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OCTOBER 2003
EXCERPTS
On the
road to the 50th Book, several Classmates have copied me (the editor) on their
submissions to Bill/Wayne. In a blatant and undisguised attempt to shame the
non-submitters into doing their duty, here are a few excerpts from the writeups
you will see in More Reflections:
BOB “Whitey” WHITE mused
over his memories of MARC SICKEL, an off-beat Classmate and friend of BOB
RAFELSON, imagining him telling Bob that Jack Nicolson was too uncouth to become
a successful actor. Whitey went full-blast to a Phd and wrote, produced and
taught the mysteries of non-fiction, fiction, verse and prose to a wide range of
students over time. Wife DELDA, an
obviously higher intellect, has spent her life in college teaching, a wide
pursuit of music (keyboards/guitar/French horn), ministration to the White
animals and cleaning up after Bob.
CIA grad, DON SIMONDS comes from a heritage of Dartmouth grads, including
his grandfather ‘88, father ‘24 and uncle ‘25.
His association with the “monkey farm” came about because of a desire
to travel after discharge from the Army. The
travel was primarily in Asia (often disguised as a Yalie) through Japan, Burma,
Phillipines, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. After 1972, he spent his time in
Washington, rising through the ranks of the managerial types. Now, “health is
acceptable, and there are the blessings of loving friends, good and helpful
neighbors, an occasional fine wine, a comfortable chair, a book or two and a
sonorous stereo playing good symphony and jazz. Life ain’t all bad.”
“Tucson TOMMY” THOMPSON retired from the practice of dentistry five
years ago and had his wife and best friend, BETH, pack up all their stuff and
move them from San Diego to Tucson. Jack Russell “Joey” keeps things real
interesting as does telephone contact with scores of Classmates, including the
BARKERs, JIM CONRAD, PARKER CASWELL, LEVI GOLDFARB, and CHUCK KOIVUN. He plans
to see us in June of 2004.
See ... it’s not that
hard. Grab your lined pad and compose the story of at least your last 25 years.
BILL WHITE has lined up a good number of ‘54s who have agreed to
contact and encourage Classmates to get to it, based on everything from dorms
and fraternities to clubs, teams and just plain geography and friends. Recent
requests for a copy of Bill’s instructions have come from DICK BRACE, ART
KELEHER, ARNIE LINSKY, BOB LEVY, JERRY BARTON, ROLLIE HAYNES, JOHN FREUND and
BOB WORKUM. So don’t be shy - ask for a copy if you need it! If these men are
working on it, so should you.
We all received a postcard from JOHN GILLESPIE recently with the dates of
Homecoming, holiday luncheons and the 50th. Put it someplace where you can find
it. Once again, the 50th is June 11-13, 2004. A kick-off letter is in production
and will outline the many attractive events planned. Please respond on the card
that will be enclosed. Several have
asked about the “friendliness” of the dorms relative to stairs, first-floor
rooms and proximity to the Class tent. JOHN GILLESPIE is on the job, pushing for
the best circumstances, plus a Thursday night cocktail tent party for early
birds. Don’t bug John about dorm reservations - the College will send out the
material to all ‘54s in the spring.
A special event at the 50th will be a talk by Dr. Ned Hallowell, the
author of “Connect” and several other books related to the subject of
keeping our minds active. Dr. Hallowell is a noted psychiatrist who has been
associated with Harvard and other distinguished institutions in his speciality.
If you remember the well-received ‘54-led forums we had at out 25th about the
life period before us, this presentation deals with a similar subject and takes
us into the next 25. It will
precede the memorial service on Saturday morning.
A most satisfying uptick in Classmate communication has evolved relative
to email addresses, 50th Book submissions, general news and some specific jibes.
Both Dr. JOHN PEMBERTON and vintner JOE MESICS rose to the bait of the
implication that lack of email capacity was equivalent to a lack of outdoor
plumbing. John, properly chastised, promised a Book submission, but only after
engaging in combat with several schools of unsuspecting salmon. Joe felt it
necessary to describe the outdoor plumbing of the Marine’s Parris Island
facility -a 300 seater! The “flaming toilet paper” prank will be deferred to
tent jollities in 2004.
