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40 | Forrest Griffith and wife Betty have moved to a new retirement home,Mercy Ridge. They sold their sailboat and are now playing duplicate bridge three times a week--good for the mind. Forrest is chair of the Scholarship Fund and the Building Maintenance Committee. He has also taken up acrylic painting and finds it very relaxing and fun--mainly landscapes and boats. He meets occasionally with a local prep school/Cornell group for lunch. A fun and unique group, they all attended Baltimore Polytechnic Inst. and Cornell. "Since 9/11 we do very little flying. Now enjoy seeing our good old USA. Life is much more relaxed and fun.We are having a ball."

Donald D. Foley lives with wife Betty at 17 Charles Blvd. in Delmar, NY 12054-2401: "Too old to do much now--just house and garden duties--but find time to enjoy a little trout fishing during warm weather. Don't even hunt any- more.Most of my buddies have passed on to greener pastures." Robert E. Bradley lost his wife Esther "Kit" (Clough) recently. He has one great-granddaughter and three great-grandsons. Kit and he celebrated 60 years of marriage in October '03.

Benjamin Suchoff and wife Eleanor live at 2773 South Ocean Blvd., #112, in Palm Beach, FL. He is adjunct professor at UCLA in the Dept. of Ethnomusicology. He has had two books published, Bela Bartok: Life and Work and Bartok's Mikrokosmos: Genesis, Pedagogy, and Style. The Suchoffs took a cruise to Italy, and had a visit from their son Michael '73, who lives in Chapel Hill, NC.

Annette Shapiro Elstein has not retired from her work as a US Immigration Judge. On Dec. 1, '03, she had the pleasure of swearing in her daughter Sandra as a justice of the US District Court, Eastern District. She has two daughters, two grandsons, and four great-grandchildren. She adds, "So far, all great." --Carol Clark Petrie, PO Box 8, Hartford, NY 12838; tel., (518) 632-5237.

41 | As we await the arrival of your most recent News forms (it is only April as I write and they haven't reached me yet), I'll share a couple of items of news and some good memories. First, from President Emeritus Frank Rhodes earlier this year: "I look forward to seeing many of you at Reunion. I am very proud to be an Honorary Member of the Class of '41. I keep busy in retirement with a variety of projects, including a book that was recently published and several visits to alumni clubs. I introduced Jeffrey Lehman '77 at the Southwest Florida Cornell Club last night and I am speaking at the Sarasota Club next month. Life is full and rewarding. Rosa joins me in sending fond good wishes."

I received a wedding announcement! Two Cornellians, Eloise Thro Greenstone '43 and our classmate Richard Stimson, were married on Feb. 21 in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Here's the rest of the story, as reported in an article in a local California paper. "Although they both graduated from Northfield Mount Herman School in Massachusetts, they actually met 63 years ago at Cornell. Dick had his own airplane and flew Eloise home to meet his parents in Syracuse in 1941. During WWII, they were employed by Lockheed Aircraft, Dick as an engineer and Eloise in stores. After Dick joined the Navy, they became separated, each marrying other people.When Dick and Eloise were both widowed, they found each other in early 2004 and were married in February at the home of Eloise's daughter and son-in-law." Congratulations!

Here's a memory about a new orchestra that came to Barton Hall in the late 1930s. They charged very little, as they wanted to become known for a new, wonderful sound. They did, and as I type this, I'm listening to a Glenn Miller CD. In France, I enjoyed listening to an American band that had been organized by Miller, who by then had died in a plane crash. The band had about 100 members, with a string section, a swing section led by drummer Ray McKinley, and a vocal chorus. They recorded programs before live audiences in the Paris Opera Theater, which were played for troops across Europe.

In our time at Cornell,Hotel Administration, which started as a department in Home Economics, had no building of its own.However, it grew steadily in stature and in the world's esteem under the direction of Prof. Howard Meek, GR '29. Statler Hall was dedicated on May 5, 1950, and a Hotel school was created--with Prof. Meek as the Dean. To continue the story, this writer will discuss my thoughts on the Class of '41 Hotel graduates who were outstanding in the business of their choice.

The late Dick Holtzman was president of the world-famous Rockefeller Resorts. In addition, he was most successful as a fund-raiser for the Hotel school, setting a new record at that time.When Lou Conti graduated, he enlisted in the Marines as a private and became a pilot. His recon plane with his name on it is in the Navy Museum in Pensacola. By staying in the Marine Reserves, Lou earned the rank of Major General.

A list of other '41 class achievers that Dean Meek would be proud of include the following: Bart Bartholomew, the best '41 scribe, longest on the job, and respected by all. Ken Jolly, JD '48, a native of Ithaca and captain of the basketball team. Ken earned a Cornell law degree and worked as a lawyer at Cambell's Soup Co. Reed Seely was a hotel manager and served as class president. Fred West was president of Bethlehem Steel Company.

The Hotel alumni are so happy that a new house on the West Campus will be named after Howard Meek. Dean Meek was a short man, but a giant in the hotel business. --Ralph Antell, Beaufort Towers, 7015 Carnation St., #408, Richmond, VA 23225.

42 | Phyllis Stevenson Uyeno (Port Chester, NY) worked in the American Field Service in the International Teacher Exchange Program for 25 years. She is now volunteering as vice president of the board of directors in the Human Development Service ofWestchester in housing and clinical support for the mentally ill. All is not work, as she sees Tri-Delta friends and loves going on Adult University (CAU) trips, especially with President Emeritus Frank Rhodes. She has also gone to China for the AFS and to Japan with family and friends. She has five children who graduated from Cornell, and 10 grands who are fifth-generation Cornellians.

