Who tells your story? Is it time to pull an all-nighter?

November 11, 2023

Dear 1964 classmates and friends,

In my opinion, there’s no one among us who can’t write 500 words about himself in less than one day. The Thanksgiving deadline for our 60th Reunion Book is rapidly approaching. Is it time to pull an all-nighter? In the finale song in the musical Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton’s widow, Eliza Hamilton, asks: “Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?” With our 60th Reunion rapidly approaching, that seems an appropriate question.

Right now, each of us has the opportunity to write a 500-word personal essay that will “tell our story,” or at least a part of it. The deadline for your personal essay in the Reunion Book is Thanksgiving Day. To upload your essay, go here, log in with your personal 5-digit ID *|ID|*, click "Update my Profile and Essay," and click "Next >" four times. This Reunion Book will probably be our last one, so make it meaningful by writing and submitting your personal essay. If you run into problems, contact Bill Galvin, the editor of the Reunion Book.

As for the 60th Reunion itself, an exciting program is being developed by co-chairs John Evans and Ted Wagner and their reunion committee. Please preregister here for the reunion even if you don't think you can attend. We need to update your contact information so the Reunion Book is sent to your current address..

Classmates who attended the celebrations of life of our recently departed classmates Terry Holcombe (on October 29) and Chris Getman (on September 25) know it was moving to hear their families, friends, and classmates “tell their stories.” Both services are posted on our Class website on their respective In Memoriam pages.

At the bottom of this message you will find the January/February 2024 issue of Class Notes. The complete column has been posted on our Class website, and the condensed version will appear in the Yale Alumni Magazine in January 2024.

See you in New Haven next May!

Cheers,

---

January/February Class Notes

[To read these Notes in your browser in living color, click here.]

As 2023 winds down, our thoughts turn to 2024. When the year ends in a “4,” it’s a big deal for us. Our 60th Class Reunion will take place on May 23-26. For my Reunion Book essay, I was inspired again by the words in Bright College Years, “Time and change shall naught avail to break the friendships formed at Yale.” Some classmates have told me they have become estranged by some of the recent changes at Yale. Everyone is entitled to his opinion, of course, but don’t allow that to break 60-year friendships. Okay, sermon over. If reunion fees are a barrier, we can provide subsidies on a totally confidential basis through YAA. Also, Yale will make every effort to provide mobility services around campus and to/from hotels. In November, Tony Lavely told the Bay Area Zoom group, “When I had a recent stretch of a very bad lower back, I swallowed my pride and ordered a wheelchair from Delta both ways. For a $20 tip, traveling was never easier, door to door!”

In the past two months there have been many classmate gatherings/events, some in person and many on Zoom. Notably, the celebrations of life for Chris Getman (September 25 at Trinity Church on the Green and the New Haven Lawn Club) and Terry Holcombe (October 29 at The Elm City Club in New Haven) were attended by many, many classmates befitting their larger-than-life presence in our Class. At Getman’s service I saw Sam Francis, Pete Putzel, Bill Galvin, Mimi and Jon McBride, Dottie and John Evans, Will Elting, Susan and Steve Floman, Ralph Jones, Alan McFarland, Nancy and Tom Trowbridge, Jim Whitney, Kip Burgweger, Jan Truebner, Rebecca and Butch Hetherington, Dave Kalayjian, Jay Huffard, and Don Edwards. At Holcombe’s service I saw Dick Horgan, Sam Francis, Jeff Frant, Bill Manuel, Steve Floman, Will Elting, Edward Massey, Don Edwards, Ralph Jones, Chip Levengood, John Evans, Rich Goodwin, Kip Burgweger, Butch Hetherington, Len Baker, Frank Basler, and Joan Cates (surviving spouse of Ward Cates). My apologies if you were at either service and I missed you.

Earlier, on September 19, Ted Jones organized a special round of golf on the Yale Course in memory of Chris Getman followed by a memorial dinner at Mory’s, at which Don Edwards presided. On October 28, the Getman and Holcombe families co-hosted a tailgate in the traditional Getman spot outside Portal 30 before the Columbia game (which Yale won 35-7). After the first quarter, Yale Athletics (courtesy of Vicki Chun, Director of Athletics) posted a special video tribute to both men on the scoreboard. Leslie Mitchell, who administers the FB Yale Footfall Family and Fan Page asked me to share my FB post from the game on their Page, which I did. Following the game, the two families again hosted a reception at Mory’s. Dick Niglio’s name was in the game program as the only football player drafted by professional football from our Class (by both the NFL Bears and the AFL Patriots).

