WHS60 Class Blog
New URL: https://c-bruce-snow.com/whs60blog.html

Janet O'Brien Olson
Hello
09/21/2023_11:37
I thought the blog was long gone...gload to see it back. Nothing special to report today, I just thought I'd get the blog back on my list.
Carolyn Abraham Hafer
 
09/07/2023_16:56
Eric, Are you still standing?
Eric W. Coate
ALL
03/26/2023_10:30
'last man standing' just got diagnosed with prostate cancer. Poor me.
Eric W. Coate
weird dreams
03/03/2023_13:09
I had a waking dream about Marsha Madden the other night. Not sure why. At one point in my life, I weighed close to 260lbs, from 145 in HS. Have since lost a lot of it, and trying to loose more. It's not an easy thing to do. Sorry I missed the 50th reunion; (recovering alcoholic) any more coming?
Eric W. Coate
carolyn
02/15/2023_08:50
HELLO 'NO STREET PARKING' WHERE IS THAT?
WE LIVE SO FAR OUT IN A RURAL AREA OC NEW YORK STATE, WE SOMETIMES HAVE DEER IN THE BACKYARD.
Carolyn Abraham Hafer
Hi
02/12/2023_11:51
afer
Hi
02/11/2023_15:19
Hi Eric, I still read what everyone post. Hope all is well with you. Thanks for the help with Ed. Have not heard from him in a while. Talk to you later,
Carolyn Oh yes Happy Valentines Day no street parking this year!
Carolyn Abraham Hafer
Hi
02/11/2023_15:19
Hi Eric, I still read what everyone post. Hope all is well with you. Thanks for the help with Ed. Have not heard from him in a while. Talk to you later,
Carolyn Oh yes Happy Valentines Day no street parking this year!




















Eric W. Coate
ALL
02/05/2023_08:18
ANYONE KNOW HOW TONY PARKER IS DOING? JUST LIKE TO KNOW.

I SEEM TO BE THE ONLY ONE LEFT ON THE BLOG. WEIRD
Eric W. Coate
Bruce
01/13/2023_09:20
Can't help but share this with someone. I just learned that the company Monster has it's headquarters in Weston.Ma. In high school. we lived on Weston Road and would go to a field in Weston to make out. (cops would come and drive us away)
I had visions of 'monsters' in my closet and under my bed. Who knew? I've always had a sort of 'early warning' . but this is ridiculus.
Eric W. Coate
ALL
12/31/2022_15:52
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ANYONE READING THIS!!!
Eric W. Coate
Tom LaRose
12/24/2022_08:41
Anyone ever hear from Tom? I'm wondering if he worked for Staples in Framingham.

Happy Holidays!!!
Eric W. Coate
ALL
11/25/2022_05:53
Any one read this anymore? Ed Wood??
Eric W. Coate
ed wood fund
08/13/2022_10:23
I called his bank but they would not give account info to me.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
07/17/2022_10:32
have a phone number for the Pacific coast FCU. I will call them on Monday.
Carolyn Abraham Hafer
 
07/16/2022_16:30
Ed sent a message on facebook, his account is still opened. He still has no place to stay. It's awful to know someone that is homeless, we are in our 80.s just can't wrap my head around this one. He is so talented we meet in kindergarten.
Carolyn Abraham Hafer
 
07/10/2022_15:29
Yes I think Ed still needs help, but I do not know if he still has the account. He seems on the move going from one hotel to another. Yes covid is still bad. I have been in the hospital twice for covid and copd. It started the middle of June. I have had 3 shots. I can't tell you enough wear your mask.
Talk to you later Carolyn
Eric W. Coate
ed wood fund
07/09/2022_16:38
Does he still have the bank account fund set up. does he still need help financially?
Carolyn Abraham Hafer
 
07/09/2022_06:08
I hear from Ed Wood every week. He is doing concerts to rebuild his life. Check it out. Talk to you later, Carolyn
Eric W. Coate
ALL
07/05/2022_07:29
I just read in the 'rapidly failing NYTimes' that Covid is making a comeback across the USA and that new booster shots will be coming out soon. We are the prime targets for Covid at our ages; We should get the boosters when they come out!! And no; although I live in rural America, I don't belong to the NRA and don't even own a gun. Shucks
Eric W. Coate
ALL
07/05/2022_07:09
This is right out of Hollywood,think Forrest Gump. a great aunt who was married to the founder of Kinney drug stores, a large chain in NYstate, left all her nieces and nephews around 1 million each. I am a nephew. Ginny is my ex-wife. We have two sons.
If you never saw the movie I am refering to, you should. It's great!
Eric W. Coate
Bruce
07/01/2022_06:08
Yes; is there any news about Ed Wood?
Eric W. Coate
Bruce
06/23/2022_07:37
Thank you Bruce!
Bruce Snow
Outage
06/21/2022_17:46
Sorry about the technical glitch, and that I didn't fix it quicker.
Eric W. Coate
Bruce
06/03/2022_07:41
My blog screen went blank. can you fix it?
Eric W. Coate
all
05/29/2022_08:46
Carolyn Abraham Hafer
 
05/22/2022_11:16
I am writing this with sad news. Adele DiGiando Stanley passed away May 22. of Alzheimer's. My prayer's are also with Ed Wood, would love to know how he is doing. I can't believe we are in our 80's, we have been blessed.
Edward Wood
ed wood fund
04/10/2022_15:38
Anyone know how Ed Wood is fairing?
Eric W. Coate
weird dreams
03/21/2022_19:57
Hi Jane; I had a weird dream last night about George McQuilkin and Randy McNamara, who lived up the road from me in Wellesley. About how they would look in todays style hairdos. Top nots and all. They are both very succesful in their lives. Very!
Jane Lunney
 
02/12/2022_22:04
Don't give up on the blog! I've been peeking at it for all these years and
would hate to miss anything from Jim and Janet and Eric and whomever. Thank you
to Bruce.
Eric W. Coate
blog
01/08/2022_15:47
Looks like this blog is kaput, so to speak. Any news about Ed Wood? Guess he's not alone in being burned out by wildfires.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
11/08/2021_10:28
any news about Ed? sent him a check awhile back Never did get your email address. mine is now riccoate@gmail.com seem to be regressing as I get older.
Bruce Snow
Bruce
10/07/2021_12:23
I got in touch with Ed by phone. Not to worry.
Eric W. Coate
ed wood fund
10/02/2021_13:49
Bruce, I am having all sorts of trouble with my Google email account. It had all the info from Maria about how to contact Ed's bank, and make a contribution. Can you contact her and have her send me the info to my new email, which is riccoat@charter.net. Thanks, Eric
Also, you could resend me your email at my new address.
Eric W. Coate
Bruce
09/11/2021_18:04
Got your email and sent a check. good job with the blog!! Say 'HI' to Ann for me.
Eric W. Coate
Bruce
09/11/2021_13:03
Yes, it's 'ericcoate7@gmail.com'

I think that I would rather send a check anyway How did you find out about this?
Bruce Snow
Eric
09/11/2021_12:30
I just resent the email. Ann Holman saw it on FaceBook and contacted me, as webmaster I guess.
Bruce Snow
Your Email Failed
09/11/2021_11:53
Hi Eric,
I don't know why PayPal didn't accept your credit card. I just tried it and it worked for me.
I tried to forward you (riccoat@charter.net) Maria's email explaining where to send a check for Ed, but it failed. Do you have a new email?
Eric W. Coate
ed wood fund
09/11/2021_10:23
Bruce; I tried both of the contacts you have posted; neither of them worked.
the Pay Pal declined my credit cards, and the mariagm didn't work.
Bruce Snow
Ed and Suz need your help
09/10/2021_15:35
In August Ed Wood lost his home and everything to one of those California wildfires we've been hearing about. He and his partner, Suz, are now safe, living in a friend's home for a while, and are having a very difficult time financially. They are using their credit card for all of their needs (Food, Gas, Clothing, Pots & Pans, Dog Food for the pups, Bedding, etc). The bill for the three weeks they spent in the Motel 6 when they were evacuated came to over $2200.

Can you help them? A close friend of theirs, Maria, has arranged with their bank to receive donation checks. You can contact her at mariagm143@icloud.com and she will explain where to send your check. Or you can pay by PayPal or credit card at: https://edwood.wellesleyhigh60.net. By contributing by check, the PayPal fee (3.5%) can be avoided, but the PayPal method is tax deductible (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lafayette).
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
09/08/2021_19:14
Hello
Ed.
I believe that I heard that Medicare is going to start giving dental insurance.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
08/25/2021_08:51
Are you anywhere near Milpitas? My son lives there.
Edward Wood
Eric
07/25/2021_13:41
Hi, Eric. There was a wildfire close to us at the end of June. The town 'experts' issued an evacuation warning and told us the whole town had evacuated, and that the county was just going to let the fire burn, and that they would not give us any warning. All the exits were closed, except a stone road 31 miles up a huge mountain to Medicine Lake, where there were 2 feet of snow. This road would ruin our Toyota Rav 4, and we would be stranded with no one around. For a while we felt completely scatter-brained, paralyzed. Finally, I was able to think of 911, and we were on our way to sanity They connected us to 211, who gave us RELIABLE info. There was NO evacuation warning for Tennant. Now the fire is completely under control. As for meals, thank you for the suggestion. Grub Market in San Francisco is wonderful. They deliver food to the door, even to Tennant. A few years ago you asked me if I had ever played Sergei Rachmaninoff's 3rd Concerto. Well, I recently began working on it. Yes, the difficulty is sensational. At the same time, I have never before encountered a composer who loves the pianist as Rachmaninoff in this piece. The support he gives me is uncanny. This concerto has the reputation as a show piece, because of the difficulty. That label does not give him justice. I sense a mystical presence, and, what a great mind!
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
07/24/2021_13:23
Guess not? How's it going, Ed? We probably are among the very few still reading this blog. Are you in wildfire country? Things are pretty good where we live. Big Trump country here though. Have you ever looked into having meal kits delivered to your home? 'Hello fresh' is the best. Saves the long drive to the grocery store, and they are pretty reasonable too. Great quality food!
Take care. Eric
Eric W. Coate
gymnastics
07/09/2021_13:10
For Ken LaBorne, if you are still reading this. I am amazed at the new levels that Gymnastics has risen to, esp. on high bar and rings. simply amazing!!
Edward Wood
Eric
06/19/2021_10:07
When I was frequently seeing John from 1993-2004, he had lost a lot of weight. I still think about him every day. I have not seen or heard from Bruce Needham.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
06/16/2021_14:18
Any info on Bruce Needham? too bad about John. I wonder if he was still so heavy?
Edward Wood
Eric re John Koller
05/28/2021_10:35
He taught Music History at Mass Bay Community College in Gardner and also supervised students in recording one of my concerts. He did SO much more! It's all in his obit. It sounds like he had been failing badly for a few months before his son died. Possibly John was not conscious .
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
05/27/2021_17:57
Odd that he died a week after his son's death. Must have been heartbroken.

He had wanted me to play saxaphone for a gig he had at Revere beach, but I was too chicken to do it. Wonder what he did for a living later? I remember him and his bass fiddle in school.
Edward Wood
Eric re John Koller
05/26/2021_10:48
Eric, I just googled John Koller, Leominster, MA, and discovered his obituary. His son Douglas died 6/30/2020. John died 7/4/2020. He did lead an amazing life.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
05/24/2021_12:39
I looked up John Koller on the internet and was amazed at his financial success.(according to search engine, which may not be accurate) He still lives in Leominster.
Eric W. Coate
Jim
05/22/2021_10:21
Aloha to you, Jim. How's the weather in Hawaii? Still walking past Obama's birthplace on your way to work?
James McMahon
Eric
05/22/2021_09:27
Eric, the weather is great here, not surprisingly.
I retired over a year ago, so no commuting near Obama sites now.
Edward Wood
Jim
05/22/2021_09:03
Good to hear from you, Jim! In a few days I hope to record and send a private concert to Youtube. If you give me your e-mail, I can send you (as well as Eric) an invitation. In the meantime, I have 3 full cds on Youtube already (from 1998/2004). Just search under Edward Wood, pianist, and you should find them.
James McMahon
Aloha
05/21/2021_19:57
I have been enjoying music on YouTube to help me endure the pandemic.
In particular a classical pianist named Alice Sara Ott and a New Orleans band named Tuba Skinny.
Ed, let me know if I can access your concert on YouTube.
Aloha to you and Eric and anyone else who's following the blog.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
05/21/2021_09:19
Sure; thanks.
Edward Wood
Eric
05/21/2021_08:07
Just sent it. Let me know if it reached you. I think I chose the correct e-mail.
Edward Wood
Eric
05/20/2021_11:28
Would you like me to e-mail you the address I have for John?
Edward Wood
Eric
05/19/2021_09:30
Clinton, MA. It is a town about 12 miles northeast of Worcester. John Koller lived in nearby Leominster (Maybe he still does?)
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
05/18/2021_18:03
Peter cotton in Clinton? What clinton? that's the name of the prison here.
Edward Wood
Eric re John Koller
05/16/2021_11:45
Peter Cotton may know more. Peter may still be in Clinton. He was, in 2006.
Edward Wood
Eric
05/15/2021_11:22
I sent him a Christmas card 3 or 4 year ago. It wasn't returned, but I did not get any response either. He had always been enthusiastic about Christmas
Eric W. Coate
ALL
05/09/2021_17:27
Anyone know the fate of John Kohler?
Edward Wood
Eric
03/10/2021_17:49
I just looked into Suz's e-mail, and got it! I shall be responding.
Edward Wood
Eric
03/10/2021_17:12
Wonderful! Your e-mail has not reached me yet (concertpianist42@yahoo.com), but sometimes there is a long delay with Yahoo. I'll keep checking.
Edward Wood
Eric
03/10/2021_14:06
Just found the one from my son Peter, with Suz's beautiful note, and sent it to you. Hope it is successful this time. The e-mail is from Suz Selover
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
03/10/2021_13:38
Got it this time----thank you!! See your email.
Edward Wood
Eric
03/10/2021_13:31
Hi, Eric. I just sent it from the e-mail of Suz Selover, to coateeric7@gmail.com. It was forwarded from one we sent to Geoff Cutcheon, as I could find the one to Peter today. Suz had written you a very nice note. Hope it reaches you.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
03/10/2021_10:08
Did not get it. try coateeric7@gmail.com
Edward Wood
Eric
03/07/2021_14:36
Hi, Eric. Yesterday Suz forwarded an e-mail from my son Peter, containing the concert. This method has always worked with us in the past. Did it reach you?
Edward Wood
Eric
03/06/2021_12:19
Yes, it was supposed to arrive in your e-mail, but we sent it directly, and Zoom can have problems. I shall have Suz forward it to you from our e-mail, and it should reach your e-mail. No download is necessary. All you have to do is click on the large arrow, and it will play.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
03/06/2021_09:30
Sorry, I did not get it. Was it supposed to come via email? I am not at all familiar with Zoom and how it works.
Edward Wood
Eric
03/05/2021_14:42
Suz just sent to you my Zoom demo concert. She also sent one to a friend in South Africa. The concert reached her. Did you receive it? We have had good results in getting my concert to South Africa, Italy, and Scotland. For some reason, Yahoo/Zoom has been inconsistent in getting my concert to people in the USA. (Is Zoom too clogged?) If you did not receive this concert, Suz has another way of getting it to you.
Edward Wood
Eric
03/04/2021_13:02
You don't have to Zoom. I hope to catch Suz when she has a spare moment, She can forward a demo concert (excerpts) I gave 2 months ago. All you have to do is to click on it. As for the full Zoom concert I am preparing, a friend in Texas has offered to help us set it up on Youtube. Hopefully, he is still okay, in the midst of all the horrendous events taking place there.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
03/03/2021_14:44
Unfortunately, we don't know how to Zoom. Otherwise-----!
Edward Wood
Eric
03/01/2021_13:29
Thank you, Eric. I check the blog once a week, but when I post something I try to check it the next day. I just don't have the 'gift of gab.'
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
03/01/2021_08:39
Hi Ed; my email is 'coateeric0@gmail.com' I wasn't sure that anyone would still be checking the Blog.
Edward Wood
Eric
02/28/2021_15:37
I'll take the last half of your fascinating paradox: 'Long live the blog.' I realize the lack of interest -- for various reasons. And yet, I am sad. I am always interested in communicating with our classmates, regardless of our different outlooks. I know you have my current e-mail. Would you give me your e-mail? I am almost ready to send my first Zoom concert -- Beethoven's 'Moonlight' Sonata and his Opus 90 Sonata. I immensely appreciate our friendship that has developed over these past 11 years.
Eric W. Coate
ALL
02/23/2021_16:43
THE BLOG IS DEAD; LONG LIVE THE BLOG.
Edward Wood
Eric
10/03/2020_07:42
Yes. concertpianist42@yahoo.com
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
09/28/2020_11:25
Do you have an email address, Ed?
Edward Wood
Eric
08/16/2020_01:38
Suz and I are still well, thank you. Last July I had just one more cavity to be filled. But my dentist decided to give me another exam instead, and found 6 new ones. We had several appointments scheduled for Aug and Sept, but Suz came down with what we believe was an early version of Covid 19 and was very sick for 7 weeks. I had to cancel all the dental appointments. By the time Suz had recovered, our dentist, whom we really like, was forced out by the horrid owner of the clinic. By the time they found a new dentist, Covid was raging. We are really hesitant to schedule any appointments now -- too risky. Glad you and your family are well. One of our most beloved prisoners, Orlando -- an innocent Mexican man -- died of Covid on Aug 2. The CA prison system transferred 120 prisoners 20 of these were known to be infected -- to San Quentin, where there were NO cases of the Corona virus. About 25 prisoners at SQ have died since the transfer 3 months ago, and half of SQ is now infected. Many nurses and guards are now sick. At least one has died. Orlando's widow, Maria, is Suz's closest female friend. They spend many hours on the phone together each week. Orlando and Maria are true soulmates.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
08/13/2020_10:34
thanks for the tip about vitamin-d

we are doing alright here; how about you? been to the dentist lately?

we live a fifteen minute drive from the infamous Dannemora prison. I used to deliver reading materials to the inmates there. the 'North country' of NY is home to a large number of prisons.,many of which were closed during the Obama years.
Edward Wood
Eric
08/01/2020_11:47
Yes, this county is very poor. Suz and I are fine, so far. We watch Dr. John Campbell regularly. He repeatedly is calling attention to studies showing that adequate levels of Vitamin D are a strong protection against Covid 19. Vitamin D needs calcium to absorb, and calcium needs some oil (i.e. peanut butter) to work best. Hope all is well with you and your family.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
07/30/2020_16:34
Must be a very poor county. How are things going with you?
Edward Wood
Tennant, Continued
05/30/2020_01:22
Tennant is in Siskiyou County. In the 1920's this county was notorious for lynching of Blacks and genocide against the indigenous people.
Edward Wood
Eric
05/29/2020_02:36
Tennant is a defunct logging town. It was built in 1921 and reached its peak in the 1950's, boasting a population of 800, with a general store, town hall, and even a school. The logging company left a long time ago, and now the population is 38, plus some people who come here for vacation.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
05/25/2020_20:08
good to know that you are well. what is Tennant known for; I seem to recall the name from somewhere?
Edward Wood
Eric
05/17/2020_10:03
We have never been paid for anything we have done for our prisoners. A wonderful, elderly lady in Minnesota as been sending us $20 a month for 5 years.
Edward Wood
Eric
05/17/2020_09:50
HI, Eric, So good to hear from you. It has been 5 years since we have visited a prison. Suz's spinal injuries can no longer tolerate the many hours of driving. We continue to correspond by letters and take phone calls and do all sorts of errands for the prisoners and their family members. The wife of one of our innocent prisoners has become Suz's closest friend. She and Suz spend many hours a week on the phone together. The population of Tennant (the town where we live) is 38, and we live in an isolated section of town. Plus, we are 60 miles from civilization. Thus, our extreme isolation is a wonderful protection against the virus. We order some food and many supplies online, so we only have to go to town once every 3 weeks or so. We have been eating strictly vegan, and all very healthy food. Last Aug we discovered globalhealing.com, headed by Dr. Edward Group in Houston. He is a genius nutritionist and offers a money-back guarantee for all his products, for up to a year. They have done wonders for our immune system and overall health. So, so far, we are fine. Hope all is well with you and Georgianna.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
05/11/2020_11:15
ed,
HOW ARE THINGS THERE? NOT MUCH VIRUS HERE YET.

JUST CURIOUS; WHEN YOU GO TO THE PRISON TO COUNSEL, DO YOU GET PAID FOR IT?

ARE YOU DOING IT NOW? BEST, ERIC
James McMahon
Ed
04/19/2020_18:13
Ed,
Hawaii - which is a chain of islands - has had 580 covid-19 cases and 10 deaths.
Edward Wood
Jim
04/19/2020_11:21
Good to hear from you, Jim. News reports now say that the Covid 19 is in every state. Given the isolation, could Hawaii be an exception? (along with Akaska?)
James McMahon
Aloha
04/17/2020_10:31
Hi bloggers. Just a trickle of tourists arriving in Hawaii due to the pandemic. Even when the pandemic wanes, air travel may be seen in a different light for a long time. The only silver lining for Hawaii is that the natural environment here is getting the chance to recover from what many folks have in the past viewed as too much tourism. But the unemployment rate here, once one of the lowest in the nation, is now way up into the 30's.
Stay safe.
Edward Wood
Janet
01/04/2020_05:06
You are most welcome, Janet. I rejoice with you and your husband.
Janet O'Brien Olson
anniversary
01/03/2020_18:27
Ed, thank you so much for the anniversary wishes. Your memory is remarkable. It is hard to believe that 50 years have passed since we got married in San Francisco...so much has happened since then, most of it good!
Edward Wood
Janet
12/31/2019_19:36
May you and your husband have a wonderful Golden Wedding Anniversary!
Edward Wood
Eric, Janet, Jim, and anyone else reading this
12/29/2019_10:17
May all of you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Eric W. Coate
Janet
12/25/2019_07:59
Merry Christmas, Janet.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Happy Christmas and Happy New Year
12/24/2019_19:12
Happy Holidays to you too...and to anyone else tuning in. Lets hope for a good 2020.
Eric W. Coate
Ed, Janet
12/23/2019_11:34
ED, Janet, and anyone else still reading the 'blog'


HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Edward Wood
Eric
11/30/2019_10:59
Well,sometimes! We've been snowed in for the past few days. The temperature is still comfortable. I remember your telling me that your Dad was from Pasadena. My nephew and his wife lived there for a few years.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
11/28/2019_12:55
you have to love California weather. My Dad was from Pasadena; don't know why he didn't go back to retire there too crowded now probably.
Edward Wood
Eric
11/24/2019_11:37
Almost always clear and sunny, high temperature nearly to 50. Down to 20* at night. The warmest Nov since we moved here 12 years ago
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
11/19/2019_15:13
-1o and a foot of snow; winter is here again
Edward Wood
Eric
11/05/2019_01:13
In the years when November is the coldest month here,that night temp is normal-- but not in October! The days have been beautiful -- sunny, mid sixties. It is only the nights that are freezing.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
11/03/2019_14:05
Yikes, that's cold for California, isn't it? Getting below freezing here this coming week. Not looking forward to that at all. Summer was way too short.
Good to hear from you too. KEEP WARM!!
Edward Wood
Eric
11/02/2019_08:23
I am so,so happy to hear from you, Eric! a few nights ago it got down to 6 degrees! There has been no danger of forest fires here -- they are far to the south. Even the skies have been clear, excepting one day a couple of months ago.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
10/29/2019_11:35
How are you regarding the wildfires? In your area?

I have a son who lives in Melpitas and an uncle in San Jose somewhere.
Edward Wood
Hawaii
08/19/2019_10:23
Hi, Jim, the program I was watching was referring to the Island of Kauai. 4 transnational corporations -- BASF Plant Science, Dow AgroSciences, DuPont Pioneer, and Syngenta -- have been unloading dangerous pesticides near the small town of Waimea, on the southwest coast. Many of the inhabitants have become dangerously ill. The local government passed Ordinance 960 back in 2014, in an effort to restrict these corporations, but a judge declared the ordinance unconstitutional. Since then, there have been many failed attempts to pass laws to stop these dangerous pesticides, as well as GMO's. My impression is that eventually, all of Hawaii may be threatened.
James McMahon
Hawaii Events
08/18/2019_23:14
Ed, I'm not sure precisely which destruction you're referring to.
In my opinion, Hawaii suffers from excessive commercial development (just look at the Waikiki shoreline) supported by Hawaii being one of the favorite destinations of tourists. But the islands remain spectacularly beautiful.
I haven't heard of any corrupt judges. I hope I'm not being naive!
Edward Wood
Janet, Jim
08/18/2019_14:10
Good to hear from you! Jim, hope you are okay, in the midst of the corporations unleashing such destruction on Hawaii. Local governments, I understand, have passed effective laws, trying to protect the islands and people, but corrupt judges have declared them unconstitutional. I got my info from a program on RT a few days ago.
Janet O'Brien Olson
It is alive (sort of)
08/17/2019_15:24
I had just concluded that everyone had finally given up on this site when UP IT POPS. Thanks Ed and Bruce Nothing to report at the moment, just checking the site.
James McMahon
Return of the Blog
08/16/2019_22:20
Hello again everyone! Thanks, Bruce.
Edward Wood
Bruce
07/29/2019_12:01
Thanks for fixing the site, Bruce!
Edward Wood
Eric, Janet, Jim, and anyone else reading this
07/29/2019_11:59
Hope all is well with you.
Bruce Snow
Sorry about the glitch!
07/28/2019_16:18
I think we've got it fixed now. The website was migrated to a different server last month, and it looks like some things came unraveled. Thanks for letting me know, Ed.
Edward Wood
Janet
03/19/2019_12:50
Thank you, Janet! May you have a wonderful year also.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Ed
03/18/2019_19:33
wishing you a belated Happy Birthday Ed. Have a good year!
Eric W. Coate
All
03/17/2019_09:30
Happy St. Patrick's day to everybody!!!
Edward Wood
Jim
03/16/2019_13:50
I remember your younger sister Maureen-- three years younger? I didn't know you have two other sisters.
Edward Wood
The Blog
03/16/2019_13:44
Good to hear from you,Bob,Ken, Janet,Eric, and Jim. So sorry you haven't been feeling well,Eric. Hope you feel better soon. I'll be 77 tomorrow. On March 7 we got stuck on ice 70 for an hour and a half late at night, 70 yards from our cottage. We used flattened cardboard to finally get us going. The past few days, it has got up to 50 *. Looking forward to all the ice melting. I would like the blog to get more active,also.
James McMahon
Aloha
03/13/2019_10:11
I'm still living in Hawai`i, in Honolulu, and still working full-time. One of my sisters lives in Buffalo, another in Connecticut, and another in Virginia, so I do hear about the snow! It's good to see continuing interest in the blog.
Eric W. Coate
Janet
03/13/2019_05:56
Thank you, Janet! Long live the BLOG!

Hope your flooding doesn't get too serious.

I'm originally from Buffalo, the snowiest city in America, but I've seen enough snow to last a lifetime, The sunny South looks better every day.
Eric W. Coate
Janet
03/12/2019_16:20
Condition same as the blog; alive but not all that well, sorry to say. Be 77 in April. Winter has been a drag. Snow up to the windows. Thought about Hawaii, would have loved to see it, but the bad weather scared us off.

