Swampscott (Massachusetts) High School Class of 1953 news and currents interest

news & current interests
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recent news has a pink background; news items are arranged in reverse chronological order - the most recent news first

CLICK HERE to read about the class reunion held on 7-8 November 2003 and
CLICK HERE for the comments of those who attended the reunion

the 2003 reunion photograph (photo: Stuart Garfield)
click on the photo for a larger copy, with names
copies are available from jfreedma at maine.rr.com
(substitute @ for at)

Bill Alberg writes

CLICK HERE

The dream or goal of every horseplayer in the country is to qualify for the "Holy Grail of
Handicapping Contests," the once-a-year NTRA National Championship held here each January crowning the "Handicapper of the Year" and awarding a $100,000 first prize.       In order to reach this level, one must qualify by competing at one of 50 tracks or off-track facilities around the country. There could be one half to three quarters of a million contestants trying for 204 slots in Las Vegas.
     I finished in 2nd place out of 250 entries [in Del Mar, CA] to win a trip to Bally's for the Championship - except it only takes me 17 minutes to drive down to the Strip!
     Segments will be televised by ESPN on
Jan 17 and 18th and there will be biographies of each contestant on the NTRA Contest website: www.drf.com/nhc/nhc.html
     I'll let you all know as we get closer how things are shaping up and when everything is logged on to the website....
    I just hope I don't fall on my ass in this contest. The best of the best in this country will be there to beat my head in, but since they are trying to take 'my money', the adreneline will be flowing and I'll need to get off to a very fast start on the 1st day. (I just don't want to try to play 'catch-up' on the 2nd day.) Anyway, I think my friends are more excited about it than I am. (12 and 29 November 2002)

...our younger son Gregg graduated film school last year after having a terrific theatre career starting at the age of 10. At the age of 16 he was the country's youngest professional theatre director, making the cover of the Los Angeles Calendar Magazine, receiving dazzling reviews from a very harsh theatre critic of the Los Angeles Times, invited to and attending the Tony Awards in NYC 6 times.... In just his third film job, he was offered a position as Production Assistant on the new Tom Cruise film, "Vanilla Sky".... He worked on many aspects of this production at Paramount Studios, interacted with Director Cameron Crowe and the many members of his elite staff.... If you stay for the credits roll at the end of the film, you'll see Gregg's name.... (12 December 2001)

My older kid just graduated Tufts/Museum of Fine Arts School with a MS in Art. Got a teaching position with a School for the Handicapped in Brookline teaching Art. (13 November 2000)

see Bill's biographical note and comments

Gresh Ivey writes

Third granddaughter, Finnouala, was born on March 22. (Bet you'd never guess that my daughter-in-law was born and raised in Dublin.)
Have enjoyed full year of retirement and looking forward to many more. (16 August 2001)

For those who went to Hadley Elementary: I have remained in touch with Curt Derby, who left Swampscott in 5th grade. We celebrated both our 70th and 75th birthdays (same day) with Windjammer cruises on Penobscot Bay. Enjoyed them both, but doubt my decreasing agility will allow a repeat for our 80th. For a diabetic of 31 years duration, my health is really pretty good - still not taking insulin and have all my appendages. (26 August 2010)

see Gresh's biographical note and comments

Sally Kitfield Shannon writes

I have been retired for 2 years and, of course, have found many new hobbies to keep me busy. I am on the board of trustees for the Danvers Historical Society, do lots of volunteer work at church and take classes at the Danvers Senior Center.
My 2 daughters and grandchildren live in Danvers so I get to see them frequently. One of my sons lives is Maine and, as a Navy Reservist, was called up after 9/11. He is now serving at Brunswick Naval Air Station. I'm thankful that he is still in this country. My other son lives is Omaha, Neb. along with his 2 children. I was in Naples, Fla. for a week in March visiting Dick Reynolds who graduated in '52. He and his wife Joyce
moved there from Danvers last July and love it. I think I'll stick to good old New England and the North Shore. (16 April 2002)

see Sally's comments

Toni Jaffee writes

i know how happy I am "down the ocean" in md and enjoying life on the water - it must be swampscott roots - anyone traveling on the md eastern shore is more than welcome; toni's hotel is open 12mo. 24/7. (23 March 2002)

see Toni's biographical note and comments

Jim and Jan Bettger write

Hi, Just to let you know that Jim & Jan (Doliber) Bettger are still working. We have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. We are lucky to have our family living in Salem, Peabody, & Swampscott. (6 April 2002)

