, I just had to share this with all whom I count as kindred spirits interested in rational thinking with open minds capable of appreciating provocative thinking. I believe that GDA (The Governor’s Academy) molded us into those kinds of human beings and that you would all appreciate the basic message conveyed by this speech (even if you take umbrage with his political aside. For those who do take umbrage, forgive me for expressing my admiration of this speech, which is still extremely provocative without the deviation into current day politics. Fondest regards to all Red Dogs…”
Steve Cox checked in on the occasion of his birthday, short and
Top: Ross Raymond ’68 at training in Germany · Bottom: Marc Tucker ’68 and his family
to the point: “Thanks guys for all the birthday wishes. All well on the West coast.”
Chuck Johnson wrote in with this update: “Now going into the warm season in Sacramento with days frequently above 100oF but at least I have the annual Sacramento Scandinavian festival behind me (I’m the association chair). I am now wrapping my head around Scout summer camp merit badge classes (I’m the scheduler for 38 different merit badges and 106 Scouts) which takes place in late July at our backwoods high Sierras summer camp. Otherwise, I remain in general good health despite spending more time than I should watching Brit Box movies and mysteries.”
Mitch sent in this terrific update as well, reflecting on his first full year of retirement: “First year of retirement hit April 1, and I can honestly say it beats working! Good news is that we’ve gotten a number of deferred projects accomplished around the house, some large and some small (driveway, hot water heater, paint, master bath, flooring, etc.), and are happy with the results. Not sure what the encore is for the second year but hope it’s not that much! When I knew I was going to retire, we sold our two cars with 300k miles between them and bought a slightly used SUV to cut down on expenses. Apparently, that was somewhat limiting, so we bought a second vehicle (Ted asked about cars), which is pictured somewhere here. Guess whose idea that was! Though, it does get more compliments than anything else I’ve ever bought. You gotta love CarMax—who else would do a photo like this for new owners?! A bit hokey, but we loved it. I’ve also been working on creating the Columbus Woodworker’s Guild. We now have about 20 members and have started teaching an introductory continuing education course at our local university (my former employer). Working on some other opportunities in this regard as well. One of my brothers (Bill’s twin Fred, for those of you who might remember that Bill was at GDA for a year) bought a home in Charleston, SC, to escape CA taxes, but kept his house in Palo Alto as well, so we’ve been over there a few times. Our
middle child also lives there, so it’s been nice having family around for a change. As for body parts (you asked, Ted), I was told in May that I could use a new ankle (didn’t know they could do that), two new knees, and a new shoulder, mostly on the right side. Doing some physical therapy, which is helping, and would just as soon keep all original body parts if possible. I’d be interested in anyone’s experience with replacements if you’ve had one or know someone who has. Hope all are well!” Anyone who can help with the “new parts” questions he has, please feel free to jump in! The new car is pictured below, too!
Jay Worthen is gearing up for his annual flight to Oshkosh’s airshow in July, enjoying retirement along with Cindy, who also retired in the last year: “Not much to report. Cindy and I have now been fully retired for 14 months and we’re settling in. I’m doing a fair amount of woodworking in my tiny shop. Still dancing Salsa 2 hours a week and will do as long as the body holds up. I will be making my 16th flight to Oshkosh this July for the biggest airshow in America. If anyone cares, the attached link (https://www.youtube.com/ playlist?list=PLLH2muNvWrTFLQzH_At7DGEobZf-gnzIC) is to a YouTube video showing my landing on the “pink dot” on runway 18 Right in 2023—to cut to the chase, scroll forward to the 5 minute mark.” Photo of Jay’s Cessna is included.
At Reunion this year, there was a dedication to all of our classmates no longer with us. Here is Art Veasey’s summary: “Five members of the class of 68—Page, Barkin, Worthen, Veasey, and Tucker were present on Reunion Saturday to dedicate the planting of three apple trees at the grounds of the Little Red Schoolhouse. I recited the names of the 12 68ers who have died before their time—at least in the eyes of their classmates—and read from a poem by JBO in commemoration of the observance. Marc Tucker followed with a special remembrance of Bill Degan, whose passing a year earlier and whose life was remembered with fondness and good humor. Bill’s partner Mary and her son Will were in attendance and expressed
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Goooooooooooooal!
On April 6, 2024, Tao Ishizuka ’18 scored his first professional goal—a huge achievement for any hockey player. Just a month later, he crossed another goal off his list: reaching the top of his class as valedictorian of Curry College’s Class of 2024, earning a BS in biochemistry with minors in mathematics and sociology. “It was nice to see my hard work and dedication pay off,” said Ishizuka.
Ishizuka played 102 games for the boys hockey team while at Govs. At Curry, he steadily improved on the ice, while also excelling in the classroom. As captain, Ishizuka led Curry to the NCAA quarterfinals with a career high, in scoring. Though he admits balancing classes, labs, and practices was hectic, he was well prepared. “Govs taught me my time management skills,” said Ishizuka.
Two weeks after Curry’s season ended, Ishizuka joined Georgia’s Macon Mayhem of the Southern Professional Hockey League, scoring his first pro goal in front of a raucous home crowd in the season finale. “It’s something that I will never forget,” said Ishizuka. “The light show, goal horn, replay of my goal on the jumbotron, and support from the fans was a special experience.”
Ishizuka will rejoin the Mayhem this fall, but eventualy plans to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research and potentially a PhD.
heartfelt appreciation for honoring Bill in word and deed. The brief ceremony was also attended by Head of School Peter Quimby, our advancement office liaison Daryl McGregor, and several members of the class of ’67 who graciously joined us in this special observance.” Bill Alfond ’67, was also in attendance but not pictured. I’d like to personally thank Ben Beach for his help with identifying some of the folks in that photo! Dan Look wrote in with an update from North Carolina: “We are still living in Cary, North Carolina. The Research Triangle area is exploding with the arrival in 2025 of Apple’s East Coast headquarters. The area is beginning to feel like Atlanta when we moved there in the early 80s. The family is all well. I am a little startled to have a 21-year-old grandson. Anne and I are doing more domestic traveling this year than across the pond. There is so much to this country we still wish to see. Back up in New England every two months. Sailboat is still in Connecticut and looking forward to getting more time on her in the 2024 season. Still considering moving back to New England. We will see. A quiet, thankful, year. Windshadow Group continues to work on our development programs and coordination for caregivers of veterans and 1st responders. An exciting and fulfilling challenge. Looking forward to seeing more of the class of 68 in the coming year.” And Bubba reported that all is well with him and Jayne, and shared a picture of him and his granddaughter, Mackenzie: “She’s the best reason to enjoy every day and smile. It certainly isn’t my golf game!” As for my update, as most of you know, I made an attempt to retire at the end of October and that lasted through the holidays. As of the first of the year I’m working with an old co-worker and a couple of companies, one in Germany, one in Italy, helping them get their products established in the US broadcast market. Our families keep Terry and me busy. Here in Florida, our two grandsons are heavy into sports. Jack, who is 16 and about to get his license, has taken up lacrosse and is turning out to be quite the player! He also plays football on the JV team. His brother Josh, 11, is a running back and receiver for a couple of local league teams and will definitely be
a JV player when he’s old enough in a couple of years. They keep Terry busy, as do our two granddaughters in Castle Rock, CO, Kylie who is 14, and Brooklyn who is almost 12. Kylie is a fast-pitch pitcher on a local team and is amazingly good! And Brooklyn is into cheer, competing on a team that made it to the finals in Orlando this past spring. Terry and I have done some traveling as well, but trips to Denver keep her busy. We both try to get there for one of the major holidays to spend with our son and granddaughters and we’re working on rearranging things here so that we wind up with a small place in the Castle Rock area and our residency home here in Florida. We’re planning a road trip to New England in the next month (this is mid-June as I write this) and I am looking forward to catching up with you guys up in the Boston area! As always, please keep the updates coming, take care, and stay safe!
’69
Billy Clyde coachbclyde@gmail.com
I heard from Jeff Gordon that he and his wife Jan have been
celebrating several milestones recently. The NY Philharmonic, 50th anniversary and a successful campaign at The Govs keeps Jeff busy traveling about. Not to mention children, grands, and gatherings all over, he and his family are everywhere! Jeff sees Dave Forbes often, as well. So much to do. Not enough time in the day.
Bob Amsler checks in with regrets that he will not make the reunion. “Just too much else going on!” He sends his best wishes to the class.
Art Schultz writes from Sonoma that everything is good with him. He is fully retired, trying to rejuvenate his golf game, and if his smile is any indication, very happily married to his new wife, Narvick, from Venezuela. Great to hear your news, Art.
Brian Pfeiffer offers that retiring from doing something you love is simply out of the question. He finds himself immersed in projects for non-profits. Brian is back in Cambridge, cycling through the city and now finds himself focused on the Morgan Tower on the campus of Govs Academy. There is a trove of art, architecture, and historical
artifacts in this structure. The property was gifted to the Academy in 1960 and needs to be conserved and the contents catalogued. Brian hopes to develop a program of use to serve the specific goals expressed by the donor. It is a fascinating story that sits on our doorstep! Thanks, Brian, for all your efforts.
Tim Tenney sends his best to his classmates. He cannot fit in the time for the reunion. (Which seems to be common theme for folks our age!) He has his sights set on our 60th! See you then!
Fred Lang writes from Florida and sends his best. He loves the warm weather and laments not being able to make the trek back to S. Byfield.
Got a nice note from Bill Strider. California is suiting him just fine, though it makes for a long trip back East. He is happy and well on the left coast.
Jack Connelly continues to be very busy with family and volunteer activities in the Madison area. His family is growing and they all look forward to time on the Connecticut shore. He sends his best to the class.
Far left: Nat Follanbsee ’69 and Billy Clyde ’69 · Top Row, left to right
Class of 1969 kayak excursion down the Parker River · Members of the class of 1969 at reunion: Josh Miner, Nat Follansbee, Peter Dorsey, Billy Clyde, and Ned Lattime · Bottom row, left to right: Art Schultz ’69 and his wife, Narvick · Peter Dorsey ’69 and his daughter Eliza Dorsey ’14 · Lt. Governor William Dummer and Peter Dorsey ’69
Received some news from the south of Spain. Rick French will not be at the reunion but asks that we visit the “Clam Box” in his honor. That will be an easy request to fill.
Chris Barker is very much on the move, visiting family in Chicago, boating the St. Lawrence Seaway and catching all points in between. Chris continues to coach wrestling and soccer and admits that it is difficult to slow down.
On our way into Massachusetts, my wife and I spent some quality time with Doug Macdonald and his wife. They have much family nearby and tag-team in order to attend all the requisite school activities as well as filling in when needed for child care, etc. Need something done? Just ask a busy person.
And then we had The Reunion! Five of us were able to make the reunion weekend….Nat, Josh, Ned, Peter, and myself were here to represent the class. We were well taken care of during our stay.
We had time to share memories and tour the campus. The Academy looks great and the staff did a wonderful job of keeping things running smoothly and on schedule. Special shout-out to the Academy students who were helping out as guides, transporters, or wherever they were needed. If they are representative of the quality of the Govs student body, the Academy is in good hands. One highlight for our class was the kayak ride Saturday afternoon. It was…alternately… sunny-hot-wet-cloudy-cold-windycalm-sunny…all in one short trip down the Parker River. It is spectacular scenery combined with quality time together. Thanks, Peter, for putting it together and promising SOME sunshine.
