1953

Reunions are our thing. We do them well, we do them often and we enjoy them all; mini, maxi, mini-maxi, formal, informal or any other sort. These are our most recent. In April a group met in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and were hosted by Marjorie and George Krall. I understand that there was some fine singing, including and in particular some Dartmouth songs. In addition Arlene Bloomer played the baby grand to the delight of all present. Those in attendance were: Sally and Wally Ashnault, Arlene and Tom Bloomer, Jackie and Jim Cartmell, Mary and Bruce Cole, Ann and Scrib Fauver, Lillian and Donald Goss, Laura and Allan Miller, Cynthia and Dick O'Connor, Janet and Bill Smith, Ginger and Barry Schoder and Buffie and Dave Thomas.

The glorious gardens and grounds of the historic and beautiful Elm Bank Reservation in Wellesley, Massachusetts, provided a lovely setting for the fabulous 70 th birthday festivities for Bernie Sudikoff. Joining Joanie and Bernie at this gala party were Nancy and Allan Collins, Vivian and Dick Cahn, Timmy and Gil Shapiro, Bonnie and David Siegel, Paul Supovitz and my wife, Bobby, and me. Our gracious hosts, Joanie and their kids, Jeff' 77, Julie '79 and Suzanne '81, saw to it that everyone had a wonderful time; a super party for a super guy!

The rains came, but they did not dampen or wash away the great time at our fabulous maximini-reunion at Skytop in the Poconos. Seventy -five of our number participated, and were not disappointed either by the place or the program. Bob Callender and Bob Simpson report that the resort had endless facilities, a capable and attentive staff and great food. Reece Schonfeld and Tony Frank were interesting and informative speakers and Chuck Reilly conducted a class meeting at which, among other things, the proposed maximini in NYC for October 2002 was discussed. The co-chairs of this extravaganza will be Len Gochman and Fred Whittemore. President Jim Wright, with his wife, Susan, joined the class for part of the time, and gave a wonderful, informal review of the College situation, especially residential/social life. Tom McCrea did a masterful job emceeing the dinner, after which Marita and Len Gochman entertained everyone with one of their classic performances. The Don C. Smith Award was initiated. It is awarded to a person or persons who have provided great support for maxi-minireunions, which were invented by Don. This year the awards went to Phil Beekman, Dick Fleming and Bob Simpson. The Hon. William Johnson, retired justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, was presented with the Class of 1953 Award, joining a select group of distinguished members of our class who have received this prestigious honor. Congratulations, Bill! A super band performed on the second night. In addition to playing great music for dancing, the band was capable of and did play a host of Dartmouth songs. The group was not shy about joining in, as an eclectic ad hoc "glee club" was born.

Cheers!

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