For more news of Jim & Jan Bettger, CLICK HERE

see Jim's biographical note and comments

For news of Paul Langan, CLICK HERE

see biographical note and comments

For news of Lenny Lundstrom, CLICK HERE

Hilde Champion (Tom's wife) writes

Tom still hasn't given me his bio to put on the website, but he is getting more interested in the computer and internet. He is learning by browsing the Swampscott53 site which is pretty interesting and very well done!!...
We hadn't planned to get back to snowy, freezing cold New England till the snow's gone and the sun warms up (early May????). The nice thing about being in an RV is we have no itinerary - we wing it. (5 March 2003)

Hi friends, We are getting ready to leave this old house in Ossipee, NH on Thursday and head for the Florida Keys. It has been unseasonably cold since the end of October with snow, etc. We have had enough winter to last us all winter... It did show us that we could live here in the winter even though the house is not "winterized". Tom spent the morning getting firewood with a friend on his lot in Tuftonboro. We have burned everything in sight but the furniture and we have a few days more to stay warm. If you get anywhere near the lower Keys or would like an excuse to visit, we will be at Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge (I think it's P.O. Box 513) on Big Pine Key, FL (30 miles from Key West) until mid March or so. Our cell # is 978 758-1996. Have a great winter. (2 December 2002)

Tom is computer illiterate so I'm the one who enjoys reading your Emails. I will prevail on Tom to update his bio for the webpage and get it off to you. We are leaving for the winter in Florida and warm places in a day or two, checking Email will be sporadic as we don't have a laptop but I'll keep in touch and try to get info to you. (15 December 2001)

Tom Champion writes

We have been in Florida for the winter, traveling around in our RV. We are visiting friends in Myrtle Beach now and should be back up North in early May. (17 April 2001)

see Hilde's comments

Ann Maitland Whittemore writes

The reunion committee finally had our final get-together last night at Derek's... It was a fun evening and we had 100% attendance. Thought you would want to know. Sally (Kitfield) Shannon brought the "Swampscottas" which I will turn over to the Historical Committee. Best to you all. (6 November 2004)

I'm still working but no longer at Morgan Stanley. In July I returned to A.G. Edwards where I am the Cashier. I work 32 hours a week which is just enough (and qualifies me for health insurance at a reasonable price).
     My youngest son, Richard (35), will be getting married next August so that will keep me occupied after the reunion. He had a trip to Kuwait in February, returned in May and then he and his fiance spent 6 weeks from early August to mid-September touring Europe in her new Volvo. They are now back in Virginia. Richard is a Chief Engineer in the Merchant Marine and works for a company which is on contract to the military. He gets to deliver the hardware, rolling stock, bombs and, this time, a collapsible pier to wherever it's needed. People ask if I'm worried when he's at sea - not as much as when he is touring around on his motorcycle. (16 October 2003)

I am still working but only 3 days a week at Morgan Stanley in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA.
     I have been widowed for 13 years, have 3 grandchildren and another one imminent. Unfortunately the grandkids are one in Denver and the rest in North Carolina - gives me nice places to visit. I have 3 sons and one daughter: oldest son lives near Orlando and is married to a wonderful Romanian woman who just received her green card (what a time to be applying to the INS for anything) and manages a restaurant; son no. 2 lives in North Carolina near Ashville and is a Mr. Mom; daughter lives in Denver and works for a company that does all the sound for the Pepsi Center and other venues all over the country (her significant other travels with the Gipsy Kings at times); youngest son is unmarried and living in Virginia where he is still in the Merchant Marine (just returned from the Arabian Sea after delivering supplies for the B-52s) and is studying for his MBA at William & Mary in his spare time. (Wonder what Phil Jenkin would think of that last sentence).
     I volunteer at the Boston Symphony Gift Shop and have a subscription series as well and I'm the Treasurer of the Swampscott League of Women Voters (even though I live in Salem). Before I moved from Swampscott I was up to my ears in Town affairs. The only way to get out of them was to move, so I did. (17 April 2002)

