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31 | Shakespeare may have had it right after all, but it still seems to me that it is not "oft" enough that "the good that men do" is recalled, or acknowledged, by the recipients. I am reminded of this conviction by an e-mail from Adele Durham Robinette (niece of our own long-gone '31der Archie Durham), the editor whose gentle prodding, thoughtful suggestions, hard work, and infinite patience keep these Class Notes columns the most read pages of this magazine. She cyberwrites: "I have always had a soft spot for Thomas Kelley, in that his was the first really nice letter I ever received at this job (I was a part-time Circulation Assistant at the time). I put it on my bulletin board in 1994, and it has been up there ever since, surrounded by other letters from alumni, photos of my family, and various reference sheets that I need within eyeshot. I don't think we had written since then, but I always kept up with his whereabouts through your column."Among the many "good" things this distinguished Seattle attorney and loyal Cornellian did in his long and productive life was taking the time to write that "nice letter," and Adele's posting of it was appropriate recognition. Sadly, classmates, this is also to let you know that another whom you hoped to see at our 75th Reunion will not be there. Adele was sending me the news that our Cornell Daily Sun editor died January 19, 2006.

Jim Knipe, (James R., 728 Norristown Rd., Apt. D-203, Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002-2151) says,"Not as strong as I used to be, but hope to see you June 8, 2006." Our compliments, Jim, on your understatement of the day, and congratulations on your determination to overcome all obstacles. Jim will be coming with his son. Bill Neckerman (William M., 1310 5th Ave., Apt. 506, Youngstown, OH 44504-1767) reports, "I moved into a retirement home in 1996. I get excellent care and am kept busy with exercise classes and entertainment programs." But he adds wistfully, "I can't make reunion. I'm unable to travel."

Rosemary Hunt Todd, (200 Alliance Way, Unit 239-C,Manchester, NH 03102-8403) writes that she still gets around visiting her family and friends in the Lake Michigan area and on Martha's Vineyard. (Hey, Rosemary--and any other vacation travelers: Next time you come to the Vineyard, give me a ring; I'm in the Cape Cod phonebook!) Rosemary adds that she plans to come to reunion with one of her daughters.We look forward to seeing her at the Statler, where we'll all be pampered! Bill Vogel (William H., 1361 E. Boot Rd., Apt. 111,West Chester, PA 19380-5988), our former honeybee fancier, sent us some remarkable pictures! One shows him in a dress blue uniform at a Memorial Day service (no note as to whether he is still able to get into his WWII outfit!) and another showing him at a recent reunion with two "buddies" who served with him in Iceland in 1941 before the US entered the fracas. He says they were the "radar pioneers." Let's check on his recollections; he's coming to reunion with his niece and nephew.

LarryWaitz, DVM '31 (Dr. Lawrence T., 4595 Skunk Lane, Cutchogue, NY 11935-1543) sends in a very nice, long biographical response to the questionnaire. To summarize: "Retired for many years . . . took up painting in 1967 . . . have had many shows and sold many paintings . . . still do watercolors for my own pleasure . . . enjoy a vegetable garden, and my wife Ann has a flower garden . . . was Town Historian . . . and active in many local organizations. No long travel because of age (and) usual ailments . . . fortunate to have no pain . . . am able to walk around my home and yard . . . believe I am the last veterinarian in the Class of '31." (I hope you will understand my not making any comment about the address of our last vet!) RetaMayburyWaln (1900 Lauderdale Dr., Apt. D-108, Richmond,VA 23233-3918) wrote that she is now 99 years old, in very good health, still very active, and living independently in a lifecare residence--"a truly wonderful place with excellent care and residents who are loving and caring." -- Bill Vanneman, 237 No.Main St., #250, So. Yarmouth, MA 02664-2088; tel., (508) 760-4250; e-mail, ggrampi@yahoo.com.