A correction. The African area visited by the MANDELBAUMs was Singita,
but more importantly, their new ZIP code is 10801. Continuing the new tradition
of editor -bashing, BRYCE BASTIAN called to correct the name of his new
son-in-law from Sandowski to Sandoski - a ‘96 and summa cum laude. Bryce also
mentioned that he had served as an unindicted mutual betting clerk at the track
in Saratoga near their summer place. While we’re on addresses, TOMMY and BETH
THOMPSON are now at 3083 Olivia Corte, Tucson, AZ 85741 and ERNIE and KATHY DAHL
have moved to 211 Perazul Circle, Sacramento, CA 95835. DAVID and JACQUELINE
SICES to 750 Weaver Dairy Rd., #140, Chapel Hill, NC 29514-1440, ending the
longest ‘54 residence in Hanover!
JAY DAVIS posits that the ski adventure tentatively planned for March 1+
is Aspen.
Holes in One
One of those delightful events in life that provides instant
gratification, can’t be disputed and remains in your memory forever. HERB
HILLMAN scored one on the “Free Fall” fourteenth at the Country Club of
Vermont and TED NOVASCONE lays claim to an incredible four, with three of them
in one year - 1986. SANDI also has one to her credit.
Seven Continents Club
Joining the PAGEs and the MULLINS, BOB and BARBARA LEVINE have raised
their hands. Their seventh was
Antarctica in the company of the Mullins.
From LUKE CASE: “I ran into RON GOLD last night at a reception for
President Carol Christ of Smith. In the “small world department”, Ron was in
Las Vegas a few days ago where his mother had offered her home for a benefit for
the symphony orchestra. They sent an inspection committee to case the joint and
Ron was welcomed by committee head - HUGH ROBERTS!
DAVE MCLAUGHLIN writes: “The ANKENYs, PAGEs, ADNOPOZs, LEWIS’s and
ourselves had a great time at Megantic (fishing club) - fair fishing, excellent
companionship. it was a welcome break from the other pressures in our lives. The
Red Cross is taking us to Abu Dhabi, Tokyo and Geneva in the next several months
- the world’s humanitarian needs are not restricted to national boundaries and
we all have an opportunity, an obligation and the privilege of helping others.
Isn’t that what the liberal arts is all about?”
BRAD BORDEN, on a Greencard that notes that his email is
“blocked”explains: “For those of us with an impatient personality and have
had an excess of exposure to spam, pornography and business annoyance, email is
currently just not worth it.” His final sentence, hand-written, is either “I
like faxes” or “I like foxes”. At our age, it’s probably faxes. If you
try Brad’s email address, the response that comes back gives you the
impression that CIA agents are surrounding your house and about to knock down
your front door with a battering ram.
Two years of retirement hasn’t kept the Portland, Maine press from
continuing to sing the praises of ROGER GILMORE (see last newsletter). Gets him
smiles and nods at the local supermarket. Roger spent a few days in mid-July
hiking on the Presidentials with LARRY TAYLOR. He is looking forward to the Rev.
DAVE RANSOM-led pre-reunion assault on Moosilauke and the reunion (his first.)
From TINA STEARNS: “STEW retired from teaching tennis a year ago as
Parkinson’s Disease made it difficult. He continues to grow Christmas trees on
our hill for a ‘cut your own’ business. Daughter Chrissie Drescher ‘87
lives in Hinesburg, VT with husband Mike ‘87 and two daughters. Daughter Sarah
Stearns ‘90 works in Chicago as a pediatric psychologist. Wife TINA retired
from teaching four years ago. We’ve enjoyed this country property since
1964.” 475 Clark Rd., Gansevoort, NY 12831; (518) 793-0276.
Another dissatisfied email user, JOHN DABNEY (who has apparently
abandoned his nickname) cites “not available” on his response card.
Otherwise “We enjoyed a tour of Guatemala and Maya civilization last spring
with RIP and CAROL COFFIN. At the Sacramento Jazz Festival in May
with DICK and Tony TROWBRIDGE (Dick’s Texas cousin), we heard PETE
BULLIS and the New Black Eagle Jazz Band. Good music! Then in June, a relaxing
cruise to Alaska, round trip from San Francisco. No airports and little security
to deal with. JANE and I plan to be at the 50th with our canes and other
assistive devices providing nothing else important physically gives out.”
