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The word certainly got out that "connected" people live longer. No fewer than 15% of the Class 66 '54s joined in the holiday festivities in Boston and New York. A traveling squad of seven hit both events, so the gross attendance could even be cited at 73! Begun in New York in 1979 (DICK PAGE's executive dining room), the rules are still followed -no speeches and no soliciting. DICK BARKER took the notes in Boston and the other BARKER scribed New York. Here are the after-repast comments: Boston first; DICK DANFORTH, the Class of 1954 awardee, was nicely surprised at the presentation and expressed his desire to continue helping others, enhanced by his work at a Native American museum; HARRY ROBINSON - hooks balance, still working!; STEVE MULLINS - exhilarated by the publication of his Jug tome - touring Southeast Asia in February - swimming competition in Munich next summer; RICK HARTMAN - loving life between Simsbury and Eastman -verged on solicitation with lauding of year-end giving; DICK EATON -has joined the '54 masses on Cape Cod - golfing se tu; DICK BRACE -still working - impressed no one when noting he was on his lunch hour; PETE BULLIS - life full with music and architecture, plus the freneticism of a 15-year-old daughter; GEORGE KINGSLEY - in Boston from San Diego, awaiting birth of fourth grandchild (four days late); DON KELLER still enjoying retirement (what happens when we stop enjoying it?), golf and back to Naples at the first sign of nippiness in the air; LEW MILKEY- got the short straw and did the always-earned plaudits to JOHN GILLESPIE for making the Class the envy of all others; DUNC ROBERTS - does only 3/4 months in Florida, then the Cape for the remainder of the year - obviously a hardier type; JOHN CROWE - still working - felt the 45th was the best he'd attended; DICK TROWBRIDGE - covered with doghair - felt having a lobsterman Class president should translate into at least lobster bisque as an appetizer -was ignored by the dais; BILL GROVER - both knee and hip replacements well enough to allow recent dance cruise from Hawaii; PHIL COOKE - Marblehead chap - he and SALLY cruised from Vienna to Amsterdam during the year; STEARNS MARTIN - talked up '54 ski trips to Vermont and Aspen (see later mention); JACK REILLY - balances going to work with frivolous sports activities (golf) on the Cape; DICK PAGE - President Wright is an OK guy and leader of the College - two business retirements will be followed by finishing his second term as Trustee in June - will remain Chairguy of the Medical Center; DAVE MCLAUGHLIN - on several corporate boards -splits time between NH and MD; WIL WILKINS - fishing on the Florida Keys - no worries; GEORGE GRABOYS - another two-placer, Barrington, RI and Marion MA - keeps fit (still) with running; BOB OSMOND - from the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee -"didn't know you guys had so much fun at these things!" amen; JOHN POPE - still working; PETE KENYON -indefatigable in Class positions, talked about memorial book, athletic and intern involvements of the Class - working half time - now into the nerve-wracking process of applications to secondary schools for the I 5-year-old Sasha; ART RAUCII - twofered the trip with visit to Boston-based daughter; SHELLY WOOLF -celebrated 45 happy years with ELIZABETH -trying to blend fishing and grandkid-sitting; PETE GUTLON - still can't help grinning when describing activities at the Canyon Ranch as "work" - MORT HEAFITZ - continues doctoring, but takes off 20 weeks a year - has developed a strange interest in antique books; MORT GALPER - retired professor -42 years of married bliss in spite of golf passion; DICK GORSEY - still working (what is this thing about working?) - excited about '54 skiing plans; JIM TOFIAS - another working stiff, "just around the corner"; DICK BARKER - not working! - life is marvelous on the Cape; JOHN GILLESPIE -retiring and moving to Boothbay, ME in April -has been mentoring JOHN HESTON relative to the important "in Hanover guy" position when it comes to 1954 functions. Now - New York: KENT KLINEMAN - as Class of 1954 awardee, attempted to control comments by exercising "awardee's privilege" and requesting there be no mention of grandchildren classmates responded by over-mentioning grandkids, even when they had none - the Kentster "doesn't feel old" and looks forward to holiday luncheons for another 50 years - asked for individual views of the world in 2050 - need for specificity in figuring out how to quit killing each other; DICK LEWIS - Presidentially reported on Cape Cod Class meeting and promoted connectedness and upcoming Class ski and golf outings; DAVE METZ - proclaimed he is still working and left without dessert; DICK FRANKLIN - 37-year-old son still living at home (into film work) -continued tradition of unprintable comments; HOWIE ARONSON - finally retired! - busier than ever - flight instructing for the Civil Air Patrol; JOHN FREUND - defined happiness as "your son coming into the business with you"; DICK STEINBERG - tests plausibility by claiming "still pushing the business" even though he sold it years ago; JIM B. FISHER -once again made the trek up from Virginia (by golly, we've hooked 'im) - bragged about producing twins at age 55 - tending large farm and still involved with the U. of Va.; JAY DAVIS