Nat Follansbee says…“Finally retired.” Though time with wife Sally and eight grands keeps him busy. They are all active and heading to Greece later in the year.
Josh Miner keeps busy between New Mexico, volunteering and time with the grands. The difference now? “I work when I want to. Not when I have to.” Got it!
Ned Lattime is close to retiring, but insists that retirement is just a word. My guess is that he will continue to lend his expertise where it is needed. His research is the stuff that truly changes people’s lives. Thanks, Ned.
Peter Dorsey is into many volunteer activities. He has walked almost 1,000 miles in the past couple of months. When I asked him for news, he simply stated… “So enjoyed the fellowship with friends on the GDA campus.”
As for me, my golf game needs attention, our grands keep us busy, and my wife Kathie and I will be in France this summer for some cycling and wine tasting…perhaps at the same time!
The other highlight for our class was reaching our goal for the endowed fund for staff and faculty. This means there will always be help available to support when needs arise. It might be for competitive salaries, to encourage professional development, recognize innovative teaching and/or the creation of new courses. We were a bit short heading into the weekend, but managed to put the stamp on the Class of 1969 class gift. Well done, fellas. Well done.
’70
James Fleming jamesfleming817@gmail.com
From the great state of Maine, Ed Catlin has written: “I’m getting a 5:25 am flight out of Portland tomorrow and headed to Palm Beach for two plus weeks with intentions to return again in March. Retired May 1st. I feared retirement before I did it; loved it the minute I pulled the trigger…and now a 19-month granddaughter whom I see a lot of (read ’granddaughter care provider’) has made it easy to never look back at the practice of laws and enjoy retirement. If you had told me that I would be saying that 12 months ago, I wouldn’t have believed you.” Pictured is Ed and his granddaughter, Edie, at her first hockey game. What a doll. Way to go, Ed!
Top, left to right: Post-GDA teammates at Trinity Jeff Molitor ’71
Russ
Jim
Here is a photo post-GDA but not by much. Lower left is Jeff Molitor and upper right is Will Phippen During the winter of 1971-1972, Jeff and Will were teammates on the Trinity College club hockey team. They could be the Hanson brothers from the movie Slap Shot.
My son, also named James (What can I say?), is studying for a master’s degree in France. He took a trip to Barcelona and met up with Jim Pinfold, who lives there part of the time.
I had a great telephone conversation with Alan Jackson in April. Maybe the first time I have heard from Alan since graduation in 1971. He lives in Calgary, Alberta. I always knew that Alan had gone to Queen’s University in Ontario (it says so in the 1971 Milestone) but I never knew that Alan was Canadian. I also knew that Alan was a doctor, but not that he was a neurologist and that his career included years of research at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. He
and
and Will
did research on viral infections of the nervous system and he is a world expert on rabies. He is now semi-retired and continues to write and see outpatients. He had a condo on the beach for a few years in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. At one point in his career, Alan attended a doctor’s neurology convention where he ran into our other neurologist classmate, Stephen Solloway. Pictured is Dr. Alan Jackson and his grandson, Jake, on a trip to Amsterdam.
Russ Ethridge sent in this great photo of his wife Debbie and him visiting Egypt following his retirement last November. Russ writes “Still part time judging as a substitute judge and traveling. Had our first grandchild, a girl on my birthday, and spent May in DC helping out with childcare. Now I know why you have kids in your 20s and 30s. Kids are exhausting. We told our kids that we intend to travel the world and bounce our last check so not to count on anything. Healthy as I can be at 71!!”
REUNION
(lower left)
Phippin ’71 (upper right) ·
Ethridge ’71
his wife, Debbie, in Egypt · Bottom, left to right:
Pinfold ’71 and James Fleming (son of James Fleming ’71) · Ed Catlin ’71 and his granddaughter · Alan Jackson ’71 with his grandson, Jake, in Amsterdam
’72
George Freimarck gfreimarck@gmail.com
To the mighty, mighty class of ’72: all hail! Thanks to those of you who responded to my missive on Jim (Ben, Ace) Peirce’s retirement as Chair of Governor’s Board of Trustees. Ben “Muskie” Pearson, Peter Phippen, Peter Conway, Peter Franklin, Cameron “Tunk” Hosmer, Brian Lenane, Chris “Swede” Swenson. Now on to the kids, the grandkids, the retirements and continued paid gigs, from Europe to Seattle, and from the shores of Guatemala to the high plains, and to the local elementary school playground. Thank you all for being so informative…and supportive!
Geoff Durham: Haven’t traveled as much as I would have liked, but do get to see the 2 grandkids often which is a nice replacement. Daughter, Andrea, and family now live in Bartlett, IL having moved in April. Our annual family reunion happens to be in Casper this year in July as that is the next planned trip. Will be volunteering at the NV5 Korn Ferry golf tournament after returning from Wyoming. Still doing my 2 half days volunteering in the local Emergency Room. Best to all, Geoff
Jim Tikellis: After 37 years, I will be retiring from the practice of General Surgery and Trauma/ Critical Care June 30th. Lou Ann and I are both healthy so we are ready to enjoy the next phase of life. I still marvel at how our 50th Reunion came together so beautifully and how we managed to pull off the big surprise for Jim Pierce! Best to all my classmates.
Peter Conway: Howdy George, hope all is well with you. Seems like there has been a lot going on at Govs so thanks for the updates. Not much going on except getting older. My two oldest granddaughters “graduated” from 2nd grade and are going to a new school next year. Their graduations were more elaborate than ours! Also, I just finished my 3rd year as a principal’s assistant —it’s getting harder to chase 100 kids around a playground. Haven’t made up my mind about year 4 yet.
The other thing apparently going on with me is I have totally lost my golf game!! If someone knows where it is, can they send me an email please? I certainly haven’t been able to find it for a month or so. To the 72ers, have a nice, healthy summer. Best, prc
David Rogers: My wife, Gay, and I took a month-long road trip to Tivoli, outside Rome, and back. In Tivoli, we spent a week with Gay’s kids and grandkids to celebrate her 70th birthday. Lots of stops along the way—Villefranche-surMer, Genoa, Volterra, Padua, and Geneva —all highly recommended. (David found a photo his mom took at graduation, of all of us proceeding in front of Commons. The photo, of its time sure brought back memories! but lacked the resolution to make print. David, living in a beach village on the west coast of Norfolk, about 100 miles North of London, UK, is one of our two active ex-pats, along with Rob Martin, in Bordeaux, France.)
Jim Pierce: George, I can’t let your note pass me by without saying thank you to every member of the great class of ’72. I am grateful for the constant support everyone gave to me during my time as board president, which ends on June 30. It was a fascinating experience, and our school is clearly succeeding and on the move. Your gift in my honor at our 50th reunion was a highlight that I will never, ever be able to adequately thank you for. You guys are too much! May our paths continue to cross. Thanks, all!!
Chris Swenson: Hey, still dancing…and had a great Father’s Day. Both our kids live nearby. In May I took my first vacation in three years. Got back to the Northwoods of Maine for a 4-day canoe trip with friends from my AMC Trail Crew days. We had great weather, and no bugs! The Caregiver team staying with Abigail did fabulously and now I’m thinking I might be able to get away for some more overnights in the future. I saw Norman Baratelli a couple months ago. And reveled in driving in my car and singing along with Dr. John and the Night Trippers’ “Gris Gris gumbo Yaya” with Norman. Who else could I do THAT with?? Le histoire!
–Swede
Peter Franklin: Hi George… was very sorry to miss Ben’s big celebration, but as you know I had just been discharged from Mass General that afternoon after having had two surgeries the previous week. It turned out that I had an extensive and rare infection of my tibia that had apparently had lain (lain, laid, lied… no idea!) docile since treatment during my time at GDA. Pretty fascinating, actually. Anyway… very grateful for the terrific care I’ve received, the calls, texts, and visits from classmates, and am on the mend! Hope to see you and others at a game this fall. Best to all the 72s! Frank PS—I’d include before and after photos of my leg but doubt they’d pass muster with the Editor.
Jim Irving (and Joth Davis): Joth and his wife Louise hosted Cindy and me at their lovely house on Bainbridge Island where we enjoyed dinner and watched as the Celtics won their 18th NBA title. This seemed an appropriate backdrop, considering the number of Celtics games we listened to on the radio in our room on Commons II many years ago. Joth continues to operate Baywater Shellfish with his son, Caleb, and finds time for teaching at the University of Washington (where he is known as Dr. Davis), woodworking, canoeing, and SCUBA diving, among other activities. It was a wonderful night. He and the family are thriving and he sends his regards to all. We had a great time! (PS: Except for the hair, these two haven’t aged a day in 52 years!)
Charles Bouchard: I continue to serve as Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology in Chicago (Maywood, IL) where I remain actively engaged in the four missions of academic medicine: patient care, education, research and service (global). We have such an outstanding group of (16) residents and faculty (45) to work with both at the Loyola Medical Center and the Hines VA Hospital. It is so much easier to face the economic and staffing challenges of the healthcare environment with the dedication and support of the greater health care team.
Our department has been providing international eye service (cataract surgery) since 1963 in Haiti, then in
Abak Nigeria through the 1980s. I made my first trip to Guatemala in 2008 and have been partnering with Humanity First, with 1-2 trips annually since then to provide eye care to those in need. In 2018, Humanity First built Nasir Hospital (Hospital Nasir Guatemala—Atención Médica de Calidad) and we recently, in April, brought a group of 14 surgeons, medical students, and residents from 3 Chicago programs, as well as Philadelphia, Seattle, and the UK to perform 70 surgeries. I have also helped organize a Chica-GO (Global Ophthalmology) program to provide education in Global Eye Health and mission opportunities to all the residents from 6 academic medical centers in Chicago. This is a very exciting project and should continue to grow in the future. We will have 4 poster presentations from our mission work at the Global Ophthalmology Summit in Portland, OR this summer. I continue to enjoy mentoring residents and medical students in clinical research and teaching. We had a group of 18 medical students, residents, and faculty present
Top: Jim Irving ’72 and Joth Davis ’72 watch Celtics championship game in Seattle, June 17, 2024 · Bottom: Grandad Charles Bouchard ’72 with grandson Henry
their research at our annual Eye Research Meeting in Seattle this past May. I will be presenting various topics at the Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital in Tianjin, China in the fall and in Kyoto, Japan in November. Very exciting to continue these long-term international collaborations.
