Class Notes

Happy 2016, one and all.  I hope that you all finished up with a good year. I had two wonderful conversations with my dear friends, Cheryl Prietz Childress and Norah Heckman ’73 in December. Close friends are the best Christmas presents we can all have and once again, a heartfelt thanks to Mary Washington for providing such a bountiful gift. Norah still resides in Arlington, Virginia, and every time we talk, the two of us get to laughing just like we did in the dorm all those years ago. Dennis and I had hoped to have another visit with Cheryl and Dave before the year finished out but everyone just got too busy. Cheryl and Dave traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, to spend Christmas with daughter Thea and son-in-law, Eric. Son Alex and future daughter-in-law, Belle, also spent time with them and everyone really had a lovely holiday. Wedding plans are in full swing for Alex’s and Belle’s wedding next fall. We look forward to that as well because Cheryl and the family have always referred to us as “honorary family.”

I heard some great news from Debra Stanley Leap. What a joy to see a family generation of graduates from our alma mater.  Debbie’s daughter, Amy Leap ʼ12, was married last August to Adam Miller in a beautiful celebration of love at Sunny Slope Farm near Harrisonburg, Virginia. On December 8, Debbie and Amy celebrated the 91st birthday of Ruth Smith Stanley ʼ45 with dinner and a Christmas sing-a-long at the Sunnyside retirement community. Debbie continues to work part time doing health screenings and wonders how in the world she ever worked full time.

My schedule remains busy and I am still working full-time with a law firm in Baltimore.  We remained busy through the season and there does not seem to be any sign of slowing down through the winter months. The work is still interesting and rewarding. My appearances with the other Baltimore Hons have also been hectic. We are being requested more and more for charity work and other gigs. It’s such a hoot to get dolled up in those crazy costumes and beehive hairdos. We also continue to travel back and forth to Roanoke to take care of my late mother’s home. The trips there are always busy but very peaceful and it is a beautiful part of the U.S.  Dennis and I spent the Christmas season there with other family but still found time this year for some other shorter trips after the family one in California last spring. We traveled up the road to Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Atlantic City. I don’t know where we will be headed this winter, but Florida may be a possibility.

That’s about it for this edition but please drop a line when you get the chance. Hearing from former classmates always puts a spring in my step. Until next time, stay well and happy.