Class Note 1986. It’s getting closer to reunion time! I hope you have all marked your calendars for our 40th reunion, Thursday-Sunday, June 18-21! The reunion committee has been hard at work all year preparing an awesome slate of events for all to enjoy. I used to think my favorite part of reunions was to catch up with old friends. However, I’ve come to learn that it’s also meeting new members of our class who I didn’t have the pleasure to know while in school. Our last in-person reunion was 10 years ago, and it was the best one to date, and I have high hopes that our 40th will exceed all expectations. I hope to see many of you there!
Chris Keating is living in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, with his wife of 10 years, Abby. He’s been a judge in New Hampshire for more than four years and was a defense attorney for 20 years. Chris has dedicated his career to fairness, justice, and service to others. He was executive director of the N.H. Judicial Council and was appointed by the chief justice to lead the state’s administrative office of the courts. His lifelong commitment to public service was recognized by his high school alma mater, Holderness School, where he delivered the 2025 commencement address.
Greg and Lynn Tracy Nerland have been married for more than 35 years. When asked what’s new, Greg states, “Same job, same house, same wife.” He is an attorney helping people buy and sell big pieces of real estate. Lynn has retired and babysits their granddaughter several days a week. They are living in Walnut Creek, California.
Jennifer Bassett is enjoying retirement and occupies her days helping friends and family with landscaping and house projects. She lives in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, and gets inspiration for her projects from Chanticleer and Longwood, two gardens nearby that she frequently visits. Her sister, who lives a couple of towns over, has eight grandchildren in the area between the ages of 9 years and 20 months that keep all of them busy between bus and school pickups and dropoffs, babysitting, and sports activities. Jen also volunteers two days a week at a food pantry in her town. Like many organizations, it is struggling to keep up with growing demand but is doing its best. Guests know they can count on receiving a hot meal each week on the day they come for food.
Mark Baldwin retired from teaching after 31 years. He taught history and economics at Hampshire Regional High School in Westhampton, Massachusetts. Although retired from teaching, he’s still coaching baseball, basketball, and junior varsity golf. Mark and his wife of 31 years, Mary Kay, have daughters Emilie, 28, and Abby, 25.
Are you noticing a trend here? If you’ve recently retired or are planning to soon, drop me a note now that you have more time on your hands!
—Suzy Nachman Mercado, 55 Aspen Wood Lane, Fairfield, CT 06825; suzynmercado@gmail.com