1974 – Fall ’20 Class Letter
JAN PETROVSKI MACLEOD ’74
(630) 920-2450 / [email protected]
Hello, everyone! The pandemic has thrown a wrench into the workings of all our lives but I trust you are finding ways to stay healthy, happy, and busy even if you must stay at home. Andy and I were planning to do a lot of traveling this year, but instead have embarked on reclaiming our gardens and decluttering the house. We read, take lots of walks, and get excited about running errands. We could get our groceries delivered, but Andy insists on going because it’s the one thing that gets him out of the house. Our ancient microwave died a while back, and we were thrilled to have a reason to venture out to find a replacement! I will never take shopping for granted again.
JANE RUNKEL FREDERICK ’74, of Shorewood, Wisconsin reports it’s pretty much the same thing at her house. She has been busy with her gardens, and also making jams and jellies with her rhubarb and currants. She says the tomatoes, grapes, beans, and pumpkins are all coming along. Meanwhile, she takes lots of walks and gets excited about trips to the grocery store. Sounds all too familiar!
SELMA BAYDOUN CEMAN ’74, of Green Lake, Wisconsin says she has “doubled her grandchildren!” She had two already, but two new ones arrived this year, and she’s happy to be retired so she can enjoy all of them. She adds that she loves her new condo and is looking forward to Ripon gatherings in 2021.
LINDA LANDIN KAROW ’74 of Elkhorn, Wisconsin was supposed to take a long-awaited trip to France this summer, but that has been put on hold. She has been reorganizing her home, and has posted photos on Facebook of some beautiful shawls she has made. You are truly talented, Linda.
LISA JENNI LAATCH ’74 is now living in the Ft. Myers, Florida area, and “enjoying the slower pace of not working.” She says they sold their business last year and traveled around in their RV. They can’t do that now, but I would bet she’s planning new adventures for 2021. It’s great to hear from you, Lisa, and happy trails!
SCOTT DICKS ’74 & LINDA MOHR DICKS ’74 of Middleton, Wisconsin have been hunkered down at home since mid-March, venturing out only for exercise and necessities. Scott and I have been swapping coffee memes and wildlife stories on Facebook. I must say, Facebook can be lots of fun if you forego the politics and stick to joke-swapping and photo sharing! Scott has lots of time for deck sitting since he retired in January. Congrats, Scott, and know I am raising a glass in your honor.
VIRGIL STUCKER ’74 of Tryon, North Carolina writes, “Retirement became even more distant as my heart felt the burden of families coping with a mentally ill family member who was suddenly turned out of residential care or who was not able to access needed mental health care, even when hospital support was needed. I collaborated with a NY Times reporter on this article: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/23/health/coronavirus-mental-health.html. Also, we published a Guide which takes COVID-19 into consideration: A Family Guide To Mental Health Recovery: What You Need To Know From Day One https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088GGDQ6D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860.
New hobbies? During the shutdown, I am trying to find more time to play my Native American flutes and my saxophone.”
ERIC K. SORENSEN ’74 of Marengo, Wisconsin writes, “ I continue to bring my ren faire character, Mustzfa Ali, to life at the Janesville Renaissance Faire, REN in the Glen, and a gathering of Rogues and Ruffians.”
BIL LEWIS ’74 of Cambridge, Massachusetts writes, “ I continue to perform and teach as James Madison (#4). I am, with my friend, a farmer in Idaho – dairy goats.”
MARY MUNRO ’74 of Evanston, Illinois, died on December 10, 2019. At Ripon, she majored in English and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She attended Indiana University Bloomington for her master’s degree in English before embarking on a career in publishing in Chicago. She enjoyed literature, reading, listening to National Public Radio, gardening, and being outside. Survivors include her husband WILLIAM LEINER, JR. ’74, two sons and one daughter.
So that’s all the news I have for you this time. Please stay in touch and let me know what’s keeping you busy. I have been trying to find a balance between staying busy and slowing down to enjoy the simple things. I wish I could have you all come over to sit on the deck with me, but since we can’t do that, know that I am thinking of you and wishing you good health and happiness while we wait out the virus. I look forward to seeing your smiling faces down the road.
See you in Ripon –
Jan
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