1945

The theme this month is reunions, both mini and major. There was a good turnout of 64 people for the fall mini weekend, including seven especially welcome widow members. Bull Hinman and Howard Hoots scored again with the festivities (other than the ballgame) conveniently centered in Quechee, Vt. Expect the same proven format next year. Highlights of the class executive committee meeting follow:

At John Osborn's recommendation, we voted to raise the annual class dues next year from $25 to $30, more in line with nearby classes. This will help cure a small deficit and also enable us to double the class donation to the Dartmouth Athletic Sponsors Program from $500 to $1,000.

Ted Safford reported that we didn't quite reach our $95,000 Alumni Fund goal. The turmoil around the student life initiative definitely caused some revolt among the regular top givers. That factor we hope will be neutralized (or maybe even be a positive) for next year. Headline in the Valley News Sept. 27: "Dartmouth's Greek System May Survive in Some Form."

Moe Frye reported on the D'4s Weather Station Trust, in the absence of HarryHampton. The trust for maintenance of the Inn-corner weather post, established at Harry's initiative and announced in the August Mail Call, has already reached $7,000. Steve Hull brought the news that President Jim Wright has contributed to this trust. Joe Michael told a touching story about having been approached by HenryHeintzelman a year ago with a check and desire to make the first donation to the fund because he knew he had cancer. Henry died last May. Gifts to the trust are of course still welcome and may be sent to Moe Frye. John White told about four classmates who this year put a total of $216,000 into life income trust programs. More of us should consider the tax and income advantages that John so eloquently expressed. Call him or Steve Hull. Bob Pease said to keep those green and pink Mail Call response cards coming, and send pictures too. These he likes to keep up the varied, easy-to-read format we all enjoy. I got my chance to say how much I appreciated direct input from some of you for these Class Notes. I'd like thoughts and ideas from lots of you: current activities, yes, but also recollections and commentary that will make the column interesting to other classes as well.

At the dinner Saturday night, John White was named '45's 1999 Man for All Seasons for his 20-year service as bequests chairman for the class, as well as his work as distinguished fund-raiser and business leader in Maine.

Co-Leaders Bob Aldom and Bob Pease took advantage of the mini-weekend to gather their full committee of 17 dedicated to the outstanding success of '4s's millennial 55th Reunion, June 12-14, 2000. You have probably received a reunion letter already. Respond promptly to help the Bobs in planning. Say you're coming, and go after each other to join up for this celebration of friendship, life and loyalty. Class of '45 out for the 55th!

P.O. Box 1317, New London, NH 03257; (603) 526-6749 (h); (603) 526-4292 (fax); Donald.M.Sisson.4s@ alum.dartmouth.org