{"id":4702,"date":"2021-04-28T19:35:03","date_gmt":"2021-04-28T23:35:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu\/1961\/?page_id=4702"},"modified":"2021-09-15T15:27:19","modified_gmt":"2021-09-15T19:27:19","slug":"part-17-jan-20-feb-28-21","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/new.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu\/1961\/part-17-jan-20-feb-28-21\/","title":{"rendered":"Part 17: Jan 20 – Feb 28, ’21"},"content":{"rendered":"

1\/20\/21 — Today is Inauguration Day, and Judy Kennedy forwarded this poem from our youth poet laureate, Amanda Gorman, who wrote it especially for President Biden’s inauguration.  How absolutely marvelous!<\/span><\/p>\n

THE HILL WE CLIMB<\/strong>
\n    by Amanda Gorman<\/p>\n

When day comes we ask ourselves,<\/em>
\nwhere can we find light in this never-ending shade?<\/em>
\nThe loss we carry,<\/em>
\na sea we must wade<\/em>
\nWe’ve braved the belly of the beast<\/em>
\nWe’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace<\/em>
\nAnd the norms and notions<\/em>
\nof what just is<\/em>
\nIsn\u2019t always just-ice<\/em>
\nAnd yet the dawn is ours<\/em>
\nbefore we knew it<\/em>
\nSomehow we do it<\/em>
\nSomehow we’ve weathered and witnessed<\/em>
\na nation that isn\u2019t broken<\/em>
\nbut simply unfinished<\/em>
\nWe the successors of a country and a time<\/em>
\nWhere a skinny Black girl<\/em>
\ndescended from slaves and raised by a single mother<\/em>
\ncan dream of becoming president<\/em>
\nonly to find herself reciting for one<\/em>
\nAnd yes we are far from polished<\/em>
\nfar from pristine<\/em>
\nbut that doesn\u2019t mean we are<\/em>
\nstriving to form a union that is perfect<\/em>
\nWe are striving to forge a union with purpose<\/em>
\nTo compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and<\/em>
\nconditions of man<\/em>
\nAnd so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us<\/em>
\nbut what stands before us<\/em>
\nWe close the divide because we know, to put our future first,<\/em>
\nwe must first put our differences aside<\/em>
\nWe lay down our arms<\/em>
\nso we can reach out our arms<\/em>
\nto one another<\/em>
\nWe seek harm to none and harmony for all<\/em>
\nLet the globe, if nothing else, say this is true:<\/em>
\nThat even as we grieved, we grew<\/em>
\nThat even as we hurt, we hoped<\/em>
\nThat even as we tired, we tried<\/em>
\nThat we\u2019ll forever be tied together, victorious<\/em>
\nNot because we will never again know defeat<\/em>
\nbut because we will never again sow division<\/em>
\nScripture tells us to envision<\/em>
\nthat everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree<\/em>
\nAnd no one shall make them afraid<\/em>
\nIf we\u2019re to live up to our own time<\/em>
\nThen victory won\u2019t lie in the blade<\/em>
\nBut in all the bridges we\u2019ve made<\/em>
\nThat is the promised glade<\/em>
\nThe hill we climb<\/em>
\nIf only we dare<\/em>
\nIt’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit,<\/em>
\nit\u2019s the past we step into<\/em>
\nand how we repair it<\/em>
\nWe\u2019ve seen a force that would shatter our nation<\/em>
\nrather than share it<\/em>
\nWould destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy<\/em>
\nAnd this effort very nearly succeeded<\/em>
\nBut while democracy can be periodically delayed<\/em>
\nit can never be permanently defeated<\/em>
\nIn this truth<\/em>
\nin this faith we trust<\/em>
\nFor while we have our eyes on the future<\/em>
\nhistory has its eyes on us<\/em>
\nThis is the era of just redemption<\/em>
\nWe feared at its inception<\/em>
\nWe did not feel prepared to be the heirs<\/em>
\nof such a terrifying hour<\/em>
\nbut within it we found the power<\/em>
\nto author a new chapter<\/em>
\nTo offer hope and laughter to ourselves<\/em>
\nSo while once we asked,<\/em>
\nhow could we possibly prevail over catastrophe?<\/em>
\nNow we assert<\/em>
\nHow could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?<\/em>
\nWe will not march back to what was<\/em>
\nbut move to what shall be<\/em>
\nA country that is bruised but whole,<\/em>
\nbenevolent but bold,<\/em>
\nfierce and free<\/em>
\nWe will not be turned around<\/em>
\nor interrupted by intimidation<\/em>
\nbecause we know our inaction and inertia<\/em>
\nwill be the inheritance of the next generation<\/em>
\nOur blunders become their burdens<\/em>
\nBut one thing is certain:<\/em>
\nIf we merge mercy with might,<\/em>
\nand might with right,<\/em>
\nthen love becomes our legacy<\/em>
\nand change our children\u2019s birthright<\/em>
\nSo let us leave behind a country<\/em>
\nbetter than the one we were left with<\/em>
\nEvery breath from my bronze-pounded chest,<\/em>
\nwe will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one<\/em>
\nWe will rise from the gold-limbed hills of the west,<\/em>
\nwe will rise from the windswept northeast<\/em>
\nwhere our forefathers first realized revolution<\/em>
\nWe will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the midwestern states,<\/em>
\nwe will rise from the sunbaked south<\/em>
\nWe will rebuild, reconcile and recover<\/em>
\nand every known nook of our nation and<\/em>
\nevery corner called our country,<\/em>
\nour people diverse and beautiful will emerge,<\/em>
\nbattered and beautiful<\/em>
\nWhen day comes we step out of the shade,<\/em>
\naflame and unafraid<\/em>
\nThe new dawn blooms as we free it<\/em>
\nFor there is always light,<\/em>
\nif only we\u2019re brave enough to see it<\/em>
\nIf only we\u2019re brave enough to be it<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