Canes
The former “Dabbo” introduces an interesting and provocative idea -
canes. During some of the
contentious alumni discussions in the late 90s, someone posed the question
“Who owns the College?” While the exact answer is The Trustees, the sage Ort
Hicks ‘28 intoned from the back of the room: “The College is a pact between
the Past, the Present and the Future.” Well, in 1954, we were The Present.
When we lead the ‘04s to their graduation before Baker Library, we will be The
Past. What do you think of the idea
that we carry our senior canes? The canes are topped by the now exiled Indian
head, but since they were not forbidden in 1954, where is the dynamic of
political correctness? Of course, you’d have to find your cane (mine is in my
den, next to my son’s ‘81 death’s head Sphinx cane). While most agree that
our glorying in the spirit, courage and fierceness of the Indian brave was not
intended as derisive in 1954, how would it play in 2004? Let me (editor) hear
from you.
Directed Gifts
As discussed in the August newsletter, the option of directing where your
gift to the College is used is open to all alumni. So even if you have problems
with certain aspects of the current administration and policies of Dartmouth,
you have the option of giving support to activities, departments and functions
on campus. Sort of a way to stay mad, but not feel guilty. JAY DAVIS suggested
the Sanborn House Fund as one alternative. Here’s another one - DCARE, the
Dartmouth Center on Addiction, Recovery & Education.
The project was brought to our attention by Ed Willi ‘55 who may be
remembered by some as the guy playing piano in the basement of the SAE house. Ed
said a permanent good-bye to alcohol 30 years ago and, in the process, took up
the cudgel to save others from the pain and suffering of addictions -
particularly on campuses. DCARE was founded in 2002 and funded by the Office of
the Provost for the two years ending December 2003. The stated mission is:
“The Center addresses addiction, encourages recovery and provides
interdisciplinary, multi-cultural education and evidence-based resources to
address alcohol, tobacco and other drug-related issues; develop model education
and training programs; enhance conditions supportive of healthy and
addiction-free lifestyles; foster leadership in reducing substance abuse; and
respond to and serve the needs of the community.” Many key players in the
Hanover area are involved, including Dr. Koop, Hitchcock Hospital, Upper Valley
organizations, etc. Certainly a worthwhile area to which to direct your Alumni
Fund gift if your interests, either personal or otherwise, are in that
direction. If you are an SAE, you have likely already been contacted by Ed Willi.
HELEN HERRMAN, widow of IRWIN, sent a card from Australia: “Irwin’s
three sons are now living and working in three cities. Colin is in Paris, Bruce
is in New York and Alan is on his way to London.” You remember that after
Irwin’s death, he was honored with a 40-page citation for his many
contributions to educational institutions in Australia. The book also commented
on his unusual accent - one bred in his native New York City. Helen’s address
is 39 Fellows Street, Kew, VIC3101, Australia and her email is Helen.Herrman@svhm.org.au.
JOEL LASKY humbly lays claim to being the most published ‘54 in Letters
to the Editor in the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine. Having taken Astronomy (or was
it Astrology?) to satisfy his science requirement, he recently challenged
Professor Marcelo in his own area of expertise, Cosmology.
At social affairs in Dallas, people deliberately find something else to
do, quickly, when they spot Joel approaching.
While in a local liquor store near his home in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec,
TOM CORCORAN ran into Olympian PETE KIRBY, an old friend. Pete’s address has
changed a few times, due to an unwanted merger of several towns in the area, so
he was without information on the reunion or the 50th book. Tom did the right
thing and contacted those who could bring Pete into the fold.
the Corcorans are now in their home on Johns Island, SC until they get
back to the Tremblant slopes in March. Tom is at tocorc@bellsouth.net, while
Pete is at pkirby@rougenet.qc.ca.
