WWW 11/10 - Go With The Mo’! As our one and only 50th Reunion draws nigh, it is good to see signs of momentum a-building. At the fall mini over Homecoming Weekend (see: Dartmouth Night...), a burgeoning crowd of creaky but game ‘61s converged on the Plain to reconnect, reminisce, and watch the annual Hahvahd loss... In the eloquent words of Chairman Maynard Wheeler:

   “Thirty-four classmates, the largest group in a decade, returned Home to Dartmouth for the big weekend. Adding wives, companions and guests swelled the crowd to 65. Nine started events off with a walk and picnic Friday morning at the Baum Conservation Area, rewarded by distant vistas muted by a heavy ceiling. Later, a large crowd gathered in the Ad Winship Room in Blunt to discuss plans for the 50th with many helpful suggestions. Early cocktails and dinner at the Hanover Inn was convenient for the Homecoming Parade in which we were led by a high school band. President Kim roused the crowd and the Class of 2014 with enthusiastic words; the Glee Club and Band added their music; the sports teams were introduced;

our own Pete Bleyler, Alumni Award recipient, was announced from his seat of privilege by the podium [talk about creaky: Bleyler is so decrepit they had to drive him along the parade route in a convertible... ed.]. The bonfire was huge with a brisk wind throwing sparks all the way to the HOP.

   “Our Students: Saturday the group had an impressive 9:30 AM turnout to listen to our Academic Student (Sarah Veeck ’11), the Dartmouth Undergraduate Veteran’s Association (President Craig Fitzgerald ’11), our Arts Initiative Student (Jon Sigworth ’12)and our First Year Class Athlete (Eve Zelinger ’14).

Treas. Ivar Jozus, Academic Student Sarah Veeck '11, and Pres Roger McArt

Alumni Award Winner Bleyler

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After our usual bag lunch from Lou’s we were off to our 50-ticket block of seats at the football game where there were no surprises... Robert Frost had to carry on without our attentions as the late game left no time for a visit.

   “We adjourned to the familiar haunt of the Sumner Mansion in Hartland for cocktails and dinner including a talk by Jeffrey James, director of the HOP, who opened our eyes to the central place of the Arts at Dartmouth. We all enjoyed this wonderful gathering with its promise of even greater things to come at our 50th in June.”

   In attendance, most with spouses/SOs: Holmberg, McManus, Dalglish, Watson, O'Neill, Bland, Gim Burton, Ortwein, Eberhardt, Johnsons (Art & Bruce), Kelton, Wybranowski, George, Goodridge, Bleyler, Conger, Hargraves, Jozus, Baum, Dick Bordeau ’65(guest), Spencer, Bob Conn, Whitehead, Knox, Synnott, Fuller, Rich, Wheeler, Kaminsky, Lynn, McArt, Stuart, Gitchel, Robbi Cox ’62 (50th Book intern), and maybe a few more who snuck in w/o paying...

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   You should know that the series of mini-reunions produced by our more than capable co-chairs Dave Prewitt and Maynard Wheeler do not go unnoticed by officialdom. Hence the following citation:

DartmouthCollege

Recognizes With Deep Appreciation

The Extraordinary Achievements of

The Class of 1961

Recipient of the 2010

Special Mention In Recognition of a Special Mini-Reunion Event

The Mini-Reunion Chairs Association is comprised of a group of individuals, selected by their classmates, who have generously volunteered their time and energy. The members represent their classmates spanning seven decades as well as spanning the globe. We all share the tie to the DartmouthCollege community and the desire to maintain that bond between our classmates and to Dartmouth. The mini-reunion program is designed to accomplish that – and much more. It strengthens the legendary Dartmouth alumni community, one that continues to return by the thousands for Homecoming weekend, one that makes its voice heard in campus issues, and one that provides the critical – and generous – financial support for the many classes to come, long after we ourselves have left the College.