(Ed Note:  What an astonishing young woman.  The entire inauguration was simply splendid.  Great words, beautiful visual.  Makes me so proud.)<\/p>\n

1\/21\/21 — Thanks to whomever sent that!  Wasn\u2019t that inauguration yesterday just fantastic?  And last night was wonderful too!   What a difference a day makes!  I feel like a rock has been lifted from my heart!   We can breathe again!  Betsy<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

1\/21\/21 — Thank you for sharing this poem with us I suspect it will be circulated long after Biden’s speech.  Jennifer B-C Seaver<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

1\/21\/21 — T’was me, Bets.   Couldn’t agree more.  I was fixated on the TV yesterday from dawn to dusk and beyond.  Even cancelled my piano lesson, because I just didn’t want to miss a minute of it.  Too many magic moments to list here, but I have to say that Lady Gaga’s rendition of the national anthem was one for the history books.  If you missed it, do catch it on Youtube.<\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HezPdHTwdGA<\/a>   <\/p>\n

Been giving some serious thought to what I individually can do  now to help the Biden agenda move forward fast – something physical like volunteering to park cars and “greet” people one day a week at our new local mass vaccination center, once Dan and I are vaccinated, which should be soon as sign-up in NH for “65 and older” starts tomorrow at 8 am (suspect the website may crash, but we’ll see!).  Any ideas for me?  Judy K<\/strong>  Judy Marshall Kennedy<\/span><\/p>\n

1\/21\/21– This was sent to me by our local Jewish Federation.  I am very interested in much that they do so am happy to be on their mailing list.  This came this morning.  Brought me to tears but seems so appropriate, especially this week!  Here’s to happier days!
\n(Ed Note:  Unfortunately, I could not put this on our website without first signing up for this organization.  Sorry.<\/em>)<\/span><\/p>\n

1\/21\/21 –Dear Kim,  (I think Kim sent this).  Thank you for it.  I did get teary watching and listening.  This land belongs to all of us, doesn’t it?  We need to remember that – no, “I” need to remember that.  Marian<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/21\/21 —  <\/span>Kim, I forwarded it to my daughter, Mary, Linguistics prof. at U.C.S.B.,  and she\u2019s going to assign it to students in one of her classes to learn and sing on ZOOM.  Barbara Bucholtz<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

 1\/21\/21 — <\/span>Cool!! Frannie Blair<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

1\/21\/21 — interesting, Barbara, that your daughter is hoping to have her students sing on Zoom.  Unfortunately,  as far as I know, Zoom does not yet have the capability of recording many voices.  It can barely keep two voices separate and intact.  She’ll learn this soon enough.  It will take individual recordings put together by some very clever person.  But good luck to her.
\n     Some good news about school: I’m starting singing again the end of next week with a dozen women at our community college.  We will, luckily, be able to get together in a very well distanced room, sing for an hour, then break for the room to be aired for an hour while we have lunch or something, and then back for another hour or so.  During the off time we’ll be using Jam Kazam software for our 12 voices.   I am dreading that because so far I’ve not had good luck with Jam Kazam.  Anyway, I’m interested in the project and hope you’ll keep us posted.
\n     In a couple of weeks at the community college, I’m also starting back up with ceramics in our very large and very ventilated lab.  Exciting! Now I can glaze and finish the stuff I started a year ago.
\nI think I’ll be more enthused if I am able to get a vaccination before all of this.  Cheers — Liz Webfoot<\/strong>
\n
\n1\/22\/21 — Thanks for your insights! Hoping you get a vaccination very soon!!!  Hugs, Barbara<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

1\/23\/21 — Son David has acted and sung in Yiddish a few times. Looking forward to sharing this weekend. Thanks Kim. <\/span><\/div>\n
Dottie Smith Mann<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
1\/23\/21 — Beautiful!   i am teary also.   Betsy<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