Anne and I so enjoy our children George (and Leah) and Olivia (and Will) being here in Chicago. I have an almost 2-year old grandchild, Henry, whose daily explorations of the universe around him continue to bring us laughter and joy every day. We are also looking forward to and are so excited for our daughter Olivia to be married to Will Jung this September. The cicadas this summer have covered our plants and trees and my 14 raised-bed vegetable, flower, and herb garden provides great enjoyment and relaxation after the long work days. I hope everyone is managing their own health issues and those of their family members with compassion, patience, and optimism. Charles
George Freimarck: I continue to be employed, providing catastrophe modeling to the insurance and reinsurance industries. I do enjoy it, not least as my business travels are mainly to London, Zurich, Bermuda, Munich, and occasionally the benighted state of Florida, suffering as it does the combined effects of weather and insurance woes. I stay involved with the Academy as a member of the Alumni Council, and try keep you folks up to date on doings in Byfield. We bought my family’s old home in Marblehead over 20 years ago as a vacation spot. A little over 10 years ago, we moved back permanently. Although my wife, Gratia, had gifted me with a used 26’ sailboat with motor and mooring (you could transfer a mooring by sale 20+ years ago!) she soon tired of tacking into the wind, so we settled on a little 22-foot dual console with 200hp outboard. It sits on the same mooring, about 100 yards off the dock at the end of our street. Not quite the Bluebird II, but If you come to M’head in season (or anytime), let me know, and we’ll go for a putt-putt about the hahbah! “Bert, Bert, cast off the bow! Bert cast off the bow”…Non sibi, George Marblehead, MA
’73
Glen Winkel drwink@me.com
Greetings to the class of 1973 now aka the Old Guard! Yep, like it or not, you are now members of a very elite class of alumni.
At the reunion just last week, we had 3 intrepid Old Guard members in attendance, Jim Fox, Larry Coles, and Judge Walter Rivera. In fact, Larry and Walter were involved in a panel discussion about students of color. Larry brings more “color” than I possibly could:
“The Class of ’73 was well represented at the GDA Reunion weekend this year. We were small in numbers (3) but mighty in spirit and participation. I was honored to moderate the Govs second Fishbowl Panel discussion: A Conversation with African American and Latino Students of Color. Walter Rivera and I (Larry Coles) participated on the panel, along with Michael Hyman ’74, Isaiah Suggs ’78, Roechelle Smith ’84, and Ardy Lewis ’92. It was a candid conversation of our positive and negative experiences spanning nearly three decades at GDA. Our
time—the early ’70s—marked the largest number of Black and Latino students (10-12) attending at one time in the Academy’s history.
We discussed GDA’s unreadiness and their lack of support and understanding of our needs. Some may recall the Black students’ boycott of 1971. We requested/ demanded the Academy be more sensitive and provide support for us. There were no faculty, staff, or girls of color, no courses or materials in the library reflective of our cultures, and no outlets or alternatives for support. We worked with the administration on solutions to these issues. It was clear from the alumni panelists of the late ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s that they and the school benefited from the heightened awareness of the concerns and needs of students of color. Great conversation! The Academy must continue to strive for greater inclusion, commitment, and sensitivity to students of color.”
Thanks, Larry, I am encouraged to see that we have progressed from those early days of unpreparedness both for the women and others at the Academy!
Breaking away from the “old”
theme, Jim also had his daughter and granddaughter at the reunion! And David Goldbaum with a new look writes, “Here is my new look. It’s been decades since the last time I had a beard (see photo)! Presently renovating homes in the Bedford area. In the process of permitting a 7-unit development with lots of moving parts. I will hopefully get in the ground this year. Our esteemed Judge Walter Rivera took a trip to Bermuda and “had the pleasure of visiting Don Ricardo "Rick" Wynn there this past February. I gave him our 50th reunion cap, as seen in the attached photo. It was a wonderful visit, and Rick has since reconnected with other classmates.” Yes, such great news. It was great to see Rick on the Zoom call at the 50th reunion. With our classmates scattered all over the world, perhaps we can do a few Zoom calls prior to upcoming reunions to catch up and make plans.
Also, in the new category, Phil Bouchard writes in from Texas! “Just completed my first year as the inaugural Director of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Associate Professor of the Practice at Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU in the Texas A&M University system. Working this summer on
Top Row, left to right: Glen Winkel ’73 enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossoms in Chuncheon, South Korea · Jim Fox with his daughter Hayley and granddaughter, Kenzie · Reunion 2024 proud members of the Old Guard! Jim Fox, Larry Coles, and Walter Rivera · Bottom Row, left to right: Phil Bouchard ’73, Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship · Rick Wynn ’73 and Walter Rivera ’73 in Bermuda in February · David Goldbaum ’73 sporting a “new” look!
updating the entrepreneurship curricula (thank you Buster Navins for knowing the plural of a neuter Latin noun) and programs for the fall semester. Big change from 39 years in Silicon Valley tech companies. Best to all of the Old Guard!” I love the memory of Buster Navins as well! It’s so great to see that even after 51 years, these legendary teachers still continue to have an impact on our lives.
I also have some very exciting news to relate. As many of you know, I relocated to South Korea last February, however I have been unable to obtain a visa based upon my grandfather’s Korean heritage. Without the required Korean governmental documents, (which I was told do not exist) an F4 visa was impossible! Since I don’t believe in the impossible, I persisted and suddenly received notification that the Ministry of Justice was going to approve my visa! Apparently after reviewing my grandfather’s U.S. naturalization paperwork, they realized that he was involved in the Korean Revolutionary party after he moved to Hawaii. (A little Asian history first!) From 1905 until 1948, Korea was occupied by Japan and those who were fighting for
liberation from Japanese rule were ruthlessly killed or imprisoned. As a result, the Korean government has established a special honorary title for these independence fighters (독집유공자). In Asian culture, this honor passes down through the generations, so that I also will receive the same title of honor as my grandfather! Once they discovered my grandfather was an independence fighter, I had my visa in a week! My F4 visa is an “Overseas Korean” visa and it definitively establishes my Korean ancestry. This means that I can continue to stay indefinitely in South Korea and my next step is to find descendants of my family roots here in Korea. I am slowly improving my Korean and hope to be able to provide GDA alumni tours throughout this beautiful country!
As I wrap up these class notes, many thanks to those who sent in pictures, as that is thousands of less words to type (!) and if in reading these notes you are inspired to drop me a line or update me in any way, please do and I can include them into the next copy of the class notes. While I may be far far away in South Korea, I am still as close as a phone call or email. Stay in touch
and stay safe and healthy! Your South Korean class secretary, 719685-9252 drwink@me.com
’75 REUNION
Pam Pandapas pamrobfine@msn.com
Pam Pandapas: By and large, the last year has been mostly uneventful. Unfortunately, we recently lost one of our cats, so the last one standing, who had never been an “only child,” was left bereft and needing companionship. Enter a year-old cat and a 2 ½ month old kitten. Suddenly, the house was chaotic again. I also traveled to Borrego Springs, California with one of my brothers to visit with our stepfather, who turned 95 years young in mid-July. We had not seen him since our mother passed away 12 years ago so this visit was a long time coming. And it was a delightful one. I am still reworking aspects of our house and when the weather is warm, gardening. I think I finally defeated the hungry critters that kept invading my vegetables, so now they just have to admire from afar! Rob continues to work long and arduous hours while traveling to Rhode Island at least once
a week to care for his mom while I continue to cook for her. There hasn’t been anything earth-shattering but life is good and a pleasure. I really do feel as if I have won a lottery…although a real winning ticket would also be fun!
Mike Sapuppo: Last November I was tricked into doing a 10-day motorcycle ride through North Vietnam. My friends told me most of the roads were paved. Far from it! If you’ve ever seen Top Gear Vietnam, you’ll get a sense of what it’s like. There are no straight roads in Vietnam and most of them are far from paved. It’s hard to describe what an amazing experience this was for me. It ranks up there in the “once in a lifetime” category.
Dave Bohman: Staying busy, as TV news in Florida means never a dull moment. I get to see Barry Miller when he’s in town. Recently, I was lucky enough to win another Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists award for showing how fake online reviews can cripple a business. There are busy weeks ahead with hurricane season and the election of 2024 keeping me busy.
Michael Ponce: I took a year off to get my bee business rolling and to help Jen build her business of interior design and packing and moving seniors out of their homes and into retirement communities, all while staging their homes for sale. In that process I picked up my real estate license and now represent Higgins & Welch Brokerage in Erdenheim, PA and am helping Jen with the transactional side of the business. I worked at Homestead Smart Health Plans for 4 years and we took it from 11 of us to 70 employees and the principals sold it to Private Equity, who in return let me go on the night of the Christmas Party! I am up to 9 hives and selling honey products under the trademark Orchard Cottage, which is the name of our house. Annie Ponce graduated from SCAD on June 1st with a degree in Art History. She will continue to live in Savanah next year and hopefully will be employed. Lindsay is a junior at the Tyler School of Art at Temple University. She is a jewelry major with a glass blowing minor and another minor in metal
with his Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists Award
sculpture. She is presently residing in Rome, Italy for 6 weeks to drink in all that is Art and Wine, plus good food, as my charge card reminds me daily. We will try to make it up to MDI in the late summer and out to New Mexico also. We have three towns on our top favorite places: Southwest Harbor, Maine; Savannah, GA; and Santa Fe, New Mexico: the three S’s. I hope all my classmates are well. We are here in Wyndmoor, PA so if you are in the hood, look us up. If any of you can answer “Where in the World is Andy Woodcock, the missing Detective?,” please pass that info on. Cheers from all the Ponce family and from Penny the Lab!!
Lisa Johnson: Truth be told I have no interesting news, save that we are well and able to sit up and take nourishment. My mind still works most of the time, limbs fairly well, and overall happy with our lot. I worry about the state of the world, though. We have no weddings planned, no grandbabies, no retirement, no deaths, and no significant life changes. I hope all those who have exciting next-steps happening in their lives bring joy. For those who are struggling, “hang in there.” Be well everyone.
Rich O’Leary: Like many of you, we became grandparents in January to little Ruth Gonzalez O’Leary, born in Evanston IL,
David Niven-doppelganger named Taylor Lampe, a fine young man, and now live in Portland OR. Our Son, Dr. Keais Pope, is a hospice doctor. With both Elizabeth’s father, Josh, and my mother, Woodie, in hospice, the access to someone that understands how hospice improves life at the end of life has been wonderful. Our four grandchildren keep us really busy and daughter, Liza, has the patience of Job with all the mayhem. Life is full.
Libby O’Leary at a wedding in Greenwich.
where our daughter-in-law, Phoenix, is a PhD candidate at Northwestern. Son Tim is Rector of St. Barnabas Church in Glenn Ellyn, IL. Daughter, Sarah, is PR Manager for Oribe, a luxury beauty brand, in NYC. Mom & Dad, now nominated to be called as grandparents “SuSu” and “Dickie” are still living in Greenwich near Sam Gilliland and his better half, Beth. No complaints! Can’t wait for Reunion next year back in our beloved Byfield.
Dan Morris: As for happenings in my life: For vacations, Katherine and I spent a week in Vermont skiing in late Feb/early March. As of this writing, we just returned from a week in the Dominican Republic relaxing, beaching, and enjoying the great fresh seafood. Outside of that I am still working very actively in the corporate relocation field and recently announced that a year from this August, I will finally be stepping back and retiring, as there are just too many places around the world that we want to visit and explore. I am still looking, though not as aggressively, for a house on some acreage to retire to in either Vermont or New Hampshire, so we take the occasional trip up to those locations to look at potential listings.
Greg Pope: The Greg Pope family celebrated the wedding of their youngest daughter Charlotte to a
Starr Gilmartin: I wish I could offer something more than this to report. Lately my life is more of a snorefest than anything else with no exciting and riveting travel stories, promotions, or milestones to report. I continue to work per diem in emergency social work, allowing me time to do gardening, some biking, some hiking, and occasionally dog sitting for my children. As I said, pretty darn dull. I’m hoping for some adventures! However, I have just bought a 17-foot motor boat so I can get out on the water for a more extensive distance than just a kayak trip. After living within throwing distance of the water and being unable to access it for many years due to the crowds on the island unless some of my boat-owning friends take pity on me and invite us, I am looking forward to being able to experience life on the water, catch sight of some seals, dolphins, and maybe a whale or two. Oh, by the way, Justin and his bride just bought a house in Newbury, MA, near our old stomping grounds. I expect we will be spending a little more time down in that neck of the woods as Justin needs Gilly’s building expertise!
