Class Note 1988

Greetings, fellow ’88s! I am happy to share news of many gatherings of our classmates around the country, with a special online event coming up in November. First, I heard from Michelle Stowe Ong, who is in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area, that she enjoyed a visit from Pauline Garris Brown in late August, and before that a visit from Julie Zahniser and her family, with whom Michelle spent time at nearby Lake Norman. Michelle reports she was impressed that both Julie and her daughter easily got up on waterskis on the lake. Chris Mehl, who lives in Bozeman, Montana, and is the deputy mayor there, also was pleased to host a visit from a classmate, reporting that Tim Burger texted out of the blue that he would be in town. They took in a Steve Earle show, and Chris reports Tim is doing well in Southern California and has a newborn.

I also heard from Val Robins Price, who had fun seeing Todd Zywicki in Washington, D.C., when Val was visiting her daughter who is working there. Todd is the George Mason University Foundation Professor of Law at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, and he teaches bankruptcy and contracts, among other subjects, while also writing and commenting frequently on legal issues. Val also shared that her family had an amazing trip to Tanzania this summer to celebrate her younger daughter’s high school graduation as well as her older daughter’s college graduation. As new empty-nesters, Val, who is a physician in greater Boston, and her husband are hoping to join Steve Cook and Michelle Stowe Ong on some upcoming medical volunteer trips.

In Portland, Maine, Dave McConnell is looking forward to frequent visits from classmates, among others, as he launches a small batch distillery, Three of Strong Spirits, with a cofounder. The business had its grand opening in August and will produce rum, give tours, and add to the vibrant community in East Bayside. And now for news of a special event: Tom Ward tells me that he has organized several of our very talented artist classmates to create a group art show with an online opening on November 14. Our whole class is invited for first viewing on that date, and, in addition to Tom, the featured ’88 artists include Ruth Cserr, Amanda Hanson, Barbara Jenny, Nick Nobili, Wendy Pabich,and Moira Redcorn. This should be a wonderful expression of creativity and inspiration, and Tom promises that he will provide more information on our class Facebook page as the date approaches.

Please continue to send me your news and updates about yourself or other ’88 classmates.

All the best.

—Tory Woodin Chavey, 128 Steele Road, West Hartford, CT 06119; dartmouth88classnotes@gmail.com