Class Note 1969

We received an interesting note from Steve Adams, also known by his nom de plume, Waldo Mellon. Steve has been a screenwriter for 35 years, wrote sketches for Saturday Night Live for a time and has had three screenplays made into movies, which, he says, “I cannot watch.” For you film aficionados they were Envy, Waiting For Forever and No Stranger Than Love. Steve wrote and self-published his first book in 2014, What’s What and What to Do About It. He calls it a self-help book, in his words—“kind of.” I bought the book and found it both serious and funny; yes, and even helpful! Steve acknowledged Bob Sturges, among others, in the foreword. While reading it I felt the influence of the home in which Steve was raised from age 11, when his uncle, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., adopted him. Steve pointed out, however, that his aunt, Jane, did all the work. Steve is now living in Leverett, Massachusetts, with Jeannie, his wife of 30 years. They have two grown sons. Steve has attended a couple reunions and will definitely be at the 50th. Buy his book. I think you will find it helps.

Rick Willets and Joan reported on another Caribbean music cruise with Dudley Kay and Jill, joined by Paul Tuhus. They enjoyed many music genres and visited Mexico and Honduras as well as a few watering holes on the ship.

When you read this you will have missed the trivia night with the 2019s in April and the Boston mini reunion in May. Class Connections co-chair Dona Heller reports the July mini has been cancelled due to the crowded event schedule during that time. The really good news is Sandy Alderson is once again offering ’69s the opportunity to meet with him at Citi Field and enjoy an afternoon of N.Y. Mets baseball! Make plans for a great afternoon on Sunday, July 23, in N.Y.C.

Julian Reeves reported on his excellent road trip picking up his new Volvo hybrid in Gothenburg, Sweden, driving it to Oslo and back before having it shipped to Virginia.

Peter Schaeffer was honored by the N.Y. Rangers organization for his long-standing support of the team with a team jersey sporting his name and numbers on the sleeves showing the year of his first game 60 years ago and the year he became a season ticket holder nearly 45 years ago.

Scott Balcomb officially retired from his law practice and he and Janet will now divide their time between Colorado and Arizona.

David Howes reports from Maine that he had a serendipitous mini-reunion when giving a speech at a local Chamber of Commerce meeting and found both Bill Ryan and Dave Wakelin in attendance.

Bill Stableford had a great basketball team reunion in March with Randy Wallick, Doug McKenna, John Mathias, Mike Neal, Bob Sturges, Art Schneider and John Lallis all attending Penn and Princeton games.

We regrettably note the passing of Robert “Norv” Norvich of Ashland, Oregon, from a heart attack on February 13.

—Steve Larson, 465 Miller Road; Winchester, VA 22602; (360) 770-4388; wheat69@outlook.com