Our Monthly Luncheon meeting at the Norwich Inn Tuesday February 3, 2009 was a relatively low key affair. Six classmates -
Pete Foster, John Hatheway, Joe Smith. Buds Gedney and Elliot, and I graced
the Norwich Inn's "1948 Table", with four ladies (Ginny Gedney, Jean Guthrie,
Pat McAllister, and Anne Foster) in the main dining room. Someone pulled out a
newspaper announcing the Inn's plan to renovate the main building and to replace
the rear seven-room motel with a new three-story structure......their welcome
response to the drifting economy, I imagine.With the successful 60th reunion now committed to memory, there was only
limited discussion of future events. As noted in my last luncheon report, plans
for our fall mini (October 2 and 3) seem to be in good order.. The Class Meeting
will include recommendations from our Nominating Committee, and Chairman Bud
Elliott conducted an initial meeting of the Committee prior to lunch.I noted the receipt of a letter from the Alumni Office citing the desire
for nominations for the Alumni Council. The
Council has two slots reserved for the post-55th reunion classes (1954
and earlier). The slots are now occupied by our Jim Schaefer and Vail Haak '49,
and Vail's three-year tem is up next spring. We agreed that, considering Jim's
status, another 1948 nominee would be unlikely of election and decided (unless
one of you wants to propose someone) not to offer anyone this year. Jim,
incidentally, is thoroughly enjoying the experience, and will report on it in
detail in Dick Dahl's next Newsletter.Reporting for Foxy Parker, I was able to report that 1948's finances continue to
be sound. Through January 31 we have received dues from 141 classmates and
widows amounting to $7,060 (as compared with 127 and $6,450 at this time last
year). It still appears that we will end the fiscal year with a modest
surplus.John Hatheway reports that our plans to establish a "Class of 1948 Endowment Fund"
still appear to be on track. The College is understandably more concerned with
larger financial matters, but there is every indication that this will be in
place before our fall mini.Finally, at least six of our Executive Committee members (Bud Thorne, Marv
Axelrod, Jim Schaefer, John Hatheway, Dave Kurr and Dick Leggat) are enjoying a
Florida golfing experience this week. Had I been on my toes I would have
suggested that we all join them for a meeting there.....and on that happy note I will conclude. My best to all!Warren DaniellPresident Warren Daniell's notes on the November 4, 2008 Monthly Luncheon See Reports for latest news
Hi everyone. We had a good luncheon last Tuesday, with seven stalwart '48's
in attendance (John, Buds
Munson and
Gedney, Bill Scott, Joe Smith, Ray, and me) plus about 5 ladies in
the other room. Outside temperature was in the 60's, and it was a pleasant
experience as always.
Annual Meeting
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF DECEMBER 4, 2007
The meeting was called to order by President Warren Daniell at 2:30 PM in the Zimmerman Room of the Blunt Alumni Center (formerly Crosby Hall). Attending were Pat McAllister, Bud Gedney, John Hatheway, Bud Munson, Bill Scott and Warren. Participating by phone were Dick
Dahl, Sonny Drury, Bud Elliott, Gene Finke, Pete Foster, Bob Herrrick,
Dave Kurr, Foxy Parker, Jim Schaefer, and John Van Raalte.
1. Foxy Parker
reported a Treasury balance of $8,655, not including $6,000 in the
Special Reserve Fund (SRF). Dues income through November is $6,025 from
118 payers, in contrast with $5,775 at the same time last year from 119
payers. It appears that we are on track to meet our "Dues Income"
estimate of of $7,300 for FY 2008. A second dues letter and notice will
go out in late January to all active classmates and widows who are not
recorded at that time as having paid.
2. Bud Gedney and John Hatheway gave an
excellent update on the plans for the 60th Reunion June 9-11, 2008.
There will be a full program, starting with golf at 8:30 Monday June 9
and ending with lunch at John's home in Hanover June 11. Full details
are being mailed to all classmates and widows, and are posted on the
1948 web site. John reports that he has received 69 "will come"
responses from his initial mailing, which looks good against his
initial estimate of 70 attendees.
3. Pat McAllister,
who is responsible for promoting widow's attendance, already has five
"will come"s and three "will try"s. Several helpers are contacting
widows by phone, and Pat reports that without exception all those
called indicated their appreciation at having been remembered.