Arthur Dutky, BS '48 (Omaha, NE) writes about his exciting life: "I designed the world's first vacuum tube radio that met 10 Gs vib without shock mts. for the Air Force. That led to being a member of the predesign team of a nuclear-powered seaplane. Also designed ducts for the Apollo Booster and Saturn V. I joined veterinarian Vince Marshall '45, DVM '54, MS '61, producing live virus vaccines. I thought I had invented hyperthermia as a cure for cancer, but found I was 100 years too late! It can cure cancer in six hours! (AMA won't allow it.)"

Jean Pardee Cole, whose wonderful husband of 56 years, Jim, passed away recently, moved to Chesterfield,MO, to be near her daughter. She writes, "It was a traumatic experience after 30 years in New Canaan.Would love to meet with any Cornellians living in or near St. Louis." Gifford Bull, MS '48 (Lake Ridge, VA) is still an active pilot who writes articles on aviation history. He and Grace skied in Colorado last winter and in West Virginia this year. They moved just south of Washington, DC, to be near their three children and two grands, but still miss Mississippi. E-mail them at giffbull@aol.com.

Harvey and Elaine Hoffman Luppescu (Atlantis, FL; ELHL233@bellsouth.net) have been traveling. They went to their eldest granddaughter's wedding in Denmark with 11 others from the US who made the trip. "The celebration began at 1:00 p.m. and continued until 5:00 a.m. the next day."They are hoping to do the London Theater trip with CAU. George and Barbara Crohurst Howell (Oak Brook, IL; ghowell@pfingsten.com) enjoyed a spring family reunion of five children and 12 grands and continue with their great sports program of golf, swimming, and workouts. George is working with his partners in private equity and just closed on a new fund. They are on the University Council and sponsor scholarships for Cornell students.

Greta Adams Wolfe '48 (Lake Stevens,WA) is a great admirer of our "Chief Red Sneaks" Ed Markham (Bainbridge Island,WA). They both belong to the Garden Writers Assn. Greta visits Cornell for reunions, etc., and visits two couples, Ray '47, PhD '56, and Vera Hakanson Fox '47 and Ernie '48, MS '52, and Bev Pratt Schaufler '48, both connected to floriculture. This column connects to so many interesting people. Will Templeton (Oceanside, CA) tells the interesting story of the Coors family. Bob '42, Dal '40, and Joe '39 were all his friends, as Joe and Dal were also in Kappa Alpha fraternity. The Coors Beer business was founded in Boulder, CO, in the 1890s. During prohibition the Coorses went into the porcelain business, and Bob did a tremendous job of building that business. Joe was Adolph's son and was in the beer business.His son Pete '69 is now in charge. Bob was an enthusiastic sailor and won many trophies in sailing competitions.Will enjoyed sailing adventures with him also. It is hard to say goodbye to this splendid family.

Lynne Feeley '06 is our scholarship student.And what a student! She has a 4.0 average and is working on the literary magazine called [plug] as she continues her interests in creative writing. Lynne has enjoyed amazing opportunities such as attending a Cornell for Peace and Justice meeting. She considers herself incredibly lucky to be at Cornell and can't thank us enough for our help.

Sadly, Roy Olney (Polk City, FL) is in total care following two strokes.We wish him and Ellen well. Thelma Drake Robinson (Castile, NY) passed away in January after a wonderful Christmas with all her family present, reports husband Don '41, MS '54. She was active in Cornell activities in New York, as well as in Leesburg, FL, where she spent her winters. She attended all the reunions and really enjoyed the 60th.We will miss her.

Keep in touch with me and use all those e-mail addresses. And don't forget to visit our class website: http://classof42.alumni.cornell.edu. Pres. Liz Schlamm Eddy updates it regularly. --Carolyn Evans Finneran, 8815 46th St.NW, Gig Harbor,WA 98335; e-mail, ceefinn@juno.com; tel., (253) 265-6618.

43 | My thanks to all who called, e-mailed, wrote, and sent fodder--Knox Burger calls it "dodder"--for this column. I'd list their names, but that might deal a guilt trip to the three or four who meant to write but haven't quite gotten around to it yet. A partial list would have included the aforementioned Knox (New York, NY): "I am always fond of talking with the incapacitated, particularly the ones who are bent on fighting their way back to at least the line of scrimmage"; Don Yust, JD '44 (Newport Beach, CA): "When a good citizen around here ends up on the floor, the other fellows check to see if there's any Ripple left in the bottle"; Jerry Batt (Williamsville, NY): "We are happy that you are on the road to recovery.What in tarnation would we do without you?"; and Bill Dickhart (Fort Washington, PA): "For goodness sake,Miller, hang in there! I always look at the early class notes, which go back to '29 now, and figure that you will be the one to sign us off in 15 years or so. Please don't disappoint me."

Thanks also to Jane AdamsWait, Bud Kastner, BS '46, Barbara Wahl Kaufman Cate, Charles Harris, Larry Lowenstein, Roy Unger, Edy Newman Weinberger, Lee Sunstein, Shigeo Kondo, Phil Weisman, Gene Saks, Steve Hawley, Rich Walter, Dave Estes, Dave Mertz, Carol Kaman, Jan Nickerson, and my fellow scribes Dick Keegan '49 and Jim Hanchett '53 (a few pages to the right) for their good wishes. News updates from Jerry and Bill and all the above in future columns.

