Chuck Riecks ’65, M.Ed. ’69 and Alice Boone Riecks ’69 spent a quiet year in “Lake Woebegone” and at this writing (like many of us) were starting to emerge from their self-imposed isolation. Now (like many of us) they have the vaccine and will have seen their four grandchildren over the summer. Chuck has been involved in passenger rail advocacy efforts for many years, and this year, at the 50th anniversary of Amtrak celebration, he became a YouTube star! Here is the link which has President Joe Biden’s remarks at the beginning, and then Chuck makes his debut at the one hour, 19-minute mark (https://youtu.be/WKZGBny3Etg). Well done, Chuck!
Patricia Riley Dunlap and her husband, Steve, live in a very nice cottage in Brandermill Woods, a senior community near Richmond, and with excellent care and direction from the staff were kept healthy during the coronavirus. All activities were shut down and masks and social distancing were required. They “really enjoy this place, its residents, the staff and the fact that life has become a “bowl of cherries.” They live close to two of their three children and one of their four grandchildren. They are planning a train trip to Wisconsin — the only state Steve hasn’t visited. Patricia has been to all 50 states, and together they’ve traveled to 43 foreign nations. They plan to add a few more trips when it’s safer to travel. Patricia spent her post W&M life teaching history, and over time, earned an M.A. and a D.A. in history. She is occasionally in touch with the professor who led her dissertation committee.
Jim Korman and Babs Lewis Korman ’66 are off again to far-flung places … Iceland this time. Walter Wenk ’66 and Mary Kay Wenk will go with them. Jim informs us that the “don’t miss” Icelandic dish is rotten shark. For real. Jim says, “I don’t think I like cooked shark, so rotten shark will be a ‘no’ for me.” Come on Jim … you’ve been cooped up for over a year. It’s time to live outside the box! Jim and Babs just got a rescue dog who, besides being very cute, doubles as a handy floor cleaner. According to Jim, the dog looks kind of like a mop, and her name is Swiffer.
Don’t know if any of you joined in the virtual Traditions Weekend (April 21-24). There were several special reasons Barbara Wampler Melby tuned in. Classmate Joe Ellis ’65, L.H.D. ’98 participated in a conversation based on his book, “American Dialogue: The Founders and Us.” Classmate Howard Busbee ’65, J.D. ’67, M.L.T. ’68 offered remarks at the beginning. I highly recommend this provocative conversation, which you can view on Youtube. This same weekend, Pam Brown Michael was awarded the Olde Guarde 2020 Distinguished Service Award. This award is given to alumni for dedication, involvement and continued service to William & Mary, as well as lifetime achievement. Congrats, Pam. This is so well-deserved!
At this writing (mid-May), vaccines are in many arms, masks are being flung, and doors of all kinds are starting to open. It has been quite a year! We are hopeful that other than inconveniences, our classmates were not negatively impacted by COVID. Let’s plan to see each other at Homecoming this fall — Oct. 7-10. It’s high time for a good party!
Just a reminder that a larger Class Notes column from the previous issue is available below by clicking on the previous issues. Good stuff in there. Good stuff here, too. Would love more good stuff next time. Let us hear from you.