4. Dick Dahl
advised that the "Reunion Newsletter", after delays by the printer, is
finally in the mail. Several copies were available for EC perusal;
those seeing it were unanimous in their praise of Dick's (and Dot's)
effort. He then estimated that the costs for four Newsletters in FY
2008 would be about $5,700 after the College subsidy of $1,600. John
then advised that an additional $1,500 would be required for four
reunion-promoting letters.
5. Bob Herrick noted
that he has received 34 responses for his "1948 Booket", which will
contain brief post-50th histories of classmates, particularly those
planning to attend the 60th; more responses are anticipated. He
anticipates that the cost of this, including mailing, will approximate
$500.
6. Jim Schaefer confirmed that publicity was proceeding as planned, and that he would bend every effort to see that it continued that way.
7. Sonny Drury
discussed his efforts to bring some of our “not interested” classmates
back into the fold. He has tried six, found that three are still not
interested, two (Bob Sebelian and Bill Felton) have passed away, and
one did not respond to his letter. Since this seems not likely to
produce any positive results he will not try any more contacts with
this group. Sonny was thanked by all for his efforts.
7. John noted that the Memorial Service is in good hands, with Lou Springsteen again serving as the Minister. Warren noted that Lou would like the names of all deceased classmates read; Warren will coordinate this with Pete Foster, who had agreed to do the reading but will probably appreciate some help.
8. John then suggested that Warren
, as President, request the Executive Committee to authorize the
release of $4,850 from the SRF to help pay for some of the identified
Reunion expenses. After brief discussion, Warren polled the members.
There was no dissent, and he authorized Foxy to withdraw up to
this amount from the separate SRF account to pay for the current
Newsletter, the Reunion letters, the "1948 Booklet", and other
Newsletter costs up to the $4,850.
9. Bill Scott
spoke of the Dartmouth College Fund, and advised that 1948's goal will
be $150,000, about twice what it has been running because of our
exalted reunion status. Marv Axelrod and Bill will be somewhat more active than in the past in an attempt to assure that we will meet this goal.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:30 PM.
NOVEMBER 2007 - FIRST TUESDAY LUNCHEON - Norwich, VT Inn
Six Class Members met for our usual Mini-Reunion lunch to enjoy
the company and chat about happenings in Hanover and activities by the
Class upcoming.
Bud Gedney, John Hatheway, Joe Smith, Bud Munson, Ray Richard and Pete Foster had
liquid refreshment in the Inn Lounge and moved to the 1948 reserved
space under our Dartmouth Banner for substantial lunches at noon.
Up for discussion were such subjects as our 60th Reunion in June 9-11,
2008, a potential Winter Mini in February which will be explored, the
appointment of Ellie Huke as Co-treasurer with Bud Munson
for the 60th, review of the list already received for anticipated
attendees next year, plans for an Executive Committee meeting following
our regular December Luncheon, the status of this Website and it's
contents, Winter and Spring vacation plans of those in attendance, a
few clean jokes and an invitation to the rest to travel to Gedney's for a Christmas tree which Bud has in a grove on his Claremont property.
While the guys ate, four women in attendance, Ginny Gedney, Jean McLaughlin, Ellie Huke and Anne Foster enjoyed a separate meal apart from our privacy.
This get-together is open to all Class members and guests who can get
to the Norwich Inn on the first Tuesday of each month to keep the Class
spirit alive, work on plans for the Class and enjoy the opportunity to
be together for an Official Mini-Reunion once a month.
The meeting was called to order at 2:35 PM by President Warren Daniell
in the Wren room, Sanborn wing of Baker Library on the Dartmouth Campus
in Hanover, New Hampshire. There were 30 attendees including members,
wives and widows. Warren stated that the Class was in "healthy"
condition, former Presidents having left situations in "good order". He
had tried to contact all non-elected Class officials; all those he was
able to reach agreed to continue their service to the Class.
Warren had asked John Hatheway and Bud Gedney to serve as co-chairs for the upcoming 60th Reunion in 2008 and he added Gene Finke, Dave Kurr, Joe Smith and Mort Smith to the Executive Committee. Russ Carlson
had volunteered to solicit donations to a Special Reserve Fund, to
encourage attendance at the 60th Reunion, which has produced $6,000. A
November 2006 meeting of the Executive Committee dealt mainly with
Reunion interests. Warren also called attention to our February Mini and monthly lunches at the Norwich Inn.