Good to hear from Bob & Ken, and Janet again.

Spring can't come around too soon!!

Janet O'Brien Olson
enough winter!
03/12/2019_14:34
Hang in there Eric, none of us are getting any younger :-) I love snow and have always cheered for more but really Enough is Enough! This winter reminds me of some of the five years that I spent at Syracuse.
My only hope is that it doesn't all melt at once or we are going to be in a world of hurt. We need for it to soak in not all run off and flood everything in sight.

Seriously Eric, I hope that Spring will find you feeling better.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Ken and Robert
03/11/2019_19:35
Good to hear from some new voices. The blog is alive but its condition is not good. I don't know what has become of Ed, Jim and Eric. I have taken a break to deal with a little trip to Hawaii and a whole lot of snow upon our return. Snowfall at our house added up to 51 inches for the month of February...the most we have had for a single month since we moved up here (Montana). I don't recall where you guys live but if you want to keep the blog alive, please write again and let us know what you are up to these days.
Kenneth Laborne
Blog
03/09/2019_11:43
Must be working if this was posted
Robert Vincent
Just checking to see if its still running
03/09/2019_07:40
Ken LaBourn wanted to know if the blog was still alive.
Janet O'Brien Olson
anniversary
01/01/2019_18:38
Thank you Ed. It is kind of you to remember. I find it a little hard to believe that we are beginning
our 50th year together. Going to have to have a bit of a celebration come December. I hope that 2019
will be good to you and yours.
Edward Wood
Janet
01/01/2019_08:52
Blessed 49th anniversary to you and your husband!
Edward Wood
Christmas
12/24/2018_15:14
Janet, Jim, Eric, and whoever else is reading this, I wish you a wonderful Christmas, and a better New Year.
Edward Wood
Jim
12/24/2018_15:11
In a convoluted way, I avoided the draft.In July, 1964, I took the physical for the Army Reserves, deliberately did not bring my glasses, and flunked the eye test. The officer told me they were trying to cut down on the number of soldiers (the huge Viet Nam buildup would not begin until several months later). The draft board in Wellesley followed the lead of the Army Reserves in Rochester, NY, and classified me 4F.
Eric W. Coate
 
12/24/2018_15:00
I have a heart murmur from a faulty heaRT VALVE. THE Army LISTED ME as 4f.

the doctor was missing it and would have passed me, but I had a rejection letter from the Marines which I showed him.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Christmas
12/23/2018_18:33
Just a quick note to wish all a Happy Christmas and a better and brighter New Year !
James McMahon
Berrigan
12/22/2018_20:57
Ed,
The name Berrigan brings back such memories of the Vietnam War era! Demonstrations, the issue of the morality of war, teach-ins. As I recall, I underwent two draft physicals and was found healthy. I never got drafted, though. First, a student deferment for law school saved me. Then, after law school, I joined VISTA - the 'domestic Peace Corps' - and made it to age 26 without being drafted.

Edward Wood
Eric, you are correct!
12/22/2018_14:36
On Mar 25 we lost our beloved Boxer/Pit to cancer. She was 16 years, 7 months, 4 days old. Suz had had her since 11-21-2001. For over a month, Suz was deathly ill -- her immune system had shut down. Rescue after rescue -- all over the west coast-- put up insurmountable, bureaucratic obstacles, to us getting another dog. From the very beginning, we had agreed -- we would name our new dog Berrigan, after Daniel and Philip. Finally, on April 30, the 2-year-anniversary of Dan going Home to God, at 2 AM -- the very hour Symphony had gone Home to God --Suz stumbled upon Rescue Ranch in Yreka, only an hour's drive from us. We immediately fell in love with a Boxer/Heeler mix. Rescue Ranch made it SO easy for us to get her! May 6, we brought her back to the cottage and named her Berrigan.
Edward Wood
Jim, Miss Norris
12/08/2018_15:45
Small world! My mother was good friends with your mother.
James McMahon
Erik Kjeldsen and Miss Norris
12/06/2018_19:15
I remember Erik Kjeldsen well. Springfield College alum, I think.
Miss Norris was indeed my sixth grade teacher at Perrin and guess what--she was also my mother's teacher in elementary school!
Edward Wood
Eric
12/04/2018_13:39
I remember Erik Kjeldson well. When he became assistant track coach in our junior year, one of our teammates went up to him and, intending to insult him, asked,'Are you now our ASSISTANT track coach?' Erik tactfully ignored the remark. I am so, so grateful to him. He was assigned to coach Alec MacPhail and me in the mile run and introduced us to interval training -- setting a goal of a 5:00 mile and running :75 quarters, with a minute's rest in between. This interval training enabled Alec to become a star, and me to become an outstanding distance runner from 1973-1975. In the autumn of our senior year, even though he was not our cross country coach, he continued to show an intense interest in Alec and me, continually encouraging us.
Eric W. Coate
ED, Jim
12/04/2018_09:02
Do you guys remember Erik Kjeldson, our gym coach who brought soccer to Mass. high schools. He went on to UMass as a coach, after I left there. His wife was also a coach. Great guy.
Edward Wood
Jim
12/03/2018_13:56
Jim, you must have had Miss Norris in 6th grade at Perrin. She was the best friend of Mrs. Heffler, our 6th grade teacher at Sprague. She was always mentioning her. Dick Bankhart also had the highest raise for Miss Norris.
James McMahon
Mr. Robinson
12/02/2018_19:07
Ed, I remember Mr. Robinson at Perrin School (I attended Hardy School until first or second grade and then Perrin, when we moved from Linden Street to Beechwood Road in the Fells). I guess Mr. Robinson circulated among the elementary schools.

Edward Wood
Segregation in Wellesley
12/02/2018_13:58
I can think of one exception -- kind of-- Lloyd Robinson (1925-1987), our gym teacher and athletic coach in 5th grade. He was a star hockey player at Boston University and a friend of Harry Agganis, who sometimes assisted him in our class, where he personally encouraged me. I am so, so indebted to Lloyd. He was the one who interested me in distance running -- my lifelong hobby -- in 5th grade. It was my distance running that saved the lives of several friends of mine, stranded on Mt. Madison at night, 1973.
Eric W. Coate
Janet
11/30/2018_03:56
Randy McNamara's step-father was a real estate agent; that's where I learned of that policy. Troublemaker that i am, I tried to get my father to sell our house when we moved from Wellesley to a black family, but it wasn't possible then. K.C. Jones, player aND COACH FOR THE bOSTON cELTICS, may have been the first black family to move in to W















Wellesley.
Janet O'Brien Olson
segregation
11/29/2018_14:53
you got it Eric! The policy of the realtors to blackball anyone selling to blacks was pretty astonishing too.
I am sorry to admit that I lived in blissful ignorance.
Eric W. Coate
ED, Jim
11/28/2018_15:31
The female Senator from Mississipi was faulted for going to a segregated all white high school and sending her daughter there. Didn't we go to an all white high school; de-facto segregated.
Edward Wood
Jim
11/25/2018_14:03
Jim, you are so,so, so right!
James McMahon
Lasagna
11/24/2018_21:30
Ed, vegetarian lasagna, home-made with love, sounds like a great choice for Thanksgiving, on many levels.
Edward Wood
Thank you
11/23/2018_15:15
Thank you, Janet and Eric. Hope you had a good day. Suz and I had a delicious, vegetarian lasagna that she made, while we watched Dublin's Colin Turner, who introduced us to freeworlder.com -- the beginnings of people cooperating, to eventually circumvent the need for money.
Eric W. Coate
ED, Jim, Janet
11/22/2018_09:55
Happy turkey day to you all.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Thanksgiving
11/22/2018_09:14
Just signed to wish all a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Freezing fog here has everything coated with white. Almost as pretty as snow and you don't have to shovel it :-)
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
11/19/2018_09:01
I believe that PG&E survived the Enron debacle, so they may survive this too. Trump is an Ahole. He only makes things worse, not better. Unbelievable.
Eric W. Coate
ED, Jim
11/18/2018_06:30
It's all about Prophet (profit) isn't it,. Smokey, out their(there). And Trump shows up and babbles on about it for the cameras.
Edward Wood
More on the CA fires
11/17/2018_14:59
We just learned from a mainstream media source that the Paradise fire was traveling 300 miles an hour. Only a gas explosion could cause a fire to travel this fast. Last year Pacific Gas and Electric and Southern CA Con Ed caused SEVENTEEN of the 21 major fires in CA. Prosecutors are charging them in 8 of these fires. These companies are simply not maintaining their equipment. They only want to maximize their prophets. They are expected to be fined a massive amount, but plan to pass these charges on to their consumers -- PGE and SCCE were too cheap to buy sufficient insurance. Businesses will leave, rather than pay these outrageous amounts. Only the very wealthy private customers will be able to afford the huge increase in rates. So, since their are not very many wealthy people, these companies will go out of business.
Edward Wood
Jim, Bruce
11/13/2018_13:11
Yes, thank you, Bruce! Jim, I've also heard about the downed power lines in Paradise. It was a poor community, and it looks like the power lines were neglected. Same story -- trillions for the military, nothing for infrastructure.
Eric W. Coate
all
11/13/2018_10:33
Many thanks to Bruce Snow for creating this blog.
James McMahon
Ed, Janet, Eric
11/11/2018_18:15
Downed power lines are also being investigated as a possible cause of the Paradise fire.
I stopped my TV service, occasionally miss it but don't miss the political pundits. With regard to Trump, I try to stay away from print and digital media stories regarding his outrageous behavior.
Janet, I go by 'Jim,' since you asked.
Edward Wood
Eric, Janet, Jim
11/11/2018_12:13
Thank you for asking, Eric. At night it gets down to 15 degrees. There is no longer any danger here, but the fire that wiped out Paradise, near Sacramento, was horrible. A brave reporter on Los Angeles' KNX said it may have been caused by a neglected gas line that exploded. (You know, billions and trillions for the military, nothing for infrastructure). The other cowardly reporters are merely saying that the cause is 'under investigation.' A very close friend of ours, an elderly woman of 80, lives in Thousand Oaks, but is staying with her son in safe territory. We are hoping and praying her condo doesn't burn down. She is very poor. I am also sending you kind, gentle thoughts on or about the occasion of your father's passing 6 years ago. Good to hear from you, Janet and Jim. So glad your Senator from MT won. Suz and I are very cautiously hopeful about the results. Yes, we are thrilled that Scott Walker was defeated!
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
11/11/2018_05:42
How are you fairing with the wild fires out there?
Eric W. Coate
politics
11/10/2018_09:01
I think it is a shame that the Democrats do not have better choices to offer the voters, because Trump and the Republicans are really BAD NEWS. the more you see of them, the worse it gets. I have a lot of free time and have been watching the Cnn station mostly until I can hardly stand to watch it any longer. It's like watching a train wreck. Trump is VILE!!, but he is the 'white guy'. Hurray; Scott Walker is no longer governor of Wisconsin; what a jerk! Peace and love, if you can find any in todays' world.
Janet O'Brien Olson
close elections
11/09/2018_15:15
Hi Jim (or do you prefer James?) Yes, there were a lot of elections that last I checked were too close to call. Twenty votes is a pretty small margin! Whatever side you are on, Trump seems to have stirred up a lot of passion on both sides. I found it interesting that a lot of well educated women (suburban mostly) who voted for Trump last time did an about face this time. Looking at the data here in MT, younger voters, women and those from our few urban/college town areas went for the Democrats. white middle age and older men trended Republican. Interesting stuff to watch.
James McMahon
Janet
11/08/2018_19:09
Hi Janet! The guy who got elected as city council member for my district won by 22 votes. Recount likely.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Alive and well in Montana
11/07/2018_14:06
Wow, thanks guys. I took a break for a while but came back today to see if anyone had thoughts on the election. It was pretty hairy here. One of our senators is a Democrat (this is a Red state) and was up for re-election. He is on the Armed Services Committee and when Ronnie Jackson was up for head of the VA, had brought up unfavorable info that got his nomination scuttled. Trump swore that he was going to make him pay for it and to that end came to Montana 4 times in the last couple of months to campaign for his opponent and badmouth Jon Tester. ( Pence was here 2 or three times as was Don Jr.). It was unheard of and quite nasty. Well, to make a long story shorter, it took till 11 this morning for the Republican to concede and Tester gave an acceptance speech. The final numbers were close but Jon Tester gets his third term. Interesting guy, he is a third generation farmer and still actively runs the farm in addition to his Senate duties. Sometimes the good guys win! That's my tirade for now, thanks for inquiring as to my wellbeing.
Edward Wood
Janet
10/31/2018_11:28
I've thought about you also, Janet.
Eric W. Coate
Janet
10/26/2018_07:00
Haven't heard much from Janet lately. Everything 'OK' in your world, Janet?
Eric W. Coate
ED, Jim
10/22/2018_16:44
They (CCR) sat in the VW van as I drove them from American's terminal to the helicopter service I was working for at the time. We actually talked a few words, about the movie 'Easy Rider', which I had just seen. A hippies dream.
(the experience, not the movie)
Edward Wood
Eric
10/22/2018_10:48
According to Wikipedia, they were born in the SF Bay area, but their music has strong ties to Louisiana.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
10/22/2018_10:16
Poetic license, Ed.

I always thought that CCR was from Lousiana. 'Born on the bayou'
Edward Wood
Credence
10/21/2018_13:33
They were unmistakably from Northern CA, proven by one of their rhymes. They believed that 'wind' rhymes with 'bend.'
Edward Wood
Jim
10/21/2018_13:32
Thanks, Jim. The mystery is cleared up!
James McMahon
Ed
10/20/2018_21:47
Ed, the Credence guys were Fogerty not Fogarty.
Edward Wood
Eric
10/20/2018_11:09
Eric! I'm not sure I understand. You couldn't be saying the Fogarty twins, Ruben and Louis, are Credence Clearwater Revival, could you? Suz and I love this pop group and listen to them quite frequently.
Eric W. Coate
ED, Jim
10/19/2018_05:55
Funny thing; when I was working at Logan, I drove the Fogarty brothers aka Credence Clearwater Revival, between airlines rampside. They still give concerts, I believe.
Eric W. Coate
ED, Jim
10/16/2018_15:43
We lost the game I played in, and it wasn't against a team from Al., for sure, so we weren't in the finals. I was 10, and I don't really remember anything except striking out on three pitches. But it was in Williamsport, I believe .My grandfather was the team manager. I also played right field in a softball game with the Fogarty brothers. It was much more fun!! One of my fondest memories of Wellesley H.S.
Edward Wood
Jim
10/15/2018_13:16
2 more events from Little League 1952 come to mind. The first could be entitled, 'What a Difference 2 Years Can Make.' In summer baseball, 1950 (Little League would not come to Wellesley until 1952), Dick Bigley, age 10, was constantly being abused, verbally, by his coach. By 1952, Dick was a highly respected star for our Braves. The second event could be entitled, 'Gala Night.' In March, 1952, with great fanfare, Little League was introduced to Wellesley. The whole town turned out for the indoor celebration. Eventually, the MC hosted a Q & A session. In one question, he told us that the distance from the mound to the plate was 44 feet. Being the introvert, I was reflecting upon everything that had transpired, so I missed that last question. I promptly raised my hand and asked the MC what was the distance from the mound to the plate. He did not give me an answer, but asked me repeated questions about my question. I became increasingly awkward, trying to get an answer. The whole audience was quietly ridiculing me. Finally, someone piped up, '44 feet.' Driving back home with my friend, Charlie Mulcahy, he was also puzzled and asked his father why the audience was ridiculing my simple question. His father explained that the MC had just answered that question a minute before my inquiry. Even a few weeks later, an older boy ridiculed me for 'displaying your ignorance.'
Edward Wood
Eric
10/15/2018_12:47
Eric, Asa Small was named after his father, Asa, who was Principal of Needham High. I believe Asa, Senior, must have been named after a King of Judea (with a mixed record) in the Hebrew Bible.
Edward Wood
Jim
10/15/2018_12:27
Jim, in 1952, I too was called up from the Minor Leagues, when the Major League players went on Summer vacation. I played for the Braves as a spare right fielder. The only time I had contact with a pitch was a foul tip off Detroit's Brian Gavin. I remember our game against your Cleveland Indians. In a close game, our coach, Brad Jealous, instructed me to try to coax a walk off Cleveland pitcher Ruben Fogarty. My eyes were working especially well that night. As soon as the ball left Ruben's hand, I could tell whether it would be a ball or a strike. I worked the count to 3 and 2. The next pitch, I was ready to swing, if it was a strike, but I knew it would be a ball. So, I walked, and Brad Jealous was thrilled. I advanced to third on a hit, but did not score. We eventually won that game.
Edward Wood
Eric
10/15/2018_12:10
Eric, from 1950-1954, the only NY team in the World Series at Williamsport, PA was Schenectady (1953 and 1954). It is possible that Elmira lost to Schenectady in the contest to get to Williamsport. OR, Elmira, Schenectady, and other teams, coached by your grandfather, combined for one team, with the designated name, 'Schenectady.' In 6th grade (1953) our school watched a Newsreel program that had excerpts for the Finals at Williamsport, between 'Schenectady' and Birmingham, AL. In a thriller, Joe Sims, from AL, outdueled a nameless left-hander from 'Schenectady,' 1-0. In both 1953 and 1954, Jim Barbieri and Bill Connors played for 'Schenectady.' In 1954, Schenectady routed Lakeland, FL, 16-0, in the opening game. John 'Boog'Powell and Carl Taylor (only 10 years old) were playing for Lakeland. John Powell would go on to become a star for the Orioles, while Carl would have one outstanding season as a platoon player for Pittsburgh (?) He didn't fare so well, when he was used regularly and had to face both left and right handers. In the Finals in 1954, 'Schenectady' beat Colton, CA, 7-5. Playing second base for Colton was Ken Hubbs, who at age 20 would break the Major League record for consecutive errorless chances. Early in 1964, he was tragically killed, when his small plane went down in a snowstorm. Bill Connors was ineffective as pitcher in the Major Leagues. Jim Barbieri did very well for the Dodgers in his rookie season in 1966. He was the first Williamsport graduate to play in a Major League World Series (1966), striking out as a pinch hitter. Mysteriously, he never played again in the Majors.
Eric W. Coate
Jim McMahon
10/15/2018_10:16
I guess that's what Dad's are for!!

I have a congenital heart condition which kept me out of competitive sports in school; insurance wouldn't cover me with a pre-existing condition. Out of the military too; no Vietnam for me luckily. Yin and Yang.
James McMahon
Eric
10/14/2018_19:02
Eric, regarding your strikeout in Little League: I was sort of a minor leaguer for the Cleveland Indians in the Wellesley Little League when I was about 10. I was called up when the families of some of the 'major leaguers' went on vacation on Cape Cod in August. As I recall, I was once called up to play at shortstop and made a couple of good plays in the field, but with my Dad in attendance, I took a called third strike thinking I only had one strike on me. Embarrassingly, I burst into tears. But all was well when my Dad took me for ice cream after the game.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
10/14/2018_04:09
Must have been first half of the 50's sometime. It wasn't that big a deal back then, or so it seems now.
Edward Wood
Eric
10/13/2018_12:04
Wow! Your team from Elmira was in the LL World Series? Do you remember what year?
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
10/11/2018_13:52
My maternal grandfather coached Little League ball in the Elmira area of NYS He took a team to the LL world Series and I was a bench warmer for that team. I had one at bat and stuck out on three pitches. So much for my LL career.

I remember Asa Small; an unusual name.

Edward Wood
Eric
10/10/2018_11:00
I know Needham High School field well. This place was the site of all our track meets from 1958-1960. I remember seeing Needham's star pitcher, Asa Small, in the distance. I still grieve for him and his wife -- victims of a tragic fire in 1966. He was one of several noteworthy alumni from the 1954 Little League World Series at Willamsport. The others include Ken Hubbs, brilliant second baseman for the Cubs before his tragic plane crash in 1964, John 'Boog' Powell, star first baseman for Baltimore, and Carl Taylor, excellent platoon hitter for Pittsburgh and a few other clubs.
Edward Wood
Jim
10/10/2018_10:56
Good to get an 'update' regarding Buzz! The last time I saw him was at his beautiful wedding on June 12, 1965, to Nancy Wood (no relation) in Pepperell. I remember the name Mary Ditano well (renewing my drivers'license? voting?). Had no idea she was your aunt!
Eric W. Coate
Jim, Ed
10/07/2018_11:21
The year?? that the Boston Patriots football team came into being, they played their home games at, I believe, Needham HS field. We went to their first game and sat on the 50 yard line in the first or second row of bleachers. Try that now, my friends. Also, when I first arrived at UMass. Amherst, the Patriots were at camp there; when they came into the dining hall, they were physically the most impressive men I had ever seen.
James McMahon
Ed, Eric
10/07/2018_00:47
Coincidentally, after law school I worked with Buzz Brownlee at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination for a short time. I knew of him well before that, because his family lived in the same neighborhood as my Aunt Mary Ditano, later Mary Clark (who became Town Clerk). I believe she knew Dr. Brownlee well.
Regarding K.C. Jones, Vic Cononi and I once had the privilege of watching him and the rest of the Celtics practice at Babson Institute around 1965. I think that was the era of the Celtics when K.C. Jones and Sam Jones had become starting guards, following the era of Bob Cousy and Bill Sharman.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
10/06/2018_12:29
When my family moved from Wellesley in 1963, I believe it was, they were informed by a real estate agent in Wellesley that if an agent were to sell a home in Wellesley to a black family, the agent would have his real estate license revoked, thus being deprived of his ability to earn a living I believe that KC Jones was the first black man to buy a house in Wellesley, he being the coach of the Celtics at the time.
Edward Wood
Eric
10/06/2018_12:28
I remember you telling us about this horrible racism several years ago. I didn't know about K.C. Jones. Good for him! I remember him as a player for the Celtics in the late 1950's. You probably didn't know Carol 'Buzz' Brownlee. He was in our class and went to Hunnewell Elementary School, but went to private schools starting in 7th grade. He was a close friend of mine. His father, Robert, was our family's wonderful physician. Buzz's mother, Mary, was a very close friend of mine. We walked with Martin Luther King when he came to Boston in April 23, 1965. In the mid 1960's she was very, very active in Fair Housing, an organization zealously working to abolish racial discrimination in Wellesley housing.
Edward Wood
Eric
10/05/2018_10:22
The town was definitely Philadelphia in MS. The message was deliberate in both cases. The reason why these two symbolic gestures of hate were not widely reported is that the corporations (especially Rupert Murdoch and Jeff Bezos)control the media. The only source I heard reporting this was Thom Hartmann, who has a daily program.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
10/04/2018_09:22
I remember the murders distinctly , but can't comprehend why Reagan and Trump would start their campaigns there in Philadelphia, Miss. It seems incomprehensible that they should add insult to injury so blatantly. Why is this not better know to the public? Never thought that Reagan was all that great anyway.

By the way, I at one time (twice actually) was on food stamps. Thankfully, no longer. But the memory lingers on.
Edward Wood
Eric
10/03/2018_11:00
The town was Philadelphia, Mississippi, I think. Reagan launched his campaign in this town, just down the street from where the murders took place, with a thinly disguised appeal to racism. One of Trump's immediate family did roughly the same thing.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
10/02/2018_18:23
what kind of connections did they have, do you know? fear & hate are great motivators, it seems.
Edward Wood
Eric
10/02/2018_13:39
There is always that danger. Both Reagan and Trump had close connections to the town in Mississippi, where Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman, and James Cheney were brutally murdered in June, 1964. Incidentally, little, 4-year-old, heroic Dennis Boyd helped to shelter them, a weeks or so before they were kidnapped. In the 1980's he was known as Oil Can Boyd, and was a star pitcher for Boston and Montreal, when his arm was healthy.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
10/02/2018_07:46
Makes you wonder if some one like Trump will come up with a 'final solution' for the 'Blacks'. It could happen here?? Trump is a big fan of NIxon's.
Edward Wood
Eric
10/01/2018_10:50
Nixon's 'War on Drugs' began the mass incarceration of Blacks. Rich White people used the same drugs, more or less, in equal numbers, but have not been bothered. There are now more Blacks in prison than there were on the plantations.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
09/30/2018_14:33
the 'north country' where we live is, or was, the prison capital of New York state. before Obama, just about every small town had a prison. mainly for black men, (converted high schools even) During his administration, many of the prisons were closed, which upset the locals who worked as guards, etc.Imagine Germany, in the heyday of concentration camps, which some of the prisons resemble a great deal. legalizing marijuana helped to close them too, probably.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
09/29/2018_15:56
We have to drive about 40 miles to see Whiteface. Dannemora prison is 10 minutes up the road. the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Edward Wood
Eric
09/29/2018_09:37
Tennant is surrounded by mountains, which obstruct any view of Mt. Shasta. We have to drive 6 miles out of 'town' before we can see Mt. Shasta.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
09/29/2018_08:37
I knew that there was something terrible in Tennants history; I had read about it somewhere

I learned to ski on Whiteface Mt. My opthomologist's son was killed there when he went off the trail and hit a tree. he was a champion skier to.
You are lucky if you can see Mt. Shasta. We only see Whiteface when we
drive to Lake Placid. It is an awesome mountain. Scares me. I have had a TKR (total knee replacement) so I don't ski now. We hike if we can.
Edward Wood
Eric
09/27/2018_10:27
In the early 20th century, this county (Siskiyou) had a terrible history of murdering the indigenous population. When I was on the faculty of Camp Minnowbrook on Lake Placid, summer of 1962, I loved to gaze on Mt. Whitehead (Whiteface Mountain?) Absolutely beautiful. Camp Minnowbrook was an outstanding camp for the arts and sciences. Some of the campers that year included Wesley Strick (a piano student of mine), who became the music critic for Rolling Stone and is now a noted Hollywood script writer for comic/horror movies; David Paymer (one of my campers)now a noted Hollywood actor and director, and Marty Fulterman, who now goes by Mark Snow and is an outstanding Hollywood composer.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
09/27/2018_05:56
We live in a town that has a general store, a hardware store and a gas station. It is down the road from Dannemora prison, which employs lots of guards who live in the town. Logging and mining used to keep the area going, but no more. Whiteface mountain is several miles away, in Lake Placid. Lots of trees, ( and deer).
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
09/26/2018_18:49
It has a history--- a murder perhaps; something of note, but I can't recall it.
Edward Wood
Eric
09/26/2018_09:48
All I know is that it is a defunct logging community, which had its heyday from 1921-1959. Back then, it had a general store and a school. The school is now a kind of historic monument.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
09/25/2018_16:48
the name Tennant is familiar, somehow. must be famous for something??
Edward Wood
Eric
09/25/2018_11:19
Glad you are doing better. The actual town of Tennant is forest, but is surrounded by mountains, notably Mt. Shasta, 14,102 ft above sea level. I haven't seen any evidence of skiing.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
09/25/2018_08:58
I've had my ups and downs too, mostly my own fault though. Doing better now though. Tennant; isn't that big ski country?
Edward Wood
Eric
09/24/2018_09:58
In 2005 I was unexpectedly laid off my full-time job in Lancaster, MA, which I had held for 16 years, with no severance pay. By the end of 2006, we were in danger of being homeless. A friend of Suz offered to let us stay with her in Sacramento. So, we moved there in Jan, 2007. She forced us out in Oct. The only place we could find, that we could afford, was this tiny cottage in Tennant, to which we moved at the end of October in 2007.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
09/23/2018_11:03
Malipitas is somewhere north of San Jose, near Caleveras county, of Tom Sawyer fame, I gather. I have relatives all over California, which I like to visit, but probably couldn't live there. What drew you to the area?
Edward Wood
Eric
09/22/2018_10:28
The homeless situation in SF is horrific, due to obscenely high rents. I have vaguely heard of Malipitas, but don't know the location.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
09/18/2018_17:06
Ed,

My son Clayton lived in San Fran for quite some time. At one time he had an apartment around the corner from the skid row area, which he said was huge. ( He sold his house in the burbs and moved into the city, but left soon for the burbs again Malipitas, where ever that is.
Edward Wood
Eric
09/15/2018_10:42
You are absolutely right. The way LA is banning tiny homes, that were such a help to the homeless, is an abomination.
Eric W. Coate
ED, Jim
09/04/2018_10:02
One summer my family went to California for vacation, and I went to the Farmers' Market in LA with my grandfather, who introduced me to Gene Autry, for whom he had done a house 'Melody ranch'. Autry gave us tickets to his radio show the next day, and we saw how the show was produced in a 'live' studio. That was before he owned the Cal. Angels. or we might have gone to a ballgame. Nice man; very short. LA was wonderful!! Now it's 'home' to the homeless. Pity.
Eric W. Coate
Jim McMahon
08/27/2018_07:19
JIM; THANKS SO MUCH FOR THAT INFO. I DIDN'T KNOW HALF OF THAT MYSELF UNTIL NOW, IN SUCH DETAIL. THANK YOU. IF I EVER GET TO HAWAII, MAYBE IO CAN THANK YOU IN PERSON.