The High Desert Angler, JIM ADAMS, faithfully reported the July fishing
trip to the San Juan River, below the Navajo Dam in New Mexico. Ten ‘54s and
one ringer thoroughly enjoyed the accommodations, food and the fishing. Promised
a catch per man of at least eight 17-21 inch rainbow trout per day, the group
exceeded the standard. The “catch and release” approach, plus the 44 degree
water keeps the trout alive and feisty. Lacking his usual “trash fish” for
claiming the largest, SHELLY WOOLF was forced to win with a 22 3/4 inch behemoth
trout. The group included D. Page,
Ankeny, Woolf, B. Levine, D. McLaughlin, Murane, Heston, Wilkins, Lewis and
Adams.
One of the things that keeps the College on its toes is sharp alumni
criticism about policies, actions and attitudes. The self-appointed head of the
‘54 thrust in this direction is Dr. JOHN STEEL. In addition to his own
reflections on the liberal aspects of today’s Dartmouth, John also forwards
similar material from advocates of revolt from other classes. Your editor is on
the cc list for the lamentings along with some 10-15 others. other than myself
and former US Army intelligence officer/trombonist RON DUNTON, no others deign
to join in on the discussion. There are, however, sidebar conversations on other
Dartmouth related topics, making for interesting newsletter items.
Dr. LEN BELLER is: “Still working - expecting fifth grandbaby soon.
Still pissed about the loss of the Indian symbol! Super wife of 46 years who
still puts up with me! Three kids - all A+” Len, a surgeon, lives in Studio
City, CA.
In a postcard, DON SWANSON confirms that he and NANCY will be in Hanover
in June 2004. He also said that KEN and JANE PATTERSON will be there.
“Probablys” from BAYARD JOHNSON, LEE HUFF, JOE and CARMEN PICARELLI and BILL
and KIT MANSFIELD. Lots of communication going on there.
In Spearfish, South Dakota, JIM BOWERS claims that he and JYTTE “live
in Holden Caufield’s cabin in the woods, a paradise of isolation
with no fax machine.”
Great
Issues
On discovering that my son Bill ‘81 had not had the experience of the
Great Issues course, I did a little research on its life.
Mike Choukas ‘51 confirmed that the course started in 1948.
The finish was estimated around 1965-1966.
While on the Board of Trustees, DICK PAGE
had asked the obvious question of “why?” and the response was that
the technology of communications had made the live appearances of the leaders we
heard from obsolete. Exposure to a
broad spectrum of significant people came with television and the expanded
coverage of newspapers. In 1954, it was the McCarthy hearings in staticky black
and white. We were lucky to have
the intimate contact with Krishna Menon, Walt Kelly, Marquis Childs, David
Lilienthal, Thurgood Marshall and the rest.
From PETER GEITHNER: “One of my most enduring recollections of Great
Issues was the assignment of tracking for a week or so how a current issue was
reported by the Daily Worker, New York Times and the Chicago Tribune. The
assignment was an ideal way of learning about how the same ‘facts’ can be
perceived and presented in quite different ways. No doubt those of us who have
been following the coverage of the Iraq War by different media have been
reminded of the same lesson.”
WAYNE WEIL’s daughter, Julia, is Assistant to the President of the
American Museum of Natural History in New York City. She has volunteered to
conduct a special tour of the museum (new Planetarium, sky show, fantastic
dinosaurs, refurbished giant whale, etc.) for ‘54s who have interest. Maybe
after the holiday lunch?
For
those raised in the vicinity of NYC, the museum was a “must” visit in
addition to Valley Forge and other historic sites. Julia can be reached at (212)
769-5959; jlazarus@amnh.org.
Glorying in the ego boost of acting on the stage, PETE BARKER recently
appeared in “What to Do About Walter” in which he portrayed Prof. Walter
Knight, an author-in-residence at a small college - curmudgeonly and beset by
the liberal, younger English faculty. Totally enjoyable character role and one
that would warm the cockles of John Steel’s heart (what’s a cockle?).
The usual ‘54 support was supplied by the attendance of actors TONY
KANE and JOHN CUNNINGHAM and DEBORAH and PETER GEITHNER.
PGBarker54@aol.com
(203) 661-7611
Stan
Clark and Tom Malcolm singing “Danny Boy” at Stan’s summer place in S.
Boothbay, ME Danny left the room.