Secretary Bob Herrick read names of ten classmates who had died since the summer of 2005, adding the names of Jack Jansing and Bill Felton who died recently and whose obits will appear in a future DAM. ) The '48 Website lists all deaths since January 1, 1998 on the Reports page.
Treasurer Foxy Parker handed out copies of a Proposed $7,925
Budget for FY 2008, up from 2007's actual costs of $6,699 due to
Reunion Newsletters and Class Projects. Shifting the Inn Rocker cost of
$930 from FY 2007 to FY 2008 resulted in a surplus of $911 for FY 2007
but a predicted deficit of $625 for FY 2008. Russ Carlson's Special Reserve Fund
of $6,000 will provide for additional Reunion communications.This
proposed budget, plus $300 for a Porch Chairs endowment donation, voted
later at the meeting, was adopted by unanimous vote.
Mini co-chair John Hatheway reviewed the weekend's schedule including Dinner at the Hanover Inn with soccer-star Nick Christman, one of our Scholar Athletes, and Jack Wilson
from the College who will speak on recent and planned campus
construction. Saturday will include Golf, a Tailgate picnic at the
Observatory, football vs. Penn (Dartmouth won 21-13 for the first time
in 10 years) and cookout at the DOC House since a wind-blown tree had
demolished the Dent Cabin, our usual site. Sunday, brunch in Claremont
at co-chair Bud and Ginny Gedney's (which was outstanding, sumptuous and outdoing all others).
Reunion Co-chair Bud Gedney outlined plans for our 60th Reunion upcoming in 2008 with Bud Munson requesting a "tour of new College buildings" be included. John
said that a letter would go out in November seeking attendance
intentions and one in January with Programs expected and requesting
initial payments. Reunion costs are hoped to be no more than $250
apiece with an estimated 70 returnees expected. More information will
come as plans are made firm. Applause from attendees indicated
gratitude for the extensive efforts being made by Bud and John to assure a successful 60th. Bud also noted intended efforts by Librarian Mary Donin
to interview class members to collect memories of WWII experiences
related to Dartmouth. She will be at the DOC event to talk to us about
the project.
Newsletter Editor, Dick Dahl, with much help from wife, Dot,
will be publishing more extensive issues this fiscal year to encourage
attendance at the 60th June 9-11, 2008. The July issue included a
questionaire to get bio-data from classmates. A "Super Bonanza" issue
is planned for November. Dick is focusing on individuals' news.
With color photos, return cards and special features, costs are
expected to increase from the last March net cost, after $400 from the
College, of $1,300. Russ Carlson endorsed use of the SRF for
this purpose and $1,900 from this fund has been proposed in the budget
with still more available. The December 4th Executive Committee meeting
will provide opportunity for such decisions.
Past President Bud Elliott reported on the Hood Museum Project called Space for Dialogue
with "fantastic news" on this 7-year, Class initiated and supported Art
program which has been well received by the Director and involved
students who actually design and produce specialized exhibits. The
concept has been expanded at Dartmouth and adopted by other
institutions. Bud had sought support from other classes for
future years and found endorsement by the Class of '67 which has
pledged a $250,000 endowment with another $100,000 coming. This will
insure the continuation and further growth of this original project
with our Class of 1948 credited as "originators" of this valuable and
imaginative teaching concept.
Class Project director, John Hatheway, reported on our several
ongoing gifts to the College including Scholar-Athlete awards which
have been endowed, Rocking Chairs on the Inn Porch (an annual expense)
and Athletic Dept. support for seeking new students. Bud Gedney
suggested we try to endow the Porch Chairs so that the project would be
continued beyond our years and an amount of $300 was unanimously
approved upon a motion from John Hatheway as an initial contribution.
This matter will be further researched and discussed at the 60th in
2008. John recommended that the Class continue to support the Hood project, at least for this year and it is included in the budget.