Our second 2023 semiannual topical Zoom event organized by Joe Wishcamper took place on October 5 with Bob Archer and Len Baker leading a discussion on “Climate Crisis: Rethinking Required or Else!” The full video is posted on our Class website. Regional luncheons, both in person and virtual, continued unabated in the fall. Ralph Jones organized luncheons at Mory’s on October 4 and November 1. Jerry Flannelly hosted Zoom calls for the Boston group on September 20 and October 18. Owen O’Donnell hosted Zoom calls for the Northern California Bay Area group on September 13 and October 8. Ted Wagner organized in-person luncheons at the Yale Club of NYC on September 20 and October 18. Appreciation to these men for diligently organizing their regional groups.

Ralph Jones, Kai Lassen, Tony Lavely, and Ward Wickwire will attend the annual YAA Assembly & YAF Convocation on November 16-17 to explore “The Creative Economy at Yale: Innovations in Culture, Society, and Technology.” On Saturday, many classmates will meet at The Game; Yale is still in the hunt for the Ivy Title. Edward Massey has announced there will be a Yale Authors Book Club Zoom on January 24, featuring Tom Cable discussing his book, A History of the English Language. The session will be moderated by Herb Cook. Check the Class Website/Events and register for the session when the link arrives. The annual Class Council meeting will be held in New Haven on Saturday, February 3, 2024, when both the men’s hockey and men’s basketball teams are playing at home. Stephanie Hartnett will provide her excellent logistic support for the meeting at Alumni House. Marie Coady will act as “den mother” to us at Mory’s dinners.

In Class News, we announced that Bill Galvin and Sam Francis have volunteered to co-edit our 60th Reunion Book. We implore you to write and submit your personal essay by Thanksgiving Day to keep the publisher on schedule. It’s your personal essays that will make the Reunion Book meaningful.

Days after the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel, Peter Salovey posted his condemnation. Yale has launched a new search tool, lux.collections.yale.edu, to “provide access to the full breadth of Yale’s cultural and natural history collections.” Given our Class support for the Yale School of the Environment over the years, we note that YSE applications increased 68% in the past four years with the most in its history in 2023. Peter Bradford, Rick Kroon, and Alan McFarland are on the YSE Leadership Council.

This is the traditional “Notes” section that does not appear in the YAM version due to word limits. We begin the year alphabetically with the “As.” Michelle Mead (surviving spouse of John Armor) posted a vintage photo, “This is the S.S. Columbia, the ship that my grandmother’s family came over on in 1908. They were from Northern Ireland.” Later, Michelle observed, “I’ve lived all over the world. If you want a real taste of local accents, watch the weather report on the local news.”

Len Baker will lead a discussion session at our 60th Class Reunion titled “Technologies for Remediation of Climate Change.” Tom Barnard will run a session at our 60th Reunion on “Generative Artificial Intelligence (like ChatGBT).” Dick Berk emailed, “I am not one to celebrate my birthdays, but my kids insist. I don’t recall if I told you that they took me back to Japan for ten days for my 80th. I have always loved Japan. I feel at home the moment I step off the plane. I have not decided about the reunion, and I hope I am at least able. I broke a leg about six weeks ago that required surgery. I seem to be recovering well, but I have yet to get back to baseline. When in Japan, one day I walked six miles (with a cane) with my kids admiring the temples in Nara. I have a lot of conditioning ahead.” If able, Dick Berk will run a session at our 60th Reunion on “AI: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”

In an earlier issue, we mentioned that there is a new film about Steve Bingham, “A Double Life,” that chronicles his exile in France in the 1970s. Some classmates saw its premier in the Mill Valley Film Festival in October and raved about it. It is scheduled to be shown again on December 5 at The New Parkway Cinema in Oakland CA. We’re trying to arrange for a screening at our 60th Reunion.

