August 23
Once again, northern New England ’61ers and guests got together for our annual mini-reunion lunch in North Conway village, a tradition that has been happening for at least 15 years! Judy asked everyone to share a highlight from their spring or summer, and Barb took the following notes:
Marian Strong Moore is enjoying her summer in Waterford ME at the family’s camp on Keoka Lake in Western Maine. The family is planning a 100th anniversary celebration in 2025! She learned that loons “raft” and has enjoyed listening to them.
Bobbi Childs Sampson moved us to tears with the story of her recovery from a major stroke last December. Her husband’s quick response, the availability of excellent medical care, and her hard work all made for a happy ending. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to waterski this summer but Yes! She did it!
Dee deFerranti Abrahamse and her husband Allan arrived at their summer place in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom last week. They have been coming since 1967 but this will be the first time they will stay through to mid-October. We hope the foliage is glorious. Dee said her highlight was being able to be here with us!
Sallie Crittendon moved into an older house in Norway, ME. A new screen porch has been a welcome addition. She is happy to be in town. Her daughter Lisa ’83 joined us again this year. She spends some time in their lake house on Lake Pennessewasee, near Sallie’s house. It was fun to hear that Lisa went to her 40th MHC Reunion this year and stayed in the new dorm, Creighton Hall. Lisa also had both Covid and Lyme disease this summer but was glad to find so much support from her good friends which sped her recovery.
Elsa Anderson van Bergen and her husband Richard fought summer traffic to come up to the Mini Reunion from Kennebunk ME on the coast. She found joy in watching finch families nest in the wreath on her front door, from eggs to fledglings. Two broods launched from there. Her St Louis son and family spent time nearby so she could see her grandchildren, ages 8 and 10.
Carol Sweeney Benson also had birds outside her window, singing the sun up. Her 84th birthday was June 18 and she decided to throw herself a party. She rented a hall, hired a caterer; forty or so people came ages 3 to 84; and it was a huge success. We were all immediately inspired to throw parties for ourselves on our own 85thas a result!
Barbara Freeman Douglass likes her retirement community in Brunswick, ME, home of Bowdoin College, but was glad to come back with family to her wonderful farmhouse in Conway NH for the summer and be able to reconnect with old friends there. In May she went to England to see where some ancestors came from, and then on to a bike and barge trip in The Netherlands.
Judy Marshall Kennedy is all about music now, and describes herself as obsessed and grateful. Still taking piano lessons, she was thrilled to be able to see both Herbie Hancock and Diana Krall live at the Montreal Jazz Festival in early July. After many years on the Board of Mountain Top Music Center, including the most recent as chair, she is stepping down at yearend, but will remain connected with a special project or two for the foreseeable future.
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