I received two rapid-fire notes from Eloise Thro Greenstone, the first in January: "Heard from Dick Stimson '41, whom I met at Cornell 62 years ago.He is coming here (Laguna Woods, CA) for a visit next week, all the way from Redding, CA.Had quite a crush on him, but don't tell anyone that! After all,much time has passed. We are quite ancient, yet still lively."Her second note, written a mere two months later in early March, enclosed a new news announcement--and was signed "Eloise Thro Stimson"! I left the crush stuff in, Eloise.

From Sam Hunter (St. Paul, MN), one-time Big Red basketball captain, so named about a week after they stopped playing that sport in a cage: "We have a 6'4" grandson who is a 4.0 high school senior and a darn good basketball player. He set a scoring record last year and he might very well rebreak it this year. I have written to the Cornell BB coach; if he's interested, I'll lean a little toward the East. Best to you all."

Caroline Norfleet Church (Lenox, MA) made two visits this past summer, "one to Liz Call Kingsley and husband Ted in Southbury, CT, and another to June Gilbert Klitgord in Northern Vermont--went with Jean Hammersmith Wright [see below] and Doris Fenton Klockner and husband Joe '45. Trip to Reunion-- super!" Jean Wright (Somers, NY) made us aware of her annual contribution of $1,000 to the George Burke Wright '42 Scholarship (Ag college), splitting credit with the Class of '43.

From William F.Kelly (Dansville, NY): "Except for army service, I've always lived in this small town (5,000-plus). Can't beat it. It's the town where Clara Barton started the American Red Cross in 1881. I was in the mail order nursery business for 39 years." Robert Larson (Freeville, NY) is still playing golf and "loving it more. Live 15 minutes away from our beautiful Cornell. Last summer we saw the Oxford-Cambridge/Cornell-Penn track meet in London. Our women were great, thanks to Coach Lou Duesing."

Jean Lewinson Guttman (Newton, MA): "I keep busy with volunteer work (public library, school library, early intervention groups for young children, ‘Visiting Moms' program for new mothers), and grandchildren--one a lawyer in the Manhattan DA's office, another working for a nonprofit organization in Belize, another teaching seventh grade and getting an MA in education, two more at Bowdoin College, and two here in Newton, one a senior in high school and one in middle school." Dinty Moore (Sewell, NJ): "Enjoyed our 60th very much.We all move a little--make that ‘a lot'--slower. Hope to be back for the 65th. No big trips since 2002: 10 days in England and Sicily in October; 10 days in Rio de Janeiro in November. Both were great, but no alumni present."

From Al Lurie, LLB '44 (Larchmont, NY): "A pen that started writing for the Sun has been writing ever more furiously (speed, not temperament) ever since, even while I practiced my (paying) hobby: tax and pension law. It reached fever pitch this year, with pieces published in 20 venues (hard copy and Internet), most recently Barron's magazine. That has not stopped us--Marian (Weinberg) and me--from continuing the romance, started on the Hill way back when, that ultimately led to six grandchildren [Skipping a generation for tax reasons, Al?], whom we don't, alas, see much of, due to separation by the Atlantic (five) and divorce (one). The good news is that life goes on . . . or in the poetry of Ecclesiastes, ‘The sun also rises.' "  --S. Miller Harris, PO Box 164, Spinnerstown, PA 18968; e-mail, millerharris@netcarrier.com.

44 | It's early April and the cherry blossoms are at their peak. The rest of the DC area is abloom with Bradford pear, forsythia, redbud, and magnolia--ah, springtime! Soon 'twill be June and our 60th Reunion--which will be duly described in the September/October issue.

'44 was well represented at the annual January Assn. of Class Officers (CACO) meeting in New York by Peg Pearce Addicks, Jerry Levitan,MBA '48, Peter Miller, MBA '48, Dan Morris, Mort Savada, and Art and Dotty Kay Kesten. Nancy Miller, Helen Levitan, and Hubert Aronson with Sylvia joined the group for Saturday's dinner. At the class meeting these issues were discussed: 1) 60th Reunion details; 2) Membership--active duespaying met goal of 345; 3) Website http://classof44.alumni.cornell.edu; 4) Club 44's 17th cruise-tour Rome to Barcelona Sept. 24 to Oct. 4, '04; 5) Tradition Fellowship $81,835--$4,000 awarded; 6) Periodical Endowment provides 50 magazines and scholarly journals--fund value $101, 424; and 7) Cornell Fund--60th Reunion Fund goal $1,500,000.

Several classmates sent news of summer '03 activities. Sigmund, MFS '48, and Serena Ginsberg Hoffman '47, MA '48, spent most of the summer in Great Barrington, MA, enjoying the lake, golf, and Tanglewood. Herbert Eskwitt joined a new organization "Cornell in the Berkshires." Jane Knight Knott of Durango, CO, was much involved in musical productions from a piano recital to a final concert of music in the mountains. "Enthusiastic acclaim makes it all worthwhile." She also serves on the Executive and Investment committees of Fort Lewis College Foundation. She has learned a lot about the music industry and college administration. Dunbar King from West Islip, Long Island, wrote, "The sloop is at the dock; the Model T is being repaired as usual. Call (631) 669-7181 for sail or ride." Adult University (CAU) hosted Nancy Green Stratton learning about Antiques and Antiquing in the Finger Lakes Region, Nancy Maynard Harlan taking A Voyage to the Genomic Frontier (unnatural history); and Joel, BA '47, and Henrietta Pantel Hillman '47 attending The Shaw Festival.

