1936

On November 13,1995, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) held a gala event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel to benefit the Alzheimer's Association and to honor "one of the industry's most prominent pioneers, Jim Conkling." Jim has indeed had an amazing career in the music industry. Among the companies and organizations he helped found or run are Capitol Records, Columbia Records, Warner Bros. Records, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and NARAS (Grammies).

In mid-January I called Jim's wife, DonnaKing Conkling, to see how he was doing. At this writing he is residing at Sutter Oaks Alzheimer's Center in Sacramento. Donna, who is living nearby, says that he is in good shape physically and seems content with his life at Sutter Oaks. She also spoke at some length about the gala and what a wonderful evening it was. There were many tributes by industry executives and stars, music by Ray Anthony and his Orchestra, and performances by Peggy Lee, Bob Newhart, Margaret Whiting, and Mitch Miller, among others. Although Jim was unable to be present he did appear in a specially edited video which Donna said was particularly moving. Considering that he had retired from the business more than 30 years earlier, the tributes and show of affection were indeed heartwarming.

Word from Bob Keeler indicates that efforts to improve the Hanover golf course have not been completed. Next season they are planning to renovate and upgrade about two-thirds of the greens, enlarging some and adding more traps and mounds. Bob says: "My feeling is that this improvement will greatly enhance the course and, accordingly, increase the interest in playing there over the coming years."

Milt Johnston reports that the response to mailings for our 60th Reunion, June 1012, have been veiy encouraging. By midJanuary he had word from 76 alumni and seven widows that they were definitely planning to attend. Adding their spouses and/or guests brought the total to 144. If you have not made definite plans as yet do it soon and help '36 set a new record for 60th attendance. See you there!

Ross Martindale, 15 Bluff Road, Yarmouth, ME 04096