Members of “the touch of class” ’50, I come to you this issue with not much news, and urge all of you to contact me with any news you have that I can relay to the rest of us!

Of more interesting note: Jack and Jilly Harned are over the top elated about the news that one of their many grandchildren, Jackson Battey from California, will be in this fall’s freshman class—this is the third generation for the Harneds. The skinny is that he was lured by three gorgeous, blonde cousins.

With California in mind we welcome news from “here come da judge” Lee Sarokin, who is not content with being a class percussionist and performing at the La Jolla Village. Lee is also a budding playwright, having written nine plays in eight years that have been staged at nearby North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, California, as part of its New Works series.

News of a more personal nature: My third daughter, professor D. Fairchild Ruggles, who heads the University of Illinois College of Fine Arts, was honored with a chair in landscape architecture last fall.

I receive notice of deceased classmates (see below) from time to time and I have access to some obits and information on same, which I would be happy to share with you if you write me. However, what I really want is some news of your doings or hearsay items about classmate friends!

I have to report that John Edwin Wulp of Rockport, Maine, died on November 27, 2018. We send condolences to his family.

Keep in mind that for our mini October 11-13 our president has lined up some good eatin’ sessions and, of course, this is Homecoming Weekend. Have ukulele, will travel!

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8 Concord Greene, Unit 5, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr@aol.com