MARCH 2004

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MARCH 2004

ALL ABOARD!!!!

As the steam locomotives of the Boston and Maine Railroad huffed and puffed in the frigid air of the White River Junction train station and we bid temporary farewells to dates from the women’s schools to our south, the conductors’ call of “ALL ABOARD!” was a signal to head back to campus and to prepare for Monday classes. Good times, simpler times with nothing but pleasant memories of time spent in a wonderland setting in the company of fun-loving, intelligent people. Well .... let’s do it again! All Aboard for the 50th anniversary of our graduation from Dartmouth College !

Your Dartmouth-incrusted mail will increase in volume and intensity in the coming months. As you receive this newsletter, you will likely receive the deposit envelope along with a descriptive letter and an expanded list of those intending to come to our 50th. Additionally, the College-sent materials in regard to dormitory reservations should be in your hands. Then there are the well-intentioned missives urging you to dig deeper for your participation in the Class’s gift to Dartmouth to be presented to president Jim Wright at our Class luncheon on Saturday of the reunion. Don’t try to absorb all of this at one tme. Sit down, have some coffee, read the morning newspaper, then lean back, close your eyes and think about the pure enjoyment of seeing old friends and kicking around campus memories and sharing the experiences of the last five decades.

Since the January newsletter, the number of ‘54s intending to join us in Hanover has increased by a little under twenty, including PATTIE KONG. The Maybe numbers are up also. An important dynamic at work here is the decision to come because of noting that an old friend will be there. Scan the list and see if the same bolt of lightning hits you.

Let’s talk Deposit Envelope. We’ve now moved into the reality phase. Regardless of the fairly definitive Intentions request, we’re now staring you square in the face and uttering the line that won Cuba Gooding an Oscar: “Show me the money!” The traditional refund if you pull out be June 1 still prevails, but history tells us that it rarely happens. Money has already been laid out for unique pins for the distaff attendees and other vendors will be looking to be financially satisfied in the next few months. Let me state here and now so there will be no misunderstanding at registration, NO, we don’t take plastic! Checks, money orders and gold ingots will be accepted for the balances owed in June.

Note the names and telephone numbers of those in charge of various activities - golf, tennis - and let them know you will be hitting balls with Classmates. BOB BERRY, in particular, needs to know how many starting times he needs, so call him at (973) 669-0146 or email him at Golfermum@aol.com.

For DAVE and LOUISE RANSOM, who will lead the Moosilauke excursion, I have forwarded the names of those who indicated interest. If you would like to make the climb and didn’t put it on your postcard, the Ransoms are reachable at (802) 644-8144; spoons@sover.net.

Then there is the reunion extension at the Basin Harbor Club on Lake Champlain . The numbers are approaching the needed minimum for the many “extras” for the group, so listen to PETE KENYON and HERB HILLMAN: “Time is now running short to make sure you get your choice of accommodations at the Basin Harbor Club for June 13-15. As you have read, our 50th in Hanover is basically two days loaded with activities. Dorm check-out on Sunday is 2:00 . How many Classmates will you have not had the time to really engage? The Basin Harbor extension will provide a fabulous ending to our prestigious, but short reunion. A beautiful setting right on the lake, cocktail party and dinner cruise, great golf/tennis, fishing, water sports, museums, shopping and, most importantly, connecting. Pick up the phone and call the Basin Harbor Club at (888) 339-8074. Mention Dartmouth ‘54 and Reservations will give you all the details. It’s our 50th, the last of the ‘Big Ones.’ Make it a memorable event for yourself and the rest of us!”

In answer to the many queries about what to wear, the entire reunion is casual attire with the only exception being the Saturday night banquet where coats/ties and party dresses will be the order of the day.

A suggestion relative to Dr. Hallowell’s presentation to us on Saturday - pick up his book, Connect, and read his theses on how connecting with people improves your life and your perspectives of it. Connecting has been the theme of the many ‘54 activities that have attracted large groups of Classmates for many years. Not a bad idea even if you are not able to join us in June. Amazon.com can send you a reasonably priced paperback copy of the good doctor’s text.

