The June 2008 Reunion was a great success with about 115 attending the event in Port Stanley. Of course there was a sad undertone with Alma having burned to the ground shortly before the reunion, but what was and is most important are the memories. A group of St Thomas citizens took it upon themselves to clean up the overgrown Amphitheatre and donated plants and flowers. Much of their motivation came from the fact that the Alumnae would be coming to town. It really was touching and unbelievable how much they did in a short time. There was also a memorial service held on the Sunday afternoon at the Sifton Gates attended by Alumnae and citizens of St. Thomas. “May we ever look back upon her glory” As far as we know, the future use of the property is as yet undecided.

There was an election in June and Lois Drinkwalter was elected President. In November she was not able to continue her responsibilities and offered her resignation. So, we need nominations for the President position for a one year term 2009-2010. There is also a vacancy for a Reunion Chair. Are you willing to volunteer your time? Please contact me at donnaro@rogers.com.

Reunion 2009 will be held June 5th to 7th at the Four Points by Sheraton in London, located on Wellington Road near the 401. The Executive and Reunion Committee decided to try London this year after some feedback that Port Stanley was more difficult to access and accommodations are off site resulting in more driving. London has easy car, train, bus and air access. In order to thrive, the Alumnae needs to be able to keep in touch with its membership.

We do our best to keep the database updated and we need your help with that. Please keep us informed as to any changes in your address or contact info and that of any other Alumnae. Contact information for the Alumnae Association is provided on the back page of this newsletter. Do you have a favorite recipe or 2 or 3? Send them to donnaro@rogers.com in MS Word, a text file or just type them into an email message. Include your maiden name and years attended. If we get a good response we may have a recipe book for you in 2010!!

Visit the Reunion page for further details. Click here to download the Registration Form. Sign up on the reunion page and let your friends know that you are planning to attend the June Reunion.

The proposed new Alma College International Alumnae Association Constitution will be discussed and voted on at the June 2009 Reunion. Please take a minute, download and review before the Reunion.

If you prefer to receive this newsletter electronically, please contact Joni (Page) Pypka at pagegirl@sympatico.ca. Check out the Alumnae and friends trip to Bermuda April '09 in this newsletter.

Sincerely,

Donna Robertson (1962-66)
Alumnae Vice President
donnaro@rogers.com

Four meetings were held during the 2008 year. February was a luncheon meeting, April at the home of Jean Dollar, and for October we joined the St. Thomas girls for lunch at the St. Thomas Golf and Country Club and later visited the Elgin County Museum to view a video on the history of Dear Old Alma.

On December 6th, we held our annual Christmas party at West Haven Golf Club with St. Thomas members joining us. A donation to the Salvation Army Christmas fund was offered. In spite of the snow and cold weather approximately 35 alumnae joined in the festivities.

he London Branch plans to have meetings in February and April 2009.

The annual reunion is planned for June 5th, 6th and 7th and will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel on Wellington Road in London. Hostesses for the 40's grads are Jean Dollar and Mary Finkbeiner and we hope as many as possible will plan to come. Rooms have been reserved for anyone coming from a distance and arrangements can be made to meet you at the airport or train station if needed. If you have lost contact with a former Alumnae friend, please let one of us know and we will try to locate them for you.

Looking forward to seeing you in June. Toujours en avant!
Mary (Keith) Finkbeiner
Branch President, London

On March 18, 2008, a luncheon meeting was held at the St. Thomas Golf and Country Club at which "ALMA" was discussed and the current state of affairs. The year 2008 will surely be remembered as one of the most unforgettable for the Alumnae, and for the City of St. Thomas. On May 28th our beloved Alma burnt to the ground. Still unbelievable! I drive down Wellington St. but can't bear to look down Moore St. towards where Alma once majestically stood. All the years the Alumnae fought to save Alma were in vain. What a tragedy!

Of course, we all looked forward to the 2008 Reunion weekend; the first weekend in June. What a bittersweet Reunion it turned out to be. Many from far and wide attended at the Kettle Creek Golf Club in Port Stanley. Some were brave enough to venture to the College grounds, but for many it was just too painful. The memories and camaraderie are what keep us joined together, and "We" are now "ALMA", cemented together over time by our friendship and memories, which unlike the "physical" Alma, will endure.

On August 19th, we held our annual summer BBQ at the home of Jane Ann and Jack Tasker in Port Stanley. Always great food, a great time, and wonderful hosts. October 20th, eight St. Thomas members plus eight London members enjoyed lunch at the St. Thomas Golf and Country Club; then on to the Elgin County Museum for an Alma presentation by the McNaughtons, owners of Dog and Pony Productions Inc.

Our last get together of the year was held on December 6th. Six Alumnae members and one brave husband (Lyle Sifton) drove through a blizzard to join the London group at their Christmas party at West Haven Golf Club.

Looking forward to seeing you all at the 2009 Reunion. Toujours en avant!
Joyce (Murison) Skelding
Branch President, St. Thomas