Ruth Holland Walsh
186 Jerry Browne Road
Apartment 1112
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 536-6265
rhwdvb@aol.com
Happy spring to all—with so many happy memories of our 65th Reunion held on campus in November! It is always a thrill to arrive at the university and see the Class of 1950 Flag Plaza signaling a welcome to one and all. The plaza proudly displays flags of the United States of America, the great State of Maine, and of the University of Maine. It is indeed a tribute to our fine class (the largest in the history of the university) and its commitment to the university! One of the highlights of our long weekend was the honor of naming Dr. Susan J. Hunter, UMaine President, as an honorary member of the Class of 1950. She is indeed a dynamic lady who makes us mighty proud that she is “one of us!” Sue wrote that she was “truly touched” by the award and has framed her certificate and proudly placed it in her conference room. Those in attendance at Reunion did decide that it is probably “the better part of valor” for the Class to meet during the summer of 2016 in the Portland area; we will let you know the exact date and time of our gathering, which will undoubtedly be at the Foundation office in Falmouth.
Dick and Flo Maddocks Fairfield wrote that they are fine and have moved to Broadale Village, a senior living facility located close by their former town. Their new address is 1440 Wampanoag Trail, Apartment 101, Riverside, RI. Flo said she continues to play a mighty lot of bridge—and Dick is delighted not to have to mow the lawn and more! Henry Saunders is wintering in Osprey, FL (186 Windward Drive) after having spent a few wonder-filled weeks touring in Ireland and in Croatia, where he visited good friends who live in a lovely seaside home. I know Henry does indeed appreciate his summer home on beautiful Sebago Lake near Standish.
Dottie Butler Marsden wrote that she is happy to be living at Park Pointe Village in Rock Hill, SC—and so grateful to be in “her” friendly, caring, joyous, and active Continuing Care Retirement Community. Betty Friedler Wexler and her husband, Imanuel, were able to get to Orono for reunion festivities, and, in addition to reunion festivities, they were able to visit several classmates who live relatively close to Orono. Martha Fogler Hobbs is “at home” in Bar Harbor, where she has lived happily for many years—when Don was town manager, and after his retirement. They stopped by to see Betty’s former “roomie” Ginny Kennedy Nickless, who has moved to 95 Oakland Street, Apartment J, in Waterville. Betty said that Ginny’s new apartment is most comfortable—and she seems to be doing fine. Then they dashed over to see Marilyn Seavey Reilly, who lives at 184 Youngs Corner Road, Auburn. They had a great visit—albeit short—and talked over “the good ole days” and then some. Betty and Imanuel are retired in Storrs, CT (301 Cod Fish Falls Road) and are always delighted to spend a few action-packed weeks at a lake in Maine, where they relax, canoe, hike—and welcome family and friends! They recently had a wonderful visit with Jackie French Gatcomb at 4830 Kennett Pike #2223, Wilmington, DE. Betty said they talked non-stop, laughed away, and had recollected superior memories galore of their friendship and experiences through the years. Jackie’s smile is as broad as when we were undergraduates—with a hearty laugh to boot!
Harold Gilbert (27 Charles Street, Lewiston, ME) recently sent notice of the death of Elinor Hansen Brockway, on the 22nd of September 2015. Ellie had been very active with the class through the years. She was a dedicated educator, a member of the Turner Highlands Golf Club as well as the Taylor Pond Yacht Club, and most active in her church and the Auburn community. She knit exquisite sweaters, socks, and so much more. I remember her absolute careful instruction and thoroughness as she sought to teach this left-handed knitter how to make argyle socks for a favorite uncle. They were classic socks—a true “labor of love” and a tribute to Ellie’s patience and fortitude as she clapped and cheered upon their completion!
It was delight to receive a long note from Geraldine Lamb Kenneally, who lives at 2801 South Crystal Lake Drive, Avon Park, FL. She turned 90 years young toward the end of January and has high hopes that she will be “up narth” during the summer so that she can join us for our Class of 1950 summer get-together come late July or early August—probably at the Foundation office in Yarmouth. Geri is in good health and most active in her community—does a bit of writing and noted that she bowls and plays golf, in addition to puttering in her garden and taking long walks daily. She takes great joy in attending neighborhood get-togethers “at the drop of a hat!” I know she would be delighted to hear from you—phone number in Florida 863-314-0268.
We shall be back in touch soon regarding our summer meeting in the Portland/Yarmouth area—Ruthie