Friends, I hope you’re savoring the last vestiges of summer and still basking in the thrill of our 30th reunion. I suspect, too, that you can’t wait for our 35th (the opportunity to see everyone again, that is, not the joy of turning 56 or 57). Hard to fathom those ages—seems like just yesterday we were 18 and embarking on our freshman trips and start of college life. Who knew how awesome it would be? Lasting friendships formed, possibly meeting your future spouse, facing many “firsts,” now reminiscing with a smile. Well, another new experience awaits as our youngest child leaves for college tomorrow. Many have already faced this, some will in the future and it certainly evokes different feelings for parents: happiness for your kids, sadness about a quieter house, anticipation about the things to do with your spouse, to name a few. Importantly, I hope all our kids can look back on their college years with extreme fondness and few regrets. I’ve never liked the term “empty nester” because, mainly, I want my kids, wherever they are, to know they will always have a home, one where the door is always open. Perhaps what I’m also saying is that if anyone is in the Philly area, we now have extra rooms, so you’re welcome to visit (for the record, the door is actually locked, so please contact me first).

News from Michelle Duster: “My coauthor, Bernard Turner, and I went to the Harlem Book Fair recently. Although we did not win the Phillis Wheatley Book Award for young readers for our children’s history book, Tate and His Historic Dream, we felt honored for the recognition of being one of three finalists. Attending the awards ceremony and other book fair activities provided a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the people who are shaping writing for American culture and especially for the African-American community. The tributes to poet Nikki Giovanni and illustrator Jerry Pinckney were very inspiring. Please feel free to tell folks about our world-recognized book. Copies can be ordered on Amazon.com or directly through Highlights of Chicago Press at highlightsofchicago.com.” Also, check out Michelle’s website: www.mldwrites.com.

After being recognized as a 2015 Ohio Super Lawyer in January, Jeff Healy was again recognized as a top lawyer as this release indicates: “Forty-one Tucker Ellis attorneys named among Best Layers for 2016: Tucker Ellis LLP is proud to announce that 41 of the firm’s attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2016. Jeff practices mass tort litigation and class actions, defendants, in Cleveland.” Not sure how a best of 2016 list comes out in August 2015, but these Ohio attorneys seem to be forward looking.

A final thought: I’m not totally sure what my view on reincarnation is, but if it’s real I’d like to come back as a college student. Or a Detroit Tiger.

—John MacManus, 118 Ringwood Road, Rosemont, PA 19010; slampong@aol.com; Leslie A. Davis Dahl, 83 Pecksland Road, Greenwich, CT 06831; (203) 552-0070; dahlleslie@yahoo.com