1973

Spring has sprung after a record-setting winter and another academic year winds down.

Last year Martin Buerger joined the Independent Institute, a nonpartisan think tank based in Oakland, California, as chief operating officer.The Independent Institute sponsors policy forums on a variety of topics at the national and local level to encourage discussion and understanding of key issues in current affairs, public policy and political economy. Programs are held not only at the institutes conference center in Oakland and other locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, but around the United States and the world. In addition, it publishes several books a year, a quarterly journal and an electronic newsletter ( www.independent.org ). Martin states: "I enjoy being part of an organization that illuminates major issues of the day." No lack of issues in 2004. Martin also is a member of the early-to-bed, early-to-rise club, since one of his daughters has taken up crew.

A recent e-mail from Terry Newburger advised of his change in career focus. "For the past year I have been the chief counsel of the Pennsylvania department of community and economic devel- opment, which was created seven or eight years ago by the merger £>f the department of com- merce and the department of community affairs. Other than the fact that I am paid somewhat less than a first-year associate at the firms where I used to work, and the fact that my office is in Harris- burg, 100 miles west of my home, I love it. Most of the commonwealths deals are run through this department, so I suppose I'm the chief transac- tional lawyer for the state. Nothing I have ever done has prepared me for this, but fortunately, I have a terrific staff. It is a big change from being a bond lawyer. As you can imagine, I spend a great deal of time running this law firm, operating under often bizarre and counterintuitive procedures. I keep saying that once the procedures and processes begin to make sense, it is my signal that I have been here too long. Last week I was part of the official state delegation to Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day, which was a hoot."

As of March i chairman and chief operat- ingofficer ofThe Stanley Works is our own John Lundgren. Johns responsibilities include over- seeing all corporate functions and business op- erations of the leading toolmaker in the United States. Prior to his selection, John has served since 2000 as president of Georgia-Pacific's Eu- ropean consumer products, a $2 billion business based in London serving large retailers across Europe. This new position results in Johns relocation to Connecticut, which should facilitate his participation in future class activities.

On behalf of our entire class I extend our collective condolences to Michael Keeshan and his family on the death earlier this year of his father, "Captain Kangaroo." Although we did not know it at the time, those black-and-white TreasureHouse shows were an integral part of our generation's upbringing. May we all strive to be as agelessly avuncular.

227 Sylvan Ave., San Mateo, CA94403;val.armento@alum.dartmouth.org