Greetings, classmates. First, I wish to apologize for the lack of news submissions in the past two issues. I’ve been dealing with the aftereffects of a spinal cord injury and working hard to figure out how to live with a disability. I promise to do better going forward.
However, there is a silver lining to my lack of submissions, and that is people have written to me! I am most appreciative of the following news:
Dave Carew has released his third novel, Lucy’s in the Neighborhood (Maine Authors Publishing), a murder mystery/love story set in contemporary Waterville. The book has been hailed as “STELLAR . . . a tantalizing whodunnit and a fascinating study of the interaction of colorful characters.” More information can be found at rb.gy/1r319.
Congratulations, Dave. I look forward to reading it.
Jay Feyler finished a term as president of the Maine Town City County Association (MTCMA), which is an affiliate of the International City Managers Association. This group provides statewide training and advocacy for Maine city and county managers and assistants. Jay reports that his granddaughter just completed her freshman year at his alma mater.
John Carlson sends his best wishes to everyone. He has retired from Cigna, having spent the majority of his career working in health insurance and financial services. Since then, he has been an adjunct professor in the MBA program at Post University in Waterbury, CT, and also done financial work for a local church. He reports that he continues to be busy in various church and community activities, and currently serves as board president for a local nonprofit, Healing Meals. In addition to these activities, his four grandchildren and golf keep him busy.
Classmate Tom Saviello ’78 Ph.D. considered entering the race for governor of Maine against incumbent Janet Mills and her predecessor, Paul LePage ’75G, but ultimately decided against entering the fray. In his announcement, he cited six reasons for his decision, including being “tired of party politics,” the partisanship in government, and ultimately his desire to retire and spend more time with his family. Having served as a state senator and town of Wilton selectperson, he has now focused much of his energy on opposing the New England Clean Energy Connect Corridor. Tom also owns a great store in downtown Farmington — The Mercantile. If you’re passing through town, you would have fun checking it out.
Speaking of Farmington, Peter Judkins was elected chairman of the board at Franklin Savings Bank. Peter previously served for 12 years as president and CEO of the bank and although he resigned this position in 2017, he has continued to serve on its board. Peter has an extensive background in the financial industry, including serving on the board of directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, where he was the chairperson of the audit committee.
UMaine professor Ivan Fernandez G, ’82 Ph.D. of Orono received a Conservation Leadership Award from the Natural Resources Council of Maine. The award cites his leadership as one of Maine’s top climate scientists and honors him for providing cutting-edge information about our climate issues. Congratulations, Ivan!
Denis Bergeron, utility analyst and coordinator of the Regional Market Programs at the Maine Public Utility Commission, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the New England Conference of Public Utilities. The Maine PUC chairperson remarked that Denis is considered “a leading expert on New England transmission and generation issues.”
Cornell Knight of Carrabassett Valley was appointed the interim town manager of Farmington, stepping in to fill a void created by an unexpected resignation. Cornell comes with over 40 years of municipal government experience, having served as town manager in Baileyville, Hallowell, Jay, Winthrop, Bar Harbor, and Topsham.
Demi Kouzounas, a Saco dentist, was replaced as chairperson of the Maine Republican Party after serving since 2017.
Arthur “Skip” Hanson will be inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame this summer. Skip formerly coached at Foxcroft Academy and guided the Ponies to an undefeated season in 1975, culminating with the Class B state title. The August 20th ceremony will be extra special for Skip as he and his son, Todd ’90, will be inducted together. They are the first father-son coaching duo to win state titles in Maine.
Sadly, the Alumni office received word that Elizabeth “Beth” Butterfield Webster died following a long struggle with Frontotemporal Dementia. Beth and I exercised at the same pool, and her daughter took beautiful graduation photos for my son, Will LeBlond. I have missed seeing her around town the past few years, and extend my deepest sympathies to her family. Her obituary can be found at rb.gy/2h9bd.
And please don’t forget our 45th Reunion is coming this fall! It will be held during Homecoming, October 13-14. Hope to see you there!