Update 12-17-02


Hi,

Holidays everywhere.  Gotta celebrate.  But, first, some news:

From Grace Dibble Kincade:  My grandson was born this morning, Wednesday, December 11th -- 8 pounds, 6 ounces; 19 inches.  We leave tomorrow.  I can't wait to hold Logan Lee!

From Barbara Blitfield Pech:  Grace, what a grand way to begin the day.  Mazel tov to you, your family, and a special extra BIG hug for Logan Lee.  Of course, I will expect pix to follow.

From Peggy Cooper Schwartz to Grace, and to Jane Ruzow Tiell:  Best wishes to our two new grandmoms in the class.  I'm sure both baby boys are wonderful
      Also, I must agree with my classmates that Mr. Gibson's class was extraordinary. My husband Les and I attended a performance of Don Giovanni last Saturday night, and I have to thank Mr. Gibson for starting me on a life-long passion for the opera.  Les is an opera  lover, too.  He had his own opera show at Columbia, when he was an undergrad there.  In 8th grade, I really loved it when Mr. Gibson would play the tunes of the arias on his piano, and we'd have to know them for the quizzes.  I've been to operas at the Met, the New York City Opera, the Chicago Lyric Opera, and in Paris.  In all these places, I think of being back in Mr. Gibson's classroom and being so excited about the music.  I guess all that's left for me to say to Mr. Gibson is, "Thank you, Maestro!"

A little business, from Stu Borman:  Can you please change my e-mail address on the web site's list and on the weekly newsletter distribution list to: stu_borman@yahoo.com (with an underscore character after the "u")?  I'm phasing out my Eudoramail account.
      Also, I have a program now that can format photos in a better way than I did formerly on the "Stu Borman's photos" site that the reunion home page links to.  I haven't had a chance to use the new program yet, but when I do, the address for linking to those photos will be the same as now, so no change in the link should be necessary. Thanks.  Regards to all.

Finally, from Allen Moss:  Hello from very wintry Maine everyone!  Well, there's no question about it, the cold, snow, sleet and freezing conditions have confirmed that Maine was visited early this year.  I have no complaints though.  I got my furnace cleaned and fireplace checked in record time!  Guess I was hoping that we would have winter conditions a bit early.  Being a Chicago "graduate," I now look forward to a bit of a snap in the air.
      Things have been a bit intense here as my mom passed away two weeks ago, and I made an extended trip to Long Island for the funeral.  I am grateful for her peaceful transition from this physical world and, at 85 years of age, she certainly had lived a good life.  I am also grateful that my sister and I were able to say the things that needed to be said while she could understand and appreciate them.  So, another life transition that all of us Falcons experience, or have experienced, as we grow older.
      The holiday season certainly is a time to pause and reflect on our lives and, hopefully, be grateful for what we have been able to give, receive, or share in the way of love, joy, and, yes, even sorrow.  I truly wish the very best for all of you as this year draws to a close, and hope you are surrounded by partners, family, and friends.
      Among the things that I will surely be grateful for this year was the opportunity to be with you during our April reunion.  It was truly one of the emotional highlights of my year and offset some of the sorrow that I have experienced.  Judging from how great everyone looked, we can all share in the gratitude for being in good health with an eye towards staying that way as we plan for our next reunion!  There is a saying that goes something like, "When a window closes, somewhere a door opens."  That feels particularly true to me right now as I have just experienced some sadness, yet I am preparing for some joy in my life as I begin my final steps for my return to Africa in February.  That means this week, I am known as the "human pincushion" with all my vaccinations -- OUCH!       People who know me well can appreciate how much my travels to Africa have meant to me over the years.  This will be my third trip back on a photographic safari, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to have these experiences -- and memories -- to keep with me for the rest of my life.  Joy certainly takes many forms for all of us.  My African trips have been a particular one for me.
      For all of you who remember me as the kid who had all the toy dinosaurs -- and REAL lizards, snakes, salamanders, frogs and toads! -- my early childhood with my menagerie matured into a real love of animals and, in particular, African wildlife.  
With poaching, encroaching development, and political upheaval, it does not look particularly good for the African animals.  Possibly, I am being too pessimistic, but I want to make sure I get to see what is still pristine before it gets destroyed.  I can only hope that I am wrong and that the commitment of so many people who want to save what is left in Africa will eventually turn the tide for these magnificent creatures.
         But before I get on my soapbox, let me take time to wish everyone a Happy New Year and the very best for 2003!  Your Maine representative to the GREAT Class of '65.

The home page address:  hometown.aol.com/falcons1965a


Rich