two unmarried sons - still plying the waters of the Newspaper Association of America - still risking his neck as instructor at Suicide Six; JOHN HESTON - if we want Heston's for Hamburgers at the Soth .... (can't read notes); VIC MAHLER - got booed in the elevator by Yalies for being obviously a Dartmouth Man - life is good; DAVE MARTIN - retiring from board of the National Press Club , then writing a book, skewering the press - nice guy; BOB ADNOPOZ - still flogging commercial real estate - quoted Toy Story II, "to Infinity and Beyond!" - crowd liked it; more DAVE MCLAUGHLIN - mention of the American Red Cross next year and biochemical businesses examining blood - CBS chairmanship has him talking core values and local values; BRAD BORDEN - has forty-five names on his family Christmas list - investment and technical conferences in Silicon Valley -raised a red flag about on-line stock-trading, eliminating the middleman - where is it leading?; RALPH DESTINO - 28th year at Cartier - going on board of parent company - also going on board of YellowBox.com; DICK DAVIDOFF -2050 wish: still lunching with 'Ms and still practicing; BRUCE CLASSON - happy with retirement, finished consulting in June - back to school for creative writing and water-color ;) painting; JERRY BARTON - working less -moving from something he does well (medicine) to something he does poorly (golf); ED WINNICK - for a bright 2050, it's not the economics, stupid - it's the government!; DAVE MANDELBAUM - taking his company (Carlisle) overseas; BILL WHITE - fervent desire to show 11 -minute tape of his grandchildren for Kent's benefit - moving to a new waste management company; WAYNE WElL - continues in graphic design - family is peppered with Dartmouth; more RICK HARTMAN - latest grandchild in last 15 days - one of our greatest legacies is the bonds and friendships of classmates; DAVE BRIGGS -just retired from 35 years of teaching engineering at Rutgers - the new horizons for engineers are boundless; somewhere in here, an anonymous classmate made a caustic comment about a "halfassed son-in-law" which prompted a great number of knowing nods around the room; BRYCE BASTIAN - retiring at end of year - as the Olympus camera bagman for the class, including repairs, he's really looking forward to retirement!; TOM KELSEY - only power and spirit will get us all to the 50th - no more Bermuda - busier, making less money; more STEVE MULLINS - appealing suit against New York State - building house in Michigan; BOB BERRY - involved in several volunteer activities hitting 'em long and straight; JERRY GOLDSTEIN relayed regrets from DAVE LEV1NE and LYON GREENBERG - conversation with LO-YI CHAN describing his role in the ever changing infrastructure of Dartmouth - while buying copy of "Connections" in bookstore, also bought book on "abs" - staying in shape can also extend your lifespan - suggested that Kent get his sciatic nerve problem handled (ashram?) for future tennis matches; DON BERLIN - reported passing of JACK BLUM - still practicing; BOB VORSANGER - observed that, although different words were being spoken, all were looking to the future with positive thoughts, ideas, wishes; JOHN FENN - maintaining a faculty appointment as teaching surgeon at Yale-New Haven Hospital - raising money for faculty support - projection for 2050: all diseases treated medically, no more major surgery; WALT ANDERSON - told Lou Little story: "In the last game of the season, an untalented player came to Little and pleaded to be put in. The coach put him in and he performed like a star. When asked about it later, the player noted that his blind father, who had come to every game, had just died. 'Today was the first time he ever saw me play"' - well told; PETE BARKER - sixty percent of days pursuing an acting career (no matter what CUNNINGHAM says) - took a 10th, 11th and 12th place in the discus, javelin and shot at the Senior Games in Orlando - with GAIL and four others, ran a New England television network, broadcasting the games of the Boston Red Sox during the season (when else?) -refrained from mentioning gorgeous, talented grandchildren; note from PETE GEITHNER, regretting Tokyo trip preventing him from attending.

All in all, a hearty, warm gathering of classmates. BOB OSMOND's observation should be taken to heart - many in the Boston and New York areas do not know what a great time there is to be had. JOHN GILLESPIE has secured the Pillar House in Boston for Wednesday, December 13, 2000 and the Yale Club in New York for Thursday, December 14, 2000. Records are made 10 be broken. i~et's now Stan on other metropolitan areas.