Sam Gilliland: All three girls have boyfriends simultaneously for the first time ever and we’re taking what I believe to be our last family vacation to Scotland on Friday [6/14] (no ring, no bring). Both Anne and Charlotte are still traveling the world like mad for work and pleasure, and Leigh just finished her MBA at NYU and will start her new consulting gig at LEK in NYC this October. Beth and I are still working hard at our respective vocations, playing lots of tennis, and enjoying our recently renovated house. I see Rich O’Leary and his wife, Susie, all the time, and recently ran into Buck ’73 and
Peter Richardson: Retired life is great! Beth and I are traveling a lot, most recently to Copenhagen. It’s a great city, beautiful, friendly, and easy to get around. We adopted the bike culture along with the rest of the city and pedaled all over. Some happy family news: our son Seth is getting married in February 2025 to a lovely woman. We had our 45th reunion at Bowdoin, which was a great success thanks to the hard work of a committee led by Wheeler Gemmer. And I’m still a busy beekeeper.
Lisa Stranberg: I am living in NY now near my grandchildren, which is great. I am now at the point where I can do some traveling. My summer will be spent visiting friends and family in NH and NC. Then 2025 will include a trip on the Rhine. I hope that all my classmates are doing well.
Barry Miler: The Miller Family is happy and blessed! Karen & I are taking the team (3 children and their spouses and 5 grandchildren) to Nantucket in celebration of our 40th anniversary. Please wish pleasant weather!?! I have enjoyed connecting with Rob Kaplan, Spencer Purinton, Dave Bowman, Greg Pope, and Mike Sapuppo during the year. Our class of ’75 is a great class!
Spencer Purinton: My story is pretty much more of the same except, of course, the usual toll that comes with old age. Still working, still happily married, still living in Newburyport. And I am still calling my classmates begging them to donate to the Academy and am always appreciative of their generosity. I look forward to seeing everyone at our 50th anniversary!! Lots of love to all.
Craig McConnell: There’s not a lot going on in this fly-over state. I remain retired, I still have dogs, and I have a lot of yardwork. Pretty much the same as all other retirees!
Steve Dunfey: I hope all is well with everyone. I don’t have a lot to report. I am doing the freelance writing gig. I write for InDepthNH. org. I also write for the Seacoast
Top, left to right: Mike Sapuppo ’75 travels through North Vietnam · Peter Templeton ’75 at the leaning water tower in Groom, TX · Bottom, left to right: Barry Miller ’75 and Dave Bohman ’75 · Dave Bohman ’75
Jazz Society. Living in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which is a great place to live. I should mention Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club. I have been there many times and it is a world class music spot. I would gladly join anybody for a show there. I also look forward to checking out the new school building on the Parker River the next time I am the Newburyport area. That is about it for now. If you are ever in the Portsmouth area, feel free to look me up.
Keith Esthimer: I’m still doing the grandparent thing and enjoying it, but looking for other endeavors to use our time wisely. Giving back and all.
Paula McNutt: Just thought I’d sound out with “Greeting and Salutations!” No news to report except we’re still livin’ in paradise: Melbourne Beach, Florida.
Judy Tamposi: Knock wood, my family is doing well. The grandchildren keeping me on my toes with ages from 3 to 20 years old. Recently I have been “rehabbing” our senior horse, Tucker. He’s a quarter horse paint who was not quite in shape. The vet came by today as I write this and gave me the thumbs-up. Hard work does have its rewards. Leslie and I are going to Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy with our daughters and my favorite daughter-in-law this fall.
We are all looking forward to a girls’ getaway. Leslie is quite the chef so we are definitely going for the food, with a little adventure on the side.
Peter Templeton: Hi all—Greeting from Taos, NM where I still live and work with my wife, Linda Seto. The attached photo is of yours truly at the leaning water tower in Groom, TX during a recent road trip to Oklahoma. My company, Tree of Life Woodworks, continues to roll along doing a wide variety of custom cabinetry and furniture projects. Currently, I have been working on helping remodel an old adobe house near downtown Taos. We are using the carved design elements seen in the furniture and architectural woodwork of Russian artist Nicholas Fechin as inspiration for our hand-carved doors and cabinetry. Fechin lived in Taos during the 1920s. His residence is currently the home of the Taos Art Museum, which I highly recommend visiting if you are ever in Taos. As far as fun adventures— I took a little trip to Juneau, Alaska to go see my friends from Ireland who have an Irish/Americana music group called I Draw Slow. It snowed 8 inches the day I got there! I enjoyed hearing them perform and got a sense of the local Alaskan Native art and culture. It was an awesome sight to see tall evergreen trees filled with bald eagles during my ride back to the airport for the flight home. Summer is
in full swing and lately has been generally hot and dry during the day. I am thankful to live on the Hondo Mesa, which is only about a mile and a half from the John Dunn Bridge and little swimming beach on the Rio Grande. My wife officially retired from teaching 5th grade, but works part time as an assistant principal at the Taos Integrated School for the Arts—a public charter school which she founded over twelve years ago. My oldest daughter, Anna, lives and works with her husband, Greg, in Durango, CO. My son, James, recently moved to Austin, TX, and my youngest daughter, Rachel, lives in Denver, CO, where she teaches special ed in a high school. We are hoping to make a little vacation trip to Massachusetts towards the end of July. Singing Beach at Manchester-By-The-Sea calls! LOL I used to go there during my childhood summers. Best wishes to all my GDA classmates.
’78
M Phil Graham chanter53@gmail.com
M Phil Graham: M Phil Graham has been generally quite busy making plans for upgrading our choir materials at my church in Concord. I am swimming and working out per usual, including lots of walks, listening to Audible usually. Allergy season this year was challenging, to say the least! I am taking environmental steps at home to minimize the impact of increased pollen counts, especially since I still work at home. And, I still like my job!
Alan Leahey: Kathy and I spending half the year in Vero Beach, FL and the other half in Lewes, DE. We have 5 grandchildren now and enjoy spending time with them. Still keep in touch with John Webster and Jim Giampa and get together with them every few years. Reconnected with Peter Feith a year ago as we have some mutual friends. Had a good conversation with him. If anyone in Vero Beach in winter or Lewes in summer, look us up. Always fun to reconnect with classmates.
’80 REUNION
’82
Nancy Wickwire anwick@comcast.net
Nancy Wickwire, Class Secretary: I gave classmates a few prompts to answer, to get the ball rolling with notes. First, I asked how classmates will “beat the heat” this week, with all of New England forecast to be in the high 90s for this week. Second Question: Any fun plans for summer vacation this year? Third Question: Any other news you’d like to share? Here are the responses:
Dave Schwartz: Hot day: Well, in DC, 90s are a joy, so will be outside enjoying it! Summer plans: Just got back from my niece’s wedding in Manchester-by-the-Sea last weekend, which was fabulous (daughter of my brother, Larry ’81), will be visiting family on Gulf Coast next weekend, and will be back in New England (Newport and then Essex) for 10 days in August. What else: I retired from Latham & Watkins after 35 years (the reason my old Latham email no longer works) and now am doing fun projects with friends (I just partnered with some folks in a new restaurant that just opened last month in Washington, DC called “Ama”).
Claire Dober Danaher: All right, let’s get this ball rolling. GO-TO HOT DAY PLAN: pull all the shades to keep out of the sun. Grill food outside. Cancel outdoor pickleball games. Extra water for my vegetable garden and for people. Cold shower before bed. FUN SUMMER 2024 PLANS: just had a family vacation in Japan. Definitely fun to be together and explore the other side of the world. WHAT ELSE TO SHARE: Bill and I become empty nesters when Rosie goes to the College of Wooster this fall. Love to all, Claire
Scott Maguire: I enjoy reading all your emails, reminds me of carefree years. London is 58F now and a heatwave is 3 days over 85F which is miserable, air conditioning is still a novelty. Great to see the Celtics win, but I had tickets (thanks to Mintz, Dave Schwartz will know this firm) to game 7 and had a Friday flight booked to Boston, where I have not been since summer of 2017, simply burned out of
Kathy and Alan Leahey ’78 with their grandchildren
the every-other-week commute from London to Boston for 8 years. I expect to be in my hometown more frequently with my 16-yearold applying to colleges in New England and my 13-year-old applying to prep schools. It would be great to meet with classmates as I did often with Will and Chris on occasion during the grind years. Great to see Dr. Kriggy in London in December and show him an iconic pub in my neighbourhood (yes, British spelling), the pub which is the subject of Queen’s "We are the Champions" (yes composed after this pub) and show Kriggy the very discreet Freddy Mercury room. 41 years since I last saw him and it was like we had not seen each other in a week! Thank you, Nancy, for your efforts keeping us connected.