MY COUSIN HARLOW BAILEY WAS STATIONED IN HAWAII WITH THE MARINE CORPS. ONE OF HIS DUTIES WAS TO BE THE LIFEGUARD AT THE MARINE'S BEACH.
James McMahon
Eric, Ed
08/27/2018_00:12
Eric, if you use Google, just search 'Roland Coate Wikipedia.' If not, we'll figure something out.
Ed, the hurricane had little effect on urban and suburban Honolulu, which is on the island of Oahu. The Hawaiian island chain is hundreds of miles long, so hurricanes affect different places differently. Hurricane Lane brought huge amounts of rain to the largest island, which is called Hawai'i, which is also the same of the entire state. My neighborhood got just a trace of rain.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
08/26/2018_07:54
Dah; how do I get to the Wikipedia article? I'm not familiar with the service.
Edward Wood
Eric, Jim
08/25/2018_12:05
Wonderful news, Eric! I read the article on Roland Coate -- very impressive. Jim, I trust you are safe from the terrible hurricane.
Eric W. Coate
summer
08/24/2018_20:18
Hi Jim;

Yes, Roland Coate was my grandfather. I will look up the Wikipedia article. thanks.
James McMahon
Eric
08/24/2018_11:44
Eric, You must be referring to architect Roland Coate. You probably know that there's a Wikipedia entry on him, mentioning his celebrity clients.
Eric W. Coate
dentistry
08/23/2018_10:01
Good news, Ed.

I have this really cool dentist. He started a small office in the local mall, and called it McDental. McDonalds actually sued him to stop using that name. He now has an office with two other experienced dentists, and they do great work. They have in-house insurance. He(the dentist) makes guitars as a hobby; great hands; and his sister paints oils and decorates his offices.
Really nice guy. He is straightening my crooked teeth, using Invisiline who my California son used to work for, before they moved to Costa Rico, and he got layed off. He ( my son) now installs solar panels on houses and small businesses around San Jose.
My father was from Pasadena, so I have an affinity for the West coast.
His father was an architect of some renown, who designed houses for movie stars, post depression. He also did the paddock at Santa Anita racetrack.
It's getting awfully crowded out there, it would seem now. Lots of problems.
Edward Wood
Eric
08/18/2018_11:30
Hi, Eric. I just (finally!) was able to have a filling done, and have an appointment for 3 more. Hope all is well with you. Thanks again!
Edward Wood
Eric
07/23/2018_00:09
Glad you were finally able to quit smoking. I second your appeal to anyone else who is reading this blog.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
07/20/2018_13:03
I guess when a person smokes, they neglect a lot of important things. It is a very unhealthy habit, to say the least. If any one reading this still smokes cigarettes, please quit. It's never too late.
Edward Wood
Eric
07/19/2018_11:37
So sorry you lost so many teeth. If all goes well, I should be able to have a cavity treated in mid Aug.
Eric W. Coate
Ed Wood
07/18/2018_10:31
Hope you guys get to the dentist ok. I lost so many teeth due to smoking, which actually makes one's teeth fall out.
Edward Wood
Eric
07/14/2018_12:22
We were able to get an exam, and also a cleaning later. I had an appointment to fill a cavity in Apr, but we were both sick. Next available appointment is in Aug. Thanks for inquiring.
Eric W. Coate
Ed Wood
07/11/2018_15:17
How did things work out for you at the dentist?
Edward Wood
Jim
07/07/2018_09:21
So relieved you are safe! Wonderful that you are able to work full time.
James McMahon
Aloha
07/04/2018_21:17
I am still living in Hawai`i and, believe it or not, still working full time.
Edward Wood
not the final words
06/23/2018_10:31
I still want the blog to continue. Jim McMahon, if you are reading this, I hope you are safe in Hawaii.
Eric W. Coate
blog
06/22/2018_16:16
I hope this is not the final words on the blog!!
Eric W. Coate
Donald
04/15/2018_15:01
And what a post!! Glad he still has a sense of humor. We get calls from people in Jamaica who want us to buy 'unusual' items. They are very creative, as with 'Dr. Miracle'.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Eric
04/15/2018_09:47
Sorry Eric, the reference was to Donald and the fact that after a long silence he finally posted.
Eric W. Coate
'HE'
04/15/2018_06:20
Janet,

Who is the 'he' that you are refering to, if I may ask?
Janet O'Brien Olson
Hmmm
04/02/2018_10:08
At least we know that he is still alive and well (???)
Eric W. Coate
Dr. Miracle
03/16/2018_11:15
Oh well.
Edward Wood
Donald
02/09/2018_13:16
So good to hear from you! I would very much hesitate before blowing off Dr. Miracle -- I would not want to jump to conclusions. I simply do not have enough information.
Eric W. Coate
sunstroke
02/07/2018_11:24
Knappy's been out in his boat too long in the hot sun, I fear.

Sorry, Don. That's from our 'friends' in Nigeria; they'll try any scam to try and get your money.

Tell me it's not a joke; I am so desperate.
Donald V. Knapman
All Thank To Dr Miracle
02/06/2018_13:39
With so much in my heart i am here to recommend Dr. Miracle to everybody that truly need help to fix his or her broken relationship. When I found Dr. Miracle my husband dumped me after 2 years without no explanation I was really upset and i needed help, so i searched for help online until I came in contact with Dr Miracle the real man, who helped me to restore my broken marriage. If you're having similar problem in your marriage, you want your husband or wife to love you again, you have someone you love and you want him or her to love you in return, you are having any challenge in your relationship. Dr, MIRACLE SPELL HOME is the solution and answer to your problem, contact him today via Email. Miraclespellhome@gmail.com Or Miraclespellhome@yahoo.com Call or Whatsapp him now +2348071398555...
Eric W. Coate
more bands
02/03/2018_17:54
I can't remember his name off-hand, but the guitar playing rock & roll who p played at several dances; pretty good too. Bob Vincent!!

We are contemplating a trip to 'the Islands' in the not too distant future. My niece works for Homeaway and she and seven other people rent a house in Maui for 10 days.
James McMahon
Time Zones
02/03/2018_16:39
Looks like maybe the time zone difference between Hawaii and mainland is knocking my entries out of sequence with yours. My apologies.
James McMahon
Bands
02/03/2018_16:37
Well, there was Richard Appleton and the Appletones.
Edward Wood
another band
02/03/2018_14:29
In 9th grade, I was in a band that was organized by John Koller. Doug Dick (a year ahead of us) played trumpet. Allerton 'Bing' Town was also a member. I wasn't a jazz pianist, but did my best.
James McMahon
Music
02/03/2018_13:11
Lots of musical talent in our class--and a wide variety. As I recall, Ed, you played a piece by Bartok at one of our assemblies. That performance opened a few eyes--and ears! I also recall Charles Shackford pounding out 'I was a big man yesterday, but oh you oughta see me now' on the piano. He did great.
Eric W. Coate
band
02/02/2018_17:45
I will work on it(my memory), but all I remember from that particular time was a band that practiced at my house on Weston Rd, with Randy McNamara, Fred Schneider, a trumpet player (Dave Naylor?) and maybe John Kohler. I can't place you, although your name is familiar to me. Unfortunately, when I was short of money, I sold my saxes and clarinet, never to play again. Bad move. I wasn't that good anyway; I did enjoy playing the sax.
James McMahon
Eric's Band
02/02/2018_13:12
Eric, I recall that you formed a jazz band during high school, and we practiced in the basement of a house on Dover Road--yours perhaps? I don't recall all the members, but you on sax, John Hart (from another WHS class)
on clarinet, and Fred Schneider and I on bass clarinet took part. You brought sheet music for all of us, one of which was for 'You Can't Take That Away From Me.' I had been demoted from first clarinetist to second in the high school band after I botched a solo cadenza in rehearsal under Mr. Leach, but then I discovered the joy of playing bass clarinet in relative anonymity, and lots of fun because it was basically part of the rhythm section, right in front of the drums. Anyway, before I knew it your band got reduced in size and featured Hart, who could play a mean jazz clarinet. I was out. Fun times!
James McMahon
The Blog
02/01/2018_11:12
This blog got very political. I don't know if that reduced our classmates' participation, but it could be a factor.
Eric W. Coate
 
01/22/2018_16:26
You're welcome, Ed. I'm glad I could be of help to you.
Edward Wood
Dental Care
01/22/2018_15:56
Thank you for the info, Eric. Very likely, the dental clinic to which we will go, will allow small, monthly payments.
Eric W. Coate
dental care
01/19/2018_18:17
Ed,

Look into 'Care Credit' an in-house credit line to cover the cost of dental work; should be offered by your dentist. Worked for me.
Edward Wood
Dentist
01/15/2018_12:48
Thank you, Eric. We were pleasantly shocked that they could give us an appointment for an exam Feb 1. Last time we checked, there was an 8-month waiting list.
Eric W. Coate
dentist
01/14/2018_11:04
Hope that it goes well at the dentist
Edward Wood
Eric
01/13/2018_13:23
Thank you, Eric. Yesterday we made a dental appointment.
Eric W. Coate
lletter
01/09/2018_06:37
Got your letter, Ed. Thanks. Best of luck.
Eric W. Coate
grandparenthood
01/04/2018_06:35
It's comforting being a grandparent; something must be going right somehow.

I have two grandkids, both teenagers. Good fortune with yours, Janet.
Edward Wood
Janet
12/31/2017_15:17
Congratulations to you, Janet, and also to your daughter Jodie and her husband! You must be exhilarated!
Janet O'Brien Olson
2018
12/31/2017_08:14
Wishing all a very Happy New Year...hope that your hopes and dreams are realized in 2018. Ed, thank you for the anniversary good wishes. When it is there in black and white, 48 years seems like a loooong time.
Biggest event for us this year was the birth of our first grandchild. Daughter Jodie and husband gave us a beautiful little granddaughter.
Edward Wood
Greetings
12/30/2017_13:36
Eric, and Janet, may you have a wonderful New Year. Maybe I had some grammatical errors, when I was telling you about our eating well. Janet, Happy 48th Anniversary to you and your husband! Anyone else reading this blog, blessed New Year. I too wish more classmates would join us.
Eric W. Coate
Christmas
12/24/2017_11:23
'Happy Christmas' to you too, Janet, and to anyone else still reading this blog. maybe we will outgrow it eventually, but it's nice just the same.

This is meant in a positive way; too bad more people aren't reading this blog.
Eric W. Coate
funny
12/24/2017_11:20
That was funny, ED. 'food is one area where we are able to eat well'
Janet O'Brien Olson
Greetings
12/24/2017_08:04
Wishing all a very Happy Christmas and a better New Year
Edward Wood
Food Stamps
12/15/2017_16:34
My experience with food stamps in the late 1970's/ early 1980's was similar to yours. In my monthly eligibility interviews I often felt degraded.
Eric W. Coate
food stamps
12/15/2017_06:43
in a way you are fortunate that you not eligible for food stamps. i had them at one time, and always felt like i was stealing at the check-out line. bad feeling
Edward Wood
Food
12/12/2017_15:06
We are ineligible for food stamps, because our Social Security is too high. Food is one area where we are able to eat well. Grub Market is always offering bargains on wonderful food. The Ashland Food Coop, 100 miles away in Ashland, OR, offers a great variety of food, often at very reasonable prices.
Edward Wood
Eric
12/12/2017_15:00
I have Medicare, but it doesn't cover dental work. My Social Security payments are just barely high enough, that Medi-Cal (equivalent of Medi-Caid) doesn't pay my Medicare premium. My mailing address is 13718 Ridge Lane, Macdoel, CA 96058-9732. Suz's Social Security is just low enough, that Medi-Cal does pay her Medicare premiums. Once again, thank you, and Merry Christmas!
Eric W. Coate
 
12/12/2017_08:17
I can't do a whole lot, ED, but what is your mailing address?

I went years without visiting a dentist, and I still have my teeth. There are worse things. What is Medi-cal? Like Medicaid? You should be eligible for Medicare. Medicaid would pay your health insurance premium, I believe. They do here in NY. There is no need to starve or be totally poor. Food stamps? Anyway, Happy Holidays to you both!!
Edward Wood
Eric
12/10/2017_15:25
Our gratitude to you is immense! We exist solely on Social Security. Medi-Cal charges us a deductible of well over half our income EACH MONTH. Thus, we cannot afford dental care. Suz has been to the dentist once in the last 10 years. I have lost a large filling. We would be eternally grateful to you for any assistance you can give us.
Eric W. Coate
hard times
12/08/2017_07:06
I remember you writing about your & Suz's living situation. I am no stranger to 'hard times' myself. Things have recently turned around for me and my partner; we're not rich by any means, but if there is any small thing that we could do for you, Ed, please let me know. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Edward Wood
Ray Chapman/DT
12/02/2017_13:37
I so appreciate Mr. Chapman. Hopefully, with Michael Flynn testifying about DT, he will be impeached.
Eric W. Coate
in memory of Ray Chapman
11/25/2017_13:28
Where we learned about Tammany Hall. That is where Trump gets his politics. 100% dishonest and corrupt; cruel, mean, self-serving, etc. he must GO!! 'soon'.
Edward Wood
Eric
11/13/2017_14:48
You're most welcome, Eric. I consider my photographic memory to be a solemn responsibility.
Eric W. Coate
Ed,
11/11/2017_15:37
Thank you, Ed. You have'One of the all-time great memories'
Edward Wood
Eric
11/11/2017_14:52
Kind thoughts to you, on the approximate 5th anniversary of your father going Home to God.
Edward Wood
Politics, continued
11/10/2017_16:22
Paul Ryan's progressive opponent has raised more money (average donation $28) than Paul Ryan (Koch brothers donations) for next year's election. Hopefully, he will be unseated, and all we will have to deal with are D. Trump and M. Pence.
Eric W. Coate
politics,etc.
11/10/2017_05:09
A big repudiation of Trump and his agenda, what? heartening. he can not be allowed to take over the political process in America. he is too ignorant and corrupt.and TOTALLY DISHONEST; a throwback to the corrupt Irish pols of Tammany Hall era.
Edward Wood
Politics
11/09/2017_14:47
The elections 2 days ago are really, really encouraging.
Eric W. Coate
politics
11/06/2017_03:32
Bruce Snow
Please be patient
09/09/2012_20:40
We are experiencing technical difficulties with our web site. It will be fix shortly. Thanks for your patience.
Your Web Master
Merrill Crockett
Wellesley Turns Out/On The Lights
10/13/2011_16:08
I'm glad I had the opportunity to tour the old and see the new building during the reunion last year. A group of us stopped by and happened to meet the Principal. He was kind enough to show us around. I wonder how long it will be before the new gym and locker rooms smell like moldy sneakers?
Editor note: see: www.wellesleycelebrateseducation.org/ or www.facebook.com/WellesleysTurnOutTheLights/
Edward Wood
Guitar
10/12/2011_13:16
Bruce, what a wonderful experience! I am happy for you, and would also be delighted to hear you play sometime. It was good to hear from you, Linda.
Janet O'Brien Olson
greetings
10/11/2011_21:14
Hi Linda, I'm glad that you found this blog. Hope that you will keep in touch and tell us something about what you are doing now.
Linda Dwinnell
Thank you for all the reunion photos
10/11/2011_17:27
It was such a pleasure to go through the photos and have memories of some of you come back to me. I went through the Wellesley school system right up to the spring of 1959 - my family moved to New Jersey that summer so I ended up graduating there. You all look wonderful and it seems to me you had a really good time.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Hello
10/11/2011_13:58
Bruce, it sounds like you had a wonderful trip and what fun to work on your guitar skills with your guru. I wish that we could hear you! Marcia, I'm glad to hear that you are ok. It has been a long time since you posted and I was beginning to become concerned. We are definitely into a change of season now and even have some snow on the tops of the Mission Mountains. We just returned from our second annual 'tour Montana' trip....visited Little Bighorn Battle Field, Yellowstone, several 1800's towns and the Big Hole Battle Field. The latter is another example of the shocking treatment of our Native Americans! Ok, off my soap box! Hope you all are well.
Bruce Snow
Home from Spain
10/11/2011_11:14
Hi Gang, I just got back from a wonderful couple of weeks in Spain (and Morocco) improving my Spanish at an immersion school in Málaga. The program, called Masters 50+, is designed for us Seniors, with cultural side trips in addition to the classroom experience and an opportunity to meet interesting folks from all over (I was the only Yank, most were from Europe).
Ed, you may be interested that I had the opportunity to have a couple hours of face-to-face instruction from my flamenco guru who has moved from Toronto and now lives in Málaga.
Marcia Madden Heist
I'm Still Around
10/08/2011_11:03
Hi Everyone...I love this blog and I visit much more often than I 'post' greetings. It is a gorgeous Saturday morning in Brookline....not too hot yet although 86 degrees is predicted for tomorrow. Rob and I are well and enjoying the first weeks of his retirement. He still consults two days a week which will save us from too much togetherness. I am co-chairing my 50th reunion from Lasell College in May of 2012. Good training last year. I just can't believe that a year has passed by since our 50th. Time does fly!! I have been wondering if anyone has heard any more about the 'festivities' around the 'decommissioning' of the old WHS which is supposed to take place around Thanksgiving. I am going to hunt around but would love to know what folks have heard and whether or not anyone is planning to be around. Hope you are all well and enjoying this last bit of summer.
Richard W. Bankart
Annette F
10/02/2011_16:57
No - Her loss

Dick
Peter B Hill
Love
10/01/2011_20:17
Hi, Dick...You know, you COULD get in trouble working this BLOG. Oh, by the way, are you still in love with Annette Funicello?
Best ever, Pete :)
Richard W. Bankart
Mustang values
10/01/2011_17:43
Hi Gang,

Forgot this blog was here. Eric, noted your question re 1965 Mustang CV

Cond #1 - Perfect $38,000, #2 - $26,000, #3 - $17,100 - this is what you see
at most car shows, #4- $7,600 needs help but runs, #5 - 4,560 - needs a lot of work, restoration, paint etc, #6 $1,520 - rust bucket/parts donor
source:Old Cars Report, Dec 2011 issue.

Had a nice 3 week trip to Australia/Tamania in May. Friendly folks, quieter pace than USA.

Algebra I, II, remain mysteries along with calculus. Never did understand why the quadratic equation was important.

Enjoy - Dick
Peter B Hill
Hi, all!
09/17/2011_07:34
OK- 'Glad to see the BLOG is alive and well, as we launch into 2012. Sure,I miss the Vinyard- where my aunt used to have a neat cottage overlooking the sea. That was when you could go to Manemsha and buy swordfish too big to serve on crackers. Also miss Ogunquit, Maine, where I used to spend summers fishing off the rocks (not on the scale of Knappy, Stan, etc., however!
Best to all, Pete H.
Donald V. Knapman
Fishing with Stan the man
09/16/2011_09:16
The martha's vinyard derby could not hold a candle to the Marblehead search for the Shark derby. Bluefish, stripers, mackeral and snagged seaweed were everywhere. Though Stan is not a professional charter captain he is by far as capable as ant of those guys. Fish,whiskey,vodka,bud light and lobsters pulled from Stan's traps were just a delight. I even got achance to say hi to Mike Smith who called Stan while I was there. So fish warm weather and smooth sailing was all a man could ask for. Thank-you Stan, see you in Florida.
Theodore Tony Parker
Fishing Derby
09/12/2011_13:44
Priscilla and I just returned from Martha's Vineyard (just there with friends for the weekend not during the President's vacation)and we did not catch any fish Stan and Knappy. We did see a seal and did go swimming off South Beach but no sharks. Today starts the annual Fishing Derby which does have prizes for fly fishing so Janet O'B should be here.Thank godness for the past weekend ofPeace. Best to everyone
Stanley A Rossi
Knappy returns
09/10/2011_08:48
Knappy will be returning to Marblehead to catch the stripers that we missed last time. This is fun to get in touch with old friends and relive our youth.
Theodore Tony Parker
Catching up
09/05/2011_12:40
Well, what a fun time I have had catcing up with all of you and your musings and contemplations and whatevers on the blog. The summer ends (unofficially) today. I hope yours' have been good ones. Ours has been fine. No real damage from Irene or anything else. We returned last night from a brief trip to Maine in our Mini-Winnie. Hopefully we can get another trip in this fall.
Of course the 2012 elections are all over the place here in NE with red and blue people getting over the top in early conversations. (Of course I accept that in many circles, no politcal conversation or belief is ever too early. For me, all the positioning and polemics is overbearing. Soes anyone beleive what any candidate says anymore? How sad.)
On a happy note,we have communicated with and seen some classmates such as Marcia Madden Heist, Sue Lyeth Sternfeld, Jane Bigelow Orner and Susie Altman Wickoff. Best wishes to all of you.
Edward Wood
Irene
09/01/2011_18:12
I also hope all of you are safe, and am greatly relieved that the hurricane was not as bad as expected.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Irene
08/28/2011_08:29
I hope that all of you on the East coast get through the storm safely.
Janet O'Brien Olson
politics
08/19/2011_20:52
No problem Pete. I lived in DC for two years and loved every minute of it. Gets the old blood pumping!
Peter B Hill
Sorry
08/19/2011_06:38
Sorry about that, Janet- Sometimes, in the D.C. area, we get a bit too carried away by political stuff :)
As ever, Pete
Bruce Snow
hmmmmm.
08/15/2011_07:33
Janet, I think you're having fun getting old.
Janet O'Brien Olson
politics
08/14/2011_20:14
Ok, I am not going to carry this on any further. An internet dog training forum that I belong to about went under due to political posts. I don't want to see that happen here. My point in talking about Chapman's class was that I think that it is important for young people to be exposed to a wide spectrum of opinions so that they can form their own views in an intelligent manner. .....Man, I can't believe that August is half over. They say that time goes fast when you are having fun and/or when you get old.......hmmmmm.
Peter B Hill
2012
08/14/2011_07:24
OK, Janet- We'll see what President Romney thinks about it!
As ever, Pete
Eric W. Coate
teachers
08/07/2011_18:29
Janet; I agree with you about Mr. Chapman and Ms.Heffernan.
Janet O'Brien Olson
A little more Chappie
08/03/2011_10:16
Hi Pete, I'm glad that you had a good time in Key West. Sounds a bit too warm for my liking but it certainly is a beautiful spot. I too was thinking about what Chappie and some of my Maxwell School (Syracuse) professors would be thinking about the current state of affairs in Washington....I think you are correct in what Chappie would think. I guess that is why I liked him so much. My father was a very republican republican who could see no other viewpoint....Chappie opened up a whole new world of thinking for me and I thank him for that. Whatever your politics, I think it is important to understand other points of view.
Peter B Hill
Congress
08/03/2011_07:34
OK, Bruce- Unfortunately, Congress falls under that catagory too!
Pete H.
Bruce Snow
Theodore Roosevelt
08/02/2011_12:58
We could use another trust buster now, to deal with the Too-Big-To-Fails.
Edward Wood
teachers
08/01/2011_13:14
Janet, Peter, I liked Mr. Chapman back in 1959-1960. I was fascinated with a report from US historians that he posted, rating all the Presidents through Franklin Roosevelt. I remember him commenting that he disagreed with their rating of Theodore Roosevelt as a 'Near Great' president. He was rated much too high, in Mr. Chapman's opinion. Now that the historians have revised their assessment to raise him to the third greatest, after Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt, I think Ray would be even more dismayed. I completely agree with him. While Theodore was strong on labor and conservation, he, along with Woodrow Wilson, had this distressing habit of sending the marines into Central and South America to prop up brutal dictatorships, whenever the slightest traces of democracy would arise. My admiration for Ray has steadily increased over the decades. I strongly suspect that, with the exception of a few people like Denis Kucinich, Mr. Chapman would be utterly disgusted with both Republicans and Democrats.
Peter B Hill
Florida
08/01/2011_06:47
Well OK, y'all ARE still here after all. 'Just back from another great two weeks in Paradise (Key West)-Where the weather was relatively cool (!)- Mid 90's, compared to 105 degrees yesterday in Maryland. Teachers?- What would 'Chappie' have to say about our current political-economic mess? Too many Republicans & not enough Democrats, I bet!
'Later, Pete Hill
Janet O'Brien Olson
Ah ha there is life out there...
07/30/2011_20:52
Hi ED, glad to hear from you again, though I cannot add anything about Mr Fitzgerald. Just off the top of my head I think that my most interesting teachers were Ray Chapman and Claire Heffernan.......ERIC, the weather in our part of Montana has been relatively cool this summer though we are having a warm spell at the moment ... low 90's and upper 80's. It has been a poor year for the vegetable garden but as far as daily living is concerned, you won't hear me complain. Fishing has been good but limited to lakes and reservoirs as the rivers are still too high and fast. Last weekend I was amazed when I caught a 19-1/2 inch westslope cutthroat trout (3lbs). What was surprising was that I caught him on a wedding ring spinner with a #12 hook! How do you spell lucky????? I netted him just as the hook broke but not until he has pulled my kayak around for a bit...put up quite a fight. FUN!
Edward Wood
An Amazing Teacher
07/30/2011_10:57
Recently I have been pondering the phenomenon of our Geometry teacher in sophomore year, Mr. Fitzgerald. Some otherwise brilliant classmates looked down on him, as he may have been suffering from a very mild mental retardation. But this mental retardation was his very strength. He was able to make Geometry easy for me. While I painfully struggled for consistancy in 9th and 11th grade Algebra, I had no such struggles with Geometry, the way Mr. Fitzgerald presented it, and was able to thoroughly learn this subject. I am very grateful to him, and count him among the best teachers I have ever had.
Eric W. Coate
blog
07/29/2011_23:57
Janet,
What is the weather like in Montana? Here it gets into the 90's on some days, but fortunately we have a swimming pool in the back, so can cool off at will.
Janet O'Brien Olson
End of the blog?
07/29/2011_21:08
Eric, I was about to post the same question. It has been 24 days since the last post. Either everyone is too busy having fun this summer or roasting in the heat or they have quit. Hope not!
Eric W. Coate
blog
07/28/2011_23:29
Is that it? the end of the blog? No one has anything else to say?
Edward Wood
Janet
07/04/2011_13:20
I am so happy you are recovering so nicely from your surgery, Janet.
Janet O'Brien Olson
update
07/02/2011_18:26
I am pleased to report that my first fishing outing since surgery went well. I was able (with a little help from Dan) to get into and out of my Kayak without incident. The fact that we both hooked some large-mouth bass made it even better...we're about to eat them for dinner. To add to my last post, in previous years before we became Montana residents we were paying around $150 for an out of state license, and that didn't include upland birds.----------Ed I agree with you about the Native Americans.
Edward Wood
July 4
07/02/2011_13:25
I too want to join in wishing everyone a happy 4th of July. Don, I am happy to see that we have a common link to Bristol, Rhode Island. My Beloved uncle, aunt, and two cousins grew up in this city. This holiday reminds me of our 7th grade history teacher, Mr. Knox. When we were studying the Revolutionary War, he suddenly turned to (on?) me, almost accusing me, in uncanny insight that has proved to be prophetic, as he asked, 'Are you British, Ed?' I guess he sensed in me a budding Tory. I am torn in two -- the Wood branch of my family was in England during the war. The Baker and Way branches were in the colonies. I love them all, and am not happy about them killing each other. When the colonists were threatened in the French and Indian Wars, it was the British who came to their rescue, causing England to go badly in debt. The taxes that they imposed a few years later on the colonies were intended to ease this debt. And these taxes were very mild -- only 4% of what the people in England paid in taxes. If the colonists wanted to come of age, couldn't they have gone the way of Canada and Australia, remaining in the British Commonwealth of Nations? To complicate matters even further, France was the only country who treated the Native Americans with respect, consistantly. If they could have prevailed (non-violently), I think everyone would be better off.
Bruce Snow
Not So Bad
07/02/2011_08:48
Think that's bad? East Grand Lake, where our camp is, is split by the international boundary so you need two pricey licenses (Maine & New Brunswick) to fish the whole lake! (Prior to the 1980's each jurisdiction had reciprocity - only needed one)
Eric W. Coate
Janet
07/01/2011_18:47
Guess what a fishing license costs in New York state, for seniors. Hint--$65.00.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Happy 4th
06/30/2011_21:06
Glad to see that the blog has not stopped....I was beginning to wonder! Montana is finally getting some warm weather for a change. We are supposed to have a beautiful 4th weekend and I hope that you all do to. I am going to go on my first fishing adventure (since surgery) on Saturday. I think that I can get into my kayak ok but am a little concerned about getting out. Wish me luck! The rivers are way way way to high and fast now so we will do either a local reservoir or small lake. (To those of you who fish, a resident license for those over 62 is a whopping $12 and that includes upland game
birds as well) I knew there was something good about being a golden oldie. Happy and safe 4th to all. Knappy, hope your granddaughter has a good time.
Donald V. Knapman
Very quiet blog
06/30/2011_14:00
It has been awhile since the blog has been used so here goes. My granddaughter Ellie will be on a float in the Bristol 4th of July parade which claims to be the oldest in the nation. I have provided her with beads and told her to keep her top on. My 2 daughters when young girls were in the parade and both went topless thinking they were in Nalens. I must admit they were the parade favorites that year. I continue to age gracefully except for the occasional lost tooth, 16 down 16 to go. Thank god for the food processor. The lovely Linda continues to hobble from here to there, speed is not her strong suit. All things considerd we both feel younger than we look. Happy 4th to you all. Knap
Edward Wood
Bruce - Heather - Ethan
06/08/2011_11:56
Bruce, thank you for sharing Heather's blog with us. Ethan has an amazing,expressive face. In writing to him, Heather has given him a gift that is valuable beyond description. It is so important that she continue! When he gets older he will be so grateful to her for preserving his history. I know from experience. Our mother wrote a letter to us four children on our birthdays, through age 18. I still have her letters and am immeasurably indebted to her.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Blog
06/08/2011_07:59
Bruce, that is a beautiful essay that she wrote for Ethan. Thanks for the link....he is a cute little fellow.
I'll bet you are enjoying being Grandpa. Janet
Bruce Snow
Ethan Essay
06/07/2011_09:22
Janet, a belated reply to your query about Ethan. Yesterday was his trimester anniversary and Heather wrote a lovely essay to him on her blog where she's been posting his photos. Perhaps you (and others) would enjoy it: http://blackandsun.wordpress.com/.
Donald V. Knapman
A thanks to Capt. Rossi
06/04/2011_10:49
Captain Stan showed me why he is known throughout the North shore as one of the finest fishing guides. The stripe bass schools have been reduced and the Absolute vodka supply is way down. His lovely wife Amy was a most gracious host as was Stan. It was questionable whether I would ever get back to RI having to make my way through Boston but here I am. We plan to meet again later on this summer, I can't wait. Thanks Stan and Amy for your hospitality.
Peter B Hill
Florida!
06/03/2011_06:54
OK...Quickie to you Florida types (or any others who might like to travel a bit): How 'bout a mini reunion at The Gallion Resort in Key West (my condo)-I'll be there from July 10 through July 22. Anyone interested? Good fishing too, of course. Think about it.
Pete
Janet O'Brien Olson
Marcia
06/01/2011_16:37
Marcia....I re-read some of the most recent posts and noted that you said that you broke your foot.
I sincerely hope that it wasn't a bad break and that the Docs were able to set it well. Still gimping around after ankle fusion in February I have the utmost sympathy for hurt feet. Hope it heel fast!
To answer your question, I was back in Mass. in '09 when my sister passed away and I had to empty out her house. I still have a niece and sister-in-law who live in the Bridgewater area but don't foresee any east-bound trips in the near future. Out kids are both still in California. If I do find myself going in an eastward direction, I'd love to get together with some of you. Janet
Leslie Miller Penny
 