Bill Scott, Head Agent with Marv Axelrod reported on results of
Class giving to the Dartmouth fund. As with other classes of our
vintage, donor percentage was down but, due to special gifts, 100
donors from 1948 gave $88,000. The College would like the Class to
triple its regular goal for the Reunion year and $150,000 was mentioned
as a possible goal for the current year. There is confusion as to which
gifts are counted in the Dartmouth Fund total and expressions were
forthcoming that the Class would like credit for all gifts this year.
John VanRaalte, Planned Giving Chairman, spoke on Life Annuities
and giving through a will or via a special IRA method this year. He
encouraged membership in the Bartlett Tower Society where the Class now
counts 15 members.
Pete Foster, Webmaster, was complimented for his very attractive
web site but indicated that its use is not as great as could be hoped,
in part because less than half the Class is known to utilize the
Internet. He noted that access could be gained by googling "Dartmouth
Class of 1948". Pete also spoke of "ListServ", a Dartmouth
program that allows any classmate to send an e-mail to all 75
classmates whose e-address is on the list.
Pat McAllister, Widows Program Coordinator, noted that 223
Classmates have been lost since their matriculation. She, with the help
of others, maintains contact with over fifty widows who have
demonstrated continuing interest in the Class. Her team will encourage
as many as possible to join us at the 60th reunion.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:43 PM. Notes by Pete Foster
...................... We had a good turnout for the August luncheon....Bud Gedney, Bud Munson, Pete Foster, Joe Smith, Ray Richard, Foxy Parker, and me. John Hatheway was able to join us briefly at the end.
Foxy, as Treasurer was able to report that the Class about broke
even in the year ended June 2007. His balance sheet actually shows a
gain of about $900, but the Inn Porch Rockers have yet to be delivered
so these represent an unbilled payable of $864. After that is paid, we
enter the new year with a Treasury balance of about $4,800.
Bud Gedney reported that the early returns for the fall mini
are encouraging. The program John and he have put together is
excellent, the football team looked good in the spring Green/White
scrimmage,and we hope to see as many of you there as is possible.
Bud and John have already put in a lot of work planning for the 60th next June.
Much of what will take place will be announced at the Class meeting
Friday September 28, and October will see the start of a lot of
pre-reunion activity. Expenses related to the reunion planning will be
significant, and I expect to recommend to the Executive Committee that
much of the $6,000 raised by Russ Carlson for the Special
Reserve Fund be directed to specific pre-reunion projects. You will
remember that such expenditures must be approved by the Executive Committee, so I am planning a session in Blunt the afternoon of November 6
which I hope many of you will be able to attend, in person or by phone.
An agenda for this will be sent out shortly after the fall mini.
That's about it for now. Over the past two months Dot and I have
visited Poland and Holland, returned just in time to have a flu-like
bug (first me, then Dot), and tomorrow we leave for the west coast to
visit her sister, our daughter, and various other family members. It
has not been a quiet year.
I hope to hear from, or see, all of you over the next few months. My best to all...
Warren Daniell
We had a fun luncheon although the women outnumbered the guys 6 to 5. Gedney, Scott, Richards, Smith and Foster present. After general discussions regarding attendance, weather, politics, travel, terrorism, solving the milfoil problem in Lake Morey and Bud gedney's weight loss (46 lbs.) we heard a report from Bill that toward a $70K goal for the Dartmouth fund, the 48's had contributed $68K so far with a month to go. Nobody present volunteered to fill the gap but Bill has a list of LYBNTs and feels we will make the objective.
In addition we lead in the '48 - '56 Green Derby (which rules we are not sure of) in participation and "bonus points". If we make the goal there will be a bonus offered by an unknown alum of $10,000 per class.
With regard to the use of the Special Fund to build enthusiasm and ultimately attendance at our 60th, several ideas were discussed.
1. Subsidy's for special items which would be incentives such as a fancy or unusual gift or souvenier. ( The Gedney Cane my not be available since Bud has not been able to find the company which had produced them) A special performance by a musical group, a dinner or other attraction, bus tour to a New Hampshire sightseeing spot or event, etc.
2. Newsletter extra expense for Fall '07 and Spring '08 to beat the drum and sweeten the attractiveness of the reunion (maybe our last)
3. Personal contact by classmates who would be on the lookout for cases where there was true interest but finances would prevent attendance due to illness expenses, other misfortunes or just plain poverty. Refer such cases to a small committee who would authorize follow-up with an offer of financial help on the QT to any such classmember.