Note that Saturday’s activities now include the induction of DAN McCARTHY into the honor society of Phi Beta Kappa - an honor bestowed on a deserving member of the 50th class by a faculty committee. The Phi Beta Kappa distinction is one awarded to those who achieve a given high level of academic achievement. We had 28 so honored in our junior year and another 31 in senior year. JIM DOIG was inducted as an alumni member in 1984. A total of 70. Dan’s selection is of particular note, recalling his deep involvement in academic endeavors as described in the last newsletter. But better than that, as an award-winning hockey player, he likely took more than his share of blows to the head and, the capper, he’s a DKE!

Another addition to the Saturday schedule is a panel presentation led by Dr. C. Everett Koop, on our experiences with alcohol while in college and now, in our 70’s. A recent article regarding DCARE began with a clever and appropriate phrase: “Drinking and Dartmouth have long been engaged in an intricate dance.” Most of us probably drink socially and/or keep an eye out for the sun dropping below the yardarm as a signal for an evening cocktail. Not a bad idea to listen to some experts chat about the pluses and minuses.

So -- a very full schedule which will offer you a number of interesting choices. For those returning after decades, it will be both memorable and eye-opening.

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On May 14, the Wearers of the Green will convene in Boston and induct a number of new members including SEAVER PETERS, former Director of Athletics and hockey captain and DAVID McLAUGHLIN, football and track star and winner of the Archibald Prize. The Peters-narrated film has been updated with a new gravelly voice narrating.

The current issue of Dartmouth Life includes a photograph of an undergraduate talking to Jeffrey CROWE ‘78, the spittin’ image of dad Dr. JOHN. The article makes no mention of why the conversation was taking place. Turns out that Jeff, a successful entrepreneur and venture capitalist, was in town from California is an Alumni Council rep. There’s quite a Crowe dynasty with Dartmouth roots. Brother Peter ‘51 also opted for the life of a surgeon. Three boys, from ‘78 to ‘85 and now a granddaughter who has received early admission to the Class of 2008. John has retired from OR activities, but like most in the profession of surgery, misses the unique hands-on aspect of his life’s work. Life continues busy with some board memberships and community service. It’ll be nice to see the Crowes in June.

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Obscurity is my only successfully completed life-goal.
Ed Scott

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Perusing the Aegis for stats on hockey men McCarthy and Peters, I happened on JAKE TOWLE, another four-year veteran of the sport of blades and sticks. He, too, was there when, in 1953, Eddie Jeremiah, admiring the new artificial ice rink, made the great comment about accepting the fake ice as long as he could still have natural hockey players. In the 70s, Jake came to grips with life and its lack of fairness and devoted his life to helping the less fortunate. His entry in Reflections bears a rereading. Best wishes go out from the Class.

From DICK SHELLEY: “The infamous Shelley-Kenyon motorcycle accident of Thanksgiving ‘51 (near Deerfield , MA ) finally caught up with me and I succumbed to foot surgery on January 7th - not a terrible price when you consider we hit a truck when we were doin’ 60! Kenyon still complains of gout and I complain of Kenyon’s driving. But we’ve both got our brains, which could have easily been left on the road.

The cover of the November issue of American Time magazine features a grinning, nicely turned-out RALPH DESTINO with his Cartier watch nicely displayed. The interview piece inside begins with “With his affable smile and fondness for story-telling, Ralph Destino is a down-to-earth guide to the lofty world of luxury.” The article proceeds to provide the reasons for Ralph’s prominence in the “fine things” profession and one feels the urge to trample the ticking piece of junk on one’s wrist and to immediately seek out a timepiece that would meet Ralph’s standards. On his Greencard, “I just finished my 30th year with CARTIER, 17 of them as president, 11 as chairman and now 2 as chairman-emeritus. I’ve gone from being CEO to CDO, i.e., the Chief Dinosaur Officer .... all of which means I’ve seen my workweek go from 7 days to 6 days to 5 days and now to 4 - see a trend developing here?” Nice.

Presidential Commission

At the end of the reunion, we will set President DICK LEWIS adrift and begin to accustom ourselves to the leadership styles of a new ‘54 in power. As previously announced, JERRY GOLDSTEIN agreed to head a team of former presidents (TOM KELSEY, BOB BERRY and STEVE MULLINS) to determine a proper candidate for the job - one who is up to the task and one who has a tolerance for the foibles of a large group of Indian-symbol loving senior citizens. The committee plans to convene its first meeting in March, so help ‘em out with suggestions. Best done by telephone so that the bases for the recommendations can be discussed: Jerry (office) 212-272-2450; Tom 908-771-9368; Bob 561-336-7955; Steve 847-866-8887.