John Leary, man of few words: Thanks, Nancy, for your efforts. No plans to beat the heat this week. My wife and I have a trip planned for Ireland in August that we are looking forward to. Regards, John Leary
Chapman Mayo: Hi Nance— thanks for being the best class secretary a class could ask for! Minnesota will miss the heat dome this week but I’m sure our time will come soon. Minnesota has been great place for 30 yrs but the winters (save this past one) have lost their luster. Lohini and I are closing on a condo in Coconut Grove (Miami) this summer after renting an apartment there for the last couple winters. Miami is a ton of fun and we’re ok with being partial snow birds. Probably the bigger news for us is that at the end of last year we sold our family agricultural business to a Portugal-based company, although we are still running the business for the new owners, with no immediate plans to retire. Finally the best news to share is that our son, Hugh, is engaged to a woman, Alka, that he met at Georgetown Law. She’s from India so the wedding is happening in Hyderabad this December and yes, it’ll be a traditional Indian wedding that goes on for days. We’re thrilled for them and are excited to be part of this celebration. Dave—if they decide to have any type of celebration in DC, maybe we could have it at Ama! Regardless, next time we’re in DC visiting Hugh we’ll make a rez. We
hope to make it to New Castle, NH in late August. Hope everyone is well. Chap
Will Friend: Mare and I doing great, still living in Hamilton in the same home for the past 30 plus years. I just started back to in-person (2-3 days a week work) after 4 years of being fully remote. Hoping that by the time this hits the Archon I’m still able to go in at least a few days a week without a Covid uptick. Yes, the office is cooler than home, but thanks to Nancy’s reminder of the coming heatwave, all window a/c units are now installed! Kids are all grown up and out doing their things. Emily (29) is living and teaching 5th grade in Manhattan and Will III is living and working in aerospace in SF. We’ll have them both home for two weeks around the 4th and hope to be cooling down on the beaches and waters of Gloucester and Truro on the Cape. No big travel plans, but a few road trips to see family and friends definitely in the works. Have managed to keep in touch with many of you via email, texts and zoom, and for those few I’ve been able to see here and there, it’s always great to catch up live. Thanks again Nancy for keeping us all connected. Will
Eric Marberblatt: (could be his first ever Archon contribution??) OMG, I got mentioned in Nancy’s notes. My son Jacob just graduated Boston Latin School and will be attending UMASS Boston next year. My daughter Naomi will be a “sixie” entering 7th grade at Boston Latin School next year. We live on Beacon Hill, Boston. Governor Dummer seems like so long ago! Best, Eric
Brian Freeman: Dear Nancy and classmates, Having just finished 36 years of teaching in Cambridge and Greenwich, I’m happy to be recuperating in the country right now. With the help of Mass Save, I have new mini-split heat/cooling units, so I hope the impending heat wave here in Northfield will be manageable. My years at Brunswick School as English chair and English and Greek teacher have been, for the most part, wonderful and inspiring, and I hope to make it through a few more before I retire (and translate a few more plays). I’m living with my third generation of English Setters right now, and if all goes well,
Penelope and Praxiteles will retire with me in 2031—a year before our fiftieth reunion! Best wishes to all, Brian
Chris Perrault: Hello Everyone, and thank you Nancy. It’s great to read the stories about what people have been up to. Funny thing, Chap, my oldest daughter Amanda got married last summer to Ronak, who was born in India. They also had a traditional Indian wedding ceremony in Portsmouth, NH. But they did spend a month in India the summer before they got married and went through a lot of pre-marriage ceremonies. Ronak and Amanda also went to Thailand for a few weeks for their honeymoon. Now they are pregnant, so they are expecting their first daughter, Lila, and this will be my third granddaughter. My middle daughter Jess has two daughters, Annabelle and Charlotte, 7 and 11 years old respectively. My youngest daughter Melissa, who is 25, lives with me and is a hair and make-up stylist in Tewksbury MA, and she is doing very well at it. In the past three years, we also sadly lost one of my sisters, and both parents, which has been difficult, but we are getting through it. In happier news, this August I’m heading to Seattle to attend Brice Massey’s wedding, but it’s a surprise, don’t tell anyone. Okay, you can. After Brice’s wedding I’m planning on a motorcycle trip with a bunch of friends over BearTooth Pass in Montana, or Wyoming, or someplace like that. The temperature here in Methuen is a cool 67 degrees. That’s in my living room of course. It was 102 in the sun today, but has now cooled off to 98. Saying Hello to Dimitri Vlahoulis. Sometimes I have breakfast at a diner in Haverhill that’s
owned by a Greek guy named Steve, and he tells me all the Vlahoulis family news. I hope everyone is doing well and has a great summer. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next reunion. Chris Perrault
Alison Miller Montague: What goes on in that mind of yours?
Please add me to your list of prospective roommates at the memory care unit, Nancy. Re: Heat Dome—With scary heat on the horizon, we’re quickly packing for an escape to the Cape to alleviate our climate anxiety. Why does every day now seem like a ’70s disaster movie? Fortunately, our youngest, Sophie, is starting a Masters/PhD program in marine biology soon, so we’re hopeful she can be part of the solution. Re: Summer Plans— Since going back to work during the Great She-session of 2020, I now spend a considerable part of my day either planning my retirement or optimizing vacation time—so that I can have more summertime with visiting family & friends. With remote work, we are lucky to spend most of July in Orleans and then August in Swan’s Island, Maine. Unfortunately, this requires me to don unfashionably large hats and zinc-laced sunscreen. So, I will not be sharing photos. Re: What Else— Tonight is game 5 for the Celtics, and though I am the only person in our family to have played basketball beyond the YMCA, I am considered bad luck and banished to the other room. Apparently, I shared one too many tales of anxiously choking from the foul line in my glory days. But I’m hearing joyous exclamations from the other room—so fingers crossed—game 5 going well! Hope everyone has a happy & healthy summer ahead! Alison
Left: Class of 1982: Alison Montague, Heather Vickers, Martha Krauch, and Nancy Wickwire · Right: John Krigbaum ’82 and Scott Maguire ’82
Martha (Lawlor) Krauch (who has cornered the market on nurses in the family): I Just finished year 25 of teaching! I still love what I do even after all this time! Emily (age 29) is now a nurse practitioner in Women’s Health living with her husband, Mac, in Leominster. Charlotte is a nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital, working in their cardiac surgery unit. She is planning to become a traveling nurse in the fall. Eliza is a nurse at Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain. She is loving life as a 24-year-old in Boston. Gary and I are still enjoying life on Heart Pond in Chelmsford, floating and kayaking as much as possible. Life is good! Martha
Bobby Low: Thanks once again to Nancy for her spirited efforts to spur us on. I write from Lewes, DE, where Stacey, Natalie (rising 12th grader at Holderness), Cooper (attending Groton as 8th in Fall), and I are enjoying a week of family vacation between Cooper’s lacrosse tourneys. Just got back from beach. Will be traveling road show for us, with Groton as homebase, Natalie works towards driver’s license, and we chauffeur Cooper to lax and hockey. Livin’ The Dream! Cooper had whittled his choices down to Grot, Govs, and Holderness. We had a fun time at Govs revisit— place looks impressive and people and programs are fabulous. Lacrosse coaches are terrific. In the end, he chose Groton. Very nostalgic to be back on campus in the usual Groton-Govs athletics context. Hope everyone is well, and don’t hesitate to swing by if you’re ever in/ near Groton School. Best, Bobby
John Nye: Dear “Favorite Class Secretary,” et al…Enjoying group text with various classmates from time to time, but that’s not how I get through hot days. Will head to Hailey, ID to see daughter, Hannah, perform in “Boeing Boeing.” She’s living out there with her significant other. No marriages or grandchildren in the Nye line...yet. Son, Tupper, returns to the east coast after a decade out west. That’s definitely a summer highlight. My daughter, Avery, is now a college graduate, so tuition payments are done. As a result of the above, Kathy and I transferred ownership of our auction house to our second-in-command in exchange
for a lighter workload and long weekends. That’s how I endure hot weather. Dave, Washington DC was featured on NPR this morning as being a foodie town, but unfortunately, they didn’t mention Ama. A fun read is A Wild Idea, about the founder of North Face and Esprit creating a 10,000,000 acre National Park in Patagonia. Also, the Yvon Chouinard biography, Let My People Go Surfing is also inspiring. Keep your updates coming...
Nancy (Lord) Wickwire, answering my own questions: To stay cool on hot days, I am happy to go to work! The courthouse is well air-conditioned. I’ve been there 26 ½ years and still love it. Summer plans include a get-together with Heather, Alison, & Martha + our spouses for a few days at Al’s place on the Cape. And a few concerts— we saw Bonnie Raitt last week in Portland (where my son Eddie lives) and she ROCKED IT. Will see James Taylor in 2 weeks. Daughter Layla is in Brooklyn, managing a bakery, “Lapartment 4F” by day and trying (and occasionally succeeding) to book paid gigs with her improv group “Here’s the Thing Improv” (follow them on Instagram!) Kids (“kids” = 29 & 26) and I are going to Orlando in September because…I can’t remember why I agreed to that, exactly but hopefully it will be fun to do a few parks at WDW and some coasters plus Harry Potter at Universal! Andy said heck no, and is going on a hut-to-hut camping trip with some friends instead. Love hearing from all of you! Too smart to be bothered by the name “Dummer.” Nancy.
John Krigbaum: Other than Magoo having his months mixed up, I was in London last summer (June–July) —but indeed we did connect at The Champion and we had a BLAST (see pic)! What a time warp and truly not much has changed. I’m a gator living in north-central Florida (since 2000). My wife Denise and 15-year-old daughter Clara (aka Nova) and I are happy tackling life’s daily triumphs and challenges. We play tennis in Tom Petty Park, rock out in Bo Diddley Plaza, shred the not-too-technical trails, and swim in prehistoric springs whenever we get the chance—not too too bad. Successful connections these past
few years with Ole in LA, Willy in Hamilton, Gordo via Zoom, Scott in London, …but miss you all and hope to connect at the next reunion. Have a safe and fun summer!! In terms of prompts… 1. What’s your go-to plan for a day when the weather is forecast to be in the 90s? So fortunate to live in Florida in the summer (sarcasm— go see Inside Out 2). 2. Any fun plans for summer 2024? A trip, a beach rental, a reading list, a visit to or from family? Roadtrip to the Hamptons at the end of the month (hope to connect with Robin), and then up to the North Shore for a few weeks (looking forward to tracking down some very long lost friends). 3. What else would you like to share about your life & times in 2024? Today, I just signed a letter to be chair of anthropology at UF—more like WTF?!? Gulp …Gainesville out, Kriggy
Augusta Cheshire: Greetings, I hope I succeeded with the attach all button…at any rate…I forget the prompt questions…so I will wing it!!! As for the heat wave, it does not bother me, the hotter the better…a nice change from 20 degrees… since I used to live in Florida in June and July…but the beaches here are a great place to cool off when I can have a Will, Jenny or Annie L. sighting!!! Alison you need to rent in Annisquam so I can run into you, that would be fun!! Also, it’s good to hear the news!! Also, I need to catch up with Michelle Montrone!!! My dad saw you recently, best wishes to Dimitri V. so sorry about your dad!! I hope
you are doing better!!! And best to Jeff and Ian!!! Ian is such a gift!!! He really seems to love his job, hope to see you both at Cardinal Day!!! And to wrap up, my 2 girls are beautiful, smart and very busy. Obviously, they are Savannah, mother to Alexander, 7 and Everlee, age 5!! I had to put their names in print!!!! And my youngest, gorgeous Ashleigh, who just got home from France and palled around with Christie Brinkley’s daughter, Sailor Brinkley Cook. To wrap up, I need to see/hear from SLOAN!!!!! Gus Henley xoxoxo
Karen (Matzner) Chinca: It’s great to hear all the updates from you all! On my end, life is pretty good. My 29 year-old son Enio just graduated from his Masters Program at USC in nonprofit management and is now looking for a job in the nonprofit sector. My 26-year-old son Raphael is living the life in Boston and works at the Globe as a production coordinator in their TV studio. I am working a lot. I have a group psychotherapy practice in Brookline, and business is booming. Lots of people in need of mental health support these days. In 2 weeks, we will be going to France for a month. We have a place in southern France and generally spend part of the summer there. Luckily I am able to work a bit from there because the world of telehealth opened up the possibility of working from anywhere, and my clients don’t mind, as long as they can see me. I look forward to hearing more updates from you all! Karen
Class of 1983 at Reunion 2023
’83
Cat Eveleth catmando_ent@msn.com
Danielle Jacobs dljacobs@aol.com
A fun time was had by all who attended our 40th Reunion in June of 2023! See photo of attendees at our Saturday evening class dinner. Hope to see more of you next reunion!
’85 REUNION
Nathalie Ames names@nathalieames.com
Hi, Class of 1985! I hope you have had a great start to your summer! I am really looking forward to our 40th reunion next June on campus! We missed our 35th because of Covid and 10 years is just too long! Mark your calendar! Save June 6-8, 2025 for our big weekend! Life is definitely moving along! I am still enjoying international travel, going to live music events and spending time with my daughter, Laura Ames Mendel, who recently got married. Feel free to send me any life updates for the next Archon issue! See you all in June 2025. Can’t wait! Nathalie
’89
Kristin Brown kristinbrown29@yahoo.com
Amy (Russell) Bonnerot: I have moved back to NYC with my family
and in March I was happy to reconnect with fellow GDA Harriers Ilse Abusamra ’96, Cabot Orton ’88, and Coach David Abusamra P’96
’90 REUNION
’95
REUNION
Michael Noon michaelcnoon@aol.com
Well, well, well, Here we all are again. The principal difference, this issue, being that we’re here—or at least that the correspondent is here, writing this Notes installment, and not rationalizing his absence as the result of kids’ spring activity schedules, or books that need writing, or aging parents, or work volume, or time-consuming exercise preferences, or home ownership (e.g., lawns in need of mowing, or, now, chickens in need of tending), or quotidian adulthood (or a poor imitation thereof).