32 | "Edmund Bacon, 95, the brilliant, irascible city planner who spent much of the first part of the 20th century reinventing Philadelphia and the American city and much of the latter part defending his achievements, died October 14, 2005, of natural causes at his Center City home according to his family." The foregoing is the opening paragraph of an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer. The piece continues: "While not usually characterized as unduly modest, in later years he sometimes said that he was best known as ‘the father of Kevin Bacon the movie star, not to mention his five other children who were doing interesting things.' But Mr. Bacon's fame and legacy firmly rest on his service as executive director of the City Planning Commission from 1949 to 1970, a time in which he saw the development of Society Hill, Independence Mall, Penn Center, University City, Penn's Landing,Market East, and the Far Northwest. His office was considered so visionary and effective that Time magazine put him on its cover in 1964."

This and other recognition of Ed's significant public service were sent to me by our vigilant editor of Class Notes Adele Durham Robinette. These included the obit from the Inquirer quoted above and obituaries by the Associated Press, Philadelphia Daily News, and William Bunch's phillynews.com.When we were gearing up for our 70th Reunion, I wrote Ed to urge him to attend. He was not able to join us, but I remember learning at that time that he maintained there was an unwritten rule, based on a gentleman's agreement, prohibiting any structure with a height exceeding that of the statue atop City Hall. I am grateful to Adele. It is much easier to prepare a column when plenty of material is available than when there is none.

I hope you all saw the "Cornelliana" piece on page 112 of the March/April issue of this magazine. It tells the story of how classmate Reed McJunkin's father shot a 26-foot reticulated python in the Philippines many years ago, then brought the skeletal remains home, named it "Ralph," and kept it around the house to impress guests. The giant skeleton is now on display in the Museum of Vertebrates at Cornell's Lab of Ornithology, and I'm sure it is a significant attraction in the handsome new building.

It has been a long time since I had news from William T. Thompson. On his holiday greeting and newsletter he put a note saying that he hasn't much news but that his health is as good as can be expected.When he was working for Volvo he traveled a good deal and continued to do so long after retirement. He has long been involved in the affairs of his church. Like many of us, he gets around best with a walker but still has hopes of making it to Ithaca in '07. Stout fella, that Bill! -- Jim Oppenheimer, 140 Chapin Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14209.

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35 | As I write, we are recovering from the heaviest snowfall in the history of the NYC Weather Bureau, which began to keep records in the mid-1800s. It was just short of 27 inches. It is considered to be a friendly storm because it followed predictions by starting at night on a Saturday and continued most of Sunday--a well-behaved blizzard, without blustery winds.

Those of you who attended our 70th Reunion last June will remember the startling announcement by Jeffrey Lehman '77 during his State of the University address that he was resigning as president at the end of that month. Recent news from Ithaca indicates that the trustees have appointed Dr. David J. Skorton, a cardiologist who is president of the U. of Iowa, to be Cornell's next president, effective July 1. He will have faculty appointments at the Medical college and the Engineering college as well. He is also a saxophone and flute player whose father emigrated from Russia after the Bolshevik Revolution.

Meda Young Thetford and husband Norman '34, MD '38, live at 68 South St., Eatontown, NJ 07724.Meda reported last spring that they had had medical reverses. I am pleased to report that they are doing better and are glad to be together where their four daughters visit them, as does their doctor. Ruth W.Clements, 136 Clements Rd., Liberty, NY 12754 indicated that she has been retired for 33 years, but not from where.

My supply of News has been temporarily exhausted, and I must wait for new material. I hope you will remember that when the News and Dues mailings reach you. Enjoy the spring. -- Albert G. Preston Jr., 252 Overlook Dr., Greenwich, CT 06830, tel., (203) 869-8387; e-mail, davada35@aol.com.

36 | Reunion is just over a month away, June 8-11, and there is still time to sign up if you haven't done so yet. I'm sure Bob Smith of Hagerstown, MD, speaks for many of you when he says, "I plan to be there for the 70th--health permitting!"

Per your reunion mailing, accommodations are at the Statler Hotel, and the university and class treasury plan to significantly subsidize your stay. Other covered expenses are meals, buses, clerks, class photo, vans, etc., and there is no registration fee for you and your first guest. Being centrally located will practically eliminate the need for private cars, and there will be transportation available to events not held in the hotel. All meals, except for the Barton Hall lunches on Friday and Saturday, will be served in the Statler. "Renew your enthusiasm for the university you love!"We hope you can come to Ithaca in June! For more information, call Deanna Quvus of Alumni Affairs at (607) 255-7085.