Helen Knapp Ingerson spends five months in her house in Rochester, NY, sailing her boat from the Rochester Yacht Club.Wintertime she dwells in Punta Gorda, FL. Cal DeGolyer lives in Castile, NY, next to Letchworth State Park "the most scenic in the East."He offers a personally conducted tour to any '44 visitors. William Calvert wrote of camping and hiking in the High Sierra (Lake Ediza) amid the glaciers and snowfields. He was "glad to find legs and carburetor still work at age 80- plus above 10,000-ft. altitude."With him were his sons David '71 and Richard (Rutgers '74), who for his 78th birthday had hiked him to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Some of us are still working. Priscilla YoungWaltz goes to Maine for fly fishing and painting, but at home in New Jersey she does creative writing, documents pictures for the Sea Cliff Museum, and volunteers at a hospital. Pearne Billings of Manlius, NY, still works part-time after 55 years in the investment business.Hubert Aronson moved his "brick and mortar" travel agency to his townhouse at Pleasantville Country Club after 39 years in the travel business. He now has computers and voice mail that allow him freedom of action--semi-retirement he calls it. He also serves on the Board of Directors as chair of activities at the country club. Charlotte Licht Cook of Castile is still in the private practice of law in a small rural community--never boring, she says. She traveled to Athens with her grandson, a student at Brandeis U. Anthony Prasil continues as curator of the Hoffman Clock Museum in Newark, NY, the only clock museum in NY State. He "takes an active part in ‘Science Exploration Days,' a program for about 200 middle and high school students who are interested in science."

A classmate of distinction is Harmon Leonard, DVM '44, for whom a new operating room at the Vet college has been named. Another is Morton Siegler, BS '47, who has been honored by Essex County (NJ) College, which named a 200-seat lecture hall on the main campus for him.Morton was president of Siegler Construction Co. in Union, and Mid-Eastern Funding Inc., a real estate development firm, and was very instrumental in the building of the college. He also served as chair of the New Jersey State Building Authority, as well as on boards of the St. Barnabas nine-hospital Health Care System.Morton and wife Carol (Shapiro) '47 established the Carol and Morton Siegler Center for Integrative Medicine in Livingston, NJ. "The center combines the technology and expertise of conventional medicine with the healing powers and wisdom of complementary therapies." Their home is on Longboat Key, FL, but they spend summers in New Jersey. Marie Buenning Cramer wrote that husband Shannon, who had been director of Defense Mapping Agency, was recently honored by being inducted into the National Imagery and Mapping Agency.

It may not be too late to join Club 44's Rome to Barcelona cruise Sept. 24 to Oct. 24, '04. Check with Art. --Nancy Torlinski Rundell, 20540 Falcons Landing Cir. #4404, Sterling, VA 20165.

45 | Robert Olmsted (Jackson Heights, NY) proclaims,"Move over, golfers!" Bob's son Larry is now a Guinness World Record holder. In February, Larry played a game of golf in Sydney,Australia, hopped a jet for Los Angeles, and played a second game in Newport Beach, CA.He now holds the official world record for playing two full 18-hole rounds of golf on the same day the greatest distance apart--7,496 miles! The last word we had from O. Thomas Buffalow (Hillsborough, CA) was that he is still golfing, often with my fellow Beta Calvin Roper, DVM '47 (Menlo Park, CA), but has quit trying to shoot his age. Two years ago Tom and Marie, along with 13 other Cornell couples, including our own Ruth BussellMcLay (Holmdel, NJ) and Lawrence Bollinger (Niskayuna, NY), took a Cornell Alumni Federation-sponsored cruise on the Dutch and Belgian waterways, which included a day at the Floriade. Last year they spent three weeks in Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. So far, no SARS! Tom, assisted by seven other Cornell ChemE Chevron employees and retirees, established the "Chevron Scholarship for Chemical Engineers,"worth $50,000 at Cornell. He apologizes for his understandably lessened recent contributions to our Class Tradition Fellowship Fund, but this is surely a worthy addition.We hope that William Rothfuss (Greenville, SC) will be back on the golf course soon, recovering from the loss of his cherished wife, the beautiful and charming Toni, who died last September, after Bill's loving care for her over many months.

One of our habitually generous good-guys is William Berley (NYC), who, with his late wife Isabel (Mayer) '47, were named "Significant Benefactors" of Cornell in recognition of their generosity over the years. Their names are now incised into the stone terrace in front of Uris Library. Deservedly, Bill was awarded the Johnson Museum Medal at a recent Museum Advisory Group meeting in recognition of his many years of service and numerous gifts to the museum. Of course, Bill continues as our class representative for the Cornell Fund and will welcome your assistance with any contribution. Last year he went on a CAU trip to Cuba, but hasn't told us if he shook down Fidel Castro for a donation. If anyone could do it, it would be Bill.

Sorry to hear that our unwaveringly loyal classmate Mary Jane Dilts Achey had a bad fall and is now living near her MD son and family in an assisted-living facility in Norton, MA. "MJ" would love to hear from any of us, so drop her a line. Don't forget that you can get any classmate's address from the online Alumni Directory; if you don't recall the directions sent out in our last mailing, let me know.

Alan '44 and Erna Fox Kaplan continue to enjoy their retirement at Carolina Meadows in the double-university-town (Duke and UNC) of Chapel Hill, NC. Erna was amazed to find Margaret Taylor Macdonald as a neighbor. She hadn't seen Peg since they were freshmen in Risley. Erna's five children (three Cornellians) and nine grands keep her busy, being spread from East to West. It's always a pleasure to hear from old friend and all-time nice gal Jean Herr Gehrett (Hilton Head, SC), who reports that the Cornellians there have started a monthly luncheon group--no officers, no program, no reservations, just informal gab and grub. I wonder if they have enlisted Dick Stacy, BA '49, yet, as he left Piqua, OH, for Hilton Head some time ago. Good move! Jean says she talks with Bill and Mary Lib Mershon Hoffmann, BS '44, often and is sure that they enjoy Annapolis, as is confirmed by our co-president Tod Knowles, MBA '49, another Crabtown inhabitant, who visits with them frequently.