see Ann's comments

Glady(s) Coletti Lyden writes

Now that retirement is at hand we spend our time enjoying Sebago Lake, visiting my family in Swampscott and of course being with the kids. (25 August 2001)

see Glady's biographical note and comments

Elaine Margaretes Demetroulakos writes

I have my home in Lowell, but spend at least 4 days [a week] in Swampscott caring for my 92 year old mother who is still living in the old homestead on Orchard Road. (I do a lot of walking on the beaches.)
It seems to be pretty much the story of my life right now (besides caring for grandchildren plus a 94 year old mother-in-law). But it seems that we are at that stage of our lives when caregiving is the thing. (15 April 2002)

see Elaine's comments

Patti Cook Cohen writes

I just drove up from Swampscott this morning having gone to a holiday concert my 10 year old grandaughter was in (at the High School which is not longer where the high school was when were there) - I think I may have seen Derek H. (15 December 2000)

see Patti's biographical note

Adrienne Pease Guptill writes

Hi Everyone,
I have moved and am mostly settled but at this time still do not have telephone connected, but Internet and cable are now in. I have set up a new email address agsouthport@yahoo.com. Please email me at this new address so I can set up a new address book at this new email.
Those of you who have summer places on the Cape please send me addresses and phone numbers. I love company so would love to have visits from all of you. (16 January 2004)

Just a note to let everyone know I have finally become a grandmother. Son Eric and Daughter in law Patti had a baby boy Jackson Burnham Guptill, 9 pounds 6 ounces Born January 20, 2002, in Terre Haute, Indiana. (20 January 2002)

I went to Indiana this weekend to visit my son and daughter in law who are expecting their first child in January. Patti's Mom and I went with them for the ultrasound and it was exciting getting a first view of my first grand child. I will be making more frequent trips to Indiana in the future. (9 October 2001)

see Adrienne's biographical note and comments

For recent news of Ed Deschenes, CLICK HERE

see Ed's biographical note and comments

Ken Ferris writes

Our daughter, Kim, is getting married in late October (in Michigan) so we've been somewhat flexible with travelling this summer and are heading up to Birmingham (suburb of Detroit) at the end of August for a wedding shower for her. Annette's a little bummed at having to participate in the planning process long distance, never-the-less is having a ball with it all.
Come to think of it, it could be the last wedding of a Class of '53 graduate's son or daughter. My son's still available, but don't think he'll ever get married - he was best man for 2 of his friends and both are now divorced: not a good record. (5 and 8 August 2006)

Well, we're finally in our new home in Aiken, SC. Just moved in Saturday 11/10 and in the course of unpacking have used muscles we had forgotten were even there. New address is 16 Lilypond Court, Aiken, SC 29803....telephone 803-644-9400.
A Happy Thanksgiving to all. (11 November 2001)

House still on or ahead of schedule - will confirm to you after move in. (3 September 2001)

[W]e moved, but into an apartment for approx 3 months while waiting for house to be completed. Hopefully will survive the 3 months without killing one another.... [CLICK HERE for the apartment and new house addresses.] (19 August 2001)

Sold house in MI - moving to apt in SC 8/1... our 1st time in such close quarters since married. (25 June 2001)

Annette & I have just started construction on a new home in Aiken, SC, 20 miles east of Augusta, GA, which we will occupy later this year....
Lots of golf, volunteer type stuff, lifelong learning courses at University of SC - Aiken and just plain enjoying life. (4 June 2001)

see Ken's biographical note and comments

Jackie Peters Allman writes

Good news on the Allman family, It's growing. 19 grandchildren and 8 greats. There will be more I suspect - thinking about moving out of the country -:) Whenever we have a reunion, we have to hire a hall - its a "mad house" but loads of fun. (5 January 2007)

