1985

Noted columnist Russell Baker once observed that: "Inanimate objects are classified scientifically into three major categories: those that don't work, those that break down and those that get lost." I'm sure many of you out there who are homeowners couldn't agree more with his insightful musings. I'm starting to think that this adage may be applicable to animate objects as well—particularly children. Summer is upon our household and while I welcome the unstructured days, I am constantly confounded by the automatic "off" switch my kids engage toward their everyday chores from the very moment school lets out in June. Beds are unmade; toothpaste caps remain off; clothes don't make it anywhere near the hamper; "Will someone please empty the dishwasher?" is now greeted by the chorus of two responding "I did it last time"; one echo of "What dishwasher?" and an equally confused "huh?"—this latter response from my youngest son who, at the age of 2, and despite the fact that most of the contents of our dishwasher continue to be melamine vs. fine china, is not yet up the task. Oh well, perhaps I, too, should embrace the summertime attitude of youth.

Speaking of youth—time to start gearing up for a return to our grand 'ole college days with the approach of our 20th reunion June 17-19, 2006. Beth Parish is leading the effort for our class and plans are actively underway. Plenty of opportunities for you to lend a hand so contact Beth (monktong1@aol.com) or Margaret Marder (mmardero629@comcast.net). The weekend promises to be great fun, particularly if many of us attend. Check out ongoing updates on our official class Web site—www.dartmouth85.com. And calling all nominations for board members—our 20th reunion will mark the next transition to a new slate of class officers. If you or anyone you know want to toss their hat in the ring, we will be electing new officers at the class meeting on June 18, 2006. Send all nominations to Margaret.

www.dartmouth85.com

Onto news: Elise Miller joyfully shared that the most life-changing news on her end is that she and her husband, Dan Neumeyer, have adopted a baby boy from Nepal. They returned to Nepal in June to wrap up the paperwork and by the time you read this, Karan (born January 15) should be home with Elise and Dan on Whidbey Island (north of Seattle). Elise continues to direct the national Institute for Children's Environmental Health, which she founded in 1999, and she and Dan recently finished building their own home based on sustainable design principles, such as using recycled and non-toxic building materials.

Trisha Madden Vanacore is busy raising her four children (three daughters, one son) in Darien, Connecticut, while actively chairing a capital campaign for The Children's School, an independent primary school for children ages 3 to 8 years old in Stamford, Connecticut. While not quite the lofty goal of the recently announced Campaign for the Dartmouth Experience (do they really mean $1.3 billion?), under Trisha's dedicated oversight The Children's School is assured to achieve, if not exceed, its goal. Best of luck, Trisha—and since you will have been in campaign solicitation mode, please be receptive when your Dartmouth classmate comes calling for dollars for a 20th reunion gift. Same goes for all of you out there!

Think reunion: Hanover, June 17-19, 2006. Catch up with your classmates. Where are you now, Darren Alcus? Last seen in Westport, Connecticut, although there have been more recent sightings in the Midwest. Come to reunion and find out.

As for me, I've got a dishwasher to empty. All the best to all of you!

83 Pecksland Road, Greenwich,CT 06831; (203) 552-0070; dahlleslie@yahoo.com; 118 Ringwood Road, Rosemont, PA19010; (610) 525-4541; slampdng@aol.com