1955

It is always with pleasure that I read an epistle from Joe Kagle. The latest is titled "A Cultural Adventure: Fulbright Scholar in the Country of Georgia 2001-2002." In brief, it is a smattering of the history/characteristics of its people, their customs and the warm reception Joe and Anne received upon their arrival and throughout the year. A return visit is planned for 2003.

More kudos for Harry Lewis, our 50th reunion co-chairman. John Chafee, my Rocky Mountain correspondent, sent a clipping extolling Harrys reception of the Public Service Award at the University of Colorado's 2002 Investment in Excellence dinner. With such accolades, rest assured our next big return to campus is in good hands. The other co-chair, John Ballard, is a driving force behind the reestablishment of the swimming and diving programs. Since the fund is named for our classmate, John C. Glover, one would expect generous contributions from all of us.

Our congratulations to Dave Page for being elected chair of The Jewish Fund, which provides overall health care needs to the Detroit Medical Center. The long list of trusteeships, boards and chairs in community service deserve a thank you from your classmates.

On the last episode of Survival with Wiggins we were embarking at St. Lucia not knowing the travails of travel with the above skippers. Unfortunately, for Montana landlubber Peter Teal, the first few days departing the Canary Islands proved to be the roughest of the trip. According to Randy Haynes, Peter s assessment of the voyage described leaving the harbor at Las Palmas and arriving at St. Lucia as the best two days of the trip. "Mai de Mer" proved an unwanted companion. In contrast first mate Swifty Lawrence and wife Kit found it to be exhilarating, with good food provided by Jewell, Jim's wife, and the abundance of electric roller reefing, winches, etc., made it unlaborious. Nineteen days of companionship, including light stories by Colin Hunt and nary a bad word from the captain.

Its like a mini-reunion in warm eastern Florida, unlike these frozen snowy days in the Northeast. Among these are the permanent residents such as Ace Hall and Fred Darche; the seasonal such as Dick Brown, Ray Woolsonm and Bob Spencer; and transients such as John Demas, John Dellisola and Pete Dromeshauser. On the west coast of Florida, Fred Crocker resides in Naples during the nasty season up north.

For myself I chose a week visiting my exroomie, Gene Givens, in sunny California. He depends chiefly on a wheelchair for mobility, but his many years of Parkinsons have not changed his sense of humor.

The lure of the northwest awaits our class come September. It promises to be an event worthwhile to attend. The before and after can also educate us to a portion of the country not often visited by most. With the Lewis and Clark anniversary coming soon, it extends a great opportunity to see some reenactments of a simpler time.

Mike Gorton and wife Karen recently returned from Antarctica. Fellow passengers aboard ship included Dick Hopkins and wife, who have taken several trips to that southern continent.

For those with poor memory, the Portland, Oregon, reunion is September 17-21. Give John Braestrup a call; it's not too late.

217 Perry Road, Woodstock, VT05091;(802)457-1228; richard.j.hastings.55@alum. dartmouth.org