06/01/2011_10:45
Marcia, kind of knew you were brainstorming and that timing may well eliminate a lot because of various family gatherings all over @ Thanksgiving--but who knows how it will play out. Fun to think about--we don't want too much time to pass before we gather again.
I joined the website you suggested: www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley and am loving it in just 2 days---news from the Townsend, etc. it is a great connection.A note to add to Dawn's fishing life: she also fishes at Palm Beach during the winter where they spend the colder months of the year, I believe P.B. is their permanent residence--the Cape, their summer residence. She has caught some impressive sized fish!
Stanley A Rossi
The Knap and fishing
05/31/2011_18:23
Marcia, Knappy is in the house or should I say the boat. We went out today to catch some live bait for tomorrow. Does this blog take XXX video, Knap and I have been fishing topless. Thanks for asking about the hip, it is feeling great and now if I can get my back straightened out I will be ready spring practice. Hello to all class mates.
Stan
Marcia Madden Heist
Bye, Bye to Old Wellesley High...Wellesley's Turn Out the Lights
05/31/2011_16:33
Hi Leslie...Welcome back!! I really haven't given it much thought. The timing may not be the best for lots of folks (Thanksgiving). Maybe we could figure out what specific part of the program would be the best for the most...if you get my drift....and we could plan a meal somewhere after the event. Sorry to be so vague but I just found out about it myself. Hey Stan and Knap....I think you should make a sport fishing video of your trip and post it for us. Did I tell you that our very own Dawn Priem Burkhead is an avid deep sea fisherperson. She has boat(s) and would rather be on the water than almost anywhere. She fishes at the Cape each summer. Do I feel a derby coming on??? Have fun!! I love hearing from everyone. Janet...do you ever get back East?? We can always have a mini-reunion if you do. Stan, hope your hip is doing well...make sure that you bend your knees while standing in the boat fishing especially if the water is rough!! (OK...so I heard it on one of my many sport fishing shows...but it made sense to me!!) By the way...I love the 50's site. Such fun memories (are made of this) M
Leslie Miller Penny
turn out the lights ---music----fishing--
05/31/2011_14:42
Marcia I think we have to be there---I love the idea of a WHS -60 Thanksgiving together too--but the whole event around the ending of the old high school and the beginning of the new requires respresentation from our class! I went in to both websites that you suggested--what can I do from here?? Loved reading about the music, (50's pop and classical) the fishing expedition by our brothers of the sea--and just good to connect back in--getting ready for school's end here--but there could be available time over the summer to get involved. Let me know if any inspirations arise! A big hi! and best regards to all!
p.s. the 50's website is pretty fun, Kenny--boy that takes one back!
Janet O'Brien Olson
fishing and wishful thinking
05/30/2011_16:10
Don, I hope that you and Stan have a blast on your fishing trip. Let us know how things go.
Donald V. Knapman
The Atlantic Ocean, Watch out.
05/30/2011_15:52
Tuesday I head for Marblehead to rid the Atlantic of Stripe Bass with Captain Stan Rossi. He is known on the northshore as the most competent Captain this side of Boston Harbor. Our plan is to fish, whack down some bloodymary's and hob nob with his fellow captains at the local pub. He and his lovely wife Amy are looking forward to Linda K's out of this world homemade coffee cake. Being a bachelor for a few days requires I check my equipment and also my fishing tackle. Good to hear from Marcia again she has been far to quiet lately. Thanks Kenny for the tip about the 50's website. Take care everyone.
Edward Wood
Some Thoughts about the Music of the 50's
05/30/2011_13:32
Thank you, Kenny,we are greatly indebted to you for steering the discussion to this topic. Increasingly, I am fascinated with the serious side of the popular music of the 50's, and its evolution since then. Way back in 1954 there was 'Sixteen Tons.' Then in 1958 and early 1959 there was Ricardo Valenzuela Reyes (known as Ritchie Valens), who was an amazing pioneer in introducing the Spanish language to American popular music, at the tender age of SEVENTEEN. The plane crash was beyond tragic. Then there was Sam Cooke. My attention is focused on his song, 'Chain Gang.' (1960 --It almost made it into the '50's)When I hear him sing this song I can feel the stifling pressure of society to be 'entertaining', even frivolous, and Sam trying to push back, trying to introduce something called compassion. He paved the way for Jim Croce's indescribably tender version some ten years later. Then a few years later we have Peter, Paul, and Mary risking their lives, by simply singing for social justice, amid innumerable death threats. In the late 60's we have Jim Croce applying his genius to every conceivable popular style, even flirting with classical music, with profound compassion for people that society loves to despise. Watching old films of him singing, he has the most expressive face I have ever seen. Then there is Jackson Browne, with his ingenious lyrics and deep virtue. And then there is the explicitly Christian contemporary music, with David Haas and Marty Haugen introducing us to so many wonderful cultures -- Sacred Harp of the deep south, Hawaii, Jewish, Hindu, Irish, and so many more. Just surveying some of the popular music of the last 60 years or so, my gratitude knows no bounds.
Marcia Madden Heist
Bye, Bye to Old Wellesley High...Wellesley's Turn Out the Lights
05/29/2011_12:48
Hi folks....It has been awhile and I must say I have loved hearing from all of you through the blog. Stan and Knap...you've got me watching the Sport Fishing show filmed off of Islamorada. Amazing. I now have a broken foot so I am taping and watching much more than usual. Here is a great excuse to get together this fall. It seems that there is a large move afoot (hmm...interesting choice of words don't you think?) to say farewell to our old WHS in November. Lots of festivities. Check out the facebook website www.facebook.com/.../Wellesleys-Turn-Out-the-Lights and/or www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/.../Saying-good-bye-to-old-WHS. Activities from November 22-26th. Sounds interesting. Maybe we should just have one big 1960 Thanksgiving Dinner. I have no idea who is doing this just wanted you all to know.
Janet O'Brien Olson
'old'music
05/26/2011_15:00
That is a cool website, thanks for posting.
Kenneth Laborne
oldfortyfives.com
05/26/2011_12:58
Go to: oldfortyfives.com then click Take Me Back To The Fiftys
Eric W. Coate
cars
05/25/2011_17:24
Ginny and I had a 65 Mustang convertible, red with black top, stick. I gave it to my sister-in-law for the payments remaining.No idea what it would be worth now, in good shape. 'Today's music ain't got the same soul'!! (except for the 'Rolling Stones')
Edward Wood
Eric -- only one very innocent touche
05/25/2011_11:16
I am fascinated with connections between people. If I could, I would love to know every person who ever lived. Thus, only one, innocent, playful touche remains: The 'Rac 3rd' begins as such an easy piece, then evolves into a monster.
Peter B Hill
Rock
05/25/2011_07:44
Cool WEBSITE, Ken! (already on my favorites)- Brings back my '55 T'bird (Bought in '62 for $800.00, sold in '80 for $6,000.00- now restored and worth about $26,000.00!) My dad used to pretend his music alligned with Ed Wood's piano environment (Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course),- but I'd come down in the morning and catch him listening to Buddy Holly or whatever.
Best ever,Pete
Kenneth Laborne
Does any of this ring a bell ?
05/24/2011_20:40
Check out this web site.
oldfortyfives.com/TakeMeBackToTheFiftys
Eric W. Coate
Ed Wood
05/24/2011_19:43
Touche?
Edward Wood
Eric 'Rac 3'
05/17/2011_11:51
I was friends with pianist Serge Conus. His brother Edward married Sergei Rachmaninoff's younger daughter. After Serge passed on in 1986, his music library was given to me by his son, Dominique. Among the pieces in this library was Rachmaninoff's 3rd Piano Concerto. Someday I would like to play it. When I heard the Cuban pianist Jorge Bolet perform it with The Rochester Philharmonic in the early 1960's I was fascinated by how the beginning is so easy, then evolves into a dazzling technical show. As my former teacher Russell Sherman so eloquently explained it, the pianist has a Dostoyevskian (spelling?) cross: There is so much wonderful music, and time and space only allow us to perform only a tiny fraction of it.
Eric W. Coate
Ed Wood
05/16/2011_19:07
Did you ever play the 'Rac 3'? I have never heard it in its entirety. When I was in high school, I played Mozart's clarinet concerto with the orchestra. It must not have been very good, because no one ever mentioned it to me afterward. I moved on to the saxaphone, which I enjoyed much more. I remember we had a dance band that played a couple of school dances.
Eric W. Coate
trip to Boston
05/16/2011_19:03
Bruce, I have no memory of the event.Total blank. I have emailed my Mother, who is living in Florida, to see if she remembers it. I do remember Doug Sands though.
Edward Wood
David Helfgott
05/16/2011_12:24
Eric, thirteen years ago the father of one of my piano students lent me the film about this Australian prodigy. I remember the 'themesong,' Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto. And I remember that the ruthless pressure was really bad for David. I was quite captivated as I watched this film.

The remarkable characteristic of this student of mine was that, from her first lesson at age 12, to her last, upon her graduation from high school, she did not practice one second in between lessons. Over the course of these six and a half years without the slightest practice, she was finally able to learn the complete version (6 pages) of Beethoven's 'Fur Elise,' not exactly a beginner's piece. She was living proof of my theory: If a student does not practice in between lessons, it is still possible to advance, albeit very slowly.
Bruce Snow
Trip to Boston
05/16/2011_08:15
Yep. And I think your Mom drove us.
Eric W. Coate
memory
05/16/2011_07:47
Unfortunately, no. Was I on that trip to Boston? My memory of 9th grade is non-existant.

Now I see why; your p.s. tells all.
Bruce Snow
Ring a Bell?
05/15/2011_19:31
Eric, I don't know if this will jog your memory: In ninth grade a handful of us went into to Boston to attend a lecture by a 'famous' astronomer. Mr. Sands (as he was know to us in those days) suggested getting his autograph. Randy (McNamara) made it his quest; and on the way back he showed off his prize. But upon careful inspection it looked like the signature was 'Nicolaus Copernicus.' It slowly dawned on him that he had asked, not the lecturer, but another science teacher for his John Hancock. Does that ring a bell?
Eric W. Coate
Bruce Snow
05/15/2011_19:19
Successful you were. You have done a great job with the web sight and blog. Congratulations!!
Bruce Snow
Invisible
05/15/2011_18:07
As a matter of fact (if not mistaken),Eric, I sat directly in front of you in 9th grade for Doug Sand's class. But being a shy person in those days, I did my darndest to keep a low profile. Apparently I was successful in that endeavor. ;-)
P.S. I left Wellesley after 10th grade.
Eric W. Coate
Bruce Snow
05/15/2011_11:47
You're welcome. Unfortunately Bruce, I can't seem to place you from the high school class. Did we know each other? I mostly hung around with kids from my end of town, near the WEllesley-Weston line. Randy McNamara, Dick Stimets, Bruce Needham, George McQuilkin, Asher Dietrich, and the McKennas some.
Bruce Snow
Shine
05/15/2011_09:36
Thanks for the recommendation, Eric. I just added it to my NetFlix queue.
Eric W. Coate
Ed Wood
05/15/2011_06:35
Ed, I just watched a film called 'Shine', about the life of David Helfgott. Are you familiar with it? It's very good.
Stanley A Rossi
Iphone 4????
05/11/2011_11:04
Peter,
Thanks for the thought, but I am still in the stone age electronically. i only need a phone to talk on, every thing else is why I love retirement. No need to know immediately.
Peter B Hill
Diet
05/11/2011_06:52
OK, Stan- Got an Iphone4? (or even a graphing calculator, for that matter), I just redesigned an Iphone4 APP into a diet incentive monitoring device- works pretty well, too (I've just lost 20 pounds in three months). If you, or anyone else is interrested, I could provide a few geeky details (standing by)/ best ever, Pete Hill.
Janet O'Brien Olson
 
05/10/2011_14:59
Me too, Eric
Edward Wood
NRDC
05/09/2011_12:23
Thank you for the alert, Eric. I have just signed the petition to stop this attack on the environment and native people of this region.
Janet O'Brien Olson
big fish
05/08/2011_16:12
Hmm Stan, those sound just a tad larger than I'd be comfortable taking into my kayak!
Eric W. Coate
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
05/07/2011_11:45
Let me encourage everyone who reads this blog to visit the above web site, or more specifically www.StopPebble.org to learn about and maybe support the Nrdc's campaign to stop a disasterous mining operation in Alaska that conservationists say would be the ruin of a large and pristine area of that state. Robert Redford is their chief spokesperson.
Stanley A Rossi
fly fishing
05/06/2011_14:27
Janet
we chase striped bass, blue fish at home and bone fish,snook, permit, redfish, and anything else swimming in the islands. Went for blue fin tuna last year on a charter, but only saw 500 to 600 pound fish, which was way out of reach for even 14-15 weight rods. I think that maybe a 30 to 50 pound blue fin would be all you could handle on a fly rod. I also tie my own flies, but I am getting lazy and end up buying most of mine.
Stan
Janet O'Brien Olson
fishing and wishful thinking
05/06/2011_11:49
Hi Stan Actually, I do both types of fishing, though my husband is a purist who only uses a fly rod and ties his own flys. I'm afraid that the beautiful Montana rivers won't see my waders this year. I am hoping to do some fishing in the multitude of small mountain lakes where we can put our kayaks in. If I can get into the kayak I think I'll be ok. Even if you don't catch anything, the scenery makes it all worth while. What do you catch fly fishing in the ocean?
Stanley A Rossi
fishing
05/06/2011_04:13
Hi Janet, I take it that the fishing you will do with your new rod is fly fishing in Montana. Fly fishing is my favorite type of fishing and it is great fun on ocean. I am just a little leery of wading in a river just yet and may give the hip all summer to regain full strength. I hate swimming in waders. Hope your ankle makes a full recovery soon. This aging thing certainly isn't for kids. Hello to all classmates and if any of you are ever in Marblehead look me up. I am in the phone book
Stanley A Rossi
hip surgery
05/05/2011_16:03
I have done very well recovering from my recent hip replacement. I did catch Amy and now what do I do? Ocean water is now shaking because the fish are frightened with the prospect of Knappy and I assaulting them in May. Just put the boat in today and am getting ready for some flounder fishing next week when the weather flattens out a little. Hope all are enjoying our retirement as much as I am. Next 'big' project is to go on my elusive diet. I am always starting it next Monday.
Janet O'Brien Olson
recovery
05/05/2011_14:34
Hey Stan, glad to hear that your recovery is going well. I'm sure that the prospect of getting out on the water again provides great incentive! Happy fishing! I'm looking forward to trying out the new rod that I got for Christmas but it may be a while longer. Talked to the surgeon last week and he said 6 months for full healing and another 6 till I am 'normal'. Surgery was Feb 3rd. Argh. Ankles are a b....!
Eric W. Coate
Ken
04/21/2011_16:15
And now hip surgery may be in the offing. I'm beginning to look like some one from Dr. Frankenstein's lab. Have to wear clothes at the beach.
We spent three days at the Sahara last fall. Las Vegas is 'something else'!!
Kenneth Laborne
Hey Eric, We'll just call you 'Patches' from here on in.
04/21/2011_12:21
Returning tomorrow from 5 days at the Wynn Encore Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Janet O'Brien Olson
P.S. Bruce
04/20/2011_15:14
Sorry Bruce, I forgot to ask how the visit with your grandbaby went. Hope you had a good time. Janet
Janet O'Brien Olson
whether weather
04/20/2011_06:36
Hmmm Bruce, hurricanes, tornados, I think I'll take a little snow and the unbelievable beauty of snow capped mountains. When spring finally comes, it is a true joy. As John Muir said, 'the Mountains are calling and I must answer'.
Bruce Snow
|No Comprendo!
04/20/2011_07:45
I just can't understand how you masochists can stand spending winter on the tundra! ;-)
Peter B Hill
KEY WEST
04/19/2011_09:17
You got it, Janet- My younger daughter, Tami, who lives in Key West (where I spent a year in the Navy in the sixty's), may have the right Idea! By the way, you can check out her website @ Claradara.com- she designs fashion stuff.
Pete
Janet O'Brien Olson
S N O W !
04/18/2011_15:53
OMG I have been working this afternoon and just looked out the window (almost 4pm)...the ground is white and it is coming down heavily. Spring in Montana!
Eric W. Coate
surgery
04/14/2011_21:54
I feel like a veteran of surgery, having had three rotator cuff surgeries, one pace-maker implant, and one total knee replacement. I find the tough part is getting through the pain of getting the joint to operate again, after the surgery. Rehab is essential to this. Good luck to whomever needs it, as we all seem to do as we age. Isn't modern medicine wonderful! ( And don't let the politicians cut Medicare and Medicaid funding).
Janet O'Brien Olson
recovery
04/14/2011_11:39
I am not familiar with hip surgery recovery but from my experience with my ankle surgery I can say that if Physical Therapy is recommended DO IT! I cannot believe the progress that I have made with two plus weeks of therapy....they use electrical stimulation, massage, heat packs, manipulation and lastly cold packs. My therapist is also doing e-stim on one of my hips which has become sore from two and a half months of using a walker and hopping on the good leg.. To sum it up, exercise of the limb in question is very important. Best of luck! I'm itching to get out and do some fishing myself....PS if your surgeon doesn't mention PT, ask him/her if it might help.
Donald V. Knapman
Stan the man, hip surgery
04/14/2011_10:28
Spoke with Stan Rossi recently and am glad to report that his surgery was a sucess. He is already chasing Amy around the house and figures to catch her sometme in May. Stan has a great reputation as a tuna fisherman on the northshore and in conjunction with the matlacha marauder plan on emptying the atlantic of stripe bass in May. I suppose a bloodymary or 2 goes along with this plan at least I hope so. Any of the blog readers who wish to pass on advice regarding recovery should do so. I think Tony P has gone under the knife and should be a good resource. As always good health to my readers. You all take care.
Leslie Miller Penny
 