And here is where the correspondent apologizes for that absence but also warns that he cannot promise it won’t happen again (or that his next apology will be any less tepid). C’est la guerre. But despite his personal failings and the debt he owes to those who responded to his Facebook entreaty one year plus one week ago, the correspondent prefers to set more current news first—a thousand pardons.
This past December, I made the trek with Jameson Case and Tim
Gould to Todd Horvath’s (Class of ’96) new bar in Marblehead. Yes, we went all the way to Marblehead. By car! (It may well have been faster, at least for Jameson and me, to take a kayak across Salem Sound, but alas. Perhaps one day. Though paddling back may be a bit of a challenge.) The Hidden Door is exactly what it should be—a classically cool, perfectly lit space with time-worn exposed beams and a cocktail menu that is worth ordering from (and that is exceedingly high praise, in this correspondent’s opinion). The staff is clearly welltrained (again, the significance of this praise is not to be underestimated, as I retain a goodly number of my New York pretensions and expectations), and there are few things quite like a contemporary speakeasy that lives up to its aspirations. And Todd’s chops as a mixologist are impressive—the phrase “walking encyclopedia” comes to mind, and while “mad scientist” may smack of ostentation, I had never before heard of clarifying citrus juice, and so here we are. Yes, I am clearly biased, but for qualification, see the reference to pretensions above. If you should find yourself in Marblehead some evening, you should drop in. If you should find yourself elsewhere on the North Shore, or in Japan, you should take some vacation days and make a plan to visit The Hidden Door—the travel time will be roughly equivalent.
Mike Angelis invited me to a Red Sox game this past April. It’s great to go to a game, but to see Mike as well. The only regret is that I had to drive home and couldn’t hang out longer. Next time I’ll hire a car and not be an idiot. Or be less of one. I was reminded of his urban landscape watercolor series—three of his disposable food container prints are at the entryway to our kitchen—and need to go check those out. (Because, yes, though I was reminded of it in April, and talked with him about them at the game, I still haven’t checked them out, because I am a monster, but that shouldn’t be news to anyone, anyway, so what’s your point?!? —Sorry for the egregious interrobang.)
In other news, the correspondent has no recollection of noting that
Robyn O’Reilly (Class of ’98, and a thousand pardons, I cannot recall the married name, if it was adopted) has long been a neighbor! (But, then, he recollects so little these days.) We ran into each other at West Beach…two years ago? Three? And now it’s a semi-regular occurrence, if outpaced by Girl Scouts drop-offs/pick-ups. Always a pleasant surprise (or, well, a pleasant, moderately expected eventuality).
And speaking of West Beach runins, Adam Doorly ’97 was there as the guest of a neighbor this past summer (of ’23, and therefore an appropriate designation at the time of writing), and he shared a glorious story of legal minutiae executed by Dan DiPietro ’96, which is perhaps inappropriate for these pages, however brilliant.
And one day, hopefully soon, I’ll get to see, and thus report on, all the North Shore alums whom I’ve so long intended to see (and report on). Scheduling in adulthood is inexplicably cuckoobananapants. My regrets.
As for those whom the correspondent so rudely solicited for details of their lives and then still yet more rudely failed in his corresponding duties, they deserve to speak for themselves:
Savina Sasserath: I am in my late studies to be a doctor and busy working. Kids are grown up now (18 and 19), and I am enjoying the summer with my husband and our two dogs . Hope everyone is doing fine?! (Not sure if they use QWERTY in Germany, so this interrobang may simply be a typo.)
Laura Magill: My news is I’m now based in Singapore; moved in June 2022, open to meeting other Gov peeps.
Tom Smith: It’s been twenty-eight years, so I guess I’m overdue for an update. I’m living in Newburyport with my wife of eight years and our three children (6, 5, and 3). I’m exceedingly jealous of those of you who opted to have children before getting on the AARP mailing list, but the craziness has been helping to keep me young. I’ve been at EBSCO Publishing in Ipswich for
Left: Ilsa Abusamra ’93, Cabot Orton ’88, Coach David Abusamra P’93, Faculty Emeritus, and Amy (Russell) Bonnerot ’89 · Right: Laura Ames Mendel and her mom, Nathalie Ames ’85
On the North Shore of Massachusetts in Marblehead, there is a hidden door—though if you look for it, you can find it. Indeed, it wants to be found. And behind that door is Todd Horvath ’96 and his new speakeasy, The Hidden Door.
The craft-cocktail revival deserves more champions across the North Shore, and Todd is sufficiently passionate to brave the sometimes-torturous challenges of opening such an establishment.
As classmates from his era know, Todd is a natural musician. At Berklee College of Music, he honed that aptitude into a nuanced balance of sound and experience—a balance that you can taste in a thoughtfully constructed libation, or discern in the aesthetics and pacing of a good watering hole.
Todd speaks of The Hidden Door as something akin to a Third Place—not home, not work, but another place, where one feels—or is made to feel—comfortable. His aspiration is to provide an establishment that offers community and a sense of belonging—a welcome variety for those exhausted by the quick-drink reflex. In essence, The Hidden Door is an experience, a place to interact in a way that can only be discovered by venturing out, maybe taking a chance to speak with someone one otherwise never would, and perhaps learning something one otherwise never could.
You’ll find The Hidden Door on Washington Street, just shy of Five Corners, two doors to the right of The Barrelman. Past the white gate is a charming outdoor seating area that leads to a bookshelf stocked with ancient casebound titles. And that bookshelf, as well as what lies beyond, is The Hidden Door.
the last nineteen years and am currently working in publisher relations. I haven’t seen much of the Class of ’95 over the years and hope you are all well and enjoying life, wherever it’s led you!
Liz Hazelton: My news is I accepted the role of CIO for Hamilton Beach Brands and am relocating my husband, two daughters (7 and 9 years old), and six dogs from MN to Richmond, VA this summer. Glad I’m going to be back on the East Coast.
’96
Scotty Coulon scotty.coulon@gmail.com
Hello to everyone in the Govs Family. The Class of ’96 hopes that everyone is happy and healthy, and enjoying their lives to the fullest! Here is a little recap for all of you on how our class is doing.
Jason Greenberg reports that he’s still at ESPN in remote production, mainly covering college football, college basketball, NBA, and golf. He got to work the NBA Finals at the Gahden, and watch the Celtics take care of business against the Mavs! When he’s not working in the sports world, he loves being a Girl Dad, and spending time with his wife and three daughters in Westport, CT. His girls are growing up fast, and are now 4, 6, and 8 years old.
Jason Olbres is still living in Nantucket, and got to spend some time hanging out with classmate Kavy Yesair at Cisco Brewery when he visited the island. They had a blast catching up over a few pints. It’s always a great time when people from the Class of ’96 get together!
Todd Horvath and his wife Victoria opened a speakeasy-style bar with a hidden entrance in Marblehead, MA, in November of 2023. The Hidden Door specializes in craft cocktails built with intention and care, and all of their juices and syrups are made fresh in house. The speakeasy has quickly gained a following, received many great reviews, and has been featured on NBC Boston and in numerous other publications. So, if you find yourself on the North Shore, head
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Art and Craft
Todd Horvath ’96 and
over to Marblehead and hang out with Horvy at The Hidden Door ... if you can find it!
As for me, well I’m finally going to be doing something that I’ve been dreaming about for years. I have created an adventure called The Mighty 10,000. I will be hiking 10,000 miles around the world over the next 2+ years to raise awareness and funding for Oncology and Kids and Camp Reach for the Sky. OAK is a non-profit in my home of San Diego that provides quality of life programs for children and families whose lives have been affected by a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Their flagship program, CR4TS, provides free-of-cost camping adventures for these children and their families. I have been a volunteer camp director and counselor known as “Guvnah” for the past ten years, and it has completely changed my life, and made me a much better person. If you’d like to follow along with my journey, the website is www.mighty10000.com, and my Instagram is mightyguvnah. When this Archon comes out, I should be somewhere at the end of the Appalachian Trail, finishing the first of my 10 hikes. Then I have a couple months off for the holidays before I head to Patagonia in Chile to hike the Torres del Paine O Circuit.
That’s it for now. Best Wishes to everyone, and Go Govs!
’98
Elle Erickson erickson@amsllp.com
Elle Erickson: I am thrilled to share that I was elevated to partner in my firm, Aronson Mayefsky & Sloan, LLP in New York, New York. I was also happy to use my faculties as co-president of Wagner Middle School (on Manhattan’s upper East Side) to arrange an author’s visit from Alyson Gerber ’00, who gave presentations to our 6th grade class, and all 400 6th graders received copies of her new book, The Liars Society. It was a great example of the depth of our alumni network in action! I also enjoyed touring campus in the shoes of a prospective parent with my daughter—and what a thrill to receive that letter from admissions! It felt like 1994 all over again!
’00
’01
REUNION
Caitlin Haire Caitlin.haire@outlook.com
Hi all—hope everyone has been well! My family and I are existing in a lovely level of chaos (sometimes more lovely, sometimes—more often—lots of chaos) but I guess that’s what happens with a 3 and 5 year old. I had a great time this Spring with my two boys at the Alumni Kids Science Day checking out the beautiful Alfond Coastal Research Center...and even ran into Shaena Tucker Arsenault there! Amazing time all around.
From Cait McIntosh Greenhouse: Doing well in central Connecticut. We are one-and-a-half years into business ownership at 50% of my veterinary clinic with my business partner. My kids are now 6 and 11 and my oldest is moving onto seventh grade at the middle
school in our regional area. Here’s a quick picture of my son Eli and I on his step-up ceremony day—he received the school music award and a presidential academic award.
From Ian Hughes: This is my 18th year working for Lockheed Martin Space Systems, with my ninth Satellite launch coming up in January. Started the year buying a house in the hills outside Denver, trying to spend as much time that I’m not at work backpacking, snowboarding, motorcycling, and overlanding. Living with my girlfriend, a 3yo Australian shepherd, a 18yo Ball Python, and 2 8yo cats. It’s my intention to visit New England later this year, so hopefully I can overlap with a few of the old Dummer crew. If anyone has ended up in Florida, it’d be fun to tag up next time I’m out there for a launch. Best to all!
’02
Rachel Grossman rmanikian@gmail.com
Hello Class of 2002! It was so wonderful hearing from a few of you and learning what you have been up to.
David White writes, “I know that we are all reaching our 40 milestone this year. My wife organized a Survivor-themed birthday party to celebrate it, filled with fun challenges. Professionally, my business partners and I started a second orthodontics/pediatric dentistry/ oral surgery office a few years ago and are purchasing our third office this month. I have also been getting super into golf and have won a few tournaments over the last year. If anyone is in Houston and wants to come play at Bluejack National, I would love to host them. Hope you are doing well! I am planning on attending our next reunion. It’s been way too long since I have been to GDA.”