George Blackburn emailed about our 60th Reunion in May, “I intend to come, Lord willing, without special incentives, though how much I attend and whether or not I stay in town will be influenced by cost. I remember a boring dinner at a phony French bistro where it was impossible to hear anybody for all the shouting.” When Tony Lavely read that a Yale alum, Mandy Cohen MD ’05, had been named the new director of the Centers for Disease Control, he remembered our late classmate Ward Cates. Ward served as director of the CDC's Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases from 1982 to 1992. His surviving spouse, Joan Cates, attended Terry Holcombe’s celebration of life in October.

Patrick Caviness and Marie Frederique Deleage posted in October, “We had an absolutely enchanting evening at the Bangkok Ballet last night, mesmerized by the stunning performance of Anna Karenina. The ethereal dancers and the choreography truly transported us into Tolstoy’s timeless tale.” At our 60th Reunion, John Doane will propose, “Why the Bible is the reliable History Book of the Universe, from Beginning to End.” Bill Drennen commented on Terry Holcombe’s celebration of life video, “A righteous model for the Class of 1964.” At our 60th Reunion, Bruce Driver will provide an analysis of key Senate races in 2024. In October, Dick duPont emailed Tony Lavely: “You've crossed the critical four-month mark now and can safely bid adieu to any sort of ‘buyer's remorse’. We're not a bit surprised, of course, for true love conquers all. I saved a toast for you, Tony, but added a rose below for Nancy.”

In September, Will Elting attended a benefit dinner in NYC for the William F. Buckley Jr. Institute at Yale. Marya Holcombe and Kerry Holcombe Auld sat at his table. Will also attended the celebrations of life for both Chris Getman and Terry Holcombe. Celeste Finn (spouse of Eric Fossel) posted, “Eric is home, a week after spine surgery, safe and sound. I know we were helped through this via so much positive energy and intention from our community. Thank you.”

In September, Sam Francis exchanged emails with Bob Kaiser, Steve Clay, John Evans, Jon McBride, Jamie Park, and Gerry Shea. Sam wrote:

I thought you might be interested in the following little bit of history and nostalgia. Recently my wife Bobbie came across some letters that I had written her in 1964 from my Navy ship, USS BAINBRIDGE (DLGN-25), at that time the only nuclear-powered guided-missile frigate in the Navy. My ship was in the Caribbean on a missile shoot, and we put into St. Thomas. Here’s what I wrote to Bobbie. [‘Benny’ was my shipboard roommate, the ship’s ASW officer.]

Benny bought a November 1964 issue of Esquire in St. Thomas which has an article on the Whiffenpoofs in it, written by Bob Kaiser (who was our Class Historian, whom you heard speak on Class Day back on June 14, 1964). The article has a two-page picture of the Whiffs (including Steve Clay, Jon McBride, and John Evans of course) and in the background, leaning out of a window, is someone who I would swear is Jon Auerbach. Kaiser is also hanging out of the window. It’s a real good article.

After re-reading my letter, I went to Esquire’s website and found the 59-year-old article, which you can see here. Without a subscription all you can see is the first page of text and half of the two-page foldout picture. The sentence I like best refers to “I Get Along Without You Very Well” and says: “Solos capture the attention of the women, especially when sung by a handsome, boyish tenor who, as most seemed to agree, was ‘terribly cute’.” Jamie’s ears must be burning. Those were the days!

At our 60th Reunion, Sam Francis will discuss, “Evolution … From Soup to Nuts.”

In October, Ed Gaffney posted a photo, “Balloons take flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.” Howard Gillette will lead a panel at our 60th Reunion, “Yale and New Haven: Perfect Partners?” Rob Goodwin spoke at Terry Holcombe’s celebration of life in October. Terry and Rob were society mates in Ring & Candle. Stephen Greenblatt wrote about our 60th Reunion, “I plan to be there, exact timing to be determined. My son Harry marches with his graduating class on Monday May 20, 60 years after our graduation!” Earlier, Stephen emailed about the September issue of Class Notes: “This is an unbelievably rich Class Note, Tony, though it bears the very painful news of the loss of two of our most beloved classmates. I hope all is well with you in your new married life. Ramie and I spent five weeks in Italy, with a quick jaunt to Morocco, in June and early July. (I was once again teaching a Shakespeare course in the Harvard/Ca’Foscari summer school in Venice.) We managed to time it so that we left Italy just before the crazy heat wave. Now we are in Vermont for the Marlboro chamber-music season.”