4. Have the women's swim team perform in a meet skinny dipping style.
5. No real enthusiasm was evidenced for vidiotaping the Reunion and producing a DVD of the event for each attendee. No one could think of a good use for such when it arrived in the mail a month after the occasion.
"If we had done it during the 25th and were to show it now, it would make some sense" said one at the table.
We had a good many laughs and good cheer. We missed Warren, Bud M. and John H. who was unaccounted for. It was, however, in my opinion worthwhile and worth the drive up and back in the pouring rain.
It may be decided to bag the next luncheon which would fall on July 3. Claremont Bud and Ginny are looking for a picnic date, however so you will hear plans.
Warren reminded the Committee of the existence of the Special Reserve Fund (SRF), in the amount of $6,000, to be utilized (subject to Committee approval) for special reunion promotional activities. He also noted that about $400 might be added to the fund from the "voluntary" dues contributions.
Dick Dahl then led a spirited discussion of Newsletter planning as the most significant part of reunion promotion. He intends a relatively low-key issue in June which will heavily encourage attendance at the mini. It will be followed in September by the first reunion-intensive issue with at least two color pages, a lot of past reunion pictures, and possibly artwork by Sissy Shattuck. (Who is the right person to ask Sissy?)This Newsletter might be sent to all living classmates (about 250) whether or not they have shown interest in Dartmouth or 1948. It will also include an "intentions" card. Future promotion will included another color-based Newsletter and whatever Jim Schaefer, who will direct the overall reunion promotion activity as he has done in the past, comes up with. Telephone contacts were mentioned as a possible key element of this promotion. The objective, of course, is to maximize attendance, hopefully beyond the 38 classmates and 78 total we had at the 55th.
Russ Carlson offered the suggestion that a DVD of the reunion might be prepared as an incentive to attendance, in that it would provide a modern memento of a truly memorable experience. Pete Foster has offered to look into this, the preparation of which might utilize the assistance of our designated Student Assistants. We will look to Pete to come up with a realistic cost estimate of the expense, which would be funded from the SRF.
Sonny Drury suggested that a class survey, possibly as an addition to the "intentions" card, might be useful. Several ideas for this were batted around, and Sonny, Bob Herrick, and Bud Elliott will coordinate to come up with something that might be both informative and useful.
Having talked for about 80 minutes, we wound up the call at 3:40 PM. By that time the large cookies graciously supplied us by the Blunt staff had all but disappeared anyway.
Warren
The discussion was wide-ranging, and covered the following points:
1. Bud Gedney and John are already starting the planning for the 60th, which will occur June 9, 10, and 11 in 2008. We should all start "talking this up", and mention the 60th in every Newsletter, letter, notice, telephone call, golf outing, etc. that involves other classmates. The college is hosting a "reunion planning day" for all 2008 reunion chairmen April 27, and John, Bud and I all plan to attend. After that we'll get into high gear.
2.The Special Reserve Fund for the 60th, initiated by Russ Carlson, now stands at $6,000, thanks to the generosity of 12 classmates. Discussion as to how this might be utilized included specialized reunion-promoting mailings, and possible subsidy to classmates and widows who would like to attend but are reluctant because of the cost. The latter option would be managed discretely and probably lean upon specific recommendations from Executive Committee members and others. If you have more ideas, let John or Bud know.
3. Likewise, John and Bud have started plans for the 2007 fall mini, which will occur September 28, 29 and 30, and is scheduled to include the Penn football game. No formal golf tournament will be planned (although Friday morning will be free for those still hoping to challenge the Hanover course), the Class meeting will be at 3:00 PM Friday afternoon, and the Sunday Brunch will be at John's home this year. More details will follow in the Newsletter.
4. Foxy reported the Treasury balance at $6,026. Through January, 129 had paid dues (vs. 125 at the same time last year). Income from late dues-payers should add another $1,750, which would put us on budget for FY 2007).
5. Bill Scott was optimistic that we would hit our 2007 Dartmouth Fund goal of $70,000, and that the percentage of donors - always good - should again be in the 62% +/- range.
6. Pete, who is heading up a committee to review the class Constitution, reported that Sam Wilkinson in particular is making an effort to determine what, if any, changes should be considered.