Tod and our other co-president Maxine Katz Morse (New Castle, NH) have been after me to modernize our class website so as to fall in line with the decrees from the young Ithacans who are much more computer-knowledgeable than some of us old goats.When I started my feeble effort eight years ago, few classes had one and there was little or no support from the campus. Now, through the efforts of the Assn. of Class Officers (CACO), all kinds of directives and formalities are in place. The Office of Alumni Affairs even has a staff person in charge of reviewing class websites and issuing a report card. In my most recent one, I passed two out of 20 items.As 0.4 is not a good mark and my current role as a full-time caregiver doesn't let me spend time studying new techniques, I decided to seek help.What better classmate would there be than fellow EE Jerrier Haddad (Briarcliff Manor, NY), a faithful and loyal Cornellian who developed the most successful line of computers IBM ever made and retired as VP of Engineering? In response to my begging letter, Jerry has agreed to pitch in, so you can expect to see big improvements in our website. One of the first things I have done is post a list of "lost classmates"whose addresses are missing or incorrect. Please take a minute to look at our site and, if you know the whereabouts of any on the list, let me know. --Prentice Cushing Jr., 713 Fleet Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23454; e-mail, cushcu45@wmconnect.com. Our class web-site: http://hometown.aol.com/CescoVA1/CU1945.html.

46 | Knowing bridge immortal Edgar Kaplan '45 at Cornell had been my claim to fame at Bay Area bridge clubs. Then I vowed to upgrade my game and pursue Life Master status.My adventures follow.

My "Bridge Forum" column last October read, "Arlie Lamb and I played in the Bracketed KOs at the Phoenix Nationals with pick-up partners last year.We got lucky and won exactly the 5.06 Gold needed to make one partner, Joan Mager from Colorado, a Life Master. This year Doris Peacock and I paired with two other lovely ladies from Fresno. Together we won the 4.20 Gold that elevated Sophia Iwatsubo. In both years, I enjoyed the heady wine of contributing to a wonderful player's success. Now I look forward to someone's joy at helping me over the hurdle."

In five years, I had reached Life Masters' 300 quota in nano-increments. But Life Masters must win at tournaments: 50 Silver at sectionals; 25 Gold and 50 Gold or Red at regionals or nationals. As 2004 dawned, I needed six Silver, seven Gold, and eight Red. As the mid-March Reno Nationals approached, I was very close. I had earned all my Silver and Red and all but 7/10 of my Gold at San Mateo's Regional and Las Vegas's Sectional. Now for the slam dunk.

Monday, Ed Hornung and I picked our way from Ed's Incline Village ski lodge over the Mt. Rose pass to Reno, found pick-up partners, entered a knockout game, and were promptly knocked out.Next stop: an IMP (International Match Point) pairs game, known as the impaired game.We finished 1st in C, but, alas, no Gold. Onesession events don't count for Gold.

Tuesday, Ed agreed to the two-session senior pairs. First in section, morning or afternoon, would yield Gold by playing in both sessions. At the registration desk, Arlie Lamb (of Lamb and Levine fame) persuaded us to join him and Antoni Baranski in a cinchy KO.We won match one of four.Winning the second that evening would earn Gold.We led at halftime but were then clobbered by our opponents' surge on their road to first in the event.More Gold dreams dashed, but we still had a chance in Wednesday's consolation round.

For an extra chance, Ed drove the Mt. Rose pass for Wednesday's 9 a.m. side game.We'd win Gold with a first in section by merely appearing in Thursday's early game. Then, back to the Bay Area as we promised our wives.We won across the board in A, B, and C. I felt 12 feet tall, willing to play Thursday's early side game to garner Gold. A director shattered my fantasy.We had played in the third of a three game series. Thursday's game started a new series. He said, "Nice game, but no Gold." Feeling 12 feet tall doesn't make slam dunks when you're under 5' 7".

Resolutely, our consolation game began. Resolution pays off.We blasted our opponents for 5.54 Gold and my Life Master goal. Next are new goals ranging from Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond to Grand Life Master at 10,000 master points, while staying respectably under Edgar's 13,974.72 total. Selling Lois on this project will be my next campaign. -- Paul Levine, PBL22@cornell.edu.

Well, the deed has been done--we've been moved for one month to a retirement village (moved during the March 16 snow storm).What a job to move after 42 years--I'd forgotten how.What fun to cram a three-bedroom, six-level house into a one-bedroom, one-floor apartment. BUT WE DID IT (see our new address below). Found one other Cornell couple here--Keith '56, DVM '59, and Carol Ostergren Orts '58.

Getting back to Christmas greetings--heard from '47 AOPi (my pledge class). Luciana Silvani '47 still calls New York City home. Bill '48 and Lucille Holden Smith (Hempstead) were surprised by their 55th wedding invitation I'd sent with their greeting card. They wrote, "Went to my 60th high school reunion in Auburn and Bill's 55th at Cornell.We have four grandchildren."Walter "Merk" '47 and Elaine Tompkins Merkel '47 (Lakeland, FL) wrote, "That was a surprise when we opened your Christmas letter and saw a young thing looking back at us. How many miles had that invitation and picture traveled over the last 55-9/10 years?"

