Class Notes, May/June 2005Last week I met my old roomie, Jim Courtney, up from Florida to have dinner with me in New York City. Quickly absorbing and assimilating the usual erosions of time , we easily returned to our College days and revisited our youthful adventures. It was a joyful assemblage of two as we spent three hours in the happy remembrance of our past idylls. I was impressed that we seemed to remember the same experiences and in the same way, and if there were some exaggerations or denials, we both shared them. The major difference between then and now was that we had no difficulty revealing to each other at this time the wonderfully positive feelings that each of us felt at that time. I had the awesome perspective of seeing the person whom I had anticipated then, and now, fifty years later, and was not disappointed. I commend such an evening for everyone. It is an opportunity not only to relive that wonderful time, but to enjoy the historical panorama in its present perspective.
As if a year of monthly luncheons averaging 10-12/ month, five after-game parties this Fall with an average of 26 attending, a Saturday dinner on Homecoming Weekend enjoyed by 76, the trip down the Mississippi and the three Christmas parties weren't enough, Cynthia and Dave Donovan have organized a ski day at Sunapee. There was skiing followed by cocktails and conversation by the fire at the Donovan's, followed by dinner at the Colonial Farm Inn. In addition to the Donovans, the following participated: Donna and Chuck Reilly, Jane and John Springer, Susan and Dick McCostis, Ann and Harlan Fair, Bonnie and David Siegal, Marcia and John Clayton '51, John and Ginny Callahan '55, Barbara and John Kennedy, Betsey Chamberlin, Putt Blodgett, Fred Carelton, and Dick Dunham. Many thanks to Dave Donovan and Harlan Fair, our mini reunion co-chairs, and VP Bob Callender, and to our hosts for the after-game parties, Peggy and Andy Sigler, Donna and Chuck Reilly, Jody and Jack Zimmermann, Phil Beekman, and Margie and Russ Cook whose hard work and gracious welcome allowed a total of 162 classmates and 147 wives and guests to share each other's warmth and conviviality this Fall and early Winter.
Created by Chuck Reilly to recognize extraordinary service to the Class/College, the first of our new Class Awards was presented to Nancy and Bill Johnson by Chuck. For 45 consecutive years, the Johnsons hosted an after-game party for the Class at their home in addition to many other activities in our behalf. At the Class dinner, Bonnie and David Siegal received their award as did Bill Chamberlin. David and Bonnie as a team have been our Life Crisis officer. In addition, they have both toiled mightily on our class reunions. Bill Chamberlin has created and continues to organize our monthly luncheons. In addition, he has been an important member of our most successful Dartmouth Fund team. Congratulations to all!
Congratulations and welcome to Rob Henley, Cynthia and Dave Donovan's oldest grandson who will be a member of the Class of 2009. Cheers!
Mark H. Smoller; 4 Schuyler Drive, Jericho,NY 11753; (516) 938-3616; dartmark@optonline.net |