Traveling ‘54s

We continue to explore the girdled earth. BARBARA and DICK BARKER abandoned the frosty climes of Cape Cod for a 2-week cruise from San Diego to Miami via the Panama Canal . SALLY and JOHN HEYN just back from skiing the French Alps.

From WIL BRYAN : “I began the year with an oceanographic cruise a long way south of Capetown, S. Africa . Lots of friendly whales, huge icebergs and fascinating seafloor geology. At home, I’ve been busy with boat building and geologic investigation of conservation land near our Maine property. A major arthritis flare-up slowed much of this activity over the summer, but I recovered enough to do a ‘second annual’ canoe and hike with ROGER GILMORE at Hinman Cabin in October. Looking forward to X-C skiing this winter and the 50th next June.”

Bequests

Gift Planning Chair, BOB OSMOND reports that, during the months of November and December 2003, three Classmates established planned gifts. One Classmate established a flexible gift annuity with securities having a value of $13,543 for himself and his wife. Another set up a charitable gift annuity with a cash gift of $10,000 for his benefit and a third put together a remainder unitrust with securities valued at $24,984 for the benefit of himself and his wife. When all three plans terminate, the proceeds will support unrestricted purposes at Dartmouth . For more information regarding bequest provisions and life income trusts, write or call the Gift Planning Office (800) 451-4067 or contact Bob.

JOE MESICS has put forth a chiding note to the editor for my misuse of the the word enervate: “I’m certain you’ll receive word from Classmates that explains that to enervate is to deprive of vigor (sexual, e.g.). I, for almost a complete life, have used the word to suggest the opposite of it’s meaning. Could it be that English Professor Booth infected us ‘54s with this virus? Cold we have misunderstood (hung over) when he said elevate? Enervated, elevated - who cares? Guess we all do.” Noted.

Two Public Service interns who were helped by the Class’s contribution to the program, sent thank you notes. Matt Miller is in Seattle working on research in the educational arena and “Derrick’s” note came from the Hood Museum of Art.

‘53 Out!, Don Goss’s fine newsletter, deigned to include a photograph of a DKE mini-reunion that included BOB PRICE and DICK LEARY.

Memorial Thoughts

Our departed Classmates will be well honored and remembered at the Memorial Service in Rollins Chapel. Two Classmates, however, have suggested ideas for being a little more specific and personal about our thoughts. From DAVE RANSOM: “This past summer, LOUISE and I were rewarded in doing a memorial hike for our four friends who died this past year. Hikers may want to declare their Moosilauke trip to be in the memory of cherished ones. Carrying the names of friends, or a pebble to be dropped at the top are ways to give special meaning to the return to a Dartmouth experience.”

HARRY ROBINSON dedicates each check he sends to the Dartmouth Fund to ‘54 friends who have left us. The College publishes an In Memoriam booklet each year and I take great pleasure in nabbing the first position with a gift in the name of my ancestor, Nathan Church of the Class of 1784.

Retirement from estate practice has put BOB DURHAM into search mode for activities which will get him out of the house 3/4 days a week. Those of you thank have been successful in similar searches should drop some suggestions to Bob. The Durhams will be joined by ED and BRENDA HAYES at the reunion.

KIRK KIRKPATRICK waxes a little eloquently: “Wife JENNY still in real estate - loves it! Son Scott, 38, runs a small hedge fund in Jackson , WY - married, 2 grandkids! Bruce, 37, a real estate broker 10 minutes away - two kids. Then daughter Libby, 33, a singer/songwriter in Austin , TX , was recently honored with a ‘Libby Kirkpatrick Day’ down there.” Kirk recalls Steve Mullins taking his entire wedding party to Paris for ten days to celebrate the Mullins’ 40th anniversary. “What a critter!”

Class Treasurer Harry Robinson gets a bundle of commentary from Classmates with their dues checks. HUGH NOLIN, still basking in the enjoyment of the Midwest mini-reunion is looking forward to the Dalmatian Coast cruise in 2004. PETER ROBINSON inquired whether Harry was still in the crushed stone business - stones and their surrounding elemental neighbors being Peter’s life work. The P. Robinsons returned to Norway after an eleven-month stint in Australia . The printed proviso that dues funds “need to be drawn on a US Bank, not just in US Currency” was questioned by GARY ZWART (on principle) and BOB WORKUM, a Canadian citizen. JOE MIGELY referred to Harry’s making a move on DONNA at the Chicago mini, to which Harry rejoindered that he was merely charmed by Mrs. Migely.

