1954

Less than one more month, that is all the time left until we will meet again on the Hanover plain. The reunion dates of June 12-15 should be indelibly engraved in your minds and on your calendars by now. A reunion is one or the few opportunities in life when you can see things as they were, if you so choose, instead of as they are. It is one of the few times that "you can go home again." If you have been to our previous reunions you know what a laid-back, fun time they are. It isn't the structure that is important, but the opportunity to recharge old friendships and old feelings in an environment that has so many different meanings for all of us. The great events arranged by Page, Gillespie, and Barker are not to be underrated. There is something for you to do from the time you arrive to the time you leave, including music and fellowship at the tent, seminars and lectures, the picnic at Storr's Pond, Gillespie-quality meals, and Hestonquality hospitality. It is hard not have a good time surrounded by so many friends, because over all of these years we have all become each other's friends. Don't miss the opportunities to cherish old memories and to build new ones to cherish even more. If you haven't signed up for the great 35th of the great class of '54, do it now.

Now onto a little more news. Thomas Sayles Jr. was selected among the top ten most-admired New Jersey executives by a group of 500 business executives polled by New Jersey Magazine. Tom has been chairman of the board and CEO of The Summit Bancorporation since 1973. Summit is a nearly $3 billion New Jersey bank holding company with seven community banks operating 65 offices. Tom was the head of the bank before it was established as a publicly traded bank holding company in 1974. He has led it to 12 consecutive years of record earnings and dividend payments. Congratulations, Tom, on this singular recognition.

Deke DesCombe was elected chairman of the board of Pomona First Federal Savings and Loan Association. Deke has been a member of the board since January 1979 and has served on numerous board committees, He is president and owner of Averbeck Company Insurance Brokers and has served as president of the National Association of Insurance Brokers. Deke has a long list of accomplishments with area charitable and community service organizations. He was also honored as the seventh recipient of the Pomona Chamber of Commerce's Community Service Award in 1983.

Bob Clark sent a great picture taken at his son Rob's wedding. Rob, an '85, married Mary-Ellen Barrett, a Georgetown '85. Barry Cox was there to represent the class of '54.

This is my last column. After 15 years of writing about the class, first as newsletter editor and then as secretary, it is time to turn the pen over to a new, more creative soul. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed being part of the activities of the class of '54.It has been wonderful to serve in the positions I have served in and to have the opportunity to know so many of you and your families through your cards and letters and through reporting on the events in your lives. I am eternally grateful to people like Dick Barker, Jerry Goldstein, Dave Mandelbaum, John Gillespie, and John Heston for being regular correspondents and for helping me eavesdrop on you. I have enjoyed being part of your lives. Thanks for the opportunity.

100 Highland Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771

DARTMOUTH '54 35th REUNION JUNE 12,13,14,15,1989