1985

Dear Mom, You didn't really have to go out and subscribe to the Alumni Magazine when you found out I was writing every other column. I mean, it's not as if I never call you (in which case, any communication from me might be considered valuable). And, it's not like you knew that many of my friends from Dartmouth. So why are you reading this column, anyway? I mean, how scintillating can it be for you to know that Mike Merrow was promoted to branch sales manager of the Hanover office of the First New Hampshire Bank? Sure, the fact that he has returned to the Big Green Womb is psychologically interesting, but is it worthwhile reading for you?

Oh, speaking of alums in New Hampshire, Tom Connolly, the assistant secretary of state for New Hampshire, was recently elected president of the International Association of Corporate Administrators. (No, not that Tom, Ma, this is a different Tom.) Yes, his mother must be proud of him, too. I got a nice letter from Eric Kearney in Cincinnati (you might remember Eric—didn't I take you to see Picnic at the Hop one of those weekends you were up? Eric was quite good if you recall). Well, Eric is doing well as an attorney with Strauss & Troy, and is quite active in community affairs. In fact, he was recently honored at the YMCA Salute to Black Achievers. (Actually, Eric was too modest to mention that in his letter; I found that in a press release which I'm sure his mother has taped to die fridge.) Eric mentioned running into some more people you won't know, like Terry Howzell, another lawyer in the Bay Area, and apparently married now, and Lance Smith, who formed his own company exporting used machinery to the Far East. Eric also mentioned hearing something about Aaron Hill being in Barbados (for vacation, I think). Oh, and Mom, get this—he signed his letter "Kindest Regards in the Spirit of the Dartmouth Big Green"-isn't that a charming closing?

Oh, here's a rumor: I heard that Mark Keoulogeorge was spotted in Kansas City at the Davis Cup match. No, Mom, he's not a professional tennis player—in fact, I hear he only won one out of seven games in his doubles match, so how good can he be? Apparently Mark's winning percentage is a little higher at tire investment firm he works for in Chicago.

Here's someone you may know—EllenHarrington. Mark Stern sent me a copy of a letter she wrote him about moving to Los Angeles so I could put her in the column. You remember that cute apartment near Hanover High that Jeanette and I sublet after graduation? That was Ellen's apartment (she and her boyfriend Rob Watson, that nice, tall guy). Now that I think of it, Mom—we didn't leave her place in the best shape, what with the excitement before our wedding. Maybe Ellen understands, since she just went through the excitement of her own wedding last year, to none other than . . . Rob! I know you wish them the best of happiness, as I do. Oh, and here's something else about Ellen you may find interesting—she's been working in the film industry, getting a Ph.D. in comparative literature and film studies (Dr. Harrington, now) and she has also worked in Dustin Hoffman's development company.

Well, Mom, I hope you can start finding some more useful occupation than reading this column. I promise to let you know if anything interesting happens to Pete or Bobby, so you don't have to wade through the column anymore.

See you at Thanksgiving, Love, Rick

798 President Street, #4R, Brooklyn, NY 11215