Frank and Peg Christensen Drab '47 (Venice, FL),my junior-year roommate, wrote about Frank's two extended visits to the V.A. hospital in Palm Beach to take courses on living with a visual handicap. They had to add another room for all his equipment. Their daughter married December 27. I regularly hear from Bonnie Kauffman De La Mater '47 (Macungie, PA). She also thanked us for the old wedding invitation. She reported hearing from Martin and Marilyn Miller Vince, who moved to a retirement home in Salem, IL, near their daughter. "It took nearly six months to clean out 55 years of living."

Jane Mange Morrison (Broomall, PA) writes often. "Daughter Betsy's radiation treatments are over and we are upbeat.My first great-grandchild was born in March 2003 and grandson Erin was married on November 22." Other Cornellians reporting: Jane and Bill Donaldson '44 (he and my husband Phil are fraternity brothers from Newark College of Engineering and came to Cornell in 1943 with the V-12; he was also in our wedding party) wrote from W. Columbia, SC: "Also enjoyed seeing newspaper clippings and our wedding invitation. Our youngest son is married with two sons. Son Glenn, 52, had a stroke in 2003 and is retired. Daughter Daryl is on tenure track at Georgetown U. in Washington, DC." Robert, M Ed '50, and Ardath Krueger Powell, MS '49 (Annapolis, MD) wrote, "Bob's health has not been painless but we did spend a week at the Villas at Treetops in the Poconos in September. Our triplet granddaughters celebrated their birthday with us.We're spending Christmas at White Silver Springs, PA. At the Officers Christian Fellowship Camp with the family." Ardath was our Maid of Honor when we married. Ted '52, MS '53, and Trudy Krueger Winsberg '52 (Boynton Beach, FL) wrote, "We're enjoying our life without green peppers as the county converts our farm to a public park (constructed wetlands with boardwalk)." I grew up in Buffalo with the two sisters. I needed more news YESTERDAY (have no more). Send to my new address ASAP: --Elinor Baier Kennedy, 9 Reading Blvd., Apt. 302,Wernersville, PA 19565.

47 | We are back, Pete and I. It is mid-April as I write, and here in Rochester, we are glad for spring.We had 125 inches of snow. It was also very cold, which caused damage in many homes. One victim was Margie Shiavone Berens, who must repair one whole room.When one wall covering was pulled off, though, a live wire was found. It would seem good fortune that the house didn't burn down. On a lighter note,Margie, living in a populated suburb of Rochester, received a formal thank you from the university for her gift of a horse.We've heard of gift horses but not horse gifts.Margie doesn't even own a cat.More good/bad news: Barlow Ware was in a bad accident at the bottom of Buffalo Street at the intersection of Route 13. A man went through a red light and destroyed the rear of Barlow's car. Luckily, Barlow was spared, except for being shaken.

Arriving in spring, besides birds and flowers, are our News and Dues mailing from our Treasurer/Membership Chair Margaret Newell Mitchell. Please send your dues-- and your news, which provide the fodder for this column. Actually, I received one already from good friend Dick Jones, who tells us that he and wife Mary Ellen went to Spain in the fall.He does tennis, snowshoeing, and square dancing, and has four children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

I still have a couple of news items from last year. Fred Matthies wrote, but I can't read his writing. I did decipher that he and wife Carol took a 50th anniversary trip to Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and Norway. He is an avid sports spectator, likes hockey, is a coin collector, and has two children and three grandchildren. Edward Moldover, BA '45, MA '46, retired as an attorney, but his wife Nancy (Helpern) '53 still works as a microbiologist with the Veterans Administration.

Barbara Kenrick Miller, MS '54 (bmllr9@cs.com) is on the board of the Cornell Club of Southern Arizona, where last spring she coordinated a visit from Sam Johnson '50. Barbara took classes to serve in retail greenhouses of Tohono Chul Park, an 18-acre oasis in suburban Tucson, AZ. Raymond and Shirley Buck Rabeler (rcrabler@aol.com) sound proud of daughter Beverly Rabeler Settle '72, who earned a master's degree at SUNY in 2003 and teaches art. Ed Gouvier writes, "This dinosaur now has an e-mail address. The grandchildren got to me! I am now ejgouvier@toast.net."

Now this becomes much harder to write. At our age, we encounter death too often, and each is important and causes pain. I want to write about three women in particular.

Melba Levine Silver, who died in Boca Raton, FL, on March 1, was a mover and shaker on campus and in her life after Cornell. Her experience as an associate editor of the Daily Sun stood her in good stead for a career in advertising and made her notes to this column a pleasure to read. I remember one in particular that described her trip to Cuba a few years ago. Contributions to Cornell in Melba's memory will be used by the Plantations in the area surrounding the bench that our class contributed for our 40th Reunion.

Scharlie Watson Handlan,M Ed '58, was my roommate for two years and my friend for more than 55 years. After Cornell, she married and moved to Ohio, then Minnesota, and then she and her family returned to Ithaca, where she taught school for more than a decade. Cornell then appointed her as associate director of Alumni Affairs, a post she held for almost 20 years. She and I shared long phone conversations during that period, which was lucky for me, because Scharlie's job meant that she was at work during reunions and didn't have as much time to socialize as we all would have liked. Those who saw Scharlie at our last reunion when she was no longer on duty will remember how much fun she was. Scharlie died in April a few hours before her birthday. Besides Ray '53, her husband of 31 years, she leaves three sons and eight grandchildren. The university will have honored Scharlie with a service at Sage Chapel by the time you read this.

