————————————–01/17/2017—————————————————-
From Lynne Levesque: “The first time I heard the name of Jeanne Marguerite Chevalier was over twenty years ago. A book about her life started to take shape in my head roughly eight years later, in 2002. Preliminary research followed. The drive to learn more about Jeanne and write her story, however, only became an obsession one cold February day in 2011 when I stood in St. Nicolas church in Coutances where she was baptized on June 8, 1643. And now, finally, I am happy to announce the publication of this first version of the history of her life, just one day before the 300th anniversary of her death.
Jeanne Marguerite Chevalier, Fille du Roi: Her Story is now available at http://www.harvard.com for purchase in the United States and Canada. I have chosen to make it available first through Harvard Book Store because I support independent bookstores and because that bookstore provides amazing encouragement (and services) for authors like me. The book will be offered on amazon.com by early December so that it can be available to international readers. The French edition is scheduled to be published in the spring, 2017. I will send out a notice regarding its publication closer to the date.
Jeanne’s is a story full of facts, mysteries, and unknowns. It’s a story of endings and new beginnings. And it’s a story of much courage, stamina, will, and many choices. This first version provides – as much as is possible — the details of those endings, beginnings and choices, all set in the context of the times and places where she lived.
My journey to tell Jeanne’s story is not over. As you will see in the book, there remain many gaps to be pursued, particularly in France, and questions to be resolved regarding Jeanne’s life and those of her three husbands. I am determined to continue the research. In the meantime, if readers have any feedback, alternative interpretations, corrections, or additional information to fill in the blanks, please email me at lynnelevesque@gmail.com.
The journey to date, while challenging, has had many rewards not captured in this first edition of Jeanne’s history. Along the way in this search to uncover the facts about Jeanne’s life, I have had many extraordinary experiences and marvelous adventures and have met an amazing number of outstanding people. All of those stories and hopefully some more answers or some resolution to my remaining questions are the subject of my next book on Jeanne!
For now, anyone interested in reading the story of her life, can find Jeanne Marguerite Chevalier, Fille du Roi: Her Story at http://www.harvard.com”
From Barbara Burns Moran: “ I am about to finish my term on the External Achievement Awards Committee which nominates alumnae for Achievement Award, (Presented to an alumna for outstanding achievements and service to the larger society through salaried or volunteer fields of endeavor. Recognizes work that exemplifies the ideals of a liberal arts education; that demonstrates professional distinction, sustained commitment, and/or creativity; and that reflects the vision and pioneering spirit of Mary Lyon.)- Elizabeth Topham Kennan Award (Given to an alumna for outstanding achievement in and contributions to the field of education, honoring the service former president Elizabeth Topham Kennan ’60 has given to the College and to higher education in general.)- Mary Lyon Award (Awarded at the College’s Spring Celebration of Excellence to a young alumna (graduated fifteen or fewer years ago) who demonstrates exceptional promise or sustained achievement in her life, profession, or community, and whose work embodies the humane values which Mary Lyon exemplified in her life and inspired in others.) Barb recused herself from the many awards given to 1966 at our Fab 50th.
I am in my last year of phased retirement at UNC and will retire on June 30th. I am looking forward to exploring the new world of retirement very soon.” She is the Louis Round Wilson Distinguished Professor School of Information and Library Science University of NC at Chapel Hill.
From Barbara Howick Fant: “I participated in the Saturday, January 21, world-wide women’s rally and march–this one at Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, AL, part of the new Civil Rights Historic District National Monument named by President Obama on January 13. The crowd was 5,000 strong, very diverse and creative.
That night friends and I attended a performance of A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters” at the Birmingham Festival Theatre, starring our own Linda Nelson and Bob Penny. (Bob called Linda out of community theater retirement for the run, and both were marvelous!)”
From Sue Wilson Pile: “2016 was Wonderful Reunion, the Joyful Marriage of our son Hunt (scribe has known him since infancy!) Sue, a Boston MFA docent, did an NYC museum binge and we spent the rest of the year between New England and Florida. “
Results of Reunion Survey- Your Favorite Memories:
- Seeing old friends and making new ones
- The incredible planning and events of Norma and Jo-An and Committees
- Seeing the College so Beautiful- still HOME, but so much new.
- The Parade (never crossed my Fashionista mind that the red hats would cast a flattering rosy glow on all faces, causing some young men to yell out, “What a bunch of Babes!”)
- The walks, lectures and intellectual stimulation of MHC.
- The CLASS of 2016, our Little Sisters- Especially the Scarfing Ceremony. In 54 years, I have NEVER seen 1966 so HAPPY- had to just stand back and watch, and it is stamped in my sentimental Journey of 1966, forever.
Thank You All. Mary
For the Social media-phobic, Facebook now has all sorts of privacy and safety settings, and having survived Election 2016, ’66 Friends and have a wonderful time with family, activities, garden, pets, cartoons, and the watercolors of Cindy Roach Van Hooser ,and photos of Mary Jane Fowler Bent, etc. On FB, I am Mary P. Duffy– come join the FB fun.
————————————–10/15/2016—————————————————-
Diane Baldwin Roca raves about the latest creation from Louise Demarest Thunin who writes, “I had so much fun (and so much work!) work getting out Divine Covenant, Biblical Wisdom Cards (with Guidebook), published in August. It was my work as a prison chaplain here in France that inspired me to create this “oracle card” set (for use by one or several people). It’s an amusing (and positive) tool for learning both about ourselves and about a number of Old Testament characters. It’s for the general public – you don’t have to be a delinquent to enjoy the cards (smile)! I made up the deck with adults in mind, but it could also be used by people working with youth groups and older teens. It’s spiritual rather than religious, if you know what I mean, with really colorful illustrations. The whole thing is bilingual, French-English- go to www.louise-thunin.com to see how it works and to draw your wisdom card for the day (and to order)!” I am getting 3 sets as Holiday gifts and for me.
Terry and Connie Cumpton Christensen were in Venice for a few days before heading back to Brooklyn to host 50th anniversary dinner for Mark and Emilie Foote Thomson on October 22, “50 years to the day after Terry and I were best man and bridesmaid at their wedding in Pelham. Seems like yesterday. Wondering how many of our classmates hitting fifty this year and next?”
Patty Perkins Andringa was hostess for another wonderful 66 potluck supper with yummy food and great conversation. Honoring Lynn Pasquerella’s arrival in D.C, the guests were Margaret Hennessey, Barbara Robinson, Judy DeBrandt, Cherry Wunderlich, Genie Kemble, DianeBaldwin Roca, Hannah Sistare, Chris Stoiber Fahlund and Ardie Tomesch Camara. Joan Gervino, Judy Walters and I were unable to attend. Patty Said, “We all gave updates as to where we were in life. Ardie Tomesch Camara told us about a fascinating class,”Bonebuilder,” for which she volunteers. It is funded by a Federal grant to provide free classes to seniors 70-90, focusing on building bone!! Conversely, Diane Baldwin Roca has just decided to say no to any future volunteering after many, many years of service. She still works on behalf of AAUW and is now back to knitting as she used to do in class. Chris is writing a book on a family history project and Hannah volunteering.
Patty is receiving the Fearless Girls to Fearless Women Award from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington at the Ritz Carlton, Tysons Corner, VA on January 7, 2017. She is committed to giving a chance to all children. I am sure you all join me in our pride for Patty.
I’m sorry to report that David and Harriet Bunting Havanich lost their son, David Bruce Havanich Jr., following a stroke. He was only 50 years old and left a wonderful family that is his legacy – Harriet’s 3 grandchildren and 4+ great grandchildren.
Don’t forget to return to our web site for more and new news!