Dartmouth
Class of 1961 |
Some Pictures from the 40th Reunion Moosilauke
Mountain trip
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Even
though I now live in the Upper Valley, driving the 10 miles from Lyme to
attend our 40th reunion really felt like I was “returning
home.” To see so many familiar faces, and to meet for the first
time, after 40 years, other classmates, was exhilarating.
Art Johnson and his faithful crew gave us a memorable reunion and
except for the hail and too-close-for-comfort lightning on Sunday
afternoon’s Moosilauke “warm-up” hike, and the rain on Monday, the
weather was perfect. The
reunion kicked-off Monday with a cocktail party at the Top of the Hop,
hosted by the Hop’s executive director, Lewis Crickard, in honor of the
class of 61 Arts Endowment Legacy Fund.
In a brief presentation, Lewis thanked the class and told us how
important the legacy fund will be in bringing top performers to the
Hopkins Center. President
Oscar Arslanian (whose vision gave rise to the Legacy) then introduced
David Birney, project chairman and chief fund raiser for the Legacy.
David joined us for dinner at Thayer Hall before having to head
back to Albany for an acting engagement.
Oscar presented David with a limited edition lithograph of
Dartmouth Hallo, as thanks and in appreciation for his efforts. On
Tuesday morning, Rog McArt moderated a panel of “second-careerists.,”
Bob Naegele, Jack Reno, and Sam Baker spoke of their endeavors over the
past few years and provided further insight during a lively Q&A
session. We listened to President Jim Wright at 10:00, and this was
followed by a memorial service at Rollins Chapel, officiated by Rev.
George Bland and Rev. Duane Cox. The
names of the 58 deceased classmates were read during the service.
While some enjoyed a box lunch at the Boat House, Len DiSavino led
a bunch of people out to Hanover golf course for the golf tournament.
John Wilkins managed the tennis tournament at the Topliff Tennis
Courts. Others ran a 5k race, while former ROTC and OCS guys told war
stories at the class tent. Tuesday’s
dinner was at the DOC lodge at Occum Pond, and another great dinner
(arranged by Ellie Rittman) was enjoyed along with wines (organized by
Dave Armstrong) supplied by classmates Peter McCrea and Bob Anderson. We
were transported back to our undergraduate days Tuesday evening as we
danced to the music of The Big Smoothies.
Many classmates and partners showed us that we’ve lost very
little in our dancing abilities since 1961, and special kudos go to Ellis
Naegele and Sandy McArt. Jack
Houser’s reunion guest, Bobbie Sue, joined the Big Smoothies and sang
some great songs. Duane
Cox, as he has for many years, superbly led us through another session of
“Passages Revisited.” Many
classmates, spouses, and significant others, shared of themselves during
the 2-1/2 hour session. This
was followed by the class meeting and the election of new officers for the
next 5 years. We had our
picture taken in front of Dartmouth Hall, and then ambled over to the
Alexis Boss Tennis Center for a picnic lunch.
Ron Boss spoke about the history and development of this state of
the art tennis center. Our
class banquet was held at the newly completed McLaine Family Lodge at the
Dartmouth Skiway. After being
serenaded by the Dartmouth Aires in the late afternoon during the outdoor
reception, we assembled inside for yet another sumptuous dinner.
The “Tanzi” license plate was raffled off ($1,240 collected for
the 1961 Arts Endowment Legacy Fund), and 5 lucky classmates will proudly
display the plaque in their homes over the next 5 years. Dave
Prewitt led the auction of 10 vacation homes and another $25,000 was
raised for the Endowment Legacy Fund.
After some stirring and humorous remarks by outgoing President
Oscar, an alumni group of the Barbary Coast/Sultans played ‘till the wee
hours of the morning. 1961
classmates playing with the 7-piece group included Jim Watson. Terry
Rogers also sat in on sax. After
a farewell breakfast, held outside in the warm June morning, we all headed
back to our homes across the country and across the globe. |
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