Jim Hart responded to the 60th Reunion announcement: “Chances to get together with the remnant. I also really want to meet and encourage Christian brothers. I’m also very much interested in what is happening with the Buckley Institute. Chances for discussion rather than lectures. Music by our classmates — like an evening of Music ’64.” At our 60th Reunion, Jim Hart will present the programs of “Christian Union at Yale.” Steve Hoffman emailed to suggest inviting the new leaders of the Yale College Council to our annual Class Council meeting next February. Steve added, “Tony, I hope your new life has been restorative and rejuvenating, though you didn’t appear to need to be restored or rejuvenated!” In September, Marya Holcombe (surviving spouse of Terry Holcombe) posted, “[My daughter] Kerry and Chris [son-in-law] took me on a great vacation to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.” Note: Kerry did an amazing job planning Terry’s celebration of life and adjacent events in October.

Following the Zoom webinar in October, Tom Hout emailed, “I tuned in to your excellent YC’64 webinar on ‘Climate Policy’ and much appreciate the effort you, Joe Wishcamper, Len Baker, and Bob Archer put into bringing it to us. Frankly, it was better than the think-tank webinars I have seen on climate. It was pitched at a higher level. I am struck by how capable and knowledgeable our classmates are. I’ve been very inactive as a Class member, so I don’t know some basic navigational things, I’m afraid. So, I’ve got some questions for you.

1. Where would I go to view this webinar again? [Class Website/News]
2. I’ve never posted my book and article publications on this class site and it’s time I did that. Whom should I contact to do this? [Tony Lavely or Sam Francis]
3. You mentioned at the end of our webinar a classmate who is putting together a program on publishing and writing for a future class event. I failed to note his name. Can you send me his name and email address? [Edward Massey]

I look forward to your next online event. [January 24] And thank you for all the effort you give for our Class.” We’ve listed some of Tom Hout’s books and articles later in this column and in Class Website/Publications.

John Howells emailed, “I planned to go to the Getman service — even bought tickets — but my shoulders got too painful. I replaced the first one about two weeks ago. The second will be done next year. I am coming along OK but the rehab hasn’t started. I watched the service and thought it was great. I’ll watch Terry’s service also.” After seeing my post about Terry Holcombe’s celebration of life on October 29, Waldo Johnston commented, “How we will miss Terry’s counsel and friendship.” Later, Candy Dern Johnston posted, “This morning’s hike up the falls at Natural Bridge State Park VA followed a beer tasting yesterday at Great Valley Farm Brewery overlooking the Shenandoah Valley.” Later, Candy added, “Our daughter Crickett is running the world’s major marathons. More than 800 marathons are organized every year, but only six have the title of World Marathon Major: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and NYC. She’s done, Boston, NYC, and Chicago [the same three that Lavely did plus London before he ran out of gas!]. Three to go for Crickett!”

Steve Klingelhofer, who will again officiate at our 60th Reunion Memorial Service, emailed about the September Class Notes, “Despite the inclusion of my message, I think this is the finest of all your Class Notes messages. It speaks eloquently of our class, our times, and life. Thanks for all your work on our behalf!”

Nancy and Tony Lavely attended both Chris Getman’s celebration of life on September 25 and Terry Holcombe’s celebration of life on October 29. “It was heartwarming to see so many classmates and spouses at these services. Special thanks to Toddie, Hilary, Julia, Sheila, Marya, and Kerry for hosting and making these celebrations so meaningful.” Earlier, Nancy and Tony Lavely attended a Yale Club wine tasting at the Minneapolis Club that featured Knudsen Vineyards and winemaker Page Knudsen Cowles ’77. Tony Lavely also attends the monthly luncheons of the Minneapolis 1960s alumni. This week, Nancy and Tony will be hosted by Dana and Dick Niglio for a special meal for which Dick will prepare his mother Mary’s New Haven original secret spaghetti sauce.

