Eliot Norman – 50th Reunion Essay

Eliot Norman

10702 Baypines Lane

Richmond, VA 23238

enorman@williamsmullen.com

804-721-78151 (cell) 804-741-4210 (home)

Spouse(s): Annette Norman (1969)

Child(ren): Valerie (1973), Corine (1976)

Grandchild(ren): Sam (2005) and Gabriel (2011) (Valerie in Hoboken, NJ); Desmond (2009) (Corine in Philadelphia)

Education: Yale College ’69 BA (Political Science); Institut d’etudes politiques (Sciences Po), Paris, ’67–’68; BC Law School 1974

Career: Partner, Immigration and Foreign Direct Investment, Williams Mullen, 2006–2018; Other law firms 1981 to 2006; US Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, and US Attorney’s Office (ED Va.) 1974–1981

Avocations: playing piano, spending time in France and Belgium with Annette (Belgian native), biking, boating and skiing, immigration policies and politics;

College: Davenport

Friendships. Maybe this personal note can help us renew friendships or make new ones. I hope you would feel welcome anytime to reach out to Annette and me, even if for the first time. After not talking to 98 percent of classmates for 49 years, and not keeping up with Yale, I was so encouraged by the warm responses I got when making calls for Davenport. When we asked each other “Hey, how are you?” we wanted to “stop and listen” to the answer. Not just move on. There is a deep community out there and a commitment to helping one another.

“Friends are people who know you really well and like you anyways.” I needed all those friends and they came through, tolerating my excesses when I was running around D’port in helter-skelter fashion—so many years ago. I still treasure those friends’ kindness and generosity.

So, let’s renew that spirit. And discover how we can have fun together and maybe share some future adventures.

About us. We are on the Amtrak all the time between Richmond, Virginia and NYC to visit grandsons and daughters. If you are on the East Coast or near it, we would welcome getting off the train to see folks. In turn, most of you fly to Florida but for those who drive it, we are right off I95/I64. Feel free to stop by for lunch or to stay over with us instead of at the Holiday Inn. Plenty of room.

“Retiring” has let me focus on the joys of regularly playing the piano again, and I have begun giving local recitals—from Bach to Debussy. I would be happy to accompany or play for or with any of you. “Have music, will travel.” Let’s email about classical music—whether you listen or play—go to a concert together, or see how we could musically team up.

The love of my life is Annette. She is a photographer and painter and my constant companion going onto 50 years, and I only hope I can bring her continued happiness. Annette emigrated from Belgium in 1969, and married me after a brief stint at Davenport (see below for my grandson’s impression). This means the Normans are rooted both in the US and in France/Belgium; and we have been fortunate to spend recently 1-2 months a year in Europe, with more trips/stays planned. This includes biking and barging on the French canals.

We would be happy to share our experiences and contacts with anyone planning a trip to France/Belgium. Ed Mitchell just did the same for us for our stay in Rome.

We invite you to look us up and say, “hey, let’s talk or get together”

Kindest Regards,

Eliot (and Annette)