JACK BLUM died November 30, 1999 in San Diego. His impact on his community and his fellow man was so great that segments of the obituary from the San Diego paper (under two inch headlines) bear repeating:

"Fellow physicians might diagnose Dr. Jack Blum's self-deprecating sense of humor and upbeat attitude as therapeutic. Sometimes, they could even be contagious. His style was enriching to everyone he dealt with", said a former associate. "It went beyond his capability as a doctor". Jack, a retired urologist, sportsman and former president of several local medical organizations, was 66 at the time of his death.

The cause of death was a dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta. Recognizing the symptoms, Jack called 911 and was awaiting surgery when death occurred.

"Jack had a joie de vivre and spirit that impacted a lot of people" said a long time friend. "Re had a deep sense of commitment to his community. It's hard to think of not having Jack's humor and connectedness in this area of the world."

Following Dartmouth, the route was NYU Med School (during which time DEBBIE, a cytologist-cum-sex-educator, became his wife), residency and specialization in urology at the University of Minnesota, Mt. Sinai Hospital in (Chicago, then teaching at the U. of Minn. In 1967, lie was called into the Navy and served a year on a hospital ship in Vietnam. Eschewing "cabin fever" in Minnesota, Debbie and the three children moved to San Diego where Jack finished his tour and they began an idyllic life. His Naval Reserve service continued as one of his major outside activities and he attained the rank of captain. While interviewing to join a urology practice, Jack noticed a Dartmouth diploma on the wall, then noted the year 1954. Like ships in the night, Dr. JOHN STEEL and Jack had pursued different tracks on campus, but fate joined the '54s some fifteen years after graduation.

A curious innovator, Jack left more than one medical legacy behind. The effective use of silicone rubber in urinary catheters - Jack's. San Diego's first vasectomy clinic for Planned Parenthood - Jack's. The importance of recognizing the dehydration risks of extremely cold military operations - Jack's.

His adventurous spirit, which ranged from recreational flying to yachting and hunting ducks, geese and quail, pervaded his surgeries -"We can do it!". San Diego's senior urologist:

"Jack was the Walter Mitty of our time - he had a great deal of talent and humor. I've seen him come to party dressed as a peddler and an Arabian sheik. He was just a real kick in the can!"

Serendipitously, Jack had insisted that he and Debbie visit all three children (including Fred '82) and eight grandchildren during the Thanksgiving period. Avid sailors, the Blums were the most active members of their yacht club. Debbie refers to their 46-foot, 2-bedroom cruising sloop as a "floating condo" and anticipates a lot of help keeping the sails full.

Truly a man who lived life to the fullest and one who returned more than he received. See photo and then read his piece in Reflections

890 Cornish Drive, San Diego, CA 92107; (619) 225-0353; JohnBlum @home.com

The '54 ski outing at Haystack and Mount Snow, organized by JAY DAVIS was a booming success. Schussers included Jay, DANA and ANNE LOW, STEARNS and PAT MARTIN, TONY KANE, and DICK and ELLEN GORSEY. In addition to a slope-packing prearrival snow storm and perfect weather, the adventurers enjoyed sumptuous dinners, including one at Teddy Roosevelt's home (he was away). Skiing with the skill of an Olympian, Ellen Gorsey later ruined her image by slipping on the ice in front of the B & B and making three pieces out of her kneecap. A typical '54, she hung in at the fireplace. Aspen's next!

From BOB MCCARTNEY: "Retired in Eastern Nebraska to be near son and family -enjoy watching him as he anchors ABC's local news in Omaha. Visited daughter Heather '81 and husband , Neil Kelsey '80 and family in Farmington, CT. Saw Gamma Delt brother John Kennedy '53 in Mystic, CT. All this makes me reflect on the great times we had in Hanover -weekends, working on the campus/fraternity/dorm ice statues. I notice what appears to be a lessening of interest in those things. I know why, but the idea is not 'contemporary About to ask the College for advice on reestablishing the Dartmouth Club of the Plains -now defunct. Any ideas out there? Going to approach local grads and see if we can find the magic. Best to all Ms!" RRMNRM@aol.com

Installed as the President, National Conference of Chief Justices last August, NORM VEASEY stated his goals:"We will be working together on two primary goals: dealing with the challenges to state courts on expanding federal activity and finding ways that state judiciaries can achieve 'best practices"'. In the announcement, SUZY was basically given credit for being the mother of their children (while we all know that she is the power behind the robe!).