1\/23\/21 — Hey Barbara, I didn’t realize your daughter taught here in Santa Barbara which is where I live and got the God Bless America video from our local Jewish Federation!   When things return to normal, if you come for a visit please do contact me!  <\/span>Best wishes. Kim <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/23\/21– I will, Kim!  Barbara<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/24\/21 — Yes, you will allow, the way we speak English changes all the time.  I am not so sure about grammar changing!
\n     I am an Episcopalian. We have  used The Book of Common Prayer for hundreds of years.  Some of us actually collect various editions; Beginning With Cranmers edition in 1549 and continuing until this day. Both the English church and the American church have modernized the language many times over the millennia, so it reads very differently BUT it remains grammatical.
\n     Structure, usage  and vocabulary may change, while remaining  grammatically correct.  In recent years we\u2019ve been challenged by inclusive language, computerization of texts and multi lingual congregations. Even so Rules of grammar remain important! Don\u2019t give up on your value system.Meg\/Maggie<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/24\/21 –Speaking of different versions of The Book of Common Prayer\u2026It took me back to Baby Religion and Miss Andreassian\u2019s* introduction to the many versions of the Bible. It seems that In 1631, an edition was published which was intended to copy the King James version. But unfortunately they left \u201cnot\u201d out of the 7th<\/sup> Commandment and it read\u2026\u201dThou shalt commit adultery.\u201d    The Wicked Bible.  So we have to change some things.<\/span>
\n     But, I\u2019ve gotten away from our original concern about bad grammar\u2026 split infinitives jump out at me, just between you and I…just kidding\u2026between you and me. SueWCarr<\/strong>
\n*I think I\u2019ve mangled the spelling of her name.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/24\/21 –Wife: You need to do more chores around the house.<\/span><\/span>
\nHusband: Let’s change the subject.
\nWife: OK. More chores around the house need to be done by you.  <\/span>Barb<\/span><\/strong>Freeman Douglass <\/span><\/p>\n

1\/24\/21 — Thank you for the  joke – might work for one who goes about red penciling every grammar mistake in every book I read – my children tell me that much of the bad grammar we see has now crept into being acceptable – amy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/24\/21 — On grammar:  A plug for my late husband’s (Thomas Parrish) still in-print book The Grouchy Grammarian <\/i>published by Wiley.  It’s really fun.  And I still hear his voice saying in the face of “different than” and “between he and I”–it’s “him and me, dammit.”  Best, Nancy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/24\/21 –I’m with you, Nancy and Amy.  I can’t believe the number of shows where characters say “between he and I” or use Me and him as a subject, so Amy, you’re right, it has now become acceptable!  It is still like chalk on a blackboard to my ears! <\/span>
\nAnother Grouchy Grammarian (I’ll have to look for that book!) <\/span>
\nKim <\/strong>PS  I love the joke! <\/span><\/p>\n

1\/24\/21 — Much as I hate to accept it, isn’t usage changing all the time?  The point of language is communication and if we understand each other, isn’t that the point?  Having said that, I am a feisty grammarian and don’t like what I just said.  Marian<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/24\/21 — My oldest grandson (lovingly?) call me the Gramma(r) Nazi. Barbara Hartt Hise<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/24\/21 — I am constantly annoyed by people saying \u201cwaiting on \u201c someone’s arrival. I see plates in front of my nose instead of my guests arriving!! Chris Hollister Hila<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/24\/21 — Love this!  Thanks for the guffaw!  Hugs, Liz WF<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/25\/21 — Ann Merchant Boesgaard<\/strong> sent this for our amusement (got lost – still looking for it – LWF):<\/span><\/p>\n

1\/25\/21 –While I haven’t been in Fauci’s shoes (thank God!), I think I can relate!  Thanks, Ann! Frannie Blair<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/25\/21 — I think How wonderful it must be for him to have a president look earnestly at him and ask for information.  And nod. And ask more questions. Oh happy day, oh happy day for me.
\n     I have an appointment for vaccine shot week from tomorrow. Nearby. Drive-through. The county came through.
\nDottie Smith Mann<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/25\/21 — So glad you\u2019re going to get your vaccine, Dottie!  So glad for a lot of things!,  Sally<\/strong> (Sarah Stearns Gipson)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/26\/21 — You\u2019re right. He looks and acts like a different person!  So good to see him smiling!  Betsy<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/27\/21 — Thanks once again to Liz Thornton for her wonderful list of films.  Last night Bryan and I watched Impromptu and enjoyed it thoroughly. We were in the mood to “veg” out and be entertained.  That we were!  Boy I love this chat group.  Without you, my brain would be dead.  Cheers and hugs, Liz Webfoot<\/strong>.  PS Our first vaccination is tomorrow!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/27\/21 — So glad of my \u201clegacy\u201d.  Liz T <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/1\/21 — Hello, friends I couldn’t resist sharing this, from my sister-in-law.  I”m enjoying reconnecting with classmates for reunion planning  for our May virtual reunion – should be fun.  I”m on the program committee, and would love to hear from some of  you what you’d like to talk about and do. There are quite a few options from the college, but I think we all want time to talk to each other as well.
\n     Best to you all, from LA where we have no snow, of course, and are all getting vaccinated because we’re old!! Dee<\/strong> de Ferranti Abrahamse<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
While we were not paying attention.MP4<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
2\/1\/21 — Powerful video, Dee, especially the very ending.  Thanks for sharing. <\/span>Judy K<\/strong><\/span>Judy Marshall Kennedy <\/span><\/div>\n
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2\/1\/21 — That video could certainly be the basis for a lively discussion at reunion. <\/span><\/span>Jennifer<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
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2\/1\/21 — Thank you for forwarding this Dee.  It\u2019s terrific and I plan on spreading it around. <\/span><\/span>Liz T<\/strong>.<\/span><\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
\n