7. I produced a letter from the College advising that our insurance (crime and liability) cost for the next fiscal year will be $87. There was no sentiment among those present for not paying this bill.
Twelve, including 5 ladies, were able to attend the Wednesday evening cocktail hour and dinner at Dowd's Inn in Lyme. Pete and Foxy had spent the day on the slopes, and reported a great time (although none of the rest of us were inclined to join them next year). Pete's note: Maybe there will be other skiers who will - John Fenno? Conversation was continuous and wide-ranging, and Tami put on her usual fine meal. The outside temperature was a mild 15 degrees. The rest of you would have enjoyed it had you been able to attend.
I'm planning an Executive Committee meeting in Hanover Tuesday May 1 about 2:30 PM, right after the noon luncheon. The major matter for discussion will be the 60th reunion, but there are certain to be other things to talk about as well. If you can't attend, but would like to participate by phone, let me know - this worked pretty well when we last did it in November.
One interesting question is just how many 1948's there are. The Alumni Directory published last year lists about 260. The afore-mentioned insurance letter gives a base of 215 (our premium is based on that number). Our Dartmouth Fund "percentage of contributors" uses a base of about 180, but this does not include those misguided souls who have professed no continuing interest in Dartmouth. We'll try to clear up this discrepancy so that the mailings promoting the 60th get to everyone (including widows) who might have the slightest inclination to attend.
And finally, I would like to know if this is getting through OK. If you receive it, just give be a brief return email. If I don't hear from you, a hard copy will arrive in your mailbox.
Best regards to all,
Warren
There were eight of us at the Norwich Inn luncheon - the four noted above plus Bud Elliott, Pete Foster, Ray Richard, and Bill Scott. Six ladies did their thing in a separate room. Discussions covered the following:
1. Income from dues to date, as reported by Foxy
through me, are $5,950 from 124 classmates and widows. This seems to
track well with our budgeted income of $8,300. Our Treasury balance is
$7,533.
2. The Special Reserve Fund for our 60th, enthusiastically initiated by Russ Carlson and approved at our November EC meeting, now stands at $5,850 from ten contributors. A separate account has been established in the Ledyard Bank for this fund. Some suggestions for its use include enhanced Newsletter and web site, and financial subsidy to classmates and/or widows who might not otherwise attend the 60th. More ideas will be welcomed. The EC will approve all expenditures.
3. Our Feburary mini will take place, despite the dwindling number of active skiers (2 at last count) in the group. Bill Scott is on top of arrangements.
4. You have all received my emails on the "Friends of Dartmouth Figure Skating" appeal from the Class of 1949. It was agreed that we are in no position to make a Class contribution, and that our support will be limited to what individuals want to do (as some already are).
5. Bud Elliott reported that the Hood administration continues to be most appreciative of the support given by 1948 on the "Space For Dialogue" program, and that 1967 is inching closer to taking over the lead on this most worthwhile endeavor.
5. The new 1948 stationery is ready. I'll send a few pages to each of you; if you need more, just let me know.
6. Encouraged by Pete Foster, the current unfortunate Indian dialogues on campus were discussed at some length. For those may be in the dark, the University of North Dakota "Fighting Sioux" hockey team is playing in a Dartmouth tournament late this month. The local publicity of that nickname - currently banned by the NCAA for post-season competition but being appealed by UND - led to considerable reaction, some possibly inappropriate (Josie Harper's letter to UND) and some reported to be downright mean (harassment of Native American students by others). President Wright has written a thoughtful letter to the student body on the matter.
And that's about it. Corrections and additions from attendees, and
questions from those who weren't able to be there, will be welcomed.
Warren
1. Income from dues to date, as reported by Foxy Parker through me, are $5,950 from 124 classmates and widows. This seems to track well with our budgeted income of $8,300. Our Treasury balance is $7,533.
2. The Special Reserve Fund for our 60th, enthusiastically initiated by Russ Carlson and approved at our November EC meeting, now stands at $5,850 from ten contributors. A separate account has been established in the Ledyard Bank for this fund. Some suggestions for its use include enhanced Newsletter and web site, and financial subsidy to classmates and/or widows who might not otherwise attend the 60th. More ideas will be welcomed. The EC will approve all expenditures.