... i am very lucky to be here, as i have survived lung cancer and that makes me very happy. my own fault, as i did smoke and still miss it to this day, but again that's life.
...when push comes to shove, it's attitude and determination that brings one through that disease. (18 and 19 May 2002)

see Jackie's comments and biographical note

Sadly Jackie died in the Summer of 2007. See Necrology & Obituaries

Sally Smith Cooke writes

Phil and I recently sold the house [in Marblehead] we had been in for forty-one years, and moved several streets away. It is a much smaller house, and we could live on one floor if we ever need to. We love the house, and it is fun to be trying something different.
We enjoy travelling, and just returned from a canal trip through Belgium and Holland. I am looking forward to seeing everyone, and renewing old friendships. (9 May 2003)

see Sally's biographical note

Jordan Freedman writes

We are in the midst of building a new home here [in Ogunquit, Maine]. Demolished the old house and just started digging the hole for the new foundation. (22 October 2000)

[To see Jordan's] old cottage being burnt down by the Fire Department in a training exercise, CLICK HERE. (26 October 2000)

[To see the new house under construction, CLICK HERE.] (6 February 2001)

We finally moved into the new house. It's the last time I want to do that. [To see the built new house, CLICK HERE.] (25 June 2001)

[CLICK HERE to see the latest news on the new house: "BLASTING MAY HAVE CAUSED BASEMENT CRACKS" (5 September 2001)]

Here is a [web]site I maintain that displays some of the photographs that I've taken in Ogunquit.
http://home.maine.rr.com/
ogtfreedman/index.htm
I now maintain the official website for Ogunquit at http://www.townofogunquit.org/ (19 October 2005)

see Jordan's biographical note

Yale Strogoff's wife Bobbe writes

Yale has recently retired and has been spending his time boating, traveling, and golfing.
     Our daughter and her husband are both attorneys. They live in Sudbury, MA with their two children.
     Our son has taken over the management of our scrap metal companies. He has three children and lives locally.
     We wish you all a happy and a peaceful New Year. (23 September 2001)

Dick Gilman writes

Jerry Olanoff just informed me that I was on the missing list!
We do a great deal of travelling.Our last visit to the UK was in August of last year when we spent some time with a former classmate who is now a Master at one of the Oxford colleges. (28 August 2001)

see Dick's biographical note and comments

Ann Valpey Langan writes

For recent news of Ann & Paul Langan CLICK HERE.

Our hobbies now are golf in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter. (20 December 2000)

see Ann's (and Paul's) biographical note and comments

Arnold Goldman writes

For our up-to-date news diary (a blog of sorts), CLICK HERE. For our current interests, CLICK HERE. (05 February 2012)

On a flying visit to Swampscott - for a family funeral - Dorothy and I visited Derek (Friday 19 April), where we heard about plans for the Reunion in 2003. (22 April 2002)

see Arnold's biographical note and comments

Connie Valpey Deschenes writes

We are staying busy and have been steam-boating with Jim and Jan Bettger and Ann and Paul Langan. We have done three trips in the last few years and find it a fun way to travel. Saw Nancy McGrath the other day and she is talking about another get-together (prelude to next reunion). (17 January 2007)

Here is our news. Our family and Ann and Paul's family went to a villa in Tuscany for Ann's and my 70th birthday. What a good time we all had. We visited Florence, Rome, Siena and many of the other small hill towns along the way. The groups included children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
We are now planning an April vacation with Jim and Jan Bettger and Ann and Paul Langan to go steamboating out of Portland, Oregon to cover the Lewis and Clark expedition. (25 October 2005)

Ed and I have just returned from a two week trip to Alaska. We went with Jim and Jan Bettger. Ed and Jim talked about taking this trip when they were about 12 years old. So, we decided that this was the year to do it. We had a spectacular trip. Alaska is a beautiful state.
A few highlights. We flew in a helicopter and walked on a glacier. Ed and Jim went Salmon fishing and caught three big ones. We did the land up (railroad sightseeing, delightful) and a cruise back on the Vendaam. (7 September 2001)

We also saw Lenny Lundstrom and his wife at the Swedish Fair at the Topsfield Fair Grounds. He looks great. Ann and I and Lenny all have Swedish blood and still celebrate Christmas Eve with a smorgasbord. Hence, we all shop the fair.... (7 January 2001)

Ed and I always planned to travel and since retirement we have traveled extensively in Europe and the U.S....
We both play a lot of golf. Ed plays cribbage locally with a group here in Marblehead. I do some freelance writing and photography now. I also volunteer at the Marblehead Historical Society as a guide. Life is good!... (20 December 2000)

see Connie's (and Ed's) biographical note and comments