1981

As the heat wave sends energy utilization in the Northeast to record breaking levels, and as the Voltava, the Elbe and the Danube flood central Europe, I am panicking in the air-conditioned comfort of my Charlestown condominium, remembering that it's my turn to write the column. Lynne is on vacation, so I can't dump it on her, no matter what. It seems, actually, that everyone is on vacation. Of course, it is August, and that's when most people take vacations. I, on the other hand, took my vacation in June. Part of it was work, and part was play. I actually visited the very places in Europe that are now struggling with flood waters. Places such as Prague, which, if you've never visited, should be top on your list of great destinations. I also visited Berlin for the first time in 20 years and witnessed vast changes in the city. I visited my host-family from my senior winter FSP, which I'd last seen in 1989 when they visited the United States. The ongoing Dartmouth experience.

Back in Boston, the Rev. John Connolly has been a constant image behind Cardinal Law during the on-going clergy sex-abuse scandal. John, who is the cardinal's chief secretary, has, according to The Boston Herald, provided not only brain to manage his boss's affairs, but also some brawn. The Herald described an episode at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, in which an individual approached the cardinal during his homily, and John stepped forward to provide some protection. John, we hope that you re wearing armor-plating under your robes.

Also in Boston is news of Brian Cusack, who was made vice president of sales of i Make News, a firm specializing in customer acquisition and retention through permissionbased e-newsletters. He brings expertise acquired in 13 years at Ziff-Davis Publishing, where he developed PC Week and launched PCComputing, two major trade publications, followed by stints at Adsmart and New mediary, serving as vice president of sales for both companies.

Nearby, the Community Foundation of Cape Cod has elected Brooks Thayer to its board for a four-year term. Brooks is a member of the law firm of LaTanzi, Spaulding & Landreth, and he also works as an emergency medical technician and call member of the Orleans Rescue Squad and Fire Department. As if that weren't enough, he also serves as the chairman of the Orleans Commission on Disabilities and he's on the board of trustees for several Cape Cod organizations.

Because these Notes are way behind the real world, usually the things we mention are way past. Sometimes, that's too bad. For example, Annette Gordon Reed, who provided a thought-provoking commentary at our 20th reunion, debated fellow New York Law School prof ,sor James Simon in a panel discussion focusing on the crucial roles of Thomas Jefferson and John Marshall in the creation of the United States. This took place back in March, and I'm sure it was fascinating. If you missed that, as I did, you could still pick up Annettes book, Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings:AnAmerican Controversy, or her more recent book, Vernon Can Read:AMemoir, co-authored with Vernon Jordan.

Finally, another event that we've missed is Fraser Smith s exhibition of carved quilts at the American Quilter's Society quilt show in Paducah, Kentucky, in April. I feel compelled to include this, even though I previously men- tioned Fraser in the Notes, since I received two press releases about his activities. If you missed him before, check him out now at www.gofraser.com. Fraser: Time to carve out a 'Big Green' hat.

ii Nevins St., Suite 502,Brighton, MA 02135; (617) 965-9500; ricks@lcix.net; ,10 Quail Drive, Etna,NH 03/50-4405; lynne.gaudet@dartmouth.edu