The following '36ers paid dues and sent in News Forms confirming their addresses. Unfortunately, the News section was left blank, but perhaps you'll get to catch up with them at reunion: Lillian Smith Eagan (Danbury, CT); Carlton Edwards (Ithaca, NY); Dr. Carolyn Drucker Goodman (New York City); Dr.Margaret Morgan Lawrence (Pomona, NY); James McArdle (Greenwich, CT); Josephine Biddle McMeen (Huntingdon, PA); Arthur Newkirk, PhD '40 (Blue Hill, ME); Ruth Fisher Rosevear (Cincinnati, OH); John Senesy (Naples, FL); Dorothy Greey Van Bortel, MS '41 (Rye, NY); and AlexanderWall (Sarasota, FL).

Robert Soman requested more information on the '36 Reunion and I hope he received the follow-up mailings. If not, Bob, please call Deanna at the above number. He writes, "I have moved to St. Paul, MN, where my step-daughter and son-in-law live, for health reasons.My wife required a transfer to a dementia facility as well. Still reading/listening to classical music. Dr.Michael Golben, also of St. Paul, attends monthly meetings of the St. Paul/Minneapolis Cornell Reading Club. Capt. Fred Illston, last heard from in July 2005, says he has become "a pill-poppin' great-grandpa."His grandchildren and great-grandchildren are a mixture of doctors, lawyers, professors, managers, Navy pilots, airline pilots, teachers, students, contractors, and . . . retirees! He writes, "After 33 years flying for American Airlines, the last years as director of flying operations, I went back for another ten years as a consultant. They couldn't get rid of me, and I enjoyed (almost) every minute of it. To say that my experience at Cornell was a most helpful one is the understatement of the year."After leaving American Airlines, Fred and his late wife Dorothy were in the real estate business for 20 years, buying, selling, and listing. "I still live on Eagle Mt. Lake in Fort Worth, TX, and enjoy a long membership in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the US Power Squadron. I've actually assisted people on the lake from time to time, and enjoy helping them."

Fred closes with this: "After 92 years, my store-bought teeth, ears, and eyes keep me perking along, and I have so much to be thankful for.Working out at the YMCA three times a week keeps me limbered up reasonably well. I trust this qualifies as ‘news.' "Yes it does! Thanks to all for your continued support of Cornell and the Class of '36. Keep writing to us at the following address: -- Class of '36, c/o Cornell Alumni Magazine, 401 East State St., Suite 301, Ithaca, NY 14850.

37 | James and Ethel Atz are now living at Doncaster, a continuing care facility in Bloomfield, CT. There they will be near son Joshua, DVM '84, and his wife Lenka Babuska, DVM '84, who have a joint small animal practice in Glastonbury, CT, and two grandsons. The Atz clan also includes daughters Alison and Mikal and a third grandson. Jim, curator emeritus in the ichthyology department of the American Museum of Natural History, reports he is working on two "swan songs"--one about the early history of the living coelanth and the other a history of the word "aquarium."

Bernard and Adele Massell Diamond '38 have moved from their home in White Plains, NY, to the Hyatt in Yonkers, a senior residence at 537 Riverdale Ave., Apt. 1401, Yonkers, NY 10705-5507. Bernie writes that there are lots of activities and "less work for us." John and Jan DeBeers moved to 201 Upper Terrace, San Francisco, CA 94117. John had a laminectomy to remove an abscess from his spine in January '05 and, at last report, was recovering nicely with the aid of bi-weekly physical therapy. The DeBeerses have two daughters, and their two granddaughters and grandson each has an MBA equivalent.

Wendell Fairbanks, MS '48, taught vocational agriculture for five years in New York high schools and earned a master's degree in 1948. He was invited to join the faculty at the Agricultural and Technical Inst. in Farmingdale, the Long Island branch of the State University of New York, where he taught for 24 years.Wendell, now in his 95th year, is living at Columbia Ridge, an assisted care facility at 2300 W. 9th St., Apt. 206,Washougal,WA 98671. He has one daughter, Arlene, and his granddaughter Wendy, a graduate of Washington U., is working for the Weyerhauser Corp. in Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada.

