1959

It was unanimously decided that our 35 th Reunion was far and away the best ever. Of immediate importance is that we elected a new slate of officers to take us to the end of the century: President HowardGreene, Vice President Sam Adams, Secretary Dick Masterson Newsletter Editor Bob Johnson, Treasurer Larry Toal Head Agent Tom Margarettes, Bequest and Trust Chairman Bob Werbel and Mini-Reunion Chairman Doug Wise. They will bring new energy and ideas which will sustain the positive momentum that John Ferries and his group have bequeathed to them.

It didn't take long for this group and those present to evoke the theme of the reunion: "Getting Involved." There was an abundance of enthusiasm, a constant sharing of ideas, reverie and anticipation. Monday night's barbecue set the tone as Peter Evans '96 demonstrated extraordinary wisdom and spirit by sharing his perspective about his community-service internship experience with A Better Chance. Kirsten Prettyman '95, a Presidential Scholar, spoke about her ecologically sensitive research project on the "Forest Dynamics of Old Growth in New England. "

Thad Seymour's presence as moderator of a panel of classmates - Van Pine, ScottPalmer, Howard Greene and Mike Stern - helped us focus on "Adaptation to Change through Involvement." Karl hHotzschue defined the mission of our new mentor/intern community-service class project. Julian O'Connor '95 and Garcia passley '96 spoke passionately about their internships in the New York school system - with Mike Stern as mentor.

We sure had fun at the boathouse, sharing an outing with the class of '60 while The Sultans - Mike Melvolin Jack Lindsay, HarryWashburn, and Sam Swansen (along with his brother Chris '61)—generated musical sounds reminiscent of life at Dartmouth in the late fifties. Tennis, golf, volleyball, crew, and mini-marathons were enjoyed by many. Don Chickering and Bob Werbel always found time to play the piano for the relaxed group.

But the class dinner was the culmination of the reunion and a springboard for our ambitious effort. Dave Gavitt as master of ceremonies, combined masterful preparation with comedic irreverence that served as a wonderful juxtaposition to Phoebe Shaw's announcement of the Harry Shaw III Scholarship Fund and Class Poet Laureate DougWheeler's recitation of the class poem. Then Dr. C. Everett Koop '37, along with associate Joe Walsh and community service intern Joel Moncour made us appreciate how community involvement can reap early and productive rewards.

The spirit of the weekend was best expressed when Joel, a recent graduate of a West Coast college, said that he had avoided calls from his alumni association, fearing the usual request for funds. "But having heard about your planned project and your outpouring of love," he said, "I think I'll give them a call." The enthusiasm of the entire event was manifested by an outpouring of classmates volunteering to become mentors while one of our student hosts signed on as an intern.

Now, let the word go forth: In 1999 we'll celebrate our 40th Reunion, our last reunion of the century. While our 35th was extraordinary, the plans for the 40th are already in progress. It will live up to our motto for this end-of-the-century event: "We are saving the best for the last." Hope you're having a wonderful summer.

Pont Pond Road, P.O. Box 286, Lyme, NH 03768