04/11/2011_13:49
It's been awhile since I've jumped in. It continues to be so wonderful reading all the entries and having a bird's eye view on the thoughts and conversations. Congrats. Bruce--grandchildren are another whole dimension to our lives. Fast healing for all the surgeries and recovery times--when you're still active as most of us are it can be difficult being patient with the healing process and waiting to get on with life.
All is quite well here, today as I write, it appears to be in the mid 70's, sunny, perfect! Glancing back at some of entries snow was the topic of the hour not so long ago. We have vacation from school coming up next week, planning to visit with my mother in Inverness, Fl., she said it's been really hot down there. Don't love the heat--70's are just fine for me, even 60's for a good speedy walk.
My great empathy with Priscilla--many of us had that 'killer cold.' It was a virulent strain of cold unlike any we can remember. But worse it left you pretty wilted for some time afterward. But dear one, take heart, you do return to your normal self in time.
A little rondezvous on the Cape sounds pretty divine--altho' far from this neck of the woods. But on this beautiful spring day---I can just taste the Cape! I miss the 2 hour trip there. Now it's about 6 hrs. Fine if you can do a week--a little too much for a weekend.
Well enough chattering on--will check in more frequently than I have---wishing every one well and the freshness of spring!
Marcia Madden Heist
Well It Worked...Sort Of...
04/10/2011_21:17
A win on opening day....hopes ignited....and then...well you can guess. As those of us who have been rooting for the Sox for a thousand years can tell you...being a Red Sox fan is a giant rollercoaster of the first degree. My brother-in-law is an Orioles fan. As you might imagine we have heard from him many times re: the relative positions of his team and ours!!(most unusual I might add) Oh well...the season is young? By the way, Peter, I have that picture too. I love it!! We were so charming!! Hope you are doing well, Janet and getting ready to run the bases. More later.
Peter B Hill
Nats
04/10/2011_07:13
OK, Marcia...I will always love the Sox- however, watch what you say about our Washington Nationals...Remember, I still have a picture of you and Susan E. eating sand in a backyard sandbox- and I could put it on the BLOG.
Pete
Janet O'Brien Olson
Red Sox
04/09/2011_20:48
Watch out Marcia, they will want to hire you for your mantra!
Marcia Madden Heist
Opening Day at Fenway
04/08/2011_13:03
The Red Sox....0-6 so far....are home at last. Concentrate on the turning of the tide. The Yankees are in town. I have to go chant my winning mantra. Miracles do happen you know. We have to get going.
Peter B Hill
SPRING
04/07/2011_09:39
OK, all- It's Spring, after one of the longest and coldest Winters (2.5 cords of wood) in the Washington, Maryland area- But it's almost Spring now, and the sailing season in the sailing capitol of the world. (Sorry all, yes, its here in Annapolis- not Newport, RI.). Anybody want a mini-reunion on the Chesapeake? I'll skipper it (CSY-44)- Just need at least five other WHS types athletic enough to heave a line and/or jump a mainsail.
Reminds me...I could never match Knappy on the Football field (!), but you reunion goers know I can still walk around Lake Waban with the best of 'em (Life is good).
Be in touch, Pete
Edward Wood
Don, Linda, and knees
04/06/2011_10:58
Suz is constantly reading online and coming up with fascinating information. The latest she shared with me is that grains cause inflammation (and knees are vulnerable to this problem). The problem is that this food category is relatively new to the diet of human beings -- we have been ingesting them for 'only' 3000 years. Therefore, our bodies have not been able to adapt to them, and some people are more vulnerable than others. Almost everyone thinks that Quinoa is a grain. But we discovered yesterday that, although it very closely resembles a grain, it isn't. Moreover, human beings have been eating this food for much longer than 3000 years, and it is very, very good for our health. I hope this information may be of some help.
Bruce Snow
4F
04/06/2011_06:52
I volunteered for the Army reserve program right after college but was given a 4F and never understood why. I've always felt a bit guilty because of it, especially when talking with Vietnam vets.
Eric W. Coate
Peter Hill
04/04/2011_17:27
That's interesting, about your heart. I attempted to enlist in the Marine Corps in 1962, and the doctor told me that because of a heart murmur I would be classified 4F. He did say that he thought I would have made a 'good Marine' though. The Army draft doctor, 6 months later, didn't even hear the murmur, and was going to pass me, when I pulled out the letter from the Marines and he listened again and listed me 4F. Now I feel like a 'draft dodger'. I used to have night mares about Vietnam. I ended up going to DC in 1972 and protesting the war, along with about 100,000 people. If a little thing like burning a copy of the Koran can set off country-wide riots against the US, then we are wasting our time and money in Afghanistan also. Maybe Obama can get us out of this mess that GW Bush started. I hope so. I'm going to vote for him in 2012, for sure. Ahmen!!
Peter B Hill
Dick Nugent
04/04/2011_07:40
Wow- Talk about old memories! I hope Dick comes up on this BLOG one day. I really liked his dad, the doctor who gave me my Navy pre-enlistment physical in April 1962. He told me that, since my heart skipped every 5th beat (it didn't bother the Navy at all), I would probably live 20% longer than normal. Good guy!
Janet O'Brien Olson
April
04/02/2011_09:14
Well, Tony don't feel too picked on. We are supposed to get 2-3 inches of snow tonight//tomorrow morning! I didn't see the program that you mentioned but have seen that Dick Nugent has done very well for himself. I wish I could get down there to see his aquarium. It is supposed to be really wonderful. Speaking of Dick, I remember in homeroom being seated between him and Charlie Orloff. Five foot five me between to VERY tall guys. Does anyone ever hear anything from Charlie?.....I'm still gimping around looking forward to the day that I'll be able to get outside and walk. Happy April to all! Janet
Theodore Tony Parker
April Fool
04/01/2011_13:19
Well I wondered which one of us here in the norhteast would be the first to report our weather on this the first day of April. We have about 3 to 4 inches of new snow today. Happy April 1st. Our son in Maine reports that they are expecting 12' to 18'. O.K. let's move on to other topics. The Red Sox open the season today in Texas. I don't want to join the chorus of those expecting another World Series victory lest we jinx them. I am happy that the season is underway it will help melt the snow. Did anyone see 'Good Morning America' yesterday? It had segments from the Georgia Acquarium which is the largest acquarium in the world. Our classmate Richard Nugent (doctorate in marine biology) is head of something there. I emailed him yesterday to see if he was underwater with the dolphins since I did not see him on the show. He did a lot of the preparatory work for the exhibit. So I'll sign off assuming Knappy and Stan Rossi are in vigorous training for the Falmount Road Race and that Janet O'B is moving around and getting better. Best to all. Happy April.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Jane Mills
03/29/2011_17:01
Bruce, thanks for posting the sad news about Jane. Thankfully it sounds like she passed peacefully.
Stanley A Rossi
John Koller
03/29/2011_10:50
Eric, if you can get in touch with Peter Cotton, I am sure that he is in contact with John.
Bruce Snow
Jane Mills
03/29/2011_09:11
Sorry to say that Jane Mills Passed away last week. Her obituary was reported in the March 27th edition of the Boston Globe.
Eric W. Coate
John Koller
03/28/2011_16:27
Speaking of John; out of the blue he called me one day and wanted me to bring my saxaphone and play a gig on Revere beach with him, at a bar. I did not have the confidence in my abilities to accept, and despite repeated pleas from John, I turned him down. I'm afraid I lost a friend. Does anyone know his where- abouts?
Edward Wood
MORE ABOUT BANDS
03/28/2011_12:36
Peter, your experience reminds me of a Dixieland Jazz band formed by John Koller in 9th grade with Doug Dick and Bing Town. Since I was the only pianist they knew, they recruited me. I knew nothing about playing jazz, so just improvised along with them in my classical style. On one occasion, as we were playing 'O When the Saints Come Marching In,' we took turns playing solo. When my turn came, all I could come up with was a Mozart-like version of this number. Everyone was hysterical with laughter.
Peter B Hill
BEETHOVEN
03/27/2011_09:38
OK, Ed W., I've Gotta share this with you (and anyone else who might be interested!)...a number of us 7th grader types tried to form a rock band in Joe Mcallister's (remember him?) living room. Unfortunately, all I could play was classical stuff- so they taped a sign to the piano saying 'I like Beethoven' while they all played (what is now called) grunge rock around me. Well, Not only did it sound terrible, but I figured, if my piano teacher ever found out, he would kill me... so we never made the big time.

Later, Pete
Edward Wood
Your Performance
03/26/2011_12:24
Eric, I am so sorry I missed your performance! This is the first notice I've received! I would have loved to attend. I never knew you played clarinet. Clarinet players have a tradition of being superb teachers of composition. Mozart, von Weber, and Brahms all had the benefit of being coached by a clarinet player in writing for this instrument. The result: these three composers tower over all other composers in their compositions for clarinet. Incidentally, Donald Martino, the composer whose work I promoted in the 70's and 80's, was a clarinetist who taught compostion.
Eric W. Coate
edward wood
03/26/2011_10:33
ED,
I am just curious. Were you in attendance the night I played Mozart's clarinet concerto with the high school orchestra? How bad was it, really?
Anybody?
Eric coate
Janet O'Brien Olson
Pain
03/26/2011_06:58
Thanks Ed, I'll check it out. So far the Gabapentin is giving me minimal relief and is doing funny things to my eyes (double vision). More snow over night but it won't last, supposed to be in the upper 40's today. Janet
Edward Wood
Relief for Pain
03/25/2011_13:27
Hi, Janet, I highly recommend Soothanol X2 for rapid pain relief. It is distributed by NorthStarNutritionals.com. It has been trememdously helpful for Suz. There are many athletes who use it also. You just rub these pain drops on the affected area.
Janet O'Brien Olson
recovery
03/24/2011_17:00
So glad to hear that Stan's surgery went well and that he is recovering well. After 7 weeks of non-weightbearing on my fused ankle, I saw the Doc yesterday and am now on phase 2...gradual (25lbs pressure to start) weightbearing...and 6 weeks of physical therapy. My only complaint is a constant burning pain, said to be nerve pain. Anyone have any experience with nerve pain? Right now I am on Gabapentin with minimal results so far.
Donald V. Knapman
Stanley and the hip
03/24/2011_11:08
Spoke to Stan Rossi recently regarding his hip replacement surgery. I am happy to report that all is well and he is making great progress. He still plans to run in the Falmouth road race this July. I plan to set the pace for him.I'm good for at least 100 yards. I would publically like to thank Tony P for his advice regarding knee replacements. However I would like the name of the motel Priscilla stayed at while he was recuperating.
Bruce Snow
Goofy Browsers
03/23/2011_17:46
No offense taken, Janet. :-) One of the banes of web developers is the unpredictable behavior of the various browsers and their different versions. (MS's InternetExplorer is the worst. opinion)
Marcia Madden Heist
The Sun and Spring
03/23/2011_16:35
As I sit in my den and look out the window I see white flakes gently floating to the ground and STICKING!! I have decided to enjoy this LAST snow of the season...from my lips to God's ears. Bruce...have fun in Austin and feel free to send along pictures of the Crown Prince. How exciting to be making that introduction. Janet...my 'sun' keeps playing tricks on me. Today when I logged in it was jumping up and down. I'll just go with the flow. Hope everyone is doing well. I think of our reunion often. If you haven't looked at the pictures...visit them again. I can hear the laughter as I skim through them. What fun. Marcia
Janet O'Brien Olson
sunshine
03/23/2011_09:04
Ok Bruce, I'll take back all the bad things I said, though I don't understand how it happened.
Have a wonderful trip and fun with your grandson.....Must be Spring, saw our first Robin today!
Bruce Snow
Lil' Sol
03/23/2011_06:43
Hey, the web guy isn't messing with the Lil' Sol, your computer is playing games with you. (some times the browser will cache the image.)
The baby's doing fine -- a great sleeper. Bunny and I will drive to Austin next week to meet the little fellow.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Thanks sunshine
03/22/2011_06:56
Thanks for bringing the sun back. When I can't see it out the window (we got about an inch over night and it is still coming down) I can come here and smile at the sun! How is the baby doing?
......Hey whats up man, now the snow is back ....you are messing with my psyche!
Janet O'Brien Olson
where'd the sun go
03/21/2011_20:19
Darn it Robert. Look what you've done, the snow storm is back. (actually we are supposed to get an inch or two tonight but it won't last.) Janet .... Bruce, bring back the suns for us!
Robert Vincent
Snow Day
03/21/2011_19:15
Unfortunately for us in Massachusetts, we had about 1' of snow today.* Thank God I didn't have to bring out the snow blower...ah you lucky people in Florida..
* I think Bob meant 1 inch. The blog software has problems with apostrophes and quotes. The Editor
Janet O'Brien Olson
optimism
03/20/2011_20:24
Ah ha, I see that the snow storm has vanished on this first day of spring and that our optimistic site administrator has brought forth the sunshine. Here's hoping!!!! Janet
Edward Wood
Guitar
03/17/2011_11:44
Bruce, I am fascinated to learn of your study of guitar! I have the utmost admiration for Andres Segovia. My father loved him and was always playing his recordings -- they were some of my lullabyes as a child. I particularly remember Andres playing Spanish Dances, Opus 37, by Enrique Granados (tragically murdered when the German navy bombed the Lusitania in World War I). Other guitar players that I love and for whom I have great admiration are Julian Bream and Maury Muehleisen (Jim Croce's lead guitarist, who was killed at the tender age of 24 when their private pilot had a heart attack in mid-air). I consider all three to be great musical geniuses.
Bruce Snow
Scales
03/17/2011_09:41
Thanks, Ed, for your insight. My first guitar instructor stressed scales and maintained that Andres Segovia spent hours practicing with them throughout his career (apocryphal???). To this day, I religiously play through two sets of Segovia Scales each morning.
I recently re-initiated lessons -- found a guru in Toronto who can coach me in Flamenco over Skype. He has me spending twice as much time on scales and similar exercises than on repertoire.
Edward Wood
Piano Practicing
03/16/2011_17:08
Hi, Bruce. Regarding practicing scales, I have been strongly influenced the past 50+ years by my very first lesson with Armand Basile, my (sometimes) iconclastic piano teacher at Eastman School of Music. Among other things, he was on a mission to abolish practicing scales. The problem he saw was that, after diligently practicing his scales, he still had to practice any passage in a piece of music using the very scales he just finished practicing. I strongly identify with his experience. The microscopic particles of music reflect our universe. (i.e. H20 -- what's an atom or two between friends? Why not H202? [Hydrogen Peroxide]). Every day I learn more and more about how to practice. My latest discovery is that every chord of 2 or more notes, played by itself, must be absolutely, absolutely comfortable, or else there will be trouble down the line in the surrounding notes. So I become more and more sensitive to any discomfort in my finger and hand muscles. The results of this approach are very rewarding for me.
Edward Wood
Congratulations,Tony
03/16/2011_17:05
Congratulations, Tony, upon being elected as a member of Wellesley Town Meeting. I am not surprised by your success in local politics (built upon a foundation of utmost integrity), given your genuine gift of affirmation.
Theodore Tony Parker
Misc.
03/14/2011_16:32
Marcia,Rob and I had a very enjoyable lunch yesterday. Sorry Priscilla couldn't join us. She seems to have what so many have had by way of a deep and long cold. Anyway, 'thanks' Dick Bankhart. Not sure how you get the small print but yes I will return to town meeting and my Key Club training would help with the hot dog stand if there was one.
As for Stanley K. Rossi. I have run (moved along) in the Falmouth Road Race for more than a half a dozen times. It is a 10K and I dropped out after 5 while our kids and their girl friends went on to finish. So my advice to Stan is, jump off the bridge in Woods Hole and don't embarass youself. As for Linda K's knees, follow Marcia's advice. I have two new knees and love them. Best to all,including Ethan in Austin Texas whose grandfather thinks he should be practicing music scales at the age of 3 weeks.
Bruce Snow
Piano Practicing
03/14/2011_08:17
Ed, I've got what may seem a silly question for you. Do you, as an accomplished pianist, still play scales on a regular basis?
Marcia Madden Heist
Linda's Knee and Other Details
03/13/2011_22:11
Great news about Stan. Thanks for the update, Knap. Where is Linda having her surgery? I had my knee replaced five years ago. Great PT BEFORE the surgery made the recovery so much easier than some of my friends who didn't have the pre-op PT. Linda can call or e-mail me if she wants. By the way, I think that we should have a mini-reunion in Falmouth to cheer for you and Stan and then, ofcourse to celebrate your efforts. Doesn't matter how far you go...its the fact that you dared to start that counts. You'll notice that my name is not on the 'numbers' list. Had a wonderful brunch with Tony today. Priscilla was sick so Rob, Tony and I held down the fort. Still working on an informal 'lets meet for lunch' in the Spring. Stay tuned. Love to all..M
Richard W. Bankart
Precinct 3 elects our Tony
03/13/2011_21:47
Congratulations to Tony Parker on being elected Wellesley Town Meeting member for the 83rd or so time. Public service has been in his veins since Key Club. Keep up the good work

Dick Bankart
Donald V. Knapman
Medical update
03/13/2011_15:33
I am glad to report that Stan Rossi had a very successful hip replacement the other day. Although he will not be able to run the marathon as planned he does intend to run the Falmouth 15k this July. I will set the pace for Stan for the 1st 100 yards. He is on his own after that. Please feel free to offer any advice that you may have regarding re-hab, play between the sheets; etc. Linda K is having a knee replaced this may. Any words of wisdom you wish to share?
Janet O'Brien Olson
milestones
03/12/2011_23:35
Wow Eric, congratulations to your folks on their 70th! That is really something to celebrate...how nice that your family put a reunion together to mark the event.
Eric W. Coate
reunions
03/10/2011_22:01
I will forever regret missing the WHS Class of 60 reunion, but I did attend a memorable reunion in Jacksonville, Fla. My parents, both 90, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in Ponte Vedra,Fla. They, my sister and her husband, their 4 children, my 2 children, and 4 great-grandchildren, and assorted aunts and nieces and nephews spent three days in sunny 70 degree Florida weather. People traveled from all over the country to attend. Probably the last time that all four generations will be together. It was a really special occasion.
Theodore Tony Parker
Thoughtful
03/10/2011_16:00
Ed Wood,your thoughtful insights, memories and sharings are much appreciated. Thank you. In a world with so much violence and hatred your kindness is uplifting. Thanks.
Edward Wood
Eric, the Yankees
03/10/2011_14:31
As I mentioned earlier, I root against the Yankees, as they have so much money, it really isn't a fair contest. Nonetheless, I have great admiration for a number of their players, both on and off the field. I will never forget Game 3 of the 2001 ALDS. With New York leading 1-0, Oakland's Jeremy Giambi was a cinch to score on a hit, as the throw from the outfield missed both the cut-off man and the player backing him up. But who should appear out of no where, backing up the back-up man in foul territory to the right of home plate, but shortstop Derek Jeter! He retrieved the throw that had missed cut-off and back-up man, flipped the ball to catcher Jorge Posada, and nailed Giambi. Inspired by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL, Derek had rehearsed this very play throughout spring training.
Then there is George Steinbrenner. He was cruel to pitcher Ken Rogers, an outstanding pitcher who, along with other very good players Chuck Knaubloch and Jeff Weaver, was too sensitive and vulnerable to play in such a ruthless environment as New York City (i.e. the tabloids). But then he gave Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden chance after chance after chance, as they kept slipping into their drug addictions. He rightly emphasized, 'This is a sickness, not a character flaw.' And there is Andy Pettite. Several years ago there was an obscure utility player for the Yankees who was also addited to drugs and suicidal. Andy spent hours with him as a valuable support, and probably saved his life. And I greatly admire manager Joe Girardi. As a catcher for the Cubs in 2002 he was so kind to the rival Cardinals, controlling the unruly Cub fans, when Cardinal pitcher Darryl Kyle suddenly died of a heart attack. And when everyone had written off the Marlins as hopelessly young and inexperienced, Joe made them into a contender.
Marcia Madden Heist
Hi Everyone!!
03/08/2011_21:37
Such fun to hear from all of you. Hey Stanley, have you had your surgery yet? I had a knee replacement which went really well. Big part was doing exercises before the surgery. Helped lots in the recovery. Take good care and make sure to let us know how you are doing. All of my 'hip replaced' friends talk about how rapidly the pain went away. Two of the three are golfers and now play 18 without so much as a twinge. Keep in touch folks. I am soooo ready for Spring!!
Marcia Madden Heist
Great News Bruce
03/08/2011_21:35
Congrats, Gramps!! My grandfather was such an important person in my life!! Make sure that baby Ethan knows you well and sees you often. He will love you and your music!!!
Eric W. Coate
Peter Hill
03/06/2011_14:44
Over here in way upstate New York, the choice is the Yankees or nothing. The Red Sox stopped broadcasting to this region in about 1986. So I learned to 'love' the Yankees. I just watched a rebroadcast of the 1998 World Series last game with the Yankees vs. the Padres. 4 straight wins for the Yankees. Man, those guys were/are good. Lots of home grown talent. I almost don't like to see them loose anymore. Strange shift in affections. I still ' like' the REd Sox, but can't forgive them for stopping the regional broadcasting.
I also lived in Vienna & Fairfax, Va. for awhile, but that was before the Nationals came into being.
Peter B Hill
Grandkids
03/06/2011_06:49
Congratulations, Bruce!...Grandchildren would be great- In fact, if you should run into either of my kids (Kim, Tami) on Facebook, or somthing, you might (tactfully) mention that. Although- since neither of them is married yet, I trust they don't read this blog.
Best ever, Pete
Theodore Tony Parker
Conacts
03/05/2011_15:48
Thanks Eric. I've worn contacts for almost 50 years. That doesn't mean that I see perfectly. In fact around the house I can't seem to find my resding glases or all sorts of things. I am constantly asking Priscilla where something is. She says I may be a good looker but I'm a terrible finder. Get warm up there in NY. Best wishes.
Eric W. Coate
Tony Parker
03/04/2011_21:25
I saw the pictures from the reunion, and one of you especially struck me. You have done something with your eyes, either Lasik surgery or contacts, and I must say you are a very good looking man without the coke-bottle bottoms on your face. Never realized that before. Hope it doesn't go to your head!
Edward Wood
Congratulations!
03/04/2011_15:34
Congratulations, Bruce! My daughter and one of my sons live in Austin.
Janet O'Brien Olson
congratulations
03/03/2011_23:31
Congratulations Grandpa Bruce!!!!! Have fun with your grandson.
Bruce Snow
News Flash
03/03/2011_17:56
News Flash: Ethan Snow Foley was born at noon today (Thursday) to Heather and Dennis in Austin, Texas. Mother, Son and grandparents are doing well. Our first (and probably only) grandchild.
Edward Wood
hip surgery
03/02/2011_15:18
Stanley, you have been in my thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. In my reading I am trying to find any information that may be helpful.
Theodore Tony Parker
Hips, knees, ankles
03/01/2011_18:44
Good luck Stan. Even at your advanced age you should recover just fine. Do your physical therapy and you'll be fishing again this summer. I have two shiney knees but the only time I see the metal is going through the scanners at the airport. I wonder what happens to Knappy when he goes through the scanner?
Thanks to everyone for sharing. Good memories Leslie. It took Ken LaBorne to create a statue for Mrs. Ferguson.
Best to all.
Leslie Miller Penny
 
03/01/2011_15:21
I loved reading all the entries since I last posted--oh--Mrs. Ferguson--or Fergies as we used to refer to her when going to our dance classes--sharing equal responses and feelings to all that you have shared--every bit of it. Remember the dinner parties before dance class? Was there really a statue of her or is this a joke? What an era we grew up in! Truly another life time ago--in very different times. So great to draw on the memories together-this is beyond wonderful!
Dick: I'll email you for a lunch date--that would be fun.
Stan--good luck with your upcoming surgery--I'll be thinking of you.
Janet, you've been in my thoughts--hoping your recovery is going quickly and that you are more mobile with each day.
Happy March 1, everyone! Spring can't be far off now---heaven only knows we've earned it this year!!
Eric W. Coate
hip surgery
02/27/2011_15:38
If when you wake up from the surgery, you find you can not move your legs, don't panic. The spinal bloc wears off quickly. I had a knee replaced, and I panicked when I couldn't feel or move my legs afterward, for a short time, like two minutes. Hips are aan even bigger deal.
Janet O'Brien Olson
hip
02/27/2011_13:24
No advice Stan, but I do send good wishes for the surgery and speedy recovery. I guess we all should consider ourselves to be fortunate for all the medical advances that have happened as we aged!
Donald V. Knapman
Large magnets
02/27/2011_11:23
Stanley, My advice to you would be to avoid any large magnets. I have a plate in my head and magnets are a bitch. Good luck and heal quick. You need to be ready for the big trip in May or June. KNap
Stanley A Rossi
Hip Replacement
02/27/2011_09:51
Hello all, I am about to have my left hip replaced with a new shiny one. Anyone have any advice?
Eric W. Coate
weather
02/20/2011_16:56
Yes, Ed, it gets that cold. It was down to -20o a few weeks ago. One moves very quickly when out of doors.
Edward Wood
Baseball
02/19/2011_15:22
I have fond memories of a number of baseball players. Harry Agganis, the promising Red Sox first baseman in the middle 1950's, was our assistant gym teacher in fifth grade, when he was a football star at Boston University. He was a close friend of our main teacher, Mr. Robinson. Harry was good at offering us encouragement. I was heartbroken when he had an unexpected relapse and died of pneumonia in July of 1955.

In grade school the supervisor for our summer playground was Mr. Ramsey. One afternoon he brought his friend, Mel Parnell, to join us in our baseball game. A few children were skeptical that Mel was really who he claimed to be, but his physical appearance perfectly matched the public photos of him.

I route for the Red Sox, but love all 30 teams. I only route against the Yankees because their huge sums of money stack the deck unfairly in their favor. However, a number of their players are among my favorites, because they are such great human beings -- Derek Jeter (so famous for his respect for his elders!), Andy Petitte, Jorge Posada, and manager Joe Girardi.

And Peter, I am eagerly following the career of Washington pitcher Steve Strasburg (spelling?)
Through 2009 I had avidly followed professional baseball in great detail. Then came the earthquake in Haiti, with the revelation that the people who actually make the balls for Major League Baseball work under such inhuman conditions, that they are forced to retire at age 30, with excruciating Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Paid horrifically low wages, they are left with no health insurance to cover medical care for their broken bodies. With box seats selling for a half million apiece for the last World Series, it is beyond evil that the people who make the baseballs that reap such huge profits are treated so horribly. The horrific poverty of this country made its citizens so vulnerable to the devastation of the earthquake.

I intensely love the game of baseball and look forward to the day when everyone involved is treated justly. My former piano teacher and lifelong friend, Russell Sherman, was hired as an advisor to the Los Angeles Dodgers when I was studying with him. At that time he was an outstanding amateur baseball player. Later in his NY Times bestseller, 'Piano Pieces,' he observed that baseball, with its incredibly complex skills, was one of our major hopes for transforming this world into a wonderful place to live.
Edward Wood
Upstate New York
02/19/2011_15:03
Hi, Eric. In the summer of 1962 I was a music teacher at Camp Minnowbrook on Lake Placid, about 30 miles south of Saranac. A man who lives there year round told us that it gets to -50* in Winter. When we gasped in disbelief, he remarked, 'It's invigorating.' Does it still get that cold where you live? I can't imagine surviving such winters.
Richard W. Bankart
Ted Williams
02/18/2011_21:31
Hi Red Sox fans,

I was in the bleachers at Fenway for the last 1960 home game. It was to be Ted Williams last home game before finishing his career with a road trip to Yankee Stadium.

My brother Bill was there, too. We sat the in bleachers overlooking left field to be able to see Ted Williams.

When he hit that perfect pitch late in the game, the home run ball landed about 8 rows in front of us. The crowd went wild. He gave the pitcher a dirty look - 'you threw me a pitch right down the middle on purpose'

Perhaps he did.

Ted rounded 3rd and headed home. The crowd could not be contained. We knew it was the perfect ending to a wonderful career. A home run in his last home game. I think he was to bat one more time that game but chose not too.

A few minutes later the announcer said Ted Williams has announced he would not be travelling to New York for the final away games and that this is his final game.

I was there. History for those of us who grew up with the Sox.

Another memory. Dom DiMaggio lived at 23 Princeton Rd and I was their regular babysitter for the two kids. One Saturday I was asked to sit. Dom's brother Joe and wife Marilyn were to drop by and pick them up for an evening. At the last minute Joe said he would not be able to pick them up but would meet them at the evening destination. So I missed meeting Marilyn Monroe DiMaggio.