It is therefore our honor and pleasure to recognize and thank the Class of 1961 for the thought and effort you invested in organizing a Philadelphia expedition. Based at the Union League Club, your event started on Thursday evening and ended Sunday. You toured the historic district, with visits to Carpenter’s Hall and the Liberty Bell and then made trips to the BarnesMuseum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. For those with more time and who wanted to enjoy even more art, you had arranged a trip to the BrandywineMuseum on Monday. You enjoyed the fine cuisine “Philly” has to offer. One of your nights was highlighted by a great dance band that featured music that made you feel you were reliving your college years. Congratulations on thinking up and executing this unique event, and for bringing your classmates together at this event and throughout the year. Here’s to many more successful and creative ’61 mini-reunions in the future!

    Patricia Fisher '81                         Jennifer Casey
Acting Vice President, Alumni Relations     Acting Director, Class Activities

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   50th Reunion: With that last mini before the Big One behind us, let’s give a glance forward at the 50th, June 9-14. Don’t let the dates confuse you: drawing upon the very happy successes of classes ahead of us, we are offering optional “extended” reunion activities for those so inclined. Thus, on Thursday June 9th latter-day chubbers are invited to hike Moosilauke and stay the night thereupon at the Lodge; a less strenuous soiree that evening will be an informal reception in Hanover followed by dinner. The regular Reunion will run from Friday through our walk with the 2011s at Commencement at mid-day Sunday. Then, alternative to departing after the post-Commencement lunch at the tent, a 5-0 Phase II will kick in, offering forums, sports, Passages II, receptions, free time, a special musical review at the Hop, and more chances to socialize and reconnect at the tent. We will have a farewell breakfast on Tuesday June 14.

Chairman Wheeler will soon be sending a complete mailer with specific activities featured, including costs, and additional charges for the extended sessions.

   The Reunion Book is getting ready for print preparation. If you haven’t sent in your information, you’re in danger of showing up in those extraordinary pages as a laggard, curmudgeon, and party- pooper. Editor Jim Baum has even made overtures to the editor of WWW to publish the names and faces of non-participants—along the lines of the wanted posters in the Post Office—by way of a Wall of Shame, right under the masthead. Why hold back? Get your bio questionnaire, photo, and Reflection essay in ASAP to Jim Baum <jim.baum***att.net> or publisher David Prentice <davidmpc***mac.com> . Need we say more...?

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   Green Cards:Yea, even in these days of cybernetworking, we still value the old hard copy commo. Rodney Plimpton <RodneyPlimpton***gmail.com> cards: “Moving to Red Hook, NY, this fall to be closer to family and grandchildren there. Would welcome contact from classmates in the area. Looking forward to the 50th as a way to reconnect with people I haven’t seen in a long time. Retirement is great, [Geri & I] having just returned from a month-long trip to Turkey, Greece, Croatia and Italy. Best to all.”

Ambassador to North Korea, Steve Bosworth <Stephen.bosworth***tufts.edu> notes: “Healthy and generally content. Still working and planning on doing it for a while. I notice a salmon-like migration of ‘61s up the river to the Hanover area. Boston is about as close as I plan to get. Barring shenanigans from Kim Jong Il and his son, I plan to be at the reunion.” [which may well be a rather tentative speculation... ed.]

Old faithful Tony Horan GreenCards from Delano, CA [about 60+ miles from Fresno, closer to Bakersfield]: “I showed two unmoderated posters at the Western Sector of the Amer. Urological Assoc., one on B.P.H. which is way different from the textbooks when you have it. This was on the Big Island of Hawaii, so we are living while we are working. My wife, Marcie, is starting a central California water archive at Fresno State’s Madden Library, a big deal.” [as is prostate cancer, gents. Please get yours checked at least annually. If you dread a little digital probe, just fly to the BigIsland (Heaven on Earth) and have it done! ed.]

