1946

It is now the middle of March, and we had thought that spring had arrived in the Upper Valley, but new snows have brought the best early spring skiing in years. A number of locals have gone west for that terrific stuff in Utah, California, and Colorado, not realizing the marvelous conditions that were going to be available here in northern New England. The snowbirds that head south at this time of year do not know what they are missing. No real mud season yet.

Mel Johnson of Shreveport, La., says that he celebrated his big 60th with a cataract operation and lens implant, following a great scuba diving trip to Cozumel with all three of their grown children. Quoting John 9, he says, "AH I know is that I was blind and now I can see." What great news!

John Condit, longtimer of Evanston, III., writes that he recently made a try for Hanover, but the best he could do was to make it to the Union Oyster House in Boston. He has fond memories of our 25th reunion and had hopes of a return visit, but his work as the executive director of the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association really keeps him hopping. Incidentally, John also has served nine years as treasurer of the Evanston Symphony, three years as its vice president, and for more than 20 years has been one of its violinists. John would really appreciate hearing from old friends in the Chicago area or those who pass through.

It was grand news to hear from FrankLundblad of Brunswick, Maine. He has just been appointed vice president and general manager of Louis Sherry, Inc., of Parsippany, N.J., by the Estee Corporation. Louis Sherry, Inc., is a manufacturer and marketer of high quality confectionery, including all-natural, sugar-free hard candy and lollipops and fructose-sweetened European chocolate bars. Frank was previously executive vice president of Pez Haas of Orange, Conn., as well as president of his own consulting company. Earlier he had served as president of Dr. Balke Fruitworks of Sudbury, Mass., a confectionery manufacturer, and before that he was a senior management consultant with Arthur D. Little.

Kudos are in order for Hal Plotnick of Franklin, Mich., who has just been elected to the board of the American Academy of Dermatology, the governing body for all dermatology at Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Walt Emmett has just purchased a General Motors dealership in Panhandle, Tex., a small suburb of Amarillo. He handles Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Olds cars and Chevrolet trucks. His letter offers the suggestion that class members would find the welcome mat out, and deals are available.

Bill Spoor has been getting a lot of press lately, and it continues with the naming of his successor as chief executive officer of Pillsbury. John M. Stafford has assumed this office after being named president in 1984. He had joined Pillsbury with the acquisition of Green Giant and had previously headed Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation. Bill will continue as chairman "as long as that seems useful" but says he does not intend to remain until the standard retirement date. "I've got some other things I want to do . . . besides, we have a saying around here that 'enough is enough.' "

Bob Bensing is now living in Brunswick, Maine, and has written a disarming note about his rekindled feelings about Dartmouth. He says "it was heartwarming to visit Hanover for a couple of football games, including the 1984 mini-reunion, and I have accepted our coeds after years of concern. The 'Decibelles' sang for our class one evening, and they were irresistible. Dartmouth is going to become a part of my life again and that feels good. Hanover is more interesting than ever." He continues by saying that "those who may remember me as a member and associate manager of the Glee Club might be interested to know that I went on to voice study in Philadelphia and Chicago, and as a result I have enjoyed the leads in about 15 musical comedies. But to me, the most beautiful piece of music of all time is 'Dartmouth Undying.' It still moves me to tears." Come back often, Bob. There are a lot of us that feel the same way.

Our mini-reunion is scheduled for the Princeton game in Hanover on September 21. We hope that everyone will attend as this will be the time for intensive planning of our 40th reunion in the spring of 1986. A special tent affair is planned in Cambridge for the Harvard game on October 19.

Please remember the Alumni Fund campaign. It needs your help before June. Best regards. Please keep in touch.

Hayes Hill Etna, NH 03750