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For those of us who haven't been back to Sullivan since graduation, I wonder how many could draw a picture of the inside of the school floor by floor including where the gym, locker rooms, showers, pool, principal and vice principal's office locations, cafeteria etc., etc. 
Bruce Gach 

5033 Wesley Drive

Tampa, Florida  33647

December, 2011

Dear Friends,

While 2011 began somewhat slowly for the Tampa Tockmans, it has ended with a flourish! Mel began his final year as President of Congregation Beth Am by driving to Dallas with David and five other congregants to sell Super Bowl XLVI programs at our annual fundraiser.  Twenty three-hour days and deep snow drifts didn’t deter us from a successful event.  The surgeons replaced Mel’s left hip in April.  David took over the driving in defense of our 2010 win of the Porsche club Sunrise-Sunset (cross-Florida) rally.  Mel’s recovery is complete and he ran his first-ever 5K with David in our Congregation’s November fundraiser.  Dave took first place and Mel took second in their age groups.  Beth’s successful cancer surgery two years ago left one lymph node that required some radiation and chemo to be on the safe side. During her recovery she’s writing a book on how States became States and preparing a Law and Literature course.

Mel will be 70 in 1½ years, so he has accepted an Emeritus position (beginning in 2013) and we are making retirement plans.  Mel’s sister Jan with her husband, Marty have moved to a Continuing Care Retirement Community near us called University Village.  We’ve decided to make our retirement move there also to be near loved ones and our community of friends. The community honored us at the 2011 Israel Bonds Dinner, attended by the Mayor, political notables, congregants and friends from the Tampa area.  Last night we celebrated the first night of Hanukah with the news that David has received a job offer at Price-Waterhouse!  Everyone’s been heard from but Lewis, our cat, enjoying another year of pampered contentment.  

The Tampa Tockmans wish you love and the warmth of family in a wonderful holiday season followed by a Happy New Year.

Mel Beth and Dave Tockman

Mel, Beth and Dave Tockman

Gary with Norm Brody 

Norman Brody arrived for lunch only to
watch Paul down a french fry

Barbara, Gary and Chuck

Gary and Faye laughing as Bobbi played
photographer