Diana McShane shared “2024 has been a much better year for me so far. I kicked off my 40th birthday with a trip to Iceland with my husband, Chris, to see the Aurora, and
Clockwise from top left: Jason Greenberg ’96 with his family · Children of Caitlin Haire ’01 enjoying their time at Alumni Kids Science Day at the Alfond Coastal Research Center · Ian Hughes ’01 · Diana ’02 and Chris McShane enjoying her Birthday trip to Iceland and seeing the Northern Lights · Cait McIntosh Greenhouse ’01 with her son, Eli · Rachel Grossman ‘02 and Angela Martone ’02 with their children back together in Atkinson, NH
2023 · Mandy Ludeking ’09
at Boston’s City Hall Plaza · Chelsea Barnett ’08 with her fiancé Brian Wheeler
McLain ’09 and Ariana (Vlachos) McLain ’09
it did not disappoint. We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights from the plane, from our cabin’s backyard in Akureyri, and even on my actual birthday right after midnight! After the sadness of losing my mom last year, it felt like she was helping to put on a show for us. I also started playing the drums over the last couple of years, and as of April, I started practicing with a local band called Uncleshake. It’s been a great motivator to practice more, and I cannot wait to play live with them! Other than that, Chris and I are settling into country life after 20 years of living in the Bronx, and we’re excited to get out on the Susquehanna River and kayak as much as possible this summer. If anyone is in the central NY region and wants to connect, we’d love to see you!"
with
Ted Chen told me “My fellow Eames boy Aanand ’03 came to celebrate his wife’s 40th in Tokyo. It was also my 40th last week, so it was a double celebration. We grabbed food at Asakusa and did some shopping in Aoyama. My wife and I have moved to Tokyo since 2023 so come visit us!!!”
As for me, I got to spend some time with Angela Martone and her family back in our hometown of Atkinson, NH again this Easter. As we get older, establishing traditions and get-togethers have become yearly highlights for me. Another upcoming highlight? I will be running the NYC Marathon this November! Post-GDA, I got very into long-distance running while at Tulane in New Orleans and this will be my first marathon. I will update
his Inauguration Gala was spectacular. We can’t wait to watch Jay save this city and blaze a path straight to the Governor’s office in a few years. The Governor’s community is proud of you Jay, congratulations! Live free or die.
Barry McLaughlin is not a 1-man party anymore. Building the women’s hockey team first line for Class of 2039/2041!
Brandon Bates: I got married on June 17, 2023 to my bride, Maureen, in Old Saybrook, CT. Govs alums who attended incuded Morgan Steir, Jon Weiss, Taso Kapernekas, Brian McGuirk ’04, Marc Borden, Dan Lee ’01, Chris Ebinger, and Chris Kelley
’05
’08
REUNION
Abby Shaffo abigail.shaffo@gmail.com
Aloha classmates and greater Govs community! Please enjoy some updates from the Class of 2008:
you all in the next issue about how those 26.2 miles went!
’03
Taso Kapernekas tkap07@gmail.com
Morgan Steir: In 2023, I had the pleasure of watching our friend Jay Ruais ’04 campaign for Mayor in New Hampshire’s largest city, Manchester, where I spend a day or two a week for business. Jay has always been a selfless guy, and it was on full display this past year as he dove headfirst into the community and its many issues and opportunities. His common-sense platform and promise to cut through long-standing bureaucratic red tape and government bloat resonated. Jay marched to victory and
Hunter Archibald reports, “I finished my residency in otolaryngology at the University of Minnesota in June and started a one-year fellowship in facial plastic surgery at Indiana University in July. My wife, Laura, finished her residency and fellowship and will start her practice as a Mohs surgeon. Our cat Willard Beans remains crazy, but we love him.”
Trevor Jones shares, “My wife, Taylor, and I just had our second son, Theo Jones. His older brother Cody is very excited!”
Chelsea Barnett has lots of exciting news: “I am still living in Back Bay and recently got engaged! My fiancé Brian Wheeler and I are so excited to start our next chapter. After several years of working in the tech industry, I have decided to return to the world of consulting. I will be starting a new job with Capgemeni at the end of this month as a member of their NA Business Transformation practice. Outside of work, I am looking forward to our annual family trip to Martha’s Vineyard this summer
Top, left to right: Ted Chen ’02, Aanand Radia ’03 and their wives meeting up in Tokyo · Barry McLaughlin ’03 and his family · Brandon Bates ’03 and his bride, Maureen, along with the Govs crew · Center, left to right: Abby ’08 and John Shaffo with their children, George and Gabriel · Mayor Jay Ruais ’04 and Morgan Steir ’03 · Bottom, left to right: Colin Canty ’09 and his wife, Bridgette, at their wedding in Mexico, January
(left)
Mayor Wu on the first International Day of Play
· Eliana McLain, born 3/22/24, daughter of Andrew
and celebrating the wedding of my younger sister Kaitlyn ’10 in Woodstock, Vermont!”
Tommy Durkin shares, “Abbey and I have 2 little boys—Hank (4 yrs) and Wes (18 mos)—who are wonderful and sometimes insane, and are growing into terrific young men. The noteworthy update is we moved back to Manchester by the Sea last year, and would love to see any & all Govs folks who are up in this general oasis of suburbia!”
Let’s welcome George Dorsey back to the States! He reports, “In May, I relocated back to the USA from Singapore after 5+ years abroad and now live in Atlanta. If anyone is in the area, please reach out!”
Life is busy for us out on O’ahu and we’ve already enjoyed numerous visits from loved ones, including Jack Harris ’10, Lily Harris ’17 and Charlotte Dimaggio ’08. In October, we welcomed our second son to our crew, Gabriel Jeffrey Shaffo. I think all the time soaking in the Hawaiian waters has created the chillest baby on earth. In addition to hanging with my babies, I operate a home Pilates studio and continue my Navy Reserves service at the U.S. Indopacific Command Headquarters. John was selected to take command of Seal Delivery Vehicle Team ONE next spring, so we’ll be living the Aloha until spring of 2027. We’d love to be your tour guides or give recommendations if anyone makes the trip to the islands!
’09
Hannah Hines hannah.f.hines@gmail.com
Hello from the class of 2009! Hard to believe it’s been 15 years since we graduated. It’s a fun stage of life for us all—weddings, babies, career changes, and big life moves. Dan Hines and I welcomed another member to our family—our son, Ryan Hines, was born May 22nd. His big brother Oliver is very happy! Brian Durkin and his wife Meg ’12 welcomed a son, Miles Durkin, on May 22nd as well! More baby announcements to share— Andrew and Ariana (Vlachos) McLain are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter, Eliana
Sophia McLain, who was born on March 22nd. Ellie is excited to meet Govs friends the next time they are in Byfield! Madalyn (Durgin) McClelland welcomed her second child, a baby boy named John, in April. She is living in Memphis, Tennessee with her husband, their daughter Anna, and now their new addition, John! Kaela (Duff) Kennedy lives in Summitt, NJ with her husband and two kids named Cullen (3) and Teagan (1). Blake Riley and his wife Charlotte welcomed a son named Max in November 2022. They live in NYC and he gets together often with Colin Canty and Pete Metcalf Colin got married last winter in Mexico—he and his wife Bridget live in Brooklyn and are loving it. Petey Metcalf is engaged and getting married in NJ, October 2025. Ryan Moores and his wife Liv welcomed a baby girl named Chloe on May 21, 2024. They are living in Newburyport not far from Govs! Becca (Block) Stark is married and living in Sudbury, MA with her husband Bryan and their daughter Blake. Blake was born in December 2023. Linley Block is engaged and getting married back near Govs in Rowley, MA in December 2024. Jamie Hansen is married, living in Portsmouth, and expecting a baby girl in September 2024. Julia Blanter writes “I’ve been enjoying life in New York! I work as an oncologist at Mount Sinai Hospital with a focus on breast cancer. My husband and I had a daughter in January, Liana Ruby Rutman. We live on the Upper East Side and love getting together with Ariana and Andrew McLain in Brooklyn, who also just had a daughter!”
Erin Quinlan writes “Hi! I am now a Newburyport home owner, go Clippers! You may see me cruising on my electric scooter downtown/ to the beach or hosting mindfulness/sound bath sessions at ILLUME bookstore. I recently graduated with my MS in complimentary and integrative health from Drexel University, while also developing the first-of-its-kind 24/7 staff-only wellness center at Boston Children’s Hospital. You can check out my research as soon as it has been accepted to be published in the American Journal of Nursing. I do have an exciting summer ahead of me, as I
am getting married in August to my fiancé, Austin. I’m excited to have my GOV bffs Priscilla Somogie and Jenika Shephard with me on my wedding day :) Austin and I will also be traveling to Spain and Costa Rica, which we are very excited for! I look forward to the fall as I plan to continue to coach the Govs soccer goalies and catch up with some of my favorite Govs staff/teachers.” Laura Beohner shared that she and her partner Zach McInnis are celebrating 8 years in business this fall running their company The Healing Rose, an organic cannabinoid wellness company based in Newburyport, MA. Laura just finished her 4th season coaching Govs Softball and their twin daughters Brooke & Zoey will be 3 this fall.
Mandy Ludeking shares that she is living in Amesbury, MA with her partner, Sebastian Mauchly, their two cats Buster and Dusty, and their dog Brody. She wears many different hats—one as a mental health awareness trainer with Contractors Risk Management, working with people in the construction industry to destigmatize mental illness and provide concrete action plans to help those struggling with their mental health. Her favorite hat to wear is more literal, a propeller cap she wears as team lead for Laughter League, an organization of healthcare clowns at Boston Children’s Hospital. She tries her best to empower hospitalized children and provide pockets of joy, humor, and levity for the children, their families, and hospital staff. She delights in making a difference in someone’s day through a silly joke or improvised ukulele song. Alex Brierley shared that he is still working as a flight attendant for JetBlue but is currently working towards an MBA in marketing. Lots of fun updates for the class of 2009! Sending well wishes to you all and stay in touch!
Best, Hannah Hines
’10 REUNION
’13
classnotes@govsacademy.org
Eliza Purinton: Last winter my fiancé and I traveled to Chamonix France to meet our dear friend
Matt White ’17 to ski the Vallee Blanche. The Vallee Blanche is a 13-mile off-piste ski trail on a glacial landscape. On our way down, we skied through a crevasse. Here is a picture of Matt and me on our way down. Outside of ski adventures, I spend my time in Vermont teaching first grade and getting outside as much as possible.
Top: Dan Hines ’09 and Brian Durkin ’09 with their sons, Ryan Hines and Miles Durkin, born the same day, May 22nd, 2024 · Center: Isa Berzansky ’15 and Corbin Simas ’15 · Bottom: Heather Ogden ’15 at South Shore Femme Fest
’15 REUNION
Racquel Nassor racquel.nassor@gmail.com
Wallace Douglas: I moved to LA and work in entertainment.
Hansika Iyer: I moved to DC a couple of years ago and have decided it’s my favorite city! I work in sustainability consulting at BSR, where I help fashion companies figure out how to be better for society and the environment. Outside of work, I’ve loved getting more involved in the local theater and dance community as well as picking up new hobbies like softball (shocking if you knew me in high school). I’m excited to spend a few weeks this summer visiting friends and family in India and spending my time in DC catching up with fellow Govs peeps (Racquel Nassor, Lily Bailey, Liam McDonough, and Daniel Capobianco).