Patricia Grabb Schneider was another dear friend whom we lost. Pat and her husband Burkhard '46 met while working in the library stacks. After leaving Ithaca, they moved to the Detroit area and led a wonderful life filled with swimming, scuba, golf, and good works.When I think of Pat, I remember her grin, her dimples, and her giggles. Besides being my friend, she was my hero! Moved by racial inequality, she went to law school and earned her degree in 1977, 30 years after we all finished Cornell. I remember stories at reunion when she told of her work as a public defender in the prisons of Detroit, working to improve the lot of blacks and women. She founded a Center for Racial Equality and became a judge. She was the first woman ever elected to the job, beating four men in her first election. Those who want to contact Burkhard can reach him at burkschneider@comcast.net.

Cornell gave me not only an excellent education, but also friendships that lasted a lifetime. I loved Scharlie and Pat and will miss them. Thanks to my children Beth and Roger, and to my predecessor Pete, for helping with this column. Send news! --Arlie Williamson Anderson, 238 Dorchester Rd., Rochester, NY 14610-1329; e-mail, arlie47@aol.com. Class of '47 Web page, http://www.alumni.cornell.edu/orgs/classes/1947/.

48 | Eric Carlson (Manhasset, NY): "These days I golf and ride my bike. I play nine holes three to four times a week. Last week, at age 79, I was the youngest in the foursome; the others were 92, 89, and 84). I didn't make it to reunion as I don't fly my own plane, nor do I have a friend to fly me up. Son Eric R. '93 delivered granddaughter Katie in 2002 and just bought a house 100 yards from me. I took care of him for 32 years; now he can take care of me for the next 32! World's biggest problem is Iraq. I was very much against the war. Religion is also a big problem. Solution: I agree with Tom Friedman of the New York Times; add one dollar tax to each gallon of gasoline, which would make OPEC pay for the reconstruction of Iraq--with exemptions for farmers and the poor."

Constance Avery Mix (Virginia Beach,VA): "I am a homemaker and Prayer Warrior. Last year I cruised to Bermuda. Am now engulfed in a massive cleanup from 2003's Hurricane Isabel. 1.8 million people were without power for four days to three weeks, and there are two acres of debris to haul out to the road.Would rather be resting. My plan is to keep husband Lew '44 and myself healthy so we can keep up with our 15 grandchildren and wonderful church responsibilities. The graduations of two grandchildren coincided with the 55th Reunion, but we were there in spirit. Biggest problem: living for self, rather than for the Lord, who designed us, each one, uniquely, and loves us."

Herb Behrens (New York City): "Attended the graduation of younger son Jack '03, MMH '03, who received his master's degree from the Hotel school.Was too wiped out to follow up with reunion. Older son Evan married Dara Stern '92 (Hotel school) on Oct. 9, '03. Needless to say, I am a ‘late starter,' but a happy one." Charlotte Smith Moore (Binghamton, NY): "I spend my time volunteering, reading, playing bridge, doing crossword puzzles, and traveling to Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, with son Tom Moore '79, his wife Carol (McKenzie) '74, and their daughter Jean. Granddaughter Katie Latham is in her sophomore year at Amherst, and grandson Edward ‘E.T.' Moore III started his freshman year at Cornell."

Lester Wise (Old Westbury, NY): "I tutor third graders in math in Hempstead, Long Island, schools. Plan to keep trying to break 50 for nine holes of golf--never give up. Granddaughter Marisa entered Cornell last year--the fourth generation (Irving '16, me '48, Paul '73, MD '78, and now Marisa '07).My biggest problem is too many magazine subscriptions; must take a speed-reading course. This is a world problem also; Congress should pay them not to publish. [Les, call me at (516) 767-1776.We'll do nine holes at Harbor Links. I have the same under-50 goal as you.--Bob.]

Bill Busch (Hinsdale, IL): "I am counsel to the Maryville Academy Golf Program and Greater West Town Woodworking Program. I golf, fish, and frame my wife's watercolor paintings. Last year I re-caned wood chairs. In June 2003 I cruised on a small ship through the inner passage to Alaska, which is why I missed reunion." Bob Strauss (McLean,VA): "I've been a consultant in the satellite communications field since 1983, after retiring from COMSAT. I'm now active in Hillwood Museum and Gardens as a volunteer technical advisor and craft member of James Renwick Alliance associated with Renwick Museum of American Crafts. I visited my daughters in Santa Fe, NM, and Bend, OR. I also served as an expert witness in a major arbitration related to communication satellite failures. I hope to travel to places I haven't visited."

Robert "Rocky" Levy (Boca Raton, FL): "Still in real estate management and building model boats. Having finished the USS Constitution (took 1-1/2 years), I'm now doing the Charles W.Morgan whaling boat. I am also a philatelist--at it for 50 years. Health kept me from reunion. I turned 75 on Dec. 3, '03. The world's problem: peace. Solution: raise the standard of living for all Third World countries." Frank Collyer (Ithaca, NY): "Barbara and I went salmon and trout fishing in Alaska in July, after the wonderful 55th Reunion. Todd Kennett '91, the lightweight crew coach, was our guide for several successful days."

Bart Holm (West Grove, PA): "I'm on the board of directors of our retirement community, and on the board of trustees of a nursing home. Plan to stay healthy and active. The grandchildren are picking colleges, and I hope to get a Cornellian sometime.My biggest problem is keeping up with trivial paper that arrives. Solution: ignore it. I went skiing at Whistler, British Columbia, and in Keystone, CO. Also had a pleasant trip to Ireland--they have good beer. Summered at Lake Champlain. Thoroughly enjoyed the 55th Reunion.Will do everything I can to return in 2008!"

