I hope everyone is enjoying the summer!
I received a Christmas letter from Richard “Doc” and Elizabeth Brockway Nevers with happy holiday greetings to all. In May of 2023 they made the decision to move from Florida to Massachusetts. While the move was not an easy decision, the relocation went quickly and smoothly. With the help of their children, Doc and Betty moved into a lovely assisted living facility, Forge Park, in Franklin, MA. At Forge Park, Doc and Betty said they enjoy the food — including daily fresh-baked cookies, programs like chair exercises, trivia, musicians, and a wonderful staff.
(Editor’s note: We are sorry to report that Betty passed away on June 2, 2024. The Class of ’56 sends sincere condolences to Doc.)
The late John Hesketh was inducted into the Dover-Foxcroft Academy Hall of Fame in April 2024. He made his name as an agronomist with the USDA. John’s siblings who attended the University of Maine were Charles ’53, Dorothy ’59, and Carolyn ’66, ’71G.
Robert “Bob” Hawes was an AGR fraternity brother of John’s and in fact, John was best man at his wedding. Bob and his wife, Alice ’89G, created an endowed fund at the University of Maine Foundation several years ago to support poultry projects in Maine 4-H clubs with a preference for projects involving heritage breeds. Bob has degrees from the University of Maine, University of Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania State University. He is professor emeritus of animal, veterinary, and aquatic sciences at the University of Maine.
I recently received a letter written by Alton Earle ’57G for the oral history project. I’ve condensed his letter so that readers can have an idea how the oral history project letters may appear in the upcoming book.
“I was born on a dairy farm in Malbons Mills, Skowhegan, ME. I graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1952. I attended the University of Maine for five years, where I earned a B.A. in French and an M.Ed. I was drafted into the army in late 1957. I was released one-half year early to teach French at Limestone High School. In 1959, I resettled in Massachusetts, where for 38 years I taught French full time at Meadowbrook Jr. High School in Newton, MA. I retired, I thought, but Newton had other ideas for me and hired me for the next 11 years to teach three classes of French. I finally retired for good and now am enjoying a peaceful and serene existence just a year and a couple of months shy of 90 years old.”
What I did in April in beautiful sunny South Carolina — My wife, Laura Krueger, and I moved to South Carolina 49 years ago. For several years we would get an invitation by mail to attend a UMaine Alumni LowCountry picnic! But we never attended — until last weekend, when I went. There was boiled Maine lobster or steak and free hot dogs for the kids. Wine, beer, and soda were provided.
In addition, Dee Gardner ’89 from the UMaine Foundation made an excellent presentation to bring the approximately 45 attending alumni up to date on the growth of the Maine campus and the Advanced Structures and Composites Center, as well as the advancement of the 3D-printing projects.
Attending was one of my bucket list desires and I think I will go again next year!
(Editor’s note: We were sorry to learn of Class Correspondent John Schwartz’s death in July, shortly before going to press. We send condolences to his family.)