3. Our Feburary mini will take place, despite the dwindling number of active skiers (2 at last count) in the group. Bill Scott is on top of arrangements.
4. You have all received my emails on the "Friends of Dartmouth Figure Skating" appeal from the Class of 1949. It was agreed that we are in no position to make a Class contribution, and that our support will be limited to what individuals want to do (as some already are).
5. Bud Elliott reported that the Hood administration continues to be most appreciative of the support given by 1948 on the "Space For Dialogue" program, and that 1967 is inching closer to taking over the lead on this most worthwhile endeavor.
5. The new 1948 stationery is ready. I'll send a few pages to each of you; if you need more, just let me know.
6. Encouraged by Pete Foster, the current unfortunate Indian dialogues on campus were discussed at some length. For those may be in the dark, the University of North Dakota "Fighting Sioux" hockey team is playing in a Dartmouth tournament late this month. The local publicity of that nickname - currently banned by the NCAA for post-season competition but being appealed by UND - led to considerable reaction, some possibly inappropriate (Josie Harper's letter to UND) and some reported to be downright mean (harassment of Native American students by others). President Wright has written a thoughtful letter to the student body on the matter.
Warren
Bud Munson, Treasurer, distributed a sheet showing Class expenses for the past two fiscal years, noting a current balance of $4,808. His pro forma for Fiscal 2007, adjusted to include the Hood and Inn Rocker gifts noted in John Hatheway's report below, showed a projected deficit of $343 with an ending balance of $4,465. He noted that the Class operates with fixed annual expenses of approximately $6,300 and that income from dues is declining at about 6% per year. A major portion of this expense, about $3,100, is related to the Newsletter. Dues, at $50 for classmates and $25 for widows, are average for our vintage and there was no suggestion that they be changed. Dick Dahl asked if a portion of the Class funds might be invested in a Money Market Fund. Bud Munson has not done this, but suggested that the incoming Treasurer check the possibility of this with the Ledyard Bank. Dick then offered, in behalf of the entire Class, thanks to Bud for a job well done.
Sonny Drury, who was not able to be present, had suggested by email prior to the meeting that the dues mailing include a line for a voluntary Newsletter contribution. Dick Dahl proposed that subsequent dues mailings, it being too late for the first one, include a line encouraging a general Voluntary Contribution of $10 in addition to the stated dues. This proposal was moved and passed unanimously. Bud Elliott then introduced three invited visitors from the Hood Museum….Dr. Brian Kennedy, Director; Kristin Monahan, Curatorial Assistant; and Roberta Chin, Assistant Director. Brian and Kristin spoke glowingly of the "Space For Dialogue" project, indicating that the $10,000 budget supports work of 6 to 8 interns each year. The projects allow students unlimited access to Hood's resources, and result in intriguing displays at the Hood entrance. Future plans include the possibility of showing the projects at as many as three additional locations around the campus. Participation in the project has proven to be a great career kickoff for a number of the student interns.
Brian's ambitions with respect to the "Space For Dialogue" include creation of an endowment of $250,000, the income for which would help support the additional campus locations and the related future annual cost of $25,000. Our Class, despite generous additional contributions from Bud Elliott, Don Smith, Joe Smith and others, obviously cannot support this enhanced program, and both Brain and Bud are encouraged that the Class of 1967 is considering joining in support of the program and is likely to gradually take over, creating such an endowment but always acknowledging 1948 as the program Founder.
John Hatheway, Projects Chair, reviewed the status of our Class Projects. The Blunt Garden, Library Table, and Scholar-Athlete program, which rewards two outstanding juniors, require no new funding. The Athletic Sponsors programs requires $500 annually; this amount was moved and passed unanimously. The Inn has advised that six rockers are in need of replacement at a total cost of $864; this was also moved and passed unanimously. John then spoke of the Hood project and noted that, thanks to Class and individual donations, an additional $1,000 would carry the project through June 2007. He recommended and moved that this amount be approved; the motion passed unanimously.
