its independence from the Russians until Aug 20, 1991.” Jim Christopher writes: “I was awarded the Judges’ Choice prize for my watercolor painting, A Gathering of Orchids, at the Virginia Beach Flower and Garden Expo in Feb. A first for me! Makes retirement more fun.” [Ed note: Jim, perhaps you can send a link for next issue so we can all admire your picture.] Howie Goldberg writes: “I’m busy these days practicing medical and cosmetic dermatology in Swampscott, MA. My latest venture is making people slimmer by freezing fat off with our new CoolSculpting machine. I’m fortunate to be happily married to Betsy and having 3 children and 5 grandchildren.” Bob White and Tony Purpura went old school (seems fine with me) and returned the double postcard. Tony’s wife, Julia, died 4 years ago. He still is working part time in his medical practice in Brooklyn, though he retired from his NY Medical Examiner position after 25 years. He also had coached HS and USA swimming teams for 30 years, and retired from these tasks 3 years ago. He is the past-president of the Staten Island YMCA board, retired member of the Staten Island Academy board, and a retired Lt Commander of the US Navy. He had lumbar stenosis surgery almost 2 years ago, still recuperating and looking forward to get back to golfing. Bob has moved and is “doing well in the laid-back atmosphere of the Hill Country of Fredericksburg, TX.” Being an LA resident and, therefore, Lakers fan, I perked up a bit when our fading star, Kobe Bryant, had his post-game interview after getting “posterized,” a bball term for having an opponent dramatically dunk the ball into the basket despite the defender’s best effort to block it. He was dunked on that night by the New Orleans Pelicans’ Ryan Anderson. Kobe then said the last time he got dunked on was “a long, long time ago by Adonal Foyle.” We know Adonal as one of Colgate’s finest basketball players. He is an activist working through his Kerosene Lamp Foundation to help kids learn, be healthy, and become leaders. Looks like Colgate will never forget Adonal, nor will Kobe. I recall a few months ago (don’t remember the motivation) when I ran outside my grandson’s house. He exclaimed, “Grandpa, you can run!” I look forward to hearing from you so that your classmates can be kept up-to-speed, even though most of us are slowing down. Jack Blanchard ’60 writes: “On a warm early April afternoon, Colgate alumni, family, and friends from the Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale Clubs were treated to a very timely special presentation titled Is American Democracy Broken: What Would the Founding Fathers Say about American Politics Today? It was delivered by Professor Robert Kraynak, professor of political science, dir, Center for Freedom & Western Civilization, with an engaging question and answer session that was very much as we might have experienced when we were on campus. “We were hosted by Colgate alumnus Kevin Ross ’94, pres of Lynn U, along with former student and good friend of Prof Kraynak, Richard Stone ’81. Following the presentation, Kevin Ross treated the attendees to a behind-the-scenes look of when Lynn University hosted the 2012 presidential election debate. There were interesting insights into just how much was involved in staging that national event. Kevin and Lynn have been ardent supporters of Colgate alumni events over the years and are greatly appreciated.” (Visit the photo gallery at the top of the class news online to see a photo that Jack sent from the event.) Steve: 818-999-2777; 788-2557 (F); Steve@SteveGreenbaum.com
1961 Kent Blair Quail Ridge Country Club 4535 Sanderling Circle West Boynton Beach, FL 33436-5120 As I write this, it is late March, and Prudy and I are still in the early stages of renovating our new place in FL. Although the demo phase is mostly completed, we haven’t yet received approval from the county to begin any new construction. This means that we’ll be making several trips to FL this summer to keep tabs on developments. Hopefully, by the time I next write this column, the house will be close to completion. In any event, it is what it is, and so far we’re happy we undertook this project. Now, here’s the news. Sadly, we recently lost another classmate, Jim Dougherty. Also, Curt Brockelman’s wife, Lynn, passed after a tough battle with cancer. He was grateful, however, that she had been able to attend a large family gathering in Big Sky, MT, last summer. Curt is still working at Morgan Stanley with his daughter Ellen Bailey ’94. They have been partners for 20 years. She allows him a week off now and then to pursue his 2 favorite hobbies, flying his plane