Happy Trails

Dick
Eric W. Coate
Sarah Palin
02/18/2011_15:32
This may not be the ideal question for this blog, but how many of you would pay for a copy of Playboy if there were a photo shoot of Sarah Palin in it? It seems that that would be her ideal contribution to the world, all things being equal.
I mean, if the Senator from Massachusetts can do it, why not Sarah. Forgive me for being the sexist-pig that I am.
Eric W. Coate
baseball
02/18/2011_15:25
I think Yastremsky was playing last time I went to Fenway. I was lucky enough to see Ted Williams, in his later years. Got to get a copy of the Sporting News and see who the favored teams are this year. Living in New York, we get all the Yankees games, but they need some new blood in the rotation to make them interesting. Great team though.
Peter B Hill
Baseball
02/18/2011_07:23
OK, Eric... Here I am with the Washington Nationals (Who?)- about to start a new- and promising season. I still identify more with the Sox, however, as in 'green monster' and 'Fenway'. The last game I actually went to in Boston, however, the outfield was Williams, Jensen and Peirsall (spelling?)- so it's been awhile, eh?
Later, Pete
Janet O'Brien Olson
 
02/17/2011_18:27
Hi Tony Thanks for asking, I got the stitches out yesterday and now am in a large black 'boot' At least four more weeks of no weight on it but can wiggle the toes and wash it. I saw the post op xrays...there are five screws holding the leg bones to the largest ankle bone (called ankle fusion). I will have some lateral movement and can move the front (toe portion) of my foot. Doc says it looks good....guess I'll have to take his word for it.
Enjoy the snow, we just got about 10 inches so things are back to looking pretty/
Janet
Theodore Tony Parker
 
02/17/2011_15:00
Eric, Great to hear from you; jThanks for joining in. Janet, How's the ankle? Floridians, It's 60 degrees today here in Metrowest Boston but we still have 20 inches of snow on the ground. More later
Janet O'Brien Olson
COUNTRY LIVING
02/17/2011_10:45
Hi Eric Your experience of living in upstate New York sounds a lot like our life in Montana. We went from suburban California to 'come as you are' Montana and LOVE it! Only question is why did we wait so long.
Janet

Eric W. Coate
 
02/16/2011_21:51
Hi all,
Just to get in on the act---I live in very upstate New York, about 1 hour south of Montreal,Can. in a very rural town. Not even a blinking light as you pass through town. We have cows next door in the back acreage. If you wear anything but jeans or chinos, you are over dressed. We traveled to Massachusetts several years ago, and went through Wellesley. Past the old house on Weston Road, past Wellesley College, and started to turn down the Main St. where HoJo's used to be. Ahead of me all I could see were super-preppy types from Harvard or where ever bustling about at warp speed, and we turned around and never went back. Did go past the high school(ugh) but the one thing that provoked a nostalgic reaction was the baseball field. I only played one game there, but it is a life-time good memory. My oldest son lives outside of San Francisco. Went from being a Red Sox fan to a Giants fan. Love to see a Red Sox- Giants world series this year.
Best to everybody from WHS 60!
Edward Wood
The Present Location of Mrs.O
02/15/2011_12:13
Lo and behold, cousin Dick B, we have entered the domain of theology. I am immeasurably grateful to the Universalist thread (granted, very thin at times) that has persisted in my Catholic faith throughout the ages. But there is also my own experience as a piano teacher. I have come to the conclusion that absolutely everyone is teachable (Maybe Mrs. O'Brien could have appreciated this truth more consistently). The most extreme example that comes to my mind is my 25-year-old pupil back in 1967, when I was a volunteer in the African American ghetto in Roxbury. I had this man tested by capable people. His IQ was 25, and he had the mind of a 5-year-old. Afflicted with cerebral palsy, three of his five fingers in his right hand were tightly, involuntarily, curled into a ball. I was able to teach him to play a three-note scale with his left hand, perfectly smoothly. These 3 notes just happen to be the opening of the first piece in Bela Bartok's adult beginner's book, 'Mikrokosmos,' Volume I. I then tried to get him to sing the piece. I was absolutely astonished to discover that not only could he sing it perfectly, instantly, but he had the rare gift of perfect pitch. Even at Eastman School of Music, where I did my undergraduate work, those of us who had this gift (only about 10 students in a Freshman class of 150) were grouped together in an accelerated Theory class. This discovery that I made back in 1967 has impressed upon my mind how teachable even the most seemingly hopeless person is.
Edward Wood
Did I run out of space?
02/14/2011_15:20
My last sentence was that among these disturbing questions, even the brilliant Russ Baker can't come to any definite conclusions.
Edward Wood
Different Perceptions
02/14/2011_14:27
How wonderful to hear from so many of you,some for the first time! As Mr. Chapman was our coach for cross country and track, I already liked him. Over the years this generally favorable impression of him has developed into profound affinity and admiration. My experience with Mrs. Heffernan was generally painful, but it wasn't her fault. After doing really well in the first quarter of Mr. Crockett's English class in sophomore year, an extraordinarily dangerous strain of the Asiatic flu hit this country. I was one of the victims, and was never the same afterward -- for years a lingering, hacking cough kept me awake at night. My performance in Mr. Crockett's class went downhill. Mrs. Heffernan's English class the next year should have been easier. But I continued in my downward spiral. One of the few highlights of her class was our memorization of the beautiful Prologue to Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales,' in the original Middle English.
I am so sorry about your ankle injury, Janet! My prayers for a speedy recovery.
Thank you, Kenny, for your wonderful guided tour of Route 16 and vicinity! All those landmarks you mentioned bring back wonderful memories. During the years I ran along this route in the Boston Marathon (Having the wrong body for football and skating, distance running was the one sport where I could excel), from 1972 through 1976, and from 2000 through 2002, the frenzy of the huge crowd distracted me from any detailed observation of my surroundings. I never knew about the statue of Mrs. Ferguson by the Maugus Club! How appropriate!
Don and Ann, I am fascinated by your perception of Mrs. Ferguson's dance classes, experiencing them as threatening. Being very shy and introverted, I saw you as very popular and full of confidence. Curiously, I was not in the least threatened by Mrs. Ferguson. It was my understanding that any of us in a serious dating relationship would dance in am embrace with our partner. And I regard the convenient-but-mentally-lazy slogan of the Catholic nuns -- 'Leave room for the Holy Ghost' with mixed feelings. Why does space between two people in love have to be a requirement for the presence of the Holy Ghost? Curiously enough, as I became more and more withdrawn in our junior and senior years, my perception became very distorted -- it seemed that I did not have any friends, and that every student was somehow an emotional threat.
Dick B, I remember Mr. Pike well. So his first name was Alex? I remember a different drill of his: 'One, two, three, four, five, six, take a breath! One, two, three, four, five, six, take a breath!' He had an amusing, one syllable nickname for my younger sister, Jeanie. I can't recall what it was. My experience with Mrs. O'Brien was quite different. For at least a year before entering her French I class, my mother and older sister Judy coached me very thoroughly, giving me a flying head start. Consequently, Mrs. O'Brien was always cordial to me. But I also remember her as very assertive, and therefore a threat to any student who was struggling.
Tony, you make a great, great detective!
So you were in France, Peter, when JFK was assassinated? My older sister Judy was in Spain at the time with two friends. When the screaming headlines caught her attention, a small crowd of very worried, sympathetic native people quickly gathered around my sister and her friends. And did those citizens of France have any idea of what they were asking of you, when they asked how he had been assassinated? Even today there is no one in this country -- even in English -- who can completely answer this question. I am in the middle of reading 'Family of Secrets,' by the brilliant investigative journalist, Russ Baker. I am astounded by the complex maneuvers of multitudes and multitudes of government officials and private citizens surrounding this assassination. So many of these people are absolute geniuses! (I wish they would use their genius for good and not evil). And yet, amid so many disturbing questions, even
Peter B Hill
Madam O'brien
02/13/2011_09:39
Eagerly, I went to her (my first) French class- happy, excited, and even wearing a little map of France on a chain around my neck- for good luck- in French. I failed her class. Later, I took- and did fairly well on- the college boards-in French. Later still (in the Navy), I traveled to Marsailles and Toulons, and had to explain, to an excited French mob, how our American president had been shot and killed- in French. They understood me just fine. I will never forget Madam O'brien.
As ever, Pete
Janet O'Brien Olson
memories or nightmares
02/12/2011_23:31
Just to set the record straight, Mrs O'Brien was not, I repeat NOT, related to me in any way shape or form...I suffered through first year French in her class..... Dick, I love your detention story, thanks for sharing.
Thanks to all for the good wishes for rapid healing of my ankle. Right now it hurts like hell but I'm trying to keep focused on the finished product (an ankle that functions without pain)
Keep up the stories, it is great to hear the pearls from the past.
Janet
Richard W. Bankart
Memories
02/12/2011_21:42
Hi Folks,

In no particular sequence.

Former tearchers - where are they? MRS O'BRIEN IS COMFORTABLY IN HELL and is STILL DEAD.

In the Fells area, we used to skate at Reed's pond. Good pick up hockey.

One winter, it was so cold and windy that Lake Waban froze enough to support an ice sail boat. The wind cleared the snow leaving a smooth surface. That was a joy to watch as it whisked silently over the ice.

Morse's Pond. Ruled by Alex Pike --------KICK KICK KICK

To Leslie Miller Penny. I'm at 20 Valley Ave, Apt D-2, Westwood NJ. It is 2 miles east of Exit 168 off the Garden State Parkway North bound. Yes, we should do lunch one of these days. I'm working as a tax preparer at H&R Block through 18 Apr M-F 9- late. Sat/Sun would be good. 201-664-7672 or rwbankart@yahoo.com

Yes, I recall the big book transfer. The Key club volunteered to help. Tony had his pick up truck and we all trudged back and forth to the modern miracle of bookdom

Mrs Heffernan, another true gem. She ran a tight ship. I recall it was Advanced English or something. We studied the classics. It was a pretty elite group of classmates I recall. One afternoon Sam Graves read the detention list. The same folks every few days - I'm sure they are all drug dealers and wealthy beyond counting by now. Anyway, MY NAME was read by Sam. My classmates were as shocked as I was that a member of Mrs. Heffernan's class would be on THAT LIST. Nobel Prizes - Yes!, DETENTION? I don't think so. I raced (well, waddled) down to see what had happened and was told there was a mistake and I was free to go.

Hey, not so fast - I protested. I was in Mrs Heffernan's English class when you blasted my name across to the whole school that I was a criminal and headed for reform school not college. My reputation was besmirched - big time. I asked for a retraction - on the air. I was told that was impossible. I protested that it simply required pushing the 'talk' button and making a correction. Yes it WAS quite possible if Sam Graves stood for the principles of honesty and honor. Well, WE DON'T DO THAT SORT OF THING.

I pressed my case and got past the gestapo guard at the desk - some woman who thought SHE ran the high school ((and perhaps when Sam was (shall we say) ill.))- perhaps she did. I finally got to big Sam and explained the circumstances of my humiliation and that my classmates in MRS HEFFERNAN's English class were still looking at me and wondering what I had done. Finally big Sam got the message and a few days later ---'and finally, I'd like to make a correction the the detention list of last week. Richard Bankart DID NOT have a detention and we are happy to correct the record.'

Never give up!!!!!

This just in. MRS O'BRIEN HAS BEEN EXPELLED FROM THE FIRST LEVEL OF HELL TO A LOWER REGION. THE DEVIL WAS QUOTED AS SAYING 'What is with that witch?'

Happy Trails

Dick
Ann W Holman Keech
Gone! plus step-together-step
02/12/2011_14:17
OMG, I am laughing out loud! Thank you Kenny, Knappy and Tony! Maybe we should call in Columbo? Oh, Mrs. Ferguson's dancing classes and the anxiety of a dress, clean gloves, will ANYONE dance with me? will I step on someone's toes? How old were we?
Leslie - John Douglas and the Izod shirts (those are still around), madras plaid Bermuda shorts, and wasn't Filene's right there too? Gone, I'm sure. Davis Department store with the canisters flying around the ceiling to collect payments....am I making this up? Hathaway Book store across from Wellesley College entrance was a gem - many, many happy quiet times there. Probably gone.
Skating - I'm pretty sure I went to Longfellow Pond because the ice was better than Morse's Pond. remembering bonfires, s'mores, hot chocolate, and lots of skating and talking. Also went into the Garden to watch the WHS boys play hockey, which I was allowed to play sometimes with the guys in my neighborhood on Morse's Pond.
Swimming - Morses Pond all the time...I could walk down the hill to little beach directly across from what we called the Big Beach, which I could also walk or bike to. It was the town beach, had docks, floating raft, beach houses, great sand, tons of kids and families. Spent majority of summer in Maine at a camp that has reunited on Facebook!
Marcia, thank you for memory of Mr. Chapman's newspaper reading instructions - I'd forgotten, along with a lot of other things, but interesting how stories from others bring it back. Thank you all!
Janet - hope the healing is going well! Pennsylvania weather report has us hitting 50 today. The 6 ft snowbank from plowing might get down to 3 ft.
Keep it coming everyone and hope others will join in. Cheers! Ann
Theodore Tony Parker
Detective work
02/12/2011_11:34
Good call Ken. I had noticed the missing stores and familiar places gone but had missed the Ferguson statue piece. So,when I saw your note I called the Chief of Police here in Wellesley,Terry Cunningham, who acknowledge it disappeared around the first weekend of last October 2010. He then said that they had picked up something from the police in Venice,Florida where two or three weeks ago, some 'old' guys from out of town had been seen carry something that looked like a woman in a dance outfit- circa late 1950's, and that these old guys were wearing white gloves. One of the guys spoke with a Massachusetts accent and came from Marblehead another, who was wearing only one glove, said he wintered in Florida. The other three all looked and acted younger and professed innocense. That's all there was so the detective work goes back to you or whoever else might shed aome light on this caper.

Janet-sorry about your ankle. I had mine 'scoped' on the same day as your surgery but I can walk. I can't imagine 6 weeks. I'm sure you will be running with your dogs by spring.

Best to everyone.
Donald V. Knapman
My white Gloves
02/11/2011_15:15
If any of you found a pair of white gloves outside the Maugus club I dropped them after Mrs Fergusson's dance class. Mother Knapman does not want to shell out for another pair. Please remember to maintain room with your dance partner for the holy ghost. I remember being tapped on the shoulder on occasion. I was scared [blank] of that woman. Kenny L, your memory is outstanding. They found me wondering in a parking lot just this morning looking for my car. I love this blogging. Where has TP gone he was a favorite of mine.
Leslie Miller Penny
 
02/11/2011_13:41
Kenny---my god what a memory!!! that was better than some of those forwards you get from the 50's --you hit all the hot spots! except you forgot a favorite of Carol Bruno's and mine--& I'm sure many more: John Douglas!--- No Alzheimer's for you!! You still playing records? or have gone back to them?
now name some of our skating ponds--and yes, Peter I do remember Morse's Pond but we never skated there---just swimming in the summer--often!

Janet--feel better and heal quickly---good luck!
Kenneth Laborne
Hey guess what.
02/10/2011_19:40
The other day I drove over to Wellesley from Needham to get anew 78 record for my Victrola, and guess what..the Music Box is gone.I walked over to Howard Johnsons and guess what.. Howard Johnsons is gone.Hey Olkens is gone. Andrews and Fallons Phamacy is gone. Corcoran Motors gave way to St. Moritz and now thats gone. Sunshine Dairy, Ma's Lunch and Star Market are gone. In junior high I remember we carried books from the old library down the hill and across the street to the new library. Guess what..that library is history and there is a newer one. Ha! The Comunity Play house is gone. McNiel's Dairy is gone. Hey, remember the Wellesley Inn, Diehls and The Garden & Tool House ? Gone. Rememember the carnivals across the street from St. Pauls? Adding to the list Kidson's Hardware and Grossmans in the 'Falls'. How about The Record Rack' and DeFazios Market I think that The Magus Club is still there but somebody stole the statue of Mrs. Ferguson. Ask Knappy.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Standout Teacher
02/10/2011_18:16
Peter and Marcia... boy do I remember Mr Chapman and the New York Times. He was quite a character and a great teacher, though I'm not sure my parents thought so. Also Claire Heffernan and the tragedies. What a class. I remember having to make trips to the Boston Public Library to do research and wonder what it would have been like if we had had computers then.
I am grounded for the moment. Had major surgery done on my ankle (I'm with you on the weak ankles Ed) last thursday...and cannot put weight on it for 6 weeks. Thank God for computers, at least I can keep it touch with the outside world. It amazes me what you can find with just a click or two.
Janet
Peter B Hill
OK!
02/10/2011_14:18
OK...Where to start? Marcia- Many happy times in Brookline, where my father grew up, and my grandparents lived into their 90's (must have been a healthy place to live- 14 Park St.- an old brownstone apartment house (is it still there?)
Wish I could make your meet-up; The Sunshine Dairy was only one number off ours growing up! After thousands of wrong numbers, I'd just say: 'OK, and you want two scoops of ice cream? It'l be ready when you get here' etc..
Chappie? You mean as in 'Radical/ Liberal/ Moderate/ Conservative/ reactionary' Chappie? You never forget!
Leslie- How about Morse's Pond (near Lake Waban). Great swim on a hot day, although my mom always said I couldn't 'cause it was polluted (but she wasn't there).
Enough for now/ Pete
Leslie Miller Penny
this and that --
02/09/2011_12:13
Hey, Dick Bankart where in Jersey do you live? I'm in Montclair.

Marcia--let us know as soon as you set a date for lunch, preferrably a Sat.? How great to come for a weekend--well I can dream, can't I--and who knows maybe I really can come--if we get a little posse going, Dick from the area, Ann Holman K. that's stretching it for her to come from Pa. but who knows, anything is possible!!
You still watching our girl, Rachel?! I think of you now at night when I have her on--and would love to discuss or make comments on some of the issues she so aptly covers! Couldn't love her more!

Marcia Madden Heist
A Mid-Winter Greeting
02/09/2011_10:50
Hi Folks...I love visiting this blog. So much fun to hear from each of you about past memories and recent fun and challenges. We have plenty of snow and ice in Brookline, MA. City snow is pretty for about a day and then it looks yucky...for want of a better descriptor. I am about to see if we can organize an informal WHS '60 lunch for some of us who are in the area so...if you read this and think you could make it to lunch in the Wellesley/Rte 9 area sometime in late March or early April let me know...(617-277-0858) or rm.heist@comcast.net. Blogs are wonderful but 'hanging out' is great too!! Too bad the Sunshine Dairy is a bank now. We could meet there...throw a couple of nickles in the juke box and listen to Elvis tell us all about Heartbreak Hotel or Hound Dog. I love thinking about our high school days. Does anyone out there remember how Raymond Chapman taught us how to read a newspaper...how to fold it...what to read first etc. I think of him every time I pick up the morning paper and certainly every time I read the NY Times.
The other teacher who I hold in the highest regard is Claire Slattery Heffernan. She taught me so much about writing and vocabulary and, of course, Chaucer, Shakespeare and the Greek Tragedies. What a couple of years that was for me. Over the years I have thanked her in my mind for being such a wonderful, inspired and inspiring teacher. I got on a play reading kick last summer and couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to discuss some of those challenging works with her. Rob and I are well. Rob, as some of you know is in a wheelchair. I am proud to say he has only been stuck once and that's because he slid on the ice into a snowbank and his wheels couldn't get any traction. Many challenges along the way...well met. Long distance hugs to all. Keep in touch. Lets get more of our friends involved in an occasional note on the blog. If you are reading this and you haven't 'blogged' please let us know the what and where of your life these days. Best as always....Marcia
Leslie Miller Penny
ice skating con't.--------fun remembering--
02/09/2011_09:29
Yes, Ed, Longfellow Pond, of course, that was one of our spots. I was trying to remember the names of the other ponds we skated on---one was up in the Cliff Estates---don't think we skated on Lake Waban at the College--so if anyone remembers any of the other ponds?---the area behind where you lived and skated sounded very beautiful--weak ankles --strong fingers!! can't have it all. Funny how the memories seem to hold more weight now--at this age--so much of chldhood for so long was taken for granted --looking back we realize how lucky we were and how special it all was! Still can't skate at indoor rink! Maybe we're just slowing down a bit and able to take in the whole span--who even thought of these wonderful occasions when we were busy raising our families and seeing to all the myriad needs that were constant, ever present, and requiring our full attenion.
Edward Wood
coasting, ice skating
02/07/2011_15:59
Leslie, I'm sure you were among the people I used to see in grade school, coasting down the big hill at The Academy of the Assumption. Twice a week, my mother would drive me in to The New England Conservatory for piano lessons. During winter, as we were returning via Route 9, I would always watch in fascination the many children coasting down this hill. Did you ever ice skate on Longfellow Pond nearby? Our parents would frequently drive us children in our neighborhood to skate there. Even after several years, I was a terrible skater -- my ankles were simply too weak to balance on the skates -- but I still loved to skate. I remember our fascination as we watched Curt Gowdy, the Red Sox announcer, skating on this pond. He was phenomenal at this sport (as well as being a great college basketball player). I was simply amazed that he could skate backwards as well as he could forward. I also loved to skate on frozen swamps and ponds in solitude -- contemplation -- near my house and also in the wilderness on the north side of Route 9, known as The Hundreds. It was perfectly safe back in 1954, but of course would be treacherous today.
Leslie Miller Penny
Blog advocate returns!
02/04/2011_12:56
Finally jumping in---just read all the way back to November when Marcia you titled me the 'blog advocate' and I'm only surfacing again now! Busy doing what I can't even tell you. Treasured time with family during Thanksgiving--some sadness at that time--but all things being considered---o.k. The Christmas holidays were full and happy--2nd week of school, Christmas vacation, down to be with mother in Florida who in her late 80's is declining a bit too rapidly for my liking. Going down again during Feb. vacation. Tried to hook up with Judy Fitzpatrick who I learned from Patti lives not far from mother--unable to see Judy then so hoping for a 2nd chance to see her during our Feb. break. And yes, everyone!! We are having a real winter this year. A real N.E. winter that is! As I tell everyone in NJ this was the kind of winters I remember growing up in! Never remember seeing bare ground until April! Every winter was filled with sledding, and tobogganing down the Academy of Assumption hill into Janie Bigelow's back yard then inside for hot chocolate WITH! Marshmellow Fluff on top! Ice skating on all our outdoor ponds throughout the winter and weekend evenings under the flood lights in our hand knit woolen pompom hats--meeting all our friends there. Life was good! We were innocent. We were happy!
Our school recently showed the film 'The Race to Nowhere' to our community-- a wonderfully presented documentary on the pressures kids face today. (I highly recommend it for all!) We truly did not know how very blessed and fortunate we were---in very different times. I still love the snow! and like the kids (and as we did of yesteryear) we still anxiously await that magical call informing us of a SNOW DAY!! Some things don't change! And so with happy memories and good positive thoughts for the future may 2011 unfold in health and continued happiness for us all and our families! Cheers and love to everyone! Leslie

p.s.: (yes, Peter the things we remember!)
I, too, remember going to Plum Island with Mr. Sands. He was magical of another kind!
Peter B Hill
Snow and Oranges
01/31/2011_16:09
Hi, again...As we sit here waiting for our next Maryland blizzard, I remember Knappy's mountain of snow- do you really wanna play tennis when its ten above? Maybe when you're 17. Anyway, now he's down there with the oranges (even if they're a might frozen). By the way, we were remembering Doug Sands a while back- did you know he could peel an orange with one hand while driving his car with the other? He showed me this rare skiil during a birding trip to Plumb Island- the things you remember, eh?
Later, Pete
Edward Wood
Mr. Goodridge
01/31/2011_15:44
Janet, Mr. Goodridge was my wonderful Latin teacher for two years in high school. His impact on my life went far beyond Latin. He inspired me to write a term paper on the Indo-European languages. As I worked on this project, I became fascinated with the relationship of various languages to each other and the amazing common ground they share. He opened up to me the very nature of language. His influence overflowed into my career as a choral conductor and diction coach for singers. I owe so much to him! At the same time, I knew nothing of his private life. Although we had a most cordial relationship in class, he would never return my greeting when we would meet in the corridors! Thank you, Janet for telling us about this other side of him!
Donald V. Knapman
Lots of snow, some snow, no snow
01/30/2011_10:51
From what I read I guess it has snowed a little in Wellesley this year. It brings back memories of the huge pile of snow on the high school tennis courts compliments of the town after the town cleaned up Wellesley square. I lost the town tournament 6-0 to a rather robust frosty the snowman. I wish to respond to TP RE: The degenerates gathering in Venice FL. #1. Venice is the deadest town in southwest Florida. #2. We froze our you know what off, 34 degrees on sunday morning and no place to eat breakfast on the water since the town was closed till noontme. We did however have many laughs as we relived the great times we had so long ago. We started with bloodymary's on friday noon and ended at St Armands square with bloodys on sunday. I will end this by saying hi to all my readers. Till next time bye bye.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Teachers
01/29/2011_19:41
Pete, your comment about Principal Graves made me wonder about whatever happened to our teachers.
I only know about one because he was also our neighbor in Maine (I was never in one of his classes). John Goodridge and his wife were avid sailors and during summer vacations in HS and college, used to invite me along whenever they were going out. Cruising Muscongus Bay has got to be pretty close to heaven on earth. After his wife Libby died, he left WHS and moved to Germany to teach English. He retired and returned to Maine in l975 where he kept busy sailing and was involved in a number of volunteer activities. We kept in touch via Christmas cards until he passed away in April of 2008 at the age of 94. Nice guy with a wonderful sense of humor.
Peter B Hill
SNOW!
01/29/2011_15:41
Snow? Snow? You Wanna see snow? Reminds me of eons ago (about 50 years, I guess), after our once-upon-a-time Principal, Sam Graves,(actually a really great guy), talked me into attending his Alma Mater, Bates College- somwhere just south of the Arctic circle in central (Lewiston) Maine. I had a '51 Buick up there, which should have had a snowplow attachment, and required three six volt batteries in parallel to grind over a huge straight-eight engine (with almost no power) on most mornings. Skiing was a gym sport, however, which was fun- but not enough to get me through sophomore year-in the middle of which I ran away, joined the Navy, and transferred to Fleet Sonar School, Key West- where the Winter weather is a bit easier to take. Later, all/ Pete Hill
Theodore Tony Parker
Homeland Security in Florida
01/27/2011_17:00
So we recieved another foot (almost) of snow last night. But the temperature has moderated. So,thanks to everyone for their well wishes. I have been scouring the newspapers for reports from Venice, Florida on distrubances or earthquakes or such since Don Knapman advice us of the gathering of some WHS'60 graduates. Nothing has made the news. Hope all the residents of the west coast of FL are safe. Anyway, thanks to all for joining in the blog fun. Janet, I think the snow is on the way there tomorrow.
Edward Wood
Snow
01/27/2011_15:56
In the middle of November, it was one below here. We got lots of snow that month,all of December, and the first few days of January. On the 4th, at 12:30 AM, Suz and I hit some black ice (?) on Tennant Road, slid into a snowbank, and got stuck. Due to the surrounding mountains, there is no cell phone service in this area. And it was only 15*. Finally, 3 hours later, a huge flatbed truck carrying some gigantic vehicle came by. I flagged down the driver, and he was able to tow us out of the deep snowbank.
For the past two and a half weeks, we have had nothing but sunny, spring weather, with temperatures sometimes reaching the 60's! We welcome this warm stretch, as it is much safer! At the same time we are concerned for all you on the east coast, and hope you are okay.
Bruce Snow
Missing the snow?
01/27/2011_11:04
Miss the snow??? Hey, I, for one, don't miss anything that I have to shovel -- be it snow or post-hurricane mud ;-)
Ann W Holman Keech
Snow!
01/26/2011_20:42
Last weekend we were in Great Barrington, MA, for grandson Lucas Keech's 4th birthday... 3ft snow made for a wonderful sledding party out their front door. The snow fort brought back many memories of Shadow Lane house and our winter constructions. Now it's here (Devon, PA, near Philly), accumulating nicely tonight and so beautiful! Best wishes to all...so enjoy the posts. I can imagine the jollies with Knappy, Mike Smith, Bobby Moore, Stan Rossi and John Kelly getting together!
Janet O'Brien Olson
more snow
01/26/2011_18:41
Oh boy Tony, you guys are really getting it this winter. I feel guilty sitting here wishing that we would get a little more! Careful what you wish for though..heard on the news tonight that my old school, Syracuse, has had 113 inches of snow so far this winter. Think of the snowman you could make with that!!!
Theodore Tony Parker
More snow
01/26/2011_16:12
So, it's snowing again here. Ed,Knappy,Bruce, even Janet O'b are probably missing the snow. How about those out on the left coast like Hannah and Roni? Who is out there? Let us know. Meanwhile I'll go start the snowblower.
Edward Wood
Our 100th Reunion?
01/23/2011_21:42
Eric C, I have frequently pondered your amazing entry of October 15, understandably back-tracking somewhat, as soon as you uttered those words. It has to be one of the all-time under-rated posts. Dear classmates, whether you be a person of religious faith, or no faith at all, it is my unshakable conviction that no one will be left out. Science (alternative medicine?) and faith will meet in the end. In my perception as a four-year-old, and in the words of one of Stephen Foster's 'Sunday School Songs,' 'The good, the bright, the beautiful -- these things will never end.' A wondrous New Year to all.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Ironic
01/23/2011_18:42
I should start this by saying that I understand that you have had a season's worth of snow already and winter is far from over.... here and there. However, we couldn't help but chuckle tonight over the fact that people gasped when we said we were moving to Montana 'what about the winters?' It is 35 degrees at 7:00 tonight and we are out on the back porch cooking ribs on the BBQ while you are digging out again. Our snow (on the valley floors) is almost gone thanks to warm front coming in from the Pacific. strange..... Wishing you all a safe and warm winter!
Marcia Madden Heist
I Love the Snow!!
01/23/2011_13:40
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....;-)
Janet O'Brien Olson
snow
01/21/2011_09:10
Is it my computer or has someone (Bruce??) added a blue snowstorm background to this blog? Hope you guys get a break from all the snow soon. PS I love the 'snowstorm'
Janet O'Brien Olson
Snowshoes
01/19/2011_10:38
Snowshoes are a blast! I traded my old wood and rawhide shoes for a pair of the new aluminum ones this year. Much lighter and easier and besides, the wooden ones make great wall hangings.
Enjoy the winter! Janet
Marcia Madden Heist
Whoops
01/18/2011_16:25
That's 22inches not 22 feet of snow at Marylee's house!!
Marcia Madden Heist
Winter in New England
01/18/2011_16:10
There is lots of snow...and ice...and more snow. Enough said. The Patriots lost...also a tiresome subject. On the plus side...our renovations are now complete...I just got off the phone with Marylee Hayde Trinchitella. She has 22' of snow in her Connecticut mountain home and has purchased snow shoes...we're getting together in the Spring when the snow melts but, in the meantime, being in touch by phone is wonderful. The weekend which Knap describes makes me smile. I can still see Bobby Moore, Stanley and Mike Smith entourage as they arrived through the front door of the Wellesley College Club. What a riot. Tony and Priscilla and Rob and I are going to rendevous at the hotel for their jazz brunch on Sunday am sometime in February. Should be fun to return to the scene of the 'crime'. Be well my friends. Keep in touch. M
Donald V. Knapman
My thanks to TP
01/18/2011_09:56
Tony, It was 46 degrees here last week. Trying to find a spot in the sun was practically impossible. However today it will reach high 70's. Stan Rossi is coming for a visit today. We will fish for a couple of days ,then head up to Venice to spend the week-end with Mke Smith, Bobby Moore and John Kelly. Homeland security has been in touch with diaster relief in Sarosota county so the natives should be safe. Stay well,I do enjoy your blogs very much.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Winter
01/18/2011_08:09
Hi Tony Sorry, but I'm afraid that at this point you all have more snow than we do. The ground here was white from mid-November until the end of last week but we have been having some warm (40's) weather and rain so the snow in the valleys is vanishing. HOWEVER, we may get some snow tonight!
In general, the weather in my part of Montana tends to be a little more like the northwest than the eastern part of the State.
It is interesting to hear what classmates in different parts of the country have to say. Wish more would join in.
Theodore Tony Parker
Go Pats!
01/16/2011_12:33
Well we here in the Northeast have enjoyed (suffered) with wintery weatter. Today is cold but sunny with more than a foot of snow around. Priscilla and I are going for a walk before we watch the Patriots/Jets game. (I'll watch the game Priscilla will be sporadic in her attention). Hope all of you are well. Janet O'Brien must have twice as much snow as we have while Knappy and Linda are basking in the FL sun. Later.
Edward Wood
Miss Norris and Lebanon
01/08/2011_15:10
Hi, Dick, An amazing post! We have been exploring our English connections, which are many -- practically the whole city of Northampton. Lo and behold, I am 100% Lebanese on my mother's side! I have quite a large volume of my Lebanese genealogical data, going horizontally. Vertically, I have only been able to go back to around 1850. My father had tried to do a thorough study of my mom's lineage, but ran into a brick wall -- until quite recently the Lebanese had this maddening habit of interchanging their first and last names!