In response to the September Class Notes, Syd Lea emailed, “Thanks for that remarkably rich and poignant class notes. I’m delighted that you and Nancy continue to live such full lives. My wife Robin Barone and I spent most of the summer at our remote camp in Washington County ME, with delightful intervals spent with children and seven grandchildren. I wouldn't trade it, but your travels make me feel a bit stick-in-the-muddish. We are off to Slovenia, however, in early October. I have a long literary relation with that gorgeous small country, and I look forward especially to a reunion, after four years too many, with my beloved friend and translator there, Marjan Strojan. I have for some time had a beef with the Yale Endowment, but I'm not sure how a forum could be arranged around my concerns. For over two decades, I have been deeply involved in a land trust in our corner of Maine, one that has conserved 400,000 acres of forest and purchased 60,000. I believe it is the largest community forest in the country, which allows for sustainable timber practice and provides many jobs in the second poorest county in the state. Though it took a lot of sleuthing, I discovered that the conserved land belonged, via a few Delaware-registered LLCs, to the Yale Endowment. I wrote to the much-hyped director David Swensen that I found it shameful for Yale, on the one hand, to publicly boast of its retrofitting and other green practices while on the other hand cutting their portion of Maine woods to the absolute last tree the rather loose state laws allowed. I received a boilerplate letter back, indicating that the forestry practices were legal, and that the endowment needed the highest possible returns on investment. I wrote again to suggest that Yale was not General Motors or Hewlett-Packard or or or; no answer. More outrageously, our classmate Gus Speth, then the dean of the since renamed School of Forestry and about as distinguished an environmentalist as we have, went on to suggest a more sustainable practice. Swensen essentially kicked him out of his office, quite vehemently at that, saying Gus was ‘just making trouble.’ I resented not only the dubious ethical investment decisions but also the utter lack of transparency in the Endowment's decisions. When I say ‘it took a lot of sleuthing’ to uncover the identities of those LLCs, I mean it took me weeks and weeks. As I say, there's probably no way of raising the issue of non-transparency at a reunion but at least I've gotten this off my chest. All best and continued marital bliss. We just celebrated our 40th, and I am a grateful fellow.”

Margie and Tony Lee participated in the “March to End Fossil Fuels” on September 17 in NYC. Their banner read, “Fossil Fools behind the International Prohibit Symbol.” Tony Lee will be joined by Margie, Bill Woodfin, and Jon Greene at our 60th Reunion in a session titled, “What can you do to fight climate change?” Sam Low posted his 2014 YouTube interview on Hawaii Public television with Leslie Wilcox. Recently, from Martha’s Vineyard, Sam posted, “I went out to Katama today in the strong south wind and lay down in the sand. I was joined by this seagull. He hung out for ten minutes before sauntering off to see what was good to eat in the surf.” Edward Massey offered one of the eulogies at Terry Holcombe’s celebration of life on October 29. Listen to his poignant metaphor “down lineman” on the recorded video. Edward Massey will lead a two-part session at our 60th Reunion, titled “Writing and Publishing,” focusing on personal memoirs and family histories.

Jon McBride called in October from the Lake Champlain region of upstate New York. Jon nominated Bob Musil as “our last septuagenarian.” “Mimi and I had dinner with Caryn and Bob Musil recently. He turned 80 on October 27. Bob mused (a Musil musing, that’s amusing, no …?) that he might be the last of our classmates to turn 80. Do you know to the contrary or the affirmative?” Later, Jon added, “It’s hard to contemplate The Game without a Getman tailgate. I hope to be in New Haven that weekend.” Alan McFarland responded to the Reunion announcement: “Only conflict of some higher duty need at such time. The joy of personal contact with many classmates can mostly otherwise be sustained off campus. I cannot by mere attendance change Yale’s apparent larger course. I number high in missing the loss of roommate Christopher Hood Getman. I’ll see him soon again, I pray.”

Steve Norman, co-chair of our Reunion Gift Committee, was on his way to the Getman Golf Outing and Dinner on September 19 when a major accident closed the Mass Pike for four hours, so Steve had to turn around and go home. Seconds before the accident, Ward Wickwire made it through, so he was able to attend. Cole Oehler emailed, “Hi Tony, thanks for your thoughtful note about meeting my brother Ben in Minnesota. It was great to hear from you. Our days in Chicago were great. We live in Stono Ferry now, a suburb of Charleston, SC. Our lot backs up to the polo field and racetrack and one of the jumps for the steeplechase race is just off our backyard! Great to watch. We have six bedrooms and only use one. If you ever want to come you are welcome to stay here. Yes, I will try to make our 60th Reunion.” Earlier, Cole emailed that his most memorable trip to a foreign country was France, “… and in particular Nantes. It’s a very old city with tons of interesting history. Our son spent his junior year in college there.”