Harvey and Anne Slatin enjoyed an unusual trip through the Stratford Circle Canals in England on a "narrowboat,"which is six feet wide and 60 feet long. Harvey is still playing tennis three times a week. Not yet retired, he maintains a consulting business and serves on several community boards. An active Kiwanian, he writes the club's weekly newsletter and is webmaster of its website. He also designed the website for the Delaware County Cancer Coalition and is its webmaster. Anne has been reelected to a seventh term as deputy mayor of Stamford, NY, and is president of the library association. Son Thomas, whom some of us remember as an eager schoolboy and Cornell enthusiast of some of our earlier reunions, graduated from Marshall U.

In their 2005 Christmas card photo, taken against the background of the colorful "onion-domed" church in Red Square,Moscow, John and Ann Hough looked like determined world travelers--which they certainly are. They had thoroughly enjoyed a riverboat cruise in Russia from St. Petersburg to Moscow, an adventure they highly recommend.

We have an update on the saga of Robert C. Brown's "adventure" with a broken leg that led to an operation in a Spanish hospital in November 2003. Although Bob had recovered enough to take a cruise on the Prinzendam in the spring of '05, it became necessary to have another operation last October--that one in a Florida hospital--to remove whatever the Spanish doctors did and, in the process, have a new hip added. He's on the mend again, hoping the surgery works better this time. Bob's ambition is to go around the world on the Amsterdam in 2007 and to be back for our 70th Reunion!

Herman VanFleet lives about 70 miles from Ithaca in Towanda, PA, so he's been able to get back to reunions easily, notably the 50th, 60th, and 65th. Herm and Aileen have three college graduate daughters, Alison, Katie, and Suzanne. An active church member and Rotarian, Herm enjoys fishing. Last recorded travel was to Nantucket Island. -- Robert A. Rosevear, 2714 Saratoga Rd. N., Deland, FL 32720-1403.

38 | There's much class news to share--too much for one column. Stay tuned for more in the issues ahead! Bernard Gartlir (Roslyn, NY) is still practicing law in New York and Florida, and after-hours activities include golf. As you may have read in his holiday greeting to classmates, he is recovering from serious surgery but expected to be back at work soon.What he'd rather be doing now? Basking in the sunshine! Bernard would like to hear from classmates at SBGartlir@aol.com.William Kumpf, MS '50 (Elk City, OK;WAKumpf@cableone.net) is retired. He reads and spends time on the computer, but would also like to be traveling. He remembers faculty members Ken Post and Ralph Curtis 1901, MS 1906, and the Floriculture and Horticulture gang from his Cornell days. He'd like to hear from classmate Bernie Fernan.

Olof Dahlstrand, BArch '39 (Carmel, CA) writes, "Retired architect. I paint and draw for fun, plus do occasional illustrating commissions. Presently illustrating a book on western US mining history. After-hours activities include pestering the Carmel City Council, dining at some of our fabulous restaurants, meeting friends, and volunteering for community organizations. I went on a camping trip (sleeping bags on the ground, etc.) in August in the wilderness area on the slopes of Mt. Shasta.Would like to be having a few beers at the Dutch Kitchen or the old Zinck's with a few of our long-gone classmates."

A month after we heard from Olof personally, we received an e-mail from another Carmel resident, Leona Fass '65, who shared the news that Olof--also a former city councilman and planning commissioner--had been named the Carmel Residents Assoc. 2005 Citizen of the Year. The designer of several downtown buildings and numerous Peninsula homes, he is also known for his strong views on open government and his continued community service. As one supporter said, "He has participated in the public discussion of many issues facing our community, and his comments are always well thought out, presented in a positive and professional manner and with true refinement.When he speaks, the community listens!" Congratulations! And thank you, Dr. Fass, for sending the article.