2\/1\/21 — This is the third time we’ve received this video — from all around the world.  The first time was from our daughter in Paris.  Brilliant, but it’s almost annoying that we have a male president!  Good suggestion, Jennifer. \"😸\" xxx Liz<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/2\/21 — That is an amazing video!  Please tell us the origin of it. Who produced it?  I liked the music too.  and especially the picture of Kamala Harris.  Ann Merchant Boesgaard<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/4\/21 — For those of you with Netflix subscriptions, we just streamed “The Dig” with Ralph Fiennes (and a lot of other good actors I didn’t know), and found it fascinating.  It is the story of the discovery in Sussex England of the ship and Anglo Saxon treasure at Sutton Hoo.  I knew nothing about this actually, but a friend had recommended the movie to us.  Have just spent the morning learning more by googling  “Sutton Hoo Treasure” and it’s a big deal, so many of you have probably even been to the site or at least know a lot more about it.  The movie is very well done (both streamed and available on DVD from Netflix), and even has a nice little romance tucked into it. Judy K<\/strong>  Judy Marshall Kennedy<\/span><\/p>\n

2\/4\/21 — Thanks, Judy, for another wonderful movie suggestion!  Last night we watched “Saving Mr Banks”.  I’d heard of it but never paid much attention.  We both liked it a lot — a really heart-touching film with  Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks.  Do those two ever make a bad film?  Hugs — Liz WF<\/span><\/p>\n

2\/4\/21 — Thanks for the suggestion Judy.  I wondered if this was good so now I will try it. Nancy<\/strong> Cox<\/span><\/p>\n

2\/4\/21 — Saw this about The Dig that my sister posted on Facebook:  https:\/\/blog.britishmuseum.org\/inside-the-dig-how-star-studded-film-squares-with-reality-of-sutton-hoo\/?fbclid=IwAR27LzKGTb_j-T8cGerU4QVQNyM4ssoPdnw7KZ1APBcxabTil15LOyDA_tY<\/a>
\n\u2014Rocki Hill Hughes<\/span><\/p>\n

2\/4\/21 — What a great article!  Now I can’t wait to see the film!   This weekend for sure!  Kim<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

2\/4\/21 — I, too, will try – Rob and I have not done justice to our Netflix subscription – amy<\/strong> C
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

2\/4\/21 — It was very interesting and if I ever get to London, I know what exhibit I will go to.   Nancy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/4\/21 — We’ll probably be in England in July to attend our grandson’s graduation from Exeter if it is safe to travel by then.  We’ll have had our flu shots, and so I would think we can go, have fun at the graduation, and then stay in our club in London and play there for a few days.  For sure we’ll go to the British Museum and look at the Sutton Hoo collection.  Can’t wait.  It’s been so long since we’ve been anywhere.  Hugs — Liz Webfoot<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/4\/21 — We watched The Dig last night, and both of us loved it.  It is what I call a really lovely film — interesting and thoughtful and educational and emotional.  Thanks for your recommendations!  xxx Liz Webfoot<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/4\/21 — I\u2019m a big fan of the movie, too (hi Judy!)- esp Ralph Fiennes!  Does anyone else remember a lecture – with slides – on the Sutton Hoo treasure, very early Freshman year?  When Ginger Stromsted and I finally got to London, post graduation, we headed straight for that exhibit in the British Museum!
\n     We still have many feet of snow in NJ, so last night I watched Mank – and would love to know what others thought of it.  Gary Oldman was great, but I suspect some of the rave reviews come from Hollywood\u2019s love for pictures which love Hollywood.
\n      Hope you and yours are safe and healthy!  <\/span>
\nMary Lynn Caffrey Berry<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2\/4\/21 — Mary Lynn — So great to hear from you, after a long time of no contact.  In fact, we thought maybe you had changed your email from optonline.net<\/a> without letting us know, so we had no good way to reach you.   At any rate, if you have a new email address and\/or other contact info, please send them to me so I can forward them on to Betsy and Callie, as our sending email addresses no longer show on this Chat Group.  My email is the same as it has been, i.e. judy@whitehorsepress.com<\/a>.
\n     I was also fascinated by “Mank” but then there’s an embarasing  “groupie side” to me, so it’s no wonder I would like it!  In fact, it made me want to give “Citizen Kane” another try, as that mystified me on my first and only viewing many moons ago — or should I confess and say that it had me nodding off, so no surprise that I just didn’t “get it” then.  Haven’t done that yet, but if I do, I’d happily see “Mank” a second time too, just to see Amanda Segfried playing Marion Davies again.  Judy K<\/strong>  Judy Marshall Kennedy<\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
2\/4\/21 — I haven’t seen The Dig yet, but I remember the Sutton Hoo lecture, and I, too, later saw the artifacts at the British Museum.  I still have (and occasionally look at) the postcards and slides I bought there in 1962!  Gorgeous stuff!  Frannie Blair <\/strong><\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
2\/5\/21 — just watched “The Dig” too – a beautiful film.  And I remember the freshman year Beowulf lecture, too.  (Anon)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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2\/5\/21 — Hi, Mary Lynn.  It is SOOOOO good to hear from you!  Hooray for your coming back to the group because we have missed you.  Hugs — Liz Webfoot <\/strong><\/div>\n
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2\/5\/21 — From my son John.  Maybe you’ve all seen this — so hilarious.  Hugs — Liz Webfoot<\/strong><\/div>\n
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\"\"<\/div>\n
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2\/5\/21 –Hi, everyone.  If you are not a reader, then you can just stop reading now and trash this.  Following this is a letter from my niece Robin Wood who has been blogging and writing for sometime now.  I’ve edited the letter where appropriate.  We are all very proud of her accomplishments.  I know she researched and worked on this book for a LONG time.  She and my nephew Jon, my sister Lois’s son, also have a summer house, the “The Field House”, on our Sutton Island in Maine.  Rachel Carson summered there, and those of you who were there for our 40th committee meeting might remember it.  I can’t wait to read the book.  Since you are all readers, and I’m asking your help in spreading the word.  Thanks and hugs —Liz<\/strong>  <\/div>\n
     The following is from Robin: “… I hope you\u2019re navigating this pandemic as successfully as possible. I have some book news to share, and a favor to ask.As many of you know, I have my first book coming out on May 4, three months from today. <\/span>The Field House:<\/em> A Writer\u2019s Life Lost and Found on an Island in Maine<\/em> is an unusual biography\/memoir hybrid. As my press release describes it:  The book \u201crecounts the remarkable life of the author Rachel Field from the perspective of someone [me!] who lived in Field\u2019s old, neglected island home in Maine, sparking a unique sisterhood across time.\u201d It has been a long road, and I\u2019m hugely excited to have Publication Day on the horizon at last…”<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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2\/5\/21 — Will order – amy<\/strong><\/div>\n
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2\/6\/21 — What a wonderful reason to be in London, Liz – and while we\u2019ll all agree that you are intriguing, I hope you plan on wearing your \u201cfascinator.\u201d  The Churchill War Rooms aren\u2019t far from the Museum, so you could cover another memorable movie!
\n       Jealously, Mary Lynn Caffrey Berry<\/strong><\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
2\/6\/21– Lucky you !  We love London, but are being good people and staying home right now – big question is whether we can drive across country this summer to our Vermont barn and to see our two sons and families – it’s over a year since we’ve seen them in person.  But I hope we can reward ourselves with London in a year or so.  (???)<\/div>\n
\n