Harriet Morel Oxman (Sarasota, FL): "We moved back to downtown Sarasota. I'm really a ‘city slicker' rather than a ‘country bumpkin.' Entered a 5K race for the opening of a new bridge over Sarasota Bay (it's 85 feet above low tide) and won a first place medal for women in my age group. Who's getting older? I'm getting better! I walk the bridge several times a week. Planning exotic trip for June 2004."-- Bob Persons, 102 Reid Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050; phone/fax, (516) 767-1776.

49 | You were expecting our 55th Reunion report? It will be in the Sept/Oct issue. It's only April now, and a gorgeous, warm day in the Villages (FL). You have to see this playground to believe it. It's huge and growing, beautifully landscaped and laid out, with every amenity imaginable.When I run out of news, I'll tell you more! That's a threat, so quickly send in your news and dues, if you haven't already.

Joseph Mengel has lived in Chapel Hill, NC, for over a year at a continuing care retirement community. He writes: "This is home country for me, but lots of ‘foreigners' here, quite a few with Cornell credentials: Sam Baron '42; Vince Freimarck, PhD '50; Alan '44 and Erna Fox Kaplan '45, BS '44; Henry Landsberger, PhD'54; Charles Leet '36; Margaret Taylor MacDonald '45; Jane Stiles Sharp-MacRae '38; Eric Smith, MS Ed '36; William Straughn, MS '40; Charles Tennant, PhD '50; and Ed White '41. This is the most mentally stimulating environment we've been in, since my days under the guidance of chemical engineering's ‘Dusty' Rhodes and his merry men."

Larry Bayern enjoyed another winter in Arizona, where golf is played all year round, but unbelievably some of his grandchildren can now beat him! His wife Dorothy (Crawford) '51 said his most exciting moment was greeting their great-granddaughter. "We must be getting older, but don't feel older!" Then there is Millicent Lussier Drew, whose son Lt. Col. USAF Warren Drew '72 retired from the service last year. Her other son enjoys living and working in Alaska.

Frank Davis and wife Mary sold their Danish chalet inn on St. Thomas after 20 years in America's Caribbean paradise, and happily retired to Treasure Island, FL. They are looking forward to great sailing and fishing in the Gulf. They celebrated their 58th anniversary last January. Frank says they are still holding hands with lots of hugs. Lucky them!

Joseph Stein is indeed a proud grandfather.He was delighted to learn his granddaughter Emily Klubock was accepted, early decision, for Cornell's fall class. Emily is an honor student at Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, NY. She'll be a third-generation Cornellian, as her mother is Susan Stein Klubock '79. Norm Baker wrote a very touching, yet inspiring description of his Mary Ann meeting death in May 2003, after a long bout with cancer. Our belated sympathies, Norm.Hope you all read about Bill Koch and Jean in the 2004 Financial Planner--a wonderful story.

John, LLB '53, and Florence Swenk Britting '52 are retired and have lived for the last 46 years in Phelps, a small town in the Finger Lakes region. They're busy with volunteering--church, literacy, Rotary,Historical Society, and library--and also take care of their home, garden, and orchards. "Like it--but a lot!" Bob Biggane stopped in Albany on his way to reunion to play a few rounds of golf with Frank Snyder. Rodney Miller drove from St. Simons Island, GA, to Cheltenham High School in Pennsylvania for his 60th. Better late than never!

Elinor Schatzkin Multer continues to serve on the Maine State Board of Education, trying to help a rural state cope with the demands of the "No Child Left Behind Act," clearly written for urban schools and children. "If more attention had been paid to these struggling city schools, we might not be in this ridiculous position." Ruth Samuels Hanft and husband Herbert are fully retired but active in their community, with trips to Europe and Israel, and to see the children--Margorie in Illinois and Jonathan '79 in Minnesota. They enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mts. and the historic area around Charlottesville. George and Susan Potter Hall's oldest grandson finished his second year at Messiah College in Grantham, PA, and the youngest is going into eighth grade.

Thanks to Dorothy "Dee" Mulhoffer Solow for the article on Edwin Slusarczyk, honored as one of three 2003 Living Legends by the Mid-York Weekly-Herkimer Edition. Ed vowed to help farmers when a teenager, and has been doing just that for 60 years."He began Ag Radio Network in 1976 with 11 stations and now has 144 with ag reports from Maine to Maryland. He also promotes farm production in Africa and reaches millions in Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Tanzania."Dee Solow herself has been on the go. A broken ankle, while playing hide-and-seek with her grandsons, didn't slow her down for long! She attended a Southeast Florida Writer's conference, where her friend, science fiction writer Harry Harrison, was giving workshops. In December she flew to London with another friend and returned on the QEII, the ship's last Atlantic crossing. Dee and her daughter Emily Lizbeth, a general surgeon, plan to move soon.

Howard Loomis, MBA '50's oldest granddaughter Kate will be a junior at Bowdoin in Maine. He and Florence visited oldest son Art '77, MBA '81, and his family. They spent four months in Ludington,MI, last summer, which meant neglected duties in Pratt, KS. Carol Bagger Skinner says, "Still around. Bill Skinner and I divorced in 1970. I returned to Ithaca and eventually married Charles Pearman, now retired after teaching architecture for 41 years at Cornell.Moved to Trumansburg to a Greek Revival house--lavished much love and money on renovations!" Carol returned to painting seriously 16 years ago, after cutting back on her practice as a psychotherapist. She says, "Ithaca is magnificent, as always, through the decades!" --Mary Heisler Allison, 1812 Puerto Bello Dr., Lady Lake, FL 32159; tel., (352) 259-0203; e-mail, mha@hopsnet.net.

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