I remember Miss Norris well! She was the best friend of our beloved 6th grade teacher and principal at Sprague School, Mrs. Hefler. She was always telling us about her beloved friend, Miss Norris. Although I never met her, I feel as if I have always known her -- through Mrs. Hefler. Talk to you later! Ed
Edward Wood
Performances
01/08/2011_14:46
Hi,Pete. Pretty close. In 7th grade I played Chopin's C# Minor Etude, Opus 10 #4, and 'July,' from my own composition entitled 'The Months,' Opus 17 (1951-1953). It took me two years to compose this rather long work. I was inspired to undertake this project by Peter Tchaikovsky's piece, also entitled 'The Months,' where he wrote a piece for each month of the year. This performance of mine was at one of the weekly assemblies at Wellesley Junior High. This Chopin etude is a brilliant work, like the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #2, even though they are quite different from each other.

In 8th grade, I performed the first movement of Beethoven's 'Pathetique' Sonata in C Minor for a Junior High assembly. This sonata is another brilliant work, in the same key as Rachmaninoff's Second Concerto. I didn't learn the Rachmaninoff Second Concerto until my junior year in High School. My piano teacher at the time originally had planned to have me audition for Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, playing Beethoven's Third Concerto (also in C Minor). But one lesson Mr. Bacon (my teacher) came in to his studio quite alarmed. He had heard that someone had auditioned for Fiedler, playing a Beethoven concerto. Fiedler had become furious, as Beethoven is not 'pops' enough for The Boston Pops. So my teacher quickly had me prepare a 'popular' concerto, and I chose the Rachmaninoff Second. After we wrote Mr. Fiedler a letter requesting an audition, we receive no reply. Finally, as I was about to go off to Eastman, we got a letter from him. He was extremely apologetic, explaining that he had just discovered our letter buried under a pile of his correspondance. Good to hear from you again, and best wishes for the New Year.
Richard W. Bankart
Miss Norris
01/08/2011_13:48
Hi Folks,

I'm planning a holiday in Lebanon for Aug 2011. Our beloved 6th grade Perrin School teaching principal Miss (they were all Miss back then) F. Helen Norris used to read to us from a book with a title 'Two kingdoms of Tyre' or similar. I'd like to learn the correct title/author so that I can reread before my trip.

It was wonderful to see you all at the reunion. I've since learned that Ed Wood and I are distant 'cousins by marriage'. I sent a travel itinerary suggestion to Tom Warren. None of this reconnection possible without the wonder reunion.

Nick Anagnostis is here with me in NJ this weekend. We are going to Jamaica for a holiday on Monday for 11 nights. I sat behind him in homeroom for several years and we have been close friends since.

Have a fun 2011

Dick Bankart
Peter B Hill
Christmas Iphone
01/08/2011_06:13
Hi, Ed W.- 'Inaugurated subject toy (also an IPOD) this AM with a neat rendition of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No.2 in C Minor- which, I believe, you played on the stage at a 7th or 8th grade Junior High concert. Couldn't have been 9th grade, 'cause my voice had changed and they kicked me out of the chorale group (standing behind you at the time). I remember thinking 'I want to do that too.' Oh well, I never could- but things worked out fairly well, anyway// Best ever, Pete
Ann W Holman Keech
Happy New Year!
01/02/2011_09:31
Greetings from Pennsylvania, near Philly, with wishes for a healthy, happy 2011 to everyone! I hope the '60 Blog keeps on going and growing with new classmate bloggers. It is such a pleasure to check in every now and then and find the conversation continuing on, especially the fun humorous comments and also more details of our lives now. At this age, we can mostly joke about 'this age.' We had neighborhood open house yesterday with lots of kids and grandson Evan (4) running around. When we moved here in the 70s, we were the youngest family - and now we're the elders...so quickly! Best wishes to all WHSers! xxooAnn
Donald V. Knapman
Happy New Year
12/31/2010_09:03
Marcia thank-you for your kind thoughts. Unfortunately Linda and I are in RI visiting with the grandchildren. Actually only the 2 year old cares to spend any time with us. Oh I forgot offer to take the rest to a 3d movie and they are on you like a cheap suit. Happy New Year to all our readers. Keep on blogging class of 1960.
Janet O'Brien Olson
Happy New Year
12/31/2010_08:14
Happy New Year to All. Hope that it is filled with good good things for everyone!
By the way, for the electronically challenged (like me), after you make a post, if you see that there is a mistake, you can fix it by clicking on 'edit your existing blog' on the upper right side of the blog.
Marcia Madden Heist
Weatter and Other Important Subjects
12/30/2010_12:55
A friend just called me from Miami. She was sitting on the beach and wondering how I was doing? The weatter has dumped enough snow to make me very unhappy...though I will say that the storm itself was pretty. I am hoping that Knappy and Linda are having a great winter and that the weatter will continue to cover them with sunshine. By the way...I went to the same school that Tony attended. French was certainly not my strong subject and I never use spell check...perhaps I should change that!! Happiest of New Years to all. What a crew. M
Theodore Tony Parker
the Clug
12/29/2010_15:19
Knappy, you missed a great time. Where were you?
You know I had to go to summer school two summers in order to get throung French. Fortunately I wasn't tested on spelling or even spell check. I noticed my mistake after I hit the send button. How often does that happen? Hope you are enjoying the weatter in Florida
Donald V. Knapman
Head Trauma
12/29/2010_11:39
Ed Wood you have quite a memory. Many in my family think I took one to many blows to the head not as result of football but due to nights of sin and degradation. Unfortunately I don't remember, I can just assume I had a good time. Thanks again for the flash back.
Donald V. Knapman
The Wellesley Clug
12/29/2010_11:30
I unfortunately missed the get together at the Clug. I think I am due a refund. I did hear that this festival did get out of hand what with streaking making a come back and some people seen mooning as they left. Tony please see to it that i get an invite next time, thank-you.
Theodore Tony Parker
Year End
12/28/2010_12:59
Greetings to All,
I hope all of you are well and have a horizon of great hope for the New Year. Of course ending 2010 means we are moving on to the next half century of our lives since High School. Best wishes to everyone. Today I closed out the bank account for our 50th reunion. So we can open a new one when we are ready. There were 124 people who contributed $11,445 to the event. We spent $9,670.46 at the Wellesley College Clug, $1072.22 on printing, mailing, postage and electronic communication, $277..32 on decorations,etc. and $425 on refund. It was a great event and hopefully we can do it again. Thanks to Bruce, Marcia, Sue and Sue for making it all happen. Thanks to all of you for particpating in the enjoyment of reconnection and reminicence. Happy New Year.
Edward Wood
More Football
12/27/2010_14:50
Don, your good humor is most admirable. Suz has been an avid football fan for many years. When we met seven years ago, she renewed my interest. In recent months we have become very concerned about accounts of innumerable NFL and AFL stars suffering severe disability after their spectacular careers. Apparently the years of constant trauma to the head (are helmets actually a liability?) have taken their toll. In the light of these reports (not mentioned in the mainstream media), the tragic early deaths of Jim Nance (Patriots quarterback) and Reggie White (Packers lineman) become less mysterious. I am very much relieved you have survived better than so many NFL/AFL stars.

My disqualification from football as I entered adolescence is comic. It all began in our 7th grade gym class. In a flag football game, I was deluded enough to think I could actually deliver an effective block against you. We were both running at full speed. (Your body was that of a lineman, but you could still run amazingly fast). To say my build was spindly and wraith-like is an understatement. (By the time I completed my growth I would stand at over 6 feet tall and weigh a grand total of 130 pounds). Well, when we collided, I bounced off of you like a tennis ball. You were very kind and considerate, and also horrified at the possible injury I might have suffered, but I was okay. I finally became convinced of the mismatch of my physical build with tackle football as we were entering 8th grade. My neighborhood (Stearns Road, Francis Road, Donizetti Street, and Kingsbury Street) decided to have an impromptu, pick-up game. We welcomed two special guests -- Peter Adams and newcomer Kenny Laborne. As there were a few other legitimate football players present, the game was very similar to an actual junior high varsity football match -- without any protective gear. I avoided any serious injury, but I was so roughed up by the game, that I knew I had to stop.
May you and Linda have a wonderful New Year.
Peter B Hill
Bill Mayes #2
12/26/2010_17:40
You're right, Ed. It would have been 8th grade ('55/'56), when we 'played' with the Packard, which was 'his car', even then. We had to be really, really quiet, cause his dad had to practice- almost constantly all day at that time. That car, by the way, had sterling silver door handles (on the inside), and little petcocks to prime each of it's eight cylinders on cold days. Amazing what one remembers after 55 years.
Edward Wood
Bill Mayes
12/26/2010_15:14
Peter, I remember him from my gym class. I had no idea his father was First Cellist for the Boston Symphony! In 6th grade (1954), I knew Jacobus Langendon, who was First Cellist at that time. In 1967 my friends Steve Geber and Jerry Patterson were cellists. Bill Mayes' father must have been First Cellist sometime between those periods. From 1954-1967 I had no contact with any Boston Symphony members. I have not heard about Bill Mayes since high school.
Peter B Hill
Bill Mayes
12/26/2010_07:28
OK- Glad the BLOG is starting up again. Does anybody remember/ know what happened to Bill Mayes (did the graduation auto parade in his classic 1924 Packard?) Ed Wood, you might know- his Dad was First Cellist for the Boston Symphony.
Edward Wood
Christmas
12/25/2010_13:55
Thank you, Janet. Growing up in southern California, Suz has wanted to see Mt. Shasta since she was a child. So now we can see this gorgeous mountain whenever we venture out of Tennant to go to town (either Klamath Falls, OR, or Weed or Yreka in California). Smaller mountains block our view of Mt. Shasta in Tennant. Every time we are in Yreka we see the sign pointing to Fort Jones (still a good distance from Yreka). Have a wonderful Christmas!
Edward Wood
Tennant, CA
12/24/2010_15:43
Hi, Janet. My wife, Suz, disabled by a drunk driver in 1998, has a dangerous smoke allergy as a result. So, it is absolutely essential that we live in a house far removed from any smoke. This isolated, but intensely beautiful location, is the only place we could afford. My concerts are few and far between. However, there are two people trying to arrange for me a concert tour of California. My primary musical communication in recent years has been recordings. Eroica Classical Recordings (www.eroica.com)in southern California has distributed my CDs internationally to intensely appreciative audiences. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Janet O'Brien Olson
Christmas
12/24/2010_14:47
Hi Ed So sorry for the reason for your move to the country but you did pick a beautiful spot. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and happy new year. I'll have to check out your CD's
Janet
Edward Wood
Holiday Greetings
12/23/2010_16:02
It is so wonderful to hear from all of you. I,too wish you a wonderful Christmas, and a New year of great fulfillment. Janet, if El Nino extends a little east from Tennant, California ( where Suz and I live -- on the Oregon border, midway between the Pacific Ocean and Nevada) to Montana, you should be deluged with snow!
Janet O'Brien Olson
Christmas
12/23/2010_14:50
Wow, Ed I just looked at a map and saw where you live. That's a long way from the concert halls, what took you way up there (other than the view of Mt. Shasta). My best friend lives in Fort Jones over on the other side of I-5. Pretty country.

I'm sure that we will get our share of snow this winter and Christmas is going to be white, though no fresh snow on Christmas day. got to love life in the country!

Merry Christmas Janet
Carol Layman Oskeirko
HOLIDAY GREETINGS
12/23/2010_11:49

Just wanted to wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sorry we can't have Christmas Eve party this year but --- well years have gone by. They were fun back then. Hope all of you are happy and healthy and can share the holidays with your loved ones.
Also want to let you know that my e-mail will change to lorac42@live.com in the next few days. Again Merry Christmas.
Donald V. Knapman
Holiday greetings
12/21/2010_12:11
Merry Xmas to all my readers. My last blog came at Thanksgiving and Tony P was very helpful in reminding me to whom I was married. I am wondering if he knows what she wants for Xmas? I just received my Tarp check so I'm pretty flush, along with many other undeserving folks. I do enjoy this blogging stuff, thanx Bruce.
Bruce Snow
Holiday Wishes
12/19/2010_03:14
I, too, want to send our classmates warm holiday wishes and express how much I enjoyed our 50th. I had thought that the high point of 2010 was going to be my trip to *Spain but as it turned out I will remember 2010 as the year of the reunion -- not only for the fun in reacquainting with so may folks but also the great time I had working with the committee in preparing for it. Y'all have a merry Christmas and/or happy New Year. Bruce
*Went to Spain last summer to teach English to Spaniards.
William McKenna
Holiday Greetings
12/18/2010_13:23
It is hard to believe that Christmas is upon us and 2010 is about to end. Our 50th reunion gave alot of us something to look forward to last year and gave us great memories to look back on. I hope this holiday season and 2011 will bring health, happiness and joy to all. Do something exceptional this coming year to create another great memory.
Bill
Janet O'Brien Olson
Christmas
12/16/2010_18:45
I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and all the best for the coming year. We are about to celebrate our first Christmas in Montana. We had a VERY white Thanksgiving but I don't know yet if it will be for Christmas. It is sooooo very beautiful any time of year but the snow adds a special touch.....and it reminds me of trudging through the snow to get to WHS.
Marcia Madden Heist
I'm back
12/15/2010_20:21
Actually...I haven't been too far away just busy. I am still getting e-mails from folks who attended reunion and some who missed it. I keep 'referring' them to the blog which I love. People will gather again when the holidays are over. If not we'll just have to track them down. Have wonderful holidays. M.
Edward Wood
This Blog
12/09/2010_14:54
Of course there is a good kind of 'humble'and a bad kind of 'pride.' But there is also a bad kind of 'humble' and a good kind of 'pride.' I had forgotten about our class song until you mentioned it, Peter. I believe we have a good kind of 'pride.' This blog is wonderful, maybe beyond anything we may suspect, and it is important to keep it going. I think the abrupt halt after Thanksgiving is due to preparations for Christmas.
Peter B Hill
Pride and this BLOG
12/07/2010_17:14
Anybody remember how our class song was originally written saying we were 'humble', and we said no, we are 'proud'? OK Bruce- how can we get more participation in here, bring back the pride, and keep this BLOG, WHICH I THINK IS FUN AND REALLY GREAT, going?
Pete H..
Edward Wood
Thanksgiving
11/30/2010_14:48
Glad you had such a wonderful Thanksgiving, Ann! Suz and I kind of skipped our Thanksgiving. When I was out walking our dog (named Symphony!) just before noon, our wealthy next door neighbor (visiting his rental home) flagged me down and informed me he was taking up a collection among members of his family who would be visiting this evening. This collection would pay me for giving them a concert! He would phone me when they were ready for me. So, Suz helped me to find suitable attire, and I scrambled to assemble a last-minute program -- Beethoven's Piano Sonata, Opus 90, and 4 Bach Preludes and Fugues from Book I of Well-Tempered Clavier. The concert was a huge success, and the audience was captivated. Finally, late at night, we were able to get a quick dinner together. We postponed our Thanksgiving dinner until the next day, but it was worth it! We hope all of you had a marvelous Thanksgiving.
Ann W Holman Keech
Thanksgiving update
11/25/2010_20:39
I was wondering how WHS-Needham game turned out after the blog chatter about this ancient event renewed my interest and knew right where to go to find out...our blog! Thank you, Ken LaB, for posting the game highlights, though disappointing WHS lost in such a tight game. Hope everyone has had a great day - ours just as it should be with all three grown kids and two grandkids (4 yrs) cooking and feasting together, Skype with niece and family in CA, and counting the many blessings...including old and renewed friendships. Son Will (TBI - CP type disabilities), celebrated birthday 31 today with us so it was an even more special day with everyone back to the old homestead! Website about our son's independent living (I need to update it) www.homeworksweb.org. Ed, enjoyed so much your description of Doug Sands' influence...the stories just keep coming. Best wishes to all! Ann
Robert Vincent
Thanksgiving Football
11/25/2010_15:13
Here's the latest from Don LaBorne

Don LaBorneNovember 25, 2010 at 4:22pm
Re: Thanksgiving Game
Wellesley 17 Needham 20 in OT :( We were ahead 14-0 in the 4th qtr. then Needham tied it. Wellesley scored a field goal then Needham came back with a TD.
Saw more people I knew than in recent years. Next year will be the 125th meeting
Peter B Hill
Thanksgiving
11/24/2010_14:17
Happy Thanksgiving all! Watch for snow...Speaking of brother Draper (WHS Class of '53), when he was elected Town Clerk for a day (a program I don't think they do anymore), he somhow sneaked out the code used to signal 'no school today' by turning on the streetlights. I don't know if he actually ever used it, but if he's looking down- and you get a few flakes tomorrow, (if you still live in Wellesley), maybe he'll put 'em on for you :)
Pete
Leslie Miller Penny
 
11/23/2010_15:23
This blog HAS taken on a life of its own! It's been awhile since I've checked in and I'm thrilled there is so much conversation ensuing. Just briefly adding a hello to everyone---haven't had time to read the various enteries--when I do will add---in the meantime wishing everyone a very happy Thanksgiving with family and friends---well being for all!
Theodore Tony Parker
Too much sunshine
11/22/2010_18:48
Just thought I'd try to help you out. Linda Marchetti is the mother of your family. She was there at the game as a cheerleader in '59 when Wellesley beat Needham 26 to 12 and was so impressed with you that she never let you go. Is that true?(Linda should give her version).Happy Thanksgiving. You are blessed with all those grandchildren.Stay well.
Donald V. Knapman
Too many blows to the head
11/22/2010_14:40
Thank-you Tony Parker for the info, gee 26-12 we certainly messed up leting the rockets score 12 pts. This time of the year brings back many memories of days gone by,I can't for the life of me remember what they are but Linda tells me they are good. Whose Linda?
Marcia Madden Heist
Happy Thanksgiving
11/22/2010_10:31
I love this blog. Leslie...thank heaven you were a blog advocate. It would have been a shame to miss all of this. Peter...I remember Draper. Amazing to hear about his career. Hey Tony... I actually remembered that we won 'big' over Needham in our senior year but only because I looked it up for a friend of David's who played for Needham in 2000 and was hoping to put me to shame by focusing on 'my team's' loss...or so he thought....in 1959. Imagine my delight. Thanks Knap. Keep blogging and get your wife to send along some news once in awhile. Ed...I got your e-mail. The offer stands. Love to all...by the way if you are reading this and you haven't made an entry...just do it!! M
Theodore Tony Parker
Score
11/21/2010_12:26
I looked it up in the yearbook. I can't remember what we had for lunch but I can remeber where I put the yearbook. Happy Thanksgiving.
Peter B Hill
Needham #3
11/21/2010_07:05
I guess I spent too much time with the Science Club; How the heck do you remember the score from a Needham-Wellesley football game in 1959?:)
Theodore Tony Parker
Football
11/20/2010_15:41
To answer an earlier question, the Needham/Wellesley Thanksgiving football game will be played in Needham this year. In 1959, our senior year, Wellesley beat Needham 26 to 12. Knappy, weren't you captain? How are things in Florida? Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Edward Wood
John Andrew
11/20/2010_14:36
Hi,Pete, I too remember John Andrew. He was a quiet, young man, a year behind us, in my phys ed class. I first encountered him in the spring of 1954, when my elementary school, Sprague, was playing Kingsbury in a baseball game. John was pitching for Kingsbury. He was only in fifth grade, but it was obvious that he had the makings of an outstanding pitcher. He threw only moderately fast, but the nature of his windup made it almost impossible to hit him. The only exception was Stanley Rossi, who managed to hit an opposite-field triple. I next heard of him in August, 1955. Wellesley American League had fallen badly behind Brookline South very early in the game. In long relief, John shut them out. But it was too late, as Brookline won the game, 6-1. His pitching was an outstanding feat for John, as this Brookline team went on to make it to the semi-finals of Eastern Massachusetts. With only 4 teams left in contention, Brookline was in a 3-3 tie with East Boston's Orient Heights in the 4th inning, when the East Boston team broke the game wide open. Playing for the East Boston team was a prodigy, who was still 5 months short of his eleventh birthday. (Most of the other players were almost 13). This boy's name was Tony Conigliaro. Johnny Kline, if you are reading this, do you realize what a gem of a game you pitched in your heartbreaking loss to Brookline South in the opening round? Holding them to only 2 hits in 5 innings and striking out 12? This great achievement of yours must not be overlooked.
Donald V. Knapman
To all my readers
11/20/2010_10:47
My first time blogging, I wish all my readers a very happy thanksgiving. Just to remind everyone that the 1959 football team crushed Needham sorry forgot the score but it was a convincing victory. Does anyone remember? Will have to see how I do with this blogging in the future.
Bruce Snow
Draper Hill, another Wellesley boy made good
11/20/2010_08:57
Pete, I was interested in your mentioning that your brother was an editorial cartoonist, so I googled him. Apparently another Wellesley boy made good. Recently departed, he was highly respected by his peers. He must have been class of about '55? Click on the thumbnail.