Katy Maina: This year I took a position as a solutions initiative
manager with the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at MGH. I have been working with the science teachers at Govs to create an internship for rising Govs juniors and seniors at the Martinos Center. I’m very excited to be working with Govs again and am looking forward to the program going live summer 2025.
Heather Ogden: Thought I’d share that I’ve been taking drum lessons at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke for the past 6 months. I played in my first gig at the South Shore Femme Fest, which was hosted this year at Stellwagen Beer Co in Marshfield! Femme Fest is a female-run music festival that included local female musicians, artists and vendors and businesses in the South Shore. I had the chance to play with a band called Gracie Grace and All the Good Boys. I’m looking forward to more shows with them in the future!
Racquel Nassor: I am still living in Washington DC and having a wonderful time hanging out with
all the Govs alumn down here. I have recently finished a master’s in English at Georgetown University and started working for their Office of Advancement as a writer and editor. I continue freelancing with Book Riot and Reactor Magazine covering sci-fi, fantasy, and romance books and readers. I also started selling ceramics on my website Rnassor.com and at DC farmers’ markets.
Danny Healey: After 5 years co-founding Morning Blitz and growing a daily sports newsletter to 50K+ subscribers and 100K social followers, I have started a new job at Shadow Lion, a sports media network producing premium content for pro athletes co-founded by Tom Brady.
Isa Berzansky earned her MSc in epidemiology from Harvard last spring. Over the summer, she married Corbin Simas ’15, who also graduated last spring with a master of social work from Boston College. They both now live and work in the Boston area with their dog.
Larsen Bidstrup: I have been living in Montana on and off since college. I have become passionate about construction and architecture, and am pursuing a career in ecological real estate development. I have also enjoyed exploring the mountains through the seasons and being involved with the local sports. Wishing all the best to Byfield friends and family!
’17
Rachel Ross Rachel.ross13235@gmail.com
Matt White: Last winter the inaugural Governor’s ski team reunited in St. Anton, Austria for their second annual European ski trip. They began the tradition the year before in Murren, Switzerland, where they witnessed the legendary downhill on the Lauberhorn. The 2017 NEPSAC Championship boys could be seen “ripping it up” from the high peaks of the Arlberg to the treacherous tabletops of the MooserWirt. Duncan Binnie, Paul Holloway, Sam Fox, Jack Fox, Will Luff, Zack Glendon, and Matt White look forward to continuing the trips with the wider ski team in the years to come.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
CLASS NOTES DEADLINE
Please send your news and updates for each issue before the deadlines below to either your class secretary or classnotes@govsacademy.org.
Spring issue: January 15, 2025 Fall issue: June 15, 2025
CLASS
NOTES GUIDELINES
Governor’s, The Archon magazine, may edit class notes for clarity and brevity, and to match the magazine’s editorial style. Class secretaries may also choose to edit submissions. To respect the privacy of our alumni, we do not publish engagement or pregnancy announcements. Wedding and birth announcements will continue to be featured in class notes and photos. These notes are intended for The Governor’s Academy and are not to be used elsewhere.
Top, left to right: Matt White ’17 and Eliza Purinton ’13 at the Vallee Blanche · Matt White ’17 and fellow NEPSAC Championship skiers enjoy their second annual European ski trip · Bottom, left to right: Racquel Nassor ’15 selling her ceramics · 2015 get-together: Liam McDonough, Racquel Nassor, Katy Maina, Hansika Iyer, and Dan Capobianco
TRIBUTE
Timothy G. Green ’50
Timothy G. Green ’50, Trustee Emeritus, of Framingham, Massachusetts, passed away on January 30, 2024 at 91 years of age, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Deborah (Bradbury) Greene; devoted father of Betsy Pratt of Framingham, Christopher Greene of Framingham, Jody de Greve and her husband, Norman of Hingham, and the late Sara Greene. He was the loving grandfather of Cody Pratt and Luca and Ella de Greve, and the brother of Nathanael Greene of Cape Elizabeth, Maine and the late Jane Stephens.
Born on July 17, 1932 in Portland, Maine, where he grew up, he was the son of Nathan and Esther Greene. After graduating from Governor Dummer Academy, Tim earned a degree in economics from Bowdoin College. After college, Tim served in the U.S. Army as an officer and was stationed in Germany for two years. Tim then worked in the field of banking and financial leasing for many years. During this time, he received his business degree at Northeastern University, and his work allowed him to travel internationally,
which he loved, to places such as the Far East and South America. He later founded the executive search agency Greene and Co., which led to a successful career in the field of executive recruiting for financial institutions.
Tim loved to sing. He was in the choir at Pilgrim Church in Sherborn, Massachusetts and served as vice president and president of the Saengerfest Men’s Choir later in life. He also loved Sherborn. He served on the Sherborn School Committee for many years. Tim was an excellent skier and cyclist. He rode his bike from California to Boston in his late 50s. He loved watching the Olympics and traveled to many countries to attend the Olympic games. He also played tennis with gusto into his later years! An avid Boston sports fan, with a special affinity for the Boston Red Sox since he was a child, Tim was thrilled to see them win the World Series in 2004. He coached his children’s sports teams and rarely missed his grandchildren’s games in their early years. Tim later volunteered his time to help young children with their reading skills at Potter Road School in Framingham.
Tim Greene ’50 (right) and Ralph Johnson ’64 (left) join Govs select choral group, The First, for choral rehearsal in 2017.
TRIBUTE
John Martin Doggett
P’04,’07,’08,’08, HEAD OF SCHOOL EMERITUS
DECEMBER 26, 1951—MARCH 11, 2024
Marty Doggett P’04,’07,’08,’08 served as The Governor’s Academy’s 27th Head of School. Marty, Patty, and their five sons moved to Byfield in the summer of 1999 from the Lawrenceville School (New Jersey), where Marty was a beloved member of the community, serving as the dean of students, a history teacher, a dorm parent, and a lacrosse and football coach. As a former dean of students, creating community was a priority of Marty’s and came naturally to him. Early in his tenure at Govs, he created a full-time director of student activities position, recognizing the importance of having a person dedicated to creating a full weekend of activities for students. In addition to continuing the tradition of opening their home to students on Saturday evenings, Marty and Patty started hosting small gatherings of seniors and faculty at the Mansion House for dinner, a tradition that continues today.
In his time in Byfield, Marty led the Academy into the 21st century through the school’s name change; the construction of the Wilkie Center for the Performing Arts, the Whiston • Bragdon Arena, and a new dormitory (later named in his honor); the elevation of the Academy’s academic standards; and the diversification of the student body domestically and internationally. During his time at Govs, he remained a dedicated teacher of history and greatly enjoyed teaching a Supreme Court elective, US History, and American Studies. Each year, his remarks at Baccalaureate were mini history lessons focused on school traditions. In addition, he prioritized community service by instituting the (senior) Capstone Program each year before
Commencement, establishing a program where every student volunteered each year at a soup kitchen in Lawrence, and starting the program of advisory groups assisting in dining hall clean-up. Also, Marty was responsible for establishing the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
In their retirement, Marty and Patty celebrated the arrival of grandchildren and treasured time with their family and friends. They were known for their genuine care, kindness, and hospitality. Marty continued to model “not for self but for others,” serving as chair of the board of Esperanza Academy, leading numerous committees at Anna Jaques Hospital, and delivering groceries every Friday for the Newbury Food Pantry. Marty modeled tremendous courage and resiliency in the face of his illness, defying the odds and serving as an inspiration to so many, including other patients at Boston Medical Center. Marty touched the lives of hundreds of students, employees, and families in his nearly 20 years at the Academy, and remained a trusted friend and resource to many, even after he departed from Governor’s.
At age 72, we lost a tireless leader who made our world immeasurably better. Over these last few years, when asked about his health, far from complaining, Marty would always reply, “I'm a miracle!” And his ever-present grin would convince you that it was so. John Martin Doggett’s obituary should be read and then read again—his unflagging service in education, social justice, community governance, and scholarship sets a magnificent standard of excellence and compassion that cannot be surpassed. His good works shall live always. Thanks, Marty, for sharing your gifts with all of us. We were lucky to have you. Your life was indeed a miracle for us all to see and remember and emulate, as best we can, always.
Steve and Candy Falvey P’01,’03
Marty was my boss, a mentor, and my friend. In 2005, just months before he received his diagnosis, I was diagnosed with stage IIIB inflammatory breast cancer. Not only was he one of the first phone calls I received, but Marty and Patty showed up for my family in tangible ways. Marty picked up our son from baseball practice, he and the boys learned how to run the cash register at my husband’s sporting goods store, and he and Patty invited my parents to live in Mansion House with them during some of my treatment—all while being a head of school and raising his own family. He checked in with meals, phone calls, and notes. He checked in with friendship.
Karen Gold P’11,’17
When Marty, Patty, and the boys arrived in Byfield, I was 24, finishing my second year at Govs. They immediately became like second parents to me. In our annual contract meetings, Marty always encouraged me to get an advanced degree. When I shared that Rob and I were moving in together off campus, Marty paused and said “get married, Samantha,” likely something my parents wanted to say but didn't think they should. Marty and Patty always took the extra time to bring out the best in the people who worked at Govs. I learned a lot about leadership from them both—ask questions and then listen to the answers, trust your gut, and don’t be too busy to ask about someone’s day.
Samantha Boulais Howson P’17
Marty was the larger-thanlife figurehead of our Friday breakfast crew—always with a coffee, breakfast sandwich, and fruit. Marty was a great storyteller, often including a good jab at a person at the table, his boys, or himself. And there was his iconic laugh. One day, out of the blue, he asked, “Who is the worst driver at Govs?” The entire table put our heads down—we couldn’t say. We all broke into uncontrollable laughter. How could he ask that question?
Everyone’s answer, one that we were all too scared to say out loud, was no one other than Marty. Marty, you are and will also be one of the strongest and most incredible people I have ever met—you are missed!
Jeff Wotton P’14,’17
Above: Marty with sons, Dan’l ’07, David ’08, Andrew ’04, and Colin ’08 (L to R) · Right: Marty and his wife Patty
In Memoriam
1943
Alden Wadleigh May 30, 2024
1945
David W. Barnard February 7, 2024
1949
Richard M. Tyler, Jr. November 26, 2023
1950
Timothy G. Greene
Trustee Emeritus January 30, 2024
William E. Rex May 26, 2024
Linwood R. Starbird November 10, 2023
1952
Clinton I. Gove February 9, 2024
Benjamin “Dirk” Owens February 28, 2023
Stephen B. Shohet March 1, 2024
1953
Allen Staley October 2, 2023
1954
Cary K. Bradford June 3, 2024
Gerard Gould Vaughan June 4, 2024
1957 Harry “Bill” Mathews October 31, 2023
Howard J. Zuker April 28, 2024
1960
Mark F. Acerra December 20, 2023
1962
Warren “Tay” Vaughan III January 28, 2024
1963
Robert G. Fullerton May 11, 2024
Faculty/Staff
John Martin Doggett
Head of School Emeritus P’04,’07,’08,’08 March 11, 2024