Elizabeth Jennings Perry (Bloomington, IN) sent thanks to the class presidents for the interesting book. In August she plans to fly to Wyoming to attend a granddaughter's wedding. She remembers the swinging bridge from her years at Cornell, and writes that she and Henrietta Miller Brannin chat at least once a month and laugh over old memories.Mabel Levy Gerhart, MA '39 (Perkasie, PA) retired after teaching languages for 37 years. She writes that in March 2005, she had a pacemaker installed after a momentary heart stoppage caused her to have a car accident. A blood thinner was also prescribed--the first time in her 88 years that she's had to take medicine. Her vision was also affected, but, she writes, "I clean, cook, do laundry, iron, read, and do whatever is necessary to carry on my normal life. Entertainment is attending Philadelphia Orchestra concerts, and come spring I'll be outside in the yard and pool. I have someone to help me in the yard and flower beds and am looking forward to the daffodils blooming again."Mabel hears from classmates Violet LanfearWeeden and Fern Bentley Blackburn.

Leonard Roberts (New York City; LenRobertsMD@aol.com) is still in medical practice and enjoys golf and bridge when he's not working. Recently he's been reading Civil War history. Irving Lanzner (Redmond,WA; IRLJLL@verizon.net) is retired. He's says he walks the dog a lot, and at the time he wrote, he had just seen his great-grandchildren in California for the first time. Col. Robert Shaw, USAFR (Ret.) writes that his activities are "rather limited due to the limitations imposed by passing years." Still, he keeps his house functioning--but would rather be loafing. He hears from fraternity brothers Ralph Vreeland and George Hobby. Jay Fish (Englewood, FL; sfish114@aol.com) has been retired since 1978. "I play bassoon in a community orchestra and band, and play sax and clarinet in a trio every Friday. I've also been learning how to use a digital camera and fiddling with the computer. I enjoy the status quo." Thank you all for writing. -- Class of 1938, c/o Cornell Alumni Magazine, 401 East State St., Suite 301, Ithaca, NY 14850.

39 | It's reunion time again--and a happier time than last year's reunion when President Jeffrey Lehman '77 announced his resignation. This year, Cornell will welcome as president David Skorton and his wife, Robin Davisson, from the U. of Iowa, from which Pres. Hunter Rawlings also came. Everyone seems very pleased with the selection committee's choice. One of our friends, Cornell alumna Lee Anna Clark '72, MA '77, who is a professor and collegiate fellow in the Dept. of Psychology at Iowa wrote, "I know David well and I think Cornellians will find him not only intelligent and deeply committed to sound educational values, but also warm and personable--the kind of person who inspires loyalty. Though I know her less well, I've also found Robin Davisson to be a wonderful person, an excellent scientist, and a great role model for women in academia." Lee Anna also says she thinks her own best chance of getting back to Ithaca is to become president of the U. of Iowa! We welcome the new president and his wife, and hope they will enjoy living in the Camelot called Ithaca.

Jean Linklater Payne commented on the collaboration between Cornell and Ithaca College, which affects Longview Senior Living Center at Ithaca, where she and Douglas, GR '36-39, live. Cornell and Ithaca College participate in an ongoing gerontology study, led by Cornell with participation by I.C. departments, staff, and students, as well as those from Cornell. "Our daily lives are enriched by student interns, aides, and volunteers, and our evenings are enhanced by generous invitations to concerts and other events at both colleges. It's a good life!" Jean sent a wonderful picture of her and Doug surrounded by nine great-grandchildren, all 5 and under!

Mary Strong Irish writes that our 65th Reunion was the highlight of 2004 for her.Mary was in the first WAVES training class, USNR, in 1942 and reports that her lieutenant's uniform hat is on display in the WWII exhibit at the Columbia County Museum.We'd like to hear more about your experiences,Mary! Mona Brierly Carvajal unexpectedly spent Thanksgiving '05 in Vermont due to damage to her home in Boca Raton from Hurricane Wilma. She got to make snowballs for the first time in many years. Her daughter Nancy Carvajal Lang '64, who has been active in AARP affairs for a long time, was a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging in Washington, DC.While in Vermont,Mona visited the Montreal Botanical Gardens, which she thought wonderful. Bet she didn't know much of its success is due to its director, André Bouchard, PhD '75, a Cornellian.

I could use a lot more letters, dear classmates. Have a great summer, and keep in touch. -- Ruth Gold Goodman, 103 White Park Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850; e-mail, BG11@cornell.edu.