Class Notes, September/October 2007

I was in Hanover two weeks ago on the occasion of my grandson‘s graduation from Dartmouth, and was as thoroughly seduced by the place as I was 58 years ago,  and for the umteenth time that I have visited since that early time. Pristinely beautiful and exuding the energy and vitality of its varied populace, in juxtaposition with its ageless physiognomy,  it makes one feel almost  like a youngster once again. Sweet memories, joyous recollections!

            Speaking of sweet memories and joyous recollections, our 55th reunion is but nine months away. John Springer , our attendance chairman writes, “Please plan to attend our 55th Class reunion in Hanover, June 9-12, 2008. This will be a grand opportunity  to toast friendships which began nearly 60 years ago.” In addition, become a member of the planning committee and fill out the form enclosed in your 53 Out, and mail it to Phil Beekman with your choice of activities for the reunion. It’s your opportunity to create a custom-made reunion.

        Bill King, a lawyer by profession and a forestry enthusiast ever since his interest was piqued as a member of the DOC has organized  a trip to Siberia . He hopes to work out a collaborative effort with Russians, Canadians and representatives of our country to try to save the forests of Siberia as well as find ways to  help sustain the forestry industry without ruining our ecosphere. He has put together a team of scientists, foresters and conservationists, twelve in all,   and met with their counterparts in  Siberia. As Bill  develops this huge undertaking, we will have more to say about it in the future.  Put Blodgett joined that team on its  mission to Siberia . The group  visited timber-processing plants and research institutes that monitor changes in climate and ecosystems. Put was a natural for the group . He has been a strong advocate of  conserving our eco-systems, manages 275 acres  of forest in New Hampshire and a 675 acre tree farm in Vermont. He has been cited as Tree Farmer of the Year twice, as well as Conservation Farmer of the Year twice and has given over 700 acres of land to the conservancy.
            Fred Whittemore has been named   Chairman of the Board of Overseers for the Hopkins Center. Once again, in a career bursting with contributions of every sort to the life of Dartmouth College , Fred has stepped up to offer his expertise to the College. Many thanks, Fred, from all of us.

            Fresh from two spirited runs for Congress, Diane Goss Farrell, Lillian and  Donald Goss’ eldest daughter has been nominated by Senator Chris Dodd and President Bush  to be a Director of the Import Export Bank of the US.  Congratulations!

            Sadly, I conclude these notes with a list of our latest deceased classmates: Robert “Butch” Edgar, Donald Hansen, Donald Hoffman, Richard Schroeder, and Tom Fowler.   On behalf of the Class, I offer our deepest condolences to their families.
Cheers! Mark H. Smoller; 4 Schuyler Drive Jericho, NY 11753; (516) 938-3616; dartmark@optonline.net