Class Note 1983

Life under quarantine is also the age of Zoom! David Ellis reports that recent ’83 New York luncheons have occurred via Zoom. According to Jim Maguire, some Boston area ’83s “Zoom-bombed the April gathering.” Ted Fleming writes that Jim was inspired to organize a Zoom reunion of “the Ripley Dorm Gang.” Sourdough breadmaking is a trend on the rise and takes days to make. Kathy Bowler Mitchell says “it gives quarantiners a project”; she also takes bike rides with her family and posts amusing vignettes of her dog on Instagram. Rick Baker uses his extra time to prepare gourmet meals. He recently spent seven days nurturing his starter for sourdough bread. Rick’s wife, Anne Mork, is busy coordinating surgical operations during the pandemic at University of Wisconsin Hospital. Meanwhile, Bill Cossaboom reports, right before column submission to DAM: “Have the starter fed for the weekend, wish me luck on my first loaf.” In Massachusetts Jenny Cheshire Hussin is leveraging junior high home ec. skills to make colorful fabric masks for her neighborhood. “I had forgotten how much swearing is involved in using a sewing machine.” Neil Donnenfeld’s summer wedding to Ellen Sandler, Harvard ’79, has unfortunately been postponed due to the pandemic. Professional cartoonist Steve Brosnihan’s work at schools and the Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Rhode Island, has likewise been postponed. He is reinventing his means of earning a living while enjoying time with family and connecting with Dartmouth friends. He offers online cartooning lessons and has resumed his brushwork again instead of a Sharpie. Steve is also helping a friend whose machine shop is building parts for a producer of personal protection equipment for frontliners, giving Steve a chance to earn money while supporting the caregivers at the hospital. As a board member of the Community Foodbank of New Jersey, Joe Dempsey has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of Covid-19. As the virus became rampant in New Jersey, the foodbank significantly reduced the number of volunteers to maintain social distancing and protect employees while also responding to an unprecedented increase in demand. According to Joe, nationwide demand has increased 45 percent during the pandemic, while food donations declined 55 percent. With higher food costs and the cancellation of fundraisers, foodbanks are struggling. Feeding America, which oversees 200 foodbanks, estimates a $1.4-billion shortfall to meet Covid-19-related demand. The need for support has never been greater. Joe and his wife volunteered with members of FEMA and other organizations at the foodbank this spring until they developed mild Covid-19-related symptoms. Fortunately, after two weeks with no further issues, they were back volunteering. Belle Traver McDougall is home in Vermont with her husband and son. In addition to hikes, they have been cooking and playing games, including virtually with Belle’s mother in Maine. Following a 30-year career as a physician’s assistant, Belle retired three years ago to start a business selling her pastels, watercolors, and notecards in local shops. She enjoys expressing herself creatively and has turned to her art most days during the pandemic. She describes it as “art therapy.”

—Shanta Sullivan, 1541 North Sierra Bonita Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046; shantaesullivan@gmail.com; Elliot Stultz, 421 West Melrose St., #8A, Chicago, IL 60657; elliotstultz@yahoo.com