2\/9\/21 — Most of you probably get the AARP newsletters, but in case not, (and since so many of us are in the throes of getting shots), thought you would find this interesting, particularly the advice about NOT taking painkillers before getting the shot though okay after.<\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/drugs-supplements\/info-2021\/pain-relievers-covid-vaccine.html?cmp=EMC-DSO-NLC-RSS—CTRL-020921-P1-5221227&ET_CID=5221227&ET_RID=49360378&encparam=r5SLPM2vp0hhAgkIQRw00w%3d%3d<\/a><\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
Cheers and Fingers Crossed for minimal side-effects for us all!  Kim<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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2\/12\/21 — Today is a mental health day for me. Tho I am not Jewish, I am drawn to the thought of Purim  as a cleansing and then celebratory day. And it\u2019s coming right up I read. After two mesmerizing days of impeachment proceedings, I was feeling very down last night. In spite of an impeccable rehearsal of all the reasons why Donald Trump should be found guilty, I knew the chances are very slim that he will be.
\n     And then I watched Rachel Maddow. If you missed her interview of Fulton County\u2019s new DA, I am sure you can find it. When one door closes, another opens. DA Willis is a force to be reckoned with. She gives me hope, new hope, that Trump will be held accountable. Even Rachel was blown away.
\n     I am scrubbing my greasy vent filters, cleaning my ashy and dirty fireplace, and I\u2019m sure there will be more soap and water. I am reaching out to my many sisters with the good news you\u2019ve read above. At the end of the day I will raise a glass to all the unexpected places hope can spring up, like a crocus or a pussy willow.
\n     Will you be my valentines??   Love, Dottie Smith Mann<\/strong> <\/div>\n
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2\/12\/21 — Dottie, you are a ray of sunshine! Thanks for the lift. Barbara<\/strong> ( Freeman Douglass)
\n2\/12\/21 — Dottie – \"❤\"️\"❤\"️, Sally<\/strong> (Stearns Sullivan)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2\/11\/21 — <\/span>Hi, friends.  I honestly thought some of the impeachment remarks these past days were absolutely brilliant. Jamie Raskin is fabulous, and I had never seen nor heard of Rep. Joe Neguse who is amazing.  He’s from Colorado, the son of refugees from Africa.  What a lot of talent we have in our Congress.  Made us very proud.  Now how can anyone not convict Donald Trump.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

     Already I am sidetracked.  It is the website which beckoned me.  Kim needed some help getting on our class website.  She was delighted to see it and thought you all might be having the same problem finding it; so just in case you haven’t been on the website for a while, here is how you get to it: <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