Rich Peck emailed about our 60th reunion, “I plan to attend to catch up with guys I knew well and have seen at several reunions. I’m hoping to see some who have never come. Thanks again, Tony, for the thorough and energetic job you do on this each and every time.” In October, Nancy and Dan Pollack posted, “We’re on our way home from visiting our son Luke at the University of Iowa. Such a fun weekend. The Hawkeyes beat Purdue! Popsi [Dan] got to try his skills at Cornhole at our tailgate.” Later in October, Nancy posted, “Max and Luke came home to see Jake play in a basketball tournament. I remember when I was six feet tall. We’re now dwarfed by a whole new generation of Pollack men!” Later, from Scottsdale AZ, Nancy posted, “It’s Las Vegas night at Terravita CC. We had a fun evening. Elvis even greeted us.” In late October, Dan Pollack commented on my FB post of Terry Holcombe’s Celebration of Life, “Terry was a great guy. Always upbeat and welcoming. Proud to have been his classmate.”

At Chris Getman’s Celebration of Life on September 25, Pete Putzel delivered a moving (and humorous) eulogy on behalf of the Class of 1964. The video and verbatim are posted on Chris’ In Memoriam page. In response to our 60th Reunion announcement, Jim Rogers emailed, “My main motivation will be if I am alive. Then, I will be there!” Jim made a generous donation to the Class of 1964 to underwrite reunion expenses for surviving spouses. At our 60th Reunion, Al Rossiter will discuss “Pros, cons, and issues about moving into a retirement community.”

Paul Ruden emailed, “Dina shared with me your thoughtful FB post from Terry’s celebration of life that I was very sorry to miss. I was stunned to hear the news about Marya’s vision problems. At this stage in life, I suppose none of us is fully immune from the ravages of time. I consider myself fortunate in the sense that my mind is still functioning reasonably well (not all would agree!), but the body is definitely suffering. I think it unlikely we will be at the 60th Reunion but I genuinely appreciate hearing from and about old friends. I’m also delighted that you have signed on to my blog, Shining Sea. I am currently working on compiling and re-editing/re-writing the almost 600 posts into a book I hope to self-publish before my days are done, but time will tell about that. Meanwhile, I will continue writing posts about this and that. It helps keep me semi-sane.” Paul added that he has also been corresponding with Jim Kearney.

Responding to my question — What would most motivate you to attend our 60th Class Reunion? — Gerry Shea emailed, “Nothing (well, in this uncertain world, almost nothing — being in heaven could be an obstacle) could prevent me from attending the reunion! Hugs to you and Nancy!” Mike Sherwood regretted for the Bay Area Zoom call in August, “I'm afraid I'll miss it this time, Owen. Kathy and I are headed into San Francisco that afternoon to see the musical ‘Tina’. Best to everyone.” Later, Mike emailed: “The cartoon below pretty well encapsulates how I feel about climate change/global warming — guilty and helpless that we're turning over a burning world to our children, grandchildren, and their children. Our generation should have done what the scientists were telling us 40 years ago needed to be done to stave off the crisis, but we (society) didn't and now I fear it may be too late.”

Ron Sipherd (who maintains a photo blog) posted, “Berkeley denizens of the 1970s will recall Annapurna on Telegraph Avenue, ‘America’s Original Headshop’.” At our 60th Reunion, Paul Steiger will lead a session on “Publishing and Journalism.” Russell Sunshine emailed, “Tony, just a brief note of thanks for alerting me last August to the Yale Club of NYC guest policies. Thanks to Steve Norman's typical kindness in stepping up as sponsor, Nancy and I are now booked into the Club on our way to New Haven next May.” With a founding gift of $20 million, the new Asset Management Institute at the Yale School of Management (SOM) will advance research and teaching in the field of asset management. It is named for David Swensen, ’64 Honorary, who was longtime Chief Investment Officer at Yale.

