Class of 1956 Winter 2022 Class Note

As we all know, the nasty COVID-19 raised its head again! For the second year our University of Maine Reunion was canceled. Obviously, we had to change our plans and “wait ’til next year.”

Jim and Barbara Victor were disappointed to learn the on-campus Reunion was canceled. They had planned a motor trip to visit classmates, tour the campus, and attend the reunion activities. With reservations in place, they eliminated the visit to Orono and took off as they planned. They spent time in the Rockland area, Portland, and of course LL Bean in Freeport. They visited lighthouses, museums, did plenty of walking, and got their fill of lobster.

Upon returning home to Illinois, they repacked for another motor trip, this time to Utah to visit their grandson in Salt Lake City and national parks near Moab. Barbara and Jim wrote they feel blessed they have the health and energy to set out on their travel adventures.

It was sad to hear that Grace Libby McKinlay passed away on July 12, 2021, after a brief Illness. She was married 63 years to Edwin H. McKinlay, a University of Connecticut graduate. At UMaine, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and a class officer for many years after she graduated.

I received an email from Gordon Allard. He offered many thanks to Faith Wixson Varney ’65G for her long-time dedication as class correspondent. Judi and Gordon send wishes to Bill Johnson for a complete and speedy recovery. 

They keep busy with local activities in Dallas, Georgia. They send a “Maine Hello” to all their alumni friends. You can “Hello” back to them at (678) 363-9702.

I heard from another disappointed alumna, Betty Kononen Berry, that our reunion was canceled and if there were plans for next year?

Betty’s daughter Wendy drove from Kentucky for a visit, and they went to Moosehead Lake for a weekend. Wendy was hoping to photograph a moose. Betty said that the only moose they saw was the rear end of a big cow moose walking away from them. They slept under the stars in a yurt, whatever that is.

Betty said that her college roommate, Diana Laughlin, was being transferred to Seaside Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Portland, ME. However, Betty did not have Diana’s new address or phone number. Seaside’s address is 850 Baxter Blvd, Portland, ME 04103

Where are your articles about “It’s a small world isn’t it?”

Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2022.