Class of '79 NewsletterSeptember 2000 Greetings to the Class of 1979 from your officers:
... and yours truly, the
Okay, okay, so we are feeling the pressure of putting out the first newsletter of our new regime. To make matters worse, with the exception of the few noble and energetic souls who contributed the notes that appear below, we didn’t get a lot of help from our classmates. Must be a conspiracy to challenge the newcomers to come up with something creative, humorous, stimulating, etc. Well, you probably elected the wrong guys for that! Well, here goes nothin’! So why don’t we start with our 20th Reunion. The first thing—and I’ve always wanted to say this but never had the power of the pen (with the forum)—is am I the only one who has trouble explaining to non-Dart. Coll. friends and business colleagues which reunion I am planning to celebrate as I build my life around this one particular weekend in June every five years? The conversations go something like this: Non-Green Person: "I need you at a …. (insert whatever business meeting, family function, whatever happens to be important to that person)…. next Friday (or weekend)." Me: "Sorry, I can’t do it. I’ve got a conflict that I can’t get out of" I make it sound important, hoping they won’t ask what it is. Non-Green Person: "Well, this is important (to the business, family, whatever…). What is the conflict?" Me: "Well, its my college reunion." Non-Green Person: "Oh, cool. Which one is it.?" Me: Uh, oh! Now what do I say? If I say 20th, this person will think I’m a Class of 1980 and what could be worse than that! Not just because it’s the class of 1980, but because I’ve passed myself off as so senior and experienced and now this person will think I’m actually younger and less experienced than he thought—God forbid! So I say, "Its my 21st" Non-Green Person: "21st! Now, why in h… is it so important to you to block your calendar for your 21st Reunion. Do you go to one every year or something! They can’t be that important if you go every year." Here, they make it sound like a mini-Reunion or something (no offense intended Phil O.). Me: "No, no, it’s not like that……" I think you can figure out where this goes from here—trying to explain this three class reunion thing that results in our never celebrating a reunion when we are supposed to. I was always jealous of the fact that the 80’s never had to bother explaining any of this to anybody. And by the way, did you ever wonder why our 10th, 15th and 20th Reunions were all celebrated with the 80’s and 81’s? What’s up with that? Why couldn’t we have had one combining the 79’s, 80’s and 81’s, one combining the 78’s, 79’s and 80’s and one combining the 77’s, 78’s and 79’s? At least that way, they could make the 80’s and 77’s (who also had every reunion in its proper year) explain this thing once in a while! Was this too complicated for the Alumni Office to figure out? Do they think we don’t like the 77’s and 78’s? Well, now that I’ve achieved a lifelong dream and become a class officer (and, oh, what a lowly one at that!), I still don’t have an answer for you! Well, the good news is that you can stop worrying about it because from what I understand, this past reunion was the last one we will have with our brethren from other classes. Starting with the 25th, all of our future reunions will be solo! That’s also the bad news because, despite having to explain this concept to non-Dart. Coll. types and despite never seeing the 77’s and 78’s (except Jim Bassett, ’78, who always made the trek from his home in New Hampshire to see his ’79 and ’80 friends), I thought the three class combo was a good idea. Now, think about this one. Have you ever noticed that starting with the 50th Reunion or so, there just aren’t that many people in a class that are still alive? Well, that’s probably when they need to start combining the classes again. It will be less depressing that way! By now, I’m sure you are wondering why you ever gave me this job, but before I move on, the thought of our 50th Reunion gave me the following thought: Here’s Bill Mitchell, our esteemed President (he will probably be President again by that time!), playing golf at the Hanover Country Club on the Friday of Reunion Weekend (Note that I said Friday, Bill and John Currier, not Saturday!) with Joe Henley. They are playing the hole that runs alongside Lyme Road (is that the road? I have now forgotten all the street names!), when a funeral procession drives by. Bill, who is addressing the ball at the time, stops, takes his hat off, places it on his chest and bows his head until the procession is out of sight. Joe, who has never known Bill to be sentimental, says, "Boy, Bill, you sure have changed. That was the most thoughtful thing I have ever seen you do." Bill replies as he begins to address the ball again, "Well, it was the least I could do. After all, I was married to her for almost 50 years!" By the way, if we had received more material from our classmates, we wouldn’t have to figure out ways to fill up the required number of pages (this is sort of like our high school history papers, where you had to write a certain number of pages, regardless of how long or short of a paper the topic really required! Okay, okay, so its time to hear from our classmates about the Reunion…..