Robert Vincent
'Johnny Andrew'
11/20/2010_07:37
Hi Pete, I remember John Andrew. You can see him in the 9th grade basketball team picture, the first row, far right, in the flannel shirt. I think he was in 8th grade at the time.
Peter B Hill
Blog/ Needham#2
11/19/2010_14:45
Blog: Note to Bruce Snow: Would it help if we (you) send an email (not a blog) to the entire class roster telling them that this BLOG is fun, easy to get on (maybe tell them how?), and that they should try it?; Couldn't hurt.
Anyhow, I remember Coach Certuse had a heart attack during a WHS Football game; I don't think it was Needham- anybody remember? My big brother Draper (now gone) used to drag me to local football games long before I went to WHS. He was some kind of assistant team Manager- which won him a varsity letter, even though he never played in a game. Sports-wise, Draper (who became a very successful political cartoonist), drew a weekly cartoon in the Townsman called 'Little League Limelight'- anybody remember that? I still have one of his original cartoons, featuring JOHNNY ANDREW, who pitched baseball in Wellesley Little League in 1955- and probably later for WHS- anybody know him? I modeled for his hand- holding a baseball- in July, 1955. Fun stuff, eh?
Bruce Snow
Thank Leslie for the Blog
11/18/2010_10:26
The Class Blog seems to have taken on a life of its own. I'm so pleased. It had been suggested we do a blog but I hesitated, thinking it wouldn't get much use. But Leslie emailed me an encouragement, and we got it on line. We can all thank Leslie for the Class Blog.
Marcia Madden Heist
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone
11/18/2010_09:55
Hi Folks...Ed,it is wonderful to hear about your life and your rich 'music appreciation' course is much appreciated. With the amazing long reach of the internet, I have followed your creative path with great interest. We have been Boston Symphony subscribers for years and a friend from Brookline, Malcolm Lowe recently retired as First Violinist. Another wonderful career. Malcolm has been most generous in working with the high school to encourage our budding musicians. Our sons played hockey at BHS together. By the way, much of my professional work over the years has involved supporting people with brain injuries and their families in pursuit of of solutions to a variety of life management issues. I know the challenges you and Suz face and would love it if I could be of any help. My personal e-mail is rm.heist@comcast.net if you would prefer to use it. Keep the blog messages coming...Peter...I am so glad you asked about the Thanksgiving football rivalry. Tony...where are they playing and what time? I would love to attend the game IF the weather is nice. I don't do snow, sleet, rain and cold any more. A sign of my age (and arthritis) I am sure. Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. This year one huge appreciation will be for the richness of reconnecting with my wonderful WHS '60 extended family and for this website that just keeps on giving!!
Edward Wood
Reply to Ann Holman Keech
11/17/2010_17:37
Hi, Ann, I think I was at the Copplestone home briefly (near Morse's Pond?), when Wesley had to give me some music. The retreat house where I was music director is St. Joseph in the Hills Retreat House, in Malvern, a little west of Devon. My longtime friend and and former college roommate whom I used to visit in Bryn Mawr is Al Filosa. He was a violist in the Philadelphia Orchestra for many years, until he retired in 2007. He still frequently plays with them as a substitute. He has moved to Bellingham, Washington, and was our first visitor to our cabin in the wilderness a couple of months ago! Thank you for your concern about Suz. She can drive quite well, but has great difficulty walking. It is my hope to eventually find a cure for all her ailments that have sprung from the brain injury. I have had a huge success for one of these -- moderate to severe Asthma. I discovered a substance called Yamoa Powder,from a tree bark in Ghana. Combining this substance with raw,uncooked honey has 98% cured her of this dangerous condition. Thank you so much for your response!
Theodore Tony Parker
Thanksgiving Foot ball
11/17/2010_16:00
Peter,
Yes the Needham/Wellesley football game continues. It is celebrated as the longest/oldest continuously played Thanksgiving Day game in the country. Needham has had a pretty good season. But, Wellesley has too. So, at this time it is a toss up. I remember my only Needham/Wellesley game as I am sure Ken Laborne, Stan Rossi and others do. I was on the bench. They were on the field. Still it was fun. Happy Thanksgiving.
Peter B Hill
Needham
11/16/2010_16:39
OK, Y'all...Coming up on Thanksgiving reminds me- do we still play Needham on Thanksgiving day? Frequently in the snow? If so, I'd bet two-to-one Wellesley will beat them. But then, who on this BLOG would bet against WHS? Oh well, It'd probably be illegal anyway.
Best ever, Pete
Ann W Holman Keech
Reply to Ed Wood's 11/10 entry
11/16/2010_09:06
Yes, Ed, my mother and we 3 Holman kids were next door neighbors to Betty AND Wesley Copplestone family! Yet another connection to the many we all are discovering beyond and after WHS Class of 1960! (Ed was Wesley's accompanist '65-'66 at Boston Conservatory, where Wesley was choral director.) I remember so well hearing 'Mr. Copplestone's' marvelous singing voice coming out the windows in good weather and what a handsome, beautiful couple they were. Other connection, Ed, driving down Route 30 you passed my road many times (Waterloo Rd, home just four blocks south of 30). Were the music retreats at Daylesford Abbey? (I've exhibited art there.) Who was your college rommate in Bryn Mawr? Re Parker family - my great grandfather was named after the famous UU minister, Theodore Parker, but not a relation. However, Tony Parker's sister knows their geneology and will probably discover that you two are distant cousins! I was so sorry to hear about your Suz's rare brain injury and hope she has found ways to get around the disability. Not easy. Best wishes to my classmates who have read this far! Love from Ann
Asher Deitrich
Asher Deitrich
11/15/2010_22:09
Asher died at age 35 from a heart attack. I am his older brother by 2 years.
He served over in Viet Nam and returned. He died in Louisiana at home after cutting his grass he had a heart attack.
Robert Deitrich (Bob236@aol.com)
Edward Wood
Chopin
11/15/2010_15:17
Thank you, Tony! Your affirmation is deeply appreciated. Often when I listen to Chopin, I feel as if I am hearing cocktail music. But when very, very, very, very high-class musicians become condescending to him, or even worse,look down on him, I become very protective of him, calling to mind that he is also the composer of the astonishing Preludes and Mazurkas. No one in their right mind can look down on these cosmic masterpieces. And then I have a special affinity to his Etude, Opus 25 #3. Everyone views this piece as a typically Romantic piece. But I see J.S. Bach all over this Etude. With the surrealistic ornamentation, Chopin out-Bached J.S. Bach in this one.
Although I was unable to attend our reunion, I am immensely grateful to you and others for all you have done to organize this event. I am especially appreciative of this blog. It is very important that it continue and succeed. By re-connecting with our classmates, my experience has been mysteriously similar to the phenomenon of re-connecting with my closely knit, childhood neighborhood on the miniature streets of Francis and Stearns Road, a block from the junior high. After not having been in contact for several decades, we discovered that our love and appreciation for each other was nonetheless steadily growing, unbeknownst to us. When we got together for a reunion in 1994, this appreciation suddenly burst upon us, astonishing us all.
Theodore Tony Parker
Chopin
11/14/2010_17:07
Thanks for sharing, Ed and Peter, I found it so interesting today in that I downloaded an album of Chopin to my ipod today before I checked into the Blog. Hice coincidence. Your conversation is wonderful. Thanks
Edward Wood
Chopin, Van Cliburn
11/13/2010_18:07
Hi, Peter,
Most people aren't aware of how Frederic Chopin admired J.S. Bach. His 24 Preludes are masterpieces -- among the greatest he ever wrote. I am always deeply, supernaturally moved whenever I hear them. He was inspired by J.S. Bach's 2 volumes of 24 Preludes and Fugues ('Well-Tempered Clavier'). This work of Bach has been a major part of my career. Could we have been at the same Van Cliburn concert? The date was April 2, 1967, in Symphony Hall. The night before I was introduced to him at a private party. He tried, unsuccessfully, to convince me that Bela Bartok should have left out the exquiste 4th movement of his Suite, Opus 14. He was also almost excessively anxious that I play lots and lots and lots of Chopin. My most vivid memory of that concert was him playing Mozart's C Major Sonata, K. 331 (?) As you know, he is very, very, very tall, and launched his career by playing Tchaikovsky's B Flat Minor Concerto - a massive work. Well, that afternoon in Symphony Hall, here was this huge man, obviously ill at ease, walking on egg shells, as he attempted to play this delicate Sonata of Mozart. Van Cliburn succeeded magnificently. His performance of this piece was stunning, and revealed a side of him that was previously unknown to me. All best wishes, Ed
Marcia Madden Heist
Catching Up
11/13/2010_17:01
I love having folks use the blog. Though I don't respond to each one I read them all...sometimes twice!! I am so sorry that I did not have Doug Sands for science. Walter Braiser was my science teacher, poor fella. I remember we would hear hoots of laughter coming from Mr.Sands' class next door. Of course there were periods of scholarly silence as you all studied your hearts out!! ;-) I continue to revel in the richness of our weekend together. Tony and I are planning to round up a few folks to review the structure of the weekend and to see if there are ideas out there for 'interim' reunions. Be well and enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday. Warm wishes as always....Marcia
Peter B Hill
Various
11/13/2010_11:38
HI, Ed W.:
Doug Sands left us, I belive in 2001. My two best memories of him are his busting into Mr. Sweeney's classroom in disguise shouting 'Hello!- I'm Evangielista Torricelli, and I want to show you this new thing I just invented.' (a liquid barometer). Also, trying to concentrate on taking a test- with a 20 pound Galapagos Tortoise snuggling between your feet.
My favorite piano piece was Chopin's 'Pre'lude', which I actually could play fairly well. My two favorite piano experiences, however, were sitting on stage at Symphony Hall 10 feet from Van Cliburn as he played a Chopin 'Scherzo', and standing with the Junior High Choral group on stage behind you during some assembly concert. (so at least in my memory, you're in good company:)
Best ever, Pete
Edward Wood
Mr. Sands
11/12/2010_14:07
Tommy, Ann, your gratitude toward Mr. Sands has inspired me to share the wonderful, life-long influence he has had on me, also. In 7th grade I was a struggling C student in his science class. Despite my struggles, he was always kind to me. In the months of February, March, and April he assigned us two projects with birds. One was identifying them in a book. The other was actually spotting them. Typically, I got a C on each of the 6 assignments. But amazingly, these projects had a delayed effect on me. By the month of May, I was deeply, deeply in love with birds. Mr. Sands mentioned that he was thinking about giving us a 'May' bird list for another assingment, but he never got around to doing it. I think I may have done much better on this one, due to my new, intense interest. At any rate, my fascination with birds carried over into our 8th Grade science class with him. During the first few weeks in the class I suddenly started getting all A's. He publically praised me, telling me that I was doing much better this year. Then, in an exquisite gesture of sensitivity, lest I be hurt by the implication that I didn't do very well last year, he added most generously, 'You did well last year, too. You are just doing much better this year.' In these first few weeks he also gave us a project that has remained one of the highlights of my entire life. Dividing our class into four (?) units, he assigned each group to a rural area in Wellesley. Each area was about a quarter of an acre. My group was assigned to Pierce's Hill, about a block west of Cliff Road, near the Weston line. Our assignment was to gather a specimen of EVERY LIVING PLANT in our quarter acre, and identify it. We also were to record any sightings of animals or birds. When he was coaching us, he suddenly exclaimed, 'A hawk!' It turned out to be a Broad-winged Hawk. I was not quick enough to see this fascinating bird, but I was still thrilled to vicariously experience this sighting. With Doug's extensive coaching, we were able to successfully complete this formidable task. I was absolutely thrilled to learn the names of so many plants in such a large area. I was so excited about this project that I took my parents to the area. They too were thrilled to see this beautiful place. My love of birds has continued for all my life. I was very good at learning the names of Eastern birds. When we moved to California at the end of 2006, it was as if I had to start all over again. But some of the eastern birds have their western counterparts, which I have been able to identify, with great satisfaction. The Western Robin is almost identical to the Eastern species. The Red-Shafted Flicker in the west is the counter part to the Yellow-Shafted Flicker in the east. The California Jay is quite different from the Blue Jay, but is still blue. And, Magpies are very easy to identify, and very common here. My older sister Judy recently talked with Mr. Sand's wife, Ginny (Sleigh), at their 52nd WHS reunion. If Mr. Sands is still alive, he would be 90, I believe.
Edward Wood
George Gibson
11/12/2010_13:56
Hi, Peter, Thank you for telling me about George Gibson! I have never heard of him. The names of the conservatories in Boston can be quite confusing. Boston Conservatory, where I was accompanist for the chorus in 1965-1966, is tiny, and is located near the Prudential MBTA station. New England Conservatory, where I did my graduate work, is considerably larger, but not gigantic by any means, and is located on Huntington Avenue. I never knew you studied piano! How good to learn this. What music did you study? All best wishes, Ed
Peter B Hill
The New England Conservatory
11/11/2010_15:32
Hi, Ed Wood; Just curious- did you ever run into a (very good) concert pianist named George Gibson- who lived in Wellesley in the 60's, and I believe, was head of the subject organization? In retirement by then, he taught me piano for many years through Middle and High school. Unfortunately, I never had your kind of talent.
Best ever, Pete
Edward Wood
More Exciting Connections ?
11/10/2010_15:24
Ann, Was your mother's next door neighbor, Betty Copplestone, married to Wesley Copplestone? He was choral director at Boston Conservatory, and I was his accompanist in 1965-1966. I believe he lived in Wellesley. I have fond memories driving through your home town of Devon, Pennsylvania, twice a year (July and November), from 1997-2006, on Route 30. I was music director for week-long retreats in Malvern. After the retreats, I would always drive down Route 30 to Bryn Mawr to visit my college roommate and good friend. I realize that there are probably many discrete Parker families, but for what it's worth, there are 2 Parker families in my family tree. L. Fremont Parker was married to my grandfather's older sister, Mary Wood (1859-1948). John Wood, grandson of my great grandfather's older brother John, married Ruby Parker around 1900. My beloved soulmate, Suz, also has a permanent, very rare brain injury (Disabling Positional Vertigo) from being hit by a drunk driver in 1998. We are both Catholic, but have deep admiration for you Unitarians and your progressive outlook, both socially and theologically, adamantly including EVERYONE in the Kingdom of God.
Thomas Warren
Since the Reunion
11/10/2010_13:12
Since the WHS reunion I have been guiding Golden Eagle hikes in the Monadnock Region and Owl Prowls for Mass Audubon at Broadmoor in Natick. I've also been taking several hikes up Mt. Monadnock and playing senior hockey alongside working the business with bank clients.

Anne Marie has been busy working in my consulting practice, cooking, baking for several events and taking part in two bible study classes. She is also still sewing curtains & preparing the gardens for the winter. Getting ready for the upcoming holidays.

We have already had a little snow and an ice storm a couple nights ago.

Keep in touch.
Anne Marie & Tom
Carol Layman Oskeirko
Reunion
11/09/2010_19:38
Meant to write here sooner but been so busy this past month. It was a wonderful party and was great reconnecting with everyone. Can't wait until the next one. Everyone did a great job planning the reunion and I thank each one. Keep writing so we can all stay in touch
Ann W Holman Keech
Still smiling!
11/09/2010_09:32
Hello my WHS classmates! I'm still feeling the glow of our Oct. 2 weekend gatherings, with gratitude for all who helped make it happen. Leslie Miller Penny and I had a grand trip and time together, getting our Marty Adam Collwell fix on Friday night and hoping we can get together before the 55th! It was simply wonderful to see everyone, all of us known fellow travelers during that memorable time in our lives. Thank you dear childhood neighbor and friend Ann Bailey Hammer for coming all that way! Beyond the classmate activities, several of us visited our old homes, some very much the same; but my first Wellesley home 2 Shadow Lane had been torn down and replaced with a much larger home! However, sitting outside in the sun was my mother's dear friend and nextdoor neighbor so I had a quick mini reunion with Betty Copplestone and am now in touch with her artist son David, we kids all played together regularly. That was just one serendipity thing. I connected Tony Parker and my great grandfather Theodore Parker Robinson (both named after the famous 1800s Unitarian minister) and so enjoyed reading a copy of the service his sister did about the Parkers at First Church Boston. I'm sure my mother's relatives knew his old relatives. Good roots. Loved seeing Fells Branch Library still operating, Morses Pond, etc. And thank you Tommy Warren for all the follow-up material and charming note...like many, we shared Doug Sanders for science and he continues to influence our love of nature. Obviously, I could go on and on! Best of all was seeing all the old friends and classmates. We are doing well! Love to all, Ann Holman Keech - who hosted birthday party for 4-year-old grandson Halloween weekend and am now recovered.
Edward J. Balboni
Hi
11/08/2010_12:45
Sorry I missed the reunion,but this web page is almost like being there. The bios are awesome. So glad to know that most of us are still around.Am looking for additional Kingsbury grade school pxs.Thanks to Richard Lockwood for the 4th grade one.Sure got a kick out of it and the grandkids did too. Thanks and regards to all.
Leslie Miller Penny
response to Tony's question....
11/08/2010_11:23
My son and family live in Kensington. As I mentioned in an earlier blog I was just down there for a very festive Halloween celebration. I have never seen so many kids out and about--it's a great area---all young families and kids! lots of kids! Alan lives not too far from there as well. Where did you live?
Edward Wood
Bart
11/07/2010_13:59
Tony, Thank you for the update! Debbie Phinney was a friend of my younger sister, Jeanie.
Howard McKenna
Difficulty reading blogs
11/06/2010_21:27
I was unable to read all the blog entries.
Theodore Tony Parker
Bart Jealous
11/06/2010_18:58
Ed and all,
Bart J. is married to Debbie Phinney (class of 61) and living in TX. He had a wonderful Valantine's Day story in the Wellesly Townsman last year. He and I were paired on the defense of the WHS ice hockey team in 1959/60. I'm sure he has gone on to better things. Thanks for writing.
Peter B Hill
NAM, etc.
11/06/2010_17:22
Hi,all (also new to blogging, but I'll learn.)
OK, Gene Daly was one of my best buddies growing up, and I know he's on the 'wall' downtown (I live in Bowie, MD, just outside of DC) If you are a Warren School graduate, I believe Bob Evans,(also a good buddy), is there too. They call me a VietNam Vet, but I actually saw more action from the Cold War than in Nam (like serving aboard USS Scorpion, SSN589,- but fortunately leaving her before her destruction (with all hands) in May '68.
Great reunion, except for learning that WHS is being torn down. Anyway, more later// Best Ever, Pete:)
Edward Wood
Viet Nam
11/06/2010_14:39
Pete, Greg,

Thank you for the information. I never knew David Allen personally. It is inspiring to learn this noble side of him. Brad ('Bart') Jealous was in Boy Rangers with me. I also remember him as a hard-throwing left-handed pitcher, who was on the same Little League team with me. The moment I joined the Braves in the summer of 1952, his father had him play catch with me. I was only wearing a regular mit, and the whole experience was difficult on my hand. I also remember him giving an impassioned Commencement address at my younger sister's graduation from WHS in 1961. I certainly hope he is alright.
Theodore Tony Parker
Catching up
11/05/2010_19:09
Thanks everyone for sharing in this blog. Hey Les (Miller Penny) where in Maryland do your grandkids live? Priscilla and I lived there for almost 10 years and have lots of friends who would have grandkids your grandkids age. Best to all.
Gregory Chester
Nam
11/05/2010_17:12
Eric, Marcia, and Ed,

It is my understanding that David Allen did not die in Nam. At the '84 reunion I was told that he had taken his life a short time earlier. It was painful to hear because I considered him a good friend who stood at my side in a difficult time.
Martha Adam Colwell
Thanks to the Reunion Committee
11/05/2010_15:56
Even though I was not able to go to the events on Saturday and Sunday due to my brother's wedding, I had a fabulous time Friday night and have enjoyed reading about everybody on the WEB site. Since I live in the Boston area I would love to get together with any of you when you come to town. Last week Marcia Heist and I had a lovely lunch together catching up on Parrin School friends and our families. Lunch with old friends is always a great idea! So, please do keep in touch. Marty
Peter Zerga
Vietnam
11/05/2010_15:29
Hi again....referencing Vietnam, I am a Vietnam era veteran (4 years, 1960-1964), but I was never there. Unless you extended your tour of duty, or waited a couple of years before you went in, it would be unlikely. Thank goodness!! The people who graduated in 1962 or 1963 weren't so lucky. I remember Brad Jealous from the class of 1961, who graduated from West Point. I am sure he was there. That was a sad period in our lives.
Edward Wood
Viet Nam
11/05/2010_14:31
Thank you, Bruce, for this wonderful blog. And thank you for your research about Viet Nam casualties from WHS. Along with Eric, I have long wondered if any of our classmates were killed in that horrible war. In particular, I have wondered if David Allen and Asher Dietrich died in this manner. I remember that they did pass away before our 10th re-union. And my impression was that they would have been vulnerable to the military in one way or the other.
Leslie Miller Penny
are enough of us aware of our new blog?
11/05/2010_11:28
Just wondering if enough of us are aware of our blog--not enough participation--and hoping the enthusiasm is not dying down---but when we don't hear from more I sense the momentum is slowing--hope I'm wrong.
So good to hear from Susan Gura---I seem to remember calling you Susie--were you referred to as that? Or am I thinking of Susie Altman?
Anyhow now you're connected and as Marcia stated we look forward to seeing you and as many of us that can--- get together soon! If a gathering comes about let us know that are on the east coast and not so far away--perhaps we'll be able to join you. Had a fun Halloween with my grandchildren last weekend in Md.--truly festive and tons of kids out and about! Always fun to be with the grands--crazy but fun!!
Marcia Madden Heist
You are There
10/31/2010_16:23
Hi Sue...I can't tell you how hard we tried to get in touch with you. Reunion was wonderful but it would have been extra wonderful to have you with us. I can't wait for you to post a 'now' picture and up date your bio. We will add your e-mail to 'the list' and will make sure to find you for our next reunion which we all agree will be long before ten years!! Actually....when you come north next summer maybe we can gather a few of us who are in the general area. I can't wait to get caught up. The reunion was a giant love-in. Would you have expected less??? We'll talk soon. M
Susan M. Gura Morrison
I can,t believe I missed the reunion
10/31/2010_07:37
What a fantastic job the committee has done on this event. The pictures, website, bios and the reunion itself sounded wonderful. Unfortunately we were away for 3 weeks and our mail is sent from Florida to Marthas Vineyard where we are in the summer so... I hadn't a clue! There are so many old friends I would love to here from. Please contact me at susanmarymorrison@gmail.com Hopefully I can get my own bio together next week.
Eric W. Coate
regards
10/30/2010_09:27
Thanks Bruce, and Marcia. Just like to say Hello to my former 'girl-next-door',Ann Bailey Hammer, and everyone else from the Class of '60.
Marcia Madden Heist
What a Wonderful Message
10/28/2010_07:46
Dear Wolfgang....Thanks so much for your wonderful message. This website and Blog is the gift that keeps on giving. Having you in Wellesley again was such a thrill and I am so happy that the rest of your trip with your Grandson was a success. Now you are in Germany and this time (just like 1960) you took lots of love with you. Please keep us posted!! Marcia
Wolfgang Jobmann
What a wonderful world...
10/25/2010_10:39
I have just returned from my trip together with my grandson. The pictures of the reunion and the talks are still very alive in my mind. I had not thought that these few hours of our getting together would last so long. And now with the internet having the possibility of keeping contacts even better. I can only sing along with Louis Armstrong and say: 'What a wonderful world...'
Bruce Snow
Vietnam
10/25/2010_09:55
Hi Eric, I did a quick check on the internet and just four casualities are listed from Wellesley (Eugene Thomas Daly Jr, Thomas Bernard Flood, Dana Stanley Frost and David George Ouellet) -- none from our class. http://www.accessgenealogy.com/military/vietnam.php
Marcia Madden Heist
Vietnam
10/24/2010_10:12
Hi Eric....I don't know but I have recently heard about a website....the name escapes me but I'll continue looking...that is a specific listing of all who were killed and injured in Vietnam. I'll let you know what I find out. It has been praying on my mind lately. Discovered that a very good friend from college who I assumed was living a jolly life....was injured in Nam and then came home to a VA only to suffer a miserable ten years and then die pretty much alone. I wish I had been there for him.
Eric W. Coate
vietnam
10/24/2010_02:20
Sorry if this is a bummer for anyone, but does anyone of you know of any classmate who was killed in Vietnam?
Leslie Miller Penny
Marcia and Marty having a 2hr. lunch---
10/21/2010_20:27
I'm so envious that you guys got to have lunch together and for 2 hours!! I live too far for such treasures--nor does my work enable such luxuries---but I am so glad you you both had the opportunity of each other's company that day. You'll have lunch together for the rest of us!! Also---to Pete Zerger you must look up Ann Bailey Hammer! We had such fun together during the weekend--hoping to keep in touch--and why not an east coast group to the west coast for lunch? as Marcia previously suggested!
Marcia Madden Heist
Lunch With Marty
10/21/2010_15:35
Met Marty Adam Colwell at the Blue Ginger in Wellesley for lunch. She was so sorry to miss 'The Main Event'. Her brother got married on Saturday evening so Friday was her only available Reunion time. First I had to 'report' on our Saturday and Sunday events...then we 'caught up'. We had a wonderful two hour lunch and could have used another two hours (at least) but we decided that we would just have to postpone some of the update until the next time. Our 50th Reunion...like the Energizer Bunny...just keeps on giving. Hope you are finding that true for you as well.
Peter Zerga
re-uning
10/19/2010_23:31
Yes Marsha. I have been away from massachusetts for so long, it was easy to forget. Now I can remember all the good times we had.
Marcia Madden Heist
Safe Trip Home
10/19/2010_07:56
Hi Pete....Next time!! Getting ready for reunion and then actually 're-uning' has reminded me that I have a wonderful extended family. Safe trip home!! M
Peter Zerga
 
10/18/2010_22:44
Hi Marcia, nice to hear from you. I would have called, but I am hear on a vacation and we leave tomorrow. I guess I should have looked at the addresses before I got here? Thanks Marcia.
Marcia Madden Heist
Pictures
10/18/2010_06:37
OK Bruce...I'll call you and you can talk me through what is probably a simple process...just not simple for my non-techie mind. By the way Pete Z. Hi there. Why not give Ann and Nancy a call while you are in the neighborhood. I know they would love to hear from you. Their contact numbers are on their bios. Have fun in the wild west!! Marcia
Bruce Snow
Your Photos
10/18/2010_05:32
Hey Marcia, we're all waiting to see your photos. (call me if you want my help)
Peter Zerga
First blog
10/17/2010_21:48
Hi folks, even though I missed seeing you guys and gals at the 50th, I am happy to communicate in this blog. I am currently in San Francisco enjoying a trip to the West Coast. I noticed Ann Bailey Hammer and Nancy Howe Lardner had lunch on the Embarcadero, I am planning that tomorrow. Best wishes.
Leslie Miller Penny
keep the momentum going!
10/17/2010_03:55
I couldn't agree more with Tony--really all is wonderful and we were all so happy to see each other and be together---this is a great way to continue---(and! my first blog!) Thanks so much Bruce and Bob for making this happen!! And keep the photos coming---they're great fun!
Marcia Madden Heist
Lunch on the West Coast
10/16/2010_12:59
You lucky people. I think with a little warning I could rally a group from the East to join you. I love to think of you hanging out together. Makes me smile. M
Ann Bailey Hammer
Continuing the Reunion!
10/16/2010_09:50
Nancy Howe Lardner and I had lunch at Pier 5 on the Embarcadaro this past Thursday and continued reunioning. Nancy, her name is Hanna, not Harriet. Hanna, you promised to call. ANN
Robert Vincent
Ties...and guitars
10/16/2010_07:16
Bruce, if you check out the 1969 yearbook on ClassMates.com you'll also see a lot of guitar groups.
Bruce Snow
An Observation: Changing culture.
10/16/2010_05:51
It's interesting to me that in the group photo for the '59 reunion (http://www.wellesleyhigh59.com) almost all the men are wearing ties whereas very few are in ours. I'll bet almost none are in the '61 reunion and in a few years you won't even see suit jackets. There was a generational shift that took place in 1965 which is still apparent today. (Just a thought)
Janet O'Brien Olson
Building
10/15/2010_18:50
Thanks Marcia, I will try to check out the town website
Marcia Madden Heist
This Wonderful Blog
10/15/2010_16:16
Hi Everyone....I've never blogged but am looking forward to becoming an expert on this site!! Janet...my understanding is that once the new buildings are completed the 'old' buildings will go. Makes Ann Holman Keech's pictures of the 'tower' even more precious. I think there might be a website tracking the renovation if you are interested. Check the Town of Wellesley website. I'll try to track down the renovation info. I have heard from lots of folks who are loving the website. I have some great pictures but I have to have a consult re: how to get them up on the website. Stay tuned!! Best...Marcia PS Here is a good renovation website http://wellesleyma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/WellesleyMA_SBC/index.
Theodore Tony Parker
 
10/15/2010_16:07
Well, this is great. Thanks to everyone for sharing and communicating and staying in touch. The reunion was fun but connecting with everyone is best. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Janet O'Brien Olson
photos
10/15/2010_15:00
I just want to second Eric's comment. Not able to attend, I 'm enjoying the experience second hand.
Are they simply adding on to the school that we knew or are they building a whole new school?
Eric W. Coate
reunion photos
10/15/2010_14:11
It sure was thoughtful of whomever to send out those photos to those of us who couldn't be there. By the looks of the pictures, a high time was had by all. Personally, I'm saving it for the 100th(hah,hah).
Bruce Snow
First Blog
10/15/2010_13:06
Hi, I am using this initial blog to locate the lady (whose name I don't remember) that I was talking with while waiting for the Reunion Brunch, who said that she has studied with CLIC in Sevilla. I would like to 'hear' more of your experience there, especially about your being a hostelero. Also, you may be interested in seeing my 2006 photos from CLIC.
Bruce Snow
Welcome to WHS60 class blog
10/15/2010_13:01
At the behest of some classmates, we now have a forum to share thoughts, comments and ideas among the class. Hopefully it will help sustain the enthusiasm spawned by our 50th reunion.
Suggestions & criticisms accepted :-).