John Hilton and wife had a great time with Matt Perry and his wife in mid-July. Matt was unable to get to our reunion. Along with revisiting the Waterville area, they toured the farm of Helen and Warren Balgooyen ’63 in Norridgewock. * Debbie and Malcolm MacLean are currently in Japan. * Peter and Brenda Wrobleski Gottschalk spent the July 4th weekend hiking at Crater’s of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, and later went to Pike’s Peak Raceway, where they reached speeds of 180 mph. Peter drove his own car for a 120-lap race. * Gerry Tays and wife spent most of the summer traveling the Maritimes, Maine, and many states between Maine and Washington after our reunion. After being home long enough to do laundry, they headed to Yellowstone, where they volunteered at the Norris Soldier Station. * Penny and Ed Kyle spent two weeks in Virginia including some camping, touring D.C. on a Segway, and a beautiful family wedding in Nokesville. * Jim and Sue Welch Bishop play golf and more golf, along with traveling to lacrosse tournaments with grandsons. * Harry and Judy Hoagland Bristol returned from a 16-day riverboat cruise on the Rhone with six full days in Paris. They still have great memories of the reunion both in Camden and on Mayflower Hill. * I received a correction note regarding Frank Stephenson’s school in Calif., which was not named after our Frank, but after the author Robert Louis Stevenson in 1952. * Hank Sargent writes, “It is with joy and pride that I announce the recent gathering of the historically outstanding Colby D.U. House Band, ’58-’62 vintage. From the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, the real “Fab Five” (minus 2) banged out various fondly remembered R’n’R and other upbeat tuneage, to the glee of the multitudes in attendance. Once again, and at long last, sounds of Ray Charles, Little Richard, Fats Domino, and The Five Satins brought back fond and appreciative memories for all our fans. Returning to perform for a cheering crowd was none other than Johnny West from Chicago, alias John Grieco. After a 50-year engagement inside the Evanston bus terminal, the “Cheeksman” never sounded better. His version of Chain Gang and Trick Trickle brought the crowd to its feet, after which he laid down the classic blues ditty Goin’ To Chicago. You just had to be there! Providing a repertoire of chops, back beats, and rim-shots in such perfection reminiscent of the Krupas and the Richs, was our brilliant drum man, Sonny “Skins” Bryant. Mr. Bryant brought to the evening a laid-back, mellow, and soulful rhythm display, which masterfully drove the band and showcased his vast talents. A 10-minute solo blew the crowd away, and earned Mr. Bryant various cheering tributes, not to mention a selection of female undergarments, which messed up his concentration momentarily. Wow! Hank “Black Keys Only” Sargent, gave the group the necessary lyrical and musical guidance on keyboards, but spent most of the evening delivering cold ones to the other members of the group. Prof. William “Yabs” Hurder, of somewhere FL., our beloved bassist, was unable to attend due to his attendance at a high-stakes poker tournament. He has agreed to be with us at our next benefit, which will be held at Guy’s Cafe, in beautiful downtown Augusta, Maine. Also missing at the affair, but very much with us in memory, was our outstanding tenor sax man, Jack “Hot Licks” Bober ’64. The finest saxophone virtuoso of his era north of Baltimore, Jack’s musical brilliance, sense of humor, and friendship will always be cherished. We miss you man. It was a memorable night for us this past July, and most importantly, we had a blast!” * Finally, kudos to Judy Hoagland Bristol, Mike McCabe, and Nancy MacKenzie Keating for their outstanding and tireless work in spearheading our 50th reunion. There were many other helpers, but these three really outdid themselves planning, organizing, fundraising, and decorating.
Fall 2012