T. Weymouth: On a hot and hazy morning over reunion weekend, two teams of creaky '79s, complemented by a couple of '80s and '81s (and one '75), squared off in the second quintennial Geezer Alumni Soccer Match at Sachem Field. Team Green, anchored by Tom Ryan, included Burr Gray, Bill Holmes, Jim Feuille, Pete Roby, Mark Schneider, Dave Springer, and Dave Thomson. Team White, led by Dave Wilson, included Chase Ashley, Ed Baldridge, Dave Daniels, Larry Wolf, Josh Muskin, Phil Odence, T. Weymouth and Ted Winterer (ed. note: the non-79’s included Steve Brooks ’80 and Scott Bechler ’80 on Team Green and Roman Lipp ’80 and Spot ‘81—what is his real name, anyway?—on Team White. Since there were 12 on a side, T. and I have obviously missed a few). Steve Jonas and George Stone, sporting matching knee scars from recent ACL surgery, provided technical direction from the sidelines. The pace was fast and furious for the first five minutes, after which the combination of age and lack of fitness (as well as lack of sleep and self-control from the night before) began to take its toll (ed. note: this comment applies to everyone except T and Spot, who both still looked like they did in college and were hardly winded during the game). Play seesawed back and forth, with the teams exchanging goals, resulting in a 2 - 2 tie midway through the second half. With 10 minutes remaining, Dave Thomson went down with what appeared to be a career-ending Achilles tendon injury. Several doctors and lawyers were on hand to diagnose the injury and to offer representation to both Dave and the doctors in the tort and malpractice lawsuits that were sure to follow. Inspired by his fallen teammate (and perhaps seeking the inside track to represent Dave), lawyer Mark Schneider, who had been "conserving energy" (i.e., not running or playing defense) throughout the match, took a pass from Burr Gray -- are you sure it was you, Burr? -- on the left wing and scored a breakaway goal, giving Team Green a 3 - 2 lead as time expired. Except for Dave, a good time was had by all. The Dartmouth Soccer Team graciously hosted and helped organize the match, (ed. Note: The colored practice bibs were graciously supplied by the Dartmouth Soccer Team to prevent the embarrassing exposure of the 40-something bellies of these weekend warriors that would have resulted from a shirts and skins game. All were grateful except Larry Wolf, who is more chiseled today than he ever was in his 20’s.)
Prez Bill Mitchell: Who can forget Rockin Rolly Rotten playing all those great Bruce tunes from the 70s, then capping it all off with "Shattered" at 1am? What an outstanding way to finish the Saturday night festivities during reunion. Many thanks to Rolly (Scott Raulston) for taking the time to find all those old tunes.
Barbara Wiese Ross: I've been living in Norwich for less than a year--it was especially great to be so close to the College during reunion weekend. Cherie Holmes and Anna Burack Wilson spent a night at my house that weekend. It brought back memories of Woodward Hall during freshman year, minus the water balloon fights and late-night hot chocolate parties in the hallway. I was sorry to miss Steve Jonas at reunion. He zoomed in and out of Hanover faster than he used to run down a soccer field! Stephen, you missed a great lobster dinner on Saturday night. . .