Mike Murphy <jmmurphy***acni.us> sent a card from Oxford, Mississippi, where he and Helene had detoured on the way home after Class Officers Weekend. With a lovely photo of Rowan Oak, the mansion owned by ol’ Corey Ford buddy Bill Faulkner, on the obverse, Mike emotes: “We made it! The great man’s spirit lives on here at Rowan Oak. Have had a great visit to the Delta.” [For an Econ major, Murph’s literary interests are broad and deep. You haven’t lived until you’ve done an authors’ tour with this ol’ rugby star. Ed.]

Noose from the provinces: Ken DeHaven modestly offers: “I am almost reluctant to mention another personal honor, but this one is pretty special. The Cleveland Clinic, where I did my internship and Orthopaedic specialty training, annually recognizes one person (out of the thousands of physicians who have trained there over the years in all the medical disciplines) for the Distinguished Alumnus Award, and this year (September) it was me.” Although the Big Vulch was not an English major, he sure has raked in the laurels since graduation; now classmates get to voice their admiration: Peter Stuart: “In the Navy the signal sent to all ships and shore stations is: Bravo Zulu. It is flying today for Dr. Ken DeHaven.“ Rangy John Henry: “Just confirming what your classmates who've known you the longest already knew, Ken. Congratulations! You are the long term, solid best in mine and the rest’s eyes. Warmly, John” David Birney: “My most sincere congratulations.  The Cleveland Clinique is among hospitals and medical centers a major resource for this country, and for you to be singled out by this prestigious institution is brilliant.  Well done.”

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Bleyler Sit-Com. Long as we got Birney on the podium, he had a little fun when Pete & Ruth Bleyler were featured in Money magazine—as announced by Murphy thus: “Our classmate Pete Bleyler and wife Ruth have been featured in a national magazine, as has the Hanover area.  In the October 2010 issue of Money magazine, there is an article on "5 Great College Towns To Retire In." Number One on their list is Hanover, NH, and in the text Pete and Ruth's decision to retire to the area is described, along with a great picture of them out on the hiking trail, looking every bit of maybe 45 - 50 years of age.  It must have been the right move!”

Birney, from many years of exposure, does a precise send-up of a Hollywood agency's pitch to a new client with their “perfect” idea for a new reality show: “Dear Peter and Ruth, babes: We'd like to represent you out here--LA groovin' and smoothin'--as your agents for TV and film.  And indeed, we already have an offer for you and you, babalishess, Ruthorama!  

The show would be shot here; don't worry, the Universal back lot has sets, woods, ponds and rivers, that make Hanoverville look like   New York.  The show is called “Two Canoes and You Can Too!!  And we don’t mean Portage!” Sponsored by Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis--(well, you know, some of us need all the encouragement we can get)--and the The Chieftain Motel, motto: "We're Ready When You Are!"   

The show explores the sexual (and other) hilarious hi-jinx of a hip hop couple just entering retirement in a college community that is ripe with educational opportunities....If you know what I mean, HA, HA!  Rock the campus!  

Anyway, the two of you would be ideal. You'd be in the big bucks!  We're ready to negotiate the big deal for ya.  Don't worry, we'll fly the canoes out with ya!  Whaddaya say, babes?  Ring the bell!

Love ya!  What happens in the tent, stays in the tent. Not!

Ralph and Rhonda

LA Wonderbabes Agency”

Which pretty much hits the predatory charm of LaLa-land right on the schnozz—and got a lotta guffaws from the ’61 ListServ to whom David e-mailed it by accident...

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More Birney—announcing two performances in which he will perform in the near future:

  Folks who remember how Christmas used to be, and still feel that special tingle when they first hear “Cantique Noel” after Thanksgiving, will want to try and get to El-Lay for this annual wonder:

Is there anything to compare with Christmas (Hanukkah, whatever...) done right? Ave!