You can google “Class of 1961 — Mount Holyoke College”.  Or you can use the url link   http:\/\/new.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu\/1961<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
     I think they’ll accept your old password from the AA website.  If you don’t have an account with the AA site, just make a new one.  Please check it out.  Kim said she was surprised at all of the stuff.  Of course it would be even more fun if you all would send in a photo or two or a brag or two from time to time.  Check out the different headings — they might convince you to submit something for me to include.  
\n<\/span><\/div>\n
     Another request:  If you are on the slate of our class officers (to be voted on at Reunion), it would be helpful if you would email me a headshot (taken in the last ten years please), your email address, and a blurb about why you are willing to be a class officer.  Your classmates want to know!  I asked for this several months ago, but Barb was the only one to respond, so she is the recipient of the coveted Website Star!<\/b>    Here’s to Barb!  🥂<\/span><\/div>\n
\"🏆\"<\/span>Hugs and cheers, and Hallelujah I remembered to use a different font.  This is large Verdana — <\/span>Liz Webfoot<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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2\/12\/21 — Hi Classmates — Liz, Rocki and I are in the throes of planning the Entertainment Portion of our Reunion.  Challenging to say the least, but we are hoping to provide around an hour’s worth of entertainment for either Friday or Saturday night.  Though we might be able to figure out how to host this live, we plan to use a master video composed of segments supplied to us by some of you class members, augmented with highlights from our past two reunions.
\n     If any of you would like to submit a video of you doing something creative, we will vet them and choose the ones we think would be enjoyed the most.  Anything over 4 minutes can become tedious, but of course that depends on what you’re doing!  Suggestions include poems, monologues, songs, skits, dances, magic acts (or spoofs of the same!), and we welcome other ideas from you<\/u>.  This is just your audition — we understand that you would be perfecting it for the show, unless you already have a video ready to go.  If any of you live near each other and can produce a video together, that would be doubly great. And if anyone can still stand on her head, a snapshot of that will cut right through the audition process!
\n     Send them to me (kirsmom@aol.com<\/a>).   Liz, Rocki and I will vet them to see which we want to include in “Have We Got Talent?!?” and get back to you. Good luck and thanks in advance for your participation!  Cheers,  Kim<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/17\/21 —<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