and fishing. He was planning a fly fishing trip to Cuba. Curt also enjoys being spoiled by his kids and watching his grandchildren play sports and perform in plays and concerts. Early this year, Jon Adler checked in before his annual jazz cruise with a group of friends from MA. Jon retired a few months ago, and he and Sunny were scheduled to rent a place in Naples, FL, for 4 months this winter. A while back, Jon told me that he had taken up golf. Since he failed to mention his progress in our conversation, I assume that he is having the same degree of frustration as I have lived with for 20 years. Winchester Hospital, where Jon practiced medicine for many years, recently named a new surgical/ oncology floor in his honor. Brett Beazley is thinking about organizing a follow-up reunion around the Richmond game this fall. Please let him know of your interest at bsbjcb@bellsouth.net. Andy Buchs is working 3 mornings a week and loving it. He sent a picture of himself and Arnie Palmer with the caption, “Eat your hearts out, fellow golfers.” George Davis continues to put all of his energy on “Saving the Planet — A Computer Game & TV Series to Fight Climate Change.” Bob Swartz is also closely involved with this project. Fred Hubig assists by taking George to lunch on Sundays to provide a break for his monastic writer’s existence. Ross Jackson will not be able to make our 55th because he became ill while wintering in FL. He and Alice planned to return to OH in April to meet with his family doctor and a team of specialists to determine exactly what happened. Ross, our prayers are with you. Tom Jackson bought a fixer-upper in Friday Harbor, WA, to be by his sister and hoped to move in by summer. He also purchased a new computer and his first iPad. Tom says he doesn’t do technology that well, so his sister is going to get him started. Tom also joined a chess club and is playing again after several months away from the board. Finally, he’s making a learning project about the War of the Roses, especially Edward IV and his more infamous younger brother, Richard III. Tom always thought that Richard suffered a bum deal from history and Shakespeare, and he is researching this king by reading esoteric books on this period. Anyone who wants to follow up with Tom on this topic can reach him at
tsjackson39@hotmail.com. In Feb, Joan and Bob Jones did their usual “snowbird escape” in FL and Hilton Head. They attended a nice Colgate lunch in Sarasota. Although no other ’61ers were present, they heard an interesting talk by Robert Turner, prof of economics and environmental studies, on the economic impact of our national parks. Prudy and I attended a Colgate lecture by Robert Kraynak, prof of political science, titled Is American Democracy Broken? This talk was held at Lynn U in Boca Raton, whose pres is Kevin Ross ’94. A lively discussion followed about the current election cycle. Bill Kaiser recently got together with Bill Romanos at their 50th Reunion of Tufts Med School. They reminisced about their good times at Colgate and sadly recalled those of our classmates who have passed on. At the reunion, Bill presented several interesting cases from his work as an expert witness in the surgical medicolegal field. One case in particular was that of a woman who claimed that her doctor had failed to perform screening tests for a certain type of uncommon inheritable cancer that her parents had and she subsequently developed. It turned out that on very close reading of the 1,600+ page medical record, he discovered that her true biological parents were unknown, because she had been adopted. End of story for her claim. Bill Romanos, who is a practicing psychiatrist in FL, gave an extemporaneous talk on the dangers of marijuana as a gateway drug. John Stockton checked in from Hamilton and said that Seven Oaks golf course opened in March, much earlier than usual because of the lack of snow this winter. He’s been on his deck many evenings this year having a night cap with just his CU hoodie. Not quite the same winters that we remember! Gail is recovering gradually from the 3 surgeries she’s had over the past year. John is setting up an Erie Canal day trip for his Life Long Learning program. Rosemary and Howie Stein are hanging in there with the normal aches and pains. He ran into John DaGrosa’s son and heard that Ox is not doing well. Ted Streppa recently was juried into the Naples Art Crafters, a local organization of artists from SW FL. Ted now has a booth at the monthly art and craft shows where he sells his stained glass jewelry boxes, sun catchers, and Picasso women. He also teaches stained glass art to adults 1–2 times