UMaine is a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, a classification that reflects UMaine’s commitment to cutting-edge research, innovation, and academic excellence. And it’s something more we should be proud of. If you haven’t put this on your visit list lately, you are missing one of the best and most stunning sites and heartbeats.
Our loyal and active Class of ’64 member Amos Orcutt is living in Orland at Great Pond Mountain Farm where he has 90 acres of forest and blueberry land, harvesting and selling blueberries. He serves on the board of the Boy Scouts (Katahdin Council) in Orono, the Page Farm and Home Museum on campus, and the Mill Museum in Bucksport. The highlight of his day is working and running his antique 1944 John Deere “A” tractor and training his new Australian Cattle Dog!
He will host the 1960 Bucksport High School class at his farm. About 30 people attended last year.
William Brewer and wife, Sandy, sadly could not attend the Reunion weekend but are happy that some UMaine folks came to the annual Rochester (NY) Alumni Lobster Picnic. And their program this year was fabulous! Shawn Laatsch spoke about the Versant Power Astronomy Center on the Orono campus, an extraordinary program. William works with the Sons of the American Revolution, recently firing a salute with flintlock muskets and rifles at the Revolutionary War veterans cemetery, with TV and local news coverage. When not shooting, he sings in his church choir and Sandy coordinates the Women’s Association activities and mission projects like food cupboard and donations.
John Gilbert called after attending the Reunion and raving about how great it was, seeing old friends and making new ones.
After graduation John took an internship in Minnesota, met Carole, whom he happily married. He had one tour in the Navy on a WWII destroyer almost around the world including Vietnam, followed by an engineering position at a chemical plant in Connecticut, then he and Carole bought a small farm with goats, bees, chickens, and 15,000 Christmas trees! They have reduced their farm and Christmas sales to about 2,000 trees and spend winters in an RV park in Sarasota now. (If you live there, be sure to contact John and Carole Gilbert: john@beesfleasandtrees.com.)
Alan Leathers has had a non-typical very interesting time since graduating. He went to dental school after UMaine, married Genny three years after graduating, and now has three children and two grands. He served in the USPHS Commissioned Corps, one of the nation’s uniformed services, a branch committed to the service of health. Officers advance our nation’s public health, serving in agencies across the government, as physicians, nurses, dentists, veterinarians, scientists, engineers, and other professionals. He was then in private practice in Portland, ME, for 16 years and then traveled in a motorhome doing volunteer work for 15 years. They have lived in Cape Elizabeth, ME, for 53 years and he has been an avid pickleball player for 12 years!
Our class is not that small. When you read this, please think of sending me YOUR story too. Not everyone likes to write, but if you have a great picture (or two) of family, a fun activity, a great trip, please send it to me with a caption. Such a great way to share without burden! Thank you.