Class Note 1957

In response to our last column, a classmate asked: “We’re all in our mid-80s. We’re almost all retired. Do we do anything except write books?” So, with apologies to the published authors in our class, let’s provide some answers. Charles Tseckares is active in the off-site committee at his continuing care retirement community in Bedford, Massachusetts. He recently led a trip to the Frank Lloyd Wright house in Manchester, New Hampshire. Herb Roskind teaches global studies at Arizona State University’s and coordinates research between ASU and Israel’s Ben Gurion University.

Howie Howland volunteers at the Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts, a living history museum that replicates the Pilgrim’s original settlement. Judy Stempel, when not visiting daughters and granddaughters in Texas, California, and New Mexico, co-chairs a film festival in Fort Worth, Texas. Bob Marchant chairs his condo’s homeowners association in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, and enjoys his contacts with contractors, lawyers, surveyors, and even homeowners. John Citron chairs CapeAbilities, providing services for Cape Cod, Massachusetts, adults with special needs. He manages a budget of $22 million, serving more than 450 individuals. Chris Wren recently baled hay at his Vermont farm for a neighbor’s horses, and Al Rollins continues to fly his plane, climb mountains, and play basketball.

Some of us are feeling change more dramatically than others, of course. Downsizing is a big issue. Michael Matzkin moved from Connecticut to downtown Boston to be close to his daughters, grandchildren, the ballet, concerts, and the Red Sox. Susan and Charlie White are selling their Casco Bay, Maine, home and moving to a retirement community in Brunswick, Maine. Mare and Dick van Riper are counting on their balky lawn tractor to last a bit longer, hoping to keep their country house in Roxbury, Connecticut, a few more years.

Health is an obvious issue, too. Bob Towbin quotes Shakespeare, “Trouble comes not in single spies, but in battalions,” referring to his five heart surgeries this past year. No, we’re not all writing books. But we’re still here. As Al Rollins would say: “Do as much as you can, for as long as you can.”

—John W. Cusick, 105 Island Plantation Terrace, Vero Beach, FL 32963; (772) 231-1248; johnwcusick@aol.com