1975

Already five days past my deadline; not a single word from my classmates all winter; and now I am faced with actually calling one of you and speaking to you live. Imagine my relief and surprise when I opened the mail today and discovered a letter from Brian O'Sullivan filled with the kind of current gossip class secretaries delight in.

I will return to news of Brian and his family, but consider the following items. While perusing Philadelphia Magazine recently Brian discovered a list of the most eligible bachelors in the Philadelphia area. Of course, we were represented by MarkDitmar. The article did not stop with a mere list but included tasty tidbits, of Rona Barrett proportions. The geeks against whom Mark was pitted didn't have a chance when faced with the credentials of the Dartmouth wonderkind. In typical '75 style, Mark's greatest adventure was "Drove in Boston traffic during the 1975 World Series." How can you top that? The competition didn't even have "last book read." Role models included James Bond and Robert Wagner. James Bond? Maybe the guy did read a book. Our man was consistent throughout citing David Letterman as his role model. Enough with the sarcasm; Mark is presently chief pediatric resident at Children's Hospital. When asked why he does what he does: "Because the courage of children with serious illness is inspirational." Good for you, Mark, and keep up the good work.

Brian also has news of other classmates, including Dave Hunt, who I have also recently spotted in New York. Dave will never forgive me for something I wrote about him three years ago. But, Dave, women are necessary. Dave is living in Portland, Maine, making out wills, trusts, and estates. Brian and Dave get together annually for a father and son camp-out in the wilds of Maine's state parks. Because Brian took along his daughter this year, Dave refrained from yelling, "no coeds," all weekend. Dave, this is a direct quote from Brian; don't blame me.

Robert "Bud-Ox" Leese is a family practitioner in the U.S. Air Force. He has recently returned from 18 months in Ankara, Turkey, where he earned the title Top Scalpel. Bud and his wife, Claudia, are apparently expecting a child, and we all wish you the best.

Now back to Brian. He is finishing up a commitment to the National Health Service Corporation in Uxbridge. Once completed in July 1987 he will start a fellowship in pediatric pulmonary medicine at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. As his wife reminds him, this does not qualify Brian to appear as one of Philadelphia's eligible bachelors. Their children, Conor (5) and Whitney (3), were born in Philadelphia and will, in a way, be returning home.

Now, if you would all write me a letter like this, I wouldn't have to do any work.

3 Avon Road Bronxville, N.Y. 10708