1951

Hi there—happy fall, pretty soon at least. Dick Barnes and I are still basking in the memories of the highly successful '51 May mini-reunion here in Washington; those who missed it probably read all about it in Batch's two superclass newsletters in June. Time now to look ahead to our next gathering, Homecoming and Dartmouth Night, the weekend of October 27-28. Get your hankies ready to wave—the football opponent is Harvard. The schedule lined up by mini-reunion chair Jerry Mitchell is tried and true:

Friday evening, Martins Deli gathering in Brace Commons (across Wheelock Street from the gym), followed by the boisterous alumni parade, Dartmouth Night festivities and the bonfire; Saturday, tailgate assembly before the game, post-football cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres and the always-gracious hospitality of Barbara and Dave Hall; Sunday, getaway brunch at the River Valley Club on the Lebanon Road. Jerryhas earmarked a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn in White River Junction, (802) 2962800 (ask for Anne Marie, re: class of '51 rooms). '51 OUT!

A really great bonus of the spring Washington mini was that, as it progressed, more and more of the 69 attendees seemed spontaneously to start talking up plans to attend our big 50th reunion, only 10 months away now. That put a perpetual smile on the face of 50th chair Hank Sanders, who reminds us all to put those dates—June 8-10, '01—in a big circle on the calendar. And start practicing, before the mirror, the dignified expression that you'll want to wear as we march en masse in the solemn commencement procession.

Dick Mason called and expressed regret that he and Olive had to miss our Washington shindig because they were committed to a trip planned much earlier. They still live nearby here, in Severna Park, Maryland, close to their three children and six grandchildren. Dick retired three years ago after a career in commercial construction, which has led him into an enjoyable avocation. After all those years peering at construction drawings, he's taking art lessons—watercolor and pastels. Maureen and Floyd Parks did get here, all the way from California, two of the 15 attendees from the Golden State. Floyd retired from the practice of general surgery about eight years ago, took a few tours as ships doctor on cruise ships, but shifted his emphasis to skiing near their home at Mammoth Lakes. Maureen writes children's books while he skis.

Our Fifty-One Fables newsletter by the incomparable Dave Batchelder did such fulsome reports on the award to Rosina McKee, wife of Peirce McKee, as the Orinda (California) Citizen of the Year, and Vermont Academy's honoring Mike Choukas as its second headmaster emeritus, that I'll just add warmest congratulations here. I do want to comment that it's great to receive news of honors to '51 spouses, both to Rosina, and Vermont Academy's special citation language praising Nita Choukas for her incomparable service and contribution to the school alongside Mike. When your wives win one, let us hear about it!

1672D Beekman Place NW,Washington, DC 20009; (202) 462-6216;loye. miller.51@alum.dartmouth.org