Don Van Doren commented on my FB post of the Columbia game scoreboard tribute to Chris Getman and Terry Holcombe, “Great tribute, Tony. Glad that you and Nancy were there.” Ward Wickwire will lead a session at our 60th Reunion on “Foreign Affairs,” highlighting the new Jackson School at Yale. Joe Wishcamper is structuring a 60th Reunion panel on “Legacies and Diversity at Yale.” David Wyles posted a quote by Natalie Portman, “People who were young in the ‘60s are cooler than anyone.” Later, David posted “My son, Rio ‘Soulshaka’ Wyles, performing at UCLA for Disability Pride Month. Rio showed the crowd just how gifted and able a person with autism can be!” Still later, David Wyles posted a vintage photo standing in front of his Porsche in Venice CA, “That’s me with my classic ’58 Porsche 356 in front of the bamboo jungle and my cool little house on Grand Canal in Venice.” Pat Caviness commented, “Great commentary, David. Loved every word. Thanks for filling us in on your wild growing-up years.” Tony Lavely added, “Great story, David. You should submit this as your 60th Reunion Book personal essay. A classic tale of eternal youth!” Unfortunately, things turned bad shortly thereafter. David Wyles posted, “Oh, oh. Took a bad fall last night carrying clothes out of the laundry room. My back slammed into a brick wall like a ton of bricks. Headed to the ER for X-rays and treatment. Hope it’s just another close call for me and that I have at least 4-5 lives left to enjoy here on Earth.”

Shortly before the October Bay Area Zoom call, John Wylie emailed the group, “Guys, If you have a moment before the meeting, you might look over this NYT article on the global collapse in fertility (except in Africa); it offers an eventual (200 years?) way out of this whole mess.” John is also a keen student of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In November, he wrote: “Some of you might be interested in AI images, prompted by every paragraph of my recent essay in The Montreal Review to resemble a science illustrator.” [See the images] When I questioned John about graphics capability in ChatGBT, he added, “Hi Tony, I had been eagerly anticipating ChatGPT and DALL-E hooking up, and it finally happened about two weeks ago. I've been on it ever since. Truly mind-blowing stuff. Just type in ‘I want an image of X and do your own thing.’ All available with Chat GPT's $20 subscription. I'm working on two extravagantly illustrated e-books. Best toy since my Erector set!”

For Publications Tom Hout wrote: “Thanks for your highly informative November Class Notes. I’ve now explored the Class website, and it’s amazingly rich. Regarding my publications, there are a lot of them over 40 years: two books, two foreign-affairs articles, eight Harvard Business Review articles, and many op-eds, mainly for The Wall Street Journal. There are too many to post on the website, so my recommendation is to just post three notable ones.” Syd Lea has published a new collection of poetry, What Shines, his 16th collection. You can also read his work in his newsletter on Substack (indexed in Blogs on the Class website). Morris Dean, Ron Parlato (“Nature is a whimsy – you will never escape your genetic destiny”), Ron Sipherd, Russell Sunshine (“A 2,500-mile road trip around the American Southwest”), and John Wylie also maintain prolific blogs.

Earlier in this column, I wrote about the events of the fall that celebrated the lives of our recently departed classmates, Terry Holcombe and Chris Getman, dear friends to each other and to many other classmates. The videos of both celebrations are posted on their respective In Memoriam pages. Special thanks to Sam Francis (who also attended both services) for uploading the videos so quickly. If nothing else, I hope the videos will encourage you to arrange to have your own service recorded when the time comes, so that other classmates can remember you by it. Since the previous issue, we were notified of the deaths of two classmates. Leonor Blum wrote that her husband Marc Blum died on August 15, 2023, in Baltimore MD, after a painful struggle with lung cancer. Heather Hood Armstrong died on October 13, 2023, in Tucson AZ. Heather was known at Yale as Bill Hood. Some years afterward, Bill married Bruce Armstrong and transitioned to become Heather Hood Armstrong. Please contact Ted Jones if you would like to donate a Mory’s Brick in memory of these or any other classmates. Whenever you visit Mory’s, please ask at the host stand for the location guide to any classmate brick in the Rose Garden patio.