In addition to his many new business roles, RALPH DESTINO was elected Secretary of the American Cancer Society Foundation Board of Trustees. The Foundation is the capital gift and endowment arm of the American Cancer Society and has raised $44 million since 1992. This election reflects the Society's recognition of Ralph's effectiveness at the local (New York) level.

Note a new business address for GRANT GRUEL: 50 Monroe Place, Suite 700 W, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503; (616) 235-5500.

Through Projects Director, PETE KENYON, the Class received accolades for its annual contribution to the Dartmouth Athletic Sponsor Program. The program funds the recruiting expenses for bringing deservingi talented high school athletes to campus.

Peter also forwarded a well-written report from our Rockefeller Center intern, Jacob Licht: "Nicaragua: House-Building with Bridges to Community. Ben, Will and I arrived in Managua on a hot May evening. The cliché fit: three Ivy League gringos looking for adventure and personal growth amongst the world's poorest. Eyes cast down as the plane made its descent, looking at the face of the Third World for the first time, I could not ignore a sinking feeling. The golden light of the equatorial sun could not brighten the shanty-town gloom of the capital city. So decrepit were the buildings, so littered were the streets, so scarce were the usual signs of urban enterprise and industry that the whole town appeared to be concocted by nomads, put down in a hurry with the intent to leave just as fast. Seated in the same row, we exchanged glances that would be repeated many times in the next few months; glances that said, 'Where the hell are we?"'. Intrigued? Contact the editor for the next five-and-a-half pages! It's fascinating.

Snippets from an ERNIE DAHL note: "two nice long trips – Provence/Tuscany - wine and hiking - then Nepal, Bangkok and India -some Buddhist philosophy and lovely scenery -got within 2 miles of Everest in a small plane."

Waxing eloquently in the style of Grantland Rice, JOE MESICS began his take on the Princeton game with: "If games are a metaphor for life, it was proven at this year's Princeton football game ... " and ended with:

"Please don't ever let anyone tell you that Ivy League football is second rate - this game represented the best coaching and teamwork that anyone could ask for, and certainly worth the trip from San Francisco." From a man who's been there.

The Student Life Initiative announcement was like Y2K - over-anticipated!

We have lost another classmate - JAMES ARTHUR GREENWOOD. Jim died November 8, 1999 in Pensacola. He spent little time with us, so little information is available. Please forward your recollections to the editor.

Inevitably, from within the core of any large gathering of men, there emerges a single individual who epitomizes the soul of the group. For the Dartmouth Class of 1 954, that man is you, Richard Sprague Danforth. You joined us, from Nashua, New Hampshire, with a fair amount of granite already imbedded in your muscles and your brain. You stood out from your two mile-running freshman roommates as a dynamic dash man - first out of the blocks, explosive acceleration and overpowering stamina through the finish line. These physical assets evolved into strengths that you utilized, throughout your life, to help your fellow man. A degree in Public Administration and service through the Dartmouth Christian Union were harbingers of what was to come.

After military service in the Air Force, a Masters In City Planning from Penn led to awards in that very field for exemplary future planning for Salinas and Fremont, California. The bulk of your public work was done in Buffalo, New York, where, as Deputy Commissioner and Development Coordinator, you shepherded the rejuvenation of the city with parks, new transit, area renovation and facilities to attract business and tourists. Today's citizens have much for which to thank you.

Twenty years ago, from the vantage of the Directorship of Clackamas County Housing and Community Development in Oregon, you wrote: "The environment and related fate of man a~e Interests both professionally and as an avocation; we greatly need an urban philosophy of the quality and strength of Jefferson's philosophy for an agrarian America of 1800." The beat continued.

Even now, you live with Nicole in the natural surroundings of the Ragged Mountain Fish and Game Club. Your children are a joy to you as are their offspring.

Foremost in the minds of your classmates, however, has been your stand-up role as Samaritan to those of us who have encountered health problems as time has passed. Your interjection at a Class meeting that we should all "be there" for those '54s who were in need of friendly support is remembered vividly by all who were in attendance. The caring nature of the Class expanded noticeably following this casual, but seminal pronouncement. You personally assured that several afflicted classmates were comforted by telephone calls, letters and visits. Your words and actions have been a source of pride to the Class of 1954.

For your humanity, your loyalty and your infectious sense of man's obligation to mankind, we are delighted to present you with the Class of 1954 Award.

December 1999

President