Class of 1955 Summer 2019 Class Notes

Janet Bishop Butler

I am not certain where the time went during 2018. I received a nice letter from Ron Sheay, who told me about the group that got together at the Marriott Hotel in Newton, MA, for lunch. They had a great day reminiscing about the good times that they had at UMaine. Mert and Donna Robinson, Ginny and Ron Sheay, and Sal Scarpato were amazed at the fact that they could remember the happenings of many years ago when they were students.

Jon and Lois Pratt Pulsifer look forward each year to the summers that they spend in Harpswell, ME. They do enjoy seeing Les and Barb Knox Frederick, who now live at The Highlands in Topsham.

Last August I was presented with the Class of 1955 Hilda A. Sterling ‘55 Class Correspondent Award for 2018 at the meeting of the Portland Club University of Maine Alumnae luncheon. I was overwhelmed to see members of the Class of 1955 that were there — Ron Sheay and Ginny, Bill ’56 and Mary Atkinson Johnson, Wendy Dow Ricker ’84, and George ’54, ’68 C.A.S., Cynthia Hammond Grady, Jan Marston Bodwell, and Erlon and Faith Wixson Varney ’56. Thank you so much for taking the time to attend, and to all of the people who sent me emails and letters.

Muriel Verrill Gade is still as busy as ever in her life. In addition to her AAUW activities, playing bridge, and going to musical performances and theater productions, she joined a women’s organization in Santa Maria, CA, which is one of the oldest clubs in that state.

Paul and I had a fabulous trip to Alaska in July. Ten of us (family and friends) took the land tour going from Fairbanks and then boarded the ship Coral Princess for the second part of the trip. This was an amazing tour with so much to see. The glaciers were great, scenery was beautiful, and the bears, whales, and moose were amazing. I managed to keep up with everyone in spite of the fact that I had to use a cane.

Had back surgery following our trip and am fine now without the cane.

That’s all the news this time. Would love to hear from you.