Bill Currie
7090 Covenant Woods Drive
Apartments C-111
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
(804) 569-8187
As I prepared this column, our class had already met on June 25th at the Dockside Restaurant in York Harbor. It was a good meeting with nine classmates getting together for their 66th luncheon meeting chaired by Al Cole, our class co-president. Those attending were: Gene Sawin and daughter Sandra, Delores Amergian Drivas, Al and Marnie Murray Pease, Dr. Maung Htoo, Perk Gould, Beth Leighton Furlong, Jean McIntire White, and of course Al Cole. Others attending included Al’s wife Alice, Dee Gardner ’89 and Dan Willett ‘69 of the UMaine Foundation, Woody Beach ’51, spouse of the late Ginny Norton Beach, Woody’s daughter Linda, and Ashley Nemer Twombly ’10, ’12G of the alumni office.
The class is most appreciative to Woody for playing the bagpipes during a moment to remember our classmates who have passed away since our class meeting last September. It also happens that Woody is currently president of the Senior Alumni. He reviewed the Senior Alumni history and how the non-traditional scholarship program started in the 1930s. It was an excellent review. The class has supported this program for many years, both financially and by serving in leadership roles. Jean McIntire White currently represents the class for the Senior Alumni.
Highlights of the class meeting included the announcement of three financial scholarship assistance awards to family members of three of our classmates. They are the direct descendants of Earl Steward, Bob Cohen, and Ruby Bryant Higgins ’59G. The recipients were all repeat awards and each granted $1,000. Our scholarship endowment fund has a principal value of $145,000 with a fair market value of $158,000. To date, the class has made 154 awards totaling $110,000. We have been able to achieve this program only with the support of classmates. Thank you, one and all. While on the subject of scholarships, it is important that we remind classmates to communicate to their descendants who are planning to enroll at the university to make sure they notify the Student Financial Aid representatives of their relationship with the Class of 1952.
Al Cole led a discussion on whether we should continue with the annual luncheon meetings, which we have held annually for at least 25 or 30 years. A change of location was discussed. The Dockside Restaurant in York Harbor has been very good to the class and the costs involved are very reasonable. It was decided to hold off making any firm decision until the first of the year, at which time the class Executive Committee will decide. Meanwhile your input is solicited. What do you think? What would be a better location or time of the year? Several classmates found it somewhat difficult to travel to Orono. Of course, traveling and motivation to travel become an increasing problem. Since our last column I have had an opportunity to have follow-up conversations with Joan Vachon Victor, who indicated she still planned to spend some time during the summer at her Ferry Beach home, especially to have some family reunions. John LaFlamme is still active but does not travel much. He regrets not being able to attend our June meeting. John recently observed his 90th birthday. Fran Smart Trefts had thought she might make the trip to York Harbor but decided to stay home at Hancock. Bill Lindquist and wife, Diane, were on the road again and had difficulty matching their schedule to the York gathering. Bill tells me they plan to make a New England swing this summer and plan to stop and see Ray Lamoreau in Presque Isle. This was confirmed by Ray when we chatted recently. Ray and wife, Jo, moved into a nearby assisted living facility last year. Traveling is difficult as mentioned by others. It is also becoming more difficult tracking classmates. We have lost track of the whereabouts of Don and Marilyn Kilpatrick Burt. Please let us know if you know their location.
As far as Bill and Harriet Johnson Currie, they are finally settled in the new assisted living wing at the address noted in the headliner. Both are doing extremely well but have some health issues. Bill serves on the independent residents’ council and is currently chair of the assisted living council, which is the liaison with the administration. Harriet continues to be active in the facility’s choral group, which consists of 25 residents.
We appreciate hearing from you. Hope all is well and have a safe year.