Wayne Needs Your Prayers

Over the many months since the reunion, we've gradually lost touch with our hard-working partner, Wayne Malon. Many of our e-mails went unanswered, tho in one response, Wayne said he was very busy doing many volunteering jobs. Still it was strange not hearing from him on a regular basis --- before the reunion, the "e-mail" lines were almost always tied up with messages to/from Wayne, Norma, John, and/or me ---- and the phone lines came in a pretty close second. It was as tho we were quadruplets, always in touch about this or that. And that's why Wayne's disappearing act was hard to accept. We tried numerous e-mails; we tried phone calls. Even Christmas cards were of no avail. John and I were both sure something was amiss, but how to find out what.........
Finally, this morning, John called me with news that about broke my heart: in one more phone call to Wayne, John got the Malon answering machine. He started to leave a message when Pat, Wayne's wife picked up the phone. As the conversation went on, John learned Wayne had been diagnosed with small cell cancer of the lung in December. This is a fast and aggressive form of cancer, according to Pat --- and the location of Wayne's cancer has affected his esophagus so much that it is nearly impossible for him to speak. She gave John permission to pass on this info to all of you; she also said Wayne would enjoy receiving cards, notes, e-mails, etc. If you'd like his address or e-mail address, just contact John, Norma, or me. And most of all, if it's your thing, please remember Wayne and his family in your thoughts and prayers; I'm sure they can use all the support they can get.

You're Invited!! To a New Play....

John recently received an invite to a newly written, and about to be performed for the first time, play. The date is March 15 at the Boothbay Opera House in or near Cape Newagen, Maine, the home of the author (and our celebrated classmate) Larry Crane. If you're in the area around 7:30PM that evening, get a ticket and enjoy a wonderful evening, thanks to Larry.



"ESOPS and Tender Offers ..... a silly romp set in the mythical offices of Metro Bank and Trust, situated in a converted warehouse with an ice rink on the top floor. Beauregard Prescott is convinced that the first visit by the boss to his department in twenty years is to present him with a "fine brass plaque" for meritorious service. Millicent Fathelbob, his loyal secretary, is certain that it more likely spells disaster for him and for everyone else.
Come with your imagination in high gear, as this is a live script in hand reading - an evening of laughs and big comic sound effects that suggest a shabby office with industrial grade elevators, lots of doors , and a big dark vault.

The Boothbay Opera House

Saturday, March 15

7:30 PM

Box Office 633-5159

Cast: Ron Bouffard, Nancy Durgin, Amy Roche, Peter Panagore, Rick Prose, Carrie Langlois, Bill Michaud, Michael Feldmann .

Playwright: Larry Crane"

Classmates' Mothers Pass Away

It's a terrible way to start the posts for the new year, but we've learned of the passing of 2 of our classmates' mothers. Darryl Jelinek lost his mom in December, 2008, shortly before Christmas. And Richard Pigman's mom passed away in January of 2009, shortly after the arrival of the new year. Belated tho they may be, our deepest sympathies go out to both of our friends. Losing a parent is a terrible loss!

We Need Your Input

If you haven't noticed, the entries to this blog/newsletter come in waves, with long separations between them. That's because very few of you are letting us in on what's happening in your lives. And as the person trying to keep this thing up to date, I have to tell you it gets pretty depressing writing primarily about illnesses and deaths. So why don't you drop me or Norma Deardorff Plummer or John Spencer or Wayne Malon a line with all your news that's fit to print. A picture or 2 (no more, because too many pics gets cumbersome) of you is always appreciated.
We thank you!

Great Adventure for Judy Dian Larsen's Son

Judy Dian Larsen's son, Eric, is starting on the adventure of a lifetime. It is his intention to reach the north pole, the south pole, and scale Mt Everest, all in a year's time. To read more of this incredible undertaking, click on the title of this entry to open the news article describing his plans.

Keep us posted on this, Judy. I'm sure everyone in the class is living vicariously thru Eric.

Semi-Annual Trip to New Mexico

I received the following message from John Spencer:

Judy, this is a picture of the truck load of winter clothing that Ann & I collected for the St Bonaventure Indian Mission in Thoreau, NM. The box on the truck holds approximately 1600 cubic feet or about 3000# of winter clothing, winter coats, blankets and kitchen utensils. We do this twice a year; in the Spring and again in the Winter, and we have been doing it for six years now.


John and Ann are an inspiration to all of us in that they devote a great deal of time and effort helping others. It's a genuine privilege to be able to call them friends.

Houseboating Adventures

The days in late September in northern Minnesota bring blue skies, warmish days, cool nights, and a calm, quiet existence. To this end, Ray and Marilyn Vibyral and Gordon and Allene (Rudolph) Rondeau traveled to Voyageurs National Park for a time of houseboating, fishing, and generally enjoying their beautiful surroundings and long-time friendship.


While many pictures were provided, we felt these best showed the results of their fishing endeavors.

Gordon seems to have done very well.
Ray, on the other hand, seems to prefer the inanimate type of fish; however, perhaps he was practicing a new kind of "catch and release".