1955

Homecoming, that magic weekend in fall's fading colors and first frosty mornings that stirs us all with songs of memory on Dartmouth Hall's steps, a roaring bonfire, and ever a winning team to cheer on, was again a special time of Reunion for our class. Skip Nance put it all together for us, new President Brooks Parker chaired his first class meeting, and former President BobFanger was presented the Class of 1955 Award for his many contributions to the class, the college, and his community—richly deserved!

Joe Herring, who ably and movingly led our memorial services at Reunion time, has agreed to serve as interim church leader at Grace Episcopal Church in Madison, N.J., while it seeks a permanent rector. For the past 12 years rector of Christ Episcopal Church in nearby Newton, Joe has no plans for retirement, which should be good news to his congregation in Madison, which by now has surely come to appreciate his strong commitment to church music and liturgical excellence.

Gordie Russell, currently of Menlo Park, Calif., was recently in the Upper Valley—scene of his memorable earlier triumphs in goal in the Ivy League's only "open-air" hockey arena—to speak on one of his major interests, philanthropy. In his talk, "What Do You Mean You're Successful?" Gordie combined quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson, Andrew Carnegie, and E.B. White with personal stories to underscore his interest in charitable causes. Seeking foundations which take a venture capital-like approach to philanthropy—as he has done so ably in his own community—he told his attentive listeners, "Many people will say, 'lf the old goalie can do it, then so can I.'"

Finally, regarding the grandchild sweepstakes: John Wetzel—who actually missed the 40th Reunion due to last-minute hospitalization with blood poisoning from a bicycling accident, but who was clearly there in spirit!—reports that he now has 12, an addendum from the previously reported 11, and asks, "has anyone topped that?" Well, has anyone out there? I await your answers, and will gladly report all that come my way. John also notes that he expects to move to the Hanover area within the next year (a home in Fairlee, Vt., to be exact) and asks to know of other classmates who live in the area.

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