2\/17\/21 –And so we are finished. Just received and am waiting after our SECOND vaccination.   Omigosh it is such a relief. Our scheduled date was for tomorrow morning at 8:30. We knew full well that we are getting a big snow tomorrow that will change to ice.  We know full well that our community college (where we get our shot) will be closed. So we arrived this afternoon, and the vaccine administration was terrific!  Told us to come back when they reopen at 5:30 and they would try to fit us in. I think hundreds of people did the same thing.  We went to a bar! \u2014 our first time, not a crowded one but rather part of the restaurant that we visit frequently, and now I am feeling no pain (after the vaccination, not the drinks.)\"😜\"<\/span><\/span>
\n     What an exciting day. Hugs and cheers. Liz WF<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/17\/21 — That’s great news Liz, especially since we were Zooming when you made that instantaneous decision to go and try to get in today.  So happy your perseverance paid off!  Shall be especially interested to hear your reaction to the second shot (and from you too, Betsy!)  I just got back from having my teeth cleaned and the hygienist reported several symptoms starting about 6 hours in and lasting about 24 after her second.  She and I both read a couple of articles that in addition to NOT taking aspirin etc. before your shot, you shouldn’t take them after either!  I think I’ll leave that open to a decision depending on how much in pain I am but I will try to power through!!!
\n     Other reports to offer?  Kim <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/17\/21 –We\u2019re almost 10 days out from our 2nd Moderna vaccine shot, (at a healthcare office building that was incredibly well organized and staffed with very competent persons.) Andy had no reaction at all; I had a sore, hot arm for 3 days.  We were told by the MD in charge that day that reactions most commonly started 24-48 hours post-injection, and Tylenol is the drug of choice for symptoms.  I\u2019ve also heard that it’s the younger crowd (that doesn\u2019t mean us anymore!) that\u2019s dealing with tough side effects. It is totally liberating to have that 2nd vaccine onboard; we feel great relief and are thrilled with our good luck in getting the appointments.  Can\u2019t imagine the stress of watching weather predictions that could cancel your Appointment\u2026..    Any others feeling lucky??   Sherry Urner <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/17\/21 —   Yes!  Feeling lucky too.  I had my second vaccine last Saturday (2\/13).  No side effects at all.  Last time my arm was sore – only if I touched it (so\u2026 don\u2019t touch it).  This time not even that.  I had the pfizer shots.  no weather issues here in Honolulu.  But I feel so badly for all the freezing people in Texas and elsewhere.  and it\u2019s only mid-February.  at least the days are getting longer and brighter.
\nAnn Merchant Boesgaard <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/17\/21 — Don and I got our vaccine supplied by our assisted living house in Portland, Maine. We live in one of the four cottages which are considered independent, but are managed by Hawthorne, a senior living management company out of Canada with independent and assisted living developments in the US and Canada. Don, who has COPD, had severe enough reactions that he has spent some days in the hospital, but I only was tired and had a sore arm. Even with Don\u2019s more severe reaction, we feel most lucky to have the  vaccine.
\n     We get our  food  delivered to our cottage daily, so we have been pretty isolated and I am sure that too has been a blessing, but it certainly will be good to be  somewhat part of the world in a few more weeks. It has been an interesting time unlike any other I can remember. Sallie Crittendon<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/17\/21 — I am scheduled for my second shot on Tuesday. The site has made the local news with long lines so I checked it out today and it looks fine so I won\u2019t worry.
\n     Tonight Rachel Maddow featured monoclonal antibodies as an underused treatment for high risk patients who have just tested positive.  I saw the results this morning in my friend Willa. She is in her 90s, back in my yoga class this morning after having Covid. She tested positive after a friend came down with it and her daughter immediately took her to Tampa General; she was there for three hours getting the monoclonal antibody infusion. She reports never getting very sick though she felt a little under the weather. And she was back doing down dogs this morning!!  So keep them in mind, those friendly little monoclonal antibodies. A top scientist told Rachel the supplies are underutilized so let\u2019s pass the word. Dottie Smith<\/strong>Mann<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/18\/21 –Still waiting here in Chester County, PA.
\nJennifer B-C Seaver<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/18\/21 —  Sadly, feeling very unlucky!  Dan and I do not get a first vaccination until April 2nd despite the fact that we were right on the phones to make an appointment as soon as they opened.  We’re in a large retirement community up here with an excellent distribution center that is running very smoothly, BUT a very limited supply of the vaccines has been received.  They are only vaccinating Phase 1B folks like us two days a week at present.  They are hoping to move us up if they get more vaccine, but so far they haven’t been in touch with us about it.
\n     Our big problem is that we had hoped to be vaccinated with at least the first shot by the end of February, as our kitchen is being completely redone for the entire month of March with lots of workmen in-and-out every single day of the month plus very limited space and equipment to cook at home, so we had planned on eating out more — even leaving the house for short trips when things got really bad — all of which isn’t really going to be possible now. <\/span><\/span>
\n     The good news is that the days just fly by for us — so April 2nd will be here before we know it, and by then the kitchen will be up and running once again.  Trying to be positive, so maybe I’ll lose a few pounds from my own poor cooking in a small micorwave in the laundry room over the next month or so. Judy K<\/strong>
\nJudy Marshall Kennedy <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/18\/21 –Got my second shot yesterday at noon. So far so good. My Dr. Son told me to take 2 ibuprophen and 1 acetominophen  1\/2 hr before vaccination and then 2 acetominophen last night. I am feeling good now 24 hours after. Best feeling is the relief. I had no waiting and even had a nurse who remembered me from taking care of my sister 5 years ago!  Wishing you all well.  Chris Hollister Hila<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/18\/21 — So far neither of us has had a reaction.  I’m pretty darned tired, and maybe that’s because of the vaccine, but then maybe it’s because of all the stuff that I’m trying to do while also following the Australian Open.  I’m very sad that Nadal was ousted, glad Serena was ousted, and now I’m waiting for the other semi-final men’s match.
\n     Chris, we were told not to take anything BEFORE our shot<\/span> — how weird.  Cheers — Liz Webfoot <\/strong>(Liz Hottel Barrett — every once in a while I should put that in.😇) <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/18\/21 — Hi all.  We had our second shot almost two weeks ago (no problems) so are on our way tomorrow to Indy and then Cinci to see our four month old great grandson for the first time.  Can\u2019t wait!   We then come back on Sunday and get on a plane on March first in  non stop (from little old Traverse City) to St Pete and Long Boat Key for two months.   Looking forward to seeing Dottie soon!   
\nOne does feel so much more freedom with the shots, but we will still wear masks and distance. Best to all.  Betsy<\/strong>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/18\/21 — Tom and I are scheduled for our second Moderna vaccinations on Feb. 24th. A good friend and former colleague is our Chairman of the Board of Health, and I’m sure he was influential in getting us our appointments. It will be a great relief. I appreciate hearing from so many of you that you have had both shots with few reactions. Thanks to Liz for making these conversations possible.
\nBB<\/strong> (Barbara B Farquhar) <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/18\/21 — <\/span><\/span>We were both fine after our shot on MOnday – sore arms, and I had a very minor headache for a while, but tylenol did the trick for that.  No after effects so far.   Dee<\/strong> de Ferranti Abrahamse <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/18\/21 — Ah, but, we are the Uncommon women!!  Marian Strong Moore <\/strong>(Ed. note: <\/em>who forwarded this to us.<\/em>)
\nAfter \u201cThe first time I ever saw your face,\u201d  Peggy Seeger is updating her story with \u201cthe Invisible woman\u201d \u2013 accompanied by her two sons, Calum and Neil MacColl<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/17\/21 — I really enjoyed that!  I remember the first time I walked by a construction site and didn’t get wolf whistles and I knew my Invisible Years were beginning!
\n     Anyone want to take on playing and singing that with perhaps a cut and an additional verse about not being invisible because we are uncommon women as Marian mentions?   Looking for talent submissions for our Entertainment Session!!!\"Blush\"  Kim<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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2\/17\/21 — I have been writing a lot of poems and about to do a small book !  I could read one or put  this somewhere else in the  ritual event? Bette<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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2\/17\/21 –Hi Bette, So happy to hear that you are preparing a book of poems!  If you could select one (or two if you want us to try to choose) for our review, that would be great.   Ordinarily, I would respond directly to you rather than through this chat group, but I thought maybe others would benefit from my suggestions.
\n     Liz and I are still working on details, but I think it’s safe to say that we will vet the auditions and hopefully find them all worthy  of inclusion.  The show will probably be about an hour and we will pre-record rather than having it live, though perhaps we can be there to comment when it runs (technical issues still to be worked out!)  There are several sections from our last 2 reunions that might be worth including, depending on how many new submissions we get.  We would appreciate  it if you could submit a recording for us to view, even if it might have to be done again.
\n     So all you other poets, comics, actors, singers, instrumentalists, put on your thinking caps about what you might present.  We do have a small budget to hire a technical advisor so that should help!  Maybe some of you have something already recorded but hopefully fairly recent.  Please make it around 2 to 3 minutes max.  I just finished a Zoom meeting with eight 5 minute reports and the 5 minutes seemed really long!    In the future, please send your submission or ideas for submissions directly to me, rather than to the whole website.
\n     Thanks in advance for your participation!  Kim<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

