1951

Once again, the second annual fall Houseparties Weekend/mini-reunion, held in Hanover over the weekend of October 8, was a rousing success.

Kudos to Jack Giegerich and his team for organizing and seeing it all off in good form. In attendance (in alphabetical order) were all of the following: Suzanne and Tom Barnett, Dave Batchelder, Shirley and Pete Bogardus, Rosalee and Joe Boissy, Marilyn Breed, Marcia and Joe Caldwell, Nita and Mike Choukas, Margaret and Mark Cole,Russ Dilks, Jack Giegerich, Barbara and Dave Hall, Jean and Pete Henderson, judy and Charlie Hood, Joan and Bob Hopkins, Debbie and Dick Hulbert, Kathy and BobHustek, Maria and Dave Krivitsky, Joyce and Al Le Clair, Pete Martin (Lu was only there in spirit, as she was indisposed, recovering from surgery), Gebby and Sandy McDonald, Nancy and Jerry Mitchell, Dottie and AlMori, Amy and Hank Nachman, Nancy and Sam Roberts, Joan and Alex Sarjeant, Bernie and Parke Sickler, Len Smith, Wilda and AlSweet, Lori and Tom Trolle, Donna and JoeWelch, Dave Wiggins, and Ruth and ArtWorden. Ann and Frank Smallwood, EdLathem, and Jack Skewes also attended some functions during the weekend.

The weekend began Friday evening with various private activities.. On Saturday morning, the class executive committee met in PeteMartin's office, had an excellent discussion on several matters, and resolved the following items: (1) To plan the following specific mini-reunions in addition to many others in the works: (a) a hockey game weekend in February 1984 in Hanover, (b) a Manhattan weekend at the Yale/Dartmouth Club of New York around April/May 1984, and (c) Harvard weekend in Hanover in October 1984 (all details to be furnished by Jack Giegerich later). (2) To invite one or two 1951 widows on the executive committee to represent that developing constituency. (3) To approve Treasurer Jim Bovaird's financial report reflecting the class of 1951 to be in very sound condition.

At noon, the entire class, including wives and friends, was treated to a lovely outdoor, pre-game, tail-gate party at the home Of Mikeand Nita Choukas. At 1:30, we all sat together at the Dartmouth-William and Mary football game. I will leave to the sportscasters and analysts to figure out what happened on the field'.

After the game, at 4:30, the class was invited to another lovely event, a cocktail party at the home of Dave and Barbara Hall. And if that wasn't enough good feeling and companionship, the entire class moved out to Pierce's in Etna for a grand prime rib dinner.

It was at the Halls' cocktail party that the annual "Spirit of 1951" awards were given. This year's recipients were Mike Choukas and Charlie Hood. Pete Henderson read the commendation to Charlie and Dave Batchelder read Mike's. Both commendations were beautifully researched and written by Reed Badgley, and will be reported here in detail in upcoming months. Kudos to Reed and his committee for outstanding work; it's too bad they couldn't attend the presentation ceremonies to observe both Mike's and Charlie's surprised reactions and thoughtful responses.

Three scoops of hot information gleaned during the weekend are the following: (1) '51 sons and daughters admitted to the class of 1987 include (a) Peter "Skip" Bogardus, (b) John Gannon, (c) John "Jock" McDonald, and (d) Amy Welch. (2) Buck Scott is presently considering running for the Democratic nomination for the governor of Pennsylvania. (3) Dave Krivitsky will be receiving the "Textile Man of the Year" award from his trade association.

On Sunday, the class again was royally hosted, at a gourmet brunch at Ron and MaryLouise Thorburn's "The Inn at Weathersfield." Ron told us that the kitchen has no deep-frying or electronic-cooking units, that everything is sauteed, and that no white sugar (only honey or natural sweeteners) is used in cooking. Their secret spice is "spike," a 35-herb seasoning that replaces salt in their kitchen. They are now listed in the prestigious Country Inns and Back Roads by Norman Simpson, as well as in the AtlanticMonthly's September issue of the three most preferred New England Yankee inns. Such promotion has brought them a world-wide following and any 'sls are cordially invited to sample their lovely inn and food the next time they are roaming around New England seeking warm hospitality, good food, and music in quiet, country-elegant surroundings. Ron also reported that they will become grandparents soon.

Keep the news coming in!

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