Class Notes, March/April 2007

'Tis the season, as they sing, and our Class Holiday Dinners continue to be jolly affairs. Reports from Boston, New York, and Hanover all support the notion that all it takes is a place to gather, have a decent meal, and a crowd of '53's will appear. Our group from Boston, led by Warren Wentworth, joined with the '54's for their luncheon at the Weston Hotel. Bob Callendar organized the New York luncheon. A small but happy group enjoyed the festivities at the Yale Club. In response to my phone call, Chuck Reilly happily told me that his wife Donna did a superb job arranging and organizing the Hanover event which took place in the Hanover Inn. More than 30 joined this festive occasion, including a brief visit by President Wright. In addition to a wonderful lunch, David Thron, son of Dennis returned once again to entertain us with his delightful piano playing. Willem Lange, a well-known local raconteur and writer for the Valley News told some wonderful stories. And, as has been traditional, everyone brought groceries for the Haven. For the first time this year , money was also raised for this superb organization. Kudos to all!

Harlan Fair has been elected to the Alumni Council representing the Mini-Reunion Chairs, and attended his first Council meeting in December. He joins John Springer as the 31st member of our class to have served the College in that capacity. He has sent me a very detailed report of his impressions of the meeting in which he states that he could not say enough good things about the opportunities that the meeting presented. He indicated that a great deal of time was spent studying and analyzing the reasons for the failed constitution vote. He adds further that it was decided to go very slow on any changes that can be made on a one on one basis, and to address the democracy and representation of the Council. You can read his entire report in '53 Out.

My roommate died last week. Jim Courtney was a wonderful, humane person. Brilliant, creative, and full of fun, Jim fulfilled those impressive potentials he brought with him when he came to Dartmouth from Meadville Pennsylvania. He taught me, a city boy, much about life. He knew how to play, and he knew how to work hard, and when to do each. He had nerves of steel and the heart of a caring and gentle lion. Whether as an attorney or a business VIP or a novelist or an antique collector, Jim always gave it his all. We will miss him. To his wife Eileen, and children, Allison and David, we send our sincere condolences.

Writing this in December and knowing it won't be read until March, it is still the time to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2007, and the fulfillment of all of our dreams.

Cheers! Mark H. Smoller; 4 Schuyler Drive, Jericho, NY 11753 (516) 938-3616; dartmark@optonline.net