Bill Scott and Marv Axelrod, Head Agents, spoke of the Dartmouth Fund. Our contribution for each of the past two years has approximated $54,000, of which $25,000 comes from just eleven classmates. An additional $31,000 is contributed for other college activities not counted towards the Fund. Our active base is 183 classmates; this includes all living classmates who have not asked to be disassociated from the college. The base is shrinking at a rate of about 11 each year. Our 64% giving rate is excellent, but the average gift is about $100 less than that of other classes in our era. Classmates are encouraged to give by mail, and by telephone calls from Bill, Marv, a number of Class volunteers, and the student "Green Corps". The report was accepted unanimously, and Bud thanked Bill and Marv for their welcomed efforts.
Bud Gedney, Mini-Renion Chair as is John Hatheway, briefly discussed the fall mini reunion. He asked if the four-day format should be continued, and received a mild affirmative expression that it should be. He noted that the 2007 reunion will be built around the home football game against Penn, and will take place September 27 through 30. Appreciation for his and Ginny's Sunday brunch efforts, as well as those of John Hatheway for Thursday evening, was voiced by all.
John Van Raalte, Gift Planning Officer, discussed our Planned Giving program, noting that there is a two-year "window of opportunity" to contribute to Dartmouth directly from an IRA on a tax-advantageous basis. Susan Hanson of the college's Development Office can advise on this. John's report was accepted unanimously.
Dick Dahl, Newsletter Editor, gave a report on his very successful Newsletter. He plans to continue to publish four a year, at a cost to the Class of about $3,100. This is after Dartmouth's subsidy of $1,200 ($400 for each of the first three copies; he also receives production assistance of variable value from a college intern.). Contents include news of classmates, reunion coverage recent and future, obituaries, and whatever else is pertinent. The Newsletter presently goes to 216 classmates and 102 widows. He is constantly appealing for news, and Bud Elliott implored all present to send a return card, or a newsworthy email, to Dick. Dick was roundly applauded for a job well done.
Pete Foster again reported on his activity as Webmaster. He tries to update the site monthly, and to maintain there a current list of classmate email addresses (only 79 at present). The web site can most easily be accessed by entering "Dartmouth Class 48" into Yahoo Search, or by using the web address"http://www.Dartmouth.org/classes/48". The site is not accessed very often, and Pete will ask Bob Herrick to promote its use in Bob's Alumni Magazine column. He, with Dick Dahl, will explore the possibility of adding the Newsletter to the website, and he will also consider introducing a 1948 "chat room".
Pat McAllister, Widows Program Coordinator, speaking for all widows, first thanked John Hatheway for his excellent hosting Thursday evening. She then reported that the Class has lost about 215 members, including 16 the past year. She now knows of 85 widows, 28 of whom pay dues. She is trying to encourage more widow activity, has five helping to do this, and would like to find three more. Dick Dahl suggested that a "Widow's Corner" be considered for the newsletter, and Pat readily agreed to this. She was roundly applauded for the tremendous and successful effort she puts forth in making ours one of the strongest widow's group among Dartmouth's alumni.
Warren Daniell, Vice President, reported briefly on plans for our 60th reunion, which will take place June 9-11, 2008. John Hatheway and Bud Gedney have agreed to be co-chairs. The first meeting with the Alumni Affairs office has taken place, but intense planning will not start until next spring. Warren believes, and will confirm, that our rooms will be in the Hanover Inn.
Sam Wilkinson, reporting for the Nominating Committee, proposed the following officers for the next three years:
A brief but lively discussion followed concerning the ongoing vote on a proposed new Alumni Association/Alumni Council constitution. It was the sense of the meeting, but by no means unanimous, that the Class media - newsletter, Alumni Magazine notes, Website - should not be used for promoting personal opinions unless these opinions are identified as such. The insert to, and Bud Elliott's column in, the latest Newsletter were cited as good examples as to how these matters should be publicized. Warren noted that the current vote would be completed October 30 and that the class afterwards should concentrate upon support of the College, as called for in the Class constitution, no matter what the vote outcome. This received unanimous agreement.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Warren F. Daniell, Jr.
Secretary Pro Tem (in the absence of Bob Herrick)
August 1, 2006 (History)
Regular first Tuesday Luncheon
Norwich Inn
Pres. Bud Elliott
V.P. Warren Daniell
Treas. Bud Munson
Ray Richards
Joe Smith
Bill Scott
John Hatheway
Bud Gedney and
Pete Foster
updated Dec. 8, 2009