Latin School of Chicago

In Memoriam Karen Bassett Freeman was retired but is back at work and still weaving (www.dreamweaversantafe.com). She recently adopted a pound puppy to join her two dogs and two cats. She adds, "[I] am still co-chairing Native Treasures: Indian Arts Festival, the coolest Native American art show and major fundraiser for the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, now in its fifth year." Karen is a docent at the museum. She hopes to return to Chicago for the 40th reunion in October. Sam Graham writes, "2008 was a tumultuous year, both in the world and for me personally. I was but one of the many, many millions thrilled by the regime change we effected in our country, and I remain optimistic that things will eventually improve. Around that time I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and underwent major surgery in late October. It was an experience I definitely would not recommend; needless to say, I'd prefer to have been told that I'd won the lottery (which I guess I did, in a macabre kinda way). But it could have been a lot worse. I was in good physical condition going into it (that's what nearly 30 years of practicing and teaching yoga will do for you), I had superb medical care, and best of all, I had the support of countless loved ones and friends, which was at once humbling and incredibly uplifting. What's more, I suddenly had the world's greatest excuse: 'Gee, I'd love to, but I've got cancer.' I mean, who's going to argue with that? And to top it off, I suddenly realized that for some reason I could see Russia from my house! Anyway, I am now cancer-free and on the mend. And if you've had some version of this terrifying experience, you know that all the clichés are true: It really does change your perspective and put things in their proper place. Like on Facebook, maybe? (and yes, you can visit with Sam at his new Facebook account)" We have learned of the deaths of the following members of the Latin community. Our sympathy is extended to their families and friends. faculty Humphrey Cordes November 1, 2008 Bonnie-Jean Clark Fetridge '33 January 19, 2009 Lucia Waller Helder '42 August 6, 2008 Peer Maseng '45 October 24, 2008 Nancy Balaban Magidson '57 January 13, 2009 Russell "Scott" Zenko '90 August 22, 2008 class or daydreaming new TV shows in study hall. It's amazing how vivid many of my memories of that time are, yet I sometimes can't remember what I did yesterday or what episode I just rewrote. Maybe that has something to do with staring down our 40th high school reunion. I almost hesitate to include this next little bit, fearful that all my old Latin friends will come for a visit, but Andy and I are building a house in Laguna Beach. It's taken just about forever, but it's almost finished, like days away, and I am hoping to spend many of my weekends and free time down there with Andy and my dog, Truman, who loves the sand and surf. And that pretty much encapsulates the last year. Except for getting involved in the election of President Obama and raising money for a number of senatorial candidates who are all now representing their constituents in Washington, D.C. Also, I am working on a couple of new projects. One of which is a Showtime series set in Chicago, Beverly Hills and Las Vegas in the 70s. Ah, the good old days. " Carole Towne writes: "I must be the most nonathletic person in the world, but I am now living vicariously through my daughter, a junior at Latin, whose varsity field hockey team and varsity basketball team both won regional championships this year!" Carol Mendelsohn & Carole Towne recently had a chance to catch up during Carol's visit to Chicago. Carol Mendelsohn was part of the Writers Guild of America Negotiating Committee and since then has been busy writing for "CSI." "Coming up with new and unique ways to maim and kill people. It's been nine years and over 200 episodes of 'CSI,' so you would think I would be running out of stories. But I'm not, at least not yet. And I even got to write an episode of 'Two and Half Men' last spring. All in all, writing TV is a lot of fun, except there are days when I wish I wasn't the boss and I was just back at Latin sitting in Stephen Hauser sends "Greetings from the frozen north, Rochester, MN. My oldest daughter Maryanne is at Northwestern in her first year and Katherine is a senior in high school. Ellie (Stephen's wife?) is busy making all of this possible while I keep occupied at Mayo Clinic." Valerie Wiley reports "We had quite the exciting year with Lexi graduating from Latin, following in my footsteps as valedictorian. (You will forgive the bragging as it does have a Latin angle!) She is now at Princeton, her dad's alma mater, and doing well in all regards. Latin School of Chicago 31

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