1950

It's festival time Carnival in Rio, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Winter Carnival in Hanover. The evening news pictures a snow-banked campus dominated by the snow sculpture. Winter wonderland. Except for Parkhurst's yard, where the shanties have been reconstructed.

The first real winter's storm is over. The shoveling has been done, and it's time to relax. Even here the scene is a wonderland of winter, and a cozy fire is an inducement to meditate and write

The reorganization reduced some layers of management. But Paul Van Orden, who had been executive vice president of the consumer products sector of General Electric, retained his title and joined the chairman in a four-man corporate executive office. After attending Northwestern's school of commerce, Paul joined Rapids-Standard Company as a market and sales analyst. In 1955 he moved to GE and began a progression to assignments of greater responsibility, primarily in areas associated with electronics. In his new role Paul will continue to direct consumer electronics and broadcasting as well as taking on mobile communications and corporate trading. Something else may be in the works for Paul with GE's purchase of RCA and NBC, but the news lines have been mute. So we wait for developments.

Marketpac International spun off a subsidiary, Morefar Marketing, and Ray King moved up from executive vice president of Marketpac to president of Morefar. The mission of Morefar within American International Group, Inc. usually known as AIG-is "to focus AIG services on the insurance needs of trade associations and franchise organizations." AIG is a holding company with subsidiaries covering property, casualty, marine, and life insurance. Ray contributes 20 years of experience in the marketing and administration of specialty insurance to his new post.

Usually we read of his canoe expeditions to wild rivers in Canada or Alaska. But for the past 20 years he has also worked closer to home with the Farmington River Watershed Association. After five years as president Cul Modisette has been elected chairman of the association, which initially opposed Hartford's attempt to divert the west branch of the river. The association sponsors a statewide water conservation program "WATER, Use It Wisely." Other efforts to preserve the river include a wild and scenic river bill that is now before Congress.

Meanwhile on the Congressional front Rep. Bill Frenzel, R-Minn., wrestles with taxes and tax reform as "one of the most influential members of the Ways and Means committee." He also quips. Like most of his Republican colleagues, Bill opposed the form of the tax reform legislation. Consequently, he received none of the "favors" specific exemptions for home district projects dispensed by committee chairman Dan Rostenkowski. The call from Dan never came. "It was like waiting the week before," Bill observed, "for Prince Charles to call me."

Tidbits here and there: a new bank, First National Bank of Miami, and its holding company boast of Wes Field as its president and CEO. After 20 years a repetitive motif in this column with Newsweek Bill Kane retired early; now he and Maggie meet the world by offering bed and breakfast in Berkeley Hills. Central Maine Power lost its chief attorney when Pat Brewster stepped down and returned to private practice with Smith and Associates. Ray King also lives on the fringes of rock and MTV with son Andy's band, The Hooters. If you are looking for a piece of land near Mystic, see MontyMiller in Noank. With a hint of changing life-style Rene Blanc announced a move to Martha's Vineyard, where he regularly sees Bob Wilkinson and Galen Jones on vacation. Northern Trust retired him after 32 years, but Jay Buck immediately became an investment banker as senior vice president of the Chicago Corporation. George Matchett, long among the silent, has turned up as a real estate agent in Seattle. More later, but Dave Steinberg has been named president of the Mansfield Center for Pacific Affairs. Kiwanis International lost by decision to Judge Lee Sarokin.

Time ticks on. June is almost here. There is still room, though, and time enough to change your mind and to come to enjoy a touch of class with old colleagues and friends. No place is too far away, as Joe Ely attests with a promise to come from Mexico City.

And if you shy from a five-kilometer run, at least you can sharpen your tennis strokes and golf shots. There will be plenty of time to play in Hanover, provided you are in shape. If you are not, other activities will tempt you. Take care, and peace.

DARTMOUTH COLLEGEa touch of class The 35th Reunion for the Class of 1950

510 Hillcrest Road Ridgewood, NJ 07450