HUGH ROBERTS enclosed a picture of an earthen pot between the exhortations “Remember the Past .... Imagine the Future.”KY LEWIS posited that, rather then attend the mini-reunion, he had spent the allotted funds on himself. BILL GROVER has arranged to become a member of the College’s Bartlett Tower Society by means of his will. DICK LEARY was grateful for Harry’s return of his second check (it still happens). Lastly, Harry reports the receipt of Class dues from no less than 13 widows! Much appreciated and hopefully a beacon for those who can’t manage to pay their share.

ROCK GRUNDMAN aka “Red” welcomed the introduction of broadband wireless into the more remote parts of East Texas and changed his email address to grundman@countrynet.net. The speed of getting on-line has improved twenty times over dial-up. He and MARY ELLEN brought their 6-month old son to the 10th reunion and just noticed that he had turned 40. Nice to have these little reminder pegs to keep us on track.

While many of us have wandered away from the Penpal Project, the Classmates who lucked into active and intriguing connections with ‘04s continue to enjoy them and nurture them:

-BOB WHITE: “I want to report that my pairing with a member of the Class of 2004 proceeded very favorably. i was paired with Mr. Mark Lawley, a writer and novelist. Mr. Lawley mailed several chapters of his work-in-progress to me. i read these chapters, made notations and sent along constructive criticisms which he is incorporating - some of them - in his novel, still in the works, but due this year.”

-JOHN FENN’s two penpals have totally different interests. Jenny Sharfstein wants career guidance on historical research and writing for documentary films or television presentations. Wisely, she is keeping her options open through exploring opportunities through the Film and Television Studies Dept. C.W. Kung must return to his native Singapore and take up a teaching career because of his government financed Dartmouth experience. Next issue, read LARRY and JEAN TAYLOR’s tale!

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            Senescence begins
            And middle age ends
            The day your descendants
            Outnumber your friends.
                      Ogden Nash

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President Dick Lewis contemplates a superb 50th reunion (Click here or on the photo to see a larger version -- click Back button to return here)

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THE CLASS OF 1954 AWARD

LYON MILLER GREENBERG

You arrived in Hanover in 1950 with the nickname “Tiger.” This was not only a gutsy thing to do, but likely politically incorrect today, given the sensitivities of our endangered furry friends. You have, however, embodied the ferocity and dedication to purpose as the striped predator. Fresh out of Baltimore City College School , you brought your developed skills in editing/publishing and music into the pit of opportunities at Dartmouth . With only five classmates on the first floor of Richardson Hall, the exposure was eclectic: Will Chamberlain, Ted Molinari, Jon Moore and Bob Woodberry. Playing to your strengths, you helped us in, with work on the Freshman Green Book and you ushered us out as Associate Editor of The Aegis. Few tootled better clarinet than the “Tiger”, both on the football field and in concert. Unrelated to your un-academic work, the major on your diploma read “Biology”.

After four years of intensive education, Johns Hopkins Medical School awarded you an M.D. in 1958, followed by two years of training at the McGill Training Hospitals in Montreal . Then the exciting part - flight surgeon to two fighter squadrons with the Air Force. Few ‘54s, particularly physicians, had the thrill of flying in F-102 supersonics, aerial tankers, B-52 bombers and air rescue seaplanes! As a capper, you and Marcia discovered each other at Westover Air Force Base and merged. Back to business, your residency was completed in Montreal and real life was pursued.

In 1965, you joined with two compadres to form a practice in Albany . The specialty of otolaryngology required you to order up extra-long business cards. Myriad patients have benefited from your ministrations in addition to the students at Albany Medical College where you have lectured as Clinical Associate Professor. State and national boards have recognized your prominence with constant requests for your participation.

Life today includes a working farm, supplying 6000 bales annually to the “racehorse crowd”, pride in progeny Joshua, Adam, Benjamin and Elizabeth, three of whom are Green and occasional ventures into the wild blue yonder.

Disappointment in the purging of the Indian symbol did not deter you from serving as secretary, then as president of the Eastern New York Dartmouth Club. Nor a substantial commitment to name the porch at the Center for Jewish Life.

“Tiger”, you make us look good! We are proud to present you with The Class of 1954 Award.

October 2003

Dick Lewis

President