Class Note 1953
Issue
July-August 2026
Class Note 1953. Finally, after one last snowstorm in early April, I think it’s safe to say the long Northeastern winter is finally blowing itself out. No one is sorry to see it go!
Our ’53 class Zoom event on March 26 was a great success. Nineteen folks—14 classmates and five widows—logged on. The Zoom get-togethers are proving to be quite popular, as more classmates and widows join each time. It’s a great chance to “see” each other again, catch up on what’s happening in everyone’s life, and share stories and memories.
Everyone had something interesting to contribute. For example: After 70 years Ralph Heyman is still practicing law; Sam Franz continues to help manage the Kendal at Hanover woodshop; and RossMcIntyre is writing a book on the history of the Dartmouth Medical School. Barbara Sayres had some news that could well be a commentary on the state of our nation these days: One of her sons, who formerly worked with computers, recently became a rabbi. The other son, a global warming scientist, just lost his job.
There was even an opportunity for Dick Calkins to advertise Dickie’s Book of Jokes—a collection of humorous stories and jokes he’s compiled about aging. Anyone interested in obtaining a free copy can call Dick’s daughter, Kathie Calkins-Keyes, at (520) 818-8183.
I had a good phone conversation with Connie Clery recently. She’s had some recent problems with leg wounds that failed to heal. When her doctors became alarmed by her heart rate, they installed a pacemaker—and the wounds quickly healed! She is currently living in a skilled nursing facility with caretakers around the clock. Fortunately, her sons are providing much-appreciated emotional comfort. She sends her regards to all.
I’m sorry to report three more classmate deaths since my last column: Bill Hutchison died in October 2025, Werner Graeve in January, and John Thornley in February. Please join me in extending condolences to their families.
Stay tuned for news of the next ’53 Zoom session. And let me hear from you!
—Donna Grant Reilly, 32 Penn Road, Apt. 418; Hanover, NH 03755; (603) 643-7281; reillys5357@gmail.com
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Our ’53 class Zoom event on March 26 was a great success. Nineteen folks—14 classmates and five widows—logged on. The Zoom get-togethers are proving to be quite popular, as more classmates and widows join each time. It’s a great chance to “see” each other again, catch up on what’s happening in everyone’s life, and share stories and memories.
Everyone had something interesting to contribute. For example: After 70 years Ralph Heyman is still practicing law; Sam Franz continues to help manage the Kendal at Hanover woodshop; and RossMcIntyre is writing a book on the history of the Dartmouth Medical School. Barbara Sayres had some news that could well be a commentary on the state of our nation these days: One of her sons, who formerly worked with computers, recently became a rabbi. The other son, a global warming scientist, just lost his job.
There was even an opportunity for Dick Calkins to advertise Dickie’s Book of Jokes—a collection of humorous stories and jokes he’s compiled about aging. Anyone interested in obtaining a free copy can call Dick’s daughter, Kathie Calkins-Keyes, at (520) 818-8183.
I had a good phone conversation with Connie Clery recently. She’s had some recent problems with leg wounds that failed to heal. When her doctors became alarmed by her heart rate, they installed a pacemaker—and the wounds quickly healed! She is currently living in a skilled nursing facility with caretakers around the clock. Fortunately, her sons are providing much-appreciated emotional comfort. She sends her regards to all.
I’m sorry to report three more classmate deaths since my last column: Bill Hutchison died in October 2025, Werner Graeve in January, and John Thornley in February. Please join me in extending condolences to their families.
Stay tuned for news of the next ’53 Zoom session. And let me hear from you!
—Donna Grant Reilly, 32 Penn Road, Apt. 418; Hanover, NH 03755; (603) 643-7281; reillys5357@gmail.com