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Some ‘61s find delight in travel. Among those avid globetrotters are [allegedly retired] Uppah Valley pediatrician Al Rozycki & bride Diane Kittredge. Having just returned from a fortnight in Italy, the good doctors set out on a fall colors circuit of northern New England, just to keep their wanderlust tuned. Here’s a great photo from Bennington, VT, where our favorite poet from the class of 1896 finds repose in his final resting place:

Roz & Diane did visit the grave of R.L. Frost (headstone: “I had a lover’s quarrel with the world”), then blasted off for Chicago and Rochester, promising to keep close to home in November...

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   DCF: We suspect ‘tis not kosher to send out a 50th Reunion year issue of WWW w/o a plug for the DCF (nee “Alumni Fund”...). Here’s Prez Rog McArt: “As you know this is an extremely important year for us, as it is for all 50th Reunion classes, to step up to the plate and contribute to the College in a big way. Again, as in the past, we will be stressing contributions that go to the students to support scholarship. The co-chairmen of the fund drive for our 50th are Denny Denniston who has had great experience over the past several years, and Pete Bleyler who gained valuable experience heading up our 40th reunion giving efforts.  This is a great leadership team that will be supported by a strong cadre of class solicitors who are already working to get commitments for leadership gifts, and to focus on our participation goal of well over 90% this year. We will be striving to get as close as we can to having 100% class participation.  Everyone can expect to be contacted and please be thinking about your contribution and be as generous as you possibly can.”

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   We would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the retirement of a bastion of Dartmouth alumni history, Norine Gray, whose deep knowledge and love for all us old guys was a significant factor in the success of those fund-raising mavens above—and just about every other function we have embarked upon almost since graduation. Forty-one years of help, wisdom, patience, wit, tolerance, and common sense are a tough act to follow. After receiving the joint farewell gift from all classes at COW, she cared enough to send this note to our lowly scribe:

“Tom, It was wonderful seeing you at COW. 

I was so pleased with the citation I received—and the envelope with the money I got, and thank you again and again and again. 

I'm headed to New Orleans with 5 women, so that will definitely come in handy.  The ladies that I'm going with are people whom I've kept in touch with who also worked at Dartmouth. We have so much planned:  We’re going to the French Quarter and Biloxi, etc. One of the gals in New Orleans asked if I'd like to go to Graceland...I'm worried we won't be able to do it all ... but it will be much fun.

Thanks, Tom, so much for the wonderful years I've had at Dartmouth ..... you were a big part of those years. 

Hugs, Norine”

Y’know, guys (and Winkie), sometimes these unpaid volunteer jobs pay off big time!

Another way to reconnect prior to the June is celebration of 61st Day—a recent innovation wherein groups of classmates ‘round the girdled earth can come together at some convivial spot in their particular geographical affinities and engage one another, hoist a flagon, perhaps dine, and talk reunion. The date falls on March 2 in 2011, a Wednesday. Please start thinking about 61st Day—could be a hoot. BTW, in your discussions at that time, we have been invited by the Alumni Council to nominate distinguished alumni for honorary degrees, and we would certainly like to have one of our own stepping up to the dais during Commencement. Some criteria might include:

•extraordinary professional achievement •acclaimed philanthropic, civic and/or community service •a track record of post-graduation involvement with/commitment to the college •strong consensus that the individual is an inspirational leader, visionary, or contributor to general society

Guess we should close this one down; Ted Tapper has fish to wrap...

Aloha,

Tc

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More PHOTOs from the Mini-Reunion

1
Bonfire

Newbie Tom Dalglish records the crowd on his Blackberry:

Tom Goodridge & Bob Conn Man the Class banner:

Judy & Hop Holmberg hoof it, Art Kelton and Henry Eberhardt,III at right:

Joan & Ron Wybranowski (left) conspire with Bruce & Marsha Johnson while on the move; Vic & Patti Rich (rear):

(Ltor): Judy Holmberg, Margaret Langer(Fuller's Squeeze), Bob Fuller, Dick Spencer,
Ivar Jozus With Connections Banner. (Rear) Gim Burton.

Snot Beams! Pete Synnott with reliable care-giver Debbie.

Dartmouth Night!

As The backs Go Tearing By...!

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