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Still tinkling away

Retired a few years ago from fundraising and moved into a retirement residence close to Vanderbilt. The view from my 16th floor is wonderful. Since I got wiped out in my divorce from Sally, I didn’t have enough money to make ends meet so I drive the old ladies to their medical appointments, to the liquor store, and the bank, fix their computers and give lessons, and serve as the building’s handyman, hanging curtain rods, putting extra shelves in closets, etc. Two years ago I started up a new business, LOUNGE LIZARD STYLINGS based on Barks calling me that. I play one or two gigs a month as a solo pianist. Last month did two dinners for Lexus dealerships, but mostly private parties. I also volunteer by playing piano at Alive Hospice.

Sixty years of competitive tennis has pretty much ruined my right side so its gardening and golf. Can’t quite get my handicap into single digits, but pretty close. Playing with my best friend last August, I had around where I only missed one putt, and they were all 15′ or longer. When I drained a 62′, double breaker on the third hole, we started laughing and never stopped. I missed my first putt on the final hole, but drained the 12′ comebacker. Thank you Lord!

I am very active in an evangelical Episcopal Church of 3,500 members. As a lifelong atheist (till I was 50) that is pretty amazing. I also attend Over Eaters Anonymous, and recommend if for any of you whose drugs of choice are fat and sugar,

My son Ross is running the Masters in Engineering Management at Dartmouth (Tuck and Thayer Schools). My daughter does the recruiting for a nearby community hospital.

Nashville is a wonderful city. People talk to each other in grocery lines, and the first person stops to let you out of a parking lot — every time! Great music, good golf, 32 colleges and universities and fabulous and easily accessible health care.

I have never been so broke or so broken-down, but I have never been happier, Too busy to fire up the ol class newsletter, but sure would appreciate it if someone would grab that torch and run with it. Doug.Gortner@Gmail.com

Doug Gortner

1961

Frequently Asked Questions

Upon graduating from Deerfield, alumni enter a diverse network of former Deerfield students. Deerfield alumni have ventured into almost every area of employment, and many are at the top of their respective fields. The advantages of this vast network are numerous and significant, as every member of the Deerfield family receives the following:

Alumni are also eligible for alumni awards, such as the Ashley Award, Heritage Award, and the Mimi Morsman Award.

There are no membership fees or dues for members of the Deerfield family, but Deerfield does ask for assistance in a few areas. First of all, in order for Deerfield to have the most up-to-date records possible, we encourage members to keep us apprised of their current contact info. Alumni are also urged to direct all concerns and suggestions regarding Deerfield’s operations through the Executive Committee, the governing body of the Alumni Association. The committee acts as the voice of the alumni body, and works closely with the school administration. In order to keep tuition affordable and the quality of a Deerfield education at its highest, the Academy depends upon the continuing support of alumni and their families. This support can take the form of annual or capital gifts, or time spent volunteering on behalf of Deerfield.

There are regional events in many major American cities. Please visit here for more information on regional engagement. 

Of course! Be sure to read the latest issue of From Albany Road in your email’s in-box for current news of what is happening on campus. As we also send out periodic invitations, it’s always best to make sure we have your current physical address. And if you do plan on visiting campus, why not tell us ahead of time?

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alumni@deerfield.edu
413-774-1474

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Deerfield, MA 01342

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