a week. Early this year, Ted was talking to a gentleman at one of these shows and after a few minutes he discovered that this fellow, Paul Anderson, was a fraternity brother in the Class of ’63. Ted and Alice met Paul and his wife for dinner shortly thereafter and had a great time talking about old times in the Chenango Valley. Charlie Warner is pulling together a bunch of classmates for our reunion. Thanks! He and Joann, along with his brother-in-law and his wife, were planning a weekend trip to Santa Barbara, CA, for a mini-reunion with some people who were on their trip to Cambodia/Vietnam last year. Shortly after reunion, Sally and Bill Swezey are scheduled to take a cruise through Burgundy on the Rhone River. They’ll spend a few days in Barcelona before the trip and some time in London afterward. Lyle Voss and Patty remain in good health, and he is still doing forensic psychiatry with no plans to retire. He’s good at this and lousy at golf, so he says. A granddaughter is in the Olympic swimming trials this summer. Kent: 561-731-5331 (winter); 908-277-3295 (summer); kblairjr@aol.com
19 6 2 Stuart Angert 94 Harbridge Manor Amherst, NY 14221 Dick Moller wrote, “I bought my wife this great bumper sticker that proclaimed ‘I Have One of the Few Good Men,’ and what do you think she did? She tried to auction me off at a charity dinner. After checking with the dean’s office at Colgate, all the good-looking buyers said, ‘Forget it!’ They all wished her good luck at our 50th wedding anniversary party. Semper Fi.” Dick, for those of us who love you and know you well, of 2 facts we may be certain: 1) You married up … and your wife settled, and 2) Your wife will have a special place in heaven. It is evident from his initial comment that little has transpired in the life of Beau Clark (only belied by the dialogue that follows). “Sorry to say that you’re beating a dead horse here because I sent you everything I know last time around. However, if you want something: Cape Cod is flirting with spring (just like we undergraduates used to do with the Caz girls…) but it is supposed to snow once again this weekend. Geez, it’s almost April — come on, good weather! On another note, I am still singing with the Outer Cape Chorale (some 150 voices), and after 10 years, we now have a new, very talented female director. We’re doing some different kinds of music this time around for our 3 concerts in May. And speaking of singing, the Vintage Thirteen is gathering in Washington, DC, this fall, which should, as always, be lots of fun. Our classmate Dan Adams, who passed away last year, will be sorely missed this time. Jennifer and I have now been married 41 years, and our combined ages are a nice round 150 years. And just so I don’t get the same comment I got from our minister at church when we stood up to celebrate our birthdays, she is not 50 and I am not 100! Nothing else to expound upon from the Lower Cape (Cod). See you all at our next reunion, whenever that may be!” Well, my plea for participation awakened Terry Connolly. “I feel like the kid who never spoke a word for his first 5 years in spite of continual prodding and professional help. When he finally spoke and was asked what the problem was, he said, ‘I just didn’t have anything to say.’ Here goes: I spent the weekend of Feb 26–27 at the ’gate for Silver Puck Weekend. It was the final 2 regularly scheduled men’s hockey games at Starr Arena. Because I played in the 1st game at Starr, I thought it fitting to return for the last games. Additional participants in the 1st game and attending the last games from our class were Clint Rappole and Dick Scott. From the Class of 1960 were Joe Wignot and Dave Eldon. Joe scored the 1st Colgate goal at Starr. He dropped the ceremonial opening puck. Joe Hine ’60/’61 manager was there to keep us on schedule. Colgate won both games against Union and RPI. The current team wore replicas of our 1959 jerseys, which were presented to us at the banquet. The new Class of 1965 Arena and the Steve Riggs rink will open Oct 1. Quickly shuttling to FL, I played 18 holes at the Redstick Golf Club in Vero Beach with the Colgate golf team lead by Coach Keith Tyburski. This was arranged by Fritz Blaicher ’61. These young lads came to FL with pale skin, but very long drives. By the end of the round, their color improved along with their short games. This is a fine group of young men with great athletic skill and academics to boot! They are perfect ambassadors for the ’gate. This summer, I will be at my usual spot in Westport, MA, trying to catch a
News and views for the Colgate community
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