Barb Brown Dalton
21 Black Bear Drive
Veazie, ME 04401-6929
(207) 947-4827
Facebook: University of Maine Class of 1981 and
facebook.com/groups/UMaineClass1981/
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Alfond Arena this year, it seems fitting to report on classmate John Tortorella, head coach of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. John was awarded the NHL Jack Adams Award at the end of last season, after leading the club to the best season in their history. Hard to believe our dear old Alfond is 40 years old! Harder to believe we were there when it all started and those years have whisked right by! As a season ticket holder for many years, I can certainly say that Maine hockey sure makes these long, cold winters a bit shorter — especially when it’s a winning season!
Had a note from Jim Minner updating me on what he’s been up to for the past 37 years (wish more of you would get that urge!). He met his wife, Maureen Sullivan, while both were residents of Chadbourne Hall. They married in ’82, have raised two boys, and he spent most of his career in the paper industry, with 24 years at Nalco Chemical Company in Charleston, SC. In 2016, they had the urge to return to New England and settled in Amherst, NH. He has fond memories of his forest engineering days at UMaine and particularly remembers the lessons of Dr. Norm Smith ’59G, who he says was a true inspiration to him. Bet he’d love to hear from some of his other forestry buddies! There’s your challenge — send me an email!
Although she transferred after two years with us, Patricia Collins likes to consider herself a member of the class. She now lives in Arlington, VA, and is a nutrition counselor. She Skypes her services and invites classmates to reach out to her at patriciacollinsrdicpc@yahoo.com. She still keeps in touch with Denise Marcoux-Nelson ’84G, whom she met during freshman orientation in 1977, and is looking forward to visiting her this summer.
For more than 34 years, Mark Gatti has been selling hot dogs from his cart on the streets of Portland. These days, he finds himself serving dogs to the second and third generations of some families, who love to share their stories with him. Mark’s Hotdogs is stationed in Tommy’s Park five to six days a week. He says he loves being self-employed and working outside. He received the key to the city at the 25-year milestone and has been called a “legend”! The proliferation of food trucks in recent years doesn’t threaten him, as he thinks the hot dog will remain a staple of the American diet! Next time you’re in Portland, stop by and have a “snappah”!
Congratulations to Danielle Perron, daughter of Richard Perron, who is the recipient of our class scholarship this year. She is a junior from Bangor and majoring in journalism and psychology. Please remember our class scholarship fund as we near the end of the university’s fiscal year on June 30th. It could really use a boost, as our annual award is just a little more than $200 — a mere drop in the pot these days.
Not much popped up this time around on Facebook, but I ask you to continue to spread the word among your Facebook friends to follow our class page online. I try to post and share articles of interest, but encourage all of you to share your news and photos there, as well. And, if you’re out of state, summer is a great time to visit us here in Maine! Next fall, we hope many of you will mark October 27 on your calendars and at least make it back for Homecoming. We’ll hope to see you then!