Class Notes

Charlotte Wohlnick Wiggs and Arch sent news of 2016 highlights. Hawaii called them in January to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. In February they went to Florida to see the World’s Best Flower Show. They took their first trip to Italy in April and filled themselves with art, antiquities, and architecture of Florence and Tuscany. They boarded the Holland America from Rome, crossed the Mediterranean and up the coast to Amsterdam. In May, their son, Alan, passed the Prof. Engr. Exam. At Thanksgiving, “Charlie” and Arch visited Alan and Dale. They toured the NC Museum, viewing rare cars from the 19302 and also saw a Chinese Lantern Show in Cary, NC. “Charlie” and Arch’s daughter, Tracy and her husband Andy’s daughter Anna has been performing in many h.s. plays. Sister, Molly, received her MS in astronomy in June and married Jacob Vaughan. Jacob has a BS in aerospace engr from MIT. They are living in Santa Cruz, CA while Molly works on her Ph.D. On their bucket list Charlie and Arch have wanted to see a pro-tennis tournament. Da-dah! In August they attended the SW Tennis Open in Mason, Ohio. And now they have started restoration on an 18 th century house in Woodstock.

Out of the blue a call, followed by a letter from Inga Kuun Barrett. Yea! She and husband, Jack’s health is good. They are active in walking, volunteering in reading in first grade with Hispanic students. Inga loves to quilt and garden. Here’s a thumbnail sketch of love – 58 yrs! Inga met Jack (Marine) in summer school her senior year. He was transferred to San Diego and she graduated but met again two years later. They married in San Diego (Ruth Osterman Button was her bridesmaid). They moved to Texas and have been there all these years. Carolyn Carte Harkrider’s husband, Hugh, was also from Mt. Pleasant so they have seen each other off and on. Inga taught mostly second grade for 30 years. Jack coached, taught biology, and was an asst. principal. The last thirty years they have backpacked, climbed mtns in Colorado and Wyoming, and for 15 summers were involved in Alpine Resort Ministry in CO. Their daughter Leslie graduated from Texas A and M. She and pastor husband, Trey Little, live in Houston. Their daughter, Layne, just graduated from Ole MS and son, Luke, from h.s. They consider themselves blessed, are relaxed and enjoying the senior lives with fond memories of UMW. So glad to hear from you.

Jane Tucker Broadbooks and John are quite happy in Illinois close to Jon Karl and family. John is doing well, participating in an exercise program and now has dialysis at home, which is easier. Jane says she’s doing well. Tucker has completed his first year at Truman State U and Anna and Virginia are doing well in high school. During our phone call she mentioned Molly Bradshaw Clark had just returned from a trip to Spain and managed to hurt her hand. She also gave the good news that Celeste Shipman Kaufman is cancer-free!! Yea. Jane wanted to attend the mini-reunion but obviously too long a drive.

Julia Coates Littlefield and Mo will be touring England and Ireland in July with their church’s choir who will perform in Wells Cathedral. Wow! Good Job!

Call from Barbara White Ellis who will be having knee-replacement surgery while we picnic. Right choice “Babs.” Note from Frances Bourke Firth who could not come to the mini because she and Roger would be in England for three weeks. She is planning 2019, however! Great!

We gathered twelve girls and four husbands for our mini-get-together on Saturday, June 3. Honestly, everyone looked great. Carolyn Hickman Bowman retired from teaching in Chesterfield County last year. She drove in from Richmond and had returned from a trip to California earlier. Katherine Rowe Hayes continues her political volunteer work as the Republican Committee chairwoman in her county. Marcia Spence Harrison-Thornton continues her private psychotherapy practice three days a week as well as her participating in the “Healing Touch” program.

Dorothea Reeder Hruby was there and already thinking great plans for our 60th in 2019. Yea. Mary Fredman Downing worked registration – a multi-tasking person! She wanted me to tell you of our class’s continuing outstanding contribution in 2015 and 2017. We have given the highest amount both years, over a million dollars each year. Are we great or what? Thank you so much.

Texie Peek Van Devender who was a day student and is still in F’burg came. Irene Piscopo Rodgers took the train this time and stayed all three days. She brought her niece with her who was visiting from London. Barbara Gordon McNamee, Marcia Phipps Ireland, and Ann Brooks Coutsoubinas were there. Ann has family in F’burg so she stayed over. Nancy Gwaltney Gillette and her husband opened her lovely, spacious home to us for a “happy hour of conversation” later that day – a great get-together to keep in touch over a five-year span. Sally Arnold Sullivan called – wrote a poem for our class:

Hello, Mary Washington gals, pals of Class of 1959.
I will miss being with ya’all and surely will whine or wine!
Because I’m not there to greet, hug and reminisce,
regarding the “Good Old Days,” about “that and this.”
Like, recall the “Devil and Goat” rivalry?
Or that some students were members of the Cavalry?
Julia Coates playing her great ukulele tunes?
Dancing to ’50s Rock and Roll in our rooms?
Bringing back some food from the dining hall?
Living in dorms like Virginia, Monroe or Ball?
Crossing U.S. One for Howard Johnson’s ice cream? Oh yummy!
One problem; return trip was not easy on our tummy!
’Cause to make the House Mother’s curfew, we had to run.
Those types of “off campus” escapes really were fun.
Bonus: We girls had a choice of Army, Navy or Marine.
Plus, male students from schools like UVA were on the scene.
Some relationships ended up in marriage!
Often times, couples needed a baby carriage!
A few of our beauties were on the court, right?
No, not tennis, the Queen’s Court – lovely sight!
Our beloved amphitheater was a special place.
Staged events there usually produced smiles on each student’s face.
Overall, there are so many varied memories to share,
Like how we studied, played, and for each other we truly did care.
Attending our reunions has kept us close, I think,
Helping us to keep a special bond or link.
Hard to believe we haven’t been together for three years.
Certainly, we can expect there will be plenty of tears.
“Happy ones,” though by being with each other once again.
So let this extra-special celebration begin!!
“Rock Around the Clock” —
Dance in your socks.
Laugh a lot – good for the soul!
“Best medicine,” don’t you know?!
Go ahead, sing, tell tales, shout hooray!
Do enjoy; “seize the moment” today!
Please know I will be holding each of you in my heart,
Hoping for this event, with my poem, I’ve played a part.
I’m anxious to hear who was able to attend.
My prayers for safe travels I do send.

God bless each of you.
With much love and many hugs,
Sally Jean Arnold Sullivan

Wish she could have made it but is raring to go for 2019.

Lucas is growing so tall (Tom?) and is moving on to third grade. Will be participating in the Virginia Beach Recreation program for seven weeks this summer. He is thrilled. See you in 2019.