Ted Winterer: Reunion was, as always, a blast. My favorite moment was learning from Paul Centenari over Saturday dinner the reason for his absence from the proceedings Friday night despite his scheduled arrival. Seems Centa had high school and college reunions on back-to-back weekends and, suffering from a bit of a brain cramp, got the dates mixed up. Showed up Friday night at his high school, only to find no one there. Quickly recovered from his mistake and hustled up to Hanover for Saturday night. Don't know whether he ever made the high school shindig. Sorry, Centa, but this one was too sweet to keep under wraps. At least you didn't call a "New York Times" reporter an a-hole. Or if you did it didn't make the national news. Slo-mo old fogie soccer in the heat and humidity was also a treat. Any participants in that epic match who are a) recovered from the ordeal; and b) planning to visit the L.A. area and are interested in a game in the Sunday a.m. old-timers league in which I play, drop me a line @ otedo@aol.com and we'll find some room for you.
The October issue of "Cruising World" magazine, now at newsstands, features an article by our own Todd Scantlebury about the trip he made this year by sea to Cuba. Scantini, his wife Diane, and their daughters Sawyer and Riley spent most of the last 2 years (save for hurricane seasons – they’re bold but not stupid) sailing around the Caribbean on their catamaran "Manta Raya." They left behind them full-time employment and their house in Flagstaff, AZ, boat-schooled the girls themselves, and seem to have had the time of their lives. As I said, they're bold. Makes you wonder what you're doing working inside, sallow and stressed, doesn't it? Don't think they had a 401(K) plan, however.
Ed Heilbron: If you have not yet visited our IN MEMORY site yet, you should find some time to do so. Thanks to the folks from College Archives, we have gathered information about our deceased classmates. We have collected obituaries, eulogies, fond remembrances, and newspaper articles that celebrate life over death. By perusing the site, you will meet classmates you never met, remember fondly those you knew well, and better appreciate the loved ones in your life today. We have posted something about each of these '79's:
For some of our classmates, little has been collected or reported. If you have material that you wish to be added to the site or are aware of any other '79's that have died and are not listed above, please contact Ed Heilbron (edward.r.heilbron.79@alum.dartmouth.org).
Libby Roberts: Hmmm, delighted you guys are taking on the newsletter. Don't know much about classmates but let me give it a try.
Tim Ehrsam: Played pro soccer for a year after graduation...Graduate assistant soccer coach at West Chester State (PA) for 2 years...computer science degree...met my wife, Marsha (McLean,VA), there;
From the Class Officers:Notes from Home From The Prez:The leaves are starting to change in the Upper Valley. I’m sure all of you have thought about how special the world up here looks this time of year in the last few weeks. Three of our Class Officers (Laurie Laidlaw Roulston, Michael McCoy and Ed Heilbron) joined me two weeks ago in Hanover for Class Officers Weekend. Over 200 fellow alums from 1 to 70 years out came back to hear what is going on in Hanover and help each other figure out how we can make your alumni experience more satisfactory. Many thanks to Laurie, Mike and Ed for making the trip back which helped with brainstorming. Dartmouth is in great shape. The new Berry Library is open with significantly expanded media and computer facilities. The Class of 2004 has 1050 kids from 48 states and 46 countries with an average SAT of 1710. The College’s endowment of $2.4 billion (yep) had a 46% return last year and helps Dartmouth maintain its need blind admission policy. While the taps are out of all fraternities, a step the College really had to take in this litigious world, President Wright said he wanted to find a way to have fraternities and sororities fit in the new social scene that he and the Trustees are determined to build on campus. The Officers voted to adopt Webmasters as formal Class Officers. We are fortunate to have Mike McCoy following in the footsteps of Adam Samuels in this role. Our website and email list are among the newest fames to claim for the Class of 1979. Thanks guys. There is a new initiative to have classes adopt the class graduating at their 25th/50th Reunions. This hooks us up with the 2004’s and the