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Greetings from the North Pole. Just kidding, it just feels that way here in Boston this year. We continue to set new records of snowfall. My "big" news is my daughter, Lizzie Bildner '08, was accepted as a member of the class of 2008! And what a class she joins—384 members, accomplished students, athletes and leaders—including 52 legacies—I just thank my lucky stars that we didn't have to compete with this applicant pool.

I also returned from the Alumni Council meeting in December and can report that the College continues to thrive. We heard from students, deans and faculty, and on every level Dartmouth is flourishing. Being on campus and witnessing first hand the sheer vibrancy of the Dartmouth community, whether it is in class or at the Hop or on the athletic field, our College remains true to its.mission. In addition, I had the treat to see fellow councilors and classmates Pam Schlobohm and Stuart Bratesman.

From the mailbag comes much news to report.

Steve Rattigan reports that he and Bob Buckley attended the recent Harvard-Dartmouth game and Dartmouth's stunning upset. Buck continues his legal career at Reimer & Braunstein and Steve remains in the industrial property underwriting division at Tokio Marine Management in New York City. They both were saddened by the news of Ernie Kessler's recent death.

Bob Hittle forwarded his annual Christmas party celebration in mid-December as well as his holiday note. Bob noted (or maybe it was Rosita, his wife) that while Bob continues to be a force in the Berkeley/Oakland Tennis League, the majority of his exercise comes from "toddler duty" at home. Bob and Rosita have four young children at home: Hannah (31/2), Nick (2) and Sam and Rose, the twins (1)! All seem to be doing just fine.

Doug Wilson sent a card introducing his new Web site www.douglasfenwilson.com and highlighting his recent work and catalogs. If you haven't seen Doug's work recently, I urge you to visit his Web site.

Our own Paul F. Roye was recently featured in Investment News. Paul is in the thick of things as director of the Securities and Exchange Commission's division of investment management, a position he has held since 1998. Prior to that, he was a partner in the financial services practice group of Dechert Price & Rhoads from 1982 through 1988. He received his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1979.

And on a much sadder note, I just heard from Cate Marlette Waddell of the untimely death of our friend and classmate, Emily Foley Mutz, who died on December 9, 2003. Cate was very close to Emily. Cate's personal reflections on Emilys life are included in the obituary section of this issue. Once again we are reminded of how precious our time on Earth is and particularly at this time of year, it's another wake up call to hug the ones we care about every chance we have.

Well that's all for now. Time to bring out the snow blower and clear the driveway. Keep the mail coming. Nancy and I send our best and wish everyone a wonderful, peaceful and loving New Year in 2004. Make the most of every day.

5 Boardman Ave., Manchester, MA01944; (617) 737 1100, x302; jbildner@tier.com