1978

The College has set up a forum for discussion: www.classtlk. I encourage everyone to log on for discussions on any subject-travel advice, class reunion (only two years away) ideas—it's interactive and effective. When I last checked, the class of 1956 had more than 60 messages posted. I think it's a great resource.

Meanwhile, an update from Betsy Fair banks: "After 21 years of working with the Resource Center for Nonviolence/Eschaton Foundation (started as an intern with a Tucker fellowship in 1977), I finally moved on. Following a transition period (11/2 years with three jobs), I'm down to two: 1) Executive director of the Fund for Nonviolence, a private foundation funding primarily in the areas of prisons (not construction! but challenging human rights abuses, etc.) and commercial sexual exploitation of children, and 2) conservator for the donor, managing much of her life and affairs.

"On her behalf I'm working on funding death penalty abolition work, which has led me to become reacquainted with a former New Hampshire colleague from the Clamshell Alliance. We've had fun reminiscing, and I find my self thinking back to my New Hampshire days. I recently visited Jim Schley '79 and family in Vermont. Kids continuing to grow, especially Tim (6 feet, 1 inch at 14), also Kevin, 11, and Maria Rosa, 7. Visited Hanover in September and realized I'm a Tucker Foundation graduate as much as, if not more than, a Dartmouth graduate."

Well, by now Mara Dinsmoor will have made it through her first winter since Dartmouth. She had sent news that, "although I swore I would never move north of the Mason-Dixon Line, I find myself preparing to move to Evanston, Illinois, in December (great timing!). Any classmates in the area with tips on surviving the winter, please call."

I received a long e-mail from Kay McKusick Ralston: "Matt '75 and I live in South Portland, Maine. In 19921 took a leave of absence from my law practice. I decided to dedicate my life to making a happy home for Matt and me, personal growth and volunteer work.

"Much to the surprise of our doctors and us, three years later we were blessed with a miracle baby (Scott McKusick Ralston, born on December 1, 1996). Two years later we were blessed again with the birth of Elizabeth McKusick Ralston on February 2,1999. Both of our children are a joy, have calm temperaments and are adorable with round faces, blue eyes and red curly hair. Prior to kids, Matt and I had been making plans for early retirement and were often hanging out with retirees. Now retirement plans are on hold, and we hang out with new parents. We feel much younger and find we have so much more laughter in our life. I love being a stay-home mom and do not miss my career. Perhaps I was just meant to have my children in my 40s, when I no longer defined myself by my career."

Rob Portman has been appointed chairman of the Republican leadership by Speaker Dennis Hastert (Ill.). Portman "will chair the leadership meetings, act as a liaison with the Bush administration and serve as an additional set of eyes and ears for the Republican leadership."

Please send news.

14960 Altata Drive, PacificPalisades, CA 90272; (310) 459-8871; (310) 459-8170(fax);mmfh@mindspring.com