Class Note 1950

I am dashing off this column on August 28 just as Hurricane Irene is about to crash into lower Manhattan. My first hurricane happened in 1938. We first learned of its existence when the wind nearly blew us away. The damage was severe. Irene was announced when she was a tropical disturbance 2,000 miles away—as yet without a name. Coastal North Carolina was predicted to be pretty nearly obliterated. The TV folks have forecast something close to Judgment Day. Yet the damage was relatively minimal.


Vero Beach, Florida, was spared Irene’s wrath. But Clift Whiteman, not knowing this, was concerned for the health of the Vero Beach house, which Randi and I hope he and Joan will soon rent. Clift, by the way, reports having had a great telephone conversation with Alex and Jinks Hoffman, who are both well.


Joe Medlicott feels twinges of guilt at not having produced a newsletter for a while. Is there one among us who thinks Joe is irresponsible? If there is, he should stand and be thrashed.


Jim Birney has endured three weeks in the hospital and does not feel that he can continue to discharge his duties as class president. Jim has more than paid his dues. His words have given us inspiration and strength for six decades.


Bob McIlwain courageously battles ill health with good humor and true grit—attributes that most if not all of us need these days.


A lively phone talk with Gerry and Ginny Sarno found them in high spirits and looking forward to a Florida visit next winter.


I was sorry to learn that Gerry’s brother Joe is wheelchair-bound.


Dave Luce has produced a thought-provoking piece titled “Thoughts on Religion and Science and Nothing at All.” He will send a copy to anyone interested. He can be reached at (414) 332-7957.


I am sorry to report the passing of the following classmates since my last column: Dave Beeman, John Bunton, Stuart Kay, John Morrissey, Samuel Rogers, Ben Shaver, Cliff Spotholtz, Bob Tredwell and Richard Pierce Udall. May they rest in peace.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03 @aol.com