1912

The winter has been cold and news scarce. Those who are wintering in Florida are so relaxed they forget that others enjoy hearing of their doings, and the others still up north have become so chilled that writing is a burden. However, we boast one loyal Classmate who lives up Center Sandwich, N.H., way the year 'round and writes: "Helen and I love New Hampshire and get out every day regardless of the weather. ... Ten days ago it was 30° below zero at our house. ... A few days ago, sunny and crystal clear —we drove to No. Conway and Intervale and enjoyed the view of Mt. Washington, pure white against the blue sky. Stopped at Cranmore to watch the skiers and then to Mt. Whittier. I do not ski now but it is fun watching others." JimmieCleaves.

It is heartening to receive a "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" in January. This one from Katie and Hal Baker to tell us they have had a good year, "blessed with health and at least 90% of our original endowment of brains. ... No one in the family has gone to jail, no hippies among the eleven grandchildren, and all else is as one would wish." And then in closing, just to help us withstand the diabolical turn of world affairs, "Never forget, however, that it is an ordered universe and that God may still be safely trusted to guide and balance." Thanks for those encouraging words.

My Florida mail consists of a card from Ben Hunt telling us that he and Norma play golf two or three times a week "when it is not too cold." Daughter Mary is living nearby and another daughter resides in Chicago, together producing a total of eight grandchildren, the recipients of the adoration from you know whom.

The 1967 annual report of the National Foundation March of Dimes (probably you all received one) contains an up-to-date photo of Doc O'Connor and a message from him as its president calling attention to the included expressions from mothers and fathers who have brought their children to March of Dimes Birth Defects Center for evaluation, treatment, and other assistance. The report is attractively printed and bears witness to the years of Doc's devotion to this humanitarian work.

Mark Allen, our ace correspondent in the Northwest, admits being "quite humble" when he received so many remembrances from relatives and friends on Christmas and on his birthday which followed in two weeks. His round of events consists of quite regular work at his hardware store, golf "fairly often," bowling on the store team once a week (hope he can do a better job than I can), and keeping house which includes being nursemaid to a mongrel dog.

Another golfer, Cliff Sugatt, writes that he played golf at least twice a week all season at nearby Red Hook Golf Club, is also treasurer and on the greens committee at another small club in Tivoli, N.Y., and between the two keeps busy and gets plenty of exercise. Wife Kate confines herself to church affairs, garden club, and bridge. They have made reservations for March at Marathon in the Keys, so expect to get a look at Roy Lewis and Scott Rogers on their way home.

We know Al Smith is alive and well, otherwise we would not have received his well-written reminder of Dartmouth's Bequest and Estate Planning Program. Have you taken care of this important matter? Roy Lewis sent your Secretary a rundown of all the Christmas greetings he and Nonnie received. I'm sure he takes first prize in this field. By way of news, the grandson "fresh out of W.O.C. Helicopter course at Fort Walters, Texas," spent ten days with the Lewises. They see quite a lot of Alice Day who is wintering in Venice. Together with Jo and Ben Adams they paid RollieLinscott a visit and report that he is walking around with a cane and looked good in his commodore's cap. Roy says that Nonnie is improving and will soon be expected to cure him of his slice and keep his head down where it belongs.

To the frequent kudos for Bill Shapleigh and his fine job with the Billboard we add our congratulations. Along with Bill's latest came a schedule for Reunion Week, just to remind us all that we have a 56th coming up in June which all '12ers should lay plans for right now.

Secretary,: 15 Gloucester Lane West Hartford, Conn. 06107

Treasurer, 4 Bank Building, Middleboro, Mass. 20346

Bequest Chairman,