Class of 1954. I am connecting with both on programs we can pursue, but stay tuned for news about a Midi-Reunion in the Sophomore Summer of 2002. I’ll be pushing for a James Bond film festival in Webster! It would be great if some 1979’s in regional clubs could lead an effort to have Holiday Parties for the new Freshmen (actually I think they are now called First Year Students, honest you just can’t make this up!) in their community One of the new initiatives will be to select 2004’s for the Tucker Foundation fellowships we will be sponsoring. Look for more news on this in upcoming issues. Please take a look at our website. ( http://www.alum.dartmouth.org/classes/79/) We have "secured" the email directory with a dated question (and it’s not What did Pete Roby sing at Hums Senior year?). This will help prevent the illegal procurement of this information and help us to increase the number of addresses on record. Email is a great way to reach out and connect with classmates so have a look at the addresses we have and connect with a friend. Our fall Mini-Reunions are scheduled. We will have one Homecoming (October 28,2000: see below for more info) in front of the Tennis Courts on East Wheelock at halftime and after the Princeton game at Dave and Dana Klinges’ house. Directions will be emailed to all 600 classmates who have provided us email addresses and be on the website. If you want to coordinate a winter reunion in SF, Vail, Squaw, Florida etc. let Phil Odence (phil.odence@alum.dartmouth.org) know. Please let me know if you are ever in town. Cheers.
Mini-ReunionsPlan now to attend Dartmouth Night Mini-Reunion on October 27 through 29. In addition to the bonfire on the Green and the rally Friday night, a highlight of the weekend will be on Saturday evening, after the varsity football game against Harvard [Remember that inspirational slogan when we were undergrads: "Put a log in the Johns?"], when a reception will be held at the Top of the Hop for our class and others. Come meet your ’79 friends after the game! Refreshments will be served for the kids and the adults, and entertainment will be provided. Mark your calendars to head up to Hanover for our mini-reunion! And Special Class of ’79 Events!! October 27, 2000: John Currier, Reunion Chairman extraordinaire leads the Dartmouth Night Parade. 7pm lineup by Memorial Field October 28, 2000: Class Meeting- 9am 17 Rope Ferry Road, Hanover; 603-643-6536, whmitchell@bigfoot.com. Review Class Constitution, Email rules, Class Goals, 2004 Contacts, Tucker Foundation Initiative. Mini Reunion: Halftime Dartmouth-Harvard Football Game; meet at East Wheelock and Tennis Courts and look for the Class Fla November 18, 2000: Dave and Dana Klinges home, 40 Battle Road, Princeton NJ 08540; (609) 279-1712; dklinges@bear.com
Class DuesYou should soon find in your mail a request for Class Dues. Your dues pay for Alumni Magazine subscriptions for you and your classmates, your newsletter, website, and the new pong table in Bones Gate. We are also starting a program to sponsor Class of 1979 Tucker Fellows. A Tucker Fellow is a College student who comes up with a project to spend a term helping an element of society they target for assistance. We will have a hand in selecting our Tucker Fellows and we fully expect to have Mini-Reunions with them in their project location as well as get reports of their efforts in Hanover, on the website and in this Newsletter. We have a goal of underwriting one Fellowship each term and your additional project contribution of $20 will help us achieve this goal. Our Class has the highest percentage of dues payers of any class since the 1960’s. Please help us keep this up in 2001!
Class Highlights of the Last Five Years1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
1999-2000
Key Reminders:Check out our Class Website if you haven’t done so recently. A great feature is the Class Yearbook. If you’re not in our on-line Yearbook yet, please submit your information today. Also, if you haven’t done so yet, please submit your email address to the College or the Class. Simply send it to:
Finally, please take the time today to submit something about yourself for our next Newsletter. Ben and Jim need you! Either fill out the attached green card and send it in, or get on the Net and go to http://www.alum.dartmouth.org/classes/79/. Type in your message and follow the prompts and your message will automatically go to Jim and Ben (and we won’t even have to re-type it!). Thanks and submit something to us soon! |