2\/17\/21 — I am also songwriting with my son John.  It was his Christmas present to me, always something we can do together; but we never found a virtual class that appealed to us.  I think Peggy Seeger would be a terrific teacher! Anyway, we are just tuning in together once a week and seeing what we can do.  Of course John is marvelous with words.  The biggest problem is that neither of us have the time we need to spend on such a project.  If we succeed, Kim, believe me that you will be the first to hear my audition.
\n     Wasn’t the Mars landing stupendous!  Astonishing in every way!  And the tennis has taken up most of my should-be-doing-something-else time. Thank heavens it is over on Sunday.  It KILLED me to see my adored Nadal beaten by Tsitsipas, and then he didn’t do so well against Medvedev.  It’s like a double whammy.
\n     As I write, it is raining ice for the third time this winter.  Right now we have about an inch of new ice.  Getting to the hottub on ice was a pain — just about 10 feet from the door, but ice nonetheless.  Thanks heavens we got our vaccination on Wednesday night!  The college (vaccination place) has been closed ever since and we would have been having an absolute fit by now! The team running that center took a long break on Wednesday to load up with more vaccine because it was obvious to them that all of us Thursday people were hoping to be able to get our second vaccination.  Once again we were mightily impressed with the efficiency of the entire operation.  Three cheers for Anne Arundel County Health Department!
\n     And how about poor Texas.  Does anyone live there near all of the snow and power outages?  What a miserable situation, but interesting about their electric grid — good for an entirely new discussion.
\n     About our Covid-19 email compilation on the website, I think I will end as soon as everyone either has their vaccination or are assured of one.  Does that sound right to everyone?  And if you don’t know because you never look at the website, please take a look. http:\/\/new.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu\/1961<\/a><\/b>
\nNow you know why I never really get anything done.  By the way, I’m still testing fonts and think this Verdana (Ed note: font not shown<\/em>) is readable by those who have sight problems.  Hope I’m right.  Hugs, Liz Webfoot<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/21\/21 –Just checked out the link to the website Liz and surprised and delighted to see a picture of EDWARD walking along with our class at reunion! Liz T <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/21\/21 — I know, Liz.  It really made me laugh, but it was also the best parade photo I could find.  Like Ed is in ALL of our reunion photos and videos.  Check out the 55th reunion videos.  What a hoot!  
\n     By the way, if someone has a better photo of our parade or of any other event you want me to use, just send it to me.   Or send me, as you have all heard and read, anything that you are proud of accomplishing:  short story, photo, food, awards, artwork, needlework, music, community work, activism, whatever.  Personally, I just can’t throw away all my citations and awards, so I stacked them up to throw them out and was completely relieved at doing that.  Now I have not moved that stack.  How pathetic.  I think I’ll just take photos and put them together into a collage.  Maybe I’ll post it — we’ll see.  For a while, it was all Liz Barrett doing this and Liz Barrett doing that. Then others contributed and it became more interesting. \"😉\"
\nEd, know that you are a respected honorary member of the Class of 1961. Liz Webfoot <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2\/21\/21 — Here’s a photo of Liz and famous honorary class member Ed Thornton visiting us in Annapolis quite a few years ago — don’t remember when but think it was a year or so after our 50th reunion.  Liz, do you remember?  He is always popping up in photos and stars on our webpage.  Cheers — Liz WF<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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2\/21 21 — Of course<\/i> I remember.  Do you know it was in 2006!  I think<\/i> we were in DC visiting our friend, or seeing the opera, or both and drove to see you.  We were supposed to get together with you in 2017 to go to the then-new African-American Museum in DC but you couldn\u2019t get tickets so we postponed it -until 2018, but somehow it got lost in life.  Too bad. LizT<\/strong><\/div>\n
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END OF PART SEVENTEEN<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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1\/20\/21 — Today is Inauguration Day, and Judy Kennedy forwarded this poem from our youth poet laureate, Amanda Gorman, who wrote it especially for President Biden’s inauguration.  How absolutely marvelous! THE HILL WE CLIMB     by Amanda Gorman When … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":182,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4702","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu\/1961\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4702","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu\/1961\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu\/1961\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu\/1961\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/182"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu\/1961\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4702"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu\/1961\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4702\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu\/1961\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4702"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}