1978

I've found over the past few weeks that life along the Black Sea is really quite simple, yet rich with warmth and friendliness. It is a hard life for these people, mostly farmers and harvesters. The topography is rugged, the tools are primitive, conditions are harsh. Hazelnut groves and tea plantations cover the steep mountainsides, alongside uncultivated rain forests. I've been working among the small hamlets that dot the relatively flat spots around the hazelnut groves and have Become friendly with several families that have been quick to offer me generous Black Sea hospitality. Up here, away from the coast, the men and women pitch in to tend their trees and other projects, though, in places of greater population, the men tend to avoid the hard work—sitting in the tea houses or just "hanging out." Part of the country's labor problems stem from the gross inequality of men and women—much of the potential labor force will not work. It literally hurts me to watch bent and stooped old young women carrying loads I know I cannot carry myself. Still, there are great family bonds. Most extended families that I have met live under the same roof, often in a structure with only one heated room —the kitchenminimal plumbing and sanitation, and the obligatory TV. Even along the Black Sea you can still watch your favorite soap, albeit Turkish style!

So, on to the extended family, Dartmouth style. Sounds like the Boston area is still a hot place to be. The Prez himself, "Sarge" Bullion and wife Ellen, recently migrated back to New England, just down the road from joe Sullivan in the "exclusive" (quotes supplied by Jim) southwestern suburb of Millis.

Mr. Prez Cap'n Sarge is working in the corporate development group of New England Life and still disappearing off into the Army Reserve, now in a civil affairs company. Joe, meanwhile, is traveling all around northern New England selling gift items to stores from Jordan Marsh on down. Beware the knock on your door.

Living nearby to these folks is none other than Matt "Froggy" Kramer who is also working for the U.S. Government at the Natick Army Research Lab. According to Sarge, Matt's psych Ph.D. in eating disorders has prepared him admirably for a task of changing field rations into haute cuisine. I gather from previous discussions about the palatability of field rations that this research is at least 50 years too late.

Jim also mentioned attending the wedding of Lou Panella to Sue Follett in Eaton, Pa. He didn't discuss the details, but I suspect that most might have made good fodder for the grocery store checkout line magazines. The wild affair starred Curt Oberg, Tom Garden, Wally Morgus (who almost broke into his world-famous "worm" but ended up simply losing his shirt), Jeff Nadherny, and Bob CepHkas. "Nads" is presently in a master's program at Harvard Education School and was recently mentioned in a Business Week article on education as an example of people who are moving from business to education.

A quick note from Ed Duke and GenetIde Duke assured me that life was going well out in the Rapid City area. Both are working most of the time at the South Dakota School of Mines and the kids are growing up quickly!

That's about it from over here for this time. Remember, there's still time to send in those Alumni Fund checks. Jay Brown will appreciate the class participation, and so will the College! Until next time . ..

